A/n- This one covers a large chunk of time. I didn't really want to spit it up since it's all within one 'chapter' of Kai and Nya's life. It also (sorta) sets up the last chapter of the arc. Kai is 11 and Nya 8 at the beginning of the chapter
Nya huddled against Kai under their shared blanket. The October air cast a chill over the city that their threadbare clothes couldn't handle, even when buffered by the little shack the siblings had claimed as home. They'd managed to make it the last three months and were learning the ropes of city street living. Most importantly they'd found the best areas to scrounge for food, though what they did find didn't always keep them from going to bed hungry.
Privately Kai wasn't sure if they'd be able to continue once winter set in. While the winters were on the moderate side in this part of the country, the night temperatures could drop below freezing. Still neither sibling would trade it if it meant staying together.
Nya's weight pressed more fully into Kai and her breathing deepened. Gently Kai folded his section of their blanket over her before leaning his head back against the wall, doing his best to keep from disturbing her. She hadn't been sleeping well lately and she was noticeably thinner than when they'd left the orphanage. Kai shot a glance at their pillowcase serving as a food bag. Two little lumps, a half sleeve of crackers and a hunk of bread, was all that was left for tomorrow's meals. Not really enough to cut it.
But there wasn't really anything he could do about it at the moment. They'd made it this far they could continue to make it. For now. Kai just wasn't sure if this was the life he wanted for Nya, for the both of them. It was hard though to think about the future when day to day survival demanded the bulk of his attention. He would eventually have to figure something else out. 'But not tonight... not... tonight.' Kai's thoughts trailed off as slipped into an uneasy slumber.
A skittering noise jerked him awake. Kai sat up, looking around frantically. It was still dark but as his eyes adjusted he could make out the interior. Nothing appeared disturbed. That didn't mean someone or something wasn't outside though. As quietly as he could, Kai rose from his place on the floor. Nya stirred at the sudden loss of body heat, but rolled over without waking.
The door was still locked from the inside. There weren't any windows, but the rough wooden slats hadn't been attached securely together which allowed for glimpses outside. Frowning in concentration Kai watched for movement. Nothing. Cautiously Kai crept back to his spot by Nya, remaining on edge for a long time.
The next thing Kai knew sunlight was peeking through the walls. Sitting up Kai rubbed the sleep from his eyes. A swift glance around the room ensured nothing out of place. Nya stirred beside him.
"It's too early." She rolled the blanket over her head.
"Says you, not the sun." Kai stole the blanket back eliciting grumbles from his younger sister. "We've got stuff to do today."
Biting back a retort Nya rose to her feet. "Do we at least having anything to eat?"
Kai nodded, turning to their food bag, only to stop short upon seeing it. The bag was decidedly lumpier, for lack of a better term, than it had been yesterday. Hurriedly he opened it to see a package of hard cheese and jerky, two extra cans of beans along with a couple apples. Kai stared at them all in shock.
Seeing the look on his face Nya leaned over, "What is it?"
"I- uh..." Kai trailed off as Nya squealed.
"Apples! I haven't had one in so long. Thank you Kai."
"Sure, yeah." 'How the heck did these get here?' Confused, and slightly creeped out, as he was though Kai was thankful for the smile on Nya's face. It wasn't something he'd seen a lot recently. 'Thank you. Whoever you are.'
Three months later
Heads low, Kai and Nya walked through the streets after finishing a "supply run." It was slower than either preferred but they knew from experience that going faster would garner unwanted attention. As it was their bag and clothes drew some curious, and occasionally disgusted, looks.
Nya self consciously tugged at the collar of her jacket. It, along with the rest of their clothes, had been snagged from bags sitting outside a donation center after hours. They already had their share of wear, but an inevitable layer of dirt covered them. As much as Nya disliked that, it did add an extra layer of insulation to ward off the cool January temperatures. 'Beggars can't be choosers.' She thought grimly.
They passed an electronics store with several TVs in the window. An add for a local kindergarten played soundlessly on one of them. Nya stopped, watching the images of books, binders and markers with interest.
Kai only went another two steps before realizing she wasn't by his side. "Nya?" He turned to see her staring longingly at the tv. The commercial elicited a grimace from Kai. "It's getting late. We need to get back."
Nya dragged her eyes to Kai. "Okay."
With obvious reluctance she matched her pace with Kai's. He stayed quiet, unsure what exactly the commercial was making Nya think about. With six months of nearly exclusive company with his sister, Kai knew he had no chance to accurately guess what was going on inside her mind. If she wanted to, Nya would tell him when she was ready. This time it only took two blocks.
