Three Aragami and one rabid animal attack later found Momiji wiping blood off her face while Kunikeda yelled at her thoroughly. She had been alone for the first time in two months when a large chipmunk, and by large she meant big as a horse, leapt up on top of a playground swing set. Forgetting about the cell phone in her pocket and her mandatory orders to call at the first sign of trouble, she went to the aid of the screaming children. Although the site of a huge chipmunk was rather amusing, the damage it had caused was not.

Twenty minutes later all of the children were gone and there was a huge mess of green blood, none of it Momiji's. She was being yelled at by three people at once while Kusanagi just looked on not saying a word but glowering at her. She could expect something from him later.

Look Mr. Kunikeda, when you get matamas and go face to face with an Aragami then tell me what to do. Until then leave me alone. She imagined saying it even opened her mouth to once, but she knew better. This man had taken her in, fed, clothed, and even loved her once. Meekly she took the yelling from him Kome and Sakura. When they were done they trooped back to the van while Sakura made sure she got the last word. Momiji knew she was yelling just to be the center of attention while the others were genuinely scared for her. As had been happening more and more recently she could tell the others feelings without actually touching them.

Kusanagi was still standing there with the same expression on his face as when he'd given her one yelling years ago. She could even remember how it started out.

You little idiot, what the hell did you think you were doing.' The words echoed in her mind reminding her of old times and fonder memories causing tears to well in her eyes. When Kusanagi continued to watch her not saying anything she caught up her coat from the ground and took to the air so she could blame the tears on the wind.

Over the last two months her depression had deepened till there was almost no time she could claim she was happy and even those were tainted. Kusanagi only spent those times with her because he thought that she needed the help training not because he liked her for her. She would gladly give up the matamas now to be able to go back to those days when things where restrained but she could always be by his side. There was a saying, you don't know what you've got till it's gone. It was true

Killing the Aragami on her own was the only way she could hope to redeem herself but there was no solution in this. Not only did he not know it was her doing it but this brought them no closer to sending the Aragami back to sleep. Not even the ultimate sacrifice of her life would do any good; Not this time. The TAC had yet to think of anything either.

To make matters worse tomorrow was Momiji's funeral and Dorien was supposed to go. Akiko was coming up from Izumo with Momiji's mother and grandmother and Momiji wasn't sure she'd be able to handle seeing them again. This whole mess was driving her crazy and for the thousandth time she wished she had never left the house than night.

Reaching her apartment complex she touched down outside and went through the swinging doors. The elevator had been broken for three weeks so she took the stairs. At her floor she had to push past the people in the hall to get to her room and once in side she opened the window. Then she went and took a shower. As she'd expected Kusanagi was waiting for her when she came out. Toweling dry her re-dyed hair, she didn't say anything to him but went and got a drink from the fridge.

Are you having fun thwarting the TAC? He asked in his sarcastic way. Momiji looked at him over her water and shrugged.

Aren't you? She shot back whipping her chin from when she'd spilled. Kusanagi looked at her with a glare that could mean anything. Momiji had come no closer to figuring out why she loved this man but she was absolutely sure she did. Just the thought brought a soft smile to her lips and a glazed look in her eyes.

Earth to Aragami. Kusanagi snapped startling Momiji into dropping her cup. The water spilled all down her front and cursing softly she grabbed a rag from the sink to wipe up.

You really are a klutz. He told her a soft kindness in his voice. Momiji looked up at him for a moment before replying.

And you really are a fathead. She grinned at him in the semi dark then finished cleaning.

The Kunikedas wanted me to make sure that you have an appropriate dress for tomorrow. He told her moving to lean against the wall. Momiji tossed the soaked rag in the sink before standing up and looking down at her midriff strapless shirt that was really little more than a breast-band. Her black biker shorts were not any more concealing. Momiji had long since discovered that the more she wore the more she lost. She had almost gotten over her embarrassment about wearing so little, but still wore the black trench coat she'd bought months ago.

This isn't appropriate? She asked sarcastically as she began looking through her remaining clothes for something a little better.

Not in their book. He said from his side view as clothes practically flew through the air. Momiji wondered at his particular phrasing but continued looking knowing she wouldn't have anything.

Crap. I'll have to go shopping. Are you coming O'Babysitter of mine? She picked up her coat from where it had fallen on the floor when she'd come in. Her wallet was already inside along with a new set of hand mitts. After a few run ins with very close-minded people she had decided to wear them in public.

Actually, no. I need to go get some things. Momiji's Mother, grandmother and friend are staying at the house and there isn't any food. He headed for the window while Momiji took the door.

You shopping for women, this I can't wait to see. Why don't you come with? I could use to get some groceries too and if you have any doubts I can help out. He stopped halfway across the room to consider it then turned and followed her. She held the door open while he stalked out hands shoved in his pockets and a scowl on his face. She tried not to laugh when she shut the door behind her.

So what are you wearing to the funeral, a tux? She asked a mocking smile on her face and carrying over to her voice. Kusanagi continued to walk down the stairs.

She's not dead. I'm only going as support for her family. She had such a certainty in the way that he spoke that it made Momiji tense up with chills.

You sound so certain. She said echoing her thoughts. Kusanagi stopped on a landing to turn and look up at her. Momiji froze completely watching the open and hurt expression on Kusanagi's face. The streetlight from a window rained down on him making the green of his hair glow and his bronze skin seem luminescent. Momiji's breath caught in her throat.

I know she's alive. He simply stated words full of meaning. He turned briskly leaving her alone on the stairs. This was one of the few times when she could sense his emotions without touching him and the emotions she felt were amazing. Not only was there absolute certainty and absolute love, but pride and approval. But why? How were those possible and who was he proud of?

Confused as all hell she followed him out to do their shopping.

