Seasons of Sorrow

by HelloKat

One act that will bind & divide the family. One act that will sever the bond to their 'God'. In one year, all stood around…waiting on this banquet to end as it was always supposed to end. And this family will tear itself apart to accomplish this.

71. Fading Innocence of Autumn 71

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing trademarked here nor do I make a dime on this fanfic. I'm very poor indeed!

Fading Innocence of Autumn
Chapter 71: Twisted Tales of a Proxy

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Tick, then tock.
The mouse goes 'round the clock.
Tick, then tock.
The clock has struck.

The mouse goes down.
Tick, then tock.

Tick then tock,
the mouse sees a window
and there, a cat sees him, […]

Excerpt from Sohma Junichiro's 'Book of Olden Poems'

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"How do you do?"

"Please look this over."

"Right away, sir."

"Thank you."

"Please come again."

"How do you do?"

All this with the radio on in the background, currently some mandarin cover of a song called "Tom's Diner" per his phone—the irony is not lost on him. He swears that ever since he started working at this cafeteria, his vocabulary has been reduced to just these few phrases outside of his college courses, all said with a wide smile. It wasn't such a hard labor job, but it was terribly boring, and his facial muscles were sore from smiling so much. Yet, it did pay those pesky bills that came due each month.

Being a college student, even a low-ranked one, meant he was constantly busy either at class, studying for class, or working to pay for that class. Such a vicious cycle rendered his personal time to just having a bite to eat between classes and work, and then somewhere in there, he squeezes in time to bathe and sleep. So, forgive him if he now ignores the customers' pleas and makes a beeline to the back kitchen where he takes a ten-minute break to catch up on things like texts and other silly things like taking a breather.

"MANABE!"

"No one by that name here," he grumbled lowly as he hid behind a wood crate. Putting on his earbuds, he lost himself to his phone, happy that it still had battery. Sighing heavily, he perused his favorite websites, careful not to get lost in the videos he wanted to see. He'll have to tag them for later viewing.

That is until he saw a headline…'surely click-bait, gotta be'. But he can't help himself. He sees anything remotely with the word 'Sohma' and he clicks instantly. Just because his best bud in the world has rejected all forms of communication with him since graduation doesn't mean that he would give up on him entirely.

'Sohma Clan Turns Heads—LITERALLY'

Catchy title, he thinks, until he starts seeing that it's mainly a report in the Finance section of the top news outlet in the whole country. 'Boring. Who cares how rich they're getting—'

"What the hell?!" he couldn't help exclaiming as he saw a large clip of one Sohma he would never associate with the financial sector. He read through the article briefly (time is of the essence), something about changing hands at the top levels, stocks fluctuating, etc…more financial jargon. Interesting note, though—the article highlighted a video blog this Sohma started a couple months back. He quickly clicked on the offered link.

Catchy intro tune. 'Isn't that Totoro's theme song?! What the—'

-Video starts-

"Ladies and gentlemen! ('OUCH, damn, forgot that man was LOUD! Turn it down some…') Welcome to my introductory video! I am yours truly, Sohma Ayame, currently on hiatus as the ultimate and very exclusive custom tailor for all your clothing needs…and I do mean all needs. (Whispers) But we can come back to that later when virgin ears aren't around (winks)!"

'Never change, sir, never change. My hero.'

"Ayame."

"Ahem, my dear cousin is pushing me along and rightly so! As you can clearly see, we are all doing so wonderful here in this humble abode. ('He looks to be sitting beside a pool, with an umetini to boot…so much for humble.') Please forgive me for not presenting myself far better—I mean, the hemorrhoid cream can only do so much for the baggies under these peepers. Thankfully, I was able to break into my own clothes shop at the pre-crack of dawn on this very fine morning and gather a few items I had set aside for today's special occasion. ('He looks way different in that get up; he even tied his hair back into a low bun. Is that a comb in his hair?!') To my vice-captain of the ship I usually sail, Mine dear, if you see this video, I ardently beg for forgiveness as I thoroughly tore through the store, and I might have broken a few things. But really, I was in such a state of undress, running around bum-naked—"

"Ayame."

"Now, now, I wasn't going into detail…innocent minds around here. My videographer behind this lens is our lovely young friend. Tohru-kun, say hi!"

"Um…ohayo gozaimasu." ('Wow, that girl is still around them guys? Wonder if tall and handsome proposed yet—')

"She's a little camera-shy, but such a dear to come at the crack of dawn today for just this momentous occasion. Good thing, too! How do these video cameras work? Far too many buttons and menus and—"

"AYAME."

"Fine, yes, I am procrastinating. But what must be done, must be done by yours truly and only by yours truly. Pardon me a sip. ('That's a mighty big sip of a drink—and all gone.') Ahem, now, you may have heard some ghastly rumors due to the regrettable mishap at our family compound last night. Rest assured, our clan head, Sohma Akito, and her heir, my wonderous, intelligent, stunningly beautiful otouto, Yuki, are both in good health and off on some sort of sabbatical—I mean, wouldn't you? Well, due to such unfortunate circumstances, the compound will be vacated for the time being until such repairs can be made."

'REPAIRS?! What the hell happ—'

"I mean, really, can you expect our dear head of the family to rest their precious little heads in a burnt-out hovel? ('FIRE?') My brother's physique is of a delicate—" (THUMP)

'That was a dish towel.'

"Ahem, I digress. So, for now, myself and my cousin will be residing here, in this…dump."

"AYAME!"

"With that banshee."

'Look who finally shows up—so that's her place.'

"HAVE RESPECT FOR YOUR MOTHER!"

'No love lost there. His smile is large and in charge, though.'

"Obaa-san, we're on camera…"

"And you're blocking the view."

"Silence! I already called your father—CAMERA?!"

"Sure! Wave at Tohru-kun; she's just over your shoulder. Everyone, this is the hag that gave birth to yours truly—I know, shocking. (Whispers) Pay her no mind—I don't."

"TURN THAT THING OFF AND GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

'Funny. Bossman just gets up and walks towards her with the same smile—and she backs all the way off.'

"Now, for shame, Mother, don't you think screaming like a bat may give our viewers the wrong impression of you?"

"AYAME, TURN THAT—"

"Ano, we're LIVE streaming."

Manabe couldn't help laughing out loud then. With Tohru's small, shy voice and the woman's face looking like the dead, jaw wide open in horror, the picture couldn't be better painted for him. Looking over the carton he hid behind, he was thankful he was alone so far.

"Silence is golden, ne, Tori-san?"

"We need to get going, Ayame."

"Yes, yes. Now, Haha-ue ("Stop calling me that!"), get this house cleaned up while we're gone—there is a dreadful amount of dust in the rooms we snuck into last night. We'll be back shortly!"

"DON'T COME BACK!" ('If she holds that phone any harder, it'll crack.') "Yes, I'm STILL HOLDING! GET MY HUSBAND ON NOW! I DON'T CARE WHAT ORDERS HE GAVE YOU—" (She storms off into house.)

"Ah, such a welcome, but we must leave the old hag to her devices—we really do need to shoo off. Ne, Tori-san, the extra battery for the camera is still charging—"

"It should be done by now." (Disappears into house)

"There he goes…oh, so reliable. Ladies, I would advertise his bachelor status to all social media, but I'm selfish—I like to keep him to myself. And before he gets back…"

'He sure is tearing through that house—big and rich. Honda-san sure has a hard time catching up with him. Well, even if it's all wrong for him, he does look good in that full kimono set, haori and all. The colors are pretty muted for his taste, though, all the grays in the world—WHAT THE HELL?!'

"Um, ano, Ayame-san…are you sure having a cup of…that…is wise, right now?"

"Mmm…" ('He sure is chugging that cup of vodka—what time in the morning is this? Ah, there's the tell-tale burn down the gullet.') "AUGH, now that hits the spot! Whew, trust me, my dear, if you had the evening I've had or been blessed with being descended from hell's trolls, you'd be drinking the whole bottle. (Whispers) To those listening at home, be responsible, only drink with others. And sshh—"

"Ayame…"

"Oh my, just a sec, Tori-san!" ('Hiding the bottle in the oven—classic.') "Now, to my audience, we are on a mission today. Where you ask? Well, FOLLOW ME!"

-Video ends-

"MANABE!"

Hitting the pause on the video, Manabe quickly put away his phone and went out to meet his supervisor.

"Sir! I was getting an emergency call. My apologies."

"Get to the tables! We just had a party of ten come in!"

"Right away, sir!"

And thus, he returned to his ho-hum drum of existence. How he wished he could've stayed in the old neighborhood, if only to find out what was going on firsthand with Yuki and his family. He'll have to make do with the video blogs his brother put out. There were quite a number of them…

'After this shift. I'm going straight home and watching them all, no matter the hour. Damn, Yuki, what the hell is going down with your folks? And where are you, really?'

His troubling thoughts only went downward from there.

-o-

The air was clear and crisp as he trudged through someone's prized azaleas. The trees overhead swayed with the cool breeze while he went around them. It was a perfect autumn day if only he could spare the thought.

Shinpachi would swear that every time he came over to Yunosuke's place, his Sohma pal's home just got ever bigger. Really. Having to come around the grounds to their personal dojo was a trek in itself, but today, he felt it more keenly since he had been running nonstop all the way from the bus stop a few streets over.

Upon finally arriving at the dojo out of breath, he noticed that his other friend, Himeka, had already beaten him there. She smiled widely at him as she busily working on her katas.

"Oi, Himeka-chan! Where's Yubo?"

"He's getting us drinks. You're late!"

