Page 130 of The Knights of Gaia

“My best friend.”

“He’s another Knight?”

“He’s not just a Knight. You might call him theperfectKnight. At least everyone else does.”

“You’re talking about Kato.” My mind raced to make this new connection. “Kato is your best friend?”

“Yes. And no.”

“It sounds like you guys have a complicated relationship.”

“You’re not wrong about that.” He chuckled, as if something about his own words amused him. “Since the day we became Apprentices two years ago, Kato has been like a brother to me. Though, recently, our brotherhood has grown a little strained.”

“I know what that’s like,” I told him. “I love my brother, but sometimes he really drives me crazy.”

“Kato does excel at that. Usually. These past few days, though, he’s been too distracted to annoy me. I wonder if it’s because of…”

“Because of what?” I asked.

Conner met my eyes, and his mouth lifted in a half-smirk. “Never mind. It’s probably nothing.”

“Ok, now I need to know.”

“No, youwantto know,” he told me. “There’s a difference.”

“Tell me anyway.”

He flashed me a grin. “No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you want to know.”

“Fine. Be that way.” Smiling, I tossed a tomato at his head.

Somehow, he managed to catch it in his mouth. “Thanks.”

I leaned my head against my hand.

“This didn’t go at all like you’d planned, did it?” he asked cheerfully.

“No.” I expelled a heavy sigh. “It did not.”

“Fine, I’ll tell you.”

I perked up. “Really.”

“No.” He chortled.

And I growled in frustration. “You’re just as much of a rascal as my brother.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m even more of a rascal than your brother.” He spoke like he was very proud of that.

“Seriously, what kind of Knight are you!” I demanded.

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