"You do want him back, don't you?"
"Yes."
'Why shouldn't she want him back?' Erik thought bitterly. Kray wasn't one of the most hated members of the zodiac in spite of all he'd done. No.it was he, Erik, who had been hated, who shouldn't have been born, and whose name had become synonymous with evil. It started to rain. She had been right but she didn't know everything. She couldn't possibly know that when she saw rain he saw tears. Tears he could never shed; it wasn't expected of him. And while she may have imagined (if she thought of him at all) that he was carefully watching and waiting for the white-haired boy to appear she wouldn't know that it was the furthest thing from his mind. All he could think about was the curse.
He had been prematurely born an image of death. He had been small and ghostly white like a skeleton. Many doubted that he would live long and many more would have sworn that he was dead except for freakish black and gold eyes that reminded them all that he was alive. When his mother had held him for the first time, her cold reception of disappointment at bearing such a monster turned quickly to horror when he transformed.into a scorpion! His father had been angered and ashamed. Of all the curses, why did his child have to be possessed with the spirit of the scorpion? But he felt no sympathy for his child, he attempted to destroy Erik at the urgings of his friends and family but the fool attacked when Erik was in scorpion form. 'It would be more humane that way, I can't kill a child no matter how ugly.' But Erik only being a baby was not in control himself and his father had been clumsy. And so at only weeks after his birth, Erik accidentally stung and killed his father.
In spite of the loss of his father, Erik's so-called family still wished him destroyed. But his mother decided against it. She saw her husbands death as a sign that it would be worse to kill him and have evil come to her and her family than to let it live. But why should Erik have been grateful for his life when his family made it a living hell for him. His mother never held him which he could understand now but she also had avoided him at all costs and never once telling him even from a safer distance that she loved him. And, of course, his wonderful family never failed to remind him that he had murdered his own father. At the time, it hurt Erik extremely that it was his own fault he didn't have a father but now he didn't care. He didn't love him and it had been an accident not deliberate. He felt no remorse and why should he? It angered his family when he stopped caring but it delighted him. They wanted to hurt him but saw they couldn't anymore. When his mother died, they felt free to kill him but he wasn't a fool. Erik was extremely intelligent. He had hid it as a child because he was told that children shouldn't be able to do the things he could. It was different now. He had learned to defend himself and strived to do anything to show them all that he was just as good as any of the zodiac. And he flaunted it all. Any time he had the chance he'd show off tricks of magic and wore dark and expensive clothes getting a thrill when his family shook their heads in disapproval or whispered about thievery. They thought they knew him and thought they were so clever but only he knew they were wrong. He never stole, he worked for whatever he achieved but did that thought enter their stuffy heads at all? No.
At the thought of it all Erik forced a laugh. Laughing at everyone, even the rain as it's crystal drops ran down his black hair. But he couldn't keep laughing because even though they knew nothing he knew that one thing they said was true. He was heartless. He wasn't really sure if he was that at the time but he understood that he could have grown colder and more wicked as the years passed. If it hadn't been for Victor. He had known Victor. Victor was the bright light of the family; the perfect angel. He was his older cousin and Erik had hated him. It wasn't that Victor had ever hit or insulted him like all the others, no, he knew right from wrong. It was just that he never did anything wrong, he was perfect, no fault in him at all. He was handsome with dazzling blue eyes and long golden hair and even Erik had to admit it. Erik was more intelligent but Victor was more compassionate. Erik could remember foolishly thinking that perhaps if he were more polite to those who hated him perhaps they wouldn't any more. What a childish thought! He remembered being disgusted with him self at trying to be like someone he disliked.
But then one day, he had heard his family speak with disgust about someone. What a shock it was, for once, to hear that they were not speaking of him. But what a greater shock they were talking about Victor! Erik remembered, now rather remorsefully, that he had wondered if Christmas had come early. He thought, at first, that perhaps everyone else was fed up with his perfection.but it was deeper than that. He had been hiding in the garden snickering about all the awful things he had heard when he saw Victor. The sight of him made Erik feel a great wave of guilt. Where at any other time Victor might have cheerfully bounded in with a smile he was crawling like a miserable worm. And when Erik saw his face he barely could recognize him. His creamy complexion had turned a shade of pale more ghastly than his own. There were dark circles under his now blank and emotionless eyes and his gold hair was starting to gray.
