A/N: This chapter contains referenced attempted suicide. Continue with caution.

Yun remembered the day he became an Esper.

He wished he didn't.

No matter what happened to him, that day was possibly the worst day ever.

No.

"The worst day ever" downplayed it.

It was a foul, vile, disgusting, evil day.

He remembered reading the evil will and thinking it was a cruel joke.

It wasn't.

He wished to forget that day.

But it would always haunt him when he thought it was going to be ok.

"Nothing will ever change unless you do something about it." He told himself a million times in the mirror. "You have to get rid of Xuan, no matter what.

"He hurt me once, he hurt me twice, he hurt me three whole times, never again."

A new variable had come up, though.

The jingling of the music box rang in his ears. A disgusting and horrible song...

...it was perfect.

The song of desperation...

...of control...

...of hope.

He remembered being in Larkspur Detective Agency and sharing his opinion on Yamato, specifically his opinion on the controlling part.

He couldn't help but fantasize himself as Yamato at the time, being able to control anyone he wanted.

He also remembered the stern look Xuan gave him. He had wanted to claw it right off. What right did Xuan have to disagree so heavily? His obsession with freeing Yuuhime clearly went to his head, just like how all his other interests did.

He clicked his pen shut and stared at all the ideas he wrote down. He could think better when he wrote things down.

Staring at all the messages he wrote, he selected only the best and most believable phrases.

Then, finally, after so many weeks, his plan could finally begins its first step.

'Hey, Xuan. I need help'

***

Xuan finally got permission to have all the lights on, but the darkness was nice sometimes. Especially when he was trying to sleep.

He could hardly believe he was back in the hospital. He wished he didn't have to be so accident prone, especially since he used to be just fine. Ever since he met Yamato, things had started to get messier and messier.

His eyes would flutter shut, then loud footsteps from outside would awaken him again. Something was happening outside, but he didn't care. He just wanted sleep.

He heard his phone jingle from the bedside table. Grunting, he reached out for it. He wasn't expecting Yun to be texting him 11 pm on a Monday.

'Hey Xuan, I need help.'

His heart gave way.

'I'm in a situation only you can help me in. I made a mistake and now the Shadow Degree is at my throat. I need your help, to find a place to hide and to find protection.'

He rubbed his eyes to make sure he was reading that right, and lo and behold, he was.

'Can you do that for me?'

He wanted to help his brother. It wasn't a matter of would, it was a matter of could. He slid his hand to his broken and bandaged chest, feeling the rough wrap. This could easily be a trap, set by the Shadow Degree because of his condition.

But what if it wasn't?

What if he declined and a week later found out his little brother was dead? How could he live with himself knowing he could have done something?

He knew in his heart that he had to do something. Even though Yun had betrayed the Union and himself, had the music box, talked about love in a suspicious way, probably stole, bombed, and killed...!

...he still found it hard to resist the urge to believe every word out of Yun's mouth.

'Yeah, of course. Where should I find you?'

His head hurt. He wanted to think he was doing the right thing, but every bone in his body screamed for him to not send the message. Just leave it. Please!

He bit his cheek and sent the message anyways. Very swiftly, a response came.

'Estero Harbor, outside this address *******'

***

Yun smiled down at the screen in front of him. This was too easy.

The rain fell down, heavy and cold, but Yun did not shiver. He was too happy to shiver.

"Young man, please, come in!" A young boy from the sweets shop he asked Xuan to meet him at called. "It's much too cold out here, you'll get a cold."

"Alright, I might be waiting a while." He replied, walking in.

The brightly lit shop was just closing, but the boy must of felt pity for him since she said, "I know you told me you're waiting for someone, but in this weather you should take precautions."

"I understand."

"Now, what's your name, young man?" An older woman slid in, smiling.

Shit, he couldn't say his real name. Panicked, he said, "N-Nuofu."

"That's a lovely name. My name is Asura."

Asura knew all too well this boy was a very jealous individual. His hands were the ones that threw the necklace into the ocean. His mouth was the one that screamed in anguish when he couldn't have what he desired. Even now, she could see right into his eyes and see he was planning something terrible. Even though she was an Esper, she had no intention of attacking. She was no good at that.

She was good at storytelling, though.

"How about," Asura said, "I tell you a story, free of charge, while we wait?"

The young man nodded.

"This is the story of the Naïve Child.

"Long, long ago, before Humanity even had a language, lived three children: the oldest, the middle, and the youngest. The oldest was also the wisest, and always reminded their younger siblings to always be kind and unselfish and not be jealous, else they be destroyed by the great crow of darkness. One day, a pack of wolves came and killed the eldest child, leaving the middle and youngest to be all alone in the big and scary world.

