April 7, 2009

"Mom?" I said, sitting up in bed.

"It's fine," said the woman. "You don't have to come home anymore. Akito will take care of you now."

"But...I thought you loved me…"

"I don't know how to love you anymore," she said.

Just like Rin. I am her now. These are my memories now. And that woman…she was my mother. My real parents are really my foster parents.

The memory faded, and another one replaced it.

"Why won't you just tell Akito what he wants to hear?" asked Yuki.

We were both fifteen, and my hair was long. I was in a kimono, locked in a room in the Main House.

Haru was in there too.

"I'm not going to betray Kyo," I said stubbornly.

"He left you here!" Yuki said. "Don't you think you can do better than a guy like him?"

Haru laid a hand on Yuki's shoulder. "Lia, we just don't like to see you getting hurt."

"Well…don't worry," I said resolutely. "I have you two to be here for me. And Kyo will be back soon."

Hatori entered. "I'm sorry, boys, but Akito wants to see Lia."

I stood, wincing from all my various injuries, and went to Akito's chambers.

"You…are not needed," Akito said to me.

I'm needed by Kyo. He needs me. I saw the look in his eyes that day. He needs me. I'll wait for him.

I succumbed to my punishment.

I woke with a start. I was on a futon in Aria's room.

I remember Kyo, I thought, a thrill rushing through me. The boy I've loved since he first asked me to join him at the dojo. But why do I remember? I got knocked out after we left the Main House. Kyo must have brought me here.

"Aria," I said. "I remember!"

"Y-You do?" Aria said sleepily. "Well, it's time for school."

"I won't see him there," I said. "I'm going to Shigure's house!"

I slipped on my uniform in the dark and ran all the way to Shigure's.

When I got there, I didn't bother to knock, just ran inside and found Kyo sleeping in his bed.

Well…I don't want to wake him…but…

"Kyo!" I whispered. "Wake up!"

"Huh?" he sat up, looking at me like I was a ghost. "Lia? Why aren't you at Aria's?"

"Because," I said. "I belong here. I do. Unless you don't want—"

Kyo caught my arm as I turned away. "I…don't want you to ever leave again."

I turned and hugged him close, he was warm against my cold skin; I had been out in the cold morning air.

He turned his face toward mine and looked at me, and I thought he might kiss me, but he gently pulled out of the hug.