"Do- do you think we could go back to school?"
That brought Kai to a halt. "What?"
"School, you know, where you learn?"
Kai gripped his backpack straps, looking away from Nya's pleading eyes. "I don't know. Probably not." He muttered the last bit. She still heard him.
"But why not? I liked school." Nya tugged at Kai's wrist.
"Yeah, 'cause you were good at it." Kai couldn't stop the bitterness in his voice. That had been another point the staff at the orphanage loved to bring up when comparing the siblings. Suffice it to say school had not been his strong suit.
"So?"
Kai resumed walking. "We already learned reading, writing and numbers. What else is there?"
"I don't know! That's why I want to go." Nya threw her hands in the air. "Mr. Tanam said education would take us farther in life if we worked hard at it."
Kai flinched at the name, memories of his and Matron's conversation that last night echoing mockingly in his mind. "No." It came out harsher than he intended but Kai kept going. "The only way we can go back to school is if they put us back in the system. If that happens then you and I will get split up right away."
"You don't know that!"
"Yes, I do!" Kai yelled.
Nya stepped back and narrowed her eyes. "Maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing." She turned from him and ran in the direction of their shelter.
Kai felt like he'd been sucker punched. She didn't mean that. She couldn't. He wanted to scream but there were people around. Biting back that impulse Kai took off his backpack and threw it at the ground. Heedless of the food it carried, Kai kicked it as hard as he could. It soared down the sidewalk, hitting the side of a building and flopping just out of sight down an alley.
Breathing heavily Kai realized damaging his bag, and the food inside, was probably not the best way to vent his anger. Kai rounded the corner and picked it up. It was a little dirty, but not too worse for wear. Turning on his heel he made to leave when a rattling came from some nearby trash cans. Instantly on high alert Kai spun around, but no one was there. 'I'm just imagining things. Too much time on the streets.' Shaking his head Kai pushed by the cans when something shiny in one of the partially covered bins caught his eye.
'I need to get back to Nya...' But his curiosity won out. Opening it Kai found 2nd and 4th grade primers of math and reading, still in their wrappings. Kai stumbled back, fear and confusion warring within him. 'How-what? That can't be a coincidence!' This was too weird. Looking around Kai noticed there was a curious absence of people compared to the numbers that had been walking the street only moments ago.
Gently picking them up Kai slid the books in his bag- after making sure none of the food parcels burst. At least now he had something he could take to Nya. 'Oh man, Nya!' Kai took off toward the shack, chest tightening the closer he got. Would Nya be there? Would she let him talk to her?
With no small amount of trepidation Kai scrambled in. Nya was sitting against the wall, arms wrapped around her knees."Nya?" Kai asked hesitantly. Her head jerked up and Kai could see that her eyes were red. "I-"
"I'm sorry." She cut him off. "I didn't mean it. I do want to be with you." Jumping up she ran and clung to him.
Relief flooded Kai. "It's okay." He wrapped his arms around her.
"I didn't know if you would come back after what I said." Nya's whisper was so quiet Kai almost missed it.
"I'm your brother remember, you're stuck with me."
Several quiet seconds passed before Kai remembered what he'd brought home. "I have a surprise."
Gently peeling Nya off him he pulled open his bag. "As I was coming home these were in a trash can." He handed her the books.
Nya looked at them dumbfounded. "Those are strangely specific to throw away."
"That's kinda what I thought." Kai rubbed his forehead.
This wasn't the first time something like that had happened, some mysterious guardian seemed to want to help them. Or they just had some crazy luck. Kai was more inclined toward the former.
"We can start here. Then figure out what's next later on."
Nya toyed with the zipper of her jacket. "I've actually been thinking about that. Before today. Going to school would be cool, but that'd probably only happen if we were back in the system. Like you said." She paused before looking up at Kai. "When we go out for stuff I've been looking at the library. Kids go in by themselves all the time. We can find books and read there. And a lot of the trashes around here have tossed out pens and half used notebooks we could use to copy things down since we don't have a card."
"You've thought a lot about this haven't you?"
Nya gave a sheepish smile. "Maybe."
"I don't know. We'd have to be super careful on timing. And about how we look. Our clothes are kinda sketchy..." Kai frowned but Nya's pleading eyes wouldn't let up. "No promises, but maybe- maybe- we can look into it." The way her face lit up Kai knew he was screwed. One way or another they'd be at the library soon.
