Ok... I'm really not sure what to say or else it might spoil it for you guys but... Hope you like cute and cuddly stuffed toys~! (You'll know what I mean when you read the story below...)

Wish Upon A Wing

A Stuffed Heart Starts to Beat

A guard dressed in black kneeled before the figure.

"Have you found him yet?" the figure asked.

"No sir," answered the guard.

The figure's ice blue eyes narrowed.

"Can you explain to me why you haven't found him yet?" asked the figure, his voice was dangerously soft.

"I-It's seems like he's hiding," replied the guard, fear trimmed his voice.

"Then find him!" ordered the figure, "Search everywhere if you have to!"

"Yes sir!" choked the guard before scrambling to his feet and racing for the door.

Before are the guard left, he asked one question; "Do you want him alive or...dead?"

The figure's mouth curled into a cold smile, "Normally I would say 'dead' but this situation is different, I want him back 'alive'."

Ikuto struggled through the thick forest. He leaned against a broad tree, panting. Suddenly a cottage caught his eye. Ikuto staggered towards it. A wooden sign hung above the door reading: Kaneko the Witch. Ikuto pushed open the door. Kaneko was examining some papers. When she heard the door open, she looked up.

"Well," smiled Kaneko, "It's the black cat."

"Over there!"

Amu and Tadase ran through the long grass. Suddenly long shadowy hands swung into the air.

"Watch out!"

Tadase quickly skid in front of Amu, sword in hand. Sparks flew into the air as the sharp claws came into contact with the steel. Amu leapt up from behind Tadase, swiped her arms through the air and a spray of star-shaped rays flew towards the Akuma.

Nagi and Kairi charged forward. The Akuma launch a ball of shadows towards them but Nagi and Kairi easily cut it.

A silky ribbon and a long rope flew into the air, wrapping themselves around the Akuma.

In the air, Kukai gave the golden ball of energy a good hard kick. Utau gave it more power by thrusting her arms forward, sending a wave of sparkling white feathers.

Amu's lock glowed and transformed into the staff.

"White Swirl Purification!"

The Akuma gave a shriek then faded away. Amu let out a breath as the staff transformed back into the lock.

She hadn't forgotten her first Akuma's words; The Positive Wing may be strong but it's nothing without the Negative Wing.

Amu held the lock in her palm.

If the Positive Wing takes a form of a lock doesn't that mean the Negative Wing takes form of a key?

"Thank goodness it's over! That's the third or fourth one this week!" cried Kukai as he stretched his arms.

Utau immediately took advantage of his complaint, "Getting lazy now, huh?" she smirked.

"The weather has gotten warmer," said Nagi, "When that happens we do tend to get tired quite easily."

"Of course," agreed Rima, "It's summer now."

Yaya groaned, "I want lemonade!"

Kairi adjusted his glasses, "Well," he began, "There only place that sells good lemonade is..."

Yaya immediately perked up, "Masa and Chie's place!" she finished, "Come on! Let's go!"

Ikuto leaned against the chair, panting. Kaneko gave him a wet handkerchief to wipe the blood away. Ikuto stared at the red stains on the fabric.

"I have a feeling," he spoke, "That you know why I'm coughing out blood"

Kaneko took the handkerchief back.

"Yes," she replied, "I do."

Ikuto frowned, "Then why?"

Kaneko dunked the handkerchief into a bowl of water.

"A quarter of your time limit has gone," Kaneko answered.

Ikuto froze.

Kaneko looked up, "Don't you remember?"

He remained silent.

"Your body wouldn't last long," continued Kaneko.

"I don't want to hear it," Ikuto said quietly.

Kaneko kept talking as if she didn't hear anything, "So you need to complete your mission quickly.

"Kaneko," said Ikuto a bit more loudly.

"But if you don't complete the mission in the time limit you'll-"

"SHUT UP KANEKO!" yelled Ikuto.

Silence fell like a rock. Ikuto smacked his hand over his mouth.

Shoot! I shouldn't have loss my anger!

He stiffly turned around. Kaneko's back was facing him. A bead of sweat trickled down Ikuto's forehead.

