A/N: Aw, you guys are adorable, I'm feeling so much love for Anju right now, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy ^_^ I don't have much to report here except for...well...there may be a little bit of a... near the end...That might make you...ahem... Its two in the morning and I...

Eh, you'll figure it out, Please Enjoy and Please Review ^_^

Review Replies:

Mjax76: That is so sweet, thank you ^_^ That is such a compliment, I am ridiculously flattered right now, and possibly trying not to cry ^_^

Shadedstarlight0(Chapter 27 Review reply): As you gave a review for two different chapters I think it's fair that you get two replies ^_^ It's okay, thank you for reviewing chapter 27 anyway, that was really sweet ^_^ I missed you last chapter, as one of my frequent reviewers I notice when you're gone which makes me sound a little bit sadder than I like... Yeah, that cliffie was a bad one ^_^ But not my worst, I think

Kaylee-Sempai: I tried to be nice with the cliffies! They're addictive once you start you can't stop ^_^

Guest: I never kid about fanfiction. Lies, most of dialogue is jokes... ^_^

Shadedstarlight0(Chapter 28 review reply): Oh, hello, fancy seeing you here ^_^ It's been so long since I've replied to your last review, almost five whole minutes. ^_^ I disagree, cliffies are very, very good. When Im writing them, otherwise they are EVIL. I'm liking the theories, of course I won't tell you if you're right but it's interesting to see what people are thinking ^_^

.laurent: I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Irgoomer: So many feels! And a LOT of drama, I tried to lighten this chapter up a little with humour but...yeah..drama... ^_^

Fantasyanimegirl283: Hehe, try not to worry too hard, this story is far from over. To be honest I didn't think it would be as many chapters as it is working out as but hey, as long as it doesn't get dull we're good, right? Thanks, I didn't want for it to be brushed over because this is one of the biggest moments in the story ^_^ I'm glad that you felt I managed to make it realistic, I thought Kaida carrying her back seemed too easy ^_^

Puppy12323: I'm typing as fast as my little fingers can! And considering it's 2 in the morning here I like to think that I show dedication through my lack of sleeping ^_^ I hope this was soon enough for you ^_^

Hmmm: Glad to hear it, I enjoy making my readers panic, ^_^ Not really, well, maybe just a little. I'm glad that you like Nami, I didn't want her to be a really black and white character because in my head she is actually kind of cool, not Anju paracouring cool but then no one is that bad ass ^_^ I know, Ryu may not want to date Kaida but that doesn't mean he's going to let Hisao near her without a bit of messing on his part ^_^ I know, I'd love to write Anju on drugs, just to see what I could make her say ^_^ Glad that you understand, I tried to put a bit more description in this one as well but I know I have a habit of getting swept up in dialogue, hopefully you'll like this chapter too ^_^

Wow! A lot of review for that chapter, not that I'm complaining ^_^ Thank you all so much!

Without further ado, Here's chapter 29

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When Kaida woke up Ryu's face was an inch from her own, his eyes closed as he slept on. Their hands had found each other in their sleep and one of her legs was wrapped in between his. She smirked at the peaceful expression on her friend's face and Kyo thought she would have stayed looking at him had their audience not spoken up.

"How can you do that?" Kaida stretched and turned at her waist to glance at Hisao who was frowning at her. It seemed he had not moved from his seat at her bedside for all the time she slept.

"Do what?" She asked, her voice sounding less rough than before but still painful, the muscles in her shoulders and necks cracking satisfyingly as she pulled her arms up over her head.

"That." He said, nodding towards her legs which were still tangled with Ryu's.

"We're friends, it's not that big an issue." Kaida said, narrowing her eyes. Hisao gave her a withering look.

"I don't mean it like that. He's not a Sohma so how come you aren't turning?"

Kaida rolled her eyes and straightened herself so she was no longer cuddling Ryu. The slumbering boy made a discontented noise in his sleep but didn't wake up. Kaida smirked at him before glancing back at Hisao.

"What is with you people and Ryu turning me? It's going to take for than a few touching limbs to make me go poof. Honestly, you and Anju-" Suddenly Kaida's face fell and she darted up out of bed.

"Anju. Where is she is? Is she ok-"

"Woah, woah, easy there, alright? Anju is fine." Hisao said, standing up and gently pushing Kaida back down onto the bed. She sat on the edge of it, a panicked expression on her face. Hisao had one of his hands on her cheek and the other one rested gently on her hip. He kneeled in front of her, his blue eyes trying to catch her brown ones.

"Hey, Kaida. Calm down. The doctor has seen Anju, she's going to be fine. She hasn't woken up yet though but once she has we can speak to her, okay?"

But Kaida seemed preoccupied with the rest of the infirmary over Hisao's shoulder because he had to snap his fingers in front of her nose to get her attention. Her head snapped back to glance at him and he held her face between his hands to keep her focused on him.

"Kaida? Later, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, later." She agreed slowly. She gave him a small smile, "Sorry."

