Finding Him
Chapter 14 : Another Rabbit
by : Sakeena deathstalkker@yahoo.com
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What shocked me, and yes, even enraged me more, was the fact of another Rabbit. This time, the Invader had gone too far. Just too far.
And guess who the victim was.
Tsukiyono Omi.
Poor boy.
When the invader first attacked, it was late afternoon in the shop. Ohno was not around and at the apartment, still in hiding with Ran. Me and Ran had made this sort of schedule to go with either of them, and that time, I was with Omi, and there was not much of a choice but to kiss him. I was afraid my kiss would not work, but luckily, it did. I guess probably I had this compassionate and sincere platonic love for the boy. But it took long, and a lot stares from the customers, including Hidaka , who right after, probably because of the reality that suddenly hit him in Jun's absence, demanded an explanation of what was really going on. Welcome to the real world, lover boy. We explained to him everything. Omi got an unplanned sleep, and while he rested on the bed, Yoji and I, as we guarded the flower shop, took turns explaining to him everything. He just nodded as he got what he wanted.
The Invader was wise. She knew how to outwit us, and turned Yuki's strength into her weakness, and vise versa. Now we had to moderate really badly. But I wondered why she didn't try the same trick with Ran Fujimiya.
The worse came of it ; Yuki and Omi would get random attacks at the randomest time and randomest place. We had to be prepared at all times. Perhaps the Invader was still testing their minds. I could not wait to get my hands on her whoever she was.
The two White Rabbits joined forces right at the middle of the dark and cold midnight. Ran woke me up after finding them both gone and both their windows open. We separated ways to find them only to meet up later by the port where we were lead by the Rabbits. Much worse was when the same seductive male bastard attacked us, getting in the way. He had the worst hate for us and for the Rabbits, suggesting the idea that the Rabbits and whoever manipulated them, was in no connection for the Inoue Syndicate who was responsible for the kidnap of my father and Aya. Then, who could that Invader be and what could she want?
Omi had approached me one time, and he, like me and Yuki, loathed everything that was going on. He cried, and I hugged him close to me, like an older sister would to a younger brother, or probably even a mother to her son. I loved Omi, and he was the first person who I liked among the four of them. He was nice and gentle enough to me it was hard not to like him. He helped me when I needed it most and he took care of me. I knew the kindness of his heart, the purity of his soul, and I will be for the rest of my life be grateful to him. Just like Erinko.
I wanted to be able to help them. They were still young and had something bright ahead of them. While me...maybe it would be better if it would be me alone who would suffer.
The invader seemed to have been able to read what was on my mind. And as usual, while I bathed, she came to me, this time, not as the aggressive invader she really was but instead disguised herself as an ally.
I want you, she was saying in a gentle voice.
"I don't just give myself to anyone who wants me, you know," I replied coldly, and went on combing my not-so silky hair. Then I realized I didn't have to open my mouth to tell her that. I just have to reply in my thoughts.
The invader was persistent. I'll give you what you want.
Indeed?! I responded casually in my mind. I'll just ride to anything she said.
Let's make a deal.
Deal rejected, I told her even before she could start.
Oh girl, listen to my proposal first. Give it a chance.
I'm sure you have some awesome proposals up your sleeve. Unfortunately, I don't trust you.
That is so offending.
I know.
I trust you, my child Kasumi. Whatever you think of me, I will always believe in you.
Such nice words. I was suddenly confused why she would say such things. But I didn't pay much attention to it, until later, when I realized what she was implying.
Work for me. Once again, Kasumi. You're the best rabbit I ever had.
Give me one good reason why I should.
Only one? Too bad. I have four.
Really? How interesting? Name one.
Kanzaki Keisuke. Another? Fujimiya Aya. The third and fourth? Ohno Yuki and Tsukiyono Omi. What do you say?
I dropped my comb. For some moments, I was just dumbfounded , staring at the mirror but unable to see myself. I saw four different images. I didn't know if it was me or the invader who decided to apply special effects to convince me.
I was silent. I didn't know. My confusion was becoming stronger and stronger. "You cheat!" I yelled and punched at the mirror. She just wanted me to bite the bait by using the people I care about. The mirror shattered. My fist bled. When I pulled my fist away, some shattered pieces fell down the sink. I decided to control myself in order not to disturb Ran in another of my sanity problems. I was determined to try to do it myself, even at least once. Fight the invader alone.
Really, my girl. You have to learn to trust in me. Just as I trust in you.
My fists clenched hard. STOP TELLING ME TO TRUST IN YOU! I HATE YOU!! YOU DESTROYED MY LIFE! YOU MADE ME DO THINGS FOR YOU WHILE I PAY FOR THE CONSEQUENCES! YOU...BITCH!
I understand how you feel --
NO YOU DON'T! If you do, then why do you go on?! You violated my free will, you ruined everything! EVERYTHING!
That's why I'm here to fix it again.
You're just going to fool me once again, aren't you?
She was irritated by my show of skepticism. Stop thinking so low of me, woman, she snapped. I'm here to make a deal. Take it or leave it. I'll help you find your father and that girl, Fujimiya, plus I'll stop torturing the two, Tsukiyono and Ohno. In return you must work for me, submit yourself to me. Is that fair enough?
I still doubted her, although the deal sounded good to me. Just tell me one thing. Why me? Why are you doing this?
You're the best, Kasumi. You have the will and the ability. As well as the strength. All powered by your emotions.
My hands gripped on the side of the sink were some fallen pieces of the mirror were. It pierced through my skin and my hands bled. I didn't understand anything. I was totally confused. Torn between two paths. To return to the dark path in order to save those I love, or to stick to the straight path with the man I love. It was a hard decision. But both sides had one thing in common : the people I love. And whether I accept the deal or not, it was for my love for them. I wanted to save my father and Aya, as well as spare Tsukiyono and Ohno of the hells of being the rabbit. On the other hand, one of the best things that happened to me was Ran. I never wanted to leave him ever again. Only by his side that I could feel really safe. And happy.
Nevertheless, I accepted the invader's offer. Tears trickled down to my cheeks and to the fallen pieces of the shattered mirror that lay messily around the sink. I didn't want to go back. But I had to do what I must.
She gave me specific instructions right after. The very next day, I would be hers.
April 2000 © Sakeena