Grandpa charged Emiko. But Kaito stood in his way, ready to take the attack. However, said attack never happened, as the school security guard tased the old man.
Grandpa was taken into custody while, to avoid jail, Grandma signed custody over to Mamoru.
"Well, that was fun." Mamoru cheerfully announced.
"You're impossible." Headmaster Kaneki huffed, watching Mamoru before turning his attention to Kaito and Emiko.
"Emiko, are you ok?" Kaito asked, concerned, watching his sister.
"Uh-huh." Emiko shakily replied.
"Aww! It's ok now! You'll never have to go back to those people ever again! You get to stay with me now!" Mamoru enthusiastically announced, hugging Kaito and Emiko.
'He didn't transform. But why?' Headmaster Kaneki asked himself, shocked.
'She really must be the one.' The lawyer thought to himself.
"Well, I guess that's all I'm needed for. I will turn these forms into the proper people and then home—after informing Akira of everything. Enjoy your new lives." The lawyer informed everyone before heading out.
"Of course." Mamoru replied, waving.
'Idiot.' The lawyer and Headmaster Kaneki thought to themselves.
"Akira?" Kaito asked, confused.
"He's our family head. Things like this must go through him—especially when outsiders find out our family's secret." Mamoru answered, watching Kaito and Emiko.
"No tormenting the kids." Headmaster Kaneki warned Mamoru.
"I would never. Haku and Amaya sure, but never these two." Mamoru replied, watching Headmaster Kaneki.
"So, you know they turn into animals as well?" Kaito asked Headmaster Kaneki once they were in his main office with the door closed.
"Yes. I was involved with a member years and years ago when I was a teenager. Unfortunately, we lost her, and the rest is history. I was rather surprised when I found out you two learned of the secret—and still know. But I suppose—as long as you keep the secret, you'll be fine." Headmaster Kaneki explained, watching the two teens.
"Of course." Emiko softly replied.
"Does anyone else here know?" Kaito asked, watching Mamoru and Headmaster Kaneki.
"No." Both men answered, watching Kaito.
"As it's been implied: it's rare for outsiders to find out our secret and still have their memories intact. Normally, outsiders have their memories altered into forgetting they ever knew. But there are exceptions sometimes." Mamoru calmly explained.
"Headmaster Kaneki: Mr. Lupin is here." One of the school's receptionists buzzed into Headmaster Kaneki's office.
"Thank you, Violet; send him in." Headmaster Kaneki replied.
"Now, onto why you're both here right now in the first place. Emiko: your genetics teacher, Mr. Lupin has some concerns and would like to speak with you, your brother, guardian, and me. Come in." Headmaster Kaneki calmly spoke directly to Emiko before summoning her teacher, Mr. Lupin.
Mr. Lupin was an older teacher with dark brown graying hair and green eyes.
"It's nice to meet you face-to-face, as well as you, Mr. Saito. And you must be their guardian? You don't look like a grandparent." Mr. Lupin greeted before stating.
"Nice to meet you as well." Emiko and Kaito greeted.
"No, of course, not. My name is Mamoru Sohma; I'm the kids new guardian. So, no; I'm not their grandparent. They had some personal family issues with that. So, for now—until they say otherwise, I am their legal guardian." Mamoru calmly explained.
"I see. Well, anyway: I'm here to discuss Emiko's last project; she sent it in incomplete." Mr. Lupin suspiciously replied before getting down to business.
"Emiko?" Kaito asked, confused.
"I completed everything I was supposed to." Emiko softly argued.
"Incorrect. I asked you to find out about your family and put together a family tree—on both sides. You sent in a family tree of your father's side, but not your mother's." Mr. Lupin countered.
"I tried, but every time I tried, anything to do with Mom's side was blocked. The only other names that came up were Grandma and Grandpa." Emiko explained, trying not to become too upset that she started crying.
"Why don't you ask your parents or grandparents?" Mr. Lupin asked, watching Emiko.
"I… I do—" "That's enough. I mean no disrespect, but you don't know anything, do you? Our parents are all gone; they all passed away. You would know that if you watched the news or looked us up online. As for her grandparents: we don't know them. We don't know their names or how to locate them. And before you even think about calling Emiko a liar: she's telling the truth when she says anything on her mother's side of her family is blocked." Emiko started only to become too upset to speak. That's when Kaito stepped in and angrily told Mr. Lupin.
"Excuse me? Such rudeness." Mr. Lupin stepped back, shocked.
