Hello, here's the second to last chapter. Enjoy!
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Chapter 5: The End of the Dream
"I'm not going to do that, Hatori, I…"
"Yuki."
I cringe as I feel fingers like icicles upon my shoulder. I slowly turn my face to the side and see him there, furious.
"Akito."
"Yuki, I know that you were not planning to defy me, since, of course, you can imagine what the consequences may be if you choose to do so. But, more importantly, it is your duty to obey me, after all, as the blessed rat, you are to serve the god."
I find myself frozen in place, staring at him, why, why am I like this?
"Akito, Akito, please!"
He strikes me again and shouts, "Who are you to tell me what to do? I am your god!"
Despite my efforts otherwise, the tears begin to fall.
"I've had enough of that damn coughing, all the time, over and over!"
I collapse to my knees, "Please, I'm begging you, Akito. Please don't make me go there again, it's dark and cold, and I feel like I can't breathe!"
He kicks me and I fall over.
"You'll regret this, I'll make sure that you sorely regret any attempts to defy me!!!"
He tightens his grip as he says, "Isn't that true, Yuki?"
Using all my courage, I turn my face away and look for Tohru-san, but am surprised to see that she is no longer walking towards me, and seems to have vanished.
Akito digs his nails into my shoulder as he says, "You must be looking for that bitch. There's no need to worry over such garbage. I've made sure that Kureno has taken care of that situation. Now, come with me, Yuki, or I may have to act."
My mind races, do I escape and look for her, how far could Kureno have gone? I am about to run when I realize that Akito must know where Kureno is taking her, and she could be hurt if I try to find her. I never want that to happen to her.
Still looking away from him towards the void where she had been, I answer, "I understand, Akito."
He loosens his grip and then moves his hand away as he says, "Of course you do."
I turn towards him and see him smiling triumphantly as he looks at me.
He starts to walk away, Hatori following. My stomach churns as I find myself stepping forward in their path. I question myself; did I make the right decision, have I put her at more risk? My thoughts are interrupted when Akito and Hatori stop near the car. I am surprised to see Kyo, his face expressionless, standing by the side of the vehicle, his eyes vacant as he looks off in the distance.
Angrily, Akito shouts, "Get away from the car! I don't want you even close to it. Shigure is over there, go with him."
I am even more shocked as Kyo walks silently away, not once having made a sound or even having looked at either Akito or me.
"That disgusting beast, his mere presence soils everything around him!"
He grins maliciously as he watches Kyo walk away and says, "It won't be long before he loses the opportunity to do such a thing."
Satisfied, he turns away and stands before the door. Hatori opens it for him and helps him in. I look at Akito through the doorway, and resigned out of concern for her well-being, step inside and sit down.
Hatori walks to the driver's side, enters, and starts the car.
I remain still, my face forward, hoping that Akito will remain silent, even if only for this short time.
My mind returns to the scene at the car. It was foolish of me to be surprised, Kyo faces an even worse fate. While I have the great misfortune of having to be Akito's servant, I at least will be allowed to move throughout the estate, and possibly – though highly unlikely – outside. Akito may even forbid the Juunishi from interacting with him, the possibility of which, I'm sure, has left Kagura distraught.
The car stops, and Hatori helps Akito out of the car. I open my door and step outside, and find myself ironically facing the window at Akito's room. Pained, I look away and follow them as they step into the main house. The three of us walk inside and into a room where I see Kyo and all of the Juunishi, absent Kureno, gathered, and a glaringly apparent empty space within the group where Tohru-san should be.