Disclaimer: I do not own Kamichama Karin, nor do I make any profit from writing this story, it is all for fun and personal enjoyment.

Warnings/Notes: First and foremost I would like to thank those of you who reviewed, all of you people across the world are my heroes. Go you. Secondly, there are some mentions of violence, though this chapter, in my opinion, isn't as bad as the one previous or the one to come.

Morning came at four when rosetta light began to bleed through the stained glass window at the end of the hall, casting an array of colors at Karin's feet. Though her head was pounding she could hear Kazune yelling and cracking his whip. He'd come alive with a passionate hate today and as Karin struggled to her feet, gripping futilely at the wall to support her, the memories from the previous night commenced to play in her mind, reminding her why.

Slowly she turned, becoming dizzy as the overwhelming pain in her head intensified with her first step of the day. She walked on without faltering. She could show no signs of weakness in front of Kazune, silently she touched the blood from her nose that had run down her mouth and dried on her lips. In that moment she confirmed that she would not let him see her cry, he would not break her, for she was better than that and deserved better than-she looked around her and drank in her surroundings-this.

Her feet walked the even beat of the beautiful floors, which smelled musty from the scent of the slowly drying dirty water from the night before. She still wore her same dress, though you wouldn't recognize it under all of the fresh layers of dirt, soap scum, blood, and sweat. She sighed as she picked up the bucket that still lay untouched on it's side.

She only paused on her way of trying to find a bathroom with the opening and closing of several doors all around her. Out stepped six servants, girls to her left and boys to her right, uniformed and ready for work.

"Oh my!" One cried covering her small mouth with her hand, "Are you alright?" She asked quickly moving to Karin's side, "Let me help you!"

Karin turned to face her and did her best to smile though it pained her. She wished to push past this whole crowd of gray figures who now stood huddled around her. She wished to wipe away the bland and unappealing sight of them from her eyes but she could not. This was her life from now on, and she had to face that.

She was just about to open her mouth to speak words of reassurance, to tell them all she was alright and that she just wanted to wash the blood from her hands so that she could be of help to someone, when Kazune came once again up the stairs. Upon realizing this all of those around her stiffened and moved to stand against the wall, as they moved, Karin moved. She mimicked everything they did, this way, Kazune could not find reason to strike her and she would not crumble beneath his feet the way he wanted.

Kazune sucked in a breath as he turned to face them and straightened up in a proper manor, as if to instruct the line of servants to follow suit. "What're you all doing standing around?" He growled once he'd assembled them the way he wished. Those daring enough to do so glanced sideways to one another. Pulling out a flexible cane, which Karin was lead to believe had temporarily taken place of the whip, he bent it and pressed on, "I'm waiting." He proclaimed, and now the tallest boy of the bunch stepped forward.

Bowing, he began his explanation. "Please master, we ask for your pardon for our imprudence and laziness. We didn't find our work schedules in the usual spot on our doors and so when we saw this new girl-." He paused here briefly to gesture to Karin, "We only thought that she may know where we could find them…since she took over all of the work load last night, that is."

Karin wanted to smile but forced her facial muscles to resist, it seems he has practice with this sort of lying. She thought to herself, I could never get away with it…not facing that jerk.

"I see." Kazune said tucking the cane under his arm, "Well then." He pressed on moving to pace back and fourth in front of the lot of them; "I suggest you go downstairs and get to work where I assign you. I'll only say this once and if I must repeat it for any of you all of you will take six strokes of the cane, even those who've already begun their morning chores." He continued.

They all nodded, and Karin did so as well, just to blend in, "We understand." They all chimed in, my god they were like a unit. Karin was not fast enough to catch this act and instead mouthed the words 'I hate you' to look as though she too was complying. She hoped then, her gut churning at the sickening thought, that Kazune could not read lips.