"Ok, that's enough. Mr. Lupin, what Kaito says is true: they've both lost their parents; that's why they were with their grandparents—and now with Mr. Sohma here. And Ms. Emiko doesn't lie; so, if she says she can't find anything on her mother's side, then she can't. She got their dad's side and her mother's parents: if you can't give her an A or even a B, give her a B- or a C. She tried but couldn't find anything; that's not her fault. Kaito, here's a pass: head to your class." Headmaster Kaneki calmly spoke to Mr. Lupin before instructing Kaito.
"Ok. I'll see you later tonight. Take it easy." Kaito firmly told Emiko.
"Ok. See you tonight." Emiko replied before watching Kaito leave.
"Do you need something?" Headmaster Kaneki asked Mamoru, trying not to sound so annoyed.
"Yes. It may take some time, but I have someone who might be able to get passed all those roadblocks so that Emiko may continue her family tree." "Really?" Emiko asked Mamoru with hope in her eyes, interrupting him.
'Don't you dare get her hopes up.' Headmaster Kaneki glared at Mamoru.
"Of course. But like I said, it'll take a while—probably a few months. We have to get you first because our family's geneticist is a bit picky. Like everyone else in the family, our geneticist typically only works with family or people super close to the family—and they all have appointments. It just takes some time." Mamoru calmly explained, watching Emiko—who looked like a kid in a toy store or something.
"But don't get your hopes up too much. I don't mean to be pessimistic or anything; you just need to keep your priorities straight." Headmaster Kaneki spoke to Emiko.
"Yes, of course." Emiko replied but still had hope in her eyes.
"Get that to me as soon as you can; I'll be waiting." Mr. Lupin stated before heading out.
"Emiko, why don't you go wait in the main office or outside for me while I talk to Headmaster Kaneki? When I come out, we'll figure something out and get you and Kaito things you'll need." Mamoru told Emiko.
"Yes, of course." Emiko softly replied before heading outside.
"What the hell are you planning, Mamoru? You had better not hurt those children." Headmaster Kaneki warned, glaring at Mamoru.
"I'm not planning anything, Kaneki. And threats—really? You have no room to be making threats. While we can't prove it; we all know that what happened to Akane was no accident. And you know, she was Akira's favorite aunt; he's going to find a way to prove you raped and murdered her. Himawari, huh? Kaito and Emiko tell me you were a close family friend to them—to Emiko's mother. Clearly, you had nothing to do with her death—or did you? I've done my research: every woman you get close to—dies. Again, while we can't prove any of that, we will be watching—especially now that Emiko's been found. Don't you see it yet? Why would Akira allow not only one outsider to know our secret, but two? Emiko is family; she is related to us. I could be completely wrong about who she's related to us through, but I do know she's the family's psychic. As for Kaito: I made it very clear to Akira that Emiko will not stay if he's not allowed to stay as well. I do not want any harm coming to these children—and if any does come to them; you're the first one I'm looking at. Now, my question to you is: what are you planning? I see the way you look at them—especially Emiko. Don't for a second think that I don't. I will make sure you're kept a close eye on. DO NOT touch a single hair on them. Good day, Headmaster Kaneki." Mamoru answered, warned, threatened, and finally bid farewell before leaving Headmaster Kaneki standing there, too shocked to move.
"There you are: are you ready to go?" Mamoru asked when he found Emiko sitting on a bench outside.
"Yes, thank you." Emiko replied with a fake smile.
"What's on your mind? I can see something going on in there. Is everything ok?" Mamoru asked, watching Emiko.
"Will you really be able to find out more about Mom's side?" Emiko softly asked, walking next to Mamoru.
"One way or another. Don't you worry about it. What's really bothering you? Come on; I'm a dog, remember? I know how to read people." Mamoru told Emiko, stepping in front of her.
"Will I really get to go back to school?" Emiko softly asked.
"Well, if it's what you truly want, we'll figure out a way. Honestly, because of what I've heard about your health and such, I'd like to keep an eye on you for a while. But as long as you're being safe, watched over, and think you can handle it, I don't see why you shouldn't be able to. If I may: why do you want to go back so bad—when it looks like, at the same time, you're not comfortable there?" Mamoru replied before asking.
