He had been all right until he took that last turn at the fork dividing the road of trees. It all started to get confusing after that. If had been lost before, he was in worse shape now. He stopped his walking, trying to make sense of the way he wanted to go. Nothing but woods this way, and when he looked in the other direction, nothing but woods met him as well. He sighed. He hated being lost. It made him uneasy, and worst, he'd never find his way back in time for lunch.

He leaned against a huge tree, his hands over his chest. He was munching on his long braid again. He always does that when he is mad. He closes his eyes. Man, I hope they didn't do any good food today. It is always my luck that on such a time like this the cook chooses to do the best meal! Man, I should've listened to my inner voice. It said, don't come this far out. Sonna. I never ever listen to it. He stretched his arms over his head making a face. No wonder I'm always in trouble.

The forest was nice. He liked playing in the woods all by himself. He was new here, and he was always alone, but it was not that he didn't know anybody. The other children were scared of the constant gun fire in the colony. This are bad times. Their mothers were so protective that they kept them inside from all harm. Of course, this meant that the kids rotted in their misery alone in their rooms. Duo wanted them to come out and play with him like they used to in his previous home, but nowadays it was only fools like him who ever came out of their homes. He smiled. Better a happy fool than a bored fool. Still, he wished the fear his friends had would reside. He smiled. Someday, someone will take on the power of the Federation and then the kids will return. He looked up at the sun coming in from the tree tops. Someday.

He made another face. His stomach growled in pain. It was lunch time. Man!

Suddenly, he hears something. A soft moan. like a wounded animal. He straightens up looking everywhere. His sharp eyesight observing the tree's foliage for someone or anything else. He reflectively reaches for the black gun in his waist. He grins. Man, not now. I don't want to fight now.

He is about to part the bushes roughly and step in ready to attack whatever it is, when he hears the moan again. He stops. It sounds like someone crying. He gasps as he parts the bushes softly. Dare..?

Lying on the floor is a small little girl. Her long hair made into two long braids that fall over her chest. She is looking at the floor, staring at a turned over bucket that lies next to her. A white liquid is running from it into the small river that lies behind her. Her hands cover her face. She sobs softly. Duo lowers his gun almost ashamed that he had planed to jump out and point his gun at her. He puts it back into his waist and pulls his black shirt from his pants. He pulls it over his waist so that the gun and belt are hidden. He makes his way across the bush. The girl looks up, her braids bouncing at her head's jerk. She gets up quickly as he comes out of the bushes. She stands back, her eyes wide, but obviously showing no fear.

Duo frowns. She has taken a defensive step back running her hand on her nose. He can see her face now. Though it is stained with tears, it is not scared. He raises his arms laughing. People always greeted him like this. He really must make a sight.

"Oi," he said. He kept his hands in the air showing her that he is unarmed, and that he means no harm. "I only came to see if you were all right!"

The girl looked at him quizzically. She raised an eyebrow. Duo wondered what it was she found weird about him. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm all right," she said. She looked back to her bucket.

"Why are you crying?" Duo asked. He lowered his arms. He came closer to her. He smiled as he noticed that she didn't draw back form him. He was looking at her face wondering who she was. He'd never seen her before. He was pretty sure he knew everyone in the colony. He crossed his arms over his chest al well. He made a face. Aw man, I hate it when I can't place someone.

"I am so mad," the girl said. "I was getting some milk for Ojisan and look what I did! I spilled it all over the grass. Now no one can drink from it." She made a face.

Duo looked at the white liquid. He raised an eyebrow. "Honto desu ka?" he said. "It is a pity that the bucket fell. It must have been too heavy for you to carry." He bent over to pick it up, setting it straight.

"I wish it was some good reason like that for it to have spilled," the girl said. "The truth is that it is my fault. I was jumping across these rocks in the river and I thought I could just... throw the bucket and ...make it land safely on the other end."

Duo bit his lip. He tried not to laugh. Nanda to? The thing would just land right side up on the other end? He grinned widely.

