Takashi swallowed as he saw Daisuke go for a hit. He easily dodged it then shook his head to the other. "I was just trying to tell you the truth, but I don't think I should now!" He shouted at him. He had barely dodged another flying fist when Daisuke growled out in frustration.

"Just stay still, you ballerina!" Daisuke shouted. He then went to hit again and touched down on Takashi's stomach. "You're a dick! I just wanted an answer to my question, and you're all cryptic! I've been trying to find her, and if you have ANY information, then I'd appreciate it! I don't care if it soils her image! I know the real her!" Daisuke yelled.

Takashi was barely dodging now as hits barely scraped by his body. Hits sometimes hit their spots, and Takashi could feel the area bruising already. He couldn't take it anymore. He had been abused enough by his brother in school. He didn't need it from someone he was trying to make a friend out of.

"She murdered my mother!" Takashi gasped out as Daisuke hit him in the stomach again. He fell to his knees with a groan, and Daisuke stared at him with his hands clenched.

He had gone silent once he heard what Takashi said. He didn't know what to say. Sure, he didn't want to think differently of Snow, but if the murder had been the case of her changing, then he didn't know how he could accept her fully. Maybe it was a mistake? Takashi HAD to be mistaken. The murderer couldn't have been Snow. It must have been someone else.

"You're wrong. The Snow I know would never do that." Daisuke hissed through clenched teeth. "YOU'RE WRONG!" He yelled.

Takashi flinched to the loud voice, and he looked up to Daisuke. "FIGHT!" The students around them had dispersed, but someone yelled fight again to make them all come back but denser.

"PUNCH HIM IN THE FACE DAISUKE! THE NEW KID DESERVES IT." Many people yelled.

"PUNCH HIM UNTIL HIS FACE IS DISFIGURED! HE IS TOO MUCH OF A PRETTY BOY!" Others had yelled.

Daisuke heard everyone and stared at Takashi after that. "You don't even deserve my time right now." Daisuke hissed at him then shoved his way past the crowd of students.

The students started to boo to the outcome of the fight, but they dispersed. Takashi looked around and saw everyone went away, so he got up slowly. He frowned at the pain spreading throughout his abdomen, then realized he had lost his only friend for now.

"That's just great..." He grumbled. He went over near the gate of school as he was glad that school was over now. Maybe he could talk to his brother about things. He went to leave then ran into someone. He gasped and fell on his ass. "Damn... I'm so clumsy..." He grumbled and got up.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bump into you." He heard the soft voice speak, and he saw the pale hand held out to him. He gently moved it away and got up.

"You're fine. It's also my fault." Takashi grumbled. He looked up after dusting himself off, then stared. "Do I know you??" He asked the girl.

Snow blinked then shook her head. "Sorry, you don't. Just passing by... Have a great day." She mumbled, then turned to go back home. She had spotted the leaf but said nothing. She was sure her brother knew everything now, but she hadn't cared. She had gotten to see Daisuke anyway.

Takashi frowned at the way the girl was acting but shrugged it off. Somewhere around here, the driver had been waiting for a while, so he went to find the car. Maybe he could get advice from him than his brother. He wasn't sure yet, and he sighed. He had made a friend then lost his friend all in one day. Why was he so stupid sometimes? Takashi sighed and looked up when he heard his name.

"Takashi!" He saw Axl waving him over. He smiled at seeing his brother and ran over to get into the car. They settled into the seats, and Axl hummed. "How was school today?" Axl asked. He was wearing some sunglasses, which he took off.

"Horrible. Made a friend then lost said, friend. I don't know what to do, Axl." Takashi groaned and put his head in his hands. Either he had to apologize for his absurd accusations of Snow to Daisuke or wait until Daisuke realized he was telling the truth. He just didn't know right now.

"What happened, Taka?" Axl asked as the car got on the freeway.

"I made a comment about a picture of a girl he had that dad said was mom's killer. I had told him that she was a murderer because he wanted to know how I knew her." Takashi explained and looked at Axl.

Axl blinked, then frowned. "Was it the girl who killed mom?" He asked, and Takashi nodded.