Three days and two scrubbed outfits later, he was right.
8 months later
Kai woke up feeling miserable. His head was pounding and he felt too warm. As he tried to sit up a wave of dizziness rolled over him. Giving up, Kai carefully lowered himself back to the floor. He slowly turned to look toward Nya's bed, but it was empty. 'Where is she?' He sluggishly wondered. A sudden spike of nausea hijacked his thoughts. 'Oh, no.' Dizzy or not Kai needed to move.
Forcing himself to his (unsteady) feet, Kai struggled to control the bile rising in his throat. He was barely able to make it out the door before the contents of his stomach came up. And up, and up until Kai was dry heaving on the gravel.
When his diaphragm finally lay still Kai leaned heavily against the wall. 'This isn't good.' That was the last coherent thought Kai had before stumbling back to his blankets, passing out before he made it all the way down...
A voice hovered over him. Sweet, gentle, but very worried. At least that's what the tone sounded like. Kai couldn't make out the words. He tried to open his eyelids but they felt as heavy as lead. Exhaustion washed over him and Kai was pulled back under...
Something cold and wet trickled into his mouth. Kai reflexively swallowed, the liquid soothing his dry throat. Too soon it was gone.
"I'm glad you're drinking, you didn't take anything yesterday." The words sounded far away, like they were being spoken underwater. "Please Kai you have to wake up!"
Wetness touched him again, but this time it was on his hand. He forced his eyes open a crack to see a black haired girl at his side. In his half-lucid state it almost looked like, "Mom?" he slurred.
The girl looked up. "Kai! No it's me Nya. You have to stay with me, please!"
But Kai had already fallen back into his fevered dreams...
Soft humming worked its way into his senses. It was horribly off key, but still peaceful, drawing him back. Kai worked to open his eyes, and this time they responded, albeit slowly. The room was blurry but he could make out Nya in their designated kitchen area heating a bowl over the fire.
"Ny-ya." It was quiet and raspy but a word nonetheless.
Nya jolted as if she'd been shocked. Whipping around she ran to Kai's side.
"Kai, you-you're actually awake!" Tears trickled down her face.
"Wha- what happened?"
"You've been sick. You had me so worried!"
"How long...?"
"Three days."
Kai's head spun. "Whoa."
Nya sat down next to Kai. Kai moved his blanket away and tried to pull himself up. As he did a damp rag he hadn't noticed fell from his forehead.
"I don't think it's wise for you to be moving just yet." Nya applied gentle pressure to Kai's shoulder.
Small as it was Kai didn't have the strength to push through. He flopped back down, too tired to try and argue. He looked down, realizing for the first time he was wearing different clothes than what he remembered going to bed in.
"What...?" He gestured vaguely toward his shirt.
Nya flushed bright red. She hastily walked back over to the soup, her back to Kai. "Uh, yeah. You, uh, needed... new ones. A few times."
Kai felt heat rise in his face. "Oh."
"Yeah, well. Let's forget about it. Please." Grabbing the bowl she put some liquid on a spoon and held it out to Kai.
Kai was more than happy to let it slide. "Thanks. For helping me."
"What are sisters for?" Nya sucked in a deep breath, but was silent as she fed Kai the rest of the bowl. When he finished she set the dishes down, pushing the spoon around the empty bowl. "You were super hot and not really with it. I couldn't get much water or broth in you. At-at one point you thought- you thought I was mom. That scared me more than anything because I was afraid you were... dying."
Kai closed his eyes. "I think... I kinda remember that. You looked so much like her that I really thought you were her."
"I-I was really worried. You kept giving me hope you were coming out of it, only to go unconscious again. If-If you hadn't gotten better soon, like tomorrow, I was going to- going to call an ambulance."
She picked up the rag and a nearby water bottle, turning so Kai couldn't see her face clearly. The shaking of her shoulders spoke volumes. Kai propped himself on his elbows, as far as he could manage in his current state.
"Hey," Nya's hands froze but she didn't look back at him, "I know this must have been scary for you to handle alone. Then having to decide whether or not to go for help and risk exposing us to the police. But thanks for not giving up on me."
Nya set the objects down before abruptly throwing herself at Kai's chest. He collapsed with a huff but didn't say anything, clinging to her as much as she was to him. After only a minute or two Kai's vision started to waver.
"I love you but I gotta sleep. My body is still out of it."
Nya sniffed and nodded. "I'm sure. It-it's just good to have you back." She went to take care of the dishes but stopped. "Oh, and Happy Birthday."