"Yeah, yeah. You guys have it easy with your school nearby. I have to actually travel from the other side of town!" He set his school gear down and went into the changing rooms to swap out of his school uniform. Coming back out, he also started on his katas with her. "You know if Yubo's brother will help us today?"

"Maybe…it's been a while. Are you going to cram school after this?"

"Nah, I have homework that's making my eyes bleed. You goin'?"

"Hai. The math section on the entrance exams is so hard."

"Man, tell me about it."

"But Yunosuke-kun says he'll help me with the worksheets. If you need help…"

"Yeah, thanks. I'll think about it."

As they continued with little talk, Yunosuke finally arrived with a small cooler. Already dressed, he called his friends over. "C'mon, let's take a break."

"Oi, give me that one!"

"Shin, that's Himeka-chan's. Here's yours."

"But I hate the flavor."

"Drink it—it has more electrolytes. You look like you ran all the way over from school!"

"He did."

"You did, Shin?"

Looking exasperated as his two friends eagerly waited for him to provide details, he gave up on being nonchalant. "Well, yeah, sort of. I was held back because of some test results, then I had to dodge the counselor to catch the wrong bus, then double-backed to the right stop and switched to a different bus, and then got off on a stop that was a few streets over from here! THEN I had to go on a safari just to get here to the dojo—man, Yubo, getting up here is like climbing Mount Fuji—an epic journey!"

Laughing at his friend's expense, Yunosuke drunk from his beverage. "Heh, sounds like a blast!"

"It's dedication!" declared Himeka as she drunk her beverage as well. "Not many would do half as much for just practicing their katas. I bet Yuki-sensei would be super pleased, ne?"

Upon hearing that, all turned quiet, lost in their personal thoughts. It's been months since the disastrous end to the tournament and just as long since the Sohma family's dojo was closed down. No word has been heard as to when Kazuma-sensei would reopen, let alone what became of all the members of the dojo, including Yuki-sensei. The trio were thus left adrift in their lessons, having to rely on what little they learned over the summer and what Yunosuke's older brother can teach them in his spare time.

"Does your brother know anything yet, Yubo?"

Yunosuke looked to the hopeful gazes of his friends, not wanting to disappoint them yet again. Still… "Nah, he won't give it up, even if he did know. My house has turned into a tomb—dead silent, you know? Okaa-san is out more, and Otou-san is rarely at the house. Aniki won't say mum. It's been weird."

Looking uneasily around them, Shin 'fessed up. "Um, I know a little of what's goin' on…if you want to know more—"

"What, how?!"

"You see, I was also late because I sort of 'borrowed' a laptop from school. JUST TEMPORARILY."

"Shinpachi-kun!"

"Aw, Himeka, it's only for today. Honest, I'll give it back tomorrow."

"So, why did you take it, Shin?"

"Look!" Setting his drink down, Shinpachi ran over to his school gear, and carefully took out the laptop. "I downloaded a VLOG video that talked about Yuki-sensei the most; if you're up to seeing it instead of doing the katas for now."

Both boys looked with anticipation to Himeka before continuing. Sighing heavily, she nodded her consent.

Excitedly, Shinpachi powered up the laptop. "In Home Sciences, I was studying—"

"You mean bored."

"Alright, Yubo, BORED, and we were looking up subjects on the Web related to our class project. I just went ahead and typed in Yuki-sensei's name and it took me here."

Finally, the laptop was up and running. A few keystrokes later, the video was now running.

"It's some video diary his older brother is keeping up online. I just saw a few, but really the very beginning is where he talks about Yuki-sensei the most. It's about a couple months old…here, let's watch from here—"

-Video starts-

"Did you drink from that bottle again, Ayame?!"

"Let's fast-forward that part," sheepishly grinned Shinpachi as Yunosuke frowned his disapproval. "Here's the spot."

"Are we almost there, Tori-san?"

"Yes, almost. Quit asking. Talk about Yuki to Tohru-kun."

"Ah, yes! Ayame-san, what about Yuki-kun would you like to share with all of us?"

"Yuki-sensei's onii-san is so…striking. Like Yuki-sensei," quietly remarked Himeka as she adjusted her glasses, mesmerized by the fabulous Sohma in the video. "Yunosuke-kun, your extended family is so amazing. What happened with you and your brother?"

Yunosuke could only glare at his only female friend as Shinpachi guffawed. "We're not that bad—"

"Oh, my dear, Yuki is far too much yum to share with just anybody. I apologize to those watching…I'm even more selfish about sharing my brother than I am about Tori-san."

"Don't drag my name into your videos, Ayame. Talk about why your brother went 'missing'."

"He never went 'missing'. Goodness, such chatter! He only took some time away from the spotlight after that tournament. He won that, you know, through blood, sweat, and tears. But it's just not enough for those gossipmongers. (Whispers) If I found out who you are, I will personally stick needles—"

"Ayame."

"Ahem…as I was saying, he's not missing. Time to heal away from the limelight is all that my precious needs. Really, if your house caught fire, would you stick around to smell the fumes? Honestly, these gossip sites and papers are all up on nonsense."

"Ano, Ayame-san, we're here, I think."

"Now look at those office buildings! Only a Sohma can build such monstrosities."

"AYAME."

"Oh, fine…to my dear audience, here before your simple eyes are our family's holdings. Or at least some of them. And yours truly must make an appearance. Why you ask? Let me show you! Follow me!"

"The camera lady is running just to get ahead of him. It's making me sick. Can't you fast-forward, Shin?"

"Wait!" interjected Himeka. She murmurs, "He looks so regal with that red scarf—he's practically floating…that must be why Yuki-sensei looks so elegant, too, when he walks."

"Yeah, just look at what he's using for a kinchaku," grumbled Yunosuke.

Looking at the video closely, Himeka saw the pouch that Yuki's brother carried and broke out with a big smile. "How KAWAII!"

The one Sohma boy present could only grind out his response, "Shin, is this all there is to Yuki-sensei…his brother?"

"Just a little more, hold on." Turning to his irritated companion, Shinpachi remarked glibly, "Competition too much for your brother, huh?"

"Shut up!"

"Look guys! They're in the lobby. Is that security?"

"Halt, we're only allowing essential employees into the building at this time—"

"I'm not an employee! The utter insult."

"Ayame—"

(Punctuates each word in the sentence with a fan he carried in his obi.) "No! Do I look like I'm dressed like a regular employee? HELL NO. I didn't spend hours putting this all together just to get lumped in with the rest of the workforce in this building."

"Sir, you can't—"

"I can and I WILL. (Now poking the poor man's chest with said fan.) Sohma Ayame. Remember it. Now, how do I get to the floor with the other members of the family? They're holed up somewhere in this building."

"Um, I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were with the family. If you can wait so I can ring—"

"Silly fool, no need to ring them. They're expecting us. You have some PC, computer thingy there, don't you? Look up my name, SOHMA AYAME. Go on. And be quick!" (Snaps fingers)

"Ce-certainly."

"Man, this guy is a bossy, preening, peacock!"

"A beautiful peacock."

"Whatever."

"Hehe—hey, look! That security guy sure is sweating up a storm now. Look at him go get those badges done quick!"

"If he bows any lower, he may just break his back."

"Please forgive our rudeness, Sir! We'll keep better records of the family from now on. If you prefer, there's a private entrance just for the family. I can show this to you—"

"Some other time. Elevator? Floor?"

"Right this way, Sohma-sama. And your…entourage?"

"Coming, of course!"

"Shin, this is getting boring, quick!"

"Ssh! Listen!"

"We were extremely worried when we heard the tragic news of the family's main house burning down—"

"Well, the place needed a face-lift, quite honestly. A little poof and embers will do it good."

"Ayame, I swear—"

"A joke, Tori-san, a jest. Nothing more. Dear folks watching this, I accept all sympathies wholeheartedly. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Was that good, Tori-san?"

"How much farther, guard?"

"Just around here, Sir—please use this lift. It's the top floor—insert this badge and press this button. Would you like an escort, Sir?"

"Not at all. Only one more thing, please disregard any request for troops, eh, guards should anyone other than us request it, understood?"

"Laying on the charm real thick, huh?"

"Ssh, Yubo!"

"As you say, Sir. You will not be disturbed. And, if we may, please accept our sympathies regarding any possible injuries to the family head, Sohma Akito-sama and Yuki-sama. When we heard it this morning, all our thoughts and prayers went to your family, of course."

"Oh, well, how kind! Please let me assure you that both are doing very well—do pass that bit of good news to everyone else."

"Yes, Sir, good news indeed! Thank you! We'll pass it on to everyone else here!"

"Good chap!" (BING)

-Video ends-

"That's all there is on this clip. There's others but it's nothing to do with Yuki-sensei, just the family business news, but really weird—"

"Yunosuke-kun, your snacks are ready!"

"Coming!" Turning back to his friends, Yunosuke shut the laptop. "We gotta go. Masako-uba will come drag me by the ears if we don't go now."

"But what about the video—"

"You can ogle at the fool later, Himeka-chan. Let's go!"

"Hey, Yubo, don't be getting all jealous—the guy does have looks—"

"SHUT UP, SHIN!"

-o-

The busy streets of the city center were busier than ever as the day started to fade into nighttime quickly. The sun setting could be seen between the tall glass buildings, the sky lit up with different hues of orange. With the autumn weather turning cooler with each passing day, commuters were prompt in getting from work to home with as little delay as possible. Some still stopped for groceries or other necessary errands. Others decided to take a different turn from their commute, making their way down congested corridors of shops and parlors.

One such parlor was lit up with bright lights, offering services that leaned more towards the older crowd. Most business was conducted on the third floor. Drinks were par for the course at this hour.

