Thanks for all the encouraging and lovely comments. :D And the never-ending support. :D

P.S. No editing has been done. Just wrote what came to mind.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Krystal. You shower first. I'll be back." Amber said and handed her a pair of her PJs, towel, and toothbrush. 

"Where are you going?" Krystal asked as she took the clothes.

"Just downstairs."

Krystal nodded her head and Amber left before the latter could say anymore.

"Hey. Ready?" Taeyeon asked as soon as she met Sooyoung at the end of the hallway. 

"Wow. You're fast. Did you just throw the clothes at Tiffany and Krystal or something?" Sooyoung joked. 

"Haha. No. I gave it to her and just left as quick as possible. Amber did the same." Taeyeon defended while Amber merely shrugged. 

"And you took a while. What did you guys do huh?" Amber said with a suggestive look as she wiggled her eyebrows. "You got some?"

Sooyoung punched Amber hard on the arm, making her groan in pain. "Shut up you . It just took me awhile because she didn't like the clothes I gave her."

"Seriously?"

Sooyoung looked at Taeyeon intently. "Seriously Taeyeon. It was a pink set of PJs and she said wearing it will remind her of Tiffany and she wanted one of a different color."

"Whipped." Amber mumbled and high-fived Taeyeon.

"Oh shut up. Both of you are idiots." Sooyoung grumbled and shook her head in disappointment. "You think Kibum and Donghae have enough PJs or at least comfortable clothes for the guys?" 

"I'm sure they do." Taeyeon commented as she poured herself a glass of milk. "Milk or juice?" Taeyeon asked Sooyoung and Amber. 

"Juice." 

"Milk."

Taeyeon complied and handed Sooyoung the milk and Amber her juice. "Tastes great!" 

"How did I know the three of you will be here?" Donghae's voice soon slit through the sisters' conversations. "Excited for the night?" He said with a smile and wink of his left eye.

Taeyeon rolled her eyes. "Puh-lease. We should be saying that to you. I mean you are the doctor and Heechul is the patient."

"Oh. ." Amber teased with a sly smirk.

"Oh shut up." But Donghae was blushing as he took a sip of his water. 

Sooyoung walked over and patted Donghae's shoulder. "It's alright. Look at the bright side, all of the rooms are sound-proof for all the partying that will erupt in your pants." 

Donghae spit out his water at Sooyoung's bold statement, causing TaeSooBer to burst out laughing. 

"You are dead!" Donghae grabbed Sooyoung into a headlock and did a noogie.

"Ow! Help!!" Sooyoung yelled as Amber and Taeyeon came to her rescue, only to be held down as well. After a while, it became a playful game of chasing. They were so absorbed in their actions that they didn't realize 6 people were standing by the kitchen doorway looking at them with expression of amusement and annoyance. 

"Yah!" 

TaeSooBer and Donghae quickly stopped their wild horseplay and fix their clothes upon hearing Siwon's voice. 

"Some of us are trying to sleep." He merely stated as he tried to control his anger at such rude manners from the hostesses. "Do you mind?" 

"Sorry." Amber apologized with a dorky grin. 

"Sorry." Taeyeon, Sooyoung and Donghae apologized soon after. "Didn't realize we were that loud."

"I was thinking why you guys never came up to shower." Krystal commented as she folded her arms across her chest. "Child play huh?"

"Aren't you guys too old to be playing around?" Taecyeon remarked with a raised eyebrow. 

"Ah. That's because Donghae is hor-"

Donghae quickly covered Sooyoung's mouth with his hand as he smiled nervously at everyone else while avoiding Heechul's eyes. "Nothing!" He then whispered to Sooyoung: "Say anything and you will have a new set of teeths." He threatened. 

Sooyoung merely chuckled and held her hand in mock surrender. 

"You two as well." Donghae glared at Taeyeon and Amber, who quickly nodded their head in understanding. 

"Well then." Donghae's expression suddenly changed to that of all smiles. "Let's all go sleep. It's quite late now."

"You think?" Siwon sarcastically stated as he walked off toward his room, followed by Taecyeon. 

"Sorry. Come on. I'll help you." Taeyeon offered and draped an arm around Tiffany's shoulders. 