Erik had once again felt that he had done this and now that he was older he realized that this was his own fault. Not directly, but he had despised his cousin who never did anything to deserve it just as his family had hated him. The thought that he had done that horrified him and what wounded him more deeply was that when the Libra saw him he started crying and hysterically apologizing to him. Erik had wanted, for a brief moment, to comfort him but walked away. He soon became obsessed, knowing that he had to make amends. And so, he started to make a habit of bumping into him and try to make casual conversation. But Victor was suspicious and confronted him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Erik." He said timidly. The scorpion stopped and stared at him. They were in the garden once more, which was blooming with red roses. Erik loved red roses.
"Erik, why are you doing this?"
"Doing what?" Erik asked innocently, gently stroking the blood red petals of one of the larger roses.
"You know what I mean" Victor paused to cough. "You're the only one who ever speaks to me but I know you've never liked me. I'd rather expected you to lead everyone on in shunning me."
"So sorry to disappoint you." His younger cousin shrugged and continued sweetly. "What cause have I to hate my cousin? You've never hurt me." He attempted to smile and outstretched his porcelain white hands to his older cousin. Victor's head snapped up wearing the most pitiable expression and cried out. "Stop!" This surprised Erik. What had he done? His cousin drew in a shaky breath.
"Don't toy with me, please! I know I probably deserve it but I don't understand. I know I've never hurt you but I never helped you and that's just as bad." He whimpered and it struck Erik that he was acting rather silly and womanly as he continued. "Oh, have mercy on me!" At this Erik could no longer resist striking him.
"For God's sake!" He screamed over Victor's crying. "Are my attempts at being nice to you worse than whispering behind your back. If you'd prefer I'd hurl insults at you just ask and I'll be happy to think up some!"
"I'd rather you honestly hate me than falsely befriend me." He said, pausing his moanings to speak determinedly. For a moment, Erik was at a loss for words. He was annoyed at the mention of honesty. Was justice all he thought about? If so, why didn't he do anything about his family slandering his name?
"I did hate you. But I had no reason to. Despite whatever wicked thing everyone believes you did I'm convinced it must have been some misunderstanding. How could you do anything wrong? I'll understand that you may feel I'm pitying you and I wouldn't befriend anyone who pitied me but I don't pity you. I know what it's like to have people wrongly punish a person. I thought you'd like someone who understood.I would." Erik had been amazed that he'd said all that but he had. Victor sniffed and looked up at him. For a moment he looked happy, but he spoke sullenly.
"That's so very kind of you. It makes me so happy and I couldn't think of having a more wonderful person as a friend. But you may wish to retract your offer because we don't have that in common. I'm not wrongly punished." Erik began to protest but the Libra stopped him saying only.
"Erik, I'm a murderer."
What a revelation! Victor, a murderer? Erik had felt numb all over when he heard that. There were so many things he wanted to ask. Instead of asking why, however, he absentmindedly asked.
"Perhaps you would like some tea."
It was a silly thing to say. Completely unsuspected by Victor but he agreed and as they sat down to drink their tea, Victor told him everything. To put it simply, it all began when Victor confessed his love to Electra, the head of the family. Erik had never spoken to Electra himself but he'd seen her many times. She was just about Victor's age and was one of the most loved member of the family. Everyone was devoted to her. Erik remembered that once when he was younger he had heard a loud merry voice coming from the living room. He didn't recognize it and went to see what it was. That was the first time he saw her. He could remember her vividly because she was a very vivid character. She had long red hair falling past her shoulders and was wearing a bright red dress that flattered her greatly. Electra hadn't been looking at him but the minute he saw her he suddenly met her violet eyes staring right at him. A strange expression came over her face at seeing him but it wasn't hatred, that he knew. Her ruby lips curled into a wide smile and she held out her white hands with long crimson nails. For a moment, Erik was bewitched. He never knew their were so many shades of red! She beckoned to him and all he wanted to do was rush into her arms but his family interfered.
They jumped up and while some told me to leave others apologized to her and tried to pull her away. Then he saw this kind and beautiful lady lash out in anger at the whole family screaming at the top of her lungs that she could do what he liked. But Erik had rushed away immediately not wanting to be near the creature that had seemed so sweet. He heard her laughing as he ran and from then on he avoided her. He didn't find it unlikely that Victor should love her, they'd be perfect together and yet Erik wasn't sure he would ever trust her. It seemed he would be justified.