"Gather over here, gentlemen. Yes, please help yourselves here at the bar—it's all covered by my company, so feel free to order whatever you wish."

"Heh, 'fine dining', indeed, eh, Tomaru?"

"Take me here anytime!"

"Oi, get over here and get your drinks so we can really start the party!"

"Tomaru, get a load of the bartenders! Man, they take their cosplay theme to the extreme!"

"No problem with me! 'Mugen' can serve me drinks anytime!"

"Your poison of choice, sir?"

"That's what I'm talking about! I'll have a Lemon Sour!"

"Make me the Last Word."

"Mind Eraser is what I NEED!"

"Yeah, especially after that rejection from the old man!"

"It's only temporary."

"And you, good sir?"

"Depth Charge."

"Whew, that's what I call a brave man! Well, Tux, rack 'em all up!"

"Oi, how cute is that?! 'Tuxedo Mask', where's your 'Sailor Moon', eh?"

"Hey, 'Mugen', make sure my drink is strong—'Tuxedo Mask' is too wimpy, ya know?"

"Don't worry, sirs. 'Tuxedo Mask' is my trusty assistant and is superb with the drinks. Snap to it, Tux! Show 'em!"

While 'Tuxedo Mask' gave the stink eye to his fellow bartender, he quickly went to work with the drinks. The repeat business was always better when the customers get their drinks in less than fifteen seconds. He was currently aiming for that.

And he'd be rid of them that much sooner.

'At least the lewd jokes are on hold…for now. Wait 'til they're really sloshed.'

"There you go, good sirs. Your adventure awaits you in room 4. Please proceed."

"Haha, thanks, 'Mugen'! That's what I call a drink! Now let's get to the real main event."

As the men made their way down the hallway to their assigned room, they were eagerly taking in the sights of blaring music from famed anime shows and anime characters blazoned across the walls. The door with the large '4' had the Eva-01 mecha from the Evangelion franchise.

"Tomaru, we have to come back with the others from the office. They will get a kick out of coming here to an anime-themed karaoke bar!"

Once the men entered and closed the door behind them, the halls were once again empty except for the loud background anime music. 'Tuxedo Mask' heavily sighed as he cleaned up his station before the next party came up.

"Oi, Tux! Ya gots to work on presentation. No one wants a sour puss when having drinks."

'Bear it for another night…one night at a time.' Keeping his thoughts to himself, he ignored his fellow bartender and furiously wiped down his station. He will not admit that he was rather envious seeing that his fellow partner in this place was not dressed as ridiculously as he was.

"Can it, 'Mugen'. They got their drinks in record time. Unlike you, I don't waste time prepping them."

"In this business, you're supposed to add a little something with the drinks. Ask 'Rei', she knows all about that."

"Leave it alone, 'Mugen'."

"Hey, not for nothing, but you look good as 'Tuxedo Mask'. Dyeing your hair did the trick—"

"Look, why don't you go downstairs or something? Bartend elsewhere."

"Eh, no one's in the mood for drinks on the other floors. Edo-themed requests aren't selling at this hour. Besides, 'Rei' is always super popular—can't help but worry, you know. Her man ain't here to defend her, so—"

"So I've got it covered. Go back."

"With that ugly look, nah, your customers would leave you. And that'll hurt 'Rei's' chances of repeat business!"

"She's fine, I'm fine, WE'RE fine. GO AWAY."

"Tch, that's gratitude for ya! This is the thanks I get for training you!"

"You were thanked PLENTY—get lost!"

"Guys, you're going to get us tossed…again."

Both stopped, their noses inches from one another with 'Tuxedo's' wand/cane raised over 'Mugen's' head and 'Mugen's' fist clenched tight between them, both clearly ready for another throwdown. Last time, they had an audience of drunken customers cheering them on and placing bets on whether 'Tuxedo Mask' had enough roses to spare for an 'attack' or if 'Mugen' had a sword on hand to beat back his opponent. It was simply embarrassing that they were seemingly fighting over 'Rei Ayanami'. And, as 'Rei', she had to step in to save her own honor and beat them both down.

She got a standing ovation from all present.

Ever since, the karaoke bar has seen a spike in business, and many wanted her hostess services at the karaoke rooms. So, it was sort of a win for her since their repeated patronage meant more chances for her to host their future parties—secure employment. But it brought unwanted attention from management who were none too pleased with the whole fiasco. It was only by the grace of 'Mugen's' family owning the building that they were only given a stern lecture.

"Really, 'Mugen', you swore you'd stop antagonizing him."

"Sorry, um, 'Rei', it's just I know you need me, so I gots to be here—"

"'MUGEN'!"

"What're you doing over here? You come to play with us, too?"

"'Asuka', 'Misato'! Lookin' good!"

"The supe is gonna get on your case again!"

"I'm just too popular!"

"Whatever! Come by later when we're done! We got a new game app we downloaded—you have to see it!"

"Sure thing," he replied as the two other entertainers for the evening went into the room 'Rei' was heading towards. Turning to her, he beseeched her once more, "Look, I can help—"

"You're already doing me a huge favor by having us work here and staying at your place. You don't need to babysit me on top of all that—I've got that covered, don't you think?"

"Heh, yeah, I know. Speaking of which, these guys you got can be a bit rowdy. Just press your assistance button in there if you all need help in there, and I'll be there—"

"WE DON'T NEED—"

Rei interjected, "'Tuxedo', why don't you get my drink ready? The Umeshu Tonic, I think, will do for this bunch."

One dour gaze from 'Rei' silenced the objection forthcoming. 'Tuxedo Mask' threw one last sneer to a smug 'Mugen' before getting the beverage ready.

"That's right, boy, get going—"

"Sawamura," she called out gently while clamping down on his jaw, forcing him to look below at her sweet smile. Breaking company protocol of staying in character and using only your character's name on the premises was probably the only way to get through to her protective guard dog. "You have to keep it quiet for us here, remember? No unnecessary attention—you promised."

"Yeah, yeah…don't you worry. I got you on this. You can count on me."

"Can we count you OUT?" called out Tux from his corner.

"ENOUGH." Grabbing her drink from her bartender, 'Rei' pushed 'Mugen' down the hall ahead of her. "Go to your floor, 'Mugen', and get to your customers before the supervisor comes hunting for you again."

"But…those goons—"

"Our CUSTOMERS would prefer me without you. Go on."

"You just press the button—"

"Absolutely, BYE!" As she opened and shut the door behind her, 'Rei' glided into the large, smoke-filled room with a grace she has honed ever since arriving. Drink in hand, her routine began. She faced the happy men already enjoying themselves as they paired up with the other girls and choosing music. As they now catcalled her, she responded with a delicate smile.

"Which of you gentlemen need a drink?" She sure wanted one. But work first.

"Tomaru! He's your guy!"

Demure. Sedate. Vulnerable. Well, at least that was her interpretation of the character. And it worked with most male audiences. She carefully maneuvered herself through the tables of seated men who knew the rules of the establishment. Not that they didn't try to at least reach out and touch her legs in passing. It was enough for most. And for those that didn't think it was enough…

"Whoa, Tomaru! Don't touch her there—"

"OOMPH!"

"Sir, forgive me. I know not my own strength," she calmly replied as she withdrew her foot from pinning his chest none-too-gently to the wall, all the while setting his drink down before him with elegant flair. "Would you like to pick a song now?"

"Um…no, (cough), not at all. But later."

"Hahaha! 'Rei-chan', you took his breath away! Hahaha! We love you more!"

"I want to be beaten by 'Rei-chan', too!"

'These are true sadists. Long night ahead.'

The other ladies were ever so grateful the new 'Rei' had come to them just as the previous one had quit to finish her college graduate exams. Throwing herself into the character role, with her gentle smile and graceful handling of her more elite customers, they were all constantly requested for hostess services along with their cherished 'Rei'. And what's more, this 'Rei' took no prisoners when it came to touchy-feely men on a bender. All with a kind smile that hid real 'teeth'—a true 'Rei'.

"'Rei', we all decided to stick with your favorite…the opening theme!"

'A really long night ahead.'

And like clockwork, she along with the other girls got together on stage to sing along with the men. She knew the intro song by heart by now and was so sick of it, but she sung it wholeheartedly, her smile never betraying her feelings.

With early evening turning to night, the constant selection of one song then another helped pass the time quickly. When her time was up, she left first, followed closely by the other ladies as they encouraged the men not to forget them and to come back soon.

Out in the hallway, they all heaved a heavy sigh as they stretched and worked out the kinks from tense shoulders. Opening a discreet door, they all marched into their private lounge area and sank into plush chairs to catch their breath. Singing constantly with drunken men took much out of them.

"'Rei', you were great once again! Thanks for taking that man's hands off my butt!"

"It's your fault, 'Misato'. You shouldn't have turned your back on him. He'd had four drinks already!"

"'Asuka', you're not supposed to drink on the job, even when the client offers it."

"Hey, he was promising to leave a present for me afterwards—"

"From where I wonder…"

"That's not fair!"

"Ladies, not that this isn't a blast, but we still have one more party to get through in an hour. Go bug 'Mugen'—he should be free now," suggested 'Rei' as she rubbed her eyes tiredly. 'And out of my hair for a while longer.'

"Sure, 'Rei'. Heading outside again for some fresh air with 'Tuxedo Mask'?"

She cared little what they thought of her relationship with the young man and waved them off as she grabbed her coat from the hanger in her locker. As she disappeared through the employee's exit door, both remaining women could only quietly lament that their 'Rei' continues to be the elusive creature she portrays to their patrons.

Going through another door, 'Rei' walked down the fluorescent-lit, dreary corridor and headed to the stairwell. Marching upwards, she buttoned up her coat as she opened the top door and stepped out into the bright lights of the city center, the roof bringing chilly winds from a crisp autumn evening.