"Right behind you. Let's go you guys." Sooyoung ushered toward Kryber as she and Jessica walked beside each other upstairs. "Goodnight Donghae. Good night Heechul."

---------------------------------------------------------

*KRYBER*

"Sit down." Amber instructed Krystal, who willingly complied and took a seat at the side of the bed. Amber had finished showering a while ago and took no time to put medicate Krystal's injuries and bruises. 

"Give me your hand."

"Both?"

"One at a time."

Krystal raised her right hand up and Amber held it gently as she used her other hand to dab some ointment on it.

"So, how have you been?" Krystal asked, wanting to break the silent atmosphere as she stared down at Amber. 

"Fine."  Amber wrapped up Krystal's right hand, laid it down on Krystal's lap and gently took a hold of her left hand. 

"Oh. Well, I've been well too." Krystal quickly answered. But as soon as she did, she reprimanded herself mentally. 'Why would I say that when I wasn't even asked a question?'

But Amber didn't think of that at all. In fact, she was glad Krystal initiated having a conversation because she sure wouldn't have.Not that she didn't want to. But because she was a little nervous of what Krystal will say. So it would be better for Krystal to talk and ask questions.

"I'm glad you were doing well in my absence." Amber flashed Krystal a smile before standing up an sitting next to Krystal. Amber then proceeded to wrap Krystal's left hand as well. "This will keep the ointment applied to your knuckles. I'll change it again tomorrow."

"Okay." 

"Now lift your shirt." Amber instructed as she turned to the first-aid box to take out some medication and bandages again. 

"What? Why?!" Krystal exclaimed in surprise. 

"Your stomach?" 

"Oh. Um it's ok. I can do it myself." Krystal offered. 

"No you can't. You'll need help with the bandage. Don't worry. I won't do anything."

"No! You can't!!" Krystal shouted. How can Amber stay so calm? Oh yeah. Because she's not the one stripping herself!!

Amber sighed and placed the materials to the side. "Fine. I'll tell Heechul to do it for you."

But just before Amber could leave, she felt a hand grasping on to her wrist.

"O-okay. But-but I'll apply the medicine myself. You can help with the bandage." Krystal meekly stated, hiding her blushing cheeks from Amber's sight. 

"Are you sure? If you're uncomfortable, I can just get Heechul."

"No!"

Amber raised an eyebrow at Krystal's weird behavior. 

"I-I want you to do it."

"..."

"So please?"

"Fine. But don't start thinking I'm some kind of . You gave me permission." Amber joked with a smile before handing Krystal the medicine bottle. 

"I won't. And thank you." 

Amber merely smiled in reply as she watched Krystal apply medicine on her bruised side. Amber found herself hissing upon seeing the big bruise on Krystal's flawless and milky skin. She couldn't help but feel guilty. 

"Amber?"

"Huh?"

"Are you alright?"

"Uh yeah. What' s up?" 

Krystal held up the roll of bandage. "Wrap?"

"Oh yeah. Sorry."

Amber crouched down once again in front of Krystal who was sitting on the bed and began to unroll the white sheet of cloth. And as she slowly began to wrap the white fabric around Krystal's abdomen, she couldn't help but notice just how toned Krystal's stomach was. 

"Omg!! She's so hot!" Amber thought to herself as she stole a look at Krystal's abs. "ert!!!" Her conscience intervened. "Pay attention!"

Amber shook her head lightly and continued the wrapping. Not noticing how stiff Krystal was sitting and her irregular breathing. Krystal felt shivers everytime Amber would accidentally touch her bare stomach. It just gave a weird but nice feeling. 

"Alright. Just one last thing to do." Amber held the cut end of the bandage in place and looked for the clip. "Where is it?"

"What?"

"The clip to hold-Oh! It's behind you." But Amber couldn't reach for it in the position she was in now and Krystal wouldn't be able to as well since the bandage can become loose. "Krystal. Put your hand here for a bit." 

As soon as Krystal's hand replaced Amber's, Amber reached over to grab the clip, not realizing that Amber was leaning over Krystal to do such feat. They were so close that they could practically hug each other. 

"Um-um Amber?" Krystal shakily muttered. 

