You've begged...you've pleaded...and you've reviewed! Here it is, ladies and gents! The second chapter you've been waiting a year for! Enjoy!!


Sacrifices

Makoto snatched the pendant from Kei's hands, her eyes glittering dangerously. Furious tears, and frightened sobs racked her stressed and tired body as she palmed the object harshly. The brunette's delicate fingers traced the edges of the pendant, her mind leaving consciousness and entering a stagnant world of stillness. The small sigil of Jupiter seemed to haunt her as it gleamed beneath the lamp light of the living room.

It disgusted her.

"Makoto?" Kei spoke up several minutes later, unnerved by her mood...and inability to form words. At hearing his query, however, fury lit in her emerald eyes as she turned to face him.

"How dare you. Is this your idea of a joke?" Makoto's voice was like the hiss of a snake--warning and hateful, but spiced by a sour undertone of horror. Kei could merely look on in silence, his amber eyes shining with pity.

"Mako--I need your help."

"The hell with your needs. Get out my house..." Makoto spat back, her face taut and her eyes shining with a menacing glint. Kei, however, could see utter fear and abhorrence aside from anger radiating from both her posture and her gaze. She hid it well...she must have had practice.

"Makoto!" the man exclaimed, his voice strong and deep. He would will her to understand. But as he rose, the girl squeezed the pendant tightly and finally, the rage had built up high enough within her. Through the open window, she flung the small item that had caused her so much pain, bidding it a hateful farewell.

"How could you possibly know? Why are you here? To drive me farther into solitude?!" Makoto demanded, her arms tensed and her fists balled. "Tell me, Kei! Why have you come back?"

"Jupiter-sama..." Kei murmured, extending his hands. His amber eyes were filled with sorrow and an undying need to comfort her. She looked so lost and so frightened--it was nearly impossible to believe that the disheartened woman standing before him was once the lively girl he grew up with.

"Stop," Makoto whispered, her voice hoarse. "You're not welcome here, Kouheino Kei. Take your lies and your tricks and leave."

"Listen to me, Makoto--onegai. I came here on behalf of Mikomi--

"If Mikomi is dead then let her rest in peace! She doesn't deserve to have her memory trashed and forsaken--

"Forsaken? Makoto, I'm here because she didn't deserve to die! She told me herself that you would understand--that you would be able to help. She needed you."

Makoto was floored, her rage mounting. "You're implying that I wasn't there for her?" she replied, her tone dangerously quiet. "If you know who I am...what I am...then you know full well that my life consists of none other than protecting others. Don't you ever think that things have been easy for me here!"

Kei just stopped, gazing at her intently. What had happened? "Is that why you're running away from this--because you're burnt out?" Kei offered quietly, his tone thoughtful.

"What?" Makoto glanced up at him, her eyes voicing question. Suddenly her quiet inquiry turned to resolve. "My best friend is dead. I'm living alone in a town that no longer feels like home to me. They're moving on, leaving me behind. All of them. And you're wondering, ever so thoughtfully, if I'm burnt out?"

*~*~*

The roar of the taxi cab's motor gunning as the driver pressed the vehicle further on was less than disconcerting to Makoto and Kei as they headed towards the central airport. Buildings of all shapes and sizes, values, and conditions whirred by as the pair continued their journey, silence hanging in the cab. All, except, for the annoying music the driver refused to cease playing.

The sky above was overcast and somber, matching Makoto's mood even after the brilliant sunset. How Kei had convinced her to pack her bags and walk away from her duties without so much as a word to the others...was something she remained in complete awe of. She was rather peeved that he was able to waltz in and drag her away. Perhaps it hadn't been him at all...then again, she figured the note she slipped under the mat along with the emergency key would alert them if they stopped off at the house.

Makoto let out a tiny sigh, allowing her gaze to creep over to Kei at her side. His attention was turned to the world outside, brilliant amber eyes absorbing with a sort of charming softness the place Makoto knew as home. His attire was casual, much like she remembered. Although, for someone she had once known so well, he appeared...different. Forsaken.

'Baka, it's because of Mikomi!' her conscience screamed, berating her for acting like such an idiot. She'd been so immersed in her suffering that she scarcely realized his own. Makoto understood the relationship between Mikomi and Kei as if she had been apart of their family. They were strong, loving, supportive...they had the making of a perfect friendship. Better yet they were tied by blood and an extensive family history. Now...one half was gone.

"Makoto-san," Kei inquired quietly, noticing the fact that she was staring. "Something wrong?"

Makoto bit her tongue. "No," she returned, a bit ashamed at having been caught. Her cheeks were warming gradually--she knew he could see it. She turned her gaze down at her lap, a smile threatening to drawn her crimson mouth. He had always had that effect on her. She wondered how long it had been since someone stirred any emotion in her...

"You're a beautiful girl, Makoto. It's been quite a long time since I've seen that smile," Kei added, his tone even. She answered his gaze with her own, controlled.

"Arigato, Kei-san."

"We're back to that, huh?" he responded, rolling his eyes playfully. Makoto, however, with her hair settled around her shoulders and piercing eyes trained on him, was not amused.

"Don't forget why I'm doing this, Kei. For Mikomi...she was my sister," she retorted, her gaze steeling. This was not a joke, it was her life he was manipulating. "I'm doing this for her."

Kei nodded, his eyes locked on her even as she turned back to the window. The airport was slowly creeping into view, the enormous landing strips like gates to a different place. Flying...another feeling she missed.

Makoto wasn't quite sure what had happened, but in mere moments, they had arrived just outside the main entrance. People of all kinds were bustling about noisily through the immense doors; some solitary, others in groups. The gruff driver obnoxiously drew open her door, handed them their bags, and went on his merry way without so much as a word. Except...for inquiring as to his payment.

The taxi faded into the distance before the pair entered the establishment, and the skies were slowly but surely clearing of their clouds. Kei offered his dear friend a soft smile as they entered the airport lobby, taking keen notice of her less-than-approachable expression. 'Ah, Mako...we'll find you answers soon enough.'

If only he knew how terrified she was...