'Good, everyone else is still working their shifts downstairs.' This area was more of the after-hours place to unwind versus their small employee's lounge, but thankfully it was empty except for one lone individual. He sat up against the fence surrounding the perimeter of the roof line, ignoring the view of the skyline all around in favor of the laptop on his lap.

She quietly walked over, coming to lean against the fence next to him. She huddled inside her jacket as a brisk wind blew against her back. Fall evenings were quite chilly when winter was around the corner.

'Time can suddenly fly by when you've felt the minutes crawl on for weeks on end.'

Dismissing the passing thought, she looked down at the young man who was engrossed with a video clip he's seen far too many times, his earbuds plugged in so he could hear the words that he no doubt knew by heart.

She knew them by heart as well. It was her favorite video because of the reactions of one certain Sohma. She slid down and hugged her companion's arm as she laid her weary head onto his shoulder. She could hear well enough from his ear buds.

-Video continues-

(BING)

"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you STAND YOUR GROUND. Of course, I make it look easy because it's no grand feat for me—after all, exercising authority comes naturally to me. Which brings us to why I'm here! Tori-san, I hadn't forgotten anything thus far, ne?"

"Only your humility. But you never had any, so you're doing fine so far."

"Did you hear that, Tohru-kun? Tori-san loves me so!"

"Um, yes…?"

'That's one strong man hug.'

"Let me go."

"But, OUR LOVE?"

"FOCUS, AYAME. Tohru-kun, you've already…? (Tohru gives thumbs up.) Very well, stay within reasonable distance. Don't stray."

"Hai, of course."

(BING)

"Hatori-san, should I stop filming at any time?"

'Tohru-kun, ever so innocent…and brave. It took guts to be there.'

"No, not even if they scream at you. I'll be sure to keep them away from you."

"Thank you."

'I bet Kyo-kun misses her voice the most.'

"Which way now, Tori-san? We're lucky all the other office workers aren't here, but this floor layout makes no sense! Why can't they just put up signs that say, 'here we are'?"

'And Ayame-kun can always make me smile.'

"Down the hall on your left. The conference room is around the corner then."

"Note to self—redecorate this dungeon. And add an area rug right over there—this carpet is ghastly! Why can't they have better drapes? With all the money we have, you'd think we have some style in this pit of misery—to my dear audience, I pity you if this remotely resembles your offices."

'That office décor is now a thing of the past last I heard.'

"Ayame, there's your first obstacle…"

"Ah, yes—"

"Sirs, what are you doing here?! These offices are closed—is that a video camera?!"

"Now that's perception, Tori-san."

"I'm calling security!"

"You are? Well, then… ('Ayame sitting on her desk of papers is so right.') Please do! Tell them, Sohma Ayame arrived in style. (Call waiting tone) Oh, let me help you with that call!"

"SIR!"

'Good thing the lady kept her hands to herself, at least.'

"Heeellllllooo—who's calling? ("AYAME?! WHAT THE—") Eugh, the banshee! ("STOP CALLING ME THAT—") Were you on hold this whole time? Why didn't you just drive up here like I did? ("AYAME, I SWEAR—") No need to swear, you're a lady…sort of. But this call is breaking up ("THIS IS A LANDLINE—") so be sure to get those rooms cleaned like I said! ("DAMMIT, AYAME—")(CLICK) Try living with THAT as your mother for YEARS. (Whispers) You're welcome."

"So-so…Aaa…are you—"

"Family? Tragically so."

"But…um…still, no outside visitors—"

"Dear simpleton, I'm no visitor. Tori-san, I believe our employees need a refresher in manners. It's shameful how we're being treated!"

"The time, Ayame."

"Bien sur! Of course, tick-tock!"

"You still can't go in there…sir…?"

"Sure I can…see?!"

'Door opens, cue -O Fortuna- theme.'

"I can't get anything to come up anymore!"

"Is it the network?"

"The system was working—"

"Is there a breach?!"

"No! It's just this database—"

"I think I have it now—"

"Good day to all of you neck deep in your computers! Or at least to those that had a measure of a good night's sleep. I assure you, I did not."

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"

"THIS IS TRESPASSING!"

"WHO IS THIS?!"

"I'm sorry, sirs, he insisted! He's—"

"My son."

"This isn't Yuki—"

"The OTHER one."

"Dreadfully so, oh father of mine. The fruit of your loins has come to pay a 'courtesy call'. Had mother-dear not left messages with you that I was staying at her place—not that she had a clue until this morning, but let's not sweat the small stuff. She has plenty of room and my place at the Honke had gone up in a puff of smoke. Is this seat taken? No matter." (Settles in contentedly, primping himself.)

'That man can make an entrance like no other being, ever.'

"Ayame, this meeting is for the CLAN—"

"Then I better get acquainted with everyone here, ne Father? To those that don't already know, I'm his progeny, Sohma Ayame. And you…you're what?"

"It's 'WHO', not 'WHAT'. And it's Seto-sama to you—"

"You're that Seto? Really? Not much to look at."

'Hehehe, man, that never gets old. He's so sincere as he says it!'

"Get security up here—"

"I'm sorry, sir, they're refusing to comply. I've tried—"

"Cease your stupidity and get MY security detail here, now!"

"Now, don't be calling the hired help 'stupid'…I mean, that just means you're the bigger fool because YOU hired them."

'And just when you think Seto's face can't get any redder…'

"Of all the creatures, the SN—"

"Ayame, why do you have a video-camera with you?"

'At least his father catches on quick.'

"Oh, forgive me…it slipped my mind. You know, I barely got any sleep last night. Some unruly visitors came by in the middle of the night, ah, so disrespectful to yours truly. And then the home burns all around—goodness, was I a hot mess last night! I'm rather wiped out now—but duty calls, right? Is it hot in here? Phew, a bunch of hot heads…" (Snaps fan open to fan himself)

"Ayame,what is with the CAMERA?"

'That father is going to lose all color…now.'

"I'm broadcasting LIVE. Did you know that the world wide web has an audience in the billions? Well, I may have some small portion of that, I did tag the local media to the link this morning. But subscribed members only—(looks to camera, thumbs up) hit that like/subscribe button if you're watching this post-LIVE stream (winks)."

'And they have…two million subscribers last I checked.'

"Turn that off AT ONCE."

"SweetFather, how demanding of you! You could at least throw in a 'please', not that it would matter any but still—"

"Will you silence your son?"

"Wasting one more moment's notice on THAT lost cause is POINTLESS."

"Ouch…that would hurt if I bothered to care, Fatherdearest."

"Please forgive me, Seto-sama, the building security shut off the elevators—"

"Then have them take the stairs—why is this so difficult to execute?!"

"Bu…but, we're on the fortieth floor, sir!"

"You're fired. You, have them take the private elevator—"

"Don't be unfair, Seto. She can't help but be simple-minded. Worry not, office lady-san, you can still work for me."

"SOMEONE, remove THIS out of here NOW."

"Father-of-my-hellish-life, do remember I'm half of your gene pool. If I lack for anything, it's half your fault. The other half comes from the banshee that you married. That must've been some ride she gave—"

"Seto-san, I just…I can't. Not with THAT in the room." (Ayame's father walks out)

"I have to be honest—he stuck it out in the same room as me for two minutes longer than I thought he would. Quite an achievement for that man. (Fans away) Now, this is important—is this a croissant from a French bakery?"

"Seto-sama, we have a MAJOR problem."

'Did you ever.'

"Tori-san, you should have the fruit. The bread's stale…pity. And you there, don't be inching your way over to my camera lady. So discourteous. Tori-san will have no choice but to reacquaint himself with his 'gift'. And that always puts him in a bad mood."

'And here Seto will lose his ever lovin' mind.'

"What do you mean we're locked out?!"

"I rebooted our access—"

"Same here! I can't get into anything!"

"That's a shame."

"BE QUIET! The Branch families—"

"NOTHING! All the branches are calling in that they are all locked out from their end. Our servers are not responding to our credentials—"

"Gentlemen—"

"Tori-san, let me tell them! Ahem, let's see—'a cascading algorithm will be initiated when the security personnel at the front reception desk enters your name into the system during the security scan'. Simple, ne? At least, that's what Kureno-kun had me remember."

"WHAT—"

"Oh, oh, and—'after twenty-four hours, everyone's access will be restored but only for the standard applications as the rest of the office personnel. Everyone's executive-level clearance has been revoked until an assessment can be made by the Clan head.' I haven't the faintest idea what any of that means, but I think you're screwed—it does happen, WE should know—"

"Stop this lunacy, RIGHT NOW!"

'And here he's about to bust an artery…'

"Do you always have to yell? I'm right here. Besides, YOU and all the other council members signed off on my current 'privilege' to dispense such news—it's in that dear, old family law book you all hold so sacred."

"You are dangerously trespassing on this council's REVERED OATHS to the CLAN—"

"Gods, that's a little much—"

"YOU are LYING—"

"Page 42, section 5, part A, paragraph 2 takes you to Addendum D, section 4, part C, paragraph 12, line 3. It's all there if you would just LOOK."

'Trust Hatori-san to take care of the little details.'

"And was THAT hard to memorize! (Looks to Hatori) Thank you, Tori-san, for lifting that burden from me. You are the epitome of excellence!"

"Seto-sama…"

'And here they all implode. To think they really do have the actual book right there…'

"This…this was…"

"It can't be right—"

"Akira-sama, I'm sure, was only thinking of Akito's welfare, being his only child—"

"He had made some OBSCURE note in the ANNALS of the law book where hardly anyone would give it much thought!" (Seto slams book shut)

"And you all DID sign off on it when the book was last updated, when Yuki was named Akito's heir, as was his right, upon his birth."