That took him by surprise. Even before he'd gotten sick he hadn't remembered it was coming up. He was 12 now. 'That's weird.' This wasn't really how he wanted to spend his birthday, but that was okay. His new year started with a reminder that Nya had his back, and that was the best gift he could get.
1 year and 9 months later
The setting sun had already descended behind the skyscrapers, bathing sparsely lit streets in shadows. Kai turned down an alley a couple miles from the shack. Nya had gone to the library, again. She'd been spending a lot of time there, more than Kai cared for, so he had opted for a supply run. It had been a successful one too. Kai had some food cans in a bag and a bonus- a fairly intact blanket. The weight wouldn't be needed yet in the June heat, but their dirt floor could always use more cushioning.
A shrill scream came from nearby startling Kai. Not just any scream, that was Nya's voice. The items in Kai's hands went flying as he took off in her direction. 'Stupid, stupid. Why did I let her out of my sight!?' He rounded a corner to see two black-clothed men holding Nya by her arms.
She thrashed about, but her slight frame was dwarfed by the two thugs. She screamed again and the men jerked her forward, hard.
"Quiet!" One of them, a towering brute with blonde shaved hair, lifted his fist but Kai was already barreling their way.
"Let her go!" Kai launched himself at the man.
The assailant grunted in surprise and stumbled back, but he kept his grip on Nya's arm. Kai's scrawny body apparently more of a nuisance than an actual problem. The man aimed a vicious kick at his stomach, sending him sprawling.
"Kai!" Nya's efforts redoubled in an attempt to reach her winded brother. Focused as she was she missed the look shared between her captors.
The dark-haired man, who hadn't been about to hit Nya, abruptly let her go and charged toward the dazed Kai. The other man pulled Nya toward himself. He wrapped his arms around her torso, picked her up and took off running.
Kai looked up just in time to see the man bending over him. He rolled quickly to the side, then pushed himself to his feet. The thug lunged at him but Kai dodged to the right. Spinning quickly Kai aimed a kick to the man's knee. There was a crunching noise and he howled in pain. Ignoring him Kai looked for Nya.
The blonde thug was dragging her down the street where a black car idled. Nya screamed again and threw her head back, hitting his chin. The man grunted in pain. Warm liquid dripped into her hair but she ignored it. Repeating the action this time the man lost his grip on her and she fell to the ground.
Kai sprinted toward them and jumped on the man's back. He growled and twisted around to reach him, barely missing Nya who crawled out of his way.
"Leave. Her. Alone!" Kai snarled hitting him as hard as he could on the head and shoulders.
Angry now the man managed to get a grip on Kai's shirt and yanked. There was a ripping sound and Kai felt cool air on his back.
"Get off him!" The man had momentarily forgotten Nya, but accompanying her words was a brutal kick to a very tender area. He dropped like a stone.
Kai, not wasting a moment, jumped off his back before the thug hit the pavement. Running to Nya he grabbed her hand and yanked her down the road. There were precious few seconds before the sounds of pursuit followed the siblings. It was hard to tell if both or only one man was coming after them, but it didn't really matter. They were still being hunted. Despite the men (or man's?) size and probable speed, Kai and Nya had the advantage of home- or at least familiar- turf.
Two roads over an abandoned apartment building sat empty. Kai leapt on a discarded trash can, his hand latching on the fire escape. It shrieked loudly, but jerked down with Kai's weight.
"Come on!" The sibling scrambled up the ladder.
Kai pulled it up behind him, quickly locking it back in the upright position. Running down the hall Kai led Nya to a room closer to the road. Crouched beneath a window, the realization of what was going on started settling in. People, definitely not the authorities, were after them. Grunting filtered through the broken glass. Nya let out a small gasp. Kai lurched over and put a hand over her mouth. Stillness descended.
Holding his breath Kai slowly raised his head to the windowsill and looked down. The blonde man Nya decked stood directly below them. Kai jerked back down.
"We need those brats!" A deep voice growled.
"You're the one who let the boy get the drop on you." Apparently the second man wasn't as injured as Kai had hoped.
A sound Kai could only describe as a hostile grunt emanated from the man. "They can't have gotten far. You know the boss needs them in particular."
Well that didn't sound good.
"Let's move."
"Easy for you to say."
So Kai had done some damage. He peeked out again to see the men stalking away from them down the road. Adrenaline sharpening his vision, Kai noticed a tattoo on the back of both their necks. An ugly orange snake bursting out of an egg. At that moment the dark haired man glanced backward. Their eyes locked and the world froze for a moment.