"Huh?" It was when Amber retreated from successfully grabbing the clip that she noticed how close she was to Krystal's face. Amber stared into Krystal's eyes while the latter did the same thing. The distance between their lips were decreasing by the second...just one more and-

*hiccup*

Amber covered in embarrassment while Krystal let out a chuckle. Amber can not believe she just hiccupped at such moment. She quickly put the clip on and stood up. 

"Alright. You're done." *hiccup*

Amber placed a hand on and smiled sheepishly at Krystal. "Sorry."

Krystal couldn't help but let out a giggle. "Seriously. You're too cute."

Amber tried to say something but only hiccuped again

*hiccup*

Krystal giggled again and shook her head. "Need water?"

Amber shook her head. 

"You sure?"

"Yeah." Amber regained her normal voice and composure. "I'm positive. Let's just not be so close to each other. Ok?"

"Wae?"

Amber's eyes widened a bit as Krystal leaned closer and closer to her face until she was just a few inches away from Amber again. "Having inapproriate thoughts?"

"NO!" Amber suddenly stood up to get away from Krystal. " I mean, no." She said in a lower voice.

"Then what is it?" Krystal continued her seduction as she stood up as well and slowly approached Amber. 

"Uh..." Amber stepped back for every step Krystal took forward. 

"Uh?" Krystal repeated.

"Aren't you suppose to help me with my injuries?" Amber suddenly asked to stop Krystal's nerve-wrecking advances. Amber could feel her heart beating fast and hot.

"That's right! I am." Krystal grabbed Amber by her arm and commanded her to sit down on the bed.

"I-I can just sit."

Krystal crossed her arms across her chest. "Depends...where are you injured?"

Amber remained mute. Refusing to answer as she looked away from Krystal's stare.

"Amber."

"..."

"Amber!"

Amber sighed and looked at Krystal with a somewhat nervous look. "I-I don't want you to see it."

"Why not?"

"It's-well, I'm uncomfortable." Half-true.

"Chincha?!" Krystal sighed and took a seat next to Amber. "I won't pounce on you or attack you. I just want to return the favor." Krystal gently retorted with a smile as she set her left hand above Amber's right hand that was on her lap. "Alright?"

Amber returned a smile of her own. "Thanks. Um-here I go."

Amber slowly took off her shirt, earning a gasp of utter horror and yelp from Krystal.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Soosica*

"I can do it myself." Sooyoung reasoned in trepidation as Jessica matched every step that she took backwards. After both of them have showered and Sooyoung applied first aid to Jessica's injuries, Jessica wanted to return the favor. But Sooyoung disagrees.

Jessica crossed her arms and sent Sooyoung a glare. "Why can't I when you did it for me?" Jessica asked as she reached forward to hold Sooyoung's shirt, to which the latter immediately jumped on her bed to the other side. 

"Choi Sooyoung!" 

Oh crap! Jessica only says her full name when she's pissed...and it seems like she really is at that moment. 

"It's weird." Sooyoung reasoned, earning a 'what do you mean' look from Jessica. " I mean, I would have to strip for you."

"And so?"

"So?" Sooyoung widened her eyes. "How can you say it as if it's not a big deal?!" Sooyoung was shocked. Is she the only one who was clearly uncomfortable stripping down so Jessica can apply some ointment on her injuries?

"It's no big deal." Jessica stated as if reading Sooyoung' s mind. " You touched my cheeks and my stomach. So fair trade."

"No its not. I only touched the small area you were bruised."

Upon seeing that Sooyoung would be hard to crack than a stone, Jessica huffed out some air of frustation before looking at Sooyoung again. 

"Fine. You want it the hard way, I'll play along too." 

Before Sooyoung could comprehend the meaning behind Jessica's words, Jessica was already lifting her shirt up and began peeling the piece of fabric that Sooyoung had put there to keep the ointment from being rubbed off. 

"Yah!" Sooyoung quickly jumped over the bed again and stood in front of Jessica. Sooyoung swatted Jessica's hands away and fixed the bandage. 

"What do you think you're doing?!"

Jessica merely shrugged. "Since you're refusing to treat your wounds, why should I?"

"Aish." Sooyoung ruffled her hair and turned around. "You're so-ugh!"