Victor went on to tell him that for a while, everything was heaven. Electra admitted to sharing his feelings but wished it to be a secret. He didn't like keeping secrets but with some coaxing and some kisses, he began to think it wasn't really wrong, just fun. But the fun started to go out of it when he noticed that she seemed distracted and even sad. It greatly distressed Victor to see her like this and he was willing to do anything to help her. She told him that she had been out walking when some man had tried to take advantage of her. She claimed to have, naturally, defended herself by shocking him. He ran away and she thought nothing more of it but as she went home she saw he'd followed her and threatened to tell everyone about her powers. There was only one thing to do. kill him. At hearing this, Victor wanted to do just that but he was unsure. It was wrong to take another man's life. Electra convinced him though, that it was justice to punish the wicked. And so Victor followed the man to his home and murdered him. When he returned, Electra refused to see him again because he had made a mistake and killed an innocent man. Victor was shattered. Erik felt anger coursing through his body. Mistake? She had lied to him about it all! She had been toying with him and Erik vowed to himself that he'd never fall in love with a woman. They were weak and wretched creatures. He recalled so many great men who had been brought down by women. Caesar, Cleopatra. Sampson, Delilah. Napoleon, Josephine. But he couldn't tell Victor that he'd been tricked, it would be too cruel. A woman might have told him but he wouldn't.
And so they became friends. Since Erik's family hated him even more now that he had befriended his cousin they forced him out of their house. Victor offered that Erik stay with him and when the scorpion heard this he practically skipped out the door. All went well and everything was perfect. He found that he'd had a lot more in common with his cousin than he thought. They enjoyed peace and quiet and playing chess. They had their differences. Victor liked to be outside and Erik stayed indoors. The only time Erik went outside was when Victor would sit outside in a chair on the porch. This either meant that he wanted Erik to read to him or attend to the garden. Erik secretly hated those times because Victor seemed so old and tired even though he was barely twenty four! It was very distressing. And then, disaster struck.
It had been a warm summer day and he was sitting on the steps of their back porch reading to Victor when he heard footsteps coming toward them. They were muffled by the grass but he could still hear them. He looked up to see the chestnut curls of a girl in a white peasant blouse and a long dark green skirt. She didn't notice him; she was looking at the roses on the fence. She was reaching out to one when he said sharply.
"Don't touch them!" She gave a gasp and turned to face him with a frightened look on her face. He observed her a moment. She had wide brown eyes and a soft pink mouth. She was pretty but not too beautiful. Erik's tone had wakened Victor, who had been falling into a slumber and he strained to see who it was.
"Who are you" She asked, her voice trembling.
"My dear, we happen to live here. You are the intruder so please don't think us too bold as to ask you who you are." Erik countered coldly. The girl straightened.
"A-Christine" She answered swiftly. She was lying. Not exactly polite but she wouldn't be stupid enough to tell a stranger her real name. He was just about to ask her what she was doing here when Victor murmured.
"Arianna Christine Marie Primavera." Erik thought this name a bit big for her but he noted that her eyes went rounder, if possible, in recognition.
"How did you know my name?" She inquired, breathing heavily.
"You don't remember me? I'm your cousin, Victor Autumn." He stood up and slowly walked into the sunlight. For a second, she looked in disbelief but a smile crept across her face and she threw her arms around him. Erik started to feel a little outside so he got up and turned to go inside the house.
"Erik, please wait. Come and meet your cousin from the Spring family."
Erik cursed under his breath. He was almost fifteen for God's sake and Victor was speaking to him like he was four! It's the influence of women, he supposed and walked rather reluctantly to greet her but she went on talking to Victor.
"But Cousin Victor, I thought that you were.well the family said you were." Her cheeks became rosier.
"That I was dead? Disappeared? Something like that?" He finished. She nodded and went on. "They also said this house was haunted and it seemed that way from the front. It was so dusty and old."
"We like it that way!" Erik broke in. His temper was rising. How dare she intrude, ignore him, and then criticize their home. She looked at him in surprise and Victor shook his head.
"Don't let him frighten you, Ari." He said tenderly. "I'm afraid you just interrupted us while Erik was reading to me. Your cousin reads very well, you know. What book were you reading just now Erik?"
"The Importance of being Earnest." Erik replied dryly. Victor frowned in confusion. "No that wasn't it, was it?" Erik rolled his eyes. "No. It was 'Les Miserables'." He said, holding up the book as proof. Victor opened his mouth to say something but then shook his head again, smiling.
"How silly of me, I don't think you too have met." It seemed like Victor was going to introduce them but he continued to talk to this girl. Erik couldn't help idly wondering that if he shot himself right now, would Victor notice?
".But Annie it seems like I'm meeting you for the first time. The last time I saw you, you were the ugliest child but now I see you're turning into a lovely young lady. It seems to be the opposite with me." Erik coughed behind him and Victor immediately realized he was there.
