Black Cat, White Dog

by ScribblingBear

Breakups hurt a lot. One can feel abandoned, broken, and worthless, especially when the one your love left you for happens to be their own sister. While Kyousuke's decision has hurt many women, Ruri Gokou, also known by her screen name "Kuroneko", seems to be taking it the hardest. However, just as it seems hopeless for her, she finds a light at the end of her long, painful tunnel.

1. Chapter 1

Black Cat, White Dog

Chapter 1: I Can't Be Classmates With My Online Friend

By: ScribblingBear

That was it. My book was in pieces on the sopping wet ground, probably buried in snow, my heart was shattered, and my sisters were trying, in vain, to console me as I sobbed into a pillow. I knew the pain would pass, but it was cutting into me as if my heart itself was glass. Hearing Kyousuke confess to me his feelings about his sister shattered it, and the shards scattered and pierced every fiber of my being. I told him I had become a spirit of vengeance, but at this very moment, I just wanted him back.

After a time, my tears slowed to a stop. I had to direct my efforts towards convincing Hinata and Tamaki that it was okay for them to go to bed. Once they were tucked away, I sat down on my bed to think. I hadn't been sitting for very long before my laptop began sounding notifications. There were four, and one was simply an apology from Saori about how things turned out. The other three, however, came with a special. Even in this darkest time, where it felt like nothing mattered, seeing that name, while not making me hurt less, did ease my desire to cry more.

Shiroinu.

He and I first met three years ago in a chat room for Maschera fans. We got along quite well, and I considered him a trustworthy friend. Some days, I even found myself drawing what I imagined he'd look like. Of course, he and I were always toying with each other, as he claimed to be an emissary of light, while I, myself, dwelled in darkness.

I read his messages quietly to myself. "I heard from Saori, and I'm so sorry. I know things cannot be easy for you right now, so please let me know if I can do anything for you."

Even though he couldn't see me, I just shook my head. "I'm afraid only time will help. The darkness permeating me cannot be quelled by any force outside of my own patience."

His next message piqued my curiosity but I was too exhausted to pursue. "Your shadows will fade. I know for a fact tomorrow will be better, and I mean literally. I know."

"Thank you. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I was preparing to turn off my computer for the night, but a sudden message from Saori caught me.

"I know you're in pain, but do you think meeting up tomorrow may help? I could help take your mind off of this."

Despite my overwhelming desire to decline, in the end I gave in. "I suppose. Will we be at your home again?"

"Yes, in late morning if it's not too much trouble."

Again, I shook my head at the screen for no reason. "Not at all. Goodnight."

"Sleep well."

As expected, my night was more lying awake with too many thoughts running through my head than it was actually sleeping. By morning, I was groggy, but coherent enough to take care of my sisters. Just like last night, they spent a tremendous amount of energy worrying about me and asking me multiple times if I was sure I was okay. Each time I told them I was, and finally, they let me leave the house.

The cold air bit into me, but the painful thoughts still cutting into my heart made it easy to ignore. The trip to Saori's didn't take me as long as I had expected it to, but it was still past noon. Once I was at the door, I knocked twice and waited. After a moment, the door opened and Saori welcomed me in. Just like she had been lately, the young woman had abandoned her comical glasses, flannel shirt, and twin pony tails and replaced them with her much more refined looks. I appreciated the change.

"Hello, hello, Kuroneko-san! It's cold, so please come in quickly."

I gave her a soft nod and stepped in. "Thank you." Saori began walking back, and I followed soon after. To me left right when we walked in, three coats were hunt up on the wall. A heavy, brown leather jacket, a blue and silver one with a horseshoe on the back, and a golden coat with white fur around the hood, hem, and sleeves. Next to that coat was a gold baseball cap with white, pointed dog ears and a white brim. These most definitely didn't belong to my friend.

"Oh, by the way, I have some people I'd like to introduce you to." As we approached the room we spent most of our time in, she turned my attention to three people looking at her collection of figurines.

The tallest one of them was a blonde, skinny boy dressed in a black shirt with the sleeves ripped off, black jeans with chains in both pockets, and black boots. It disgusted me and made me feel mocked just looking at him.