'Lucky Hatori-san—to personally witness their coup fall apart just inches from their goal.'

"The entire board is not all present but as enough of you are all gathered here, it is apparent that you also believe that Akito is unable to represent herself personally nor Yuki. Per the annotation in the family law book, that makes it absolutely clear that 'Addendum D' is now in effect."

"THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS—"

"AYAME was chosen to be Akito's Proxy. Why Akira-sama chose HIM(deliberately points at Ayame) is anyone's guess—"

"Et tu, Tori-san?!"

"—but Akito complied with her father's wishes and saw to it that countermeasures were in place in the company's servers to ensure no one interfered with her father's mandate. So, for better or WORSE, Ayame has the final say—"

"That is NEVER—"

"—when you're making decisions from this office. Otherwise, everything else is as it was."

"THIS will be contested IMMEDIATELY—"

"Ano, Seto-sama..."

"Oh, Tori-san, this is just like when we were in high school! You remember, the pimple-faced loud-mouthed creep said those exact same words when the final vote came in for Student Council President—"

"THIS ISN'T A GAME, SNAKE!"

"Seto-san, I STRONGLY advise you to speak with RESPECT to the Proxy Head of the family! (SLAM) And one more step from YOU towards Tohru-kun, so help me I WILL lose the small shred of patience I have left!"

'Damn, did those old vultures just jump back just a little when Hatori-san's hand came down on the table—I missed that last time!'

"Gentlemen, don't upset Tori-san. (Reaches over to pat Hatori's hand.) He is rather tired—he was with me when it all went kaput at the Honke last night, the poor dear. About that, as your Proxy—"

"Not for long!"

"Seto-sama, please—"

"Well, for that to happen, you will need to explain to the ENTIRE council, the heads of the Branch families AND to Akito why there is cause for his removal. Otherwise, the edict YOU SIGNED OFF remains in effect!"

"YOU are just an inept physician and have no place—PFFFT!"

'Who knew that pastries can be thrown with such force?'

"Did you just throw a CROISSANT at my HEAD?!"

"No, that was a cheese danish! You know, you have a lot of nerve calling Tori-san anything less than perfection!"

"I will—"

"APOLOGIZE? Yes, I agree—Tori-san is a living ode to humanity in my book! You're actually managing to get me all bothered! Damn, and here I thought my parents were the biggest pain in the—"

"SIRS, ALL heads of the branches are LISTENING through the speakerphone."

Dead silence.

'Heh, Ayame-kun could always leave a lasting impression whenever he spoke.'

"Well…you should've said so sooner! Hello to you all, yours truly is Sohma Ayame, Proxy Head—"

"I speak to them, NOT YOU—"

"DON'T make me chuck another pastry at your balding head! They're terrible but it's still wasteful!"

"Gentlemen."

'And one word from the old man gets this circus back under control.'

"I came as soon as I was able to get the plane off the ground after the storm. Seto, we will have words, but first, Hatori-sensei, is that video-camera still running?"

(Pause) "The LIVE-stream was terminated after we got on the elevator, but we are still recording. The full version will be uploaded to an off-site location for 'insurance' purposes should WE come up 'missing'. I'm sure you'll understand."

'Those old men sure heaved a sigh of relief that even I could hear.'

"Yes…I see. (Sits down heavily with his cane in hand) To my colleagues at each of the branch divisions, please excuse my sudden entrance. It has been a hellish morning if this meeting is anything to go by. So…Akito-sama's Proxy is present. Times are dire indeed, eh? Ayame-sama, I must say, you dress to impress. And I'm very impressed. Not many can pull off the full formal kimono set."

"THANK YOU. FINALLY, someone notices! It took me FOREVER this morning to make this look work, and I even made it a point to forgo the modern style on these hakamas and undergarment. Don't get me started on this gray-color theme—it's not my preferred color-wheel, but Tori-san did insist but I got away with making my own bold red pouch with the mice print—"

"You KNEW?!"

"Of course, Seto. Akira-sama was kind enough to let an old man know of the one silent addition he made to the law when Akito-sama's heir was named. But I speak out of turn. Ayame-sama, what are your words for us, your council?"

"I AM NOT—"

"Each one of us here in this council along with each head of the branch families swore an oath to our bloodline that we would uphold the family law that protects this family and all that pertains to it. Do you now go back on your word, Seto?"

"We were NEVER informed—"

"No, but it is in the family's canon law so it's your responsibility to know that along with the other council members. Ignorance is not an excuse in this family."

"This…this is ABSURD! He hasn't even a CLUE to what it means to be a Proxy!"

'Reality is finally hitting them all.'

"We are his council…we will help. That's how it's always been. Do the branch families object?"

(Whispers from the speakerphone)

[Germany branch head] "We have no objections at this time."

[France branch head] "Agreed. There has been enough drama. We have confirmed Ayame-sama's status from here. No objections at this time."

(Door slams, rattles windows)

'And out goes Seto along with his cronies. Always retreating into the shadows when it doesn't go his way.'

"Why couldn't he have done that before? Would've saved us a lot of grief, ne Tori-san?"

"The papers, Ayame."

"Oh, right! (Takes envelope from coat and gives to Master Haji) Here you have Akito's formal request to have me as her Proxy and right there is my signature to confirm that my status has now been activated. Nice and beautiful."

"This was signed when Yuki-sama was confined at the hospital."

"M-hm. She just very nicely shoved this to my face—"

"When can we have what's ours returned to us? That's all we care about."

"Yes…I came for the same thing as well, Hatori-sensei. Sadly, our hope for any negotiation—"

"Forgive me, Master Haji, but there is no 'negotiation' when it comes to the Jyuunishi. We were ATACKED last night, all of us along with Akito—"

[Hong Kong branch head] "Seto-sempai already made his case in advance to the council of his concern for the Jyuunishi and the clan under Akito-sama's mismanagement after the Jyuunishi's disgraceful behavior at the exhibit hall, not to mention the expense—"

[Beijing branch head] "His memorandum sent through the email last night indicated he was only acting in the best interests of the clan."

"THUGS breaking through our security perimeter, setting off FLASH BOMBS and tearing through the main house—MY HOME, MY OFFICE, MY CLINIC—using TASERS, RIPPING the children from MY care or their parent's arms—this was NOT in the 'best interests' of the clan! It's a POWER GRAB, PLAIN AND SIMPLE and WE were the LEVERAGE!"

'Man, even I can feel the burn from Hatori-san.'

[San Francisco branch head] "It was not done in a pleasant manner, we agree, and yet it does fall on us to take matters into our care when Akito-sama is unavailable to explain herself or to speak for the Jyuunishi as is her duty. With damning video evidence from the exhibition hall, the Jyuunishi's actions were clearly out of control, leaving us vulnerable to prying eyes. Even the Heir was incapacitated! This puts ALL in jeopardy—"

"No, KIDNAPPING the Jyuunishi does!"

"Hatori-sensei, like it or not, we NEED to negotiate with Seto—"

'Hatori-san looking at Master Haji dead in the eye even gives me the chills.'

"There CANNOT—"

"Hatori-sensei, Seto along with his supporters have made a convincing argument that the Jyuunishi retrieved last night should remain under his care. To counter that, we'll need to negotiate their release, show that we mean to pursue this matter peacefully—"

(Ayame suddenly laughs) "Peacefully?! Like last night's 'attack of the piranha' peaceful? The jokes you tell…"

"Ayame-sama—"

"Tell me, Master Haji… (Ayame stands, gathers long scarf) Is peace what this clan really wants? Branch heads, do chime in. Your dear Proxy listens."

"Ayame-sama, how you decide to move forward will say much about your competence in the eyes of the council—"

"My competence? (Guffaws) If this council was all for allowing it's clan head, her heir—MY BROTHER—and myself, the Proxy, to be 'escorted' off the compound against our will—all in the name of 'PEACE'—I seriously doubt any measure of competence I possess will matter a flying fig to anyone. (Rearranges scarf around neck) Tori-san, can we get that drink now—a good bottle of wine would be better."

[Beijing branch head] "Ayame-sama, as Proxy, if you are to take the reigns and pursue a peaceful resolution, we will fully support—"

"There goes that word again…peaceful. (Sighs heavily—turns to Master Haji with a wide smile) Well, why the hell not?! And as I am the Proxy, I will make the 'peace' MY way. Let's go Tori-san, we still have much to do, right?"

[San Francisco branch head] "But…does that mean—"

[Hong Kong branch head] "Ayame-sama, are you saying—"

"I am the Proxy—I don't have to say anything. I do—you follow. Simple, ne? Better yet… (Leans into speaker) Those of you who aren't presently in this gloomy conference room—I so look forward to your arrival by this evening or tomorrow morning. And do plan to be here for a long visit. Adieu!(CLICK) Tori-san, that alone earns me a break, right? (Massages temple) Mou, my head hurts from exposure to such terribly obstinate creatures from before my birth. No wonder Akito is always so crabby."

"You haven't eaten anything other than that bread, Ayame, which is why I told you not to have that extra drink—"

"Gentlemen, please forgive me, before you leave you must know that the moment Akito-sama activated the Proxy clause of the canon law, the core business structure and supporting assets all reverted to the Proxy's overview, becoming official when Ayame-sama arrived here on site. Seto and the others can no longer access them without the Proxy's approval and so are now without that advantage. So he will be desperate to hold onto to his other advantage—sole custody of the Jyuunishi in his possession. Seto ensured that he alone from the council would know the location of where the Jyuunishi were confined to."

