+Chapter 1+

"I'm pregnant," Livi's voice was hoarse from tears as she spoke to her sister, "I'm sorry, sis. I really am. I was careful, I swear…but maybe, just maybe it won't have the curse."

Melaya slowly closed her eyes as she felt death's breath on her neck. This baby would be the end of her life, and the beginning of a new Exorcist's. Then again, she knew it was time. She already had a strip of grey hair near her right temple. She cursed silently before responding, "It's alright, Liv, really. But your baby will be the next exorcist in the family…Congratulations, sis. When is my niece or nephew being born? I want to be there." 'I want the last thing I see to be the birth of the next generation before I die…' She added to herself. She was only 18 and her time was already up. Lucky her.

A sob was heard over the phone before her sister continued, "Exactly 8 months from now. I'm so sorry sis…"

She swallowed hard before replying to Livi. "It's okay. Really. Just relax and live. Try to be happy. You're going to be a wonderful mother. But I have to go, Komui needs to talk to me." Melaya hung up the phone before she heard anymore of her big sister's tears. She didn't want to hear anymore than what she knew she'd have to endure over the course of the remaining months. Livi was her weakness, the only one that everyone knew about. That's why she had all but begged Kumoi to let Livi live at the Black Order. He couldn't say no to her, especially with a sword pointed at him.

She sat there for a moment trying to get herself together. God, she was going to die in 8 months. Great, looks like she needed to get to work then. Pulling herself up from the seat as if the world's weight were suddenly on her she trudged to the door and pushed it open slowly, peeking out. Melaya really didn't want to run into anyone on the way to the Science Department, especially with the touchy mood she was in. She didn't feel like accidentally killing someone for saying "Hi," or something of the sort.

Slipping out of her room, she went straight for Komui's office and ignored everyone on the way. She knew everyone would leave her alone if she kept her face stoic and her head up. They were smart people. She knew they wouldn't bother her, especially when she still wore her exorcist uniform. And just in case they still didn't get the hint, she pulled out her sunglasses and slipped them on. She hated the looks she got from the color of her eyes so she kept it quiet. Only a handful, if that, knew her eye color. Mel came to a stop at Kumoi's door and took a breath before knocking loudly. "You in there Kumoi? It's Melaya. I need to talk to you," she growled hoping he'd get the importance of it.

A loud crash was heard on the other side as books and, more than likely, papers went flying. Komui shoved his glasses up his nose and frowned at the tone she was using. "Maaybe. Depends on what you want," he replied as he peeked out from the door. He knew Melaya's wrath could be great if she was pissed and she really didn't look happy.

"I want to ask you about those…" she looked to make sure no others were paying attention, "shots you were talking about. If you still have them, or want me to be the guinea pig for them."

An evil smile grew on his face before he opened the door wider and all but slithered back to his desk. Yeah, Komui definitely had a creepy side. Well mainly when it came to his experiments, like she was about to be. Mel groaned. She was going to be a friggin' experiment. Gee, this was turning out to be her lucky day. She came into the room and took a seat across from his extremely messy desk waiting for him to start speaking or something. But no, he was peering at her through his glasses and studying her with the 'Where do I start?' look.

"Well are you going to brief me on it, or are you going to sit there and stare at me all day," she snapped, already uneasy from this gaze. She'd be dammed if she'd be in here and miss breakfast. She could already smell Jerry's cooking from in the office and her stomach growled loudly.

He grinned before speaking, "Well as you know, you'll have to check in almost every day so I know how it's working on you. If it's going good and there aren't any bad side effects then I won't have to change the dosage but if it starts to mess up then I'll have to adjust it. You'll take one a day, right before bed so your body can work down the contents. Okay?"

"Sounds dandy. When do we start," she replied coolly.

He kept his eyes on her as he reached down next to the desk and pulled out a mini cooler, "Here's a set. It should last you at least a week to see if works right." Komui sat the cooler down on the table between them and grinned, "So. Excited? I am. I've been waiting to do this for so long. What made you decide to finally give in and try it?"

"None. Of. Your. Business." Her voice dripped with venom as if he'd asked what color underwear she was wearing. He immediately dropped the subject and left her alone. Mel grabbed the cooler and stood before leaving the room. It was none of their business and it never would become their business. Well at least as long as she lived anyway…