"Alright, Otome, and Sayuki." He spoke up clearly, gesturing then to two girls who stood directly to the right of Karin, "You two go dust the books and furniture in the basement library." He ordered and nodding they hurried away to do so, allowing Karin to breathe a sigh of relief. "Makoto, you and the other boys go cut, stack, and bring in wood for the fireplaces in the living room." Karin had no idea why a person who was privileged enough to have heat and electricity provided for him had any business even having a fireplace but she held her tongue. Kazune was such an unfair person. "As for you two." Kazune said in a finalized manor as the boys bowed and took off down the stairs to begin as well, "Go and get her cleaned up and dressed, then you're in charge of this disgusting floor." He continued and just as the two had turned to leave he brought the cane down against Karin's back causing her suck in a deep breath to keep from crying out. As he turned to go his own way, he muttered, "That's for not doing it correctly the first time."

Karin wanted to protest as she walked into the bathroom, two doors down to the right, but she knew this punishment was mild compared to what Kazune was capable of and therefore kept quiet.

"I'm Mai." The girl who'd once rushed to Karin said softly once she'd closed the door behind them and made sure Kazune was out of earshot.

"I'm Karin." The lighter hared of the two brunette's replied as she stripped herself down and Mai regulated the water in the bathtub. It had been so long since Karin's last bath in hot water she could barely remember what soaking felt like until she stepped in. She longed in that moment to make this last forever, though it made her wounds sting, and many people were waiting for her help… it made her feel secure and at home here. In this water she was held in an embrace that reminded her of her aunt's safe arms, and though she soon had to, she never wanted to let that go.

"It feels good doesn't it?" Mai asked as she turned away to let Karin have some privacy while she quickly washed herself up the best she could, the water in the tub turning a muddy brown and then a murky gray as the soap was rinsed from her. "Here's a towel." She said after a few minutes had passed and Karin was mostly satisfied, "There'll be time eventually to get yourself completely clean." She assured her as she retrieved a brush for Karin's hair and a clean, ironed uniform from the same closet.

"Thanks." The jade-eyed teen whispered as she quickly got herself together, yawning and wincing at the aching in her muscles in the process. The water had made her body feel so much better too…. "We'll have to go downstairs to find another bucket." Karin thought aloud as Mai opened the bathroom door and switched off the light.

"Alright then." And with that they were headed downstairs so that their day of work could finally begin.

"Hey Mai." She called up to her in hushed tones, "Are Himeka-chan and our master…you know…seeing each other?"

Mai laughed quietly, "Heaven's no!" She exclaimed in the same volume, "Who or what gave you that idea?" She inquired.

Karin blushed slightly as they reached the ground floor, "Well I just noticed that he treats her much differently than he treats any of us." She replied.

Mai nodded, "And I should say so, she's his cousin after all." She replied.

"Oh…I see." Karin replied, of course, it all made sense now. She smirked, I knew no one could be dumb enough to fall for Kazune without being forced in one way or another. She thought to herself with her head held high.

Mai laughed again and shook her head at the thought of Lady Himeka and her master being a couple, "Lady Himeka admires Master Kazune, he's always been her protector, since she too lost both of her parents, but most of the time she finds him intolerable. Their personalities are after all very different." She added.

"Wait…you mean…both Himeka-chan and Kazune…Master Kazune." She hesitantly corrected, "Are orphans as well?"

Mai paused for a moment, "Yes…but I don't understand…what do you mean as well?" She asked and after a moment added, "Does that mean…."

Karin nodded, "Yeah…" She looked down now and blinked back tears. She wasn't sure why it was so hard to remember people she barely knew but for some reason talking about her mother and father was painful, though she'd never even met them.

"Karin…" Mai whispered, "I…I'm so sorry."

"No." Karin said raising her head and smiling as she wiped away her tears, "Don't be. Please don't be. Hey, let's not talk about such depressing things anymore alright, since we have a lot of work to do."

Mai looked at her for a long second before nodding hesitantly, "Mm." She replied, and with that they continued to walk on in pursuit of a bucket and other necessary supplies.

As they continued on their way Karin thought back to Mai's words to her, 'I should say so…'

It's so terrible that he has them this brainwashed. We're all people just like him and Himeka-chan, we all came from someone…something…just like them! What have we done to be treated like this, why are we any different! It's not fair! It's not okay…we're good people…and he's so, SO disgusting! She inwardly fumed.

And then another thought suddenly came to her, "So where's your family, Mai?" She blurted out before she could stop herself, "How'd you end up here, I mean."

Karin's new friend didn't get the chance to answer her.