"There they are!" His shout broke the spell.
Nya shook as Kai dragged her out of the room. The side exit was the closest, and probably the one the men would take. That left the front door. 'Come on, come on.' The street was mercifully empty but the sound of someone running approached from around the corner.
"Targets spotted."
'No!' Kai turned down an alley, fear overriding logic. The side road was a dead end with only a dumpster against the wall. Kai couldn't think. There was nowhere to go, they were boxed in. Kai shoved Nya behind the dumpster and squeezed in behind her. Closing his eyes and tightening his arms around Nya, Kai waited for the thugs to grab them.
A loud crash rang through the street followed by two startled, wordless exclamations. Wacking sounds followed and a gold sheen glowed faintly off the buildings. Just as suddenly everything went quiet.
Kai scrambled off Nya and the two looked at each other wide eyed. What the heck just happened? Cautiously peeking around the dumpster the sibling saw their pursuers out cold. The alley was eerily silent.
Not wasting time on trying to figure it out Kai turned to Nya. "Hurry, before they wake up."
Nya needed no encouragement. Together they sprinted down the street, not aiming for any particular place, just away. Several minutes and streets later a construction site housing several large concrete cylinders appeared in the twilight. At the end of their strength, they ran into the yard and collapsed behind one twice the height of Nya.
"Wha-what was... that?" Nya asked through gasps. She shook violently and Kai wrapped his arms around her. But he didn't have an answer for her question.
Sure some people had chased them off their property, and the police had looked for them a couple times when someone called about street kids, but this was entirely new. They'd been targeted. Kai did not like it one bit.
There were occasional whispers of people who vanished off the streets. No one seemed to know where, but the guessing as to why made Kai sick to his stomach. Yet this didn't match any of those stories. Whoever these people were they'd known who Smiths were, not some kidnappers seizing an opportunity. This was something new entirely.
They sat quietly but on high alert as night deepened. Nothing moved. It was probably an hour past sunset when Kai finally allowed himself to relax. Nya felt the tension leave him and looked up.
"What are we gonna do?" Nya's voice was small in the open air.
Kai was quiet for a minute. "We can't stay here. There's no cover, but I don't know if they know where we're living. We can't risk going back right now."
"So, what then?"
"Let's double back to the library. One of the windows doesn't lock." Kai felt Nya's glare even in the dark.
"Hey I only enjoy reading so much. We can stay there for the night and slip out before dawn."
With no better plan Kai double checked the area for signs of movement. It was quiet.
"Back-roads only."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
It took twenty long minutes to get to the library. Every single noise set the both of them on edge. When the building finally came into sight it was all Kai could do to keep himself from running towards it. Making sure no one was around they slipped along the edge toward the back. Kai stopped at a window and popped off the screen. He wiggled the glass around for a few seconds until the sides gave with a small moan. Boosting Nya up Kai waited until she had crawled in to follow behind her. Once he scrambled in he closed the window behind them.
Breathing heavily the two made their way toward couches in the back that were provided for library patrons. They collapsed onto one, Nya staying as close to Kai as she possibly could.
"What if they come back?"
Kai had never heard Nya sound so afraid. He seriously wanted to punch the guys into next week for that.
"Don't worry I'll protect you." Hollow words, but Kai would do everything to stand by them.
Nya eventually drifted off, exhaustion taking its toll on her, but Kai didn't sleep a wink the rest of the night.
Undisclosed location:
A man in a well fitting suit stared into an aquarium, back turned to his underlings. The two hired muscle, both sporting an assortment of bruises and cuts, didn't need to see his face to know he was furious.
"I send you out for one, simple job and you can't even accomplish that! They're just two kids."
"With all due respect sir, we had them in our hands. Someone-something- got the drop on us while we were closing in."
"Hmmm, you didn't see what or who it was?"
"No sir." The thug with a broken nose crossed his arms. "And we weren't told they'd have protection when you hired us for this job."
"You were told to expect resistance."
"From kids! Not from some golden blur."
The boss abruptly spun around. "What did you say?"
"A golden blur-" He was cut off when the man inhaled sharply.
The two hired hands shared a look. In all their deals with this guy they'd never seen him lose his composure like that.
"You are dismissed."
"I'm sorry?" Hobbling forward a pace the dark haired man didn't look very threatening, but his fists still worked just fine if it came to it.
"If someone is watching out for those brats that same someone may be interested in finding them should they go missing. I do not want anyone getting close to the operation we have going down here."