There was a girl between them as well. A slender, smiling woman with black hair that came down to her shoulders. It was clear to me that the blue coat belonged to her, as her skirt was the same shade of blue, her shirt was blue, and her sleeves were silver. Oh, and the big horseshoe on the front of her shirt kind of gave it away, too. I found her much more visually tolerable.

The young man furthest away from me was a slightly pale boy with glasses, messy brown hair, and a thick brown beard as well. His white flannel shirt and light blue jeans bothered me, mainly because they vaguely reminded me of the short time I embraced the light while dating Kyousuke.

My friend tapped the tall one's shoulder and motioned to me, resulting in all three of these newcomers turning to me with smiles. They all reached their hands out to me as well, but the tall one spoke first.

"You must be the friend Saori told us would be coming. My name's Yatsuhashi Tiro, but feel free to call me 'Yatsu'." He paused after I shook his hand, setting it on his chin. "Hey, you're pretty cute. What'cha think, Mihng? I got a chance with her?"

My straight face turned to a scowl, and the girl grabbed Yatsuhashi by the shoulders and pushed him aside. "Ignore him. My name's Mihng Lo Fey. Nice to meet you miss...?"

I shook her hand, but kind of just muttered "Gokou."

Mihng gave me a semi concerned look, but still smiled. "Nice to meet you, Gokou-san!"

She went over to say something to Saori while the one with the glasses approached me. "Hey. Saori told me you weren't feeling too well for whatever reason."

Having that brought up only made my scowl bigger. I didn't even bother to shake his hand. "Is that so?"

After a moment, he brought his hand down and nodded. "My name's Adam Grizzly. I know you don't know me, and I won't pry, but please let me know if I can do anything for you."

That last part caught my attention and made me lay eyes on Adam again, but Saori interrupted my thoughts by jumping between us. "We're all introduced now? Wonderful! Now, would you all care for some tea?" The three strangers nodded, and she then turned to me. "Kuroneko-san?"

I turned to her, paused, and nodded. "Yes, please."

"Excellent. I'll be back in a moment." My friend turned away and walked into her kitchen, leaving just the strangers and myself.

My attention turned to the three of them again; Adam was staring me, wide eyed. "Did she say Kuroneko?"

When he asked, I narrowed my gaze at him. "Yes, she did. Why do you ask?"

Yatsuhashi and Mihng looked at each other, and she tapped Adam's shoulder. "Is she...?"

He began shaking his head before looking back at me. "Just making sure I heard correctly, is all. Do you want us to call you that as well?"

Closing my eyes, I thought for a moment. "Do what you wish."

After that, we all stood in silence. I had expected at least one of them to speak to me, but they were all quiet and just stared until Adam lifted his hand and pointed to me.

"So... do you dress like that normally, or are you cosplaying Queen Nightmare?"

Hearing him say that caught me off guard, and soon both of the others were nodding as well, with Yatsuhashi speaking. "You're right, that is her outfit, isn't it? Were the roses bigger? I can't remember."

Mihng must have noticed the surprise on my face, as she slipped between the two guys to address me. "We have a tradition of watching anime together on Friday nights. Maschera is always in our lineup."

Knowing this brought a small smile to my face as I gave a nod. "Yes, this is Queen Nightmare attire. As an emissary of the darkness, I feel it is appropriate."

She let out a nervous giggle, trying to keep her smile on. "Oh, that's... nice. What do you mean, uh, emissary of darkness?"

"Does it matter?" The tall boy ran a hand through his hair and winked at me. My disgust was only exacerbated. "She's cute, likes anime, and says cool shit. I have no problems with her."

Adam and Mihng both gave him pointed looks. "Calm yourself, dude." Adam then leaned forward and whispered to him, causing the blonde to look at me.

"Oh... sorry. I had no idea that happened." He raised both his hands up as if he was being arrested or something. "I was just trying to tease."

Mihng stuck her tongue out at him. "She doesn't need teasing."