"K-Kaneko..."

"I'm sorry," Kaneko spoke quietly, "I didn't mean to talk about your business."

Ikuto didn't like the softness of her voice. She turned around with a smile planted on her face; a creepy smile. Ikuto took a step back.

"But...," went on Kaneko her voice was dangerously soft, "That doesn't mean you have to shout at me like that."

She drew closer. Fear spread over Ikuto's face. A wand appeared in Kaneko's hand.

"Because of your rude behaviour," smirked Kaneko, "You deserve a punishment!"

A beam of aqua swirls and purple stars shot out of her wand, towards Ikuto. Ikuto's eyes widened. A shout echoed through the forest.

Ice tinkled against the glass as Amu shifted her straw.

"Ah!" gasped Yaya, "The best lemonade I ever tasted!"

"Yaya-senpai!" cried Kairi, "That's your third glass!"

"Alright everyone," called Masayoshi as he entered the kitchen, "Time to serve some customers!"

The friends, including Utau, got up from their seats and bustled out through the scissors doors and into the cafe.

Only Nagi remained, "I'll help you prepare the food," he offered.

Masayoshi nodded and turned to Chie, who was sitting on a chair in the corner.

"Can I help?" she asked.

Masayoshi shook his head, "The more rest you have, the faster you'll heal."

Chie sighed.

Amu stared out to the cafe window.

Who would hold the Negative Wing? Someone who is strong... someone who is...

"Um, waitress?"

Amu snapped back to earth, "I'm sorry!" apologised Amu.

A young lady smiled, "It's alright. Can I have the strawberry cheesecake along with a cup of rosehip tea?"

Amu quickly scribbled the orders down and smiled brightly, "Of course! Anything else?"

"That's all. Thank you."

She walked briskly to the kitchen and gave the orders to Nagi. But her mind was occupied.

When both wings unite they grant a wish... I must find the Negative Wing.

A small black figure made its way through the town, avoiding human eyes. It slink through the marketplace, allies and neighbourhood. It then paused to catch its breath.

"Everything seems so different now," it panted.

The sun was starting to set.

"I need to found some shelter."

It continued through the neighbourhood when it came to a house. The little figure stopped. Its sapphire blues caught a sign reading; 'Hinamori'.

"Well done everyone!" complimented Masayoshi.

Chie nodded, "You did well, serving the customers, you too Utau."

Utau blushed while Kukai patted her on the shoulder.

"What about our treats?" reminded Yaya.

Masayoshi chuckled, "Alright. Here you are, Yuiki-san."

He handed her a small bag of cookies.

"YAY!"

Suddenly the cafe door flew open.

"I'm sorry madam, but we're-"

The customer cut Masayoshi off.

"There you are Utau!"

A woman, wearing glasses, in her late twenties with red hair and emerald green eyes hustled towards Utau.

"What in the world are you doing here?! I've been looking for you all over the place! And what is that you're wearing?!"

"Onee-chan?" said Kairi.

The woman turned around and her green eyes lit up.

"Kairi-kun!" she cried in a high voice and flung her arms around him.

A few minutes later...

Kairi wiped his glasses on his shirt before putting them on. He was quite battered after the woman's hugging attack.

"Everyone," he said, "This is my older sister, Yukari. She's Utau's manager."

"Very nice to meet you," she said quickly, "Now we got to go Utau! You have a photo shoot in 30 minutes!"

Yukari grabbed Utau by the arm. Utau gave Kukai a small wave before she was whisked away.

"Well," said Masayoshi, "That was all of a sudden but it's best that all of you head home now. It's getting late."

The friends bid their goodbyes and depart in their own ways to home.

Tadase walked with Amu, "Are you alright?" he asked, "You seem distracted today."

"I was thinking about what that Akuma said to me before it was purified," replied Amu.

"You mean, the first Akuma we encountered?" said Tadase.

Amu nodded, "I have been thinking, if the Positive Wing takes form of a lock then Negative Wing might take form of a key, though I'm not very sure."