Jessica smiled, knowing that she had won this battle. She walked to stand in front of Sooyoung and wrapped her arms around the tall woman. "Please?" Jessica cooed and pecked Sooyoung's neck before resting her head against Sooyoung's shoulder. 

Sooyoung blushed from the small yet warm kiss from Jessica and smiled. She held Jessica's hand and both walked together to sit on the bed. 

"I'll help you just like you did for me. Trust me right?" 

Sooyoung smiled and nodded her head. She then slowly lifted up her shirt until it was completly gone. 

"Oh my god." Jessica whispered as she covered wiht her left hand as her right slowly reached forward to touch Sooyoung's exposed skin. "How were you able to withstand all of this?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Taeny*

"Taeyeon. If you want me to stop putting pressure on my ankle, you better come here right now!!!" Tiffany exclaimed, as she stood on the opposites end of the room. 

"I told you I'm fine. Why do you keep on insisting?" Taeyeon asked as she gave in to Tiffany's stubborness and walked over. "Here I am. Now what?"

Tiffany smiled. "Please take a seat so that I can treat your injuries."

"But Fany-ah. I'm really okay." But Taeyeon's claims were ignored. 

"Show me where you're hurt." Tiffany instructed as she held up a bottle of ointment in her right hand.

"Are you serious?" Taeyeon's eyes widened. 

"Dae." Tiffany matter-of-factly replied as she continue to stare at Taeyeon blankly. "Now hurry up."

"But-but-"

"But?" Tiffany repeated.

"I don't think this is a good idea. What if I just do it myself? huh?" Taeyeon tried to persuade with a smile and cooed. "Huh Fany-ah?"

"No. Now hurry up."

Taeyeon sighed. Tiffany was determined. Well, Taeyeon did the same thing to her so I guess it's only fair. Although it will be awkward for Taeyeon to strip down for Tiffany.

"Fine." Taeyeon slowly turned around and took off her shirt, exposing her bruises and scars to Tiffany. 

"Oh my god. Taeyeon." Tiffany gasped in pure shock as she slowly traced the visible scars on Taeyeon's back.

"There's more. So get used to the view Tiffany." Taeyeon dejected stated. "But as of now, please just do what you're suppose to do."

Tiffany complied, as she opened the tube of ointment and gently applied it on the untreated cuts and bruises. 

"Does Sooyoung and Amber-"

"Yes." Taeyeon quickly answered. "They have the same amount of cuts and scars as me. More or less at least."

And Tiffany left it at that. She didn't ask questions nor did she comment. She was shocked and she knew she wasn't the only one because Jessica and Krystal was probably going through the same ordeal with Amber and Sooyoung. 

-------------------------------------------------------

*Next Morning*

"Good morning." Jae greeted the six figures as soon as they entered the kitchen.

"Good morning." Everyone greeted with a smile. 

Jae noticed that JeTiKrys were scanning the room, looking for someone.

"They're out." Uncle Jae casually answered as he took a sip of his coffee. "Hopefully you guys like bacon and eggs?"

Kibum placed a plate of the food in front of each person, smiling at each as he got a 'thank you' in return. 

"Where did they go?" Heechul inquired. 

"Training. And then run some errands." Uncle Jae answerd with a smile. "They'll be back by dinner."

Jessica, Tiffany and Krystal was disappointed. They woke up alone  and only to find out that they won't be seeing their girlfriends til night. They released a dejected sigh, catching Uncle Jae's attention. 

Uncle Jae let out a chuckle. "Don't worry. They'll be back before you know it." He assured with a smile.

"Well then, bon appetite?" Donghae commented with a smile. 

-------------------------------------------

"Taeyeon, Sooyoung and Amber, as all of you should already know, are neither my real daughters nor are they blood-related." Jae began. All of them were sitting in the living room. It was about 11am.

"Taeyeon's parents are Kim Hyunsoo and Jang Hyerin. Sooyoung's parents are Choi Soohyun and Lee Summer. Amber's parents are Liu Tianjin and Zhang Hai Tan." Jae stopped to look at Siwon and Heechul's shocked expressions. "The two of you have heard of them I presume?"

JeTiKrys and Taecyeon looked at the two officers, waiting for them to say something. 

