Chapter here!
Did anyone see that coming? What's happening to Yuko and what's wrong with Hao?
I hope you all enjoy it. I've censored a few things though I'm afraid but I hope it's still good.
I started at my homework my mood this time- completely glum, it's been three weeks since I've tried to avoid Hao. So far I've always stayed in the same room as my parents or I never went to my room unless it was bedtime. I even stayed at either Maki or Nami's house. Both them and my parents were confused at my sudden change in behaviour. Especially with my room. Every time my parents said that I need to go to my room for homework. I'd always scream which shocked them a lot. Now mother has had it and created barriers to block anyone except the three of us.
I'm sure mother suspected that it was Hao's doing so she made it more potent than usual. She then shoved me into my room and pecked my head before going back to wash up.
"There's nothing to worry about now. He can't bother you" I shot her a look but I'm happy she knows what's the problem.
Now I'm just doing my work, I just can't seem to do it right and my eyes always go to the window. Stop it already! Hao's not coming nor will a demon, not without permission. Best part is that I can't see or hear them so it puts me more at ease. For now.
I feel a smile grow on my face which allowed me to concentrate more. Now I can do my homework without any-
Why did I just hear something knock on the window? Oh no, don't tell me he's trying to break through. I quickly opened my draw and took out a piece of paper.
"Spirits hear my wish and strengthen my mother's spell" I chanted three times before I felt the barrier grow in strength. Suddenly the noise on the window vanished completely. I was now at ease from knowing he can't bother me for a while.
I didn't want to see him, not now after what I've seen and heard.
We're too different and I can't allow myself to fall for any more tricks. I need to be stronger like my mother and father, even if it means breaking ties with Hao.
I won't give up.
I can't give up. Not now, not ever.
Nodding sharply I began to head to bed. No more distractions… wait distractions. I smiled in thought and went to the door of my room which led to the main hall.
"Mother! I want a cat!"
"You what?" Mother called in shock.
"I refuse!" father yelled. His mind was buzzing about how much cats damage furniture and curtains.
"Daad!" I yelled back feeling my good mood vanish leaving me with nothing but anger.
"That's final"
"I'll tell you about where mum hid the diary involving THAT picture" I smiled knowing that father was desperate in finding it but mother said to him she burnt it. He's mad now.
"YUKO!" mother screamed in terror. She's panicking now that I know what she knows.
"Ellie!" Father roared. Oh this will be good I grinned as I heard them yell at one another.
Dadane came towards me before standing next to me, she paused.
"A cat?" Dadane asked with curious eyes.
"Why not? I need a distraction" I said with a smile. Dadane pondered before looking at me once more.
"What about a fox?" Now that's something, but why a fox though?
"What about them?" I asked with curious eyes.
"A kitsune's giving birth in three days, I could ask her if I can give you one of her cubs" I frowned.
"I can't, that's unkind of me to even think of doing! Taking a baby from its mother is something I forbid" I said with stunned eyes. How can she say such a thing!
I froze in horror from what I was seeing. How could one tree cause so much problems?!
I feel sick from seeing this. I can't even talk about it, I've no words either. It's wrong on so many levels.
I hear a small whimper near the fallen tree, I felt tears in my eyes from seeing the tree not only crush a snowy white mother kitsune but her cubs as well leaving a bloody broken mess. Sadly this meant the one who was crying now was an orphan. I went forward and picked the baby kitsune, I began hold her against me while trying to be gentle with her. How could this of happened? Who would do such a thing to such a nice family?
I rushed home to alert mother who preformed a ritual in order for the family to rest easy and to prevent them from returning as vengeful demons.
The baby kitsune I called Chieko laid on my bed curled up beside me. It took me ages to calm her down. Poor thing, I can't imagine what she's going through. It'll be tough to adjust that's for sure.
Mother and father allowed her to stay with me to the baby's relief. No by the way Chieko isn't a pet, she's our new family member. To Dadane and I at least. Funny thing was a day later father got mad due to the wet patch on his seat (he sat on it!). My guess Chieko tried sleeping and woke up from the sudden urge to go. I might need to teach her a few things. Mother was trying so hard not to laugh at father who still smelt for a while.
I saw Chieko shivering which meant she needed to go. So I slowly shook her awake. She opened her beady blue eyes and looked at me.
"Do you need to go?" I asked softly. She nodded slightly which made me smile at how open she was towards me. She trusts me and I know we might need one another's support for a while.
After a few more days of training I helped with learning how to control her bladder and which place is okay to go without any problems.
The difficult part was- school. I can't bring a kitsune to school it'll cause problems.
