FCL64: Kiyoshi has disappeared. Why, you may ask. It's because, finally, I have decided you deserve a description of him. And he doesn't like it when I do this. So here we go: He has black hair that is never even and is generally of a length where the longest parts are just past his chin. It has a tendency to fall into his eyes, which are very dark green. He is sixteen and his birthday is April 17. His most… distinguishing feature is the purple-green planted growing out of his left forearm (he's left handed, too… uh-oh). It heals him but is also potentially deadly if someone tries to hurt him.

Kiyoshi: Then why aren't you dead? You've attempted to hurt me on many occasions.

FCL64: Oh, good. You're back. It's because you're in my head, so your plant loves me almost as much as it loves you. Here's the story!

Kiyoshi: Good thing I did come back or you would have forgotten to mention the fact that we only own Ayaka, Kaien and Kyo (the bounty hunter).

Ayaka pov

983 A.D.

Cold. Bright. Shapes. Shadows.

Woman. "My darling Ayaka. Welcome to the world." Mother.

Laying on something soft. Covered. Warm.

Movement close to me. Another's skin. He looks at me. Smiling. Brother.

Mother. "Ayaka and Kaien. Aren't they lovely?"

986 A.D.

Water is good. And ice. Ice is nice. I spin in circles in the fountain. Where is Kaien?

"Raaahhh!" he screams at me.

I shriek and fall backwards into the water. "You are so stupid!" I shout, and I am pleased to see him get drenched in water.

"How'd you do that?" he asks, dripping wet.

"Do what?" What on earth is he talking about?

"Splash me."

What is he on about? "I didn't. How are you dry already?"

He looks at himself, just as puzzled as I am. "I do not know."

"So cute, aren't they?" a voice says behind me.

"Mother!" we call out in unison.

"I should have known," she grins to her friend. "They have been opposites from day one."

"What do you mean, Mother?" I ask, as Kaien makes faces, trying to make her laugh. I elbow him, but he continues.

"You can control water and ice, my dear Ayaka," she explains. Then looking at Kaien she laughs and finishes, "While your goofy, darling brother here has an affinity for fire."

1111 A.D.

Kaien and I approach our mother. She smiles, knowing our purpose. "I wondered when this day would come. It came far sooner than I would have wished, yet much later than I expected."

"Goodbye, Mother." I try to smile, but it is a sad occasion, leaving home for the first time with any sense of permanency.

"Do not say it so," Mother says to me. "Say 'until we meet again.' It is less final. But not now. First I have a gift for each of you."

She produces two oval lockets, one with a diamond and sapphire, the other with onyx and an orange gem I believe is garnet.

She hands me the blue and white one. "Water shall protect you. Keep this with you always." I nod, accepting the gift.

She hands the other to Kaien. "Fire shall protect you. Keep this with you always." Kaien inclines his head toward her once, then takes the locket from her.

Then she says to both of us, "The gems were found where the sun meets the sea. They each have a different yet powerful property. The lockets are opposites at first sight and powerful in themselves. But they are most powerful when they are in proximity of one another. Much like the two of you."

"What are the properties, Mother?" I ask.

"Life and death, love and hate, peace and war, tranquility and fear, honesty and lies, hope and despair, loyalty and betrayal."

"Mother?" Kaien asks, evidently as lost as I am.

"That is all I will say. You must learn the truth on your own. Just remember that you can always come home. And you will always find sanctuary with the other. Now, farewell, my children, until we meet again." She hugs each of us and the two of us step outside.

I fasten my locket to the belt at my waist, and Kaien does the same. Then I look into the face that very nearly mirrors my own. I throw my arms around his neck. "Oh, Kaien! How I will miss you!"

"And I, you, Dear Sister." He smiles sadly and kisses my cheek. "Until we meet again."

I nod, and as we turn and walk away, I see him brush a tear from his cheek. I just let mine run down my face and fall to the ground. "Until we meet again, Kaien," I whisper. "I love you."

Reviews...

Foxgirl Ray: Yes, Hiei can be a jerk. I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about Kaien.

animegrlsteph: Here is the chapter... ah, how I love Kaien. In this story it's a toss-up on who I like most, Kaien or Zuberi (he hasn't come in yet).