After a while, Siwon nodded his head. "We have. But we do not know much."

"Tell us what you know then." Jae instructed.

"We've read about those names after the death of Mrs. Rinkwa, the notorious criminal who used was responsible for many criminal actions by using her position as CEO of UF Corporation to hide her awful deeds." Siwon began as he leaned forward. "She was adopted by Sooyoung's family when she was 10 years old and was the sole survivor of the Choi massacre."

"But the body of Lee Summer's child was never found." Heechul continued as he took a glance around the room. "We did a background check into Mrs. Rinkwa's past and that was when we came across the other names you mentioned. But that was all. Not much was said about the Choi's other than their close relationships with the Kim and Liu family." Heechul finished and looked at Jae. "But I know that you already know all of that. Don't you?"

Jae smiled and nod. "You're correct Heechul. That is all that I expected you to know because I personally destroyed all records of their information."

"Why?" Taecyeon asked, which was basically everyone's question. 

"Simple. To protect Taeyeon, Sooyoung and Amber. You see, the Kim, Liu and Choi family, during their time, were very prestigious, respected and wealthy. In fact, their popularity gathered many envy and hatred from others. People who would kill to gain all of their wealth. But the loss of the three families could not be afforded and so, precautions were taken. That's where I enter this rather tragic story."

"What do you mean?" Tiffany carefully asked. 

"I, along with two others, were given the task to protect them. Because if what they have were to fall into the wrong hands, the world will be over as we know it." Jae solemnly explained before releasing a sigh. "Many people sought the lives of the three families, but failed in all attempts of assassination. Except one."

Everyone waited in apprehension at the next words that were to be said. 

"We had traitors within our own clan." Jae looked awfully remorseful as he recalled the past. "It was not expected."

"..."

"Regardless, in the end, the families were slayed. All of them slayed within one night, except for Sooyoung's father, who as I found out later, had already been killed during his business trip to Japan."

"Oh my god." Jessica gasped with a hand over her mouths, as Tiffany and Krystal did the same thing. 

"I was lucky to have survived and was able to save Taeyeon, Sooyoung and Amber. As their families were slaughtered, they have been hidden in a safe spot. If it wasn't for my Master, I would have never known."

"..."

"With the help of Kibum, the family lawyer and his nephew, Donghae, I raised the girls as if they were my own, and taught them everything that they needed to know. We moved to Japan and to prevent from distractions and to protect them, I homeschooled them."

"You have an uncle?!" Heechul's sudden outburst softened up the tense mood for a bit. 

Donghae nervously smiled. "Surprise?"

"You have some explaining to do." Heechul said with a pissed off face. "But please, continue." He smiled at Jae. 

Jae chuckle. "It's alright. I'm sure all of them do. But to continue with the story, I finally relented to my daughters' pleads to send them to a real highschool. They were so excited. So happy to finally be able to be own their own for 8 hours and have friends, just like normal teenagers do." Jae smiled as he recalled TaeSooBer's priceless smiles as soon as they found out they will be going to high-school. 

Jessica, Krystal and Tiffany felt so sympathetic for their girlfirends when they recalled what TaeSooBer had told them about their highschool experience and empty childhood.

"But their happiness and excitement for being normal and going to school soon died. It didnt' take long for them to be labled as 'outcasts' because of their exceptional skills. They excelled in everything, especially physical activities. As a result, it caused them to be subjects of bullying, insults, and harassment. They soon discovered that they will never belong, considering their mysterious past taht no one knows about.  After a month, they told me that they have made their decision to quit high- school. When I asked them why, Amber said this to me: "Dad. We realized that we were fooling ourselves. We were never 'normal' to begin with and we will never be. Our destiny has been set and as a result, to have such dreams of being normal, is a luxury that we will never have, except in our dreams. But please don't blame yourself for this. This is our decision."

Seeing the perplexed and jaw-dropping expressions on their faces, Jae couldn't help but let out a laugh. "I know. I was just as surprised when I heard that speech as well. "When we returned to Korea, they took it upon themselves to take revenge by eliminating all those are connected to their family's murder. Which reminds me." Jae turned to look at Heechul. "I apologize. I'm sure that you have been hurt, thinking that you have been used as a middleman to obtain confidential records but please do not think that way. We did it ourselves, and I am sure, you do not want to know how."

