X-X-X-X

Chapter 54

X-X-X-X

My meeting was almost two hours long. At first, it was concerning Mao's and Sorrell's punishment...for allowing my kidnapping, but it only took a single word from me before the matter was left aside. I knew some were unsatisfied with it, but...I wouldn't be here in this state otherwise so they would reap the benefits while they can. I went over some of the things that had occurred since my departure and matters I had to deal with personally. My status in this world for one. As I was kidnapped, my education was left undone. My body stuck at the physical age of 17, not to mention the damage done to it. I decided to leave this matter to Mao, knowing full well that I might not return to even deal with half these problems. I dismissed the other members of their family, seeing no reason to listen to anymore bickering. Mao was more than happy to comply, getting rid of even the more stubborn members of his family. Really...in this world where our two families are slowly losing the ability to use magic...they desperately cling to those who do to try...to gain power for themselves. I had other problems to deal with...plus I feel I should check on my traveling companions. I've left them alone for far to long.

"...?" Thanks to my sharpened senses, I can hear talking from down the hall despite the door being closed, but...who? "Who is in there with the others?" I questioned tucking my hair behind my ear.

"That would be-"

"Why the hell are you being so nice to them?! They're the ones who hurt our sister!"

"...Luna and Luka. They arrived shortly after the meeting had ended and Sorrell placed them into the same room as your traveling companions."

"Of course." I opened the door and I saw Luka looking quite exasperated...her hair is much longer now...while Luna...she's probably as tall as I am, but her hair is short, just beneath her chin. "Stop your shouting, Luna. It's not very lady-like."

"Who said I was a lady, big sister?"

"..." She said that in such a mocking way...it's how I know just how angry she is towards me...towards this entire situation. "I am still your elder sister, Luna. You will respect that."

"Says you...after you left...!"

"Why must you act this way? You always did act out...don't tell me that you still blame yourself what happened to Yuuta."

"...! You...remember?"

"..." I walked towards my little sister, placing a hand upon her head. "I was forced to forget, but not you. I apologize for any hardships I forced upon you."

"...Yuuta...I liked him..."

"I know."

"...I hate that woman..."

"I realize this." I released a small sigh. "There isn't any need for you to start blaming those I am traveling with, Luna. These injuries are nothing."

"Sorrell was the one to tell me you lost an eye! An eye, Lucy!" She slammed her fist against the armrest, denting it. I raised a brow, she's gotten...stronger, for sure. She's been learning how to use magic. "An eye is not nothing! You damn idiot!"

"Stop your shouting. I'll still be traveling with them so it's unnecessary for you to yell at them even if it is for my sake."

"You don't...plan on staying?" Luna stood up, glaring at me. She slapped me and I accepted the hit without flinching. Luka sighed, probably expecting this. Luna always did have a bad temper, lashing out when her anger gets the best of her. "What's wrong with you?! Mom and dad are waiting for you! Do you know what it's like being told how you were kidnapped and that you might never return?!"

"Even if I stay, I'd die."

"What the hell does that mean? What happened that made you so...so...cold?! You're not the Lucy I know! The Lucy I know would be happy to be back! Smiling stupidly even if she is hurt!"

"Don't you dare take me for a fool, little sister." I stared at her, my eye flashing gold...to her surprise. "Those false memories didn't just affect how I was, it affected my very personality. Forced to forget every time a bad thing happens to keep smiling, being forced to be happy because that is what she wanted. Now that I'm no longer being blocked at every turn, I can act the way I please."

"...You're...are you...not human anymore?"

"Sorrell, take Luna elsewhere. She clearly needs to calm down."

"Wha-You can't do this, Lucy!" Sorrell listened to me, grabbing Luna's arm. "Hey, get off me Sol! Lucy!"

"Really..." I can still hear her screaming at me from down the hall. "Luka, please tell me you tried to discipline her for this kind of stuff."

"I'm afraid I was more focused on raising my own child. Mom and dad were always so busy that you were practically the mother of our household. With you gone, Luna was basically allowed to run free. She used up all her pent up energy joining various clubs, mainly sports. She's won many awards since you disappeared...her future is practically set even without assistance from our shadows."

