You guys can thank Leia de Flourite for explaining Kurogane's condition. I wouldn't even had this chapter half-done without her.

Kudos to her.

Sometimes, I really wonder where I get my ideas.

Knowing the difference

Dreams.

Dreams, wishes and magic.

Those were things that Kurogane knew and loved as a child.

He remembered the times that he would stay up late at night to make a wish on a single star. He also remembered seeing a magician performing tricks on his eighth birthday. Not to mention that when he was asleep, he would turn to some hero and save the world for a billionth time.

However, the cold reality settled in when he got older.

There was no such thing as magic.

Wishing was useless.

And dreams are just meaningless.

Kurogane knew that he would have to grow up and that's what he did. Because that is to be expected in the world he was living in.

So why does it feel like a terrible mistake now?

"Who is this guy?" Kurogane found himself asking.

Night turned into day as the gym teacher was in his office; staring at the recent text that he got. The dream he supposedly had was simple yet out of the pervious dreams that he had, it shook him to the core.

Despite his better judgment, he saved that text message that night before.

He almost hoped it didn't exist when morning came.

But there it was.

Staring at him in plain sight.

"Whoa, what's that?"

Kurogane jumped as there was someone leaning in way too close and looking at the text. He scowled as he snapped his cell phone shut. "Don't do that!" He yelled as he moved a bit away from the intruder. "You're almost as bad as that idiot blondie."

Fuuma smiled as he crossed his arms. "I see you're back to your grumpy self."

Narrowing his eyes, Kurogane put away his cell phone. "Yeah. What of it?"

Chuckling, Fuuma took a seat and sat in front of the gym teacher. "You really gave us quite a scare. Well….more so for others." He shrugged. "After all it's not every day that we hear of the great Kurogane-sensei fainting in a middle of a field."

Scowling deeply, Kurogane looked away. "I didn't faint." He responded. "I just...passed out." 'Though that damn text said otherwise.' Just a few hours ago, the gym teacher was bombarded by students and stuff; asking him if he was alright or asking if he needed help. Frankly all the attention he got from that point freaked him out a bit.

But he wasn't less grateful for it.

Not to mention the gifts that he got.

Kurogane glanced over at a table that was at the moment; occupied. Get-well cards, small stuffed animals, candy boxes; you name it. Even Yuuko-sensei gave him something which the gym teacher retaliated fearfully; thinking it was the end of the world. But what surprised him the most was Seishiro-sensei. He actually gave him something as well.

Though he can do without.

"I have no doubt about that." Fuuma smirked. "But still it was a bit scary." He frowned; all traces of humor gone from his face. "Are you sure you just passed out? I mean, it's great that you're up and about already but it doesn't change the fact on that."

Placing his chin on his hand, Kurogane sighed with thought. It was true that he was in pain before he blacked out and it was weird that it came out of nowhere when he's fit as a fiddle. But it wasn't like it'll happen again. He'll make sure of that. "As far as I'm concerned, it was just a fainting spell."

The gym teacher saw the look Fuuma was giving him and sighed. "Fine, if it'll get you and everyone off my back, I'll check with Seishiro later and prove to you that it was just a fainting spell, alright?"

"Okay." Fuuma drawled out. "I'm just concerned about your well-being just like everyone else." He then stood up. "It'd be a sad day in this academy without our beloved gym teacher."

"Yeah, yeah. Save me the dramatics." Kurogane rolled his eyes. "Is that all you came here for?"

"Well that and Yuuko-sensei wants to see you when you have time."

"Got it." Kurogane nodded.

Fuuma grinned as he reached the door. "Oh, before I forget. Watch your back from now on."

That sparked Kurogane's curiosity. "Why would I do that?"

The math teacher's grin turned as mischievous as his older brother's. "Let's just say credit is given when credit is due. And as a warning, Kamui has been reading dark crime novels. Have fun." And with that, Fuuma walked out of the room.

Kurogane sat there in shock.

…

"Hey! Wait a minute! I didn't even do anything!"

"Ah, Kurogane-sensei." Yuuko-sensei grinned. "So nice of you to visit."

