2. Not Such A Warm Welcome

It wasn't her abrupt appearance that made Zola go numb, but rather the energy she felt coming from her. What made it all the more unnerving was the fact that her expression gave no hint that she was angry, not even her eyes. Yet at the same time, Zola could feel a deep hatred from her sister, hatred that was directed at her.

"You're just in time, Zoe, dinner's just about done." Apparently, Mariko didn't feel the tension that Zola had.

Zoe removed her eyes from the older woman, and looked at Bouquet. She had met the girl earlier, but at the time didn't care. She still didn't, but now that they were in the same room, she'd have to be polite. "You cooked?"

Bouquet blinked. "Yes. I figured that since you're allowing us to stay here, I could help out with the meals." She nodded, but said nothing.

At that time Jiro walked into the kitchen. He'd heard an unknown voice and came to see what was going on. Once his eyes fell on Zoe he tensed, and sharply inhaled. Zoe looked at him, her expression remained stoic but her eyes showed slight amusement. "You-" Jiro started, angrily. He stopped as he thought about why she was here. It took a moment, but the pieces slowly put together in his head. His eyebrows furrowed. "You're kidding me. She's your sister?"

Shu looked up at his rival's voice. He'd been stuck thinking about Kluke that he tuned out the world around him. "Jiro, what's-" He turned his head to find out what Jiro was glaring at. His jaw dropped and he jumped from his seat. "You're the one that attacked us last night!"

The others gasped, and threw their eyes on Zoe, who stood there nonchalantly. Mariko was that first to react. "Zoe." Her tone was that of reprimandment.

She shrugged. "I asked who they were, they never gave me an answer. So I responded defensively."

"We were the ones who had to defend ourselves!" Shu cried, pointing an accusing finger at her. "You're the one who didn't listen to me. I tried to tell you who we were." Another shrug was his response.

"Zoe, these are your sister's friends. I'd appreciate it if you'd be nice to them while they're staying."

Something dangerous flashed in Zoe's eyes at her mother's words. She pushed herself off the wall and walked toward the staircase. "I'm not eating." Her footsteps pounded on each step, and a final slam was heard when she shut the door.

Shu scowled. "What's her problem?"

Mariko sighed. "I don't know. She's always been wary around strangers, but..."

Zola released a breath. "I'll talk to her after dinner. Like you said, she's dealing with things her own way." Mariko nodded, and seemed to cheer up.

The six ate their dinner, Shu and Jiro were still upset. They would have to share a house with the same person that so easily defeated them. One who obviously didn't like them, either. Zola's nerves were still shaken. She'd never been one to dwell, or to be emotional, but the situation at hand made that difficult.

Mariko stopped eating, and decided to ask what had been occupying her mind. "Zola, when are you leaving?" Once again, everything seemed to stop. The kids halted their eating as well, waiting to hear Zola's response.

"When Kluke wakes up we'll decide where to go from here." Zola replied. "It's undetermined." She turned to the kids. "Of course, you all have a say as well. If you don't want to continue this journey, you have every right to leave."

Shu stood up. "Not me, I'm with you all way. Nene is not going to get away with all the evil things he's done. I don't care how long it takes. We will defeat him!" Jiro nodded in agreement. He had his own reasons to persue Nene, and wouldn't be stopped by one - or several - defeat.

"I'm a defender of justice, maro. But most of all I'm a friend, I'm with you 'til the end, maro."

Bouquet smiled. "If Darling's going, then of course I'm going, too."

Mariko blinked. "Darling?"

"Don't ask." Shu groaned. He abruptly brightened up. "I'm going to get stronger, and I know just where to start. Zola, I'm going to have your sister help me train."

Jiro's eyes widened. "What?"

The optimistic boy turned to his rival. "You saw how strong she is, Jiro. She could really help me." He paused, another idea came into his head. "Hey! She should come with us! Zola, you can ask her." Jiro pinched the bridge of his nose, Shu was giving him a migraine. He was going to sit back and let Zola deal with his stupidity.