"Oi," he said. "You tossed it.. and expected it... to be ok..?" He laughed out loud. It was too funny. He couldn't help himself. She made a face. Her eyes glazing again with tears.

"Yamete!" she yelled. " I know it was dumb idea. That's why I was crying! You don't have to rub it in so heartless."

The girl covered her face with her hands. She was about to cry again her shoulders shaking with her sobs. Duo frowned. Man, I must sound and look like a jerk. He slapped his face comically. It actually hurt. She looked at his weird action.

"Oi," Duo said. "I'm always saying and doing a lot of things I simply should not! Boy, no wonder i'm always in trouble." His face began to blush horribly. He hoped the girl wouldn't laugh at him. Then again, he disturbed it.

The girl stopped crying, dropping her hands again. She raised an eyebrow. Duo looked so silly. She smiled.

Duo crossed his arms again. "Why don't you go back and get some more?" he said. "I'll help ya carry it. After all i've said, at least I can make it up to you."

The girl shook her head. "Iie," she said. "I can't get anymore. I have no more money and the store is far away. I should be back home. It is a dangerous city."

"Very brave of you to step out to get food," Duo said. He made a short bow, humouring her. He smiled at his own bravery. "I got lost on this woodsy road." He patted his tummy. "I wont be getting any food tonight. By the time I return, everyone else will have eaten it all!"

The girl laughed. "You got lost in this wood?" She laughed heartily. This wood was her home, how can anyone get lost in such a place? She saw him blush purple. She laughed some more. Serves him right.

"Oi!" Duo yelled. "Enough! I wasn't looking at the roads, just at the trees." He bit his lip. "Besides, it is so easy for me to get lost."

She smiled. "This is my home," she said. "I live by the water cave behind this glen. I never ever get lost in these roads. You should concentrate on where you're going." She looked at the trees, at their branches swinging in the soft breeze that picked up. "Even though, I don't blame you. It is easy to get lost in them, specially if you're looking at the trees. They are so beautiful"

He stared at the girl's face. A strange light had come over it. As of peace, and beauty. The trees no doubt were talking to her soul. He smiled as she lost herself in the splendour of the branches, the wind playing with the hair that came loose from the braids. He looked up at the branches himself smiling. The evening sun had began to wash them in its redness, turning each leave a darker colour. The red making the green fiery. He took a deep breath. The girl picked her bucket. He looked at her. He felt sorry for her. Like many others, she must be a victim to the Federation's malice.

"I'll get it for you," he said. She looked at him not understanding. "Tell me where you get it, and I'll go there myself."

She smiled at his gesture of kindness. " I thought all the nice boys were gone."

Duo made a funny face as he bowed low. "Iie," he said. "Not all of them are gone. Not while i'm here." He pointed behind himself, towards the other end of the woods. "Others are back there, but they are such chickens that they refuse to come out." He frowned. "Damned Fed patrol scares them witless, ne?"

The girl lowered her eyes. "Hai," she said.

The young man stretched his arm at her. "Ore wa Duo," he said grinning. "Duo Maxwell."

The girl took his hand smiling back. "Atashi wa Kukuri," she said. Her eyes sparkling as she said her name.

Duo brought his arms over the back of his head. He let out a whistle. "Nice!" he said. "Now, we're not strangers anymore, ne?" He reached quickly and grabbed her bucket. She gasped. He turned around excitedly, his braid swinging at her face. She reached to stop him, but he had already jumped on the rocks that lead to the market bucket in hand. She jumped after him.

"Oi," she yelled at him. "Mate yo! You don't know where you're going!"

He stopped abruptly. He turned his head back at her, his violet eyes shining softly. "I go where you lead me, ne?" She landed next to him on the rock. The water in the small river washing on their feet. They almost fell out of the rock, loosing their balance. Both of them could not be in the same rock at the same time. They laughed at their unbalancing jerky movements. She grabbed on to his shirt and he steadied her. She smiled.

"Oi, " he said. "Let's not get killed. We just met." He skipped to another rock. She followed him and slowly moved her way before his skips. Taking the leader position. She looked back at him, her two braids swinging around her face. "Ikimashou, Duo san!"