He had a point, but it wasn't the first time the thugs had made someone disappear. Nonetheless they knew better than to ask any more questions.
"Whatever you say."
"And let me make myself clear; this conversation does not leave the room. No one, and I mean no one is to know about what happened today."
He glared hard at the two men. They nodded, knowing their bank accounts would reflect the promise.
"Dismissed."
They left without a backward glance. The boss turned back to the sphere inside the aquarium. "So you're keeping an eye on them are you?" The empty room made no reply but the man chuckled maniacally. "Fine, you can keep them. I've got the bigger prize and there's nothing you can do about it."
11 months later
Nya set down her book. The cover boasted some hot rod engine that Kai couldn't make sense of. "I want to work with mechanics."
Kai cocked an eyebrow. "Come again?"
"Engines make sense to me. I want to try working on them."
"You're 12." Kai drew the words out slowly. It was apparently the wrong thing to say.
Nya's face flushed red. "So? I've read a lot about them. I know working with the real thing will be different but I want to try." Nya's gaze turned distant. "I-I think I can do it. And I'm not just saying that." She glared at Kai. He held up his hands defensively, and she continued, "It seems to click for me. At the very least it might be helpful to start actually making money rather than "finding" things people have left behind."
"Hmmm." She made a very good point. Kai looked around the library, "Uh, okay, but where are you going to find tools?" Handheld tools, let alone functioning power tools, were not things to -if ever- cross their path while scrounging for supplies.
"I don't know, yet." Nya looked down at the book in her hands. "But I'll figure it out." She looked up at Kai and cocked an eyebrow. "Don't pretend I haven't seen you looking at metalworking books."
Kai's face flushed. "Yeah, so?"
"So I think you want to try and learn a skill too. One that, oh I don't know, runs in the family?"
"No comment." Kai shoved the book he was holding under a small pile that had accumulated at their table.
Nya's posture slumped slightly. "Well, if you do decide to try it, I think you'll be great." She gathered their scattered books and put them in the reshelf bin.
Kai honestly hadn't realized she noticed the books he'd been getting. He should have though, not much seemed to escape Nya's notice. Especially since the incident. Almost a year had passed but both Kai and Nya were still looking over their shoulders. Kai had relocated them to a shed closer to the north edge of town. Which, coincidentally, was close to a car cemetery. If Nya could find something to work with she'd have her choice of old junk for practice.
"Ready?"
Nya nodded and waved bye to the librarian who'd become familiar with the Smith kids over the past couple years. Though not to the point that she knew they were parentless and technically homeless. They walked in relative silence. They were almost back to their home base when Nya spoke up.
"I'm not pretending to myself it'll be easy, but I want to try. There's several garages around here that are across from some of our lookout posts. If nothing else I can watch what the workers do. They probably dump some old tools from time to time."
"Probably."
Nya shot a suspicious glance at Kai. Deciding he wasn't mocking her she continued, "I know we haven't come across any local blacksmiths but we could start searching for metal stuff for you to practice with."
Kai couldn't contain a snort. "It's not that easy."
"No but it's a start. And you'll have to practice if you want your own shop one day."
'Not sure if that'll happen, but...' "We'll see."
Nya paused at their door frame. "We've made it this far Kai. Some days I'm really not sure how, but we're doing ok. If we can make a start with these maybe we'll- we'll have a real place to call home one day."
Kai looked around the inside of their shed. It was big enough for them both to lay down with a couple extra feet to spare. Two sad looking crates held various possessions and their bed rolls were tucked snugly against the wall. Definitely a living space, not a home.
An ache rose in Kai's chest. What did their old home look like now? Was anyone living there? He shoved the feeling down. It didn't matter. Not yet.
1 year and 11 months later.
"Do you think we should do this?" Nya's voice held a tremor in it.
Kai glared at her over the bike box he was securing. "What kind of question is that?"
"It- it's just... it's been so long... We have a way of life figured out here." She subconsciously rubbed the handlebars of the motorbike they were loading.
"You were the one initially who wanted us to do something with our lives. You've been able to figure out your niche." Kai gestured to the bikes. They were visibly a patchwork creation, but were sleek in their own way. They'd been put together from a combination of pieces Nya's been able to find or buy after selling some electrical doodads she'd created. And Nya had fixed them so they could ride like nobody's business. She hadn't been wrong when she said mechanics clicked for her. "I still have to nail down mine."
Nya nodded, but still looked unsure. "What if- what if someone else is there?"
"That's what we have to check out."