"Arianna, I would like you to meet Erik Autumn. Erik, this charming girl is your cousin." Victor pushed her gently toward him and she shyly held out her hand.
"I'm very pleased to meet you Erik." She said sweetly. He sighed and lightly grasped her fingertips and gallantly bent over them. When he met her face again, he noticed that her cheeks now almost outdid the roses in their color. Victor showed her the way inside and started fussing over her while Erik leaned in the doorway glowering. Not even five minutes, and he was beginning to dislike this girl. They were both her cousins but he was kept out of the conversation. They discussed old times while he sat and watched them. He thought he fairly sized this girl up to being ignorant and rude. And loud. No matter how nice her voice, her volume irritated him. When she was leaving, Victor eagerly invited her to come back soon. And to Erik's dismay, she did. She came irregularly as well so Erik wasn't sure how he could avoid her. What an irritating and annoying thing she was!
He tried to confront Victor about how he disliked her but he could never bring himself up to it. Victor was so happy whenever she came, what could he do. He walked outside to contemplate this and almost bumped into the girl in question. Why did she keep appearing out of no where. She didn't notice him, as usual, and was sitting on the porch steps her hair tied in a long braid down her back ending in a strange, tight curl. Her hair was angering him now. It seemed to challenge him to try and pull it as hard as he could. He stepped towards her and the floor creaked causing her to spin around. He saw a single tear roll down her cheek. She wiped it away and started to leave.
"Wait." He had called out exasperatedly. "What's the matter, silly girl?"
"I'm not silly." She said through her teeth, stunning him. She faced him and her lip trembled. "Why don't you like me?
"What?"
"I know you don't want me here. Why? What did I do? Did I do something to offend you?" At this, he hadn't been sure what to reply. He couldn't just say that she was to most bothersome thing on earth! "I'm sorry if I seemed rude, I just don't know how to talk to people I don't know. I never have ever since I had a fight with my only friend. I just wanted to be friends with you." Wait! Had she actually said she wanted to be friends with him? Was such a thing possible? Perhaps she was crazy but he wondered. He had never been fond of Victor and now he was good friends with him. Could he have judged her too soon? Well he'd find out.
They talked and she came back the next day and the day after, to visit and Erik started to look forward to it. She was annoying but now that he was getting to know her better he found her amusing. He didn't think even Victor was so cheerful in his time. She came in smiling and talking about the latest book she'd read. Fiction, of course, and with a happy ending. Very childish with innocent ideals and passionately defending them. He could recall how she jumped in to defend love. Love, she had said, was the most magical and wonderful feeling in the world and that she believed in it with all her heart. An odd response from the practical Taurus but then again it was a passionate zodiac. And extremely stubborn. They had gotten into many unfinished arguments and debates because both refused to back down. In spite of it all, he felt warmer whenever she was around but he'd never really respond to her except for a smile that quickly faded and cold words. And then he began to have the strangest feelings. Why did she look prettier every time he saw her. Why did he suddenly feel hot and nervous whenever she looked at him. Were our souls written in our eyes? Did her eyes brighten and her cheeks redden when she looked at him or was he imagining it? Surly not! Why should she give a damn about him? They were only friends.no! not friends, acquaintances. Even though his feelings were mixed and confused he gratefully hid beneath his cold exterior until he awoke abruptly one night and realized what it all meant. He had broken his promise! He had fallen in love with her warm smile and friendly demeanor, with her brown eyes and chestnut curls, with her childish ways and innocent ideals. He had wanted to scream or cry but resisted. It was weak, crying was weak, love was weak, but it hurt so much to hide it all. A scorpion and a bull, an odd pair but the stars thought otherwise! Oh, but it would never be, he realized that. Not one member of her family would think he was the best match, stars or no stars. Why hope? Why dream? The best he could do was to watch her from afar and never let his feelings be known. And he would also make certain that other young men didn't let their feelings be known either. That's why he was here now watching the main house.
Erik shook out of his reminiscence. The rain had stopped and dawn was breaking. He focused once more and saw the doors open.
'Ah! My prey appears.' He thought gleefully. He hid behind a tree and watched as the boy scanned the area.
'Looking for me, dear?' The boy headed off in one direction and Erik jumped down and took out his knife, just for persuasion. He heard a gasp and he turned in it's direction. The door was open and a younger boy with blonde hair and brown eyes stared at him in fear. Erik mockingly bowed to him and started his pursuit of the white-haired boy. Meanwhile, Momiji Sohma ran to find Hatori.