He grinned widely, hoping after her until he was in the other side. He laughed catching up to her. "Got to get something to eat while we're there, Kukuri san. Or I'll starve."

She laughed, him following her. Their voices echoing richly in the forest, as they descended down the hill to the city market. The wind blowing their hair, and carrying their lovely laughter to the ears of the frightened people that live near the river bank.

The wooden door opened softly to her gentle tug. The huge green leave that hung over it made it difficult for anyone else to open it, but this was her home. Kukuri looked behind her. Duo was staring at the green moss that was growing over the wall of the house. Woven over the wood. Huge ferns covered the porch. He smiled at the huge plants, looking at all the rich greenery. The trees interweaved into the house themselves, almost as if the house were a tree house. Their roots dug under the tiles of the floor making patterns. Huge butterflies flew inside the house and they landed on some wild flowers that grew from the walls and from the floor. Duo stood breathless before her door. Kukuri smiled as she set the bucket in the fire place.

"Come in, Duo san," she said. "Don't stay by the door like that."

Duo ran his hand over the back of his head. He walked inside careful not to step on the plants. "Yatta!" he breathed. "This is wonderful."

Kukuri closed the door for him. He was lost again in the beauty of the place. She looked at his face. His violet eyes sparkled. He found it hard to say a word. The tree branches entwined inside the house, over at the roof, making small caves. Some came down at them, the endless green vines hanging from them. Small tables lined the walls under the windows. They are full of books, and charms, and candles. There is a small rocking chair by the fire place. A small staircase leads into what he assumes are the sleeping rooms. Tiny chairs, line the many bookshelves. There are so many books in them. All languages, all subjects. He almost falls instead of sitting in the chair she opens for him.

"Kukuri san, " he said looking at her. "This is amazing."

"It's home," she said. She took the bucket and spilled it into a huge wooden tinaja. He walked over to her side watching her get to work. He took the bucket to the place where he assumed they hung it since it was an empty nail next to some hanging pots and brooms. He looked inside one of the huge tinajas that lined the kitchen wall. He made a face. A viscous yellow liquid lay inside. He reached inside with his finger taking some. He smiled as he tasted it. It is delicious. He reaches in for some more. Kukuri smiled from over her place by the table. He was so funny. She'd have to stop him before he eats all the fresh sugar egg. She laughs as he peers inside some basket. He pulls his head out gagging from the horrible smell. She smiles. No wonder he gets into so much trouble. He covers the basket again.

"Are we alone here, Kukuri san?" he said. She shook her head. He looked at the stairs. Maybe her Ojisan is sleeping upstairs.

"Oishii sama is not home yet," she said. "He'll be here soon though." He was bent over a spinning wheel with some weird balls on top. He smiled. "How come you keep these weird things here? Why are there so may powders in those pots?"

Kukuri smiles. "Those are spell components. Magical herbs and powders. Incense and talks."

Duo crossed his eyes. Nanda to?! He raised an eyebrow, hitting a pendulum that lies on the table. "Magic?"

The girl smiles beating the milk in the tinaja with a long stick. She looks at her things with pride. "Hai, " she said. "Magic!" She pulls some of the beat cream up with a huge spoon and licks it. She smiles. Perfect.

Duo sits across her looking at her. He doesn't understand any of this. He smiles anyhow. Maybe magic does exist. He used to believe it when he was younger. Why not? Maybe Kukuri san is a witch. He looked at her his eyes slowly taking in her delicate features, her hair, her eyes, the look of determination she had as she worked. He frowned. Kukuri doesn't look like a witch. He shrugs.

"The place were I live has probably already ate, " he said. "Those other kids probably stuffed themselves on the best meal of the week. It's always my luck that the best food is served when i'm not there." He let his face fall on his crossed arms on to of the table.

Kukuri laughed. "Bad luck, Duo," she said. "Yet, I'm sure your mama left some for you. She probably hid it away in the cook pot so the other hungry kids can't eat it. It'll be there when you get home."

