4

"I'm not sick. Stop treating me like one!", Rin pouted crossing his legs under his comforter.

Miya had made him stay in bed for 2 whole days and Loid could see that the boy was getting irritated by all the attention that was being given to him. Their futons were across from each other in Rin's room that had been repaired after the wreck those two had made the other day. A simple spell and it was back to its previous state but Loid couldn't help feel guilty for his actions.

He had made a huge mess.

"Ok, ok. At least drink your milk or Miya san will be mad at you",Kim said, pushing the glass into Rin's hands. The elf had been pampering them; getting them their meals, bringing a change of clothes every morning and last night when Rin had a strong fever, he sat there beside him the whole night in case the human needed something.

"Why don't you go back to the academy? Warden's gonna be mad at you."

Kim smirked, sitting in the space between the two futons,"Have I ever been caught before?"

"At least you are good at something."

"Hey!"

Rin laughed and Loid realized that it was the first time he had seen the boy laugh.

Calm, determined, elegant. Yes. But laughing. No, it was the first the time and he found the sight quite pleasant. He rested his head against the wall behind.

"You don't have to look like the world is ending."

"Pardon? Are you addressing me?"

"No, the ghost sitting beside you. Of course, you",Rin said monotonously and Kim chuckled.

"Everything is going to be alright. So you can talk a little bit too, you know."

"How can you assure me of that?"

That poker face of Loid was making Rin irritated.

"I can't stay here. I need to go", Loid whispered.

"And where exactly would you go?"

"I don't know", Loid fisted his hands,"I just don't know."

"What if I tell you to stay by my side?"

It made both Kim and Loid look at him, confused expressions on their faces.

"Are you joking, Rin? Are you feeling sick again?",Kim asked.

Rin shook his head,"What? No, I'm not. Loid. Let's make a deal."

"A deal? To serve you? No. I may have lost my tribe but not my pride."

"Pride? Really? I'm not asking you to become my slave!"

"Ok, ok. Let's not make things difficult, you two", Kim came in front of Rin, blocking his view of the lion,"Rin's just joking. Don't mind him, Loid."

"Your brother's alive", Rin said from over the elf's shoulder and Loid's eyes went wide, crimson orbs looking unbelievably at the human sitting across the room.

"Making such a joke is too low."

"Why wouldn't anyone take my words seriously?", Rin pouted, resting his head against the wall. The window over his head had been left half open to let in the fresh air.

Eyes closed, the human said,"I saw him in your memory. He was scared and you had caught a glimpse of him when he had tried to make an escape in all that chaos".

Kim furrowed his eyebrows, "Don't tell me you used BREACH to follow that boy. That's a high grade spell!"

"I did. I had to", he opened his eyes and looked at Loid, "I know where he is, Loid. You must believe me. You agree to stay by my side and I'll get him back safely for you."

The room was silent as they awaited the lion's response. Kim was confused too, looking at his friend, he saw neither a hint of doubt nor nervousness.

He must trust Rin.

"Why can't I get him myself?"

"Huh?"

Loid steadied his nerves, his trembling hands hidden underneath his comforter.

His brother was alive.

"Why must I need you to get my brother?"

"You are weak."

The bluntness of his words had hit Loid. Blunt but true.

Curse that smirking bastard for making him lose control and going on a rampage and the injury he had received from Rin, though healed, was still draining him of his energy.

"I presume your silence to be an affirmation of my statement. So what is your decision? I am not unwilling to tell you about your family but you won't be able to reach them in your present state."

Kim got up from the floor, adjusting his round glasses,"I-I'll bring you two some water."

He stepped out in the corridor, sliding the door close behind him. He was never good with sensitive situations. He must give Loid some space. Helplessness was the worst curse one could have.

He sighed, leaning against the wall.

Loid brought his knees up to his chest, eyes staring at the blue sky outside the window behind Rin.

Why? Why was that happening to him? He had lost his people and now he was going to lose his only family. Why was the fate being so cruel to him?

Drip.

A tear fell down on his lap and it was followed by many more. Loid buried his head into his knees, unable to control his rebellious tears.

And Rin. He had turned his head, looking outside the window at the cherry blossom tree outside his room. Spring was at his prime out there but in his room, a soul was hurting.

"Can you bring him back safely?"

A slight breeze flew in, making Rin's short black hair dance.

"That's a promise."

.....

"You want to come along, don't you?", Rin narrowed his eyes at the elf who was jumping from one foot to the other, his green eyes round and begging the human to let him come along.Rin pinched his nose,"You can't, Kim. Stay with Loid. I'll be back soon."

"Yes, I'll keep an eye on this brat so he doesn't do anything reckless", Rin's dad, Daichi san, rubbed his son's head, messing up his hair.

"Dad! Stop that! And I'm not reckless."

"Yeah, right. And I'm a bird."

Daichi flapped his arms. They were out in there front yard; a small clearing with floor of lush green grass enclosed within wooden fence.

Loid had been quiet since they had made their deal. Rin rolled his eyes at his dad, looking over at his mom and Loid who were standing on the porch.

"Loid!",Rin cried, his blue eyes meeting his red ones,"I never break my promise. Wait for me."

Loid's heart skipped a beat. Those blue eyes reflected the determination behind the boy's words. He stepped down from the porch, his bare feet crushing the soft grass and his black kimono fluttering in the morning breeze.The sky was clear and blue, birds chirping away in the trees.

A peaceful morning but there was a storm building up inside him.

"Loid?"

Rin looked confusedly at the taller boy now standing in front of him. Kim and Daichi looked at them and then at each other. Was there a problem?

Raising his hand, Loid touched Rin's forehead with his middle and index fingers. His fingertips radiated a light red glow as he muttered,"LOYAL GUARDIAN."

Rin's pupil widened. That boy was casting a protection spell on him and a sacred one at that. He was a royalty. He knew that but to give him his spell. He looked down at his feet, his ears feeling warm,"There was no need of that."

"I know. You are strong."

Loid turned around, his hair swaying as Rin watched his retreating back.

"Thank you."

A whisper from the human made the lion stop in his track.

"I'll be waiting for your safe return."

"It won't be long."

Daichi came to stand beside his son as Rin raised his hand, a magic circle forming under their feet.

TELEPORT

The circle began to glow with a soft blueish radiance and Kim grabbed Rin's arm,"If you get hurt, I'll kill you, Rin."

Rin chuckled,"I won't let you dirty your hands, Kim."

And they were gone while the birds were still busy singing their morning song.