Before this could escalate any further, Saori came back out with a saucer in her hands. On it sat five cups and a large kettle full of tea. "I apologize for the wait, friends. Adam, would you be so kind as to grab that table against the wall?"

Saori nudged her head, and Adam immediately ran over to grab it. With the table were a few mats that we all sat on as well. Saori poured each of us a cup of tea, turning her attention to me once everybody had some.

Adam took a sip from his cup and smiled. "Thank you, Saori-san. This is delicious. We've got stuff like it in America, but nothing beats the genuine stuff." He then turned to me, but the glare from his glasses made it difficult to see his eyes. "So, how did you and Kuroneko-san meet?" After Adam adjusted his glasses, his eyes came into view, and something about them somehow comforted me. I felt like it was okay to speak because he was there. To this day I can't explain why.

"I'm the moderator of Otaku Girls Unite! and a member of many other online groups. About a year or so ago, I held an offline meetup for everyone in my group, and Kuroneko happened to be one of the attendees."

Yatsuhashi downed his entire cup in one gulp and wiped his mouth. "Really? Neat. That's kind of how we all met, except we didn't plan it. We just kind of came together at an E3 convention one year."

Mihng gave both Saori and myself a bright smile. "I'm actually part of Otaku Girls Unite! as well. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the area when you had the meetup, so I couldn't make it."

After a moment of thought, I looked up at Adam again. "You said you had this in America. Are you from there?"

He nodded. "We all are, actually. Yatsuhashi's dad moved to America for business, and Mihng's grandparents immigrated there. We all just arrived in Japan late last night."

"Last night?" It was until after I had spoken again that I realized I hadn't even touched my tea, so I took a small sip while I waited on an answer.

Mihng was busy mumbling to the blonde one about being a pig before she addressed me. "Yes! In fact, I think Adam was the only one who didn't sleep for most of the plane ride."

Saori crossed her arms with a grin. "He and I were talking most of the night. We organized this little get together with the intention of helping Kuroneko cheer up."

As soon as she said that, I turned to her with a glare. "What did you tell them?"

"Whoa, calm down, she only told us that you were feeling down. No details or anything." Adam was waving his hands in front of him as he spoke. "I assume you don't really feel like talking about it?"

"Certainly not." I set my cup down and stood up. I don't know what it was, but this entire situation was beginning to frustrate me. "I do not need your pity, either. If you've only come here to feel sorry for me, I'll be taking my leave."

Mihng and Yatsuhashi were both scrambling for words, and Saori bowed to me. "I-I apologize. I wasn't trying to offend you."

I turned away from them and fought back tears as I crossed my arms. "Well you have. Nothing can 'cheer me up'. I'm enveloped by a pain and darkness you could not even hope to comprehend, a maelstrom of shadows not even I myself can control."

What I heard next made me freeze, aside from turning my head. All eyes were on Adam as the words came out. "The darkness permeating you can only be quelled by your own patience, right?"

The young man stood up and approached me. He stood only about a meter or so away from me and placed his hand on my shoulder. "I've said this twice already, but I'll say it again: please let me know if there's anything I can do."

Now I had completely turned around and was gritting my teeth. "Twice?"

He took his hand off me and sighed. The other three just watched in silence, but I saw Saori smiling out of the corner of my eye. "Gokou-san, it's me. I'm sure you've figured it out by now."

Of course I had, but a part of me didn't want to believe it. As soon as he was finished speaking, images of a cruel joke began playing through my head. I was being irrational, and I knew that, but the terror was soul crushing, and I was unwilling to take the risk of trusting in the man before me. I wanted to run. I wanted to get away, but my feet were frozen in place as if they knew. All I could do was mutter just barely above my breath.

"Shiroinu."

He just nodded his head. "Yeah."

I fell to me knees, and suddenly everyone was around me, asking if I was okay. Mihng and Saori even offered me their hands. Without a word, I simply made my way back to the table and took a seat, which brought sighs a relief from everyone else.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner."

Everyone else still stayed silent. I assumed they probably knew about my and Shiroinu's history. "I can't say I'm not surprised, but I began to suspect something when I saw your hat and coat. Those are yours, correct?"