The entire room was filled with loss, morning, and enough sorrow to drown an empath. Poor Momiji didn't even have to walk into the TAC building to feel those that were inside and her own family hadn't arrived yet. Staying on the roof for a few minutes longer she let the breeze swirl the skirt of her dress while she looked down on the world below her.

Everyone had their own lives, worlds, people who cared for them and people to love. Momiji loved so many people but no one knew or cared about her. Everyone thought she was dead and those who really mattered to her might never know the truth.

A white car pulled up and Momiji watched her mother, grandmother and Akiko step out. Surprisingly she sensed little sorrow from them if any at all but they all shared a deep sense of regret. That in itself baffled Momiji.

Ready to go princess? Kusanagi startled her enough that she didn't pay attention to what he'd said.

Damn it Kusanagi, I could have fallen. She scolded careful not to do just that as she got off the ledge to go inside.

Then you would have just flown right back up here. He pointed out looking amazing his sleek black slacks and white dress shirt. His red trench coat, which should have clashed, somehow managed to tie the whole thing together.

Momiji on the other hand managed to clash wonderfully with her green crushed velvet dress and brilliant blue hair. With her old length and color it would have gone fabulously, skin tight to her thighs then a strait length from there that belled around her legs. Two inch heels gave her some added stature although nothing would hide the blue seeds on her chest. At least something matched her hair.

Good point. One of her heals got stuck in the roof and she tripped pulling it out. Kusanagi caught her as neatly as ever and she put the offending shoe back on. Time to face everyone I guess. She whispered to herself as she looked at the door. Head held high she opened the door and took the first step into the darkness.

The main office wasn't exactly packed but with people milling around it was still crowded. Momiji walked in and moved to the side of the door so Kusanagi could come in. No one turned to look at them right away, which was a good thing since she was about to cry herself. She prayed no one touched her or she would indeed cry. She started craning her neck around to see if she could spot her family but someone saw her first.

Came a shriek from across the room accompanied my the shatter of glass. Everyone in the room looked down at the woman who had screamed, it turned out to be Moe. She was looking right at Momiji who everyone thought was Dorien. With as big of steps as she could take in her tightly wrapped Kimono she crossed the room with as stern a look as anyone had ever seen. Momiji was startled speechless nor could she move which was how she missed Kusanagi's look of satisfaction.

What in god's name have you done to your hair and look how thin you are. That dress practically hangs off you. You know I would never approve of you going out dressed in something like that. The usually quiet Moe was now very unquiet as she scolded her daughter in front of a deathly silent room. Finally someone ventured to speak.

But that's Dorien, the governments Aragami, not Momiji. Sakura spoke up from somewhere in the back of the room but Moe just glared at her.

I know my own daughter no matter what she looks like. We're Kushinadas! That wasn't enough to convince them. Look here! She reached out and grabbed Momiji's hand before she could move and turned it so her old bike accident scare just above her elbow was visible. Moe explained in a few short words.

See now Momiji what do you have to say for yourself? Moe asked in a demanding tone that was so unlike her. Momiji felt the surge of emotion in the room shift from sorrow to anger, outrage, disbelief, and confusion. All of it was directed to her and they were expecting an answer. She looked at all the faces in the room, the Kunikedas, the people of the TAC, even Sakura and Sugishita.

I'm so sorry!! She cried before fleeing the room. She barely remembered flying up the stairs or the flight to a nearby park but somehow she made it to a bench under the empty branches of a weeping willow. It was bitterly cold outside but she didn't notice even that. Her eyes blurred with tears and sobs choked her as she tried to calm down but couldn't. A warm hand on her arm startled her and blinking rapidly she managed to clear her eyes.

Oh Kusanagi I'm so sorry. She whispered looking up at him with his unreadable expression. Slowly his other hand reached out to her which, after looking at it for a moment, Momiji took. Kusanagi pulled her up off the bench into a tight hug that was sudden and enveloping. His warmth and understanding were to much for Momiji and she started crying again but this time she wasn't alone.

Walking hand in hand a while later Momiji stopped by an outdoor heater and leaned against Kusanagi for extra warmth.

How long have you know? She asked him softly not looking up but at the kids in a yard nearby. There were kicking a red ball for a cute brown puppy to chase.

Since the first Aragami. He told her wrapping his arms around her. At first it was a little stiffly but when she made no move to leave he relaxed.

How did you know? She asked turning to look up at him. His hands locked behind her back to hold her up.

When you took that hit for me you had exactly the same look on your face as when Orochi gave you his matama. It's a look I could never forget. He had been looking away but now he looked down at her.

Why didn't you say something, you could have told me. He was shaking his head even before she finished speaking.

You had a reason for not telling me and after the way the government and the TAC treated you, I don't blame you. He sighed and she knew there was something else but he would tell her in his own time. He reached up and riffled her hair. To bad you had to cut it.

I didn't know you liked it long. She mumbled feeling embarrassed and slightly ashamed. He hadn't been mad at her the entire time she'd been wrestling with herself and thinking of all the horrible things he would do if he found out. This was not like the Kusanagi she remembered at all.

We've changed so much. She said rubbing her nose against his chest. Kusanagi hugged her close but said nothing. What was there to say? She owed him an explanation though but how to start it she didn't know.

Is what you explained to the doctor true, about the matamas and what the Minister said? Kusanagi asked after a while with curiosity.

Yes, except for the part they left out, like where they kidnapped me and put me in a cell. No one would believe I was Momiji because the real Dorien looked a lot like me. She sighed. Everyone is going to be so mad at me.
It's not something you can avoid forever. He told her giving her a squeeze. It was true enough but this wasn't getting them any closer to anything.

Well, we should probably go back and see if we can come up with a new plan. She said her mind never far from the new Aragami problem. He nodded and they walked off.