I then asked Dadane to watch over Chieko knowing she would try to run after me. Thankfully she got into a routine of knowing when I would come and when I was busy.
"Look what I can do!" I heard a child's voice beside me. Hmm? Wait I'm at home right then- GAAAH!
I released a loud scream from seeing a Nami look alike. How did she know what Nami looks like-wait look alike? I get it!
"Chieko!" I laughed as I held Chieko who turned back into a kitsune. She's already trying to blend in how cute!
Mother came in to see me hugging Chieko tightly.
"Looks like you both are having fun" mother said with a smile.
"Mother look what Chieko can do" I said with a proud smile. Chieko jumped out of my arms and turned into an exact replica of Nami. Mother gasped with awe and her smile grew wider.
"That's impressive but remember to be careful who you turn into young lady, you never know who might actually be trouble or safe to disguise yourself into" we both nodded.
Things are definitely looking up and what's better- wait am I forgetting something? Nah it's probably nothing.
Oh shoot now I remember- HIM!
Nami, Maki and I stood rooted to the spot as we saw Hao looking at us. I nudged Maki and Nami to come with me. They know I've been happy without him bothering me and I wanted to keep it like that.
"Yuko, I really need to talk to you" Hao said. I could hear desperation in his heart, no I won't fall for it. It's a trick nice try.
"Come on Yuko" Maki took the hint and pulled me with her. Nami gave Hao a dark look before walking with us.
My heart started to feel as if it was in pain, the worst part was I couldn't tell if it was his or my heart that was hurting.
Forget it, it's not worth it.
By the time I got home my friends left after I closed the door. I sighed with relief knowing that I was safe. Mother smiled when she saw me enter and told me to wash my hands. It was dinnertime.
Shortly afterwards I made it to my room. Once again nothing was going to happen. I'm relieved.
Chieko was downstairs still eating, I laughed at father's reaction to her big appetite then again she's a growing baby. She'll take a while but that's okay, I've time to do homework.
Just as soon as I closed the door, I turned round only to be sent against the door by something. Oh no it's him isn't it?
By heart lurched from shock and then I felt longing from what was happening now.
How did Hao get into the house and why is he kissing and... holding me? I wanted to break away but he wouldn't have it. I admit he's being gentle and I could feel sorrow coming from him but why the sudden forwardness? Doesn't he know that I'm trying to avoid him?
"I missed you" I heard him whisper as he took the moment to release my lips. Hao was taking moment to get his breath back. Meanwhile I tried to regain the loss of air that he took. Shortly afterwards Hao placed his head on my right shoulder and shuddered slightly. Just as I was about to pull him away.
"Please don't, can we just stay like this for a while?" Hao asked softly. I blinked at him. I don't get it, he made it clear before that he didn't want me near him so I did him a favour by ignoring him. Why is he always coming back though?
I sighed in defeat knowing that it was best not to antagonize him anymore. Shortly afterwards I tensed from his arms that were now hugging my frame.
"Why are you being like this? I thought you made it clear that I was a nuisance to you" Hao shook his head sharply.
"You weren't, I mean you aren't. It's just really hard to explain at the moment" Hao's voice was muffled from hiding his face in my shoulder. I feel like I should but it's hard to even want to trust. My own heart is beating out of my chest, I'm scared.
Minutes later we were now sitting on my bed with him now leaning on my shoulder this time. Hao wants to speak I know he does but it's hard. Not even I know what to say.
"I guess I should start over" Hao said. He was now straightening himself out before looking at me. I nodded as I waited for him to start.
"Well… to be honest I don't think you'll believe me-"
"Just talk and I'll be the judge of it" I hope Hao can hear the irritation in my voice since I might start telling him to get out.
"… Alright to start of you know I was once known as Asaha Douji" I nod once more which leads him to sigh once more. He looks away from me for a bit.
"I, sorry this is-"
Slap!
Hao grumbled while clutching his sore cheek. He was now looking at me as I crossed my arms in anger.
"Yuko stop that already! It's bad enough that my plans are already coming apart as it is"
"Plans?" I asked as I raised my brow.
"Not important" he sighed now placing a hand to his forehead.
"I've lived two lives before this" good for you-wait WHAT?! Hao barked out a laugh at my stunned expression. You cannot be serious!
"I know it's impossible believe me, even I thought that it was until I mastered the five points of the unity star" Hao said with a bitter smile. I bet he's wondering if it's even worth it.
"Why so bitter though?" I asked. He looked at me with blank eyes. I think he might be out of his comfort zone, hasn't he ever spoken about this to anyone though? And why doesn't he trust people much? Did something happen?