"Yes."
'Why shouldn't she want him back?' Erik thought bitterly. Kray wasn't one of the most hated members of the zodiac in spite of all he'd done. No.it was he, Erik, who had been hated, who shouldn't have been born, and whose name had become synonymous with evil. It started to rain. She had been right but she didn't know everything. She couldn't possibly know that when she saw rain he saw tears. Tears he could never shed; it wasn't expected of him. And while she may have imagined (if she thought of him at all) that he was carefully watching and waiting for the white-haired boy to appear she wouldn't know that it was the furthest thing from his mind. All he could think about was the curse.
He had been prematurely born an image of death. He had been small and ghostly white like a skeleton. Many doubted that he would live long and many more would have sworn that he was dead except for freakish black and gold eyes that reminded them all that he was alive. When his mother had held him for the first time, her cold reception of disappointment at bearing such a monster turned quickly to horror when he transformed.into a scorpion! His father had been angered and ashamed. Of all the curses, why did his child have to be possessed with the spirit of the scorpion? But he felt no sympathy for his child, he attempted to destroy Erik at the urgings of his friends and family but the fool attacked when Erik was in scorpion form. 'It would be more humane that way, I can't kill a child no matter how ugly.' But Erik only being a baby was not in control himself and his father had been clumsy. And so at only weeks after his birth, Erik accidentally stung and killed his father.
In spite of the loss of his father, Erik's so-called family still wished him destroyed. But his mother decided against it. She saw her husbands death as a sign that it would be worse to kill him and have evil come to her and her family than to let it live. But why should Erik have been grateful for his life when his family made it a living hell for him. His mother never held him which he could understand now but she also had avoided him at all costs and never once telling him even from a safer distance that she loved him. And, of course, his wonderful family never failed to remind him that he had murdered his own father. At the time, it hurt Erik extremely that it was his own fault he didn't have a father but now he didn't care. He didn't love him and it had been an accident not deliberate. He felt no remorse and why should he? It angered his family when he stopped caring but it delighted him. They wanted to hurt him but saw they couldn't anymore. When his mother died, they felt free to kill him but he wasn't a fool. Erik was extremely intelligent. He had hid it as a child because he was told that children shouldn't be able to do the things he could. It was different now. He had learned to defend himself and strived to do anything to show them all that he was just as good as any of the zodiac. And he flaunted it all. Any time he had the chance he'd show off tricks of magic and wore dark and expensive clothes getting a thrill when his family shook their heads in disapproval or whispered about thievery. They thought they knew him and thought they were so clever but only he knew they were wrong. He never stole, he worked for whatever he achieved but did that thought enter their stuffy heads at all? No.
At the thought of it all Erik forced a laugh. Laughing at everyone, even the rain as it's crystal drops ran down his black hair. But he couldn't keep laughing because even though they knew nothing he knew that one thing they said was true. He was heartless. He wasn't really sure if he was that at the time but he understood that he could have grown colder and more wicked as the years passed. If it hadn't been for Victor. He had known Victor. Victor was the bright light of the family; the perfect angel. He was his older cousin and Erik had hated him. It wasn't that Victor had ever hit or insulted him like all the others, no, he knew right from wrong. It was just that he never did anything wrong, he was perfect, no fault in him at all. He was handsome with dazzling blue eyes and long golden hair and even Erik had to admit it. Erik was more intelligent but Victor was more compassionate. Erik could remember foolishly thinking that perhaps if he were more polite to those who hated him perhaps they wouldn't any more. What a childish thought! He remembered being disgusted with him self at trying to be like someone he disliked.
But then one day, he had heard his family speak with disgust about someone. What a shock it was, for once, to hear that they were not speaking of him. But what a greater shock they were talking about Victor! Erik remembered, now rather remorsefully, that he had wondered if Christmas had come early. He thought, at first, that perhaps everyone else was fed up with his perfection.but it was deeper than that. He had been hiding in the garden snickering about all the awful things he had heard when he saw Victor. The sight of him made Erik feel a great wave of guilt. Where at any other time Victor might have cheerfully bounded in with a smile he was crawling like a miserable worm. And when Erik saw his face he barely could recognize him. His creamy complexion had turned a shade of pale more ghastly than his own. There were dark circles under his now blank and emotionless eyes and his gold hair was starting to gray.
