Shizuka Sohma sat up in her bed, exhausted. Today was bound to be another horrible day of gardening in the hot sun. Hopefully Akito was feeling better today so she wouldn't

have to do it alone. She walked into the tatami floored room where Akito was usually found, but he wasn't there yet. Must still be in his private room, she thought. Akito

staggered into the room, looking feverish. "You must be deaf, Shizuka, i called for you twice now," Akito said, irritably. She bowed. "I am sorry for not being attentive," Shizuka

said, hoping this would be overlooked. "Get me a glass of water; bring it to my private room. i am not feeling well again today," the head of the family demanded, receding back

into his room. She sighed. "Yes, of course," she grumbled, as she went to the well outside. Only the best for Akito-san. Why was she here, living in this sectioned off wing of the

prison of a house, serving the arrogant leader of the Sohma clan, instead of attending school and having friends? The only people she knew besides Akito were the juunishi

(zodiac), her father, and the Sohmas who lived in the main house. Other than that, not many people visited Akito's part of the house. Which is where she was for the most part,

unless she was visiting Shigure or Hatori, the only people Akito trusted with her.

"DAMN YOU YUKI SHUT THE HELL UP!" Kyo yelled across the table to a calm figure sipping his tea. "I already had, until you yelled at me, you insolent cat," Yuki said,

eating some rice. Tohru blinked, used to this but still a bit frazzled, while Shigure tried not to smile. "I didn't ask your damn opinion so keep it to yourself!" Kyo spat. "Look

who's talking about keeping to himself," Yuki smirked. Kyo opened his mouth to speak again, enraged, when there as a knock on the door. Yuki stood and left the room to

answer it. "Get back here you damn rat, i wasn't done with-" Kyo sighed and continued to eat, still pissed off. Yuki came back to the table, silently. Shigure asked "who was it,

Yuki-kun?" "Gure-san." came a familiar voice from the doorway. Kyo twitched. "Aaya." Shigure said, rising from the table. "And Kyonkichi, and my dearest brother, and of

course my lovely Tohru-kun!" Ayame announced, hugging all of them. Yuki stood to leave. "Yuki, where ar you going, haven't you missed your older brother while he was off

on his escapades?" What escapades, Yuki and Kyo both thought. "Escapades, where?" Tohru asked. Yuki sighed. Ayame began a long tale about some adventure he'd been

on that was clearly made up, and continued for quite a time, until Hatori called the house. "Hello?" said Shigure into the phone. "Oh hi Haa-san!----------Yes, Aaya's over

here--------Shizu-kun? Why would i object to that?-------Kyon can get over it----------i know, i know-------------Hatori you're so mean!-----Bye." He hung up, and said,

"Shizuka is coming tomorrow." Ayame smiled. Yuki, Tohru, and Kyo all looked confused. "Who...?" asked Kyo. "Why Kyo-kun, Shizuka Sohma is your sister."

Shizuka was worried. Hatori was in talking to Akito for quite a long time. There was no yelling and no violence as far as she could tell though, which was good at least.

Suddenly, one of them came to the door she was leaning against. She jumped back as Hatori opened it and motioned for her to join them. "My dear Shizuka," Akito started.

"You've been working hard recently. And the schooling that has been provided for you here has prepared you for high school." There was a long pause. "I am sending you to

live with Shigure for the rest of the summer. You will then attend Kaibara High School." Shizuka was so happy, she hugged Akito, who promptly shoved her off. She didn't

care. She was going to high school! "There is a catch though." Hatori said. "Your brother, Kyo, is attending the same school. As is Yuki. Next year, Hatsuharu and Momiji will

be too." Shizuka nodded. How Would Kyo react to her? She was nervous, but excited more than anything. "Come now, i'll take you to my house until tomorrow, when you'll

leave." Hatori said, taking her arm. On the way there, Hatori was lighthearted. He cared very much for Shizuka, and was grateful that Akito had been so easy on her. When

they arrived at Hatori's house, he took her by the shoulders and smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Tori" She said, hugging him tight. "Of course," he replied. "You know, there is

one thing Akito doesn't know about your stay at Shigure's." he said almost coyly. "What is that?" Shizuka questioned. "Ayame is there too."