He smirked at her, "Don't worry about it." He frowned after a moment,

"Your mouth still looks pretty dry." He noted. "Is it sore?" He asked, running the pad of his thumb gently across her bottom lip.

She gave her head a small shake, "Not really. I feel kind of thirsty though."

He smiled, "You should probably get some water."

"I probably should." Kaida murmured. Hisao swallowed slightly and took a deep breath when a groan erupted from behind Kaida. Hisao let go of her and practically scrambled to his feet, his cheeks tinged faintly pink. Kaida blinked a few times as though confused before turning off to see Ryu sitting up behind her.

"Morning sunshine." She said with a smile.

"Actually I'm pretty sure its evening." Ryu yawned out. Kaida rolled her eyes,

"Technicality."

"I'll go get you some water." Hisao announced, he glanced at Ryu over Kaida's shoulders. "Do you want anything, Ryu-san?"

"Dinner would be nice. But here, I'll go with you to get it, Kaida could probably do with some food too." Ryu said, winking at Kaida who gave him an appreciative smile.

"Thanks, Ryu-kun."

"Oh good grief, don't speak. You sound like a creepy old man with dark intentions."

"Shut up, I'll do what I want."

"Right, well now you really sound like a creepy old man with dark intentions. Honestly I feel like I need to shower after listening to you."

Kaida glared at him and attempted to swipe at his head but he ducked away with a cheeky grin.

"Just go." She said at him tiredly.

Ryu pouted, "Aw, it's like the old man has been misunderstood all along and now sends away the one person he hoped could understand him. How touching."

"I swear you have five seconds-"

"Okay, okay, I'm going. Damn, I forgot how cranky you get when you're hungry."

"I do not get cranky when I'm hungry."

"Yes, actually, sir, you do."

"And I'm not a man!"

"Come on Ryu-san, you're going to drive her insane." Hisao said, pushing open the door and holding it for Ryu.

"Oh I did that a long time ago."

Kaida watched them leave and sighed once the infirmary door closed over. She flopped back down on the bed, her lids drooping again despite having woken up just a short while before. Kyo noted that her skin had back some of its colour and the shadows under her eyes had lessened considerably. It seemed the power nap with Ryu was exactly what the doctor ordered.

"Kaida-san, may I sit with you?"

Kaida's lids flickered open again and she glanced around to see Haruka standing over the bed, her long chocolate hair hung in a graceful braid around her left shoulder. She looked beautiful in her simple blue dress, a calm and controlled expression on her face. It was odd to see someone who shared Anju's features looking so feminine and proper, Kyo couldn't help but think he preferred Anju's rough and robust attitude.

"Sure, Haruka-san, go ahead." Kaida said, a note of surprise in her gravelly drawl. Haruka inclined her head to her in confusion,

"Has something happened to your voice?" She enquired, gracefully sitting down on the chair beside the bed.

"Yes, I inhaled smoke back in the cave, my throat was burned."

"How horrid. But then this whole business is horrid." Haruka said sympathetically. Kaida licked her lips, immediately wincing as the liquid stung their chapped surface. Kyo couldn't help but wonder why she didn't seem to mind when Hisao touched them.

"Haruka, have you seen Anju yet?"

Haruka gave a stiff nod, her shoulders tensing a little. "I have, yes. Nami-san wished to check that I was safe, in case it had been an attack on my family. But it seems no one has concerned themselves with me. Anju has been the only target thus far."

"That was clever of Nami-san." Kaida said a little begrudgingly.

"She is an intelligent girl, did you know she is to be a nurse? Almost finished her training and she is merely twenty years old. Impressive considering her background."

Kaida frowned, "Her background? I thought she was from one of the high Sohma families."

"She is, well they were. But after her parents died ten years ago she became a ward of Osamu's. And as she is not a zodiac member she did not receive the same level of care as you or I would."

Or Anju does, Kyo thought to himself.

"However, she was educated, to a degree and then allowed to take the inheritance she was left and make her own life for herself. As far as I am aware this is the first time she has returned in two or three years. It was interesting to meet her."

"Wait, so you never met her before? Then how do you know all this?"

For the first time Haruka faltered a little before answering, "It is merely information picked up over time, that is all."

"So, how did her parents die?"

"There was a fire, they died but their children made it out of the blaze. It is believed their father saved them before going in after the mother. He did not come out again." Haruka said in a heavy tone.

Kaida frowned at her, "Children?"

Haruka gave Kaida a surprised look, "Do you not know? Nami-san is Hisao-san's sister."

"We're back!" The door to the infirmary pushed open and Ryu and Hisao walked in looking triumphant. Kaida jumped when they entered and gave Hisao a wide eyed look. Ryu glanced at her, puzzled.

"What's up with you, Kaida? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"No, only their son." She muttered, Haruka tilted her head at her but made no comment at her remark.

"Sorry, did you say something, I didn't catch that?" Hisao asked, dragging two chairs with one hand as he balanced a tray with two plates on the other.

"Nothing, I didn't say anything. Smells good."