"It looked exactly how dad described the child. Her hair matched along with her outfit. I didn't know it was possible, but it wasnow, but Takashi explained.

Axl hummed to that and nodded. "Who were you speaking to at school about her?" Axl asked.

"A guy already heard. He wasn't too happy I said it but had beat me up beforehand to get the information out of me. My stomach still hurts..." Takashi groaned then leaned back. Letting his stomach stretch out felt a bit better, but it wasn't enough.

Axl chuckled at that. "Do you mean Daisuke Davenport?" Axl asked.

Takashi nodded then looked over to his brother. "How did you know his last name?" He asked Axl.

"I know his older brother, Billy. I see Billy frequently where I go to at night, and he always talks to me about his younger brother because he is taking care of him." Axl chuckled. "Huge coincidence that I even know him," Axl told him.

"Do you work somewhere at night?" Takashi asked. "Thought dad didn't like you too?" He added.

Axl shrugged and scoffed. "I work for my dad since he came back. He owns a bar in town now, and Billy comes there. He often gets drunk because he wants to be happy but isn't sure how he can since he is constantly worrying about his brother. I told him I feel the same, and we bonded." Axl shrugged and glanced at Takashi. "He's cute." He smiled some.

Takashi felt jealousy flare up as he heard Axl talk about Billy, and he tried to will it away. He wanted to be happy for his brother, not upset. "Are you going to go for Billy?" Takashi asked.

Axl shrugged at that and chuckled. "Not sure. I know he is an angel because he has said so, but I don't think he likes vampires. He talks about his stepbrothers a lot and how they're pure blood's. He says he hates them all the time." Axl explained to Takashi.

Takashi nodded to that then stared out the window. "How do I get my friend back, Axl?" Takashi asked him.

"I can ask Billy to speak to him for you. It won't be that hard." Axl told Takashi.

Takashi nodded to that. "That would be helpful. Thanks." Takashi smiled at that but kept staring out the window. Now he wasn't sure how he'd get over his crush on his brother.

---

Snow panted as she ran back home. That boy almost finding out who she could end bad and she now realized why her brother was so concerned. If she couldn't protect herself from someone they've hurt in the past, then she wouldn't be able to go to public school at all. She sighed as she walked up to the steps to the house and saw the leaf blow past her then up the stairs. Of course, her brother kept tabs on her, and she was sure it was to make her feel safe. All it did was make her feel trapped, but if she brought that up again, then she was sure Hikaru would throw a fit.

She sighed as she closed the door behind her then looked up to see Hikaru going down the stairs to her. "We're you trying to risk our safety here by visiting that angel? Someone almost recognized you, Snow!" Hikaru yelled as the leaf floated by him and did barrel rolls by him.

Snow frowned but knew her brother was right. Someone had almost recognized her, and that wouldn't have been good. "I know someone did... That's the reason I left Hikaru!" She snapped towards the end.

Hikaru frowned, then stepped off the stairs and advanced onto Snow to where she backed up to the front door. She tried to keep her gaze away from her brother's own, but he grabbed her chin to force her to look at him. She squeaked at the force and swallowed as she made direct eye contact with Hikaru.

"Y-You're hurting me, Hikaru..." She whimpered.

"Good..." Hikaru hissed and made their faces be inches apart. "Remember I can destroy you, Snow. Make your mind a puddle and just control you all the time. You'd never be able to escape me. You're being homeschooled, and that's final, missy. No protesting and no more visiting that fucking school." Hikaru hissed. He let her go and backed up. "Got it?" He asked.

Snow nodded as she rubbed her chin. She was sure it would bruise by the end of the night. "I-I understand, brother..." She mumbled.

"Good, now go make some food. I am sure you're hungry." Hikaru told her. He then turned and went back upstairs.

Snow swallowed the lump in her throat, and the tears spilled over that had gathered in her eyes. Things were not okay in her current household, but she didn't know how she could escape. Hell, she didn't even know if she could run.

She shuffled over to the kitchen and opened the fridge. At least she had free reign over food and everything else in the house. Just not over going outside. She had to stick to the schedule that Hikaru made a point of writing every day.