"Fuuma told me you wanted to see me." Kurogane stated. "So make it quick, I'm due for an appointment with the creep later." The gym teacher sat in a flaky chair in front of the chairman's desk.

"Of course." Yuuko then clasped her hands. "I'm sure you already heard this from Yuui but you are aware about the events that had happened, right?"

"Yeah." Kurogane nodded. His frown deepened.

"So then you know." Yuuko-sensei's grin never let her face. "You may have some resentment towards me and you have every reason to but keep in mind that in a time of desperation, the parents should always what happens to the child."

"Not when the child's already out of the house and has a life!" Kurogane snapped. He then calmed down a bit. "While I appreciate the sentiment, it wasn't necessary. As you can see, I'm okay now."

"Yes, I have no doubt as much as anyone in this academy has seen especially a certain chemistry teacher." Yuuko-sensei raised her hand to keep the man from interrupting. "Nonetheless, the problem can't be ignored and what's done can't be undone. Plus, what I have heard you only called and e-mailed them. It should be nice to see them; okay or otherwise. I'm sure they would like to agree as well."

Sinking in the chair, the gym teacher sulked. "So that's it. My parents are coming." He rubbed his forehead in frustration. "God, my life sucks."

"Don't be like that." Yuuko chided. "Some people don't have the chance to see their mommies and daddies again. Though I can understand why you rather have them not visit under any circumstances."

"You do?" The gym teacher asked skeptically.

"Why yes." Yuuko's face had a teasing smile. "Little Kuro-Kuro doesn't want his parents to know he's still single~! Oh how tragic it must be for dear mommy and daddy when they find out that their son is still a bachelor. To think that he's done so much and still haven't gotten a pretty someone. How sad."

"….." Whatever control Kurogane had left was gone as he took the chair he was sitting on, went to the window, opened it, and promptly threw the chair out. He slammed the window close. "You are not calling my parents again! I don't care the circumstances, got it?" He didn't wait for an answer as he stomped out of the office.

Yuuko smiled softly. Kurogane was upset but she can plainly see that it was more embarrassment then actual anger. The proof was his red face. "So stingy."

[Later]

"Okay doc." Kurogane sighed as he put back on his shirt. "Got anything?"

Seishiro looked over the results in a folder. He keeps files on every student and staff; every medical history no matter how great or small. Added paperwork was the result of anything new happening to anyone. Kurogane was no exception. "Well, based on the data from when you were under and the recent data you have given I can only conclude that the condition is….idiopathic."

"Idio…what?"

"Idiopathic." Seishiro repeated. "What I can gather, what happened to you was spontaneous at best. At first glance, it seemed that you had some sort of heart attack; or at least that what your students said." He pushed up his glasses. "But you're a fit man with very few complications and no family medical history of serious diseases and such. You're in perfect health."

Though he wasn't the type of man to boast, Kurogane couldn't help but grin a bit at that.

"However, that leaves little answers and even more questions." Seishiro continued. "Kurogane you had fainted out of nowhere and almost got driven into a coma." Seishiro frowned. "Did something happen to you lately to can be a factor in this?"

Straightening his shirt, Kurogane thought a bit. "Well…no. I haven't done anything different. I just do what I do. Wake up, train, wash up, taking breakfast-"

"You train in the morning?" Seishiro calmly interrupted. "How early?"

"Just a bit after I wake up." Kurogane shrugged. "Which is about five or six in the morning, depending on the day."

"I see…." Seishiro muttered in thought. "Hmm…."

"What? What is it?" Kurogane asked. If Seishiro was thinking and being serious, it could be bad.

"Well….there's a theory. It's a long shot but…." The nurse took a seat in his custom chair. "Maybe the apparent-heart attack was caused by excessive exercise."

"Excessive?" Kurogane raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Seishiro smiled. "My theory is because of your training might have put your heart in some sort of risk. Add work, stress and emotional turmoil (yes, even I know you have issues with it comes to the emotional department) in the mix, and your heart's on override. Eventually it could give out and stop for a few seconds before it rebooted itself just a bit before it works properly again."