Heechul was speechless. Donghae sighed. "I'll explain everything later to him Uncle Jae." He said with a smile. 

Jae smiled and nodded his head. 

"Wait. I have a question. What exactly is the 'Fall of the Phoenix'? And is it somehow connected to Sphinx Industries?" Siwon inquired. 

"As expected from a great detective such as yourself Officer Choi." Jae complimented. "And yes, both are connected. Before I divulge what the 'Fall of the Phoenix' is, I would like to ask all of you something. Do any of you believe in immortality?"

After a while and skeptical looks at each other, a unanimous 'No' was received. 

"Then how about regeneration?" Jae looked at each one of them intently. When he was going to receive the same answer, he held up his hand. "Believe it."

"What? That's not possible." 

Jae couldn't blame them for not believing him. "I understand. I didn't believe it at first too until I saw it for myself. You see, not only were the Kims, Chois, and Liu's wealthy, they were also very resourceful and lucky. One day, in a trip to a cave discovered not far from the city, they discovered a fresh water spring within the cave. It wasn't until Amber's father washed the bloody cut on his hand with the spring water that he saw the change take place. His cut disappeared. Not believing what they have just discovered, they did some more experiments by cutting their arms and then pouring the spring water over it. The same thing happened. The skin regenerated and it looked good as new. Unfortunately, it was because of this that they were killed."

"You mean, the traitors saw it too."

Jae nodded his head. "Yes. Fortunately, Mr. Choi, Mr. Kim, and Mr. Liu all made a pact to hide the place away from society because one it is known, chaos will ensue. And so, they built a door made of Japanese steel to prevent outsiders from entering."

"So, there's no way to enter?" Siwon asked.

"I never said that." 

"Then?"

"The key to the door is the 'Fall of the Phoenix'. The reason why Sphinx Industries is so adamant in artifacts is because Amber, Sooyoung and Taeyeon's family depicted false information on scrolls and wooden tablets to confuse those who wanted the spring's power for their own selfish desires. It also stalls time."

"Smart." Krystal commented, earning a nod from everyone else. 

"Yes, but now, the keys have been found. And the loss of Spinx Industries is nothing compared to the world dominion."

"And just what are these keys?" Heechul inquired. 

"The blood of the Phoenix." Jae calmly answered. "Only the marked ones know how to open the door. Which is to say that the key is Taeyeon, Sooyoung and Amber."

"It can't be." Krystal uttered in disbelief. 

"Have you not seen the Phoenix picture that was tattoed to their back shoulder?"

JeTiKrys saw it...but still...it just can't be. 

"The traitors..." a voice emitted from behind the others. 

"Sooyoung." Jessica stood up and linked her arms with Sooyoung.  Sooyoung smiled at Jessica but turned her attention back to her father. "Who were the traitors?"

"When did you guys return?" Jae calmly asked. 

"Just a while ago." Taeyeon answered as she took a seat next to Tiffany, who immediately intertwined her hands with Taeyeon's.

"You never told us who the traitor was. You would avoid it." Amber pointed out as she took a seat next Krystal. Krystal held Amber's hand to calm her down. 

Meanwhile, Jessica could feel the tenseness as she sat next to Sooyoung. "I'm right here Sooyoung." She whispered to Sooyoung and held the latter's hand tightly. 

Jae sighed and stood up. "I was going to tell you later, when we are alone. But since we're on the subject now, there is no point of me to avoid it any longer."

"..." 

The apprehension was so heavy. How bad can it be? 

"The two traitors-" Jae took a breath before looking at his daughters with saddened eyes. "-were the other two bodyguards. One, was Shin Taegu, my bestfriend. The other one-" Jae trailed off and ultimately came to a stop. 

But the silence was all that he needed to know that he had to continue. He couldn't hide it from Taeyeon, Sooyoung and Amber any longer. 

"The other traitor, that was responsible for your parents' death, was James...my brother."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wow...finally updated. Not much couple moments. More of a glimpse to the past. If any confusion, let me know. :D

Good to be back. Finally found the motivation to update. lol.