"WHAT ARE YOU TWO STILL DOING STANDING AROUND!" Kazune, who'd since come up behind the two, demanded to know.

Both girls jumped in fright, Kazune was everywhere…it was like he watched everywhere they went… every step they took…. And as the blonde stood awaiting his answer the two girls stepped backwards into the stairs, nearly falling over them.

"We n-needed another bucket sir and some cleaning supplies so we came down here to-"

"Why couldn't one of you stay up stairs and fill the bucket you have with hot water in the bathroom, wouldn't that be more productive?" He spat. Karin and Mai exchanged glances; each of them placing a hand on opposite sides of the railing to steady their shaking legs.

"We didn't think of that…" Karin whispered averting her gaze to the floor amidst a rush of fear and anger.

"Well." Kazune spat at them, spraying Mai's still upturned face with cold spit, "Maybe I should remind you to think properly! Wake up! There's no excuse for laziness and slacking even when you're new!" He spat as he raised the cane and prepared to strike Karin, "If you hold yourself or others back you will be punished severely!" Karin waited for the assault but it never came. Instead there was a rush of footsteps and a small gasp, which she could tell had come from Lady Himeka.

"Kazune-kun!" She exclaimed as she snatched away the cane, and with more effort than it would take from a normal person, snapped it in two, "You're becoming a monster!" She yelled throwing it to the floor.

"You stay out of this! It doesn't concern you!" Kazune challenged but Himeka stood her ground, and with Kazune distracted Mai and Karin fled the scene and gathered what they needed for the day.

"He talks about me holding people back…!" Karin began to rant under her breath as she raided the storage closet in the kitchen, that she was surprised to remember, for cleaning supplies. "He's just caused us to waste practically a half hour!" She continued tossing a bottle of cleaning solution, along with other various things into the bucket and picking it up while Mai piled things they'd need for their next assigned tasks in her apron. Of course now Kazune posted everyone's work schedule for the day….

"You talk about it like it's a bad thing." She spoke up with a small smile, "I'm just glad we got out of there before things got ugly for us."

"Well…" Karin then put in, "I guess…I just…if I'm stuck here with him I wanna be able to repay you guys and help you all out as best I can. We're each others families, after all." She added as her and Mai hurried passed Kazune and Himeka who were still at the base of the stairs arguing.

"They aren't people, they're lazy, good for nothing-"

"Do you think your mother would've wanted you to treat people this way!" Himeka shrieked, as Mai and Karin dropped to their knees beside the tub to fill their buckets with water they noted she was choked up, and probably crying.

"My mother never gave a damn about anyone but herself, that's why she-"

"That's such bullshit Kazune!"

Mai's eyes widened as her and Karin finished up and the screaming match continued, "I've never seen her this angry." Karin just dipped a sponge into the bucket in response, allowing scent of lemon to waft through the hall, replacing the repulsive stench of what was comparable only to a gym changing room.

"You know nothing about what happened you idiot woman!" Kazune roared.

"Chauvinistic jerk!" Karin muttered under her breath as she scrubbed harder at the floor.

"I know enough to understand you blame the servants for her leaving and yet you stand here before me and say she never cared about you! You can't have your cake and eat it too, maybe you should stop blaming everyone else for your problems and just think long and hard about who exactly you're mad at!"

"Just SHUT UP!" Kazune roared and both Karin and Mai gasped as they watched Kazune raise his open palm…though in an instant he tightly shut his eyes and brought it straight down, not daring to strike his dear cousin.

"Kazune!" Himeka exclaimed crying and shaking her head vigorously, "You're no better than your father!" And with that she turned on her heel, darting around him and straight up the stairs.

"I'm nothing like my father!" Kazune exclaimed as he took a vase from off an end table to the right of the stairs and smashed it on the floor, "You stupid bitch, you have no idea what he was like!" But Himeka was paying him no mind, and so he turned to the next person he could find to unleash the wrath of god on, "You there!" He spat, pointing to the boy from earlier, "Clean this up!" He ordered jabbing a finger at the mess of glass and dried flowers at his feet.

"Yes sir." The boy replied, hastily turning back in the direction of the kitchen to retrieve a broom.