'That…makes sense.' Kurogane mused. 'Maybe I have been working too hard. I have been doing so much before but then again I was younger. Che, like I aged that much.' Leaning back, Kurogane sighed. "So you're saying I should back off from training."

"For the time being, yes." Seishiro nodded. "I suggest that you not only cut back on the training but to back off any activity that requires a lot of energy to do." He frowned. "That means no overworking or staying up late in the academy. Just do what is required of you and nothing more."

"Does that include me chasing a certain blonde idiot teacher?" Kurogane couldn't help but ask. Not that he cared about it but if he isn't allowed to do too much then certain things have to be known.

"As it actually pains me to say, since stress is a factor in my theory, you should avoid getting into conflict with Fai." Seishiro adjusted his shirt. "If he so much as taunts at you, count to ten and walk away. Though you can still hang around with him. Just try to prevent yourself from raising your blood pressure and go into repeat."

Letting the information sink in, Kurogane nodded. "Fine." He jumped off the examining table easily. "If that's all, I got brats to teach before the day's out."

"Of course. Oh and Kurogane." Seishiro called out after a moment.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sure you heard this from my dear little brother but do be careful when you see Kamui." Seishiro had a slightly mischievous smile on his face. "He's in a bad mood as of lately. So if you see him…try your best not to be brave and just run."

Kurogane raised an eyebrow. "Why are you two telling me this? I didn't do anything to the vamp-nerd."

"Oh…so it wasn't you who my dear Subaru came to for advice?" Seishiro asked with a surprised expression. "He told me that if it wasn't for you, he wouldn't have the courage to talk to me. Though if he waited a bit longer, I would have said something." He chuckled. "He's shy that Subaru."

"….." Kurogane stared at the nurse. That could explain why some of the vamp-nerd's students were pale with fright; even Fuuma's smile wasn't as cheerful after lunch. He then shook his head. "I didn't do anything." He repeated. "He wanted someone to talk to that wouldn't make fun of him or gossip."

"Oh I see." Seishiro nodded. "Regardless, I thank you."

"Yeah, yeah. I still think you're a creep though." Kurogane narrowed his eyes. "So if you do anything to that English teacher—"

"Rest assured, I wouldn't dream of harming him." Seishiro stated. "I may be a creep to you but I'm nowhere near an abuser. So calm down."

With skeptical eyes, Kurogane can only sigh. "Fine. See you." He opened the door and slammed it close. Ignoring the soft chuckle that came from the nurse's mouth, he stomped down the hall.

"You know brother, if you stare at him for too long; he'll know something's up."

Fai glanced over his shoulder to see Yuui with a plate of cookies at the doorway. He smiled sadly. "Of course he would, it's Kuro-sama-sensei after all."

Frowning, Yuui walked into the classroom and placed the cookies on the front desk. "Where are the other students? You normally teach at this time of day." He then walked to the window which his brother was leaning over.

"Study hall." Fai stated. "I figured they needed to study and keep up with their other classes. Plus, today's review day." He then turned his eyes back at Kurogane who was not only two floors down but also shouting at his students to run faster. "There's no need for them to be locked up in this room."

"Right." Yuui nodded; not believing him. "And what's your excuse?"

Shrugging, Fai sighed. "Just didn't feel like teaching today."

"Because of what happened to Kurogane-sensei, right?"

"…."

"Brother," Yuui placed a hand on the chemistry teacher's shoulder. "You know there wasn't anything you could have done. We were just as confused and scared as everyone else. Yes, it was very tragic but everything's fine now." He tried to comfort Fai over the situation. However he was slightly surprised to see Fai a bit angry.

"That's the thing." Fai seethed. "No one knew what to do. I didn't know what to do and I was the one who was informed later on. During that time I couldn't help but think 'Kuro-sama's hurt. Kuro-sama's hurt'. You saw him before; he was in bed and just barely holding on. And while I'm happy that he's better and all, the dread feeling isn't going away."

"Dread? What do you mean?" This was news to Yuui.

