Author's Note: Ta-dah! I got another one done! I'm so shocked! The world is going to end...Just kidding...kind of. XD Anyways, I actually squeezed several parts into this thing just so it would be full of stuff and the next chapter will be all the good stuff. Sorry, I know it's kind of stuff you already know, but it does have to be put in there. Also, a possibly shocking twist? We'll see...

Rating: T

Dedication: LadyAmazon and Jessluvswriting. You guys...*sobs happy tears* Also check up and cheer me on. Thank you *huggles tightly*

Summary: Like any popular boy, Ikuto has many girls that chase him on a daily basis besides his sister, so there's only one way, in Ikuto's mind, to stop them. Have a fake girlfriend of course!

Chapter 34: Friend in need

Hotaru was currently standing on her balcony, her ponytail billowing out behind her. She was determined to save Ikuto, but she had no idea on where to start looking for him. Running head first into Easter wasn't the way to go and she didn't know of any back doors.

She sighs a bit, the sun still high up. She had been dismissed from class early, the teachers having a meeting that day. She was still in her uniform and everything. Looking around on the ground below, she feels something rising in her throat.

A small note at first, but it begins to pick up volume, her eyes closing as she begins to sing. She stops, hearing a noise. Looking around, she spots a shadow near the gate to her fence run off. Rushing downstairs, she's quick to slip on her shoes and run out the door. She looks around, afraid she lost sight of the shadow when she sees it dash around a corner. She takes off after it.

It's about an hour later of chasing has she lost sight of the shadow, a bit disheartened at not having caught up with it. Just when she thought she'd lost sight of it, she'd see it turn a corner or so. Looking around, she struggles to recall where she is. Sighing, she begins walking down a street and then another….

…before she realizes it, Hotaru finds herself in front of a building, the gate slightly open. She had never seen this place before and something about it made her want to look inside. Walking in cautiously, she opens the main door, her eyes widening at the sight of the planet images.

"It's a Planetarium…"

Hotaru is in awe at the sight, her hand reaching up as if to touch the virtual stars.

"Ah, so you made it."

Hotaru jumps in shock, turning hurriedly to see a man standing in a doorway. In the small side pouch Hotaru was wearing, Lily and Kia pop out, having been sleeping a bit.

"Who…who are you?"

There was something familiar about the man, his hairstyle reminding her of…someone…"

"Wait…you look like…"

"Tadase? We're related."

Now, Hotaru was really confused.

Hotaru and Tsukasa, that was the name he had given her, were sitting at a table, cups of tea in front of them.

"So…how did you know I was coming?"

Tsukasa takes a sip of his tea, a smile on his face.

"The stars told me."

Hotaru wasn't sure if he was being literal or not, but she decided not to question it. She sensed no ill will from the man. Looking at her cup of tea, she sighs a bit.

"So, tell me what's on your mind Hotaru?"

Hotaru decided not to question how he knew her name. He seemed to have an air about him that shouted that he was like an all-mighty being.

"You're here about Ikuto…"

Hotaru nods her head as she begins relaying what she was told, Tsukasa listening patiently. After she finishes, Tsukasa nods his head.

"We can't locate him either with Yoru because of the device they're using to control him."

"You seem to believe that Ikuto didn't do those bad things."

Hotaru shakes her head.

"I know he did them, but…I feel like he did them for another reason. Like he's alone…and he was afraid of getting others hurt. The only part that confuses me is why Ikuto left in the first place."

Tsukasa chuckles a bit at this, a smile on his face.

"Oh…that was actually my fault. The time he was gone he spent with me."

Hotaru's eyes widened, taking a sip of tea.

"Back then, Ikuto was in a difficult situation. Easter's eyes were on him."

Hotaru listened patiently as he explained his side, everything making sense.

"You and the others are facing a big problem. You guys can change your fate."

Tsukasa smiles softly at Hotaru, her own reflecting his. Talking with this man had calmed her in so many ways.

"Outside the school gate is someone waiting to help you. Let them help you the best they can, okay?"

Hotaru smiles happily, standing up.