They walked in silence for a bit then Tadase spoke up, "The legend states that when the Tsubasas reunite, they'll grant a wish, right?"

"Correct," nodded Amu.

"Do you have a wish, Amu-chan?" Tadase asked softly.

Amu pondered for moment, "I'm...I'm not quite sure, to be honest," she replied.

"...I see," smiled Tadase, "Here's your house, Amu-chan."

Amu walked up to the door and waved to Tadase before she walked in.

In a dark room, the little figure muttered to itself, "She's home."

"Have you got it down?" asked Mia. Redwing scribbled the last word on the piece of parchment, using a quill (her own feather).

"Yes Your Highness," said Redwing, "The summon is ready to be sent."

Mia nodded. She then turned to an indigo bird, Amethyst (the sixth bird in the Bird Council).

"Amethyst, you're the fastest bird in the kingdom," said Mia, "I entrust you to deliver this safely and quickly."

Amethyst bowed, "You can count on me, Your Highness!" she chirped.

Redwing rolled the parchment into a scroll and handed it to Amethyst. Amethyst picked it up with her beak and swiftly flew out of the window.

Amu flicked the light switch and her bedroom was lit up. She gave a sigh. Apart from the cicadas' soft buzz all was quiet. Amu sat down on her bed and turned to face her stuffed cat.

"Hi Yoru," she said softly.

Then Amu noticed something around Yoru's neck; a golden key. Amu gently held the key in her hand. Its hard surface was cool against her palm.

"Pretty," whispered Amu, "It has the same jewelled clover design as my lock. Where did you get it, Yoru?"

As expected, Yoru remained silent.

"I'm home," called Shigeru from downstairs.

Amu rushed down the stairs, not noticing that she had automatically taken Yoru with her. She held him close.

"Welcome home, Onii-chan!" Amu greeted.

Shigeru smiled then he noticed Yoru in Amu's arms, "Well, will you look at that? The stuffed cat is still in the Monster's possession."

Amu looked down, "Oh!" she exclaimed, "I didn't even know I brought Yoru down!"

Shigeru stared at the stuffed cat.

Something isn't right... he thought.

Shigeru's eyes seemed to drill right into Yoru. Shigeru then smiled to himself.

"Take care of that cat Monster," he said, "Make sure you don't squeeze him too tight."

Amu blinked as she followed her brother to the kitchen.

The two siblings took their seats on the dining table.

"Amu, I need to tell you something," Shigeru said after his finished his dinner.

Amu carefully placed Yoru on the table, "What is it?"

Her brother produced a scroll from his bag. He handed it to Amu. She took and unrolled it, wondering what it was.

"It's a summon," continued Shigeru.

"A summon?" blinked Amu, her eyes skimming the words.

Shigeru nodded, "You remember what the Veil is?"

Amu nodded back, "It's a magical barrier designed to protect the kingdom."

"Correct," smiled Shigeru, "So the Monster does know something."

Amu's eyebrow twitched.

Shigeru went on, "Well, unfortunately the Veil seems to be in bad condition. If no one fixes it, this will leave us vulnerable to enemies so Princess Mia has sent me to see to the situation."

Amu froze.

Her voice was no louder than a whisper, "...You're...leaving?"

"Only for ten days," corrected Shigeru.

"Only," muttered Amu sadly.

Yoru's eyes were fixed onto Amu's sad expression.

"Why does it have to be you?!" Amu blurted out, "Can't the Princess send someone else?!"

Shigeru sighed, "There's something I owe to her," he murmured.

There was silence.

"...When are you leaving?" choked Amu, tears were springing into her eyes.

"...Tomorrow," was the sad reply.

Amu felt like she was stabbed, "I'll...I'll help you pack," offered Amu.

She wanted to spend the last few hours before her brother's departure.

Shigeru smiled, "Of course. Come."

Amu took Yoru and followed her brother upstairs.

Every second, while they packed, Amu made sure there was a conversation. It was lonely enough when Shigeru was gone on his part-time job but for ten days! Amu rolled the bedding and placed it next to a rucksack. Yoru watched the siblings, as they packed, in a corner.