"Pft, no shock there."

"He and the other elders that support him will expect to hear your terms for the Jyuunishi's release when the council next convenes, I promise you that. And that's likely to be tomorrow evening when the branch heads are all present."

"Is that so? A gathering of the little trolls…with the others coming, too? Well, I hate to disappoint, but as I'll be much too busy getting this place up to my standards of efficiency—you like that word, Tori-san? (elbows a sullen Hatori)—I assign you, Master Haji, the task of telling them my terms. And if they and Seto-baka with his leech brigade agree to my terms, then I'll come down to join you all to make it all official on paper. Don't let them think their word is good enough for this Proxy."

"And those terms are…?"

"To have all the Jyuunishi taken returned toute-de-suite, bien sur! Out of my abundance of kindness, I'll even throw in a grace period—no penalties or retaliation of any kind to anyone, just return them all to Tori-san's care and all is forgiven. How's that for being a 'peaceful' Proxy, Master Haji? I'm good, ne?"

"Ayame-sama, I am not familiar with any penalties you can impose as Proxy—"

"Well, the more I wait and still nothing, I will be quite cross. And I won't be inclined to be 'peaceful' then. Will that suffice?"

"…I'm afraid that won't prove sufficient for them even then, Ayame-sama."

"Bloodletting in public?"

"…yours or theirs?"

"Mine…?"

"Then no, I'm sure they'd just have more reason to have you committed."

"Sheesh, having Ren as my roommate is not ideal in the least—wait, you think I should be committed—for what reasons?! I'll have you know I'm a VERY well adjusted, fully VIRILE male—"

"AYAME."

"Pish…well, it'll be to their detriment to ignore me, and I won't stand to be ignored—just ask Tori-san. You tell them that, and just for being such asses about it, I won't even tell them how long this grace period will last."

"Is there truly nothing else you can offer as a compromise, at least?"

"Compromise? I only agreed to be 'peaceful'. (Mumbles) Greedy bastards…"

"Then Ayame-sama—"

"Have them take it or leave it, ça m'est égal—it's all the same to me. This grace period was my idea, not Akito's. (Stops short, sighs—crouches down—looks intently at Master Haji) Last night, Master Haji, was utterly INSANE to LIVE through…but I'm as selfish as they come. It's only because Yuki is well and safe with Akito that I'm even willing to TALK, and it's for his continued well-being that I'm offering these terms at all—"

"Then I IMPLORE you to reconsider—"

"MY BROTHER is NO ONE'S bargaining chip—to negotiate would be to imply otherwise. Tell them either they comply or face Akito. (Stands back up and fans himself) I assure you, good sir, with each day that passes, there is one less day to this grace period. Once it does end, and it will, I'll have no choice but to defer to whatever decision Akito chooses to enforce 'peace' her own way. And that's hell on earth for everybody. (Shuts fan with a wide smile) Now, I think I was rather nice about this whole thing compared to what Akito would've said or done, wouldn't you agree? (Pats the elder man's shoulder heartily) We'll be in touch, Master Haji. Tohru-kun, come, come, mustn't dawdle."

(Literally floats out of the room twirling his red pouch on his finger—stops short at secretary's desk)

"Secretary lady…why the tears? Did you crack a nail? I know how terrible that is—last night I cracked three of them."

"Um, Ayame-san, I don't think that's why…"

"He…he…I don't work here anymore!" (Bawls)

"There, there, dry those tears (hands her his handkerchief); you cry ugly, you poor thing. That's not becoming at all. Now look up."

('He literally has a smile that lights up the room—what a weapon.')

"Now as the Proxy Head of this family, I say you still have a job here. You will be assisting me with a few changes around here, alright?"

(Sniffles, blotting her eyes, mascara smearing everywhere) "Of course! Anything, sir…um, Ayame-sama."

"Oh dear, that hankie isn't helping much. Tohru-kun, go help her wash up and come back, quick as you can you two. We have SO MUCH to do before the day is out. Chop, chop! Where is Tori-san?"

"I think he's still talking with Master Haji—"

"I'm here now. Master Haji is calling Momiji's father to update him and the other elders that weren't on board with this mess including the Gardeners, which saves us time from having to get a hold of Kureno-kun. Tohru-kun, you can give me the camera while you help her."

"Hai, Hatori-san."

(Camera view shifts angle—view of their feet)

"Where's the OFF switch? (Whispering) Ayame, why did you say that to Master Haji? You don't need a bigger target on your head from the elders—"

(Not whispering)

"Better my head than Yuki's."

-Video ends-

'What an older brother won't do for the younger.'

As the video ended, Kagura heaved a heavy sigh along with Kyo. Standing back up, she stretched her back and lifted her arms overhead.

"Finished downstairs?" he asked as he closed his laptop and removed the ear buds.

"For now. I have one more booking and then, freedom."

"Hn, yeah, if only." Putting up his small bento box into his backpack, he looked up at her. "You know you don't have to put up with Sawamura's nonsense, right? We can always find another place elsewhere to stay, to work—"

"It's fine. He's just overly anxious today after hearing from his family's business contacts about Ritsu-kun's parent's inn closing. And with no word from Ritsu-kun, he's just as worried as I am, that's all. Besides, how far do you think we'll get? Our faces aren't exactly the 'blendable' kind. Not after Seto put out that 'where are my dear, miscreant family members' ad campaign—smart jerk."

"Anything is better than being further in Sawamura's debt—"

"It's not so bad, Kyo-kun," she assuaged the grumbling young man. She couldn't help smiling softly as she recalled just how one desperate call at the crack of dawn from a payphone to Sawamura's dorm room paid off mightily. The big oaf with an even bigger heart for Ritsu and herself immediately stepped in. No explanations. Never in a million years did she think this odd attachment Ritsu somehow formed with Sawamura would lead to them hiding out safely for these past couple of months. And although he could be overbearing at times with her well-being (he even took on a part-time job where she was), it was a small price to pay for all the care he took to keep them out of sight.

It also didn't hurt that while Sawmura's father was a 'meager' owner of all sorts of shops all over the city districts, his mother's family owned some serious real estate in city centers all across Japan, thus enabling them to be able to secure the below-the-radar job they now have and the small apartment she shared with Kyo.

"He just cares…a lot. Happily cares, if I may add. He loves Ritsu-kun, so could you PLEASE—"

"Get along, keep the peace, I KNOW. It's just…he's just as bad as Haru—"

Kyo stopped short of his half-hearted tirade, and Kagura couldn't say anything else on the matter either. Clearly speaking of their missing family members still left a hurt that was too tender to touch.

Looking at him pack the laptop away, Kagura thought back on that horrific day forever etched into her memory. They had taken a huge risk when they went back to Shigure's house that infamous day to retrieve a few dry clothes, the basic necessities, and Kyo's medications. At that early hour, only two unsuspecting guards remained (no doubt a huge entourage was there prior to take Kyo and Shigure by force), but neither expected to see them both there…or her iron fist.

She made good use of their car to escape in. It's now collecting dust in storage at a garage.

It was by chance he thought to bring the laptop. It had proven invaluable as soon as he logged into the chat room on the off chance he could 'talk' with Yuki or Tohru. And what he found first was a drop file of the very video they just finished viewing. They were the 'insurance' Hatori spoke of.

Eventually there were short messages from Tohru, letting them know that she and the other remaining Jyuunishi continue to be doing fine. But no news on the missing Jyuunishi. Still, she took care not to reveal anything that would lead anyone to their location should they find the chat room that Shigure had made available for them seemingly on a whim. Now Kagura wonders just how much the Inu knew of all this mess that befell them.

"Any new update?" Kagura quietly asked instead.

Shaking his head, Kyo stood up and swung his backpack over his shoulder, grabbing his costume's cape from where it was hanging on the fence. He had to redress himself downstairs to return to his daring superhero self. "Nah, the chat room's been quiet tonight. I was just looking over the video to pass the time. It's one of the least crazy ones the lunatic has done compared to the recent ones over the last few weeks."

"Oh, but they were so much fun, heh." Turning around, she looked out to the city view from this roof, smiling widely thinking about the new postings she saw the other day. "Ayame-kun's latest VLOG is one for the ages. Even Hatori-kun couldn't repress his reaction."

"You mean his horror? The good doctor was ready to have a stroke with that stunt the idiot pulled."

"It's not a stunt—"

"It was a CAROUSEL! In the middle of a damn high-rise! With a PETTING ZOO!"

She couldn't help laughing out loud as she recalled that video. It had brought tears to her eyes, good tears, for the first time in a long while. "Well, the kids loved it. It's for the new day care center for the employees. It was a great surprise—the petting zoo was only for the grand opening! Besides, the carousel was a small version compared to the ones they have at festivals—he even commented he couldn't get permits for a bigger one."

"I'm sure if it was any bigger, it'd fall through to the other floors below it!"

"Hehehe, probably!"

"Still can't figure out how he managed to get a miniature pony and two goats into a building—I mean, where the hell do you find this stuff?!"

"I was actually impressed he had a snake handler on hand…that was a big boa. At least, Hatori-kun put his foot down when they wanted to feed it."

"It was a circus; damn fool was dressed for it, though, with that ringmaster's costume."

"Haha, the top hat was a nice touch! But you know…" she remarked as her laughter subsided, turning to face him and hook her arm with his. "It was worth seeing the clan elders' faces through all that. All the news media praising the new Proxy for 'bringing families together'. You could practically hear Seto's teeth grind at having to praise Ayame-kun to a reporter for the national news."

"I actually liked it better when the idiot literally bumped Seto off the interview with a bunch of helium balloons—don't think the reporter thought twice about the bastard on the floor when he stepped over him to interview the loud-mouth moron."