Fai groaned softly. "Lately I have this feeling like something bad was going to happen and before the incident; it was starting to weight me down." Fai's eyes flicker to a student before going back to Kurogane. "It wasn't until the mishap that it shook me to the core. I was scared Yuui. Scared that I would lose Kurogane for good. I thought…."

"Fai…" Yuui gently pulled the chemistry teacher away from the window for a bit as he stared into those identical eyes. "It's okay to worry. People worry all the time. But you have to realize that worrying a lot is not going to help anyone. Yes, what happened to Kurogane was frightening and yes, we all feared for the worse. However, we must move on and hope for the best no matter what." He then tilted his head towards the window. "Besides, Kurogane has enough to worry about. So why put more pressure on him?"

Fai's eyes went to the window and saw Kurogane ruffling Syaoran's hair. He slightly smiled at that. The kind side that not many people see. Defeated, Fai nodded. "You're right. Kuro-sama-sensei has a lot on his plate right now and I'm not helping. But I can't help it. I'm concerned for him."

"I know because of the reasons you don't want to voice out loud just yet." Yuui grinned. "But hey, that doesn't mean you can't hang with him. I bet he'll be glad to see that smile of yours…maybe annoying but glad."

"Yeah…yeah, you're right!" Fai then had a very bright smile on his face. "I should be making Kuro-puu-sensei as happy as humanly possible."

Yuui snorted. "Yeah, that will be a stretch." He then laughed as Fai shoved him playfully. "Hey, don't hate me because it's the truth."

Fai pouted then smiled. "You're such a meanie!" He shoved his brother once more.

Kurogane had to look up. There was a lot of noise coming from the building. His eyes caught sight of one of the windows on the upper floor and fought the urge to sigh. The Fluorite twins were obviously having a food fight if the flying cookies were any indication. Then without warning, one of the cookies was thrown out of the window.

Without much effort, Kurogane caught it and glanced at it. Turning around, he shyly bit into the cookie and made a sound of content. "Hm…not bad." He then heard giggling from above. Crap. He looked over his shoulder to see Fai waving at him and Yuui crossing his arms; both having a smile on their faces.

"I hope you like it~!" Fai shouted. "It was made with love~!"

"No, it wasn't." Yuui yelled. "Don't listen to my brother; he's just happy that you're up and about." He then grinned mischievously. "Plus it'd be a shame for brother if he doesn't get to see your fantastic physique—"

Kurogane watched as a red-face Fai tackled Yuui to the ground. With a faint blush, the gym teacher could shake his head. "Idiot blonde twins."

Snow.

There's snow around.

But why?

No…how?

How is that possible?

It's spring.

God, it's so cold.

I'm shivering.

Am I outside?

….

You're here.

Why are you here again?

And what are you wearing?

Wait….

What am I wearing?

Are we waiting for something?

We must be.

There are people around us.

And...children.

We're surrounded.

It's nighttime and it's snowing.

So why can't I move?

….

Something's coming; isn't it?

That's why you're nor talking.

That's why I can't open my mouth.

The water…

A river…

A castle…

It's breaking down.

But I hear nothing.

I see nothing.

No…

Wait…

The river…

Something's there.

I can feel it.

You can too.

Can't you?

With that smile.

That damn smile of yours.

Just what are you hiding-

"There."

What the—

Kurogane yelped as the back of his head hit the wall. He groaned as he sat up straight on his chair. "Damn it." He rubbed the sore spot as he winced in pain. He then jumped as he heard a ring. He then relaxed as he noticed that it was his cell phone on the desk. Rolling his eyes, he took the phone and opened it. "Yeah?"

"My, my. Aren't we cheerful today?"

"….Mother…?"

"Of course it is dear; who else would it be?"

"…." Kurogane wisely decided not to answer that. There were at least ten people who would call and make his day hell. Best not let mother know. "So…what's going on then?" He awkwardly started. "I trust everything's fine on your end."

"You're such a sweetheart." His mother giggled softly. "Always thinking of everyone before yourself. My knight in shining armor."