"Every time I go out, there's a high chance I'll bumped into you on your part-time jobs," laughed Amu, "Are you following me or purposely getting in my way?"

Shigeru chuckled, "That's my line. It's you that is following me. I should've called the police. Help! A monster is stalking me!"

They both laughed. Soon, a bit too soon, they had finished. Amu reluctantly got ready for bed. Shigeru came in to say his goodnight. Amu sat in her bed, with Yoru beside her, while Shigeru crouched next to her.

"Don't worry," he whispered, "I'll come back. I'll be back before you know it!"

Amu smiled sadly, "I hope so. Good night Onii-chan."

Shigeru smiled, "Good night Amu."

He patted her on the head, turned off the lights and walked out.

Amu's smiled vanished when he left.

"I hope he comes back, Yoru," she whispered, "The plains where the Veil is, is very barren and harsh."

Yoru's sapphire blue eyes twinkled. Amu lied down and pulled the covers over her.

"Good night Yoru," she said and softly added, "I pray for your safe return, Onii-chan."

Yoru watched over Amu with sad blue eyes.

Utau peeked from her silk curtains. Guards in black were scouting the area. Her violet eyes narrowed.

"Them again," she muttered.

Utau pulled the curtains back into place and sat on her bed.

She sighed, "Where are you, Ikuto? I hope you're alright."

Wake up…

Amu groaned…

Wake up…

Amu stirred…

Wake up before he's gone…

Amu's golden eyes flew open and she sat up. There was nobody in her room, excluding Yoru. Amu sleepily rubbed her eyes. Her clock read 5 o'clock. This wasn't her usual time to get up. Suddenly it struck.

"Oh my gosh!" she cried.

Amu threw her blankets away, grabbed Yoru and rushed down the stairs. Shigeru was in the kitchen, reading the newspaper and having a peaceful, quiet breakfast when Amu stumbled in. Her pink hair was sticking up all over the place and she was still wearing her PJs.

"Good morning Monster," said Shigeru laughing at the state his sister was in.

Amu gave a sigh of relief, "You're still here," she breathed.

Shigeru stood up, washed his dishes and slung his rucksack over his shoulder.

"I'm leaving now," he announced.

Amu's shoulders slumped down in disappointment, "Oh…"

Shigeru walked over to the door and pulled his boots on.

"Come on Monster," he smiled, "At least see me off with a smile or I'll worry about you until I grow white hair."

Amu laughed, "Have you got everything?" she asked.

Shigeru nodded. He walked over and gave his sister one final pat on the head.

"You better get back to sleep," he said quietly then his eyes fell on Yoru, "And take care of that stuffed cat."

Or should I say it will take care of you he silently added.

"Sayanara Onii-chan," Amu whispered.

Shigeru laughed, "Make that 'ja ne'!"

(T/N: If you say 'sayanara' it means 'goodbye' you only say it if you'll never see that person for a long time or never again while 'ja ne' means 'see you').

And with that, he was gone with the rising sun in front.

Amu couldn't go back to sleep. She tried but it was useless. Amu sighed and held Yoru in her arms.

"At least I have you, Yoru," she whispered.

Yoru's sapphire eyes twinkled. She smiled.

"It's strange," Amu remarked, "It feels like you understand me."

She placed Yoru on the bed and opened her closet to get change. She was about to take off her PJ top when...

thump.

Amu turned around. Yoru had fallen over and is facing towards the wall. Amu blinked.

Maybe it was the wind...

But no windows were open.

How did Yoru fall and spun around to face the wall?

She shrugged and got changed, not knowing that the stuffed cat's face had somehow turned red.

"I told you. I don't know anything," said Utau.

She was standing at the front of her house with her arms crossed, glaring at the guards.

"You must know something!" cried one of the guards, "You're his sister!"

Utau's eyes narrowed, "Did you hear me?" she said quietly, her voice was dangerously soft.

A black bat wing charm, dangling from a chain, glowed red. Suddenly bat wings appeared on Utau's back and her violet eyes grew dark turning almost indigo.