"I lost two people who I loved dearly. Sadly in my second life I was only a child and she was a young adult. I hoped that the spell I knew that would allow her to reincarnate in order to prevent her soul from crossing over… I searched for her in this life. No luck" okay now I'm angry! Who does he think he is? I'm no ones replacement. I'm my own person. Get that right will you!
"So wait what's this have to do with me?" I asked coldly. Hao laughed dryly.
"What does it have to do with you? Nothing. I just need to be honest with you about that for some reason" fair enough… okay stop kissing me already.
"Ow!" Hao yelped as I pinched his ear which allowed him to remove his lips from me.
"I'm not a toy you can play with and discard if your love suddenly shows up" I said coldly. He nodded.
"You're right, my apologies"
"So this Yumi Sen Douji?" I asked now interested about the tombstone. His eyes turned dull and all the emotions he had vanished instantly.
"She was my wife, she was murdered with our unborn child" I froze to the spot and my hands almost went to my mouth from hearing those words. Oh my gosh… that's horrible and yet here I am being nasty to a grieving man. I looked down feeling saddened by the news. Wait if his spirit is a thousand… EW!
Hao lifted my chin up so I could see his empty eyes. He noticed my grimace.
"Don't start, it was a thousand years ago"
"True then that means you're an old man" I said now masking my smirk. His eyes darkened slightly.
"Better take it back Yuko" he warned, I almost laughed from feeling the amusement bubbling inside his heart.
"Two words" he raised a brow.
"Make me!" I let out a laugh as he gave me a funny look.
"I wish you didn't do that" Hao said he was smiling mentally. I tiled my head to the side.
"And why's that?" I asked with a smirk.
"Because I could easily get you back" I shook my head while the smirk never left my face.
"Uh-huh" I said while looking at him with unimpressed eyes. Suddenly he sent me laying on the bed while his mouth was now near my neck.
"Say your sorry" his breath tickled my throat.
"Nope" I stuck to my guns until I felt his mouth attack my neck. I felt like moaning but I bit it back as he leaned closer. I can't explain it, I felt angry but I didn't stop him. For some reason I actually enjoyed it to the point that I pulled him closer without realizing it. In the end I let out a small cry before he let me go. He sat up while giving me a sneaky smile. What did that idiot do to my neck?
"I don't think any boy will be after you for a while" I glared at him before looking at the mirror that was placed near my work desk. Oh you fool!
"You bit me?!" I yelled angrily causing him to laugh at the bruise that could be seen on my neck. Oh you want to play it that way huh?
"You look so funny!" he said until I gave him a look. Thank you school slut! Why do you ask? Because Hao is starting to look uncomfortable. Ah how cute he's scared, he's trying to get an idea of what I might be thinking about. But no luck for him.
"Yuko?" Hao asked as I leaned closer.
"What's wrong? You look tense" I asked now batting my eyelashes slowly. He gulped as I placed my hand on his shoulder. Suddenly without warning I pounced on him causing me to sit on his stomach while his back was on the bed.
"Yuko what are you doing?" I sense fear good.
"!" Hao started to moan from my mouth which was now attacking the part of his neck that's near his ear. I felt arms pull me closer as I continued to put my mouth on his neck. Why am I doing this again? Why do I feel like I've done this before?
It's getting too much though after a few minutes flew by. I don't think I can handle it, I need to stop but he won't let me go. Instead Hao's pulls my waist closer towards him.
"Stop it" I whispered but it was having an opposite effect. He's finding it hard to so I let go his neck and pinch his nose. Hao lets out a scream from the lack of oxygen.
"I said stop" my voice was now angry but- wow I actually did a number on his neck judging by the newly made bruise. I then got off him so he could sit up but he didn't.
"I wish you didn't stop" he whined slightly, his hair was a mess and his cloak was open revealing his chest. Why doesn't he wear a shirt? Doesn't he get cold?
"I'm not a slut" I said crossly. However his eyes narrowed.
"Never say that again" Hao snapped coldly, now he gets up.
"Next time you pull something like that I won't stop. Am I clear?" Hao voice was that of a whisper despite the fact he was warning me. It would make anyone shiver but not me. I wasn't impressed.
"Are you listening?" he asked again.
"Then stay away" I dared him to leave but he didn't.
Shortly after that I was able to ask him how he broke the barrier.
"I had to do numerous spells to break it. You and your mother almost crippled me from doing that" Hao complained as he lay on my bed.