Erik had once again felt that he had done this and now that he was older he realized that this was his own fault. Not directly, but he had despised his cousin who never did anything to deserve it just as his family had hated him. The thought that he had done that horrified him and what wounded him more deeply was that when the Libra saw him he started crying and hysterically apologizing to him. Erik had wanted, for a brief moment, to comfort him but walked away. He soon became obsessed, knowing that he had to make amends. And so, he started to make a habit of bumping into him and try to make casual conversation. But Victor was suspicious and confronted him.
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"Erik." He said timidly. The scorpion stopped and stared at him. They were in the garden once more, which was blooming with red roses. Erik loved red roses.
"Erik, why are you doing this?"
"Doing what?" Erik asked innocently, gently stroking the blood red petals of one of the larger roses.
"You know what I mean" Victor paused to cough. "You're the only one who ever speaks to me but I know you've never liked me. I'd rather expected you to lead everyone on in shunning me."
"So sorry to disappoint you." His younger cousin shrugged and continued sweetly. "What cause have I to hate my cousin? You've never hurt me." He attempted to smile and outstretched his porcelain white hands to his older cousin. Victor's head snapped up wearing the most pitiable expression and cried out. "Stop!" This surprised Erik. What had he done? His cousin drew in a shaky breath.
"Don't toy with me, please! I know I probably deserve it but I don't understand. I know I've never hurt you but I never helped you and that's just as bad." He whimpered and it struck Erik that he was acting rather silly and womanly as he continued. "Oh, have mercy on me!" At this Erik could no longer resist striking him.
"For God's sake!" He screamed over Victor's crying. "Are my attempts at being nice to you worse than whispering behind your back. If you'd prefer I'd hurl insults at you just ask and I'll be happy to think up some!"
"I'd rather you honestly hate me than falsely befriend me." He said, pausing his moanings to speak determinedly. For a moment, Erik was at a loss for words. He was annoyed at the mention of honesty. Was justice all he thought about? If so, why didn't he do anything about his family slandering his name?
"I did hate you. But I had no reason to. Despite whatever wicked thing everyone believes you did I'm convinced it must have been some misunderstanding. How could you do anything wrong? I'll understand that you may feel I'm pitying you and I wouldn't befriend anyone who pitied me but I don't pity you. I know what it's like to have people wrongly punish a person. I thought you'd like someone who understood.I would." Erik had been amazed that he'd said all that but he had. Victor sniffed and looked up at him. For a moment he looked happy, but he spoke sullenly.
"That's so very kind of you. It makes me so happy and I couldn't think of having a more wonderful person as a friend. But you may wish to retract your offer because we don't have that in common. I'm not wrongly punished." Erik began to protest but the Libra stopped him saying only.
"Erik, I'm a murderer."
What a revelation! Victor, a murderer? Erik had felt numb all over when he heard that. There were so many things he wanted to ask. Instead of asking why, however, he absentmindedly asked.
"Perhaps you would like some tea."
It was a silly thing to say. Completely unsuspected by Victor but he agreed and as they sat down to drink their tea, Victor told him everything. To put it simply, it all began when Victor confessed his love to Electra, the head of the family. Erik had never spoken to Electra himself but he'd seen her many times. She was just about Victor's age and was one of the most loved member of the family. Everyone was devoted to her. Erik remembered that once when he was younger he had heard a loud merry voice coming from the living room. He didn't recognize it and went to see what it was. That was the first time he saw her. He could remember her vividly because she was a very vivid character. She had long red hair falling past her shoulders and was wearing a bright red dress that flattered her greatly. Electra hadn't been looking at him but the minute he saw her he suddenly met her violet eyes staring right at him. A strange expression came over her face at seeing him but it wasn't hatred, that he knew. Her ruby lips curled into a wide smile and she held out her white hands with long crimson nails. For a moment, Erik was bewitched. He never knew their were so many shades of red! She beckoned to him and all he wanted to do was rush into her arms but his family interfered.
They jumped up and while some told me to leave others apologized to her and tried to pull her away. Then he saw this kind and beautiful lady lash out in anger at the whole family screaming at the top of her lungs that she could do what he liked. But Erik had rushed away immediately not wanting to be near the creature that had seemed so sweet. He heard her laughing as he ran and from then on he avoided her. He didn't find it unlikely that Victor should love her, they'd be perfect together and yet Erik wasn't sure he would ever trust her. It seemed he would be justified.