Nya pursed her lips but didn't press the issue. She handed Kai a satchel of food which he secured to his bike. He didn't mean to be so terse, but his own emotions were playing pinball inside his head.
Today was the day they were finally going back. Kai wasn't sure he could call it home anymore. It had been more than nine and a half years after all. There was a possibility the house wasn't even standing, let alone empty, but it was time to take that chance.
In the last two years he'd learned everything he could about blacksmithing from books and the small computer Nya fashioned. There was only so much he could try in their isolated shed- a shed that was not remotely equipped to handle a fire large enough to temper iron. All the miniature practice may have built up his strength, but it didn't men he could create anything for real. Kai redoubled his efforts in tightening down their supplies. They'd cross that bridge when they came to it.
Strapping on the last box Kai stepped back to look at his work. Everything they owned fit in two backpacks and four bike boxes. Not much, but it was more than they started out with.
"Ready?"
In response Nya strapped on her helmet. "Let's just hope no police officer looks too closely. You might be 16, but I don't know if I can pass for it."
"We'll be careful." Nya cocked an eyebrow. "What? I'm always careful." At Nya's continued disapproving look he grinned sheepishly. "Okay I will be this time."
With that there was nothing left to say. Kai turned to the road. Taking a deep breath he popped up the kickstand and started the engine. Without a backward glance Kai and Nya headed out of the city.
It would take several hours to get back to Ignacia. Hours that provided too much time to think.
Kai would never admit it, but fear of what they might find plagued his mind. Would there be evidence that their parents returned after he and Nya were taken in by the authorities? Had someone else moved in? But as gnawing as a toothache was the question, what had happened to Ray and Maya? Sure it had been a constant source of internal anger/frustration/pain over the years, but returning back to where they had been a family forced him to face it head on. And that was one area of his mind that Kai was afraid to touch. Afraid the truth could be that their parents had willingly abandoned them...
A honk from behind him snapped his attention back to the road. He looked up to see he'd drifted across the median. Thankfully no vehicles were coming. Nya gunned her engine so they were parallel and motioned toward an approaching gas station. Shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts he gave Nya a thumbs up.
They pulled in and began to fill up their tanks. Nya kept her helmet on as she walked over to Kai. "You okay?"
"Hmmm?" Kai suddenly found the pump very interesting.
"Kai you were heading into the other lane. And you don't have a phone to blame it on."
Kai sighed. "I was just thinking and must have zoned out."
"Uh, huh. We can take a longer break if you need it."
"No I'm fine. I'll pay and let's head out. We're over halfway there and I think we can make it before nightfall."
Nya was quiet for a moment. "If you say so."
She headed back to her bike while Kai went in to pay. Nya knew Kai was struggling, but wasn't one to enjoy displaying his emotions in front of others. On the streets it pegged you as an easy target. 'I'm scared too but no matter what we find we'll make do, just like we have been.'
The remaining drive time passed uneventfully but apprehension grew in both of them as they neared the town limits. It didn't look very familiar to the siblings, having been so young when they left and now with so much time passing... it didn't feel like a homecoming. Their old house was on the outskirts of town. Kai kept to the outlying roads, not wanting to drive through the town itself just yet.
In the waning light Kai felt a foggy sense of deja vu as he looked around the countryside. They were getting close. The sun was falling rapidly now, they would only have a half hour or so of light left.
A few minutes later they bridged a small creek at the bottom of a hill. Nya shot a look in Kai's direction. She knew this place. Before they reached the top of the hill Kai pulled off to the side of the road and cut his engine. Nya followed, not quite sure what he was planning. She drew close noticing how he was breathing hard.
"Let's walk the rest of the way up." His voice was tight and lacking any of his usual bravado. "If there's- if there's people...there I'd rather they not know we're here."
Nya nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Any extra noise seemed like it would shatter the reality around her. They pulled their bikes well off the road and behind a small clump of trees. Kai hesitated only a moment before walking the rest of the way up the hill. Nya followed at a slower pace. This was her past, one she barely remembered.
Kai paused at the top, waiting for Nya to join him. Fighting the fear swelling within her Nya crested the top. A small, brown, two-story house sat quietly 100 yards below them. Nya took Kai's hand and squeezed it hard.
For a long minute the two stared at the structure. A relic from another life. Then with a gentle tug on Nya's hand, Kai started down the hill. He carefully scoped the area. The grass was long, not to the point that it looked like no one ever came by, but the driveway didn't look like anyone had gone up it in a while.