"You know Lady Himeka." Mai quietly addressed the raven hared girl who stood before the two drying her eyes, "Soon the snow will melt and spring will come." She continued, "Won't that be lovely?"

Himeka smiled a bit and continued attempting to dry her eyes, "Yes, that'll be the breath of fresh air everyone needs around here." She agreed, and looked down at the two of them she smiled, "It seems like you've become fast friends." She noted quietly, in her head she remembered that closeness between herself and Kazune when they were younger.

"We're each other's family…."

Himeka looked up immediately, "What was that…?" She asked slightly breathless.

Mai looked up at her and did her best to smile through tears, which she knew she was probably showing the wrong person. "All of us here, even if we don't want to face it…." She trailed off, eyeing Kazune who was coming now up the stairs. "We're a family…" She'd said it…and as she finished she and Karin stood to full height.

"That's right." Karin agreed, "Through the good and the bad we all have to have someone…after all we all came from something…from someone…we all got here and it doesn't matter how. All that matters is that we stick together…" She trailed off now and motioned for Mai and Himeka to quickly come closer, and hastily, though all three were tearing up from enlightenment, they did so. "Kazune…he's lost his mama and I've lost mine…all of these things we go through have brought us together…. I want to hate him so much for all of this…and I really…truly think I do…but at the same time he's just human. He's no better than we are and so we shouldn't let him hurt us…not emotionally anyway…. So, from now on, let's all do our best to stand up for ourselves, because everybody needs something to hold on to…"

Himeka nodded and wiped away a stray tear on her finger, Mai following suite and laughed "This seems so much like a soap opera." She whispered, and those beside her laughed as well, before all three of them turned to face Kazune, who they all sensed was behind them, they finally felt, even with someone outside of their 'class' that they blended in. That for once and perhaps only for once…they were all connected somehow.

"What're you two doing?" Kazune asked in his normal cold tone, allowing some of his bangs to shadow his face. And just as fast as she'd gathered so much to say, Karin was at a loss for words.

"I gave them the day off." Himeka spoke up causing Kazune to draw back in sudden disbelief.

"You what-?" He spat, and she only smiled and nodded her head.

"I'm sure you heard me, Kazune-kun." She replied and at that she stood at the top of the stairs, pushing passed Kazune as if he weren't even standing there. Karin was right; she was no better or worse than her cousin and he had no right to put her down, "Everyone!" She called in her soft voice, putting her hands on either side of her mouth to allow her voice to travel further. "Please gather around the stairwell." She added.

And sure enough, as Kazune stood watching in horror and Karin and Mai fought to contain their happiness, everyone grouped together at the bottom of the stairs, bowing as they aligned on either side of them. Himeka moved half way down them, motioning for the two to follow her.

"No." Kazune snapped stepping in their way but Himeka only smiled, this was a new beginning for her and everyone else, whether or not Kazune approved.

"Let them through Kazune."

"Himeka this is my house and you do not make the rules!" He spat.

Himeka did not falter, "Let them through, Kazune-kun." She insisted but Kazune turned to face her, still continuously stepping in front of Karin and Mai to block their way.

"If you insist on acting like a child-becoming friends with those beneath you, standing up for those who are barely fit to wipe the dirt from your shoes, then I will treat you like one of them!" He exclaimed.

Everyone who'd assembled around Himeka gasped, and Karin and Mai began to grow worried. "Kazune." She said turning to face him with tears in her eyes, "I care a lot for you, you are my cousin, but I am not your property. If it is a matter of you not wanting me here, I will take my leave and give you whatever amount you feel my friends-" She gestured now to the servants around her, "Are worth." She added.

"Himeka I-"

"You." Himeka cut in, "Have done enough. I am tired of feeling unwanted and unappreciated. I cannot take being around someone who has as little regard for human life as you and I cannot standby and watch you torture innocent people!"

"Himeka I never threw you out!" He exclaimed, "I never said anything to push you away until you-"

"I. Don't. Care."

"Look, Himeka-AH-"

"Master Kazune!" Mai exclaimed as her master fell backwards onto the floor, hitting his head rather hard.

"Kazune-kun!" Himeka exclaimed as she bolted up the stairs.

"What happened?" Both she and Karin asked as they rushed to Mai's side to aid her.

