"Let her go!" Reiko shouted.
"Shut up you wretch!" Yuzuru, their father, shouted, striking her to the ground, he then turned to Kuri. "If you even think about attacking me, I will have your sister beaten within an inch of her life. Don't you see, your power is only making everyone suffer. You aren't strong! You only exist to purify that parasite inside you, and then your usefulness will have run it's course. Do you understand?!"
Kuri nodded, and Reiko led her back to her room.
Kuri and Reiko were fraternal twins. Their faces were exactly the same but Kuri's skin was paler than Reiko's and Rei had freckles. Kuri's hair was long, straight and black, and Reiko's was curly and red. Kuri also had many battle scars.
I'm sorry. All this happened because you brought me food. Kuri thought.
That's ridiculous! You deserve to eat as much as anyone else. Mama would be devastated if she could see how things had turned out. If only Grams would come home... Reiko thought.
But she's not coming home. Stop dreaming. No one is coming to save us. Kuri thought.
Mana, their eldest sister walked past. If she could hear their thoughts too, she never responded. She did whatever their father said and was the most like him in many ways. She was ambitious, wanting to someday take over her father's business herself.
Mana looked like Kuri, but had their father's face, down to the expression of superiority. Her eyes were dark blue where Kuri's were a lighter blue.
Mana was leading two young men into the receiving room. Kuri recognized them as two boys from her class. Kyo and Yuki Sohma. What business did they have with the Hikawas?
Krystal brought out the food and served them. As the youngest, she was stuck with most of the chores. Krystal had long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was shorter than the others but built like a model.
"Thank you," Yuki said. "As I was saying, the head of our family wishes to have a...banquet...with your family, the Hikawa, tomorrow night. All of us will be in attendance."
Ava and Billie, Kuri's two cousins, peered in. Ava was lithe, short and springy, with green eyes and brown hair. Billie had very short brown hair and hazel eyes. She was tall, exceptionally so. The two of them were already young adults, in their twenties, but still included in the family business.
"It is a rare occasion as...everyone...is invited." Yuki said.
Kuri did not miss the scowl on Kyo's face as he said that. She knew the feeling of not being included.
"I see. So this...Akito Sohma...wishes to do business with the Hikawa Family?" Yuzuru said. "If that is so, why didn't he consult Mana directly? She is the current CEO and liaison. If there is a...deal...to be made, it will be made with Mana."
Mana nodded. "'A wish is made, a wish I'll grant.'"
Yuzuru laughed. "Well spoken. It is our company's tag line. I am not sure if the head of your family told you, but we make wishes come true. Think hard boys, I'm sure there is something you want..."
Kyo fingered his bracelet, but said nothing.
Kuri wondered why he was brought there, if he wasn't allowed to speak. It made her angry.
"Nevertheless the deal will be discussed at the banquet." Yuki said. "At the Sohma main house. You are to bring all the Hikawas. Akito has made it clear that if these specifications are not followed, there will be no deal with the Sohma family."
"Alright, alright." Yuzuru said. "I'm a businessman after all. But first, a test of my own. Kuri! Reiko! I know when you are listening. A good father knows his children after all. Now come in here and greet our guests."
Kuri and Reiko came in and bowed.
"Kuri and I are very honored to meet denizens from the house of Sohma." Reiko said.
Kuri smiled and nodded.
"Forgive her. She's either very stupid or just a mute. Most of the time Reiko here speaks on her account. Now Kuri. Tell me if these filth are lying to your father. Tell me what they are really after. Be honest now." Yuzuru said.
The two Sohmas flinched. This was unexpected.
Kuri stood in front of them and eyed them respectively, then turned to Rei and nodded.
"They aren't lying about anything. They're motivation for coming is to undo a curse, which we are fully capable to do." Rei said.
"Very well." Yuzuru smiled. "Then I suppose we will have this banquet after all. You tell the head of your family that if he wants a banquet, it will be served at the Hikawa Shrine."