Chapter 26

In the past, Tyki's mother used to strike the strands of both children when they fell asleep after a tiring game.

They used to run outside in the garden and inside when it rains.

Both children would be too exhausted to get up to their own rooms and often fall asleep on the couch most of the time.

Tyki's mother would smile seeing both children fast asleep side by side. She wouldn't wake them up and merely place a blanket over them so they won't get cold. She'll just wait for her husband to arrive then that's the time she wakes the children up for dinner.

`Lavi

What is this? It feels warm.

Is it a hand? Whose is it?

Mama, is that you?

No. It isn't. Her hand is much softer and smaller.

This hand is larger and somehow rough.

It can't be papa's. His is much larger.

Then who is it?

Wait. Whose is it? It can't be my parents. They're no longer here.

My emerald eye quickly opened and met eyes of gold.

"Tyki-nii?"

`Tyki

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't notice that Lavi woke up until he said my name with confusion.

I guess he is surprised as to why I'm there. I quickly gave the reason before he asked.

"You overslept again. Everyone's already downstairs for breakfast."

"I'll go down. I'll change later."

"You didn't even change last night."

He looked at his clothes and realized that he indeed had forgotten.

"I'm sorry. I forgot to return your coat and slept with it. It's all crumpled now."

"It's fine. I have another. Let's go down."

"Hai."

`Lavi

I'm really getting confused.

Tyki-nii is acting weird. I'm getting all confused.

And I almost forgot about yesterday before I saw Tyki-nii.

I know I wasn't imagining it. Someone was following me.

Who is it though and why?

Does it have anything to do with what Bookman asked me to do?

I have to be careful then.

And I need to start gathering information. Only the first part of the task is done which is preparation. It's time to take action.

The redhead quickly changed after eating and taking a bath. It's almost time for his shift in work. He has to hurry.

"See you later."

"Your promise, okay?" Said Road.

"Yes, I'll go home early to play with you."

"See you then, Lavi," she said with her usual cheerful voice.

`Tyki

Memories keep flashing back as I went through the photographs from the past. It is still here up in the attic although very dusty.

The pages started from when I was a child until Lavi came. His hands were much smaller compared to now and his smile was more genuine, so pure and true.

I regret destroying. I regret a lot of things but I don't regret making that decision to keep him safe.

Bookman kept his promise and kept Lavi safe that long over the past years before he was killed himself.

It had been reported to be an accident but I knew that it was deliberate. Bookman had been killed just like my parents were. Nobody suspects since it was made to look like an accident. I need to change that view and uncover this mystery.

"Tyki! What are you doing up there? I thought Mama said you're going somewhere."

"Just a few more minutes, Road and then I'll be leaving."

"Can I come up there?"

"I'd rather you don't, Road. It's really dusty and your new dress will get all dirty," said Aunt Tricia.

"Eh but I-"

"I'll just bring down what I'm looking at, Road."

"Okay, I'll wait here."

Taking the box, I slowly went down the ladder.

"Let me see! Let me see," said an eaager Road.

"Wait for a little while, irmã."

"I can't wait, Tyki. I have to see it right now."

"I won't show it to you if you're that way."

A frown formed on her face before sighing.

"Fine. I'll wait. Just hurry up."

I placed the ladder back in place then sat down with Road to open the box.

She quickly reached inside and took out an album.

"You were so little here, Tyki. Where's Lavi?"

"He's in the other one."

"Tyki?"

Her voice seemed as if something was bothering her. I wonder now what happened.

"Yes, Road?"

"Lavi is your brother, isn't he?"

"He is. Why?"

"Some of my classmates asked how can that be since he doesn't look anything like you. She says that real siblings look very alike. She said there's no way that Lavi is part of the family," she said with a sad voice. Her eyes were almost in tears.

It made me somehow sad too. I know it's true that Lavi isn't really related to us in any way but for us he is family. He is important to our family. Blood doesn't matter.

It wouldn't and it shouldn't.

I held her in my arms to comfort her in the way she often likes me to when she is feeling down.

I faced her and gave a smile to try and cheer her up.

"Well, Lavi isn't actually related to us by blood but he is our family. He is important to us. You consider him family, don't you?"

"Yeah."

"Then there is nothing to worry about. Don't listen to what other people are saying."

"Okay," she said while finally smiling again.

`littlebunny1412: Thanks for reading.

And thank you to 'PINKhairedBADASS', 'You Still Love Me', 'Lifepaw' and 'LuckyLover12' for reviewing ^_^ I'm really grateful for the reviews. It brings a smile every time.

Just four days away from Christmas ^_^

12/21/2011