My brother and I were pretty close even before we lost our parents.

Yes, lost our parents. Until we find out more, I have to assume that they are gone for good. It wasn't easy, that kind of mourning at eleven years old, but I managed. We managed.

My brother, and me.

Because that's what it really all boils down to, is my brother, and me.

We have others to rely on, sure. Commander Kuroki has always done all he can to be a good influence on all of us kids. Ryuuji was already more than half-way to adulthood when it happened and while I'd never wanted a bigger brother than Etienne, Ryuuji's not bad as such things go. And Youko-chan has been a good kid even if Usada Lettuce is probably the worst possible role model for someone like her, since she absorbs everything like a sponge.

But I love our new family, even if they're nothing like our old family, and we don't get to go to France anymore and we don't really have any friends our own age except each other and one day, probably one day very soon we're going to have to do this whole 'fight for the good of all the whole planet' thing...

Other than that, it'll be okay.

Because I have my brother.

And he has me.