"Thank you Tsukasa-san! I'll do my best."

Tsukasa chuckles once more, causing Hotaru to tilt her head curiously. Tsukasa shakes his head a bit as he pulls a small book from the shelf behind him. He holds it out to her.

"Nothing…It's just I can see why Ikuto is fond of you."

Hotaru blushes deeply, a question mark flying above her head.

'Has Ikuto spoken about me?'

Hotaru takes the book handed to her, her eyes widening at the cover. The cover read 'The Mermaid's Song'. She looks up at shock at Tsukasa wondering if he knew that this was her favorite book as a child.

Saying thanks to Tsukasa once more, she takes off to exit the building.

'Don't worry Ikuto. I'll save you.'

"Gozen."

Kazuomi peeks his head into an office, frame upon frame covering the walls, each one holding an individual stone, it's name embellished on a plate underneath. It was tidy and kempt. He looks around, but the place is empty besides himself.

"Goodness. He's out again. I didn't think he would be here. I wonder where he's been disappearing to lately."

He notices a stone out of it's case, placed neatly in the headman's chair. Picking it up, he inspects it for awhile.

"The Embryo we've looking for…I will find it with my own two hands. The light…"

His hand tightens a bit.

"Everything you've hoped for will be in your hands."

"Hotaru-chan!"

Hotaru blinked in surprise at the sight before her. Her brother was in the driver's seat of his van, Amu and the others in back, ready and waiting for her. She walks over, shock still evident on her face.

"You guys? What are you all doing here?"

"You didn't think you were going to go alone, did you?"

"Yeah, Ikuto is important to us too."

"We can't let Easter get away with what they're doing!"

Hotaru could feel tears filling her eyes as she turns to her brother, his hand reaching over and wiping one that had slipped.

"No sad endings, remember?"

Hotaru nods her head diligently before getting in the van as well, a huge smile on her face. Placing her seat belt on, they began to head off.

"So, why is Nikaidou-sensei helping us?"

Hotaru turns to Rima, ready to answer her question.

"My brother used to work for Easter, so it makes sense that he would know where the headquarters is."

Nikaidou nods his head, though not particularly proud of having worked for Easter. Making a turn, he begins to explain.

"The departments in charge of finding the Embryo were primarily in my department, the development and research, and Yukari's department, the entertainment section. After we were fired, the two departments were combined. Now I hear they're combining sound and X-eggs."

"Sound? Like music videos and concerts?"

Nikaidou nods his head.

"Ikuto is being manipulated by that tuning fork and that violin has something to do with it."

Hotaru giggles as her brother begins yelling about eating snacks in the car as Nagihiko and Tadase begin discussing plans.

"We'll just have to search every building for Easter's studio."

"We have only about 20 minutes to look around the area."

Hotaru was sighing as she sat down back in the van once more. They had searched several studios so far, none of which had been one belonging to Easter.

"What are we going to do?"

Hotaru could feel her shoulders slumping a bit, her head snapping up as she feels a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, there's still one more, but there's still something…"

Nikaidou turns around, letting everyone know that they should call home. It was going to be dark soon. Hotaru smiles softly at her brother. He was always responsible. Tuning out the other's responses to his order, she looks out the window, her eyes scanning the darkening sky.

'Ikuto…we're coming…'

The car screeches to a stop, Nikaidou putting the van in park.

"Here we are. This is the last building."

"Eh?"

"This is part of Easter too?"

"Close, but not really. It's actually a sister company."

Everyone looks up at the somewhat ominous building, the letters 'TV Kantou' seeming a bit daunting.

"TV Kantou. The radio tower on top was built by Easter's founder."

"Nya?"

Hotaru turns to Yoru, holding him gently as he begins cradling his aching head.

"It's here! I can feel it! Ikuto is here!"

Hotaru's eyes harden as she turns back up to the tower once more. There was a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach and it was because of a certain fact that she didn't like. As the others begin discussing how they were going to get inside, Hotaru turns to Nikaidou, her eyebrows furrowed.

"You don't think…?"

Nikaidou shakes his head.