"Hah, I almost forgot about that one!" Having laughed so hard, she felt the weight of the evening lift from her shoulders, ready to face one more batch of happy revelers.

Seeing her smile, hearing her laughter, all genuine, Kyo was sorely tempted to let the matter with Sawamura drop. He didn't mean to be ungrateful, really…he knows he owes the big lug a huge debt with no hope of repaying. Even his medical bills with the physical therapist were all handled very discreetly. How could he hate him? No, he didn't hate him. He just detested being so heavily reliant on him.

Not to mention the black hair-dye was the BANE of his existence at the moment. The damn stuff gave him a rash (why did she get a wig and he didn't?!), and he REALLY despised that she wore that figure-hugging uniform each night to entertain drunk fools. Looking down on his gimpy leg, though, he understood their choices were very limited. How could he properly assume the role of a surrogate brother to look after them both since being cut off from the family? Sawamura was the better fit.

But for how much longer? Seto's net was only getting tighter—he can feel his instincts scream louder with each passing week. And the price for hiding two missing Jyuunishi, however unknowingly, will be dear. Kagura had to know that.

Looking down at her, he remarked lowly, "You know it's not all about putting up with this place. We can't keep dragging this on, if only for his sake. We need to make plans, soon, to get going. We'll just have to risk it."

"Kyo-kun, you need the therapy—"

"It's not anything that the PT can tell me to do—I don't need him to show me anymore. You know this hiding place won't work for us for much longer. Besides…it's high time we left and do SOMETHING to find the others—"

"Kyo-kun, don't," she cut in as she squeezed his hand firmly. "Don't do that to yourself. You're not to blame."

'Blame, huh?' He could swear that he had grown an ulcer with all the pent-up guilt that he carried with him ever since that evening despite Kagura's best attempts to assure him. She told him about how it all went down at the inn and the damn video that apparently made it to the elders' hands. It's one thing to be told these events, quite another when a video so vividly depicted their out-of-control behavior at the exhibit hall. Their displayed capabilities as the Jyuunishi's Nezumi and Neko were far superior to any normal human being.

It exposed his family (not the clan, his family), plain and simple.

Guilt-ridden as he was now, he would happily submit to whatever guillotine or other punishment Akito saw fit. If it meant the return of the sequestered Jyuunishi, send him far away and lose the key.

Looking at him squarely, she poked the now-healed nose, his deepening frown disappearing. "Stop that—I mean it. The only one I and everyone else is blaming is that creep leading the rabid pack of greedy fools. And we ARE doing SOMETHING."

Seeing his sour look start to deepen, she had to remember to be patient with her fellow cosplayer. He was still nursing a serious wound that was healing, and at the end of a long day at work, he was bound to get more than a little grumpy. His pain tolerance was at a tenuous end given the slight limp he now had as he walked.

Heavily sighing, she resumed their slow walk back to the roof entrance. "Staying out of sight and out of Seto's hands is vital, that much I can tell now. Hindsight is always good for something…I can't believe that jerk was plotting this whole mess this whole time. Anyway, if you think it's getting tiresome to see all of Ayame-kun's schemes on VLOGS, imagine them having to live with it. I'm sure this 'grace period' is just a means to wear the clan elders down. His schemes are becoming more…elaborate as time goes on. The carousel had the Studio G*** theme going for it, matching the day care center décor. That had to cost the family a pretty yen."

"That and all his VLOGS show him committing offenses to humanity in general. Or Hatori ready to commit seppuku."

"Now you're getting it. Not a happy spot to be in, for sure, but we're making progress. And soon, I promise, we're making our move. Just wait just a bit more, ne?"

He grumbled quietly. It didn't settle his nerves much, but at least he was assured their misery was somewhat shared. He was, however, fighting a losing battle against the dark rage he has kept repressed all these weeks, months. It came out today just a bit with Sawamura, but really, he knows he's fighting a losing battle.

"Want to go through some katas? I've been getting a little rusty—I promise to go easy on you. Your PT did say you should start walking less with your cane."

'Girl knows me like a book.' Nodding half-heartedly, he looked at the cane he carried around as part of the getup he wore. It's why he volunteered for the Tuxedo Mask character at this job. It gave them a perfect coverup for having the stupid cane around.

It didn't make him like his job any better, but beggars…well, whatever.

Opening the creaky metal door, he looked all around once more at the cityscape that was lit artificially from within, taking a good deep breath before going in.

'At least the katas will be a start in the right direction—personally getting even with the whole damn bunch that ruined our lives. Our turn will come soon; I've got to be ready. Come hell or high water, I will be.'

The door slammed shut behind him and his promise.

-o-

He loves him, he really does.

"Did you see him over here?"

"No, I haven't!"

"But the autograph session was only just over ten minutes ago!"

Did he say he loves him?

"I saw him come this way."

"Let's try over there."

"He can't have gone too far!"

Maybe 'love' was too strong a word.

'Aya, dear, I think you made me a tad too famous. There's a reason I wrote under a pen name for some of my work.'

Shigure had managed these last few weeks to avoid his most avid fans by staying indoors confined to his hotel suite under a pseudo name, but his now fame-hungry editor just had to have today's autograph session in a banquet hall at the same hotel he was staying at. It was more than just a little successful. The passing pack of hyenas that are his rabid fans proved his popularity is still reaching new heights. Add Ayame's shameless plugs on his popular VLOGS, especially with the news of his latest young adult romantic novels being adapted to a manga with talks of an OVA, well now, they had mayhem wherever they went.

'It's a good thing this book tour only has me here until tomorrow morning. These wild ladies are bound to start eating each other just to get a selfie with me.'

Thankfully, though, while they are devoted fans, they lacked common sense. They never thought to look under their noses, somehow thinking he'd still be walking around in his suit from earlier. Sighing heavily, he stretched out on his lounge chair by the pool, happily wrapped in his robe under an umbrella. He pondered if he should take a swim now or later.

Later works.

Sipping his cocktail, he heavily sighed as he felt the drink take the edge off his long, weary day and maybe helping to lessen the soreness of his back—and he dares not give it anymore thought beyond that. He looked through his dark sunglasses over his recently pedicured-toes and out over the pool's infinity edge, his thoughts taking him back as always to one person.

'She's avoiding my calls.'

It was just by chance this trip became his great escape at the time he had literally run away from home. Over the summer, his editor had all but chained herself to his ankles in hopes her inhumane groveling would move his soul just enough to mercifully provide a date for their long-delayed book tour. He, of course, only gave her an hour's notice that he was ready and waiting at the bullet train station (he took advantage of their first-class concierge service to send a message to Seto—he still laughs about it).

All these weeks since that night (he dubbed it the 'Night the Walls of Sohma Fell'—rather morbidly eloquent in his writer's opinion), and he was still crisscrossing across the great island and surrounding areas holding events like today's session. He would prefer to continue to propagate the lone, reclusive writer reputation he had built, but his absence from his hometown was a must at the moment. He did hate to be away from the one person he most desired to be with, especially now, but he had promised her at the hospital that he would do this.

'For her Yuki. All for him. But in the end…all for naught, ne?'

Tapping his finger against his glass, he wondered if he could postpone his departure tomorrow for one day of rest. He's due for one by now, right? He should really check-in with Hatori and see how things are progressing, if at all. The doctor was so tight-lipped or downright curt these days. No clinic, aka no job, no home, and babysitting Ayame the Great would do that to any sane man.

Hatori's been doing it for two months straight. That qualifies for sainthood in Shigure's book.

'And let's not forget with each passing day is one more day without the kids. The not-knowing…'

"Are your female admirers as brainless as the characters in your novels that they can't even tell who you are?"

'How cliché this is getting…the sudden appearance of the hated villain in our fair story.'

A sharp expletive was on the tip of his tongue, but he quashed it severely. Turning to his elder, Shigure gave the man a wide grin that never reached his cold stare. "One can never accuse YOU of being brainless, Seto-Ojii-san…perhaps a soul-sucking pimple on the butt of humanity, but not brainless."

Both Sohma men leveled heavy, frigid stares upon the other…one sitting back in his lounge chair, the other staring him down while standing a few feet away. The staring match would have gone on for much longer had the server from the bar not interrupted them.

"Any beverages, sir?"

Dismissing the writer, Seto turned his attention to the young server. "Bourbon. Neat."

"At once, sir. Sohma-sensei, would you like another cocktail?"

Giving the man an indulgent smile, Shigure replied, "I need something A LOT stronger than a cocktail. Surprise me."

"Ano, of course, Sensei. Straight away."

As the server wisely hurried out of their way, Seto took an available chair facing Shigure and sat down. He looked quite out of place in his suit, but at least, he had taken his jacket off and laid it across his knees. He didn't bother to look at the writer, instead choosing to stare out over the pool as well.

There was a time when Shigure thought the man an utter bastard—a controlling, cold-hearted, sour bastard. He was right, of course, but Seto was also very cunning. Although the coup half-failed, it had half-succeeded. That's blatant proof of a smart mind to pull that off under Akito's watchful eye.

Damn if they were two peas of the same pod…same bloodline. A thrice-damned cousin of his thrice-damned mother. That made him a thrice-damned nephew times two…hell, math made his head hurt.

Pleasantries had long ceased to exist between the two of them whenever they had to meet. Setting his sunglasses on top of his head, he sipped his beverage as he leveled a cold, amused glare on the man.

"Shouldn't you be out celebrating an opening of a day care center somewhere? You did so well in the last interview you did with Ayame-sama."

The man turned to him with a stern frown but refrained from responding until the server who had just returned with their beverages left them finally alone. Each sipping their beverages, Seto wasted no time.