Zola had been silent during Shu's aloud thinking. She remembered what Takashi had told her. If Zoe is really as powerful as he said, then she'd be a great help against Nene. The only problem was the emotional stress it would entail. Zola wasn't sure if she could handle it. When Shu's words became directed at her, she drew her attention back to the conversation. "I suppose I could, but that doesn't mean she'd be willing."

Mariko nodded. "I'm afraid she wouldn't." The kids turned their attention to her. "Zoe feels her responsibility is staying here, protecting the village. I don't think she'd take up your offer."

"But if she leaves, whoever's attacking will stop." Shu remembered that being the case for his own village. "That's what happened when I left home."

"I don't know. She's awfully stubborn."

There was a chorus of, "So is Shu."

Once the meal was finished, Shu and Jiro went outside to spar. Their spirits replinished by their determination of beating Nene. Marumaro tagged along to watch as he had nothing to do, and because Bouquet was doing the dishes.

"Zola," Bouquet started, gaining the woman's attention. "I put a plate aside for your sister, and it'd be more appropriate if you brought it to her." Zola was about to suggest Mariko doit, but her mother had abruptly disappeared. With no other choice, she complied.

Why does it seem that everyone is okay with the concept of Zoe and I being in the same room besides me? Had I imagined the tension? It's certainly possible with my emotions running amok. Then again I don't know her anymore, it could've been her natural personality. That sick feeling developed in Zola's stomach. Ignoring her emotions for such a long amount of time, she couldn't indentify the strange ones she was beginning to deal with.

"No use standing outside the door." Zoe's sarcastic voice interrupted her thoughts. Zola found herself standing outside her sister's bedroom door. How long had she been standing there? Taking a deep breath she grabbed the handle again, this time actually opening the door. Zoe was leaning back in her desk chair, papers in her hands. "I said I wasn't hungry, your friend shouldn't have bothered."

Zola closed the door, she intended on staying for a while. Zoe looked up, and - realizing it too - put the papers down. "Bouquet didn't want you to feel left out. Just eat it whenever you do feel hungry." She placed the plate on the desk and took a few steps back.

There was an unbearable silence. Zoe eventually broke it. "What are you doing here?"

It took a moment, but Zola found the meaning behind her sister's question. "My comrade's shadow teleported us here unintentionally. I hadn't planned on ending up here."

Zoe nodded, as if expecting the answer. "That girl's in a coma, correct?" A nod was her answer. "For someone who's supposed to be so wise, it was stupid to bring children into a war. Much less take them straight to Nene. You were asking to die."

"They're Shadow Users-"

"With little training. If they were so powerful then Nene wouldn't be alive now, would he?"

Zola's eyes narrowed. "Not everything works out on the first attempt."

"I'm aware, but the fact remains you should've taken more time to train them. Then again you don't really care for them, do you?"

"You don't know what you're talking about." Zola was irritated, but mostly confused. "I didn't come here to argue with you-"

"Then why'd you come in here at all?" Zoe stood, glaring at her sister. "Here's a hint: I don't want you here. But since I have to tolerate you I will. Just know that I won't be affected when you leave." Zola froze, her sister truly hated her. "Go back to your friends, and while you're here just stay away from me."

Zola sighed, and walked out of the room. She was absolutely clueless on what to make of this situation. "It'll be hard at first, but I know she really missed you." Takashi's words rang through her head. He's the one who's been there while Zoe grew up. He would know what to do. Unfortunately, she wouldn't be getting any answers now.

"Who the hell does she think she is?" Zoe collapsed on her bed. Anger coursed through her body. "Showing up after all these years. Did she really think I would welcome her back?" She sighed, some of her anger seeped away. "Okaasan's happy, I guess some good came out of this." She violently shook her head. "When she leaves Okaasan will be depressed again, so scratch that last one."

Aibou, I've rarely felt this much anger coming from you. I thought you'd be happy by your sister's return.

I'm anything but happy about this, Amaterasu. She doesn't belong here, and she is not my sister.

Amaterasu remained silent. There were many things he could change his User's mind about, but this was not one of them. The only way this would be resolved would be by the efforts of the siblings. He didn't see that happening anytime soon.

He felt a prickling sensation, the same one he always got when there was danger. He didn't have to say anything, for Zoe had already jumped off her bed.