Kurogane blushed. "Mother…you promised me you wouldn't mention that nickname ever again." 'Years later and she still remembers that. And I already got enough grief from father.' When he was a kid, he sort of looked up to his mother like some sort of queen which was okay at the time. She was beautiful, just and kind. He wanted to protect her like the warrior he thought he was. Thus the eventual nickname that he both liked and hated.

"Oh, but it was a lovely nickname. I sure loved it and the neighbors loved it too. And that lovely little black-haired girl who you had a crush on-"

"Mother!"

"Of course. Still a very modest boy." His mother's voice held a smile. "But enough about me, I want to hear you and how you've been."

Leaning back on his chair, Kurogane frowned. "I've been…doing fine." He wasn't lying; he was doing fine. "Academy's as crazy as ever and…everything's great." If anyone knew Kurogane, he wasn't a person of conversation. Even on the phone he had little to say.

"I see." The tone from his mother's voice made Kurogane worry a bit. "So nothing exciting or interesting happened at the academy. Nothing at all."

"….Nothing worth talking about." Now Kurogane felt like his five year old self again; trying to beat around the bush when he knew mother had some knowledge about something; like knowing where the bruises were when he was rough-housing with other kids. She just had that kind of gift.

"I see…so Yuuko-san called us out of the blue for nothing." Her tone made it like a statement more than a question. Then there was a pause on the other end.

Kurogane gulped. "M-Mother? Are you there?" Even though he couldn't see his mother's face; he had a feeling that she had a firm but thoughtful look on her face. "Mother….?"

Then there was a sigh. "Kurogane….was it true? Were you hurt while working some time ago?" Her voice never wavered but there was a hint of worry.

"…..Yes." Kurogane sighed. "The chairman doesn't lie. I….I passed out and was resting in the infirmary." He didn't like making his mother upset but if there's one thing he had learned through his parents; lying doesn't help. It just delays the inevitable.

"Oh Kurogane…." Now her voice was filled with nothing but worry. "Oh my sweet child…"

It took a lot of control for the gym teacher not to bang his head on his desk. "Mother, it's okay now, I'm fine. In fact I've never been better." He knew it was futile; when mothers had heard that their children was hurt under any circumstances; it's almost impossible to change the subject.

"Darling, I have no doubt that you're better now, I can hear it. But it doesn't change the fact that you were hurt. When I heard the news about your well-being compromised, I had to calm your father down so he wouldn't hurt himself too." There was movement on the other end. "It's a good thing that we're coming to visit you; so we can get to see our little man. Well or not."

The gym teacher nodded though he knew she couldn't see it. "Yeah…I guess…it's fine." He held back a groan. "You know…you don't have to come visit me right away. There are better times to visit. Like in the summer; Christmas break…." 'Or never….' He added mentally.

His mother tsk-ed on the other end. "Nonsense, Kurogane. Any time is a good time to see you. If you're worried about where we're staying or how much money will be spent, don't fret. We got it covered. In fact, we're just packing up the car as we speak."

"….." Kurogane with all his stubbornness wanted to persuade his parents that visiting him would be…well not a bad idea but not a good one either. There were millions of reasons why he wanted to put off the visit as much as he can; one of them was the blonde idiot who will never live it down if he saw his parents.

But alas, his talent never was persuasion. Otherwise he wouldn't be a gym teacher.

"We'll be seeing you in just a few days. Before coming, we're going to visit the family grave to pay our respects to our relatives. I'm sure you have visited as well at some point."

"Of course I did." Kurogane took a few days off last month so he can go to the cemetery to clean the stone tomb and say a few prayers. He never told anyone; not even Yuuko or Fai that he went there. But if Yuuko of all people knew, she didn't pry too much into it. Guess even the chairman had limits. "I guess, I'll be seeing you then." Kurogane stated; finally defeated.

"Of course. I bet we'll have a great time; just the three of us. Oh! Maybe you can introduce us to that lovely blonde you keep talking about over the phone. I would love to meet him."

It didn't take a genius to know who she was referring to and thankfully Kurogane's a fairly intelligent man. "Mother I've told you this before; that blonde is not lovely. He's the most idiotic, simple-minded, giddy little….person I have ever met." He was very close to saying 'moron' but his mother has a thing of insulting someone like that.