"You know how Mom and Dad are. They probably don't even know half of the stuff that goes on, especially with the way they travel."

Hotaru nods her head, her eyes turning to the ground. Just as the others had decided on what to do, Hotaru walks past them, her head kept low. Amu is in shock.

"Uh, what are you-?"

"What may I help you with Miss?"

Hotaru raises her head, her expression calm and level-headed. The guard's eyes seem to widen, his brain comprehending who he was speaking to.

"M-Miss. Hotaru? I'm sorry!"

He bows deeply.

"I didn't recognize you. You've grown so much."

"I'm here on business for Mom. You mind if my friends and I come in?"

The guard shakes his head, already opening the door.

"Of course not."

Hotaru smiles, nodding her head in thanks before turning to the others. Nikaidou waves his hand.

"I need to park the van properly. I'll catch up with you guys later."

Amu and the others cautiously walk inside with Hotaru, said girl embarrassed.

"Hotaru, how did…?"

"My parents own this place."

They stay quiet, obviously feeling the slight guilt in Hotaru's voice. She could only hope that her parents weren't associated with Easter in any way.

"So, do you know where to go?"

Hotaru shakes her head.

"The tend to renovate this place pretty often. I can't really think of any place they'd specifically keep Ikuto either."

"You!"

Everyone turns suddenly, all recognizing the familiar face.

"I, Saeki Nobuko, know you!"

Her entrance was a little weird and dramatic, but they were relived to see someone they know.

They were all in Saeki's dressing room, deciding to try and map out where they should search. Saeki's nose was currently stuck in a magazine.

"My fortune was right then! It said that I should 'treasure unexpected meetings and personalities.'"

Hotaru peeks over at the magazine, her eyes widening in shock at the picture of the person who writes the horoscopes. Saeki begins fawning over him, Tadase shaking his head.

"Even here…"

"So, what did you come looking for?"

Hotaru's head snaps up, Saeki's eyes on her.

"Um, how did…?"

"I'm a fortune teller, remember?"

Saeki begins staring intently at Hotaru, said girl fidgeting under her gaze.

"You're…trying…to save someone. Someone…very special to you…"

Hotaru's cheeks tinge pink a bit. Yoru floats over, Hotaru hurriedly pushing him towards Saeki to get the woman's attention off of her.

"We're looking for the owner of this guy. Can you help us?"

Saeki grabs Yoru, peering at him intensely now.

"I see…a tall tower..? A violin..? I hear a sad melody."

Everyone turns to each other.

'Ikuto!'

"A tall tower? Could that be the top of the radio tower?"

"Alright!"

"Let's go!"

They begin to take off when Hotaru stops and turns to Saeki Nobuko once more, smiling softly.

"Thank you for your help."

"I wish you luck in your search."

Hotaru and the others begin rushing off, Hotaru leading the way.

"Normally we wouldn't be allowed but being a Nikaidou offspring has it's advantages."

Hotaru's hand comes to pull the key out from under her shirt, her hands cradling it softly before holding it to herself. She had tried to give it back to Tadase after finding out it was originally his, but he had declined her offer.

(Flashback)

Tadase shakes his head, closing Hotaru's hand around the key.

"Until I know the true story, it is your key."

He smiles softly.

"Ikuto gave it to you for a reason. He must trust you."

(End flashback)

On top of the tower, a sad melody plays, the violin sounding as if it was crying. Ikuto is at the top, his appearance that of his new transformation, Death Rebel. Around him are hundreds of X-eggs, Kazuomi watching diligently, a smirk on his face.

The Embryo will appear once we have gathered enough X-eggs. At the moment when they're purified…!"

He chuckles darkly.

"Let's use those kids to our advantage."

Kazuomi turns to Ikuto, his smirk widening.

"Keep playing Ikuto! Those brats will come soon enough. They've better look out for the traps I've laid too!"

His sinister laugh fills the air.

Author's Note: There! Another chapter! Hopefully I can squeeze out the next one soon even though today was my last day of vacation. *looks away guiltily* Hope you guys enjoyed! The next chapter will be full of good stuff! XD