Duo smiled sadly. "I don't have a mother," he said. Kukuri looked at him sadly. "The cook doesn't do that either." He smiled trying to ease the way she feels. No one can tell what their words will cause. His violet eyes became darker as he looks at the plants by the window. "I'm an orphan."

She bowed her head. She didn't mean to hurt him. She fished some of her finished cream from the tinaja. He was looking at the window. She bit her lip. She set the plate before him smiling bravely. She poured the cream into it. He jerked his head out of his thoughts and stared at the thick cream. He smiled. "Yatta!"

"There you go," she said. She poured some on a plate for herself. "Some nice, home cooked, sweet cream. Hope you like it." She pressed her lips tightly. He looked at it smiling. It looks nice. He smiled widely taking the spoon that for some odd reason was suddenly by his plate, and began to eat. She smiled warmly as he ate it all so fast. Her soul shone. She really like sit when people like her food. Not many have ever tried it. He was swallowing it as if he really loved it.

"Man!" he said. "This is great!" He smiled at her. She smiled back. He pushed himself back from the table. "You are wonderful, Kukuri san." She blushed fiercely. He laughed at her. For a moment both of them sat there in silence, looking at each other. The wood wind blew in the rafters in the roof. He was glad he had met her. She was such a nice girl, so lively and full of vigour. He was sure she had meant no harm when she spoke of his mother. He frowned suddenly remembering that he needs to get back home. Sonna? He got up from the table.

"Gomen nasai, it's time for me to be getting back home." She rose as well. She lead him to the door. He stared at the wooden walls engraved with plants. Amazing. He'd never forget this. She opened the door.

"Ne. Kukuri san," he said. "I was a bit lost back there when you found me." He looked down at his feet blushing. "How do I get back to the west side of the city?"

Kukuri laughed. "Simple," she said. She left the door open, taking herself to one of the shelves. She moved some books, some dusty candles, and some weird balls. She looked into a jar, then dug her hand inside. Duo walked over to her looking at her comical expression. He smiled.

"You have a map?" he asked.

"Iie," she said. "I have a Grish stone." Duo raised an eyebrow. He feared for this. He was hoping it was a map. He stared at her quizzically.

"Nanda?" he said. She pressed the stone into his palm. She smiled. "How is this going to take me home?"

"Close your eyes and it will take you, Duo, " she said. He smirked. She frowned. "You have to believe in it."

He walked to the door. It was getting too late. He was on his own, he guessed. He tried not to show his disappointment. he didn't want to hurt her feelings. She stared at him for long.

"Take care, Duo san," she said. He stepped outside looking at the stone. He made a face. He knew it wouldn't work. He tried to smile at her, hoping that she doesn't pick up his look. She waved at him.

"Duo," she told him. "The stone will take you home and it will also bring you back here when you return."

He looked at her. She wanted him to return? He smiled.

"Hai!" he said. "I'll be back as soon as I can, Kukuri san."

"You sure will, " she said her hands on her hips. "You have to return the magical stone to me. It's only borrowed."

He laughed. he couldn't help it. She was so funny. Maybe the damn thing was magic if she wanted it to be. He smiled walking away from her house. She stayed by the door, the light pouring out on the steps. He turned around to wave at her when he was a bit far. She waved back at him.

"Arigatou, Kukuri san!"

He plunged into the woods ready for the long trek home. He was on his own and lost. I would take him a long time to find the place by himself. He smiled as he shoved the stone in his pocket. Kukuri san, magic is a myth. It will be along night.

For some strange reason that he would never understand, it had worked. He was too tired to give it much thought as he landed in his bed, but the magic stone had done its job. It didn't help him get any food, the other children had eaten it all, but he was happy. He has slept smiling.

The morning woke him into terrible chaos, though. All morning he has sat in the same chair, looking outside the window. The Matron will not let the children go outside, not even him. But, today is not a good day to go outside. It is a nightmare world what lies behind the door today.

