Chapter 14

(Narrator's POV)

Haru almost got lost a few times but eventually, as the rain ended and morning dawned, he found the apartment. The broken window acted like a beacon for him. He quickly started to the fire escaped and scaled up the stairs, taking two at a time. Entering through the window proved to be more of a challenge since it was small and covered in broken glass. Gritting his teeth, he plunged head first through the window, scrapping his arms badly on the glass. Wincing lightly at the pain, he quickly searched the house. Finding the music box, he grabbed it and pulled it off the mantle, sparing a glance at the picture of Namer Ohayashi.

"What are you doing here?" a shrill voice asked, making Haru whirl around.

Grandmother Kaneko stood in the doorway of the living room. She saw the music box and a look of disgust crossed her face. "You're helping that animal?!" she spat out.

Haru let Black Haru rake over. "Listen here you old hag! Chika means more to me than anything and it's all your damn fault that she hates herself. I hope you are happy because you missed out on the best person in the world." He yelled before diving out the window again, pressing the music box tightly to his chest.

He ran all the way back to the woods. He ran passed Shigure's house and right into the woods. He didn't know where he was going but he trusted in the fact he would find her.

Everyone in Shigure's house had not fallen asleep since Hatori and Haru had showed up. Tohru had made coffee but everyone wasn't drinking it. Yuki looked up, making everyone else look up. "Haru's gone to find her." He said softly.

Haru raced through the woods, his eyes searching madly through trees for any flash of tan pelt. He slowed to a jog as he ran out of breath. The trees thinned and he jogged into a clearing. A lake with a small waterfall stretched before him and there, on the other shore was a leopard, sprawled out in the morning sun. She looked up and slowly stood, tense to run. "Chika…" Haru breathed and the Leopard relaxed slightly.

Slowly, he wound the music box and opened the lid. Soft, gentle music floated across the lake and reached the Leopard's ears. She looked up and slowly started toward Haru and the music box, entering the lake. Acting on a gut feeling, he also began across the lake. They met in the middle just as the song began its climax. Haru reached out and touched the Leopard's head and suddenly, Chika was standing before him and collapsed in his arms.

He caught her and picked her up bridal style. Her hair was free but barely covered her naked body. Carrying her back to the shore where the music box lay, he set her down long enough before to take off his jacket and put it on her. He gathered her in his arms before putting the music box on her before starting back to Shigure's house.

He all but kicked down the door, making everyone jolt. Hatori immediately directed him up the stairs and into Tohru's room. Everyone else followed after her in mass, crowding in the doorway. Haru set her down on Tohru's bed and stepped back, giving Hatori room to look her over. Tohru quietly went over to her dresser and pulled out some clothes for Chika to borrow when she woke up. "Nothing appears to be wrong with her. There is no evidence of injury or sickness. She's just asleep." Hatori reported, making everyone release the breath they were holding. "I suggest that we all do the same."

They slowly dispersed, Kyo offering his room to Tohru while he slept on the couch. Haru remained in Tohru's room. "Haru?" Hatori asked, pausing in the doorway when the Ox didn't follow him.

"I can't leave her… not now…" he said, moving from his position to sit on the floor with his back against the side of Tohru's bed. "I'll be here when she wakes up."

Hatori nodded, flicked off the light and closed the door with a quiet, "Try to get some sleep to."

Haru waited until the sound of footsteps were gone before standing up, taking off his boots and climbing into the bed with Chika. She subconsciously curled toward him, tucking her head under his chin, entangling her legs with his and wrapping her arms around his torso. Her wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her close before exhaustion pulled him into sleep.

XXXX

(Chika's POV)

When I go into Beast Mode, I loose contact with my conscious mind. The Leopard also doesn't remain conscious when I am in control. Usually, whenever I slip into Beast Mode, the Leopard is usually scared because it doesn't remember how we got to certain places. That's why I run, attack and hide. I don't recall right away what I do while in Beast Mode but, eventually, it all comes flooding back to me. Which is probably why I was crying mere moments after I woke up.

I was in Tohru's room. How I got here was a mystery until I felt the tightening or arms on my body. Haru… then, it hit me. I had attacked Grandmother Kaneko, Akahana had gotten in my way, I hurt her and ran, then I went to Shigure's house and attacked Kyo before being driven off by a dog. Haru came after me. He brought the music box and brought me back into a human. But I didn't know how badly I had hurt my sister nor how injured Kyo and Shigure were. I did recall biting a dog.

I started crying silent tears. I felt so weak. I must have woken Haru up because he started mumbling, "Sh, it's not your fault…" while pressing my head against his chest.

I kept crying because, this time, it really was my fault. My crying soon stopped but the feeling of worthlessness remained. I detangled myself from Haru and sat up. He followed but I was already climbing out of the bed and putting on some clothes, more than likely left by Tohru. "Where are you going?" he asked, his voice full of sleep and concern.

I stopped. "I think it's time I disappeared." I said, not turning to face him but starting for the door.

He darted from the bed and grabbed my arm, whirling me around and slamming me against the door. "What the hell are you talking about?" he said, grabbing my wrists and pressing them above my head against the door.