"I don't think anyone's home." Kai's voice was so soft Nya could hardly hear him. Treading carefully they approached the house. "I'm going to look inside."
Nya wasn't sure how great of an idea that was, but she didn't have a better one. Kai walked up to the closest window and peered inside. After only a couple seconds he let out a gasp and stumbled back a pace, his face as white as a sheet.
"Kai what is it?!"
"I- It- There-" Kai couldn't seem to find the words he wanted. He stopped and inhaled sharply through his nose. "It doesn't look any different."
"You mean no one's changed the furniture?" Nya leaned forward to look for herself.
"No, well yes, but I mean it looks like our stuff is still there."
As her eyes adjusted to the dim interior she saw what Kai meant. Vaguely familiar forms of a couch and chairs lined the living room, but several family photos lined the walls. Photos of the Smith's from ten years ago.
Nya leaned heavily against the wall. "I guess that answers the question if anyone moved in. But why leave it alone?"
Kai shook his head. "I don't know. Fear? Conspiracy? No one wanted it?" Kai drifted to the front door. Kneeling down he reached inside a small hole cut into the door jam. With trembling fingers he withdrew the contents. "The key is still here too."
"If someone else really did buy it they'd probably have changed the locks..." Nya's voice trailed off as Kai fit the key into the handle and turned.
A gentle click sounded. With wide eyes the siblings looked at each other. Then tentatively, as if it would slam back in his face, Kai pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"It's all still here." Nya gaped at the walls and furniture untouched beneath nine years of dust. "I'm not sure if I'm relieved or creeped out."
Kai nodded in agreement. "I didn't think..." He trailed off.
Nya ran a trembling hand along the wall. "It's like a ghost house. I barely remember what our life was like before... but being here brings back some memories."
Kai's eyes prickled but he chalked it up to the dust puffing up from their steps. "I'm going to go check the forge."
Nya was about to offer to come with him, but stopped at the look on his face. That was his and Ray's special place. She'd let him have a minute.
Kai stumbled out the door toward the forge. 'Will anything be left here?' Their house was one thing, but the tools in the forge were of much greater value. Kai paused at the door. 'I-I can't... I have to.' Taking a deep breath he entered the building.
He flicked on the light and looked around. The quiet space was just as Ray left it that day so many years ago, albeit dustier. Kai traced a finger along a half finished helmet. Ray's personal seal sat next to the cold forge. Apparently Ray hadn't had a chance to put it away. Falling heavily on his old stool Kai held the seal to his chest.
'What happened dad? Why did you and mom leave us?' Kai fought to breathe around the rising lump in his throat. Whatever happened, it seemed likely his parents hadn't returned since that day either. Ray was religious in the upkeep of his tools and would never have allowed the forge to stay in its current state. 'But what does that mean?' The worst part of that question was Kai didn't think he'd ever learn the answer.
Setting down the seal Kai walked slowly around the room, putting the discarded tools away. As he neared the forge he caught sight of Ray's tinder box sitting on its shelf within easy reach. Kai picked it up and sat back down, toying with it in his hands. During their times together Ray had taken the time to explain what his different tools or materials did. Though time had dimmed his memory he was certain he'd never seen Ray use the fire starting aid. The forge was always crackling when Kai entered.
He wasn't sure how long he sat there staring at it. His mind was concentrated on a decade in the past. A soft tap at the door made him jump. Turning Kai saw Nya standing in the darkened doorway with a concerned look on her face. He hadn't even noticed night's descent. No wonder she came to see if everything was okay. Kai watched as she looked around owlishly, having hardly ever come into the forge when she was younger. Once she finished Nya made her way over to Kai. She sat on a nearby table but didn't say anything.
Kai returned his attention to the tinder box before finally saying, "Everything was the same. They haven't been back. In fact I don't think anyone's been inside here since we left." A soft sigh passed Nya's lips. "Maybe- maybe then we can stay. I can try working at a real forge and we can have some stability for once. Dad's tools are here, and a lot of raw supplies... It doesn't look like anyone will care if we stay."
"If you think we can do it." Nya gave a small smirk, "It'll be nice to have a roof that doesn't leak."
Kai nodded in agreement. Weighing the box in his hand, Kai glanced from it to the cold forge. Acting on instinct he opened it and struck it over the fire. Sparks showered and quickly disappeared. Kai was about to strike again when a flame flickered into existence. Blowing gently at it Kai nurtured the flame until a small fire lit the room in a rosy glow. Kai settled back on the stool and together he and Nya watched the flames dance late into the night.