"I see...that's good. How is your child, what of your boyfriend?"

"He's watching over my little one as we speak. He's a good father."

"I see, I'm glad for that." I took a seat beside her where Luna previously sat, releasing a small sigh. "What of our parents?"

"They wish to see you soon, sadly...they weren't allowed to come. It was either them or the two of us."

"Understandable. I have no desire to see you all at once, to know what I have become."

"So these are the ones you've been with all this time? My, I wonder which boy is your type."

"Stop with those stupid jokes." Luka flinched at the sharpened tone of my voice. My expression softened as I looked at her. "I know you mean well, sister, but I can't move on and I will never move on."

"...I'm sorry. It was a careless remark on my part."

"How are your injuries?" I looked at Kurogane, then to Sakura. "Did you get treated?"

"Yeah."

"Yes, a doctor had checked us over before you came by." I hummed. "Ano...Lucy...about your sister..."

"Don't worry about Luna. She's always been the more...how should I put this...?"

"Luna's always been a bit of a rash and brutally honest girl. She has a soft spot for Lucy though, despite how she acts."

"Don't say it like that, Luka."

"It's quite true."

"Hm."

"You seem to have a good family relationship." Fai was smiling, probably relieved. "This is the first time I've seen Lucy so relaxed."

"Oh, no, you're quite wrong."

"Very much so. My elder sister acts polite when she's really boiling with anger. She's not the type to get angry before strangers." I looked away when she shot me a look. "I'm probably going to end up slapped once or twice if she gets alone with me."

"I won't physically hit you."

"Fine, you'll end up yelling at me until my eardrums burst. Try to keep it down then, my hearing is much sharper now and I'll probably end up deaf if you do shout at me."

"Really...Mao, escort me to where Sorrell took Luna. I'll calm her down before she tries to strangle him."

"Very well. Milady, do you need anything in the meantime?"

"No, you may go. Just inform me when Yuuta's parents arrive."

"Understood."

I shut my eye as the two left. I was trying to calm myself down...to stop myself from crying. I refuse to show weakness, not now. I felt a hand on my own and I opened my eye to look at Mokona. I gave the little rabbit a small smile, patting their head. It was a good decision on Mao's and Sorrell's part...to only allow half my family to be here and not all of them.

"Does it hurt...Lucy?" Mokona asked quietly.

"...I suppose you can say I'm relieved. To know my family is well despite what has occurred to me...yet at the same time sad that my family will end up angry for my choice." I said patting the little one's head.

"We could stay a while longer..." Syaoran said giving me a small smile.

"...I would advise against it. I have no desire to allow my parents to see me like this as well..." I stated tugging on my hair.

"Ow..." I glanced to the door when Sorrell entered, his cheek having a red mark in the shape of a hand. "Why is it Luna finds a reason to hit me and not Mao? She seems to always find a reason to hit me when I haven't done anything wrong."

"Maybe it has to do with the fact you've been looking at her as if she's me. She's always been a bit...touchy on the subject."

"I don't do that." I gave him a blank look. "I don't, seriously!"

"Milady." Mao appeared behind Sorrell. "They're here."

"Thank you." I stood up, dusting off my dress. "It's getting late. Sorrell, lead them to a place to rest for the night after giving them a small tour. I'll be busy while we are here so it'd be best if they were kept occupied."

"Understood."

"Are you really alright with this?" I stopped walking at Kurogane's words. "You told us before that those two are your friends. The way you're acting, it doesn't seem that way."

"...Sorrell and Mao were ordered by their family to protect me...because of who I was to become. They were ordered to become my friends in order to disguise their true mission." I knew these words hurt the two and I knew the guilt of what happened has only become worse. "They are still precious to me, but right now...I have more important matters to deal with. Right now, they are not my friends, but my guards."

I took my leave with Mao at my side. The man only gave Kurogane a small glare, as if telling him to mind his own business. Sorrell could only sigh and I heard him apologize for Mao's behavior before the door was closed. I leaned against the wall when I was far away enough, covering my mouth with my hand. I barely had any strength left in my legs that I ended up falling to the ground. Mao merely knelt down beside me, wiping away my tears. It hurt...it hurt with how I treated my own sisters...but...I have to...I need to make them think...that I'm strong enough to continue this journey without making them worry. I have to pretend to be strong...when I'm not. I cannot lose face here. Not now...not now.