Takashi smirked, another quick stroke of his sword taking down the Grand Kingdom soldier. It'd been quite a while since he was allowed to fight on his own. Normally whenever the village was attacked, the trio of Shadow Users were the first - and practically only - ones to fight. This time he'd been the first one to intersept the army, and he was enjoying the thrill of battle.

Then again, it is pretty late. Mariko-san probably won't let her out of the house, especially since Zola's home. And we're too far out for the others to realize they're here. His smirk turned into a grin. He knew his old friend had a challenge ahead of her; he was aware of the hate Zoe held for her sister. He also predicted Zola coming to him later for help, he was that close with the siblings, he could read them so easily.

He whirled around and brought up his blade, stopping his opponent's sword mere inches from his face. He delivered a hard kick to the soldier's abdomen, following with another strike of his sword. Takashi turned back to fight off the rest that attempted to jump him while he was distracted. The adrenaline that coursed through his veins restrained all the fatigue he'd felt from prior training. He knew he'd be incredibly sore tomorrow.

"Lightning Sphere!"

Takashi let out a breath of relief. A familiar ball of blue electricity struck the mass remains of soldiers. He smiled, turning around. "Thanks."

Amaterasu disappeared, and Zoe shrugged. "You already took out most of them, I just relieved you of the last pack."

He sheathed his sword. "I'll take you back." Zoe nodded, knowing that was his way of saying "Let's talk".

As the two walked back to the village, they were unaware of the barely alive soldier. He flicked on the communicator he wore on his ear. "R-Rogi-sama..."

Zoe walked with her arms behind her head. She waited for Takashi to start talking, having a vague idea about what he wanted to discuss. She closed her eyes, soaking in the silence of her sleeping home. She suddenly felt happy and safe, wrapped in the security she only felt in the village. A sigh escaped her lips, it was one of those rare moments where she didn't have to constantly be on alert.

A nudge from Takashi brought her back. She looked at him, and her arms fell to her sides. "I hear Zola's returned." Upon hearing the name, she turned her head forward again. He observed her reaction, noticing how her shoulders shot up slightly. "Mariko-san must be overjoyed." Zoe dipped her head. "And you?"

"What about me?"

"How do you feel about it?" Zoe only shrugged. Takashi smiled. "Don't hide your thoughts from me because I'm her best friend. Tell me what's on your mind."

She was reluctant, but eventually said, "I don't like it."

"Why not?"

"She's going to leave, again." She stated as thought it were obvious, which it was.

His eyes narrowed. "But that's not what's bothering you." His friend - scratch that - his little sister didn't reply. Although, he could see how tense she was. He knew this was a sore subject, but he'd expected her to explode on him. After several minutes of no answer, he sighed. Takashi placed a hand on top of her head. "I'm sure you'll hear this a lot, but try and talk to her. It'll be better for the both of you."

She held back a sarcastic laugh. It's not just a matter of I don't want to, but also that I can't. Aloud, she responded with, "I don't want anything to do with her. It'd be better for the both of us if she stayed away." Her house was in sight, and she was quick to end the conversation. "Okaasan doesn't know I left. I need to get back before she checks and finds I'm not there."

Takashi sighed, knowing she was avoiding the topic. "Alright, sweet dreams, Imouto."

"You, too, Niichan."

Zola rose early that next morning, She figured it was due to the thoughts plauging her mind, the ones that refused to allow her sleep for most of the night. Today she planned to go to Takashi's, and to finally put those thoughts to rest. She finished putting on her normal attire before stepping out of her bedroom. As always, when she left her room she couldn't help but glance to the door on her left.

Last night she had stepped out for air, and caught sight of Zoe running off. She contemplated following her, but knew the chances of keeping up with her were slim. She wasn't awake long enough to know whether or not she came back. Zola sighed before approaching the door, but just like the previous night she found herself frozen. Was it that difficult for her to face her sister?

It's not different from checking on Shu and the others. Besides, she's my sister, I'm supposed to check on her. Before she could grab the handle, the door swung open.