"Now, should I repeat myself for the tenth time or will you leave?"

The guards cowered and quickly departed. The bat wings disappeared in a burst of red sparks. She sighed and continued on her way. Her bat wing and angelic wing amulets clinked together as she walked.

Yoru peeked from underneath the flap of Amu's bag.

"I think this is the first time I've taken you out in a long time, Yoru," said Amu as she walked towards school. It was early and the streets were still quiet.

"I'm not even sure whether the school gates are opened yet," Amu said trying to remain as cheerful as possible.

Amu suddenly stopped.

"Look Yoru," she whispered, "The library's open. Let's take a look shall we?"

Amu pushed open the doors. The library was quiet, well of course it was quiet but quiet as in…almost empty quiet. The only person in sight was an old librarian stamping some books. She smiled when she spotted Amu. Amu smiled back and walked in between the towering bookcases.

There were many books in the library, some books date back hundreds of years ago. Amu scanned the shelfs, in hope to spot something interesting. Suddenly a book with a wing crest on its spine caught her eye.

"Could this be…?" Amu whispered.

She pulled the book out of the shelf and flipped through the pages.

"It is!" she softly exclaimed, "This is the Tsubasa legend!"

While Amu was busy analysing the book, she didn't notice that a large book had come loose and was dangerously leaning forward above Amu.

"The princess of the Kingdom sealed the Tsubasas by separating them and transforming them into two objects," Amu read out loud.

Yoru's eyes glimmered. Suddenly gravity pulled the book off the shelf and it fell towards Amu.

BAM!

Amu gasped. The book had landed on…Yoru.

"Goodness!" she cried. Amu crouched down and lifted the heavy book off Yoru.

"Are you alright Yoru?!" Amu brushed off the dust from the stuffed cat and, to her amazement, found its eyes were closed.

What..?

"Yoru," Amu called softly, "Yoru?" Yoru's sapphire eyes flickered open. Amu stared. The sapphire blue eyes blinked at her.

Yoru…is…alive?

Before Amu could ask any questions, there was a voice from behind her.

"Good morning Amu-chan."

Amu jumped and quickly spun around. She came face to face with Tadase.

"T-Tadase?! Good morning!" she stuttered.

Tadase's eyes fell onto Yoru, "What's this?" he said, referring to the stuffed cat.

"Oh, this is Yoru," Amu replied, holding out Yoru, "My mother made for me when I was just a baby."

Tadase chuckled, "That's cute."

"What are you doing here?" asked Amu, putting Yoru back in her bag. She'll have to question it later.

During classes, Amu couldn't help but give glances to her bag. She was sure she didn't imagine that her favourite stuffed toy had blinked at her. It seems like hours before the bell rang.

Ding-dong! Ding-dong!

"Amu-chan!" called Tadase, "Where are you going?"

Amu came to a halt; her bag was in her arms.

"Oh…um… There's something I have to do!" she quickly replied, slowly edging away, "I'll join you and the others later, okay?"

Before Tadase could reply or ask any more questions, Amu had sped off.

"Okay. You better talk," said Amu.

She was in a cubicle in the girls' toilet. She had placed Yoru on the toilet (with the lid closed). Yoru said nothing and didn't move a muscle, if stuffed toys have muscles.

"You're going to fool me this time," continued Amu, "So give it up!"

Finally the sapphire blue eyes blinked and the stuffed cat gave a stretch. Amu watched in awe.

"So this is how your school looks like on the inside…and the toilets." Amu froze.

That voice…It can't be…

BAM!

Girls who were washing their hands looked puzzlingly at a certain cubicle. Yoru was clutching his head in his paws where Amu had boxed him.

"What the heck are you doing in my stuffed cat's body, Ikuto?!" hissed Amu.

Ikuto/Yoru rubbed his head, "It's a long…"

"Amu-chii! Are you here?" called a familiar voice.

Amu stiffened.

Yaya!

"Don't talk to me," whispered Ikuto/Yoru, "It'll be really strange hearing a male's voice in the girls' toilets."