7 am: Get up and take a shower.
7:30 am: Dry off and blow dry hair, then get dressed.
8 am: Make and eat breakfast.
8:30 am: Do dishes.
9-12 pm: Go to class (the tutor).
12:30 pm: Take a break and eat lunch.
1 pm: Do dishes again.
1:30-3:30 pm: Go back to class (the tutor).
4-5:30 pm: Homework.
6 pm: Go down and eat dinner.
6:30 pm: Go up and get ready tor bed.
7-8 pm: free time.
8:30 pm: Bedtime.

She hated her schedule. It was monotonous, and it got boring after a while.

She pulled out a plate of roast beef after a deep sigh and put it on the counter. Might as well eat meat and some broccoli with pasta. She took out the containers with what she wanted and grabbed a plate. She was glad her brother cooked during the week since she cooked on the weekends. The containers made her life more comfortable since she has such a busy schedule.

She set the food onto a plate and put the containers back once she was done with them. She then warmed up the food in a microwave and went to get some water to drink.

She knew Hikaru mostly kept no soda in the house since he wanted them to be somewhat healthy. They ate plenty of vegetables along with the right amount of vitamins daily. She sighed as she stared out the kitchen window.

Her life was weird and awkward, considering what was going on in the real world. She didn't feel like an average child, and she knew she wasn't, but it made her feel out of place almost anywhere they went. She glanced up when she heard the refrigerator door close behind her.

"Your food is finished heating up," Hikaru told Snow. He stepped up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Are you upset about earlier?" He asked her softly.

Snow sighed deeply when Hikaru touched her and frowned. "No. I understand why you said all that..." She mumbled and felt arms embrace her. She leaned back into her brother and looked down.

She felt him move her long hair over to her left side, and his lips kissed her neck. She shivered and felt her face get red.

"You're so cute, Snow..." Hikaru muttered, and Snow felt his breath on her ear, and she shuddered.

"Brother, you know I'm still too y-young..." Snow stumbled on her words.

Hikaru chuckled, and she felt his hand press lightly against her stomach. "Most of the old societies would say you're the perfect age to marry and bear children," Hikaru told her.

Snow gasped to the comment and felt her brother pull away. She glanced behind her and saw Hikaru holding out her plate for her. "Thank you..." She mumbled.

"You're welcome, sister. Eat well. I'll see you in the morning." Hikari told her.

Snow took her plate with a nod; then, she left the kitchen to eat at the dining room table. What Hikaru said made her shiver in fear because she wasn't sure what her brother had planned for her. It felt like he wanted their relationship to go past brother and sister, but she didn't want that herself. She wanted their relationship to stay as it is because anything else more would make her upset.

She began to eat her food and tried to forget the former conversation. If she didn't, then she'd get nightmares.

---

Daisuke kicked open the door to his house and made Billy jump, who happened to be going out. "What the hell was that for?" Billy asked Daisuke, who just flipped him off. He began to fume since he was already in a terrible mood because of Cloud. "Come back here, young man!" He shouted.

He heard a loud thump, then Daisuke came trudging back to him. "What?" Daisuke hissed through gritted teeth. He was still upset about what Takashi said earlier that day. He would probably be angry for the next couple of days about it.

"What crawled up your ass and died?" Billy asked Daisuke, who scoffed at the saying. "Hey! Don't have an attitude with me, mister. I have had a shitty day since I had to deal with Cloud for your damn safety. I am not sure how but he found out where we are, and I had to do something to the house to make sure he doesn't get the fuck in. Now, please kindly shape the fuck up and talk about your day. You seem upset, and I want you to talk about it." Billy told him. He may be mad himself, but Daisuke needs to talk about his feelings, or else his brother was probable to depression.

Daisuke listened, and he sighed in defeat. Billy's day was more challenging than his. He didn't have to deal with Cloud himself, and he was grateful for Billy. "I'm sorry for the way I was acting..." Daisuke mumbled and looked down. He kicked an imaginary rock to preoccupy his antsy movements.

"I accept your apology. Now tell me what happened today." Billy told him.

Daisuke sighed again, then looked up at Billy. "I met someone at school today that knew about Snow. I had made friends with him then broke off our friendship, which I now realized was dumb to do because he could have more stuff on Snow that I don't know myself. His initial information about her upset me, though, and I am still upset." Daisuke explained.