Zoe didn't seem surprised to discover her standing there. "Don't make this a habit." She moved around Zola and trotted down the stairs. Zola blinked, registering what took place. She shook her head before following the younger girl downstairs. She ended up in the kitchen, watching Zoe prepare breakfast for herself. During the entire process neither spoke a word, either because they couldn't or didn't want to.

Zoe sat down at the table with her eggs, toast, and a cup of orange juice. She quickly shoveled the food into her mouth, but took her time drinking her juice. Once she placed the dirty dishes - minus the cup - in the sink, she turned to Zola. "I thought I asked you to leave me alone."

"Isn't it my job to watch out for you?" she responded lightly, mostly to ease her nerves.

She received an angry look. "No, it's not."

Zola thought about how to respond. She didn't normally talk much, but she always talked to her sister. It was so hard for her now; she didn't like it. Obviously Zoe didn't want to talk to her, but Zola knew she had to. Releasing another sigh, she asked, "Where did you run off to last night?"

Zoe raised an eyebrow. "Keeping tabs on me?"

"Someone has to, Okaasan didn't know where you were all day yesterday." Her tone changed to that of slight reproach. "You shouldn't make her worry-"

"Don't you dare talk to me about that!" The force from Zoe's angry grip caused the glass to shatter in her hand. The juice was gone, leaving only shards to fall to the floor. She winced, feeling glass pierce her flesh. She hastily removed the glass from her hand.

Zola moved to her side. "Are you alright?"

Once she realized her sister was so close, Zoe leaped back, glaring dangerously at her. "Stay away from me."

Shu stumbled into the kitchen, half-asleep. "Wha.. What's going on?" He caught sight of Zoe's bloody hand. "Ack! Bouquet!"

"What is it?" The requested girl came in the kitchen to see why she was needed. She saw the wound and gasped. "Oh, hang on."

Zoe shook her head. "I don't need your help. I'll take care of it myself." She started to feel uncomfortable with the numerous people crowding her. She was quick to move around them and bounded up the stairs.

Bouquet started picking up the glass on the floor. Shu sat down on the chair, trying to fully wake himself up. Marumaro and Jiro entered the room as well. "What happened, maro?"

Zola shook her head. "Nothing. I apologize for waking you all up." They all waved it off, and sat in silence until they heard footsteps coming back down. Zoe re-entered the kitchen, her hand was wrapped up with bandages.

She blinked. "You didn't need to clean up the glass, I would've done it."

"Well, you were fixing your hand, so I went ahead and did it." Bouquet replied.

Zoe scratched the back of her head with her good hand. "Uh, thanks, I guess." She made her way to the front door. "Tell Okaasan I'm going to Niichan's place for training."

Shu woke up. "Training? This early?" She nodded. "Can I come?"

She nearly burst out laughing. "I don't think thats a good idea."

He wouldn't budge. "Come on, please? I'm gonna need to work hard if I'm going to beat Nene. Lemme come along, please?"

Amaterasu laughed. I don't think you have a choice in this one, Aibou.

What are you talking about? I can leave right now, or knock him out if he decides to follow. Zoe sighed. "Look kid, not to burst your bubble, but you shouldn't train with people like us. You're not ready for that." She cast a cold glare at Zola. "Have her train you, if she can." With that said, she left the house.

Shu furrowed his eyebrows. "Did she imply that I'm weak?"

Zola sighed. It was a good thing Zoe wasn't being as rough on her companions as she was on her, but at the same time it was obvious she disliked them. She thought back to Zoe's words, and a single thought struck her, hard. Who's Niichan?

General Rogi couldn't remove the smirk from his face, the most recent message he received went over again in his head.

"R-Rogi-sama.. W-we've found an opposing Shadow User.. in Hoshamu Village.. Requesting reinforcements!"

Hoshamu Village. A name he could never forget. The moment he heard the message he ordered a change in course. As his ship grew closer to his new destination, he wondered who the Shadow User was. It couldn't be her, otherwise he would've seen more than one. However, this is her home, it's very likely the person was her. He felt his scar begin to ache. It has to be. His smirk grew. You've finally returned home after all these years, haven't you, Zola?

To be continued...