"I don't have any friends except for Kaito's friends… But they're kind of my friends as well; I'd get to see them if I go back. It's lonely being by myself, doing my schoolwork on a computer. I still have a few more years of school left—and the laptop's starting to burn out; it glitches so much. We can't afford a new one—not two of them at least; Kai needs one more than I do. But he'll argue that, and say I need one more because of my schooling. As for being apprehensive about going back: I was attacked one day. About two years ago, an older student grabbed and pulled me into a locker room; he tied me up and did all sorts of things to me. Kaito's best friends, Taiki and Makoto found us and beat the guy up before he could put his thing inside of me. After that day, Kaito says I broke down. I was in the hospital a lot. I started having severe panic attacks and other issues—and I couldn't function anymore. It was so bad, that a few times, I hurt myself—badly. I have no feeling in my left wrist because I did so much damage to it. The guy who hurt me was put in Juvie, but he was released a few months ago. I tried using that to get Kaito to allow me to go to school. I said it'd be safer there than on my own. Kaito also worries because I get tired easily—and because I guess the gym teacher isn't very understanding. I'm not healthy enough for physical education, but no matter what, unless you're in wheelchair or on crutches; the gym teacher doesn't let you out of anything. Sometimes, I see myself back at school. Sometimes I don't." Emiko sincerely explained.
"Well, whatever you decide, you and your brother will be in good hands." Mamoru calmly replied.
"Thank you." Emiko thanked Mamoru with a small smile.
"Of course. Now, lets go shopping and get you some things; we'll get you whatever you need." Mamoru enthusiastically told Emiko.
"How are we going to get everything back to the house? You said your car wasn't working." Emiko asked, watching where she was walking.
"Don't worry about that, my dear; I've got that handled. I texted a friend; we're going to pick up a loner. We'll go shopping, drop things off at the house, and then I'll drop the car off before coming home. While I drop the car off, you'll stay at the house and get your room set up. You can just set Kaito's things in whatever room you decide you're not taking. Haku and Amaya are both upstairs and I'm downstairs. That leaves two rooms upstairs and one down. Whatever you decide when we get home." Mamoru answered before explaining.
"Ok." Emiko nervously replied.
"And don't worry about the price of anything; it's not a problem. Price is not a problem. Seriously: don't worry about this." Mamoru firmly told Emiko with a smile.
"Ok." Emiko replied, following Mamoru. She was still unsure but gave up all the same.
Two & A Half Hours Later:
Mamoru finished helping Emiko get everything inside and into her and Kaito's new rooms. He just left to drop the car off; he told Emiko he'd be back within half an hour.
For the next four days, Emiko and Kaito would be sleeping on temporary futons until their new beds arrive in four to five days.
Aside from a crap-ton of clothes, pajamas, shoes, and jackets, Mamoru also got Emiko and Kaito new:
· Dressers
· Desks with chairs
· Laptops for personal and school use
· iPods for music
· iPhone with plans instead of prepaid flip phones
· Books
· Blankets
· Pillows
· Stuffed animals
· Fans
Not only did they go fun shopping, but Mamoru also took Emiko grocery shopping for some of their favorite foods.
Forty Minutes Later:
"Emiko, I'm back! Sorry I'm late: I ran into an old friend, and we just got to talking. Emiko? Emiko!" Mamoru called, walking upstairs.
When he got upstairs to the room Emiko picked, Mamoru found her asleep on the futon. He smiled as he carefully covered her with a thin blanket before heading back downstairs.
"Poor Emiko. She just had to be the descendant of a Sohma—more specifically, Emiyo. There's no denying she's her great, great granddaughter. No—there's too much of a resemblance. What have I done to these poor children? The fate that lies ahead for her—and her brother." Mamoru mumbled to himself, leaning into his chair.
After a few minutes, Mamoru got up, went to a tall bookshelf, and moved it a little to reveal a safe. Inside the safe were dozens upon dozens of different family history books—and they were organized:
1. Gods:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Gods
· Book 2: Akito, Shigure, & Family
· Book 3: Return of A God: Akihiro's Reign
· Book 4: Akari's Reign
· Book 5: Akira's start along with his family tree
2. Cats:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Cats
· Book 2: Kyo, Tohru, & Family
· Book 3: Return of A Cat: Nero
· Book 4: Hana, The Shyest Cat
· Book 5: Haku's start along with his family tree
3. Rats:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Rats
· Book 2: Yuki, Machi, & Family
· Book 3: Return of A Rat: Eva
· Book 4: Riki, The Shiftiest Rat
· Book 5: Amaya start along with his family tree
4. Cows:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Cows
· Book 2: Hatsuharu (Haru), Isuzu (Rin), & Family
· Book 3: Return of A Cow: Risa
· Book 4: Chao, The loneliest of Cows
· Book 5: Current Cow's start along with family tree
5. Tigers:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Tigers
· Book 2: Kisa, Hiro, & Family
· Book 3: Return of A Tiger: Howl
· Book 4: Nina, The Loudest Tiger
· Book 5: Current Tiger's start along with family tree
6. Rabbits:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Rabbits
· Book 2: Momiji, Kira, & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Rabbit: Usagi
· Book 4: The Short Life of Rini
· Book 5: Raiden, The Blabbering Rabbit
· Book 6: Current Rabbit's start along with family tree
7. Dragons:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Dragons
· Book 2: Hatori, Mayuko, & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Dragon: Mako
· Book 4: Tatsu, The Most Notorious Dragon
· Book 5: Current Dragon's start along with family tree
8. Snakes:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Snakes
· Book 2: Ayame, Mine, & Family
· Book 3: Return of A Snake: Eri
· Book 4: Miri, The Secretive Snake.
