((Okay so about half of this is my written word and the rest was done in the spur of the moment on WordPad. But my original idea was not lost. I did plan for everything in this chapter and if you don't like it, don't read. I don't want to spend another chapter defending my twisted mind against flamers.

Oh, and thank you for the favoriting of this story, ARavensWhisper! You're the first for this story and I give you cyber-loves!))

Chapter 2: Offering or Self-sacrifice

Later that night, Takashi sighed as he bathed. The young woman had been accepted by his parents and younger brother, Satoshi. They were all a great deal more open than he was though his father could be just as reserved. Satoshi and his mother had drawn the same conclusion Tamaki had about the scarred Artemis and he'd had to wrap both arms around her waist to keep her from bolting out the door. His arms still tingled with heat where her body had touched his. She was so warm and small... and pretty. Without the drowned-rat look, the slave-girl was absolutely stunning in the black dress. Tamaki had been absolutely right when he pegged her as a wild goddess.

Takashi became too hot all of a sudden and got out of the tub. He must have spent too much time soaking as he contemplated his guest. Drying off and changing into his pajamas, he decided now was the best time to get some sleep.

Artemis had been placed into a guest room next to his. She looked around with a strange look in her amber eyes. When he informed her that he was next door if she needed anything, those eyes latched onto his and time stood still. So many emotions. Loyalty, trust, fear... wait, fear? She was afraid of him?

Laying down, Takashi's silver-grey eyes gazed at the ceiling, shadows dancing. Had he done something to make her scared of him? He knew that he was intimidating- Kasanoda, the redheaded yakuza heir, admired his fearsome looks and ability to have so many friends. However, most of it was his height and natural aloofness. He couldn't control how tall he was and even when he did talk, he preferred to listen. He hated awkward pauses that occured when he ran out of things to say.

Mitsukuni understood that. When they first started the club, Kyoya tried to separate the two cousins, thinking he could make twice as much money. That plan blew up in his face and he let them remain together, as it should be. The entire time he was hosting alone, the silent male had been focused on the bubbly blond's disposition. When he made a mess of the cake, frosting all over his face, he would twitch. When the girls commented on how cute he was, he turned away to look, desiring to ensure his safety. Sometimes, looking cute made you want to do stupid things to make sure their attention was solely on you. No... they were only apart when they went home to be with their families. But there were times when they would have dinner together.

Takashi heard his door open and close and he sat up, confused. He was too old for his mother to be checking up on him, Satoshi would have announced his presence and knocked. Even his father never visited his room at night.

There, just inside his room, stood Artemis. Her amber eyes seemed to glow in the darkness and she was still wearing her dress. Her inky black hair melted into the clothing. She looked beautiful, like a good dream after a terrible day. But still, why was she there?

Turning on his lamp, he asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"

She shook her head and went to his bedside, shutting off the light before gently kissing him. Although it seemed like she was innocent, those lips against his held a sense of experience that he did not possess. In fact, with as many women after him, the mute slave was his first kiss.

A deep sense of warmth flooded his confused senses and he pulled away. "W-what are you doing?" he asked, his voice louder than usual. He felt her flinch and get off the bed, probably preparing to run away. But he couldn't let her. This was a mystery that he had to get to the bottom of before it was too late.

Takashi took hold of her wrist and Artemis did not pull away, did not utter a sound of protest. She just stood there as though getting ready for a beating. "Artemis... why did you kiss me? I don't understand. Were you trying to seduce me?" That question brought a pink blush to his tan face and he was glad he hadn't turned the light back on.

The slave looked at him, fear running rampant in her vivid amber orbs. But though her lips twitched like she wanted to talk, no words came forth and she looked down. Her true age showed, scars and weariness that one with life's harsh lessons possessed.

The "silent samurai" said one word only, an order for a well-trained dog. "Speak."

She looked back into his eyes and away once again as soft words poured forth. Her voice was gravelly from lack of use and her words were carefully chosen. "You... told me this was your room... I thought... I assumed you wanted my... my company tonight. If not, you would have just dropped me off at the room you put me in. Right?"

Takashi sighed and told her to sit down, which she did. "Is that what he taught you?"

She shut her eyes and wrapped her arms around her slender body in an act of protecting her. Years of abuse came pouring into her mind, flooding her body with waves of disgust and self-hatred. Even if it had been forced on her, she'd given up hope and let it happen in the end. So many vile deeds, so many times... she knew it was her fault. Her parents, if they were alive, would be so ashamed of her. Swallowing thickly, the young woman couldn't even nod an answer, the truth more than she could bear.

Her cold body suddenly felt warm and her eyes opened, unleashing unshed tears. The young man she wanted to call master was hugging her, holding her gently as if she were made of glass. Perhaps she was. Stained glass with dirt and other deposits that showed the extent of her inner ugliness.

But right now, that didn't matter. The hug made her breakdown, leaning into his hard body as she cried. Her arms did not move from around her as her fingernails dug deep into her biceps. Though she had spoken, her past forbid her from making a sound as silent sobs racked her frame. All the while he held her, petting her head with one hand while he softly consoled her.

After a bit, Artemis' crying ceased and she fell into a blank slumber, her nightmares at bay while Takashi held onto her. He would have taken her back to her room if he felt like it. But the frail girl in his arms looked so at peace, he decided not to. Though if anybody found out about this, he may not live it down. But for the life of him, he was afraid she would leave as soon as she woke up. Her secret had been released, the mystery was solved.

And he wasn't happy with the outcome. Heaven help him, if Artemis ever told him who the man was, Takashi didn't know if he could stop himself from the violence that threatened to break the surface.

As gently as he could, he tucked her into bed with him, drawing the covers up to her chin and looking down at her tear-stricken face. She looked like an angel and he pressed his lips against her forehead before settling down to try to sleep.

((Awwww... that's sweet. But so much crap for one so young. Yes, Artemis can speak, she was just trained not to. But Mori-sempai ordered her to speak so what's a slave to do but obey his command. I know that I put the whole rape-concept into this story and it's a horrific experience that no one should have to go through. But she was the slave of a male master. He was a monster and she was a beautiful young lady that he owned. As sad as it is, that is what society does. It uses and abuses those with less power so it can feel bigger than it truely is. But isn't that when we need a hero to save us? And who better than a perfectly delectable samurai with enough words to get his point across?

What's gonna happen now? No clue. Read and review and I'll come up with the next chapter faster.)