"I should hope so, it was hard to take without anyone looking." Ryu said, sitting down in one of the chairs that Hisao pulled up. Hisao sat beside him and handed Kaida a plate of food, their hands touching as he did.

"Sorry, I don't believe we've met although it looks to me like you are wearing Anju's face so I'm going to guess you're some relation, which most likely means you have a tendency to turn into an animal when the mood takes you, am I correct?" Ryu said, offering his hand to Haruka with a grin. The brunette seemed astonished at the whirlwind of words that came out of Ryu's mouth. She took his hand and shook it with a wary look.

"Indeed, I am her twin sister, Sohma Haruka. I am also the dog of the zodiac."

Ryu's eyes lit up, "The dog, really? Wonderful, I love dogs. Do you do any tricks?"

"How about the one where she bites the hand off of the annoying human boy who won't let go of her?" Kaida suggested as she nibbled at her stew. Ryu rolled his eyes but released Haruka's hand.

"That's your trick. And Haruka-san knows I'm just trying to be friendly, don't you Haruka-san?"

"I am willing to believe you are trying." She retorted politely. Hisao turned and stared at her abruptly in shock.

"Did you just make a joke?"

"I believe she did." Ryu said, "At my expense, but I'll recover."

"I don't think this has ever happened before. You made a joke." Hisao spluttered.

"With all due respect Hisao-san, I do not believe we have spent enough time together for you to grasp my sense of humour."

Ryu and Hisao both frowned and looked at one another before glancing at Haruka and then back again.

"I...did she just make another joke?"

"I'm pretty sure it was an insult. And I'm fairly certain it was directed at you." Ryu noted, giving Haruka a cautious look.

"I don't know how to respond to this." Hisao said, his voice completely lost.

"Well done Haruka-san, you have rendered them speechless. I am highly impressed." Kaida praised, winking at other girl over the rim of her water glass. Haruka turned her head but Kyo was pretty sure he saw her lips twitch a little. She rose from her seat and gave Kaida a parting glance,

"Perhaps I can give you lessons some time, Kaida-san. Now, I must depart for home lest I be late. If Anju wakes up before I return tomorrow, will you tell her I was here? And that I have not told our parents of her condition. Not yet, at least."

Kaida smiled comfortingly, "I will, Haruka. Thank you."

"I do not require thanks for doing what is right for my sister, Kaida-san." Haruka said coolly as she headed towards the door and walked out into the evening light.

"She's twins with Anju? Her? Little miss prim and proper?" Ryu said once Haruka was out of ear shot.

"What can I say, twins are weird." Kaida shrugged.

Ryu gave a short laugh through his nose, "Yeah, but that's just..." He gave his head a little shake, "I mean you and Raiden are more alike."

"Raiden is seven." Kaida deadpanned.

"Yes, he is sweetie, well done." Ryu said as though speaking to a child, ruffling her hair. Kaida growled and knocked his hand away. He laughed before tapping his chopsticks against his lips as though pensive,

"Still though, twins are kind of strange and those two are practically identical if it weren't for the hair and the eyes. Which one do you think is the evil one?"

"Ryu." Kaida said tiredly.

"You're right, stupid question, it's obviously Anju."

"Speaking of which, when can we go see her?" Kaida demanded. Hisao put a hand on hers and said in a soothing voice,

"Soon. Finish your meal and then I'll bring you to her. But first you need to make sure you don't exert yourself, alright?"

"Yes, listen to the muscled and shiny one." Ryu nodded, digging into his food.

"I'm not shiny at the moment."

Ryu dipped his fingers into his glass of water and flicked droplets onto Hisao's face. "Now you are!"

Hisao glowered at him, "Mature."

"I know you are but what am I?"

"A pain in my ass?"

"Oh, my heart. I think you just broke it."

"I might actually break something in a minute if you don't shut-"

"You bastard!"

There was a loud crashing sound as a window exploded and a figure flew through it, landing in a heap on the floor, cursing as they did. Hisao and Ryu scrambled to their feet, both of them standing protectively in front of Kaida's bed, although mostly they succeeded in blocking her view of the man on the ground. Shun stormed in, walking towards the person splayed on the floor with murder in his stormy eyes.

"Watch what you do next you damn mule-"

Shun kicked the figure in the stomach and yanked them up by their throat.

"Threaten me, go on, I bloody dare you! Threaten me!" He threw his opponent against the wall where his head connected with a sickening snap. The man didn't fall to his feet yet though and swayed on them as he regarded Shun with his head held high. Kaida could make out who it was now.

Kira had seen better days. The rat had blood dripping down his face from a new cut over his eyebrow and on the other side he had a black eye, although Kyo had a feeling that was Kaida's handiwork. His left wrist was bound in bandages, also thanks to the dragon but frankly Kyo couldn't give a damn about that. No, what he cared about was the very thing he imagined had caused Shun to throw him through the window in the first place. You see, Kira's shirt had been torn, his right sleeve ripped clean off.

And on his arm, gleaming scarlet in the white light of the infirmary were long, jagged claw marks.