Duo folded his arms behind his head groaning. He was tired of being inside the room. All the other children are here as well. Some too frightened to come out of their beds. Some pretend not to care, but get startled each time one of the heavy machines flies over the house. Duo wants to get out of this room, but the Matron had advised that each child stay up there for their safety.

Duo frowned. The boy that sleeps in the bed next to his is crying again. Duo can see the fear inside his eyes. There is little he can do, but he reaches a hand to the kid's shoulder.

"Oi, " he said. "It'll be OK, kid." He doesn't believe this himself, but the kid turns to him and smiles wearily. Duo sighs.

"Are they leaving soon, Duo san?"

He can't tell. he tries to look cheerful, but he can see that the boy will not believe him. The huge machines had been roaming the streets all morning. Soldiers had been going into houses, taking the families outside, and searching the house. Inspecting the neighbourhood. Pulling up their military trucks, parading with their full uniform. Duo frowned. He wishes he knew why the Federation was doing this. The kid gripped his hand.

The roof has started to shake again. The rafters above them violently moving under the engine power of the machines. The kid whimpered. Duo bit his lip. he could feel the tension the other boys were picking up. They left what they were doing, slowly huddling together next to their beds. Duo frowned deeper. Federation, bakayarou.

His mind was going insane. Sounds from the outside came inside. He could see that the other kids could hear them as well. The shouts of the disconsolate mother, the whimpers of frightened children, the tanks, and fire arms. The clanking of the patrol's boats on the sidewalks. The sound of fear. How he hated it.

Duo leaned his head sideways to look outside the window. He could see the houses just blocks away being examined. The people lined against the walls. Yesterday the sky had been a lovely blue, now it looked like rain. Pretty soon the clouds will give way to the gloomy down poor. And the soldiers will be here.

They took their time. The grandfather clock in the downstairs living room rang softly. Noon. He smiled grimly. He can hear the Matron walking downstairs in her study. passing from side to side like a maddened woman. Her authority had made the servants remain in their rooms or in the kitchen. None of the maids dare come outside. Instead they remain huddled together in groups talking hushly. Duo can hear them. He wishes they'd stop. Their hushed talking is making the kids uneasy as it gets combined with the noise outside. And they all know what they are speaking.

The kid buries himself in the covers. Duo pulls them up to his chin smiling softly. The kid's eyes are reliving some past that Duo cannot comprehend. He sighs and turns away. They all are.

The soft clanking of the Matron's shoes grows louder as he reaches the bottom of the stairs. He cannot take this anymore, to be inside his room. Duo's eyes narrow as he see the condition the house is in.

Most of the living room furniture is covered by white sheets, the windows are blocked, the shelves are empty. He can see the books and statues in boxes. He frowns. The house is almost ready for war. Even if it is not here. He ran his fingers on the soft texture of the curtain in the window next to the study. His finger ache as they touch its softness, his heart maddened.

"Child," He startled. The Matron stood behind him. "Stay inside your room. It's for your safety."

Duo turned around to face her, lowering his eyes. The Matron smiled grimly. She folded her arms in her long robe.

"You can't, Duo?" She said. "You just can't stand this." She smiled again. Duo looked up at her.

"I wish I knew why, Mama," he said. He walked closer to her. She lead him inside her study away from the window's view. He sat on one of her chairs, propping his feet on the arm rests. She sat behind her desk her weary head falling softly to one side. He looked at her silently.

He face was worn and tired. She was wearing no make up, her hair messy in her usual bon. There are dark circles in her eyes. Duo looked away from her. The tables are shaking again, the tea cups on top of them clattering.

"I keep telling myself that this is just a show of power, Duo san."

Duo looked at her. He nodded. "I don't like it. They have no reason for doing this other than that."

The Matron clasped her hands. "You children must be so frightened. I cannot imagine what the little ones must be going through." She lowered her eyes. Duo bit his lip hard. He can see the faces of the others. He shakes his head from those thoughts.

Duo watched the old lady lean back on her chair, tired from the stress. He sighed deeply. Even the strongest wills can be broken. He crosses his arms in his chest and lowers his head over them, pouting silently.