Billy nodded to that. "He knows about her but in what way?" Billy asked him. "Don't get me wrong, I am glad you found some lead about her, but you don't know her now. She could have changed dramatically or not at all. You never know, Daisuke." Billy warned him.

"I know that, but he said she killed his mom. How can you not get upset at that??" Daisuke raised his voice at the end. He then took a couple of deep breaths to calm down. "The fact he said something so outlandish about Snow made me upset though I don't know her now because it has been several years since I've seen her," Daisuke said, then frowned.

Billy nodded to his logic, then hummed in thought. "Well, you know you overreacted. Maybe you should apologize to him. It's hard enough for you to make friends there. Don't make your own stupid mistakes cause a good friendship to go to waste." Billy told him. "Become his friend again after you apologize. You'll need him as a friend." Billy added.

Daisuke sighed but agreed with Billy's logic. His brother made good points sometimes, but he hated being the bigger person. He nodded to what Billy said, though.

"Good. Now I am leaving. Do your homework and chores. I have dinner ready for you, and it's in the oven. Don't answer the fucking door to anyone. Put your headphones in to ignore the world, and remember to take a shower." Billy told Daisuke.

Daisuke nodded to what he said and blinked when he was pulled into a hug. It was odd to get a hug from Billy since he knew his brother was rarely affectionate. He hugged him back, though, since he figured it was because of Cloud that the other was being like this.

"Don't worry, bro. I'll make sure not to put myself in danger. Destress. I'll be here when you get back." Daisuke reassured him.

Billy nodded to that, and he pulled away from the other. "I'll see you tonight," Billy said. He turned and left the house. He was unaware of the shadows watching the house.

Daisuke had watched his brother go with the door open, and he felt something staring. He glanced around outside and felt a shiver travel up his back.

The gaze felt familiar, and he slammed the door shut as he didn't want it on him anymore. He sighed and guessed that Billy had been right. Cloud had found them and would not stop until he got Daisuke back.

He sighed and turned around to find Rirre by the stairs smiling. "Hello dear brother, how are you today?" Rirre asked, and Daisuke swallowed.

"How'd you get in? I thought you had to be invited in!" Daisuke said and took a step back when Rirre took a step forward.

"You invited me months ago at school. Told me I was invited into your home at any time." Rirre smiled widely. "It was your mistake." He hissed.

Daisuke backed himself up against the front door when he heard Rirre. "You didn't... Did you?" He asked and looked up to see Cloud walking up behind Rirre.

"Hello, my precious angel," Cloud spoke, and his voice seemed to have gotten deeper. Daisuke shivered and fumbled around for the doorknob. His hand landed on it, but just a blink and Cloud already had him pinned against the door. "I don't think so..." Cloud purred.

Daisuke went to scream, but Cloud covered his mouth with a hand. He then smiled at Daisuke as he kept his hand over his mouth. "No screaming or Billy gets hurt later tonight. Cooperate with me, and you'll be back tonight, so he knows nothing." Cloud purred.

Daisuke stared wide eyes at Cloud and felt the hand leave his mouth. "What do you want me for?" Daisuke asked as he swallowed.

"You know what I want, precious angel," Cloud told Daisuke, who shuddered then looked away.

"Fine..." Daisuke grumbled.

Cloud nodded to that and stood up straight. "Then come. I am sure you can do your chores and stuff if you listen to Rirre and me the whole time." Cloud told him.

Daisuke blinked and looked at Rirre, who was smiling. "I thought you didn't like me, Rirre..." Rirre shrugged to him and went to walk up to him.

"It's easier to get you to do what we want when there are two of us and not just one, Daisuke. Besides, I have been watching you for Cloud this whole time. Why wouldn't I get a piece of you?" Rirre asked with a purr.

Daisuke made a face at what Rirre said, and Cloud grabbed his shoulder. "Turn around and exit the house, precious angel. We must leave now to get back in time without Billy knowing." Cloud mumbled.

Daisuke gritted his teeth at the grab on his shoulder, and he went to walk outside. Guess he couldn't keep his promises to his brother Billy if this were happening.