Amu nodded and gently placed Ikuto/Yoru in her bag. Then she opened the cubicle door.

"There you are!" said Yaya, "We were wondering where you went. Come on!"

She grabbed Amu's arm and whisked her out of the toilets in a cloud of dust.

The cicadas' buzz filled the air. The friends were sitting under the shade of the wide tree. Nagihiko had taken the time to make lemonade for the group, which made Yaya rejoiced. Amu sat down and took out her 'stuffed cat' to give him some air.

"Hey! Nice toy, Amu-chii!" pointed Yaya, "I love its key too!"

Tadase eyes fell onto the glistening key and they widened.

That key!

"It almost looks like Amu-chii's lock!" finished Yaya then taking a bite of her onigiri. (T/N: Onigiri is the Japanese rice ball) Amu had completely forgotten about the unique lock.

A lock...and a key...positive...negative...

It came crushing down onto her.

Could it be...?!

Amu glanced at the stuffed toy. She could feel its eyes were on her too.

"How's your brother, Amu-chan?" asked Tadase.

She stiffened. Ikuto turned his head slightly. Amu's face had gone all pale and still.

"He...He left," she whispered.

The friends stopped eating. They were well aware that Shigeru was Amu's only family member.

"Why?" asked Kukai.

"He...had a task...assigned by the Princess herself," Amu replied.

The friends gazed at her with worried expression.

"But I'll be alright!" said Amu with a bright smile, "He's only going to be away for ten days so I'll be fine!"

"If you say so," said Tadase. Amu laughed, "I'll be fine! Really!"

She continued to laugh.

Ikuto watched her.

There's something about that smile…

"See you tomorrow!" Amu called cheerfully as she waved to her friends. She walked towards her house.

"Hey Ikuto," she whispered.

The stuffed toy's ears twitched, "What?"

A blush appeared on Amu's cheeks, "This morning…when I was changing…you didn't…"

Ikuto cut her off, "No. I did not."

She let out a sigh of relief. They walked in silence until they reached the front door of her house. A wave of sadness washed over Amu.

He's definitely not home.

She took a deep breath, unlocked the door and opened it. The silence was even more dreadful.

Amu pulled on a smile, "Well! It's good to be home~!"

"Lair."

Ikuto's voice was blunt. Amu looked down at her bag. Ikuto looked up. Their eyes fixed.

"You smile when you're lonely. You laugh when you're actually crying. Why?"

Amu's lips pressed together and her fist clenched together.

"It's true," she rasped, "I hide my sadness from my friends."

Ikuto leapt out of her bag and sat in front of her.

"I...I just don't want to burden them with my problems," Amu wiped the falling tears.

Ikuto stared. Memories came back to him.

Are you alright?

...I'm fine.

Amu fell to her knees and sobbed.

For some reason, the sight of her crying stabbed Ikuto's heart.

"All your feelings; both joy and happiness, falls into a glass jar."

Amu stopped crying and looked at the stuffed cat.

Ikuto continued, "But if too many feelings are bottled up, the jar can crack. So open its lid to someone else. This will prevent it from cracking."

She stared at him. What Ikuto had just said was true. Suddenly Amu launched herself forward and embraced the stuffed toy. Ikuto turned to her, shocked.

"Thank you," she sniffed, "Thank you."

Mia was balancing a scale on her hand. Its gold chains dangled from the sides of her hands. One end had a pearl wing while the other side had an ebony wing. Her bright green eyes were fixed on the scale.

"Your Highness?"

Mia looked up.

Amethyst was standing before her, "I've delivered the summon. He's on his way now."

Mia smiled, "Thank you, Amethyst."

Then the ebony wing glowed. It slowly moved closer to the white wing.

Mia's smile immediately dropped, "Amethyst?" she spoke.

The indigo bird looked up, "Yes?"

"Can you do one more favour?" asked Mia, "Send spies to keep an eye on Tuskiyomi Ikuto."

Amethyst bowed.

"Of course, Your Highness," she chirped.

SPLASH!

Amu sighed as she hugged her legs. She was in the bath tub. Amu scooped some bubbles in her hand and blew. The bubbles took flight.