"You're doing your best to act strong, but you shouldn't hold it in so much. Shall I inform Yuuta's parents to come back tomorrow?" Mao asked quietly.

"No, I have to do this...before I lose the courage to do this..." I said struggling to stand up.

"You've done a lot already today. You have to rest up." Mao said helping me stand.

"No, I'll do this. I have to."

Mao didn't say anything...and I knew that the moment I entered the room...that Yuuta's mother would hit me. I endured the second slap to my face today. I didn't say anything as she shouted at me in her native tongue, yelling at me...crying all the while. Yuuta's father only remained seated, unable to look at me...since I was at fault, I took it all without blinking. Once she calmed down, I motioned for her to sit down before taking a seat across from her. I took in a shaky breathe, attempting to calm myself...to bring them news of their son.

"Yuuta is still alive, in a way." I said to their surprise.

"B-But...He..."

"You never had a body to bury, only a blood stained street and car. He was taken by a man who needed a body. Yuuta's body was one of convenience, one he could obtain after losing his own. Please know, I will bring your child back to you in one piece."

"Wh-How...?"

"Yuuta and I are like an Ouroboros after we tried to change my little sister's fate. I took his place then he took my place, the two of us have constantly switched places creating an endless loop. It is impossible for one of us to die while the other still attempts to keep us alive. Yuuta, some part of him is still there...or else I wouldn't be here right now."

"What do you mean?" Yuuta's father looked at me as if he couldn't believe his ears. "I don't...this has to be some kind of a joke."

"..." I stood up, lifting up my hair as I turned around. Using some of my flames, I used it to zip down the dress enough to show them the scar that was across the middle of my back. "This kind of wound, a blade sticking through a person would kill someone instantly. However, I managed to stay alive long enough to be turned into a vampire...ensuring my survival."

"Milady." Mao quickly zipped my dress back up as I dropped my hair. "Please, don't do that."

"It's fine. They wanted proof. Know this, I will bring Yuuta back to you...alive."

"At what cost?" Yuuta's mother began crying again. "Why...Why did it have to be you that he was tied to...? Of all the people in this world...it was you whom he had an unbreakable bond with..."

"...If I didn't exist, he would have a happier life." I placed down a picture in front of the woman. The one Tomoyo gave to me. "This is the most recent picture I have of him."

"M-My Yuuta...He's become so handsome...!"

"..." I headed for the door. "...the future isn't so kind, but the same could be said about the past..."

I left the room, Mao right behind me. I decided to go outside for some fresh air. The building was a lot larger than I expected...then again this is a mansion with over a dozen rooms. Mao decided to take the lead when he realized my intent, allowing me to hang off his arm. Once we were outside, my gaze remained on the sky. A warm breeze blew past, ruffling my hair. The garden here is quite beautiful, full of flowers that are currently in season...even a cute little table to have a drink while enjoying the view.

"The stars haven't changed much...then again it is pretty much the same no matter the world." I said crossing my arms.

"Do you wish to cry again?" Mao questioned staring at my face.

"...When I'm completely alone." I heard the door behind me and I glanced over to see Sorrell. "Are the others settled in?" I asked quietly.

"Yes, what will you do tomorrow, milady?" Sorrell asked straightening his back.

"We're alone now, it's fine to address me by name. We are friends after all."

"Finally!" Sorrell began to loosen his collar, much to Mao's displeasure. "God, this stiff personality is so annoying!"

"Hm...I'm a bit thirsty, how about some alcohol?"

"Sweet! I'll get the good stuff then! The ones Mao made!"

"H-Sorrell!" Mao turned to me, staring down at me in disapproval. "You're underage, Lucy. You can't drink."

"I'd be considered 21 in this world, wouldn't I?"

"That's..."

"It's fine, also...You could use the drink."

Sorrell returned carrying a wine bucket with four bottles, while in one hand he is carrying three cups. Mao helped Sorrell out, grabbing the cups from him while I took a seat at the small table that overlooked part of the garden. I was handed a glass half full. I swirled it about a bit before smelling it. It's a sweet scent...and I could tell that what's in the two men's cup is completely different from mine. I took a small sip, it tastes...almost like a dessert.