Victor went on to tell him that for a while, everything was heaven. Electra admitted to sharing his feelings but wished it to be a secret. He didn't like keeping secrets but with some coaxing and some kisses, he began to think it wasn't really wrong, just fun. But the fun started to go out of it when he noticed that she seemed distracted and even sad. It greatly distressed Victor to see her like this and he was willing to do anything to help her. She told him that she had been out walking when some man had tried to take advantage of her. She claimed to have, naturally, defended herself by shocking him. He ran away and she thought nothing more of it but as she went home she saw he'd followed her and threatened to tell everyone about her powers. There was only one thing to do. kill him. At hearing this, Victor wanted to do just that but he was unsure. It was wrong to take another man's life. Electra convinced him though, that it was justice to punish the wicked. And so Victor followed the man to his home and murdered him. When he returned, Electra refused to see him again because he had made a mistake and killed an innocent man. Victor was shattered. Erik felt anger coursing through his body. Mistake? She had lied to him about it all! She had been toying with him and Erik vowed to himself that he'd never fall in love with a woman. They were weak and wretched creatures. He recalled so many great men who had been brought down by women. Caesar, Cleopatra. Sampson, Delilah. Napoleon, Josephine. But he couldn't tell Victor that he'd been tricked, it would be too cruel. A woman might have told him but he wouldn't.
And so they became friends. Since Erik's family hated him even more now that he had befriended his cousin they forced him out of their house. Victor offered that Erik stay with him and when the scorpion heard this he practically skipped out the door. All went well and everything was perfect. He found that he'd had a lot more in common with his cousin than he thought. They enjoyed peace and quiet and playing chess. They had their differences. Victor liked to be outside and Erik stayed indoors. The only time Erik went outside was when Victor would sit outside in a chair on the porch. This either meant that he wanted Erik to read to him or attend to the garden. Erik secretly hated those times because Victor seemed so old and tired even though he was barely twenty four! It was very distressing. And then, disaster struck.
It had been a warm summer day and he was sitting on the steps of their back porch reading to Victor when he heard footsteps coming toward them. They were muffled by the grass but he could still hear them. He looked up to see the chestnut curls of a girl in a white peasant blouse and a long dark green skirt. She didn't notice him; she was looking at the roses on the fence. She was reaching out to one when he said sharply.
"Don't touch them!" She gave a gasp and turned to face him with a frightened look on her face. He observed her a moment. She had wide brown eyes and a soft pink mouth. She was pretty but not too beautiful. Erik's tone had wakened Victor, who had been falling into a slumber and he strained to see who it was.
"Who are you" She asked, her voice trembling.
"My dear, we happen to live here. You are the intruder so please don't think us too bold as to ask you who you are." Erik countered coldly. The girl straightened.
"A-Christine" She answered swiftly. She was lying. Not exactly polite but she wouldn't be stupid enough to tell a stranger her real name. He was just about to ask her what she was doing here when Victor murmured.
"Arianna Christine Marie Primavera." Erik thought this name a bit big for her but he noted that her eyes went rounder, if possible, in recognition.
"How did you know my name?" She inquired, breathing heavily.
"You don't remember me? I'm your cousin, Victor Autumn." He stood up and slowly walked into the sunlight. For a second, she looked in disbelief but a smile crept across her face and she threw her arms around him. Erik started to feel a little outside so he got up and turned to go inside the house.
"Erik, please wait. Come and meet your cousin from the Spring family."
Erik cursed under his breath. He was almost fifteen for God's sake and Victor was speaking to him like he was four! It's the influence of women, he supposed and walked rather reluctantly to greet her but she went on talking to Victor.
"But Cousin Victor, I thought that you were.well the family said you were." Her cheeks became rosier.
"That I was dead? Disappeared? Something like that?" He finished. She nodded and went on. "They also said this house was haunted and it seemed that way from the front. It was so dusty and old."
"We like it that way!" Erik broke in. His temper was rising. How dare she intrude, ignore him, and then criticize their home. She looked at him in surprise and Victor shook his head.
"Don't let him frighten you, Ari." He said tenderly. "I'm afraid you just interrupted us while Erik was reading to me. Your cousin reads very well, you know. What book were you reading just now Erik?"
"The Importance of being Earnest." Erik replied dryly. Victor frowned in confusion. "No that wasn't it, was it?" Erik rolled his eyes. "No. It was 'Les Miserables'." He said, holding up the book as proof. Victor opened his mouth to say something but then shook his head again, smiling.
"How silly of me, I don't think you too have met." It seemed like Victor was going to introduce them but he continued to talk to this girl. Erik couldn't help idly wondering that if he shot himself right now, would Victor notice?
".But Annie it seems like I'm meeting you for the first time. The last time I saw you, you were the ugliest child but now I see you're turning into a lovely young lady. It seems to be the opposite with me." Erik coughed behind him and Victor immediately realized he was there.