"Yes. Don't worry; Saori-san has protected your privacy and not revealed any details of your situation. Kuroneko-chan... the three of us are here because of our job, but when Saori came to me and told me you weren't alright, we all agreed that we needed to see you."

All I could do was look at Adam as his two friends sat back down at the table, too. The other man was scratching his head, but Mihng seemed eager to speak as well. "That's right. Adam talks about you a lot, and while we don't really know you too well yet, any friend of his is a friend of ours."

After looking at Mihng and Yatsuhashi, Adam nudged his head towards my friend. "Saori also told me that this little group was down two members. I can only imagine how bad it must feel to have such a small group cut in half, so I figured we'd join in on your shenanigans. I know we can't replace the two that have left, but maybe we can help fill the void?"

That line finally broke me. Clutching my chest, I hung my head and fought back tears in vain. "I told you... only time could heal the burning wounds I've been left with. Fill the void? You have no idea what you're saying. You foolish mortals could never comprehend the pain I'm being subjected to. And I... and I... I can't speak of it out in the open. Not a word."

Saori closed her eyes and lowered her head a little. "You've spoken very little to me, as well. Why not help us understand?"

I shook my head and tried to lift my head up. What I was greeted with was Adam holding out a white handkerchief to me. "Take it."

Reluctantly I reached out, taking the cloth in my hand and wiping my face. "Thank you. Give me a moment."

Yatsuhashi let out a sigh. "We know you're probably really confused and frustrated right now. Adam and Saori-san have coordinated as much as possible, and Adam's talked to us, so we could try and make this day about you. Unless you want to step out of here, nothing from outside this building is coming into our conversations or activities. And, uh... sorry about earlier."

"You are forgiven. Don't repeat your actions." I took another sip of tea; it was starting to get cold now. "All about me? How do you plan on doing that?"

Saori motioned towards a bag leaning on the wall nearest us. "It's a bit unorthodox when compared to our previous meetings, but we'd like to take your input in regards to things you want to do. If you want to stay here and watch anime or play games all day, we'll be happy to oblige. Do you want to go out and take out your frustrations on trees? We'll go with you."

They all nodded and looked at me again. Once my eyes and face were completely dry, I tried to push the painful thoughts out of my head and think of things to distract myself.

"You three said you came here for your job. What is it you do?"

They all looked at each other, then to Saori, who nodded. Yatsuhashi answered. "We do a few things. We have a band that does small shows and anime intros, plus we have our own video game show on the internet called Triple Teamed. The band work brings in a bit more money, thanks to royalties, but the gaming is a lot more fun."

Adam took the chance to chime in. "We record footage of video games and commentate over it. Not sure if you've heard the term 'let's playing', but that's basically what it is."

I looked down again. Of course I had been listening, but one thing in particular stuck in my head. "You never told me you could sing, Shiroinu."

He quickly shook his head. "Nah, Yatsuhashi does most of the singing, but Mihng has led a couple of our songs. I'm the lead guitarist."

"I see." Despite it quickly cooling, I managed to drink the rest of the tea, and Saori was more than happy to fill up my cup again. "It... it is very nice to finally meet you, Shiroinu."

Adam held up his hand with a smile. "We're not online anymore. Please, call me Adam, Gokou-san."

I responded with a simple nod. "Are you going to be going to school here, too?"

Mihng shook her head. "Yatsu and I finished our last year before making the trip to Japan."

There were many things I wanted to say in response, but I chose to stay quiet and looked at the bag my friend had pointed to earlier. "What do you have in there?"

Before answering me, Saori finished pouring herself another cup of tea. "I've brought the entire collection of Maschera DVDs that have been released so far. There are a few games in there, along with some ones Adam brought."

Despite my efforts, thoughts and memories began creeping into my mind, and I found myself desperate for something to keep them at bay. With little time to actually think, I immediately jumped into what I knew.

"I realize I've been a little short with you all, but I do appreciate what you're doing. I believe it best for me to try and relax. That being said, would you all stay and watch those DVDs with me?"

Everyone started nodding and Adam gave me an "Of course" as he stood up. "You know, I did bring my favorite anime too, in the event that you have a change of heart and decide to try it."