"Although the middle child continued to live by the oldest child's wisdom, the youngest slowly began to forget it, all because the rest of the world decided to never learn the wisdom in the first place. Whenever the middle child made a friend, they stabbed the two children's backs the next day. Still, the middle child continued to look to the oldest's wisdom, while the younger began to drift farther and farther away, until the two remaining children were always arguing.

"After many years, the middle child found a village that offered to let them in. Eagerly, the middle child took up this offer and once again, trusted too soon. The youngest child also was told to come in, but many did not like him for his pessimistic and jealous attitude. This village was the final safe haven for the two remaining children, who should have been happy surrounded by trustworthy and kind people.

"Unfortunately, the youngest child could not let go of the other cruel people who had stabbed them and the middle child's backs. They always insisted on going wherever the middle child went, clinging to them like honey to your finger. The middle child wanted to venture out, and create experiences with the new friends they made, but the younger refused to let go of the past.

"Eventually, one day, the younger child snapped and hurt many people, especially the middle child. Leaving the middle child behind, they let their jealousy and selfishness take over and missed out on the kindness of the new friends. The younger child always blamed the middle child and the older child for the wisdom, never once thinking that their inability to live with the woe and horror of their past was the real issue.

"Of course, don't forget the crow of darkness. He was a mighty large fellow, and kept an eye on the youngest child for a long time. He kept far away since the middle child was always so kind and bright, but now that the youngest child was alone, the crow could strike.

"The crow hopped to the youngest child and asked, 'Youngest child, why are you so bitter and jealous?'

"'I don't understand why the middle child is so trusting and naïve.' The youngest child remarked. The crow shook his head, saying, 'Child, let me teach you a lesson before I destroy you. Being wary of humans is perfectly fine, you should be wary, but once they've proved themselves as trustworthy and kind, you should let your walls down little by little. A world without trust and kindness is a world without joy.' And after saying that, the crow sucked the youngest child up, destroying them.

"But this isn't where our story ends. The middle child was very sad when the youngest child left. They naïvely hoped that the youngest child would return. Of course, they could not return, because they had been destroyed. The middle child waited for days, months, years. Soon, their routine would return to normal, but they still hoped to see the youngest child again one day. One day, the middle child died of old age, living a wonderful life full of joy and peace. When they died, they awoke next to the oldest child, who was softly smiling.

"'Oldest child! I'm so happy to see you.' The middle child exclaimed.

"'I'm happy to see you, too,' The oldest child said, 'I'm so proud of how kind you were in life. I know it was hard, but it payed off.'

"Although the middle child was pleased, they still looked around for the youngest child. 'Where is the youngest child?' They finally asked the oldest child.

"'The youngest child was a very jealous and selfish person,' the oldest child said, 'so the crow of darkness destroyed them.'

"The middle child began to weep. 'Oh, don't cry, dear middle child,' The oldest child said, hugging the middle child, 'you can cherish your time with them even if they were selfish and jealous.'

"'I'm not crying because of that,' the middle child weeped, 'I'm crying because I was not able to apologize to them.'"

Asura sat back, sipping a glass of wine her son got her. Yun sat quietly for a long time, thinking deeply about the story. Looking out the window, he saw some poor person's flowers drifting along the roadside. A purple one got caught in a drain, doomed to die underground and alone, while an orange one drifted to a spot of grass, destined to grow more orange flowers.

He looked back, eyes narrowed. "What was the point of telling me that story?"

"It's my newest one," Asura replied, "I've never shared it until now."

"What does it even mean? What's it trying to teach?"

"That's up to you to decide. Perhaps it's not trying to teach anything!" She took another gulp of her wine, sighing in satisfaction. "You can even say it out loud, that usually helps me understand what I'm feeling."

Yun silently thought for a long time again, then said, "I think the youngest child was right."

"Oh?"

"They weren't selfish or jealous, they were cautious and caring for the middle child because everyone before the village were mean."

"Interesting thought." Asura smiled and stood up.

"Would you like a treat before you go?" The young man asked. "I see someone walking up."

Yun looked and saw Xuan getting out of a car slowly.

"Do you have pudding?" Yun asked.

"Of course," The young man said, "which flavors?"

"Chocolate and strawberry."

The young man gave him the small things, and Yun paid, then quickly left the shop to see Xuan.

"Finally, you're here." Yun whispered to Xuan. "Let's go, I'll help you walk. I bought you pudding."

"That's so kind of you!" Xuan whispered back, taking the strawberry pudding.

"This way, now," Yun led Xuan down to the cove.

Meanwhile, Asura watched them leave. Looking to Leo, she said, "Leo, dear?"

"Yes, mom?"

"I'll finish putting things away, please make sure our last costumer doesn't get destroyed by the crow of darkness."

***

Yun peeked out from their hiding spot one more time before sitting in front of Xuan.

"Can you give me more details?" Xuan asked, reaching out. Yun pulled back.