"Arianna, I would like you to meet Erik Autumn. Erik, this charming girl is your cousin." Victor pushed her gently toward him and she shyly held out her hand.
"I'm very pleased to meet you Erik." She said sweetly. He sighed and lightly grasped her fingertips and gallantly bent over them. When he met her face again, he noticed that her cheeks now almost outdid the roses in their color. Victor showed her the way inside and started fussing over her while Erik leaned in the doorway glowering. Not even five minutes, and he was beginning to dislike this girl. They were both her cousins but he was kept out of the conversation. They discussed old times while he sat and watched them. He thought he fairly sized this girl up to being ignorant and rude. And loud. No matter how nice her voice, her volume irritated him. When she was leaving, Victor eagerly invited her to come back soon. And to Erik's dismay, she did. She came irregularly as well so Erik wasn't sure how he could avoid her. What an irritating and annoying thing she was!
He tried to confront Victor about how he disliked her but he could never bring himself up to it. Victor was so happy whenever she came, what could he do. He walked outside to contemplate this and almost bumped into the girl in question. Why did she keep appearing out of no where. She didn't notice him, as usual, and was sitting on the porch steps her hair tied in a long braid down her back ending in a strange, tight curl. Her hair was angering him now. It seemed to challenge him to try and pull it as hard as he could. He stepped towards her and the floor creaked causing her to spin around. He saw a single tear roll down her cheek. She wiped it away and started to leave.
"Wait." He had called out exasperatedly. "What's the matter, silly girl?"
"I'm not silly." She said through her teeth, stunning him. She faced him and her lip trembled. "Why don't you like me?
"What?"
"I know you don't want me here. Why? What did I do? Did I do something to offend you?" At this, he hadn't been sure what to reply. He couldn't just say that she was to most bothersome thing on earth! "I'm sorry if I seemed rude, I just don't know how to talk to people I don't know. I never have ever since I had a fight with my only friend. I just wanted to be friends with you." Wait! Had she actually said she wanted to be friends with him? Was such a thing possible? Perhaps she was crazy but he wondered. He had never been fond of Victor and now he was good friends with him. Could he have judged her too soon? Well he'd find out.
They talked and she came back the next day and the day after, to visit and Erik started to look forward to it. She was annoying but now that he was getting to know her better he found her amusing. He didn't think even Victor was so cheerful in his time. She came in smiling and talking about the latest book she'd read. Fiction, of course, and with a happy ending. Very childish with innocent ideals and passionately defending them. He could recall how she jumped in to defend love. Love, she had said, was the most magical and wonderful feeling in the world and that she believed in it with all her heart. An odd response from the practical Taurus but then again it was a passionate zodiac. And extremely stubborn. They had gotten into many unfinished arguments and debates because both refused to back down. In spite of it all, he felt warmer whenever she was around but he'd never really respond to her except for a smile that quickly faded and cold words. And then he began to have the strangest feelings. Why did she look prettier every time he saw her. Why did he suddenly feel hot and nervous whenever she looked at him. Were our souls written in our eyes? Did her eyes brighten and her cheeks redden when she looked at him or was he imagining it? Surly not! Why should she give a damn about him? They were only friends.no! not friends, acquaintances. Even though his feelings were mixed and confused he gratefully hid beneath his cold exterior until he awoke abruptly one night and realized what it all meant. He had broken his promise! He had fallen in love with her warm smile and friendly demeanor, with her brown eyes and chestnut curls, with her childish ways and innocent ideals. He had wanted to scream or cry but resisted. It was weak, crying was weak, love was weak, but it hurt so much to hide it all. A scorpion and a bull, an odd pair but the stars thought otherwise! Oh, but it would never be, he realized that. Not one member of her family would think he was the best match, stars or no stars. Why hope? Why dream? The best he could do was to watch her from afar and never let his feelings be known. And he would also make certain that other young men didn't let their feelings be known either. That's why he was here now watching the main house.
Erik shook out of his reminiscence. The rain had stopped and dawn was breaking. He focused once more and saw the doors open.
'Ah! My prey appears.' He thought gleefully. He hid behind a tree and watched as the boy scanned the area.
'Looking for me, dear?' The boy headed off in one direction and Erik jumped down and took out his knife, just for persuasion. He heard a gasp and he turned in it's direction. The door was open and a younger boy with blonde hair and brown eyes stared at him in fear. Erik mockingly bowed to him and started his pursuit of the white-haired boy. Meanwhile, Momiji Sohma ran to find Hatori.