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"Tears in Heaven" (Kyaro) The sun wasn't up, and wouldn't be for several more hours, far in the distance, thunder ominously warned of its approach. Despite that, and the painful news of Joey, and her brother's demise, nothing would break the tradition she had started a year ago, when Genkaku died. Besides, talking to someone helped…and someone had to tell him about his "grandsons" death. A candle threw dim light several feet in front of Nanami, the light more of a comfort then a necessity. She could navigate her way through her house, even through the village of Kyaro with her eyes shut. Before kneeling in front of the home made tiny wooden grave, Nanami stared at the crudely written inscription on the grave, written by a pair of grief stricken teenagers. Nanami knelt, placing the candle at her side, and as an after thought, blew it out, welcoming the all encompassing darkness the pressed against all sides. She couldn't see the grave anymore, but it was there. She could sense it. Her mouth twitched into a sardonic smile. How could a person sense a grave? The other villagers thought her insane, when she commented about the feeling of comfort, and a presence of some sort, emanating from the grave. Joey didn't… She could still feel his arms around her, as she tried to remain in control of her body, and mind. She had been unstable, and had been crying. He had offered her a shoulder, and an ear. After hearing the story, he was just as understanding. "Of course there's something there," Joey had whispered, relaxing his grip on Nanami, "Of course. It's Genkaku. He hasn't finished what he started yet. He still needs to watch over you, to make sure you'll be ok. That's what you feel," That's what started the midnight tradition, of going to visit the grave. The feeling was strongest then, although it never truly disappeared. Nanami bit back a painful gulp. The thoughts about Joey…her brother…Genkaku…all gone…now there was no one to give her a hug and tell her it would be ok, no one who would brush the tears away if they should ever fall. She was alone. Another sob threatened to choke her, she tried to swallow it, resulting in a painful hiccup, and a single burning hot tear from the corner of her right eye. Even in the dark of the night, with the closest living person fast asleep hundreds of feet away, pride wouldn't allow her to crumble. "Grandpa Genkaku…" Nanami's voice broke, and she struggled to remain in control of herself. Her throat and eyes burned with a need she would not give into. She would not cry. No matter what. Closing her eyes, she felt the spirit surround her, comfort her. Hours like minutes, when Nanami opened her eyes again, the sun was peeking over the hill, greeting the day cheerfully, whether anyone liked it or not. Nanami rose in a swift fluid movement to her feet, and picked up the cold candle. She looked at the grave one final time then headed inside, feeling much better and reassured even. Her brother…Joey…they were alive, they had to be. She set the candle down on her brother's bedside table and looked at the bed, still sloppily thrown together in haste the day he left for the Unicorn Brigade. She smiled and shook her head but didn't touch it. There wasn't much to take, she wanted to travel, fast and light. She would find Joey, and her brother, if it killed her. She left the dojo and walked onto the path leading into Kyaro, as good a place to start as any. Oddly enough, she felt more light hearted then she had since Joey and her brother left, There was no pain, or remorse to her leaving the dojo, only a feeling, which lifted Nanami's spirits high.
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