· Book 5: Current Snake's start along with family tree
9. Horses:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Horses
· Book 2: Isuzu (Rin), Hatsuharu (Har), & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Horse: The Reckless Tale of Minako
· Book 4: Botan, The Most Flamboyant of All Horses
· Book 5: Current Horse's start along with family tree
10. Goats:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Goats
· Book 2: Hiro, Kisa, & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Goat: The Long Life of Nara
· Book 4: Current Goat's start along with family tree
11. Monkeys:
· Book 1: Records 1st Few Monkeys
· Book 2: Ritsu, Mitsuru, & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Monkey: The Dumbest Monkey, Anya
· Book 4: Hiten, The Meanest & Drunkest Monkey
· Book 5: Current Monkey's start along with family tree
12. Roosters:
· Book 1: Records 1st few Roosters
· Book 2: Kureno, Arisa, & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Rooster: Noah, The Holiest
· Book 4: The Rough & Tough, Yet Kind Rooster, Tom
· Book 5: Current Rooster's start along with family tree
13. Dogs:
· Book 1: Records 1st few Dogs
· Book 2: Shigure, Akito, & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Dog: Yoh, The Perviest Dog
· Book 4: The Short Life of The Suicidal Dog, Hao
· Book 5: The Lowest of Low Dog, Kotaro
· Book 6: Mamoru's start along with his family tree
14. Boars:
· Book 1: Records 1st few Boars
· Book 2: Kagura, Jin, & Family
· Book 3: The Return of A Boar: Ben, The Mute
· Book 4: Goro, The Kindest, Non-Violent Boar
· Book 5: Current Boar's start along with family tree
15. Psychics:
· Book 1: The Beginning: Emiyo
· Book 2: A Loss: Emiyo's kidnapping & The Never Ending Search
"*Sigh…* A long line of Sohma's. Why did the curse come back to us? Why didn't it go to a different family when it came back? Why us? Though, I suppose I'd rather it us than some other poor, unfortunate family. But to add these poor children to the mix. Why was a psychic added into the mix anyway? I understand they come in handy for knowing things ahead of time—despite not having a psychic around in generations. But—I suppose it is what it is. Who am I to question God and Fate and their decisions? But the fate that Emiko's in for…" Mamoru muttered to himself, thinking of not only Emiko and Kaito but Amaya, Haku, and all the others as well.
After going through all the history books, Mamoru was one-hundred-fifty percent sure that Emiko was not only the family's psychic but the descendant of Emiyo as well. He wasn't a hundred and fifty percent sure, so he had to make sure; Mamoru was willing to bet that she was also the descendant of Kyo and Tohru.
Mamoru put the books away, locked the safe, and pushed the bookshelf back before taking a nap himself.
Two Hours Later:
"We're home!" Amaya called through the house while Haku mumbled.
"How was your day?" Mamoru asked, meeting them in the living room.
"Same shit, different day." Haku answered in a bored tone.
"It was decent. The school's current president is trying to get me to replace him next year. And the vice president is trying to recruit Haku to take his place. How did things go here? Where's Emiko?" Amaya explained before asking.
"Yeah, did you talk to Akira? Where are they staying? What did you do earlier? We all heard police and saw one of the family's lawyers." Haku asked, watching Mamoru.
"Everything's fine. Emiko and Kaito will both be staying here without any repercussions so long as they keep our secret. The lawyer and police were there on Emiko and Kaito's behaves; their grandparents are some—colorful people. But that's all been settled. Our day was great—but it may have been too much for Emiko; last I saw, she was asleep after our day shopping. They now have everything they need, plus some. Yes, I talked to Akira; you were still here when I did." Mamoru replied seriously at first before becoming mischievous.
"No offense, but if she can't handle a two-hour shopping trip, how the hell is Emiko going to be able to handle eight hours of school?" Kyo asked, watching Mamoru.