"You made this, Mao?" I asked running my tongue along my fangs.

"Yes, I figured that normal alcohol wouldn't suit your tastes. You always were a fan of the sugary sweet stuff." Mao said giving me a small smile.

"I like beer more." Sorrell said playing with his wine.

"Wine is too refined for your brutish taste buds. Don't drink if you're going to complain." Mao stated glaring at him.

"You both look quite handsome in your traditional clothing. Did either of you find someone special while you were away?"

"I did, Sorrell, not so much."

"Hey!"

"Oh my, man or woman?"

"Man."

"Hm...top or bottom?"

"..."

"Bottom it is."

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't say anything." I smiled at Mao and he didn't deny it. "I knew you'd be a bottom. You're not aggressive enough."

"What's top or bottom mean?"

"Don't worry your pretty little head, Sorrell."

"Best if you don't figure it out unless you want nightmares."

I released a small laugh, covering my mouth with my hand as both men argued. How I miss this...seeing them interact like this. I heard a sound coming from the house and I turned my gaze to it...to see Kurogane staring at me from the second floor. I lost my smile and I released a sigh. I haven't drunk anything today...have I? I finished the wine from my glass before pouring from the bottle Mao and Sorrell was drinking from. I walked off...going to meet Kurogane. As it's quite late at night, most of the lights in the hallway were dulled...but I can see everything clearly thanks to my status as a vampire.

"Is it really necessary to hide yourself like this? It isn't like you...Kurogane." I said arriving to where he was waiting.

"Shut up and drink." Kurogane said showing me his arm.

"...of course." I said placing down my drink on the window's ledge.

I walked towards him and instead of his arm...I bit his shoulder. I pulled away his collar enough to expose his shoulder. The man wrapped one arm around my waist, keeping me in place...but judging from how he's gripping my hip, I knew it hurt when my fangs pierced through his skin. I pulled away, my lips dripping with his blood. I ran my finger along the bite mark I left on his shoulder...healing it with a bit of my flames.

"I'm not a little girl you have to protect, Kurogane." I licked the blood from my fingertip. "I don't want nor need your protection..." I stated quietly.

"I only treated you like a kid because you keep acting tough." I picked up my glass, playing with the liquid inside. "You're pushing us away because you're afraid." Kurogane said taking the glass from me.

"...You and I both know...just how fragile my heart is. I have to push you away...or I'll break..." I said turning to leave.

Kurogane didn't say anything to that...and I left. The wine is quite good, I'm sure he'll like it. I returned to where Sorrell and Mao were...only to find Sorrell in a drunken sleep with Mao still sipping at his wine. I released a small laugh, patting Sorrell's head. This idiot doesn't change, he's always been a lightweight. Mao told me he's retiring for the night, telling me that the room I changed in would be mine during our stay. I hummed, my attention on the sky as the man carried his younger cousin over one shoulder and into the house. I licked my lips, the taste of blood still on my tongue.

"One day...Yuuta...One day." I whispered shutting my eye to rest a while.

X-X-X-X

Chapter 54 Ends

To act strong to prevent loved ones from worrying. To act strong, to hide your own weakness. To act strong, to fool one's own heart when you cause pain to those you love. To act cold even towards a loved one to prevent them from knowing just how much pain you are in. In some ways, I would rather pretend that everything is okay than to let my family know I'm hurting, hence why Lucy is acting colder and acting as if what's happening doesn't bother her. Why she would hide her pain from her sisters. She's doing something similar to the others because it'd be easier to bottle it up than to show just how much it hurts. Her past, the journey she started, the guilt and pain she feels knowing that Yuuta is under Lucius' control because of her actions. Best to pretend to fool not only loved ones, but your own heart. To know that the decisions she's making is the right now. Also, concerning the ending of my story. I won't give away spoilers, but there are going to be hints as to what kind of ending will be reached in the coming chapters. I'm satisfied with how I'm going to end this story and I would rather not say whether or not it would be a sad end or a happy one. Well, that's it for now so bye-bye~!