"And yet he's all I ever hear from you. You never waste time talking about things that doesn't interest you and if there's anything that does, it would be that blonde….what was his name again?"

"Fai, mother. His name's Fai."

"Oh yes, that young man." His mother giggled. "Well whatever the case, I hope we get to see this person and see if he's fitting for you. After all, love knows no bounds."

That last sentence made Kurogane's brain shut down for a mere second before he found his voice. "Wait mother, what do you mean by that-"

"Oh dear, your father's calling me. I think it's time to go." His mother said hastily. "Guess I have to cut this call short."

"Mother—"

"Well I'll let you know when we're near, okay? Try to take better care of yourself until then."

"Hold on a sec—"

"Love you sweetie." Then that was that.

Kurogane stared at his phone like it grew another head. Was his mother that cunning as the Chairman. Considering how he had seen women and how they 'work', he wouldn't put it past her. However, what did love had to do with anything? Sure he talked about Fai (or rather complained about him) every time he was in touch with his parents but that really doesn't mean he liked the blonde; more so then a friend….

…right?

A knock on the door snapped Kurogane out of his personal zone as he grunted. "Come in."

"Kurogane-sensei?" Watanuki's head popped in around the doorway. "Are you busy?"

"Nope." Kurogane replied. "What do you want?"

Watanuki stepped in and had his hands behind his back. "I-I wanted to give you something. You know…to cheer you up since the…that incident."

The gym teacher took a good look at the student and his eyes soften in sympathy. The poor boy was shaking a bit and his eyes were a bit teary. Now that he thought about it, he didn't see the boy at all today. Maybe he was taking a breather from the whole situation. Why was that, he didn't know. "Spit it out already. I don't bite."

Nodding, Watanuki showed the gym teacher what was behind his back. "For you." In his hands was a picture frame; simple yet stylish along with a small bag of chocolates; possibly dark chocolate. "I know you hate sweets but I didn't know what else to give you."

"That's fine." Kurogane went up to Watanuki and ruffled his hair. "Thanks for the gift. You didn't have to but I appreciate it."

Finding himself smiling, Watanuki gave the man the gift. "No problem. Well I should be off; the jerk and Himawari are waiting."

Kurogane nodded. "Don't worry too much. Life's crappy but we make it through okay."

Watanuki stopped as his hand was on the doorway before nodded at the man and leaving the room.

Placing the gift on the desk, Kurogane then planted himself back in his chair with a heavy sigh. It may be just a little while since he was close to normal again but he can tell that it shook the whole school. Fuuma knew it, Yuuko knew, hell even he had an idea that Fai knew. But crazy stuff had happened to the academy now and again.

But he also knew that it wasn't often that anyone would pass out of the blue and then just be fine again.

Rubbing his forehead, he wondered if he was just cursed with bad luck or his fate was that cruel. Feeling a bit bored, Kurogane's eyes wondered to the gift…only to sit up straight when something was different. On top of the small bag was a thin envelope. It was cream-colored and it seemed a bit worn out. Picking it up, the gym teacher saw just two words on the front.

To Kurogane

Scoffing, Kurogane tossed the envelope on the desk carelessly. He didn't see it on Watanuki when he came. He could be dreaming again; but that would mean the phone call was fake too and that was real enough.

Maybe it was a dream inside of a dream.

"That's it." Kurogane shook his head. "No more watching that damn Inception movie. It fucks my mind as it is."

"Thanks for dinner. It was good."

Yuui smiled as he leaned on the doorway. "Think nothing of it. I just made too much again and you looked like you needed the meal." He then looked behind him where there was a couch and a bit of blonde hair was sticking out from the end. "But I think brother enjoyed the fact that you came. He seems happy."

Kurogane huffed angrily. "Of course the moron was happy; that meant he can annoy me longer today. Honestly; how many arms does your twin have?"

"Sometimes I ask myself the same question." Yuui chuckled. "But all funny stuff aside, I'm glad he was doing better. You know the whole…that." He decided to word it as short as possible.