---

Billy settled down at the bar with a heavy sigh, and he put his head in his hands. Dealing with their adoptive brothers always gave him a headache. He knew that Rirre was at the high school he sent Daisuke to, but he presumed Rirre had stopped conversing with Cloud. He had assumed wrong, though.

"Had a hard day?" The other asked, and Billy looked up at him.

"You have no idea, Axl. I have been trying to keep my brother safe, but I have not succeeded." Billy explained.

"You want the usual?" Axl asked, and Billy nodded. "Coming right up, and it's on the house," Axl told him.

"Thanks..." Billy muttered and sighed again. He wondered how he could protect Daisuke better and hoped the other wouldn't let anyone into the house.

"Here you go." Axl set down Billy's drink.

"Thanks..." Billy muttered and took the drink. He took a sip and began to think more.

"Having trouble with figuring things out?" Axl asked Billy, and he nodded. "Well, I can help you with things. I don't mind. It is what I am here for." Axl told him.

Billy looked up and down the bar then at Axl. There wasn't anyone else there right now, but he didn't want to bother Axl with his dilemmas. "I don't know, Axl... I don't want to burden you with this stuff. You've already heard so much about my problems." Billy grumbled as he took a sip of his liquor.

Axl chuckled to Billy as he went to dry off a glass. "It's fine, Billy. Just start talking, and I'll interject when I am needed." He told him. He put the glass back and went to dry off another one.

"Well, my adopted brothers Cloud and Rirre are trying to get my real brother in their clutches. I don't want Daisuke harmed, but it seems he might be. I have been trying to keep the other two away from him, but they've found out where we lived, and Rirre goes to school with Daisuke. I am sure they have interacted here and there but not too much, but he may have fooled Daisuke. Things are becoming a shit show, and I am not sure how I am going to be able to fix it." Billy explained. He took a break in talking to take another sip of his liquor.

Axl hummed to that as he began to think. He wondered if he could help here, but he wasn't too sure. The only thing he could offer was Daisuke make more friends, so he isn't likely to be left alone for the other two. Billy wouldn't want to have Daisuke be in peril because he wasn't thinking correctly. So Axl decided he'd be the voice of common sense here or at least try to be. It was better than just standing there and admiring Billy for his looks while he had a crisis.

"Get Daisuke to make more friends here in town and at school. I am sure he'll benefit from it, and maybe one of the friends would be able to protect him. It could work out well for Daisuke in the long run. It wouldn't allow him to be alone, and it would make the other two back off. Wouldn't it?" Axl asked.

Billy paused in his continuous sipping and looked at Axl with his mouth hanging open a little. "You're right! I just need to encourage him to make more friends!" Billy said enthusiastically. "Thank you for this!" Billy told him. He then relaxed in his seat as he solved one of his dilemmas, but he didn't know how to handle Cloud or Rirre.

"Still having problems?" Axl asked as he finished drying the glass he had. He was smiling since he was happy he could help out Billy even if it were only a little.

"Yeah, but I have to figure it out on my own. Thanks for the other solution, though. It'll help." Billy assured him.

"Of course, Billy. I am happy to be of service. I'll be here if you need any more advice or help." Axl assured him. He then left the counter to head to the back.

Billy watched him and sighed softly. He had another dilemma other than his adoptive brothers, and he was sure Axl could help with that, but he was too shy to ask.

He glanced around the bar and realized it was slowly getting busy. Maybe he should leave soon and find a quiet 24/7 cafe they had in town. If not, then he'd most likely get hit on. He sighed and finished his drink, then pulled out his wallet. He pulled out a couple of bills and a piece of paper with his number on it. He might as well try for Axl. He wasn't sure he could get him, but it didn't hurt to try.

He put the money, and the slip of paper on the counter then left. He was done drinking for the night. Besides, he just wanted someone to talk to about his problems for a bit. Now he had to face reality and get things over with.

---

Takashi fidgeted at the table as he sat with his father, Suna, and his brother, Jeremiah. Maddy was also there, but she wasn't talking much since the dinner invitation was sudden and she wasn't too happy to be there. She had been visiting him and Axl when they were called upon on. Takashi hesitated at first, but his father begged him to come since it was closing in on the anniversary of their mother's death.