"What are you doing here?"

"Well, right now I'm waiting on getting a better drink…this one just isn't doing it for me. It's not near as strong as what Ayame-SAMA can put together—"

"She is obviously choosing to let her Proxy drive the Sohma name into utter oblivion while confining herself to the Gardeners' estate."

'Lovingly said, Uncle.' Sohma Yamagi and Keiko—regularly referred to as 'the Gardeners' amongst the elders because their family line was entrusted with the care of the Jyuunishi Gardens which in turn made them one of the main influential families of the clan. Like Master Haji, they were a kind couple by Sohma standards, but their kindness was equally matched by their mean bite when provoked—'old school mean'. Rumor was they still preferred to deal with trespassers at the Gardens by branding iron, leaving the foolhardy with the family crest forever emblazoned on their scarred flesh.

And were they ever loyal—they stood by the Clan Head in all things Sohma, always. To have what had occurred at the Honke happen without their consent made them furious indeed. They are in no mood to tolerate Seto and incurring their ire by barging in on their family grounds uninvited would be monumentally stupid.

Make no mistake, this family was at war with itself.

'I bet it pissed him off to no end to find out she relocated there. Little wonder he's so put out—I'm sure the Gardeners had forbidden him from even setting foot on their property. There's no negotiating with Akito if you can't even arrange a visit.'

"Honestly, Jii-san, I have to commend Ayame-SAMA for his restraint; he's known to make a bigger impression—"

"What are YOU waiting for, Shigure?"

"Hn, you know, I'm noticing you really don't like to call Aya by his name. Don't tell me it irks you to have to call him 'Ayame-sama'?"

Seto's blank, cool stare met Shigure's smirk. "No more than it irks you on being left out in the cold like a mutt. Tell me, has she returned your calls?"

"Mmm, that burns, Jii-san. Do you really think getting an answer to your question will be forthcoming now?"

"And do you really think avoiding the matter will make things just go your way? It certainly hasn't worked out that way, has it?"

"Even the most carefully laid out plans that have been checked and cross-checked over YEARS don't exactly go as planned, do they?"

"Speaking from experience because we both know I didn't fail as poorly as you make it sound." (Downs his drink in one go)

That seemingly benign gesture was telling enough. It was their ice breaker, an untold ringing of the bell. 'Years of going back and forth just don't ever change. Back to our corners. Regroup.'

Taking a swig of his own beverage, Shigure felt the edge on his nerves dull just a bit. 'It wasn't so bad a beverage, but it does lack creativity.'

Yawning wide, he stretched his arms over his head and set his glass on the side table. "You know, Jii-san, going back and forth like this with you can be equal parts thrilling and repugnant, but I was really hoping to get a swim in before I go up for dinner. So just tell me what you want to hear so I can get to it."

Seto ignored his baiting, choosing instead to signal to the bartender for another glass. It seemed the bourbon was far stronger than his own; it was enough to seemingly mellow the elder Sohma's rising temper that he excelled at riling up. It was his best tool when going head to head with the man. Precious few tools actually worked when dealing with this threat to Akito and the Jyuunishi. He'll have to be more creative this time if he's to get out of this long overdue conversation that he had absolutely no desire to have.

'Not until I speak with her. She needs to answer my calls, or I can't help her.'

Dismissing the waiter with a wave (Shigure mouthed to the waiter, 'Try something stronger for me'), Seto took his time sipping his beverage, his eyes never letting up on the writer. He calmly remarked, "Try as you might, nephew, but our arrangement is not so easily dismissed. Or would you rather I just outright tell your friends that it was thanks to you and that wild Horse with a video drive that the Jyuunishi were rounded up—"

"I merely arranged that meeting—and I did warn her about making any deals with your sort—"

"Yet I'm certain that somehow it was to your benefit, too, that you provided me with something you knew I would use against Akito. Much like when I saw to it that Akito's own mother be institutionalized permanently by switching the 'poison' she used on the Rat for the real thing because you said she was interfering in achieving our mutual goals—"

"Ren was already one bottle of pills away from having an overdose—the woman is demented to the core—"

"All in all, I'm sure you derived equal measures of benefits as I did from these endeavors we SHARED. Of all the schemes you've put together over our long association, you must be on the greatest scheme you've ever concocted if you threw your fellow Jyuunishi under the bus—"

"That's your doing…and you made a mess of it."

"But you don't deny it either. Which could only mean one thing that I struggle to dare believe after all this time—the one thread that's not so neatly tied up—it can't be because the Cat is still FREE. Those books I gave you to give to the Cat—I always thought they were no more than history based on the ramblings and stories from the previous Cats. They made no sense to those of us on the 'outside', but whatever they are, all Cats—"

"And your grandfather—go on, you can say it. Use all the pretty words you want, Jii-san, but his blood pumps through that dead heart of yours—no amount of marrying up in the family will ever change that."

If it weren't for the sudden appearance of the waiter with Shigure's new beverage, the writer was quite certain his uncle would have crushed the glass in his hand or, at the very least, thrown it across his head. For now, the elder Sohma settled on drinking the rest of his bourbon in one go. And Shigure took a good swig of his much-needed alcohol. He closed his eyes as it burned mightily down his throat.

'At this rate, going for a swim may be a bad idea. Funny way to go—inebriated dog drowned in a pool.'

"Would there be any more drinks, sirs?"

"NO. And leave us."

Bowing hurriedly to Seto, the waiter scurried off from them.

'I owe that poor sap a big tip.'

Seto suddenly stood up and sat down on the edge of the younger Sohma's lounge chair. His skin crawled at having to be this close to his uncle and he made no effort to hide it. Said uncle could care less and directly spoke into the defiant eyes of the Dog of the Jyuunishi.

"So be it. Keep your devotion to Akito—your spirit knows no better, and you pitifully follow it. But bear in mind that I can and will make your life a veritable hell if you act against me."

"As you've so kindly continued to remind me all these years, Jii-san—and as I've sworn before, I'm not the one in your way. You and I have very separate agendas. Besides, you seem to have your hands full already with Aya—heh, I admit, it never once occurred to me that Akira-sama would name AYA as Akito-san's Proxy or that she would actually implement it. But we are a desperate family, ne, Jii-san?"

"Laugh it up, nephew, but it's best you find out why Akira-sama chose THAT Jyuunishi as Proxy and if the Proxy had known about it all these years. It doesn't take a genius to know early on just how ABSURD that choice was, yet…here we are."

"I'm amazed, Jii-san, you HAVE given this matter a lot of thought."

"As have you, I'm sure, but it seems it's a moot point with you. Wouldn't you want to know the truth about Akito's Proxy?"

The younger Sohma lifted himself from the lounge chair, took a final swig of his drink, placed it loudly on a table nearby—and walked away.

"Truth, I have to tell you…it's a bitch. But I'll leave this much with you," remarked the Inu as he turned to face his uncle who also now stood up. It took everything he had to keep his expression neutral, but he hoped what he said was enough to sate his uncle…for now.

"To know the TRUTH was a CRUELTY inflicted on the Cat—and why they ALL willingly went into confinement. I'm actually thankful to you, Jii-san, for keeping those books to yourself before handing them over to me. And I will say no more on the matter. Time will tell what will happen to us all…you and I included."

'And I'm sure we'll be damned one way or the other, Jii-san…the price of being a Sohma.'

Shigure walked off and left his uncle behind without another word—a man that would be the only being to truly understand him completely.

His Jyuunishi spirit for once felt very tired.

-TBC-

---

Author's corner 3/21/2021:

Happy days! I'm thinking positively because I have put out another chapter with more to come! It's been quite the long road but I daresay its now a matter of bringing all the elements to a full circle…and then dare I say a conclusion in the horizon? Wow indeed!

I mainly wanted this chapter to be an update to what's going on with the Jyuunishi from the outside POV. Brought back Manabe from ages past as well as the kids from the dojo, all with insight as to what is going on via Ayame's video logs. I totally see his character taking YouTube by storm! Anyway, I tried to bring in the usual element of humor into this dark chapter of Sohma, which is tough but hopefully it came through.

The tougher parts were, of course, the conversations with Kyo/Kagura (did anyone catch a hidden cameo here from another story I put out years ago? [^_^]—clue, check out my side-fic, Sometimes) with Ayame/Hatori/etc. and Shigure/Seto. I had to keep the chapter strictly to the single theme of 'what's happening'. With Kyo/Kagura, any in depth conversations had to be waylaid for just seeing how they react to current events as they stand now. The VLOG with Ayame/Hatori and others was a beat down because I had to carry his VLOG episode throughout the chapter and explain everyone's reactions/behavior based on their ever-evolving characterizations. Life events up to this point are epic, and I hope I conveyed these characters believably.

Shigure/Seto…that was super last minute and took on a whole other level of beating. It just clicked for me as I was getting Ayame/Hatori/etc. segments working that for me to wrap up some loose points out there in my story, this dynamic between Shigure/Seto would fit perfectly. I loved how it turned out—right up there with Kyo/Tohru's last moment on the porch. It's a MAJOR bomb on the plot and will basically 'tell' the truth of what I'm going to do in the end. I figured after all these YEARS you are all entitled to getting some sort of closure, albeit it's only the beginning! Plenty more to come, folks!

Music choice here was "Sound of Silence" by Simon/Garfunkel originally but cover artists do a great job, too! Look them up! Lyrics are so on point with where the Sohmas are at this time in their lives.

So much more is to come—I hope you'll join me! Please stop by and leave a review to let me know your thoughts. I'm very happy to know them! Take care lovelies…stay safe out there for you and your loved ones!

HelloKat (^_^)