"What ever" I muttered but I mentally grinned. Truth be told Hao had been taking other people's powers since he couldn't make a dent on the barrier. He's not going to tell me that! I'm not happy about what he did but he must have been desperate to of done that. Also I spied a large line on his outer right lower arm. It's scabbed over despite being a few hours old.
So far things have been okay except I've had to hide the mark from everyone. This will be the first time I've had to cover it with make up as well. This made Hao laugh. One time he ambushed me in the equipment room because he wanted to talk. To his dismay it meant he was getting a beating from a baseball bat for disrupting my time at school.
One time he was interrupting bomb class involving Maki and Nami. It was then that Hao learned that the school had guns and explosives in lessons. Proof? Hao almost got shot at by my gun for bothering me.
Other than that Hao was actually trying to make an effort, I could tell he was slightly scared of my school due to the high level of violence and danger that was introduced to the students. I admit he told me some of his truths about his past but I know he's hiding something's. I respect his boundaries nevertheless.
However knowing that he was a person who fell in love with two women got me slightly, I think jealously is the right word, maybe annoyed is the right words since it feels like he's two timing me, Yumi his first wife and the woman who died in his second life. But hearing that in his second life he married someone he didn't like and had children just to carry on from his legacy. It's just sick and stupid. Why do that? That's like marrying a toilet for example. It'll never end well.
Hao laughed at my words and agreed for a bit.
It was going to be my birthday soon but I'm not telling Hao since he's got his own plans. How do I know? He's been away for a few weeks now. I heard from his mind that he wants a shaman only kingdom but that's stupid. There's nothing to gain since shaman and non-shaman are just as corrupt as one another. Best not tell him since it'll start a fight. Also I think there's something else Hao wants. Something personal and I think it's not just the women he's been searching for. I hope he finds it soon.
It's been three weeks since my birthday and no Hao. I know I should be disappointed but I'm not, he's got his own life so why interfere?
That was until he suddenly turned up a while later.
"Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday four weeks ago!" Hao grumbled in a child like manner. I raised a brow at how much he was pouting. What a little kid, so much for acting his age.
"You were out and I had no way of communicating with you" I replied bluntly. I heard him curse under his breath.
"Sorry" he said under his breath but I heard it.
"What now?" I asked. He shook his head.
"Nothing, I'm a little tired if it's okay" Hao meant he needed a place to stay. I knew it.
"We've a guest room. Remember it's a medical room so treat it right" he laughed at my reply.
"Sure" Hao said with a boyish smile before getting up. He froze shortly afterwards.
"What if your parents or that water sprite see me? How can I explain that I entered without permission?" rats I didn't think of that. Well he can't stay in my room but he could take the floor. Wait we don't have any bedding and Chieko sleeps here in her basket. My eyes widened in shock. OH SHOOT! I didn't tell her about him nor did I tell him about her!
Hao noticed my expression and started to become concerned.
"What's wrong?" Hao asked.
"Well eerm-" I was about to tell him about Chieko except...
Scratch scratch
Shoot bad timing Chieko! Why now? I heard her barking which meant she wanted in. Hao looked at me oddly until I turned to him. I can't believe I'm thinking of doing this!
"!" Hao cry was cut short as I shoved him under my bed covers.
"Do not make a sound or move!" I hissed quietly. Hao eyed me but kept silent. I them immediately placed the cover down and walked towards the door. Hao was peeking through the covers but kept out of sight.
"You know you might need a flap if you want to come in but then again I think that'll be a bad idea since you're growing, you won't even fit in a small flap once your older" I muttered as I opened the door to reveal Chieko the showy white kitsune. Her blue eyes eyed me oddly before entering slowly. She knew something was up.
"Why are you acting like that? " Chieko asked now sitting in the middle of the room, her tails moved slightly as she watched me. I sighed as I made my way over to my bed after closing the door. I then sat in front of a shocked Hao knowing he'll want to come out and see her. Sorry Hao but no! She'll either go defensive or sound the alarm. Either way BAD idea.
"Well for starters you're making marks on my door" I pointed to the scratches that were behind the door. Chieko's ears flattened with guilt.
"Don't worry it's normal since it's not easy to talk or get my attention when I'm working or doing other things…" I mentally glared behind me. Hao you idiot, stop putting your finger on my waist.
"Huh" Chieko was pondering on my words before nodding.
"It's not easy but I'm still learning Dadane's teaching me how to knock the door" Chieko said with a smile. I smiled back feeling happy that she's learning. It was then that Chieko yawned loudly that got me realizing that it was late.
"Bed time" I said cheerfullly as I got up and went towards the sleepy kitsune.
"Does that mean I have to have a bath?" she asked the moment I picked her up.