"Ikuto?" she called, "May I ask; why and how did you become Yoru, my stuffed cat?"

Ikuto was sitting outside the bathroom door (of course it's closed).

"Well," he began, "I got a witch called Kaneko angry, by accident. So she turned me into a stuffed cat."

Amu leaned back against the tub.

"Really? Out of all the objects, why did she turn you into my stuffed cat?" Amu continued to ask.

"Who knows?" shrugged Ikuto. But really he did.

Flashback

"Why the heck did you turn me into a stuffed cat?!" yelled Ikuto.

Kaneko laughed, "The cool and mighty Ikuto is now a stuffed toy~!"

Ikuto growled, "Seriously!"

Kaneko wiped her eyes, "Ok, ok," she replied, "The reason why? I just want to see how you look like all cute and fuzzy!"

She burst into pearls of laughter again. Anger marks covered Ikuto's head. He must admit. It's rare to see the all mature and serious Kaneko bursting into laughter.

"The truth please," he demanded.

Finally Kaneko calmed down.

"You're losing and lot blood, right?"

Ikuto said nothing.

"Also HE is looking for you right?"

Ikuto sighed, "...Yes."

Kaneko expression turned back to serious, "So he proceeded to the next stage," she pondered out loud, "So, since he's looking for you, he wouldn't expect you're a stuffed toy!"

The laughter came back again and a very annoyed Ikuto left.

End of flashback

"Ikuto?" called Amu, "Are you alright?"

"...Yes," he replied, "But, please, promise me that you won't tease me that I'm a stuffed toy, okay?"

"Huh? ...Okay."

"Sorry about this," said Amu as she tucked the covers under her chin. Ikuto was curled up next to her pillow.

"It's fine," he replied.

"It's just that I usually sleep with Yoru beside me," Amu continued, "Do you mind me calling you Yoru when I'm with my friends?"

"Nope," Ikuto replied, closing his eyes.

Amu stared at the ceiling for a while.

Dear Onii-chan, I hope you're alright.

There was silence.

"Ikuto? Are you still awake?" asked Amu.

Ikuto opened one sapphire eye, "I am now," he murmured.

"That key around your neck, is it...the Negative Wing?" Amu asked. There was a pause.

"What do you think it is?" he asked.

"I think it is the Negative Wing," she replied, "Because its design is the same as my lock."

Thanks to the pale moonlight that is streaming through her window, Amu saw Ikuto smiled.

"Well, you're smarter than you look," he smirked at her.

Amu ignored the insult and continued, "Does that mean...we're...like...partners who help each other?"

Ikuto thought for a moment.

No, I shouldn't say it.

"You can say that," he shrugged.

Amu smiled and closed her eyes. "Thanks for answering my questions and for this afternoon." Ikuto lay his head down on the mattress.

"Hey Ikuto," Amu spoke again.

"Hm?"

"You'll...you'll keep me company and... Watch over me right?"

"Of course," he whispered, "I am your guardian after all."

Amu pulled her covers to hide her smile. A light dust of pink was on her cheeks.

"Thank you. Good night."

"Any success?" asked the figure.

The guard kneeled before him. "N-No sir," he trembled, "We even questioned his sister but still no luck."

A scowl came over the figure's face.

"Get out of here you useless fool!" he yelled, "Before I kill you!"

The guard quickly scrambled to his feet and raced for the door. But the poor fellow was too slow. With a flick of his wrist, the figure sent a dagger flying through the air and it landed smack on the guard's back. The guard fell onto the ground, dead. Ryuu and Kitsune watch from the shadows of the draping curtains.

"When you want something done right, you have to do it yourself," growled the figure.

His cold eyes narrowed, "Tsukiyomi Ikuto, you can run but you can't hide, no matter what."

To be continued...

Scary, the figure is out to get Ikuto! Just who the heck is the figure? Why am I asking questions that I know the answer to? Who knows! Me! Question for chapter: Can ANYONE imagine Ikuto as a cute and cuddly stuffed cat? R&R!