she slept quietly.

He sat down on his hunches, curling his tail around his back paws. He sighed, smile dropping. He looked down at her as he held her in his arms. He remembered the first time he'd held Clair, when his mother had started rasping in her breathing.

Akira had a faint smile on her face.

That only reminded him of his mothers smile from earlier that very day. She'd still been with Clair and had been having practice contractions for a while. She'd said she would be okay and had hugged both young furry boys. Sadly the day hadn't ended with the full family together. Rather a little baby in their mothers place.

At least Justice had parents, even if they weren't alive anymore. Akira...never had parents to love her. Or anyone to love her.

But now she had Justice, Shade and Clair. And even Zex was a friend, yes?

She did. But there would always be an area in her heart that wishes for parental love.

Sadly, even Justice, who had raised his own sister like a father, couldn't give her that.

No one could, not anymore.

No matter how anyone where to try.