"I know." Kurogane rolled his eyes; his hands full because of Watanuki's gift. "The creep was just as confused as the rest of us. Apparently, I'm special."

"I wouldn't use that word in this kind of situation." Yuui pointed out. "I mean…you were almost in a coma and all. Plus what you told me, it could happen again if you're not careful."

"I'm not an idiot." Kurogane argued. "I'm trying to follow that creep's advice and tone it down for a bit. No early morning training, no overtime and definitely not taking the bait for your brother's antics. And believe me, just thinking about it is stressful enough."

Yuui nodded. "Well then, since the three of us are on the same page, how did it go with your parents situation?"

"They're coming in a few days." Kurogane groaned. "So I was wondering if you can keep the moron away from my house during that time."

"Why?"

"…." Kurogane didn't want to say that his parents see Fai was a potential boyfriend for him. Yuui was a nice guy to be around but like Fai, he was very protective about his sibling. He assumed that the cooking teacher might not be too keen on the two of them hooking up. It could it a bit awkward. "Uh…you know….parents being parents and junk."

"Oh I see." Yuui smiled. "Well, I'll try my best but I can't make promises. Brother's very sneaky and can get out of my sight before anyone realizes it."

"Well, that's better than nothing." Kurogane decided that some plan was still good. "I'm off then. Tell the moron that I said goodnight."

"Will do." Yuui watched as Kurogane went down the steps and walked down the sidewalk. He waved at the gym teacher with a polite smile. However as he closed the front door, the smile turned a bit sly. "You heard all of that, didn't you?"

"…."

"Brother, I know you're awake. The only reason Kurogane doesn't know is because you pretended to drink that champagne whole when it was really sparkling cider." Yuui heard a soft chuckle before he was looking at a very similar face smiling back at him.

"Well I wanted to have a little bit of fun." Fai stated as if it was a fact. His smile then softened. "So…Kuro-Kuro's parents are coming, huh?"

"It would seem so." Yuui nodded. "Still worried?"

"Not so much now." Fai responded as he stretched. "If Kuro-sama's mommy and daddy are coming then he'll be happy. He may be grumpy but he loves his little family."

"Yeah. Hard to believe he only has very few relatives compared to us." Yuui commented. "And he's an only child too. I can't imagine what that must be like."

Fai made a noise as his eyes were glazed with sadness. "Kurogane must have been a very lonely boy."

It's dark again.

But there' s a streetlamp.

Am I on the street?

Looks more like a alleyway.

What am I doing in an alleyway?

….

Syaoran…or is that Syaoron?

….

No…it's definitely Syaoran.

I can tell.

He's looking at me.

He's saying something.

But I can't hear him.

….

I don't get what's happening.

Why are we here?

And why am I holding a sword?

I don't see that blonde anywhere either.

Is he gone?

Did he die?

….

No.

He's just not here.

….

Demons.

Demons everywhere.

The kid sure can fight.

But he's kicking…not hitting.

Why is that?

Is there something wrong with him?

Who taught you to fight?

….

What?

There's demons behind me?

How did that-

"Heh."

It's you again!

What's happening?

Who are you?

Somewhere in a dark room, there was figure looming upon a big mirror with a blank expression. Only the mirror wasn't reflecting the figure but was showing something else entirely. On the glass it was revealing a sleeping man; tossing and turning in bed; no doubt seeing something that wasn't meant to be seen.

Then the mirror showed three beings that were searching for something. Something was lost to them not too long ago.

Then the mirror showed a young man who was performing spells and making charms for the people who would enter the domain was now his; with feelings dread and sadness covered by powers and a strong facade.

The figure sneered as a hand waved in front of the mirror; making it return to its natural form. Then it walked across the room and looked up at something. It smirked.

"Soon…" It whispered. "Soon I will have his soul and my wish will be granted. Even without that damn shopkeeper's help. Then we'll be happy once again."

What she was looking at didn't answer. But as the sun was rising; it gave a gleam of light. It looked metal but it wasn't a weapon. In fact it looked like some sort of arm…

TBC

I...regret...nothing!

XD