"Haru, don't you see? I hurt everyone I care about. Akahana has already had to take abuse for me and now I go and attack her? I am the worst person in the world. Damn'it Haru, I killed my mother!" I screamed, more than likely waking the entire house. "I've hurt two or the people closest to me and… and I can't hurt the rest… I can't hurt you…"

Despite myself, I began to cry again. I sagged against his hold and tried to fight the tears. "Do you think that we would be better off without you?" He asked softly, making me look at him through watery eyes. "Why would you think that? If anything, we would be worse off. If you weren't in Akahana's life, she wouldn't be the person she is today. She wouldn't be here nor have these friends. If you weren't here… if you weren't in my life, I don't even know what I would do. I can't go back to the way I was. If nothing else, I need you… I love you…"

I stared at him, tears flowing silently down my cheeks. He released my wrists to grab the back of my neck and pull me into a crushing kiss. It was hot and passionate and I could feel that he was pouring his heart into the contact. I succumbed and poured back. I pushed myself off the door to turn him and smash him against the door. "What the hell is going on up there?!" I heard Kyo shout, breaking our kiss.

I blushed when Haru groaned. "I'm gonna kill that cat." He said roughly.

I smiled lightly and kissed him sweetly before pushing him off the door and leaving the room. The others had been awoken by our argument and had trickled from their rooms into the dining room. "Ah good morning Chika." Shigure said, making all look at me as I entered.

I avoided their eyes. "I'd like you to meet Dr. Hatori Sohma." Shigure introduced me to the other adult in the room.

"Good to see you awake." He said, looking up at me.

"It's nice to be back." I replied. "Did you drive the car?"

"I did. I'm the one who brought Haru." Hatori explained, sipping his tea.

"Do you think I could get a ride to the hospital?" I asked brazenly.

"Yes we've been meaning to ask you about that." Shigure began as Haru appeared off my shoulder. "Who did end up going to the hospital? Akahana called but was cut off my her grandmother screaming."

I bowed my head and said, "It was Aka who went to the hospital…" I said and could feel the shock radiating off everyone. "Grandmother was saying horrible things and I snapped. I went into Beast Mode and attacked her but Aka got in the way. I hurt her… but I have to know she's alright." I said, struggling tears back. "Please, I need to get to the hospital. Either I need a ride or I'll walk there myself."

"You are in no condition to walk to a hospital." Hatori said, standing up. "I'll drive you. When do you want to leave?"

"As soon as possible." I replied, quickly turning and heading for the door.

I left the house and sat on the doorsteps. I spent this time braiding my dirty hair. The long locks always got in my way but braiding and unbraiding them occupied my mind while I waited. I did glance down at what I was wearing: a yellow pajama shirt and a pair of large sweat pants. I was barefoot and probably looked like a train wreck but I wanted to feel like trash… at least until I saw Akahana was alright.

I heard three different footsteps approaching the door. I stood and faced the door as Hatori, Haru and Yuki stepped out. I was surprised that Yuki was coming but figured that Akahana would be happy to see him. Hatori gave me a once over but didn't say anything. He got into the driver seat, Yuki took the passenger seat and Haru and I sat in the back. I avoided eye contact and talking. Haru held my hand as we drove in silence.

No sooner had we stopped at the hospital, than I was out the car door and blazing into the hospital. A few nurses shouted at me but I ignored them. I was on a mission. Following the scent of Akahana and the stench of Grandmother led me down the halls to a small room. Light filtered in through a wide window. I stopped in the doorway, my heart hurting at the sight of my sister looking back at me with a large bandage peeking from the neckline of her hospital gown. I could see Grandmother Kaneko and Dad on either side of her but they hadn't seen me.

"Hey, get your fluffy tail over here and give your big sister a hug," Akahana said, smiling at me, making me smile as well and walk into the room.

I didn't even get to say a word before Dad was up and had me in a crushing hug. "Chika are you alright?" he asked, not letting me go. "I don't care what you are, you are my daughter first and I love you."

When he finally released me, I looked blankly at Grandmother Kaneko before taking Akahana's hand. "Hi there…" I said softly.

"Yeah… Dad and I had a *long* talk once the pain killers wore off," Akahanna explained, an apology showing in her eyes. "Basically, I told him everything I knew, and Grandma was about to talk when you popped in. And I'm still waiting on that hug, so Dad, release my sister!"

I gave her an awkward hug. I looked directly at Grandmother Kaneko. "What were you going to tell him?" I asked coolly.

"Just that you were the first in the family to be like this." She replied, equally as cool.

I stiffened and released Akahana's hand. I took Dad's arm and pulled him out of the room. "Don't get worked up Aka. I'll tell you everything when you're out of danger popping stiches wise." I said, giving her a reassuring smile.

I quietly told Dad the secret part of the story and could see the disgust crossing his face. "Mom made me promise not to tell but now that you know everything, it's something I'm going to tell Akahana when she's better." I said, touching his arm.

He nodded stiffly before we entered the room. Akahana had a questioning look on her face but I just smiled. Dad asked that Grandmother Kaneko step out with him for a moment. Just as he and Grandmother Kaneko left, Haru, Yuki and Hatori entered. "Hey, my favorite boys, how are ya," Akahana laughed, though I noticed her wince slightly from the pain. "And who's your friend?"

"Well this is Hatori Sohma, he's a doctor." I said, introducing Hatori to Akahana. "Hatori, this is my sister, Akahana."

"Ah, this is the famous Hatori Aya and Shigure told us about," Akahana smirked. "Gotta say, you're not what I expected."

"Indeed. I sometimes am surprised I am friends with them." He replied, making us chuckle. "However, I am needed back at the Sohma main house. Good day."

"Hatori, thank you." I said honestly.

I saw his lips up turn. "You are welcome." He replied before ducking out.

"Well if you're alright, would you mind if Haru and I go food foraging? We've all had a long night. I'll bring some food for you to Yuki." I said, squeezing her hand before heading toward the door. I quickly grabbed Haru's hand and drug him out of the room.