"She's concerned about that herself. But for the most part: she doesn't have to move around too terribly much at school; it's less strain on her—physically anyway. Mentally and emotionally, on the hand—I'm not sure. She told me a few years ago, she was attacked; her anxiety is a major reason why she's not in school. Or that's what she believes. No Kaito?" Mamoru explained before asking, noticing Kaito wasn't with them.
"No; he said he had to go to work." Amaya answered, trying to let everything sink in.
"You don't believe it's just anxiety or whatever?" Kaito asked, watching Mamoru closely.
"No. I think she has a lot of health issues as well. The anxiety, depression, and whatever else she has, doesn't help anything. I think she's up." Mamoru answered before looking up; he heard movement.
"Hi." Emiko softly greeted, rubbing her arms.
"Are you alright?" Amaya asked, concerned.
"Uh-huh. Where's Kaito? He was supposed to get my medication today." Emiko softly explained.
"He said he had to go to work." Haku replied, watching Emiko; he thought she looked pale—and shaky.
"Can you call him or something?" Amaya asked, watching Emiko.
"MmmMmm. I don't know his number—or his work number." Emiko softly answered.
"Where does he work? Maybe we can call him." Amaya suggested, determined.
"Emiko, could you please come sit down? It would make me feel better. Not to be that guy: but you're making me nervous." Mamoru told Emiko, watching her sway back and forth.
"Come on." Haku insisted, taking Emiko's right arm. At the same time, Amaya took Emiko's left arm. They very rarely saw Mamoru get nervous like this—only when the family was involved.
"It's Tuesday…" "It's Wednesday." Emiko started, dazed before Haku corrected her.
"Oh. Wednesday. The software company fifteen minutes from the school; he fixes things there. That's what he tells me." Emiko dizzily answered.
"Lie down. When's the last time you took any of your medications?" Mamoru instructed before asking.
"A few days maybe. It takes Kaito a long time sometimes to try to get the money to pay for everything. I offered to try to get a job to try to help, but he won't let me." Emiko answered, looking up.
"I can see why." Haku mumbled.
"I know where she's talking about. I'll call and get a hold of Kaito." Amaya stated before walking away.
"Hello, So-Tech. How may I help you?" A woman asked, answering the phone.
"Yes, my name is Amaya Sohma. I'm calling about an employer you have: his name is Kaito Saito." Amaya quickly replied.
"Yes, of course. Just give me a minute." The woman replied, putting Amaya on hold.
Several Minutes Later:
"Hello?" Kaito asked on the other end.
"Kaito, it's Amaya." Amaya quickly spoke before Kaito could say anything else.
"Is Emiko alright?" Kaito asked right away.
"We're not sure; she's pale and shaky. Mamoru's made her lie down. She said you were supposed to pick her medication today and that she hasn't taken them in a few days." Amaya explained.
"Shit. I knew I was forgetting something. I was supposed to go before school and then all sorts of things happened. Damnit! And the pharmacy closes in two hours." Kaito kind of snapped, but it was at himself.
"You can't get off, can you?" Amaya asked, waiting for an answer.
"No. How'd you get this number?" Kaito answered and then asked, realizing he never told any of them where he worked.
"Emiko told us where you worked—in a sense. I know the company; it's the only one in the area she said. I'm guessing you always pick up her prescriptions. Can you give Mamoru permission to pick them up?" Amaya answered and then asked.
"Seeing as he's our legal guardian now, he should just be able to go in, show them the papers he has and pick them up, yeah. But I'll call them and let them know that one of you are going to pick them up for me—assuming that's what you're offering." Kaito responded, sighing in frustration.
"Ok. I'll let Mamoru know. And I promise; we'll make sure Emiko's ok. I know this may not bring you any comfort or anything, but you don't have to worry. Try to have a good night; we'll see you in a few hours." Amaya calmly told Kaito.
"Thank you. Oh, and the pharmacy we go through is one next to the farmers market on the square." Kaito replied before they hung up.
"Ok. Kaito said because you're their guardian, you can go pick her medications up as long as you have your papers the lawyer gave you or whatever. He said her medications go through 40 Health & Care on the square; he was going to call and let them know one of us were going to come get it." Amaya told Mamoru, slightly out of breath.
"That place of all places… Well, I guess I'll go fetch her medications. You stay there and rest; don't get up unless you absolutely have to. Watch her; I'll be back in a little bit." Mamoru told the teens before getting ready to head out.
"Wait. I still have a little mon—" "Now, don't start that again. I've got this taken care of. Relax and breathe. Save your money. I'll be back in a bit." Mamoru sternly told Emiko, interrupting her before heading out…