"I messed up a mission, was too slow and got one of us caught," Yun lied, "keep in mind this person was very high up in terms of status. We got them out, but Hyde kicked me out and put a bounty on me, dead."

Xuan's eyes were wide and worried. Yun almost felt bad about lying, but he knew everything would be better once Xuan was his again.

"What can I do for you?" Xuan asked.

"I...need you to just stay still for a minute," Yun said softly, "I'm going to get some more information I stole that will help us."

"Kay. I'll even keep watch for you."

Perfect! Xuan was unknowingly walking right into his hand. Yun pulled back the leaves that hid the music box, and picked it up. With Xuan's back to him, he got ready to start playing the music box.

"Yun, you almost done?"

"Yes, Xuan...just hold tight a little longer..."

Xuan trusted his brother. He knew if he waited patiently, he could help Yun!

"You know, Yun," Xuan said, "I'm so glad I can help you. I'm..."

"Shh, shh," Yun cooed, "I'm just as happy you're helping me as you are."

Xuan smiled.

Yun chuckled. Revenge was so close, it grazed his fingertips, for the times Xuan had hurt him were about to be repaid.

"You'll never try to leave me again," Yun murmured quietly, "no death, no new friends, no lover. Just me and you, as brothers, as we should have always been."

Yun shakily wound up the music box, excitement racing through his body. His smile couldn't be compressed any longer.

Horror filled Xuan's body. No, not like this. Not again. He stood up, falling against a tree and covering his ears. His breath was heavy.

"Calm down, my dear brother," Yun went close to Xuan's face, "everything will be alright once the ritual is done."

"No!" Xuan yelled. "Stop it!"

Yun's face soured, nose wrinkled and eyes slits.

"Be grateful, I'm saving you from this uncaring existence you're living."

"I'm perfectly happy...!"

"How can you be? You're constantly getting hurt, in 'love' with someone whose brother HAS and WILL cause you more pain than not, and you're-"

"Shut up!" Xuan hissed, clutching his ears. "Happiness is something you have to earn...and it's not something you can have all the time...but when I have it, it's the most joyous thing in the world!"

"Stop it!" Yun yelled. "How DARE you be happy WITHOUT ME?!"

Xuan held his ears. He knew the music box was taking its toll on him. His legs felt like jelly and his vision was blurring. He wanted to scream and cry, but he would not give that satisfaction to Yun.

"Give in," Yun said more softly and sweetly, "and everything will be ok again."

"Stop it, you're scaring me...!" Xuan hissed, struggling to stay standing up.

Yun stood straighter, glaring down at the sickly and trembling Xuan, who could barely look him in the eyes.

"I always told you that you're too naïve for this world." Yun said darkly.

The trees above them parted and a winged Esper flew down, striking Yun.

"Ack!" Yun growled, flipping back up and growling. "You're that boy from the dessert store?!"

"My name's Leo," The Esper said, "you'd known if you read my name tag."

"Why are you here? Did that stupid-"

"Don't call my mom stupid, she's the most wonderful mom I could ask for." He launched at Yun, grabbing at his face with his talons.

Yun tried using the music box, but Leo knocked it away.

"I have no idea what that thing is," Leo kicked Yun away and struck him, "but I do know naughtiness when I see it!"

Yun growled and summoned shadow clones, one to assist him and one to grab the anti-Esper chains. Plan B, originally for Xuan if the music box failed, but he was sure using it on Leo would work just fine.

Xuan saw the clone pulling out the chains. Knowing what he had to do, he stumbled over and grabbed the clone.

"Damnit all!" Xuan cursed as he sliced the clone into shreds. His head spun, but he was going to help Leo.

Leo could see Yun finally realizing how bad at fighting he was. He always sharpened his talons every morning for cutting pastries and bread, but they were dull by now. Plus, he didn't know the proper way to punch someone. His talons throbbed as the whiplash from the initial attack left Yun, who kicked his legs, causing Leo to fall.

"Leave now before I kill you!" Yun held his staff up, ready to strike, when Xuan tackled Yun to the ground. Pulling his hair and ears, he made as much noise as possible to confuse and hurt Yun.

Of course, Yun wouldn't back down.

"A baker and a sick boy verses me? How pathetic!" And with that, Yun shoved Xuan off, giving him an extra kick for good measure. Then, he launched himself at Leo and cracked his nose. Blood poured all over the dirt ground, bugs flying every which way.

Leo felt his arm crack under the pressure Yun put it under. He screamed, trying to escape to at least get Xuan away.

"You're pathetic! You think you can take me away from my brother?!" Yun stomped on his wings. Leo grabbed at his wing. Yun was about to stomp the other when Xuan crawled over and grabbed his ankles. Yun tried to free himself, kicking his feet and pulling Xuan's hair.