"Did you play in the bushes?" I asked knowing that she did. To my amusement she whined slightly.
"Yes" she muttered as I moved towards the bathroom. Thankfully I had a tub on the left while on the right I had a see through shower box.
Chieko whimpered as her feet touched the tub but I then immediately turned the tap on and made the water just right. She smiled at me as I began washing her gently. In the end she shook the water off of her fur. I had to laugh since it never got old but she even got me wet as well which was her way of getting even with me. Thanks, I felt like rolling my eyes at her cheeky behaviour. Then again she's just playing around.
"Bed time now" I said after brushing my teeth and changing into a white nighty and shorts. I don't' trust him to keep his hands to himself.
"Okay night Yuko!" Chieko said as she dashed off to her small bed. Her nine tails bounced as she ran towards it.
I shook my head while smiling. She's so cute!
Oh well back to my bed… is it possible to sleep on the floor? Nah she'll get suspicious. I mentally cried as I made my way over. After that I took a deep breath and slid under the covers. I then turned my back towards him so he couldn't see my face.
"So are you studying tomorrow?" I heard Chieko ask.
"I'm afraid so but I've half a day remember" I said with a smile. Unfortunately that smile vanished as I released a small gasp. Hao get your hand away from my nighty you perv! Sadly Chieko heard me.
"Is something wrong?" she asked with worried eyes. Hao stopped for a moment.
"If you don't want her finding me out, then stop reacting" I heard Hao whispering so Chieko couldn't hear him. Hao moved my body so it was facing him. That- that sneak! I'll kill him later.
"No just a little cold, I'll be fine" I almost wheezed when Hao moved my nighty to the point that it was over his head. I immediately clenched my legs when his face was near my chest. I think I'm going to be in for a bad night. Shockingly all he did was kiss my chest but moved his left hand to the side of my stomach. Make him stop please.
"Okay" Chieko was staring at me but didn't do anything, fatigue was taking over her state of mind until she was fully asleep. Just when I was about to relax he then moves his left hand lower. I don't think I need to tell you what he was up to. He's only teasing right?
The urge to wheeze again was worsening now and what's worse is that I couldn't do anything without risking Chieko to wake up.
I tried to keep my legs clenched since it's getting harder for me to get him to stop and he wouldn't listen.
I felt the sun hit my eyes as I opened them. I tried stretching but my hands were caught by someone- Hao. Thankfully he was only teasing, however that wasn't funny. I almost woke everyone up!
Hao was sleeping with his head beside mine. His face showed innocence but I knew better, the moment Hao wakes up he refuses to keep his hands to himself. I don't know if he's really stopped looking for her but maybe I should let him go. It'll hurt us both I know however this is important to him and I'll hurt me a lot more knowing he didn't try.
"Hao we need to talk" I whispered before he launched his lips onto mine.
"You're not breaking up with me are you?" he whispered back. I smiled weakly at him knowing that he was right. Hao's eyes shot open from my lack of response. He sat up and looked at me with startled eyes.
"You're not right?" I felt him panic. I feel bad but it's for the best. For the both of us.
"Hao, you need to look for the woman you liked right? And I'm holding you back. If you don't at least try to find her, at least get closure from seeing her then you won't be able to truly be at ease" Hao shook his head, he was in denial but why? Wasn't the reason for allowing her to be reincarnated the sole reason for him to want to be with her?
"I love you and I've already lost hope. I can't sense her" Hao said softly. My eyes softened at his defeated expression. I can't give up now.
"That's because you don't know what to look for. You're so caught up in the past that you don't know what she was like before she found you right?" Hao looked at me then nodded.
"I see. Guess this is good bye then" Hao said before getting up. This time I didn't stop him. He took one last look at me hoping that I would stop him. I can't though I have no right meddling in his affair or his past. Seeing that I wouldn't move he went completely without looking back.
Well... that's that then I guess.
I know I should be relieved but I'm kind of disappointed that he didn't make an excuse to stay.
Does that mean that he really was being held back… I was right?
Chieko woke up to hearing a noise, she looked at me with tired beady eyes. Her eyes shot open and all traces of tiredness was gone in an instant.
"Why are you crying?" I'm confused though. I'm not crying though, am I?
I almost jolted from the shock of water hitting my hands. I looked up to see no water from the ceiling, there shouldn't be a leak we checked already. I then lifted my hands to my face. Why is my face wet?
Suddenly I felt my body shake as I started to cry. I then covered my face with my hands in order to hide them. I felt warm fur and realized that it was Chieko. Without meaning to I held her close as I cried more some more.
Oh wow... That was unexpected.
What do you all think?