"They are telling the families that they will return tonight to tell them about the results of the search," the Matron said. Duo lifted his head. "They will keep those poor people in that tension all day. What is worse is, that if they find the places to be less than their licking, the families will be taken away."

Duo's eyes widened, his voice lost. The woman rubbed her forehead desperately. He was only half listening to her now, his mind refusing to hear this. "If they find this house to be less than worthy, they'll take us away," she was saying. "Where will they take you children?" She clasped her hands before her on the table. her eyes glazed over with fear and worry.

"Nani?" Duo felt himself sink through the seat, his heart broken. Not again. To lose a family again. He closed his eyes shut. He felt the stone Kukuri had given him in the back pocket of his pant. He gasped. Kukuri, what will they do to you? Will you be taken from me? He bit his lip hoping she was all right. Hoping this would go away.

He lifted his eyes regarding the Matron silently. She had closed her eyes wearily. She reached inside one of the drawers in her desk. She took out a small black bottle drinking quietly from it. Her eyes grew fiery staring ahead at some point that Duo could not see. He watched her silently as she drank bitterly the liquor. She made a disgusted face, closing the bottle.

"I hate them," she said. "Federation scum. I hate them all."

Duo frowned. He felt his body growing numb, his legs stiffening. He buried his head on the seat's arm rest. Its hard texture hurt his face. he felt like crying, but he swallowed his tears. The woman got up from her desk. She came closer to him, standing over his small body.

"Hate them, Duo," she said. "Enough to kill them all for this that they are doing to us."

Duo drew his face away from the arm rest. He stared at her, his violet eyes dark with hatred. "I already do, Mama."

The Matron put a hand on his shoulder. She smiled grimly. Duo rubbed his face looking at her rugged hands, at her many green rings. he wanted to take her to bed so she could rest.

She ran a hand over his cheek. He smiled softly, his eyes brightening. The rain had started to fall. He could hear it bang on the roof. She sighed listening to it as well. Her blue eyes sparkled again. Duo caressed her hand softly. She smiled at him.

The Matron turned her head towards the door. Duo followed her gaze. The other children stood by the door. The smallest one rubbed his eyes. She raised her brows in grief. Duo saw her leave his side and go to them. She lifted the child. He buried his head on her robe.

Another one, about the age of Duo, came up to him. Duo smiled at him trying to ease his head. The Matron brought the others close to the desk. The kids huddled together around her. Duo saw their weary faces begin to glow. The Matron held them softly. The children smiled weakly.

"Minna," Duo said. He rose from his seat. "It'll all be OK."

He stretched his arms to enfold the others along the dress of their mother. Each held on to each other around her. She bent down to hold them. They held on to each other fiercely, not wanting to let go ever.

His sweat mingled with the rain. Hours. Hours leaning against this wall, afraid. He can hear the frightened breathings of his friends. He wants to look back, but the soldier with then gun wont let him. He looks sideways at the other children. He can sense the servants trying to help the children remain calm. He closes his eyes. Hours.

The soldiers had gone through their things. The whole house was torn apart. They didn't leave room they didn't search. The turned over every shelve, every seat. Looked on all the rooms. Went down at the basement. Removed any boards that closed any closet. The took out their clothes, turned over their beds. Even places that were of no offence were searched.

Duo hit his head to the wall. He is so tired of this. What are they searching for?

At last, the soldiers come out of the house. They gather together talking amongst themselves. Duo can hear their boots in the wet floor walking to their trucks. The soldier lowers his gun letting them relax. The servants gather the other children, helping them inside the house. They follow them dazed. Duo remains behind a bit longer looking at the soldiers.

The soldiers get on their trucks, as if this was some school excursion, talking amongst themselves, and head off slowly. The patrol leader calls the Matron aside. She frowns at his orders, but keeps quiet. The officer turns from her rudely and gets on his military car. She stays standing rigidly, her lips tight. The rain washing over her, her hair messed out from her neat bon.

Duo's hands clench by his side. The patrol is heading in Kukuri's home's direction. His chest begins to hurt. Kukuri san...