"TANG YUN, YOU BASTARD!" Ling suddenly bellowed, grabbing the lilac haired boy. Yun yelped and dodged, tripping over Xuan and into a tree. Ling sprinted over, grabbing Yun by the collar. Yun scratched at his face, but Ling was unflinching, his anger stronger than the pain.

"Don't kill him, Li Ling!" Raven hissed, running over. "We need him for investigation!"

Ling growled but let Yun get handcuffed and taken away.

Leo had, with much difficulty, helped Xuan and himself up.

"Xuan! Are you ok?!" Ling rushed over, taking the weak Xuan from Leo. "What did that evil..."

He stopped when all Xuan could say was, "Yuuhime..."

Asura came running over and started looking over Leo.

"Oh my...I'm so sorry, I didn't know this-oh, my baby!" Asura wailed.

"Mom, I'm ok, see?" He gave a smile to prove that, but his mom wouldn't have it and quickly took him to the medical ops chiefs.

"Hold still so I can clean this." Yue ordered Leo, pushing him to sit down in the ambulance.

"Is Xuan ok?" Suhua asked, running over.

"Check him up, all he can say is Yuuhime." Ling sighed, Xuan still murmuring Yuuhime's name.

"Put them both in the ambulance," Yue called, already ushering Xuan over.

***

"What was he thinking?!" Yuuhime cried, pacing back and fourth the long hallway, unable to stay still thanks to her anxiety. Leora followed closely, trying her best to calm Yuuhime down.

"There's only the best doctors here," Leora said, "he's gonna be fine."

"I know that," Yuuhime said, "but why did he think it was a good idea to get up and leave in the middle of the night to go meet his brother in a vague way?!"

"He just cares a lot, sounds like he always has."

"Ooh, that Tang Yun...I'm going to-"

"Ladies, Tang Xuan is awake." Yue walked over. "I know one of you is itching to see him."

"Show us the way, then." Leora said, taking Yuuhime's hand.

When they entered Xuan's room, he nervously stared at them.

"Xuan!" Yuuhime cried, her voice shaking. She stumbled to him and hugged him, crying. Her many arms instinctively popped out and wrapped around him as well, protectively.

"H...hey Yuuhime..." His nose touched hers, "I'm r...really sorry."

"No, stop that, I don't accept, because you have nothing to be sorry about." She cupped his cheeks, blinking away the tears in her eyes.

"I d...do though, I l...left to-"

"Nope. I understand. You thought you could trust him, but then he stabbed your back the moment you thought he truly needed you."

"Li Ling s...says all the red f...flags were always there," Xuan said, "and looking b...back, yeah...yeah, they were. I g...guess my love..."

She nodded, "...got in the way of what was always there?"

He nodded. She rubbed the back of his head, smiling lovingly at his beautiful, albeit tired face.

"He's gone to Neather Goal now," she said, "he'll be far away, and he'll never hurt you again as long as I'm here."

Xuan's eyes landed on Leora, who stiffened.

"Should I...?" She pointed to the door and turned, but Yuuhime let go of Xuan and shook her head.

"Sorry about being so...ehh, intimate in front of you."

"Don't be," She said, smiling, "you were just worried. I understand."

Xuan let out a long yawn. Yuuhime gave him a stern look.

"Time for bed." She pushed Xuan down, tucking him in and giving him a forehead kiss.

"Nuh uh, I'm ok." Xuan said.

"Goodnight, Xuan."

"Night, Yuuhime."

Leora smiled more as Yuuhime left, nodding at Yue as they left.

"Awww," Leora cooed as they left, "I can't believe how adorable you two are!"

"You really didn't mind?" Yuuhime asked.

"Of course not. I basically live off romantic stuff."

Yuuhime smiles shyly before remembering something. She pulled out the paper doll she made the other day and gave it to Leora.

"What's this?" Leora asked.

"It's a paper doll," Yuuhime explained, "I tried to make it look like your sister, Elaine."

"Oooh, I see it now!" Leora held it up and smiling widely. "I love it, thank you!"

Yuuhime's cheeks became a soft pink, "No problem."

***

"So this is the infamous music box." Raven said, examining the strange box.

"It's not very impressive looking." Gaius said.

"There's much divine energy coming from it," Pritzker commented, looking closer at the doll in the center of it.

"At the scene of the crime," Raven explained, "there was a lot of divine residue, most likely from the thing."

"The most important thing now is getting rid of it," Luo Yan said, "so it doesn't hurt anyone else."

"On the contrary," Sienna said, "we should examine it so nothing of similar workings is created."

"For now, we're just going to seal it away." Raven said. "We may need it in tracking Yamato."

"Who, me?" The large tv screen flashes on, and Yamato's face covered the whole screen.

"How did-" Gaius started.

"The details don't matter," Yamato said, "I just want to talk.