They got to the house together, and Takashi came face to face with Jeremiah. Jeremiah sneered at the both of them then walked away from them to head to the dining room. They had followed, and now they were sitting awkwardly at the table in silence.

"I'm sure you two are wondering why you're here. I want to ask you two of a favor." Suna began to speak.

Maddy scoffed at that as she then crossed her arms over her chest. "Why would I do you a favor? You aren't my father. He has involved himself in our lives again, thanks to her death. Why should I help you?" Maddy hissed.

Suna sighed to Maddy's indignation then glanced at Jeremiah, who rolled his eyes. He then looked at his siblings and cleared his throat.

"It doesn't involve anything to do with our fathers but with our shared mother." Jeremiah then leaned on the table. "My father wants the killer found and justice for our mother. He has gotten intel about her thanks to a couple of his subordinates in town, and we are asking for your help in this because mom deserves justice. She was killed for no reason, and I know we all loved her. Do it for her sake, not Suna's." Jeremiah told them. He then leaned back into his chair, waiting for an answer from the two.

Takashi listened and glanced at Maddy, who still had her arms crossed but looked at the table. He looked up to Jeremiah, who arched a brow to him, then he looked away. He wasn't sure if he would be of any help. He wasn't a vampire like them; hell, he wasn't even that good of a human. "I..."

"Don't say it." Jeremiah put his hand up to stop Takashi, then he sighed. "I understand you don't think you can help us, but even if you're a piece of shit doesn't mean you can't be helpful," Jeremiah told Takashi.

"I can gather intel... If you need my help." Takashi muttered. He didn't want to overstep any boundaries, but Jeremiah was right. He should at least help since it is about their mother.

Maddy sighed after a while. "Fine, I'll help but remember I am not in town often, so I can only do so much. You should've spoken to Axl also." Maddy told them.

"We have spoken to him, and he wants nothing to do with it. That's the reason we asked you two." Jeremiah told them. "Also, could you possibly convince him otherwise? His help here would be vital in all of this." Jeremiah added.

Maddy groaned some and wondered how they'd even convince Axl to do this also. "I'll try but no promises," Maddy said.

Takashi knew Axl didn't do stuff if he already said no. He has experienced it first hand, so trying to convince Axl to help wouldn't do anything. It'd probably make things worse.

"Honestly, trying is better than doing nothing. I do know that Axl is stubborn, but I am sure his two favorite siblings can convince him otherwise." Suna said.

"I don't know about that, father. Axl sticks to his decisions and doesn't waver from them. I am not sure Maddy and I would be able to convince him to join in this cause." Takashi said. "We can try, but we can't promise anything," Takashi added.

Jeremiah nodded to that, and he leaned back wholly as he slumped down. "Thank you, guys. This will help us a lot so let me catch you up then." He said.

"Father has been getting intel from someone in town slowly, but it seems he has gotten all of the information he could from this person. The person has vanished without a word, and we still need something. We know the killer is in town with their sibling. We know it's a girl and that she sometimes comes out of her house. What we don't know is what she fully looks like and where her house is." Jeremiah explained.

"So, we have to be stalkers?" Maddy asked, and Jeremiah shrugged.

"If you want to take it like that, then yes but no also. We just want you guys to gather intel about her. Find out as much as possible, please." Jeremiah said.

Takashi looked at Maddy, who looked back at him. She then nodded. Takashi looked back to Jeremiah and his dad. "We will don't but only for the sake of mom." He said.

"Then it's settled! Let's eat." Jeremiah smiled at both of them. Be motioned for the cooks, and they began to bring in food.

The dinner lasted a while, and Maddy walked out with Takashi trailing behind her. "Is cooperating with them the wisest decision, Maddy?" Takashi asked as they got into the car.

"I am not doing it for Suna's sake but for my own and for mother. Just think about it like this, Taka. We are doing this for mom, not for those two scum bags. She is the thing that matters here. Remember that." Maddy reminded him.

"Of course..." Takashi muttered, then looked out the window. "We are doing this for mother." He repeated.

"Exactly," Maddy confirmed.