"I-I'm not sure…"

Himeka dropped to her knees beside Kazune and laid her head on his chest while Karin checked for a pulse, "It seems normal…" She whispered as fresh tears soaked Himeka's face and matted her hair.

"Kazune-kun…" She choked out as she raised her head and smoothed her hair, "Forgive me…" Her hand moved to cover her mouth as servants moved up the stairs in a stampede. "It's alright." She whispered then, "He'll be alright…would…" She gasped back her cries now and quieted herself, "Would one of you take him with me back to his quarters?" She asked, and immediately Makoto, the tallest boy of the bunch, volunteered.

"I've got him my lady." He said as he carefully picked Kazune up and prepared himself to move the man, "Be at ease." And with the servants all behind them she and Makoto walked along down the stairs and into an area of the 'mansion' Karin could tell none of the servants had ever been permitted to go before. It seemed unfamiliar to all but Himeka.

"This happens somewhat often really." She spoke up as all behind her listened intently and stopped to turn lights on back the dark halls. "I don't know why it worried me…I guess it was just…all we'd said…." She trailed off and none of the servants said anything as she came to a halt and motioned Makoto inside, where the boy laid Kazune in what they assumed was his bedroom to recover.

"Shall we…leave you?" Makoto asked quietly, and after a moment of silence and consideration Himeka spoke.

"Mai…" She then whispered, "You and your friend stay…there are some things I'd like to discuss with you two." The servants glanced to one another, not one of them understanding what either Karin or Mai had done wrong, but leaving them alone all the same to go back to work.

As the door closed and Himeka turned on a bedside lamp, illuminating Kazune's pale face the two of them began to think that this wasn't as 'normal' as their mistress had first let on. Karin began to feel uneasy standing this close to a strong person whom had become so feeble and weak. It had happened so fast that it made her realize the magnitude of a lot of things and situations people were faced with in a time of war. As she looked into Himeka's teary brown eyes, squeezing Mai's hand tightly in her own for comfort she grew to realize what she could've gone her whole life without knowing. Maybe… she thought, maybe this place is a blessing. Maybe…Kazune…saved me….

"Karin…Karin…" The brunette blinked and pulled herself out of her thoughts with mounting uneasiness.

"Sorry." She whispered, feeling sheepish as she bowed in embarrassment to excuse her own carelessness. From what or whom she'd been saved she didn't want to know…she only sensed then as she stood and looked to her master that perhaps much worse could've been done onto her.

"Please excuse Kazune-kun." Himeka spoke up as she smoothed the man's hair between her long and delicate fingers. "He's been through a lot and not even I'm sure why he's gone through this whole charade." She paused now to look to Karin and Mai directly, "Before you, Kazune hadn't brought back a new servant in over six years…since…because of a childhood experience, he holds no regard for their lives or existence. They're like property to him and I cannot convince him to change his way of thinking though what he's convinced of now is absurd. Karin…I don't know what possessed him to bring you back here, and I can only hope it's not the same as what possesses him to be so cruel to you…but for now…just bear with him."

Mai looked to Karin in shock; "Maybe…he likes you." She declared, smiling somewhat excitedly. Both Karin and Himeka joined in a laugh.

"For his sake that better not be the case." Karin said folding her arms over her chest indignantly.

"Karin!" Mai squealed swatting her friend on the arm for being so bold with her words. Himeka only laughed a bit more.

"Karin." Mai suddenly spoke up, "Was it Master Kujyou who left you so beaten up last night?" She asked and Himeka nearly shot up from the bed as Karin nodded.

"Why? What happened?" She asked as she kneaded the comforter on Kazune's bed in her fists.

"I…" Karin looked down to the ground before continuing, flushing crimson from embarrassment, "I left the lights on…" She whispered. Mai's mouth fell open as if she were attempting to wordlessly shout 'that's all!' "I seem to anger him quickly." She added, "Without really saying or doing much of anything…."

"Like I said." Himeka whispered, "I'm not sure what's come over him recently…but what he did to you was inexcusable." She declared as she sat up a little straighter on the bed.

"What's the matter?" Both Karin and Mai asked in unison, but Himeka shook her head. "How long will he be asleep?" Mai then asked, "Should someone said for a doctor?"