Were I in any other situation, I'd probably have smiled at that. "Maybe, but I'm afraid today won't be that day."

Adam, however, did smile. He made his way to the bag as everyone else, including myself, stood and began setting the room up so we could actually watch the T.V. comfortably. Yatsuhashi and Adam had to bring a couch out at Saori's request while she went to get snacks. The fact that they planned to keep this going as long as I wanted kind of warranted it. We all took seats with Saori, Adam, and me on the couch while Yatsuhashi and Mihng sat on the mats we used when drinking tea. I think it took them ten minutes to convince the other two that they were fine sitting on the floor.

As expected, we started with the very beginning of the anime and chatted about it. The three new arrivals' knowledge and understanding pleased me, but I also found myself thinking about Kirino and her ignorance. I'm sure they all noticed the instances of me literally trying to shake the thoughts out of my head throughout the day, but none of them said anything. Eventually, about two-thirds of the way through season two, Adam's phone went off.

"Hey, sorry to do this, but we have to get going. All of our stuff just arrived at the house we'll be living in, so we need to get that situation straight."

Saori paused the DVD and turned on her lights. "Of course. Be careful out there."

Yatsuhashi gave her a "yeah" and a grin. "We'll definitely be back again soon. Saori-chan, Gokou-chan,you two have a good evening."

Adam held out his hands to both of us. "It was nice meeting you both."

Saori immediately shook his hand. "Likewise."

While reluctant, I eventually did take Adam's hand and gave it a shake. It felt very strange to come into physical contact with someone I had known online for so long. "Yes, it was... nice meeting you, too."

The two boys turned and grabbed their coats. Adam also put on his cap before turning to Mihng. "You coming?"

She waved her hand up and down. "I'll catch up. You can go on without me."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, go on ahead."

"Alright." Adam and Yatsuhashi opened the door and stepped out. Once they were gone, Mihng turned her attention to me.

"Gokou-san, I know this may not be any of my business, but please," she folded her hands and bowed to me, "tell me what happened. I swear to you I won't breathe a word to either of the guys. I just... I'm not satisfied with simply knowing you're upset. Please tell me what it is that's making you upset."

At first, all I could do was stare at her. I'm sure she and Saori both knew that I didn't want to talk about it, but Mihng bowing and my friend softly nodding convinced me to give in.

"It's a man. He was incredibly kind, and cared deeply for me. I loved him, and I know he loved me, but he left me for another. His own sister."

The young lady simply sat there in wide-eyed disbelief. "Are you serious? That's terrible! Why... why in the world would somebody do that to you?"

I couldn't help but look down, knowing this situation was partially my fault to begin with. "I tried to bring him closer to his sister, as well as making myself a bigger part of their lives. In the end, I fear have completely removed myself from them, instead."

As I spoke, tears began welling up in my eyes that took everything I had to fight back. Saori put her hand on my shoulder and finished my thoughts for me.

"We all wanted him to be happy, so instead of rejecting, we encouraged him. We only have ourselves to blame."

The other woman lifted her fists just below her chin. "No, it's not your fault! It's his for being a pervy siscon in the first place! That's just... selfish!" After a moment, Mihng let out a sigh and put her hands in her lap. "I'm sorry. That's just really not cool what he did. I assume you aren't going to give me his name or anything?"

I just shook my head. "As much as he hurt me, I still don't hate him."

Saori's hand was still on my shoulder, and now my other one had a hand on it, too. "Well, whatever happens, I'm here for you. Yatsu and Adam, too. You know Adam cares, and while Yatsu can be, well, a guy at times, he does too."

As soon as she brought up Adam, I went to dry my eyes. It wasn't until the soft fabric touched my face that I realized I was still clutching his handkerchief in my hand. "Thank you, Mihng."

"Of course, Gokou-san." Before she could say anything else, her phone started going off. After checking it, she sighed. "Sorry, but I have to get going. I'll see you all later. Oh! Before I forget," she held her phone out before the two of us, "would you like my number?"