"No." Himeka said quietly, "Like I said, though you may not often hear of it, this is not a rare occurrence for my cousin. The only reason I asked you two to come in here with him is because I have to be going back to my own estate for today, to handle manors over property, which concern other relatives…and he needs…someone to stay here with him." She explained.

"What!" The two servants exclaimed, "But if he wakes up and we're here he'll-"

"It's alright." Himeka interrupted holding up a hand, "I'll leave him a note on the bedside table." And upon saying this she grabbed for a pen and tablet of paper in the drawer to the said nightstand.

"Will you, you know, will you be okay going to something like that all alone?" Karin asked.

Himeka nodded as she continued to write, "I'll have plenty of protection." She said as she finished up and tore the page from the tablet, setting it on the table and putting away the other materials. "I should be back before nightfall, if not, don't worry."

Karin wanted to yell for Himeka to come back. She longed so much to tell Himeka that she had a terrible feeling about this and had no desire to be left alone with Kazune but she could not bring herself to. After all, she was probably just being paranoid. Hours passed as she sat with Mai, holding her hand and praying that Kazune would not wake before Himeka's safe return. Nightfall came and passed but neither of them left the side of their master. The two of them fought with sleep, which they would not allow to overcome them.

"She's taking quite a long time." Karin said with a stretch and a yawn.

Rubbing her eyes, Mai nodded, "Do you think we should wake him and tell him what's happened?" She asked, but Karin couldn't bring herself to say yes.

"We'll wait another hour bef-"

"What the hell is the meaning of this!" The bellowing was followed by a weak cough.

"Master Kazune please don't push yourself!" Mai pleaded with a bow, "Would you like something to eat, some water…anything?" Karin wanted to laugh as she watched Mai kiss his ass. It was so predictable and yet infuriating at the same time.

"What is she doing here, why are you here?" He snapped.

"Lady Himeka asked us to stay by your side since you…well…passed out like that."

"I-wait, where's Himeka?" Kazune demanded to know as he shot up from bed and nearly fell to the ground at the spike in his head and sudden dizziness that overcame him.

"Master Kazune!" Karin couldn't stop herself from calling out to him alongside Mai.

"Just answer me damn it!" He exclaimed slapping their concerned hands away as he steadied himself.

"She said she had something to take care of at her estate." Karin replied.

Mai nodded, "Yeah…something about property…"

"Is she back, when did she leave, who was she speaking with?" He quickly demanded to know as she grabbed Karin's shoulders and roughly shook her.

"We don't know, please, we don't know!" Mai pleaded in her friend's defense.

With newfound strength Kazune snatched up something, which neither Mai or Karin could see and in two glides was across the room swinging open his door. "Come." He snapped as he darted through the corridors and to the main hallway, which he followed into the room in which you entered the mansion.

"Kazune-kun!" There came a shriek from what seemed like every direction and frantically the girls trailing narrowly behind their master looked about in confusion. The door burst open, causing the already uneasy servants to jump back and others to stop and stare as Himeka ran through, "Kazune-kun, Kazune-kun!" She was shouting with her eyes closed tightly, tears rimming them.

"Himeka!" He exclaimed as he caught and held her tight in his arms, still carrying the concealed object he'd grabbed earlier, "What's happened, talk to me!" He exclaimed as she took deep shuddering breaths.

"I'm so glad you're okay…" She sobbed as he led her over to the stairs, pushing Karin and Mai out of the way in the process.

"What happened, are you hurt, you're not bleeding, who was with you, where did this-"

"Karin!" She choked out as he opened his mouth to lash out at his concerned captives who'd since gathered around him. "He wants Karin…" She whispered.

Kazune's eyes widened, "Himeka that's not funny, this is no time to play games! What happened to you?" He spat but Himeka stubbornly shook her head.

"Karin-chan." She said again, weakly raising a cold and trembling hand to point to the girl.

"What about Karin? Who wants her?" Kazune asked in a more gentle tone as he watched Himeka slowly losing consciousness.

"Karasuma-san…" Her eyes closed now and the sound of Kazune's yelling, as it always did, slowly faded away….

--

Please Review