Of course, Saori took it first, but I did give her mine as well. "If you want to give it to Shiroinu, you may."

She gave me a bright grin before going to get her coat. "I'll be sured to do that. Remember, Gokou-san, we're all here for you. That goes for you too, Saori-san." After that, she slipped out the door.

I heard a sigh from behind me just before my friend's voice. "Did this help you at all? If your troubles were taken from your thoughts for even a moment, it was worth it."

"I am... surprised. I didn't expect you to go to such lengths for me, nor did I expect I'd ever see Shiroinu face to face like this. So I would say yes, you did help me to a degree. Though I fear this could never be enough to heal my searing pain."

Though not like her, Saori eventually got close to me and put her arms around me. "Would you like to do something tomorrow as well?"

After she let me go, I stood up. "School starts in two days. I want to use tomorrow to prepare. I'm just thankful I'm not going to the same school Kyousuke is anymore." Saying his name stung my tongue, but I hadn't thought about it until I had already spoken. "Thank you for this evening, but I'll be taking my leave now."

"Of course. Be safe and sleep well."

The trip back home was cold and aggravating. Not only was I still slightly confused about what had happened today, but it seemed as if every couple I saw reminded me of... them. Of my own failure. Eventually, it got to a point where I just kept my head down until I arrived home. Tamaki was watching Stardust Witch Meru on T.V. while Hinata was writing something. As soon as they saw me come in, she put it away without letting me see.

"...I'm home."

Both of my sister smiled at me, speaking in unison. "Welcome home, Onee-san!"

It was time to put on a brave face now. I tried my best to smile as I gave them both little pats on their heads. "Sorry I was gone for so long. How are you two? Have you eaten?"

Tamaki was the first to answer. It was honestly kind of sweet how me arriving home could tear her away from Meru. "No, we were waiting on you! Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I am. I met some new friends and spent time with them, and it helped me take my mind off of my troubles. Wait here and I'll make us dinner."

They both gave me big smiles and began clapping. "Yay! Your cooking is always so great, Onee-san!"

The compliment helped me to perk up just a little. After looking at the clock and realizing just how late it was, I immediately made my way into the kitchen to begin preparing dinner. Meal time was just like it was this morning, with my sisters still trying to pry into me and see if I was actually okay like I said I was. Luckily, I'm a very good liar, so I had them convinced that I was already over Kyousuke.

For the next few days, I busied myself with getting ready for school. There was a stretch of about two or three days directly after that night where I didn't even answer my phone, but the flood of worried messages from the three Americans, Saori, Kyousuke's other friends, and even the man himself made me realize that was a horrible idea. From the looks of things, the Americans had been busy with the unpacking process, but Mihng said she'd visit me outside of my school on the first day it resumed. Ayase and Manami, while they didn't know me that well, did want to check on me, and I just... deleted any messages or missed calls from the siblings before reading them. I half expected people to come to my door, but I assumed they wanted to give me my space. Those other girls whom's hearts Kyousuke crushed probably felt the same way.

Before I knew it, it was time for school to begin again. The morning of my first day, while cold, wasn't nearly as cold as it was when I made the trip to Saori's. Oddly enough, my uniform was warmer than the outfit I had worn there, too. I had expected this, but the trip to school served as yet another reminder of the life I had surrendered. Being together with Kyousuke and friends with Kirino made walking to school a little less lonely, and while it didn't bother me when I first transferred, it had become hard not to dwell on things like that.

That is, until I arrived at the school gates and was met with a familiar sight. He raised his hand to me with a smile. Without his coat or hat, it took me a moment, but that little ponytail and facial hair was unmistakable.

"Shiroinu?"

"Good morning, Gokou-san! And please, call me Adam. This is my last year of school, but if we're gonna be spending it together, at least use my first name."

When he was done speaking, he flashed a wide grin. It took me a moment to get over the shock of seeing him there, but I finally shook it off and responded.

"Very well then, Grizzly-senpai. I'm going in now."

As I made my way towards the school, Adam walked beside me. He waved and smiled at everyone that passed by, and I noticed that they were looking at me as well. If past experience was any indication, this would end poorly.