Author's note: At request of evilducktape.
Aries( March 21st-April 20th) Taurus(April 21st-May 19th ) Gemini(May 20th -June 20th) Cancer(June 21st - July 22nd ) Leo(July 23rd -August 22nd ) Virgo(August 23rd- September 22nd) Libra(September 23rd -October 22nd) Scorpio(October 23rd -November 21st) Sagittarius(November 22nd -December 21st) Capricorn(December 22nd-January 20th ) Aquarius(January 21st- February 19th) Pisces (February 20th-March 20th)
'That nice young girl just came in to say that Erik wasn't coming tonight. Not coming!' Victor knew that Erik could take care of himself and yet, he didn't want him alone. He felt upset. He didn't want to be here in this stuffy hotel room, he wanted to be at home with Erik. But Erik wanted to come and so Victor followed him. He wanted to go out with him today but Erik told him to stay here and he stayed but Erik wasn't coming back tonight. She went with him so he wouldn't be alone. She came back. Erik didn't.
Victor grasped the edge of his chair as he felt his panic rising. He took slow, deep breaths to keep away from hysteria. Erik wouldn't like to see him like this. He relaxed and laid back in the black leather chair pulling his shawls around him. Here, it was customary to sit on the floor but Erik had gotten him a chair, how sweet of him! Victor shook his head but stopped as he saw his reflection in a mirror hanging on the wall. He moaned. How hideous he looked, what had happened to him? He was once beautiful and alive, he had fallen in love and now.he was nothing. Just an empty shell with not much emotion except guilt and pain and anguish. But there was one more emotion that stood out. His love for Erik.
It wasn't physical, no, he'd never think of Erik like that and he could never love him like he loved women. It was more an obsession, a worship. If Victor ever thought of his thin lips sipping a glass of water or his graceful white hand push away a stray piece of silk black hair from his lovely face it wasn't because he found them attractive but just because they were Erik's! How Erik had understood and offered him friendship when no one else would. And he the most likely of all! The scorpion took care of him and for that Victor thought him some deity to be worshipped, but at the same time he wanted to keep him to himself like a pet. He couldn't decide which were his true feelings but the former would be right. Erik wasn't a pet but he was so precious.
When Anne had appeared, Victor was so happy to see how upset Erik was. He was jealous and didn't like Anne. He wanted to be with him and share him with no one just like Victor felt. It was almost an unspoken mutual love and how wonderful the thought was! He took every chance to talk with her and make him irritated but he had worried at first. Anne had grown very pretty and Erik was growing older. Suppose Erik would love and leave him. What if he got hurt like Victor had? The thought was unbearable! But he seemed to hate her quite nicely and even when they seemed to become more friendly Erik spoke with no warmth to her.
It was disturbing, Victor thought queasily. How could he have been reduced to this? He was still young yet he felt so old and tired. Why had this happened to him? He sighed and worry crept over him. He wished Erik had never come here. He wanted to do the right thing and protect the family and Victor approved but he feared Erik wouldn't be able to escape the danger Victor knew was coming.
"Now let's see. How did this start?" Victor frowned in concentration, as he tried to remember.
Most of the older generation looked down upon Erik. The younger were kept away from him so he had no knowledge of them. They in turn knew nothing of him except that if they saw anyone like him they were to return home at once. It became a sort of joke with everyone especially Romulus and Remus who would take turns pretending to be the 'ghost or demon' (which ever they felt like) and the victim. It was difficult for Victor to accept that at one time the twins had once been friends. That was a story easily explained. With the children unaware of Erik's existence, they knew that there were twelve members of the zodiac and all was peaceful. It was Kray who had disrupted that serenity.
Kray was, like himself, the pride of the family. He was an adorable boy with an angel's face beneath neat, brown hair. He was intelligent as a child but even though he was always watched and admired, most were unaware that Kray had an inner demon. He'd break things and steal cookies but the adults never blamed him. The older boys, although thinking themselves more mature, found it sort of amusing how Kray so cleverly evaded getting caught. Yes, Kray was a clever little imp. When the adults avoided mentioning Erik, he became intrigued. His first plan might have been to play a prank and blame it on the "dark scorpion" but he changed his mind. He told everyone that there were thirteen members of the zodiac. The children didn't think it shocking but were curious. The sweet fun went sour, when Romulus and Remus began to joke about the 'outsider' saying they were glad they weren't number thirteen. Kray, the devil as always, sharply informed them that one of them *was* the thirteenth.
He cruelly pointed out that Erik was the Scorpio, a rightful member. They were the Gemini (twins) The one born *second* was the outsider. Ever since then they had been fighting to prove who was the rightful member of the zodiac much to the dismay of their mother and their younger sister Alexandra. They continually demanded that their mother let them know who was born first, for she was the only one that knew since the doctor who attended their mother had died two years after their birth and their father had left. It was all too much for her and last year Erik and Victor had heard the tragedy of their mother's suicide. The note she left behind explained that she wished to take her secret to the grave since she did not wish them torn apart over the truth like she and her sister had been. The white blond blue-eyed twins blamed themselves for their mother's death. They also blamed each other but refused to fight because they were both terrified as to what their sister would think. Her mother's death had come as quite a shock that she hadn't quite got over but she still remained devoted to her brothers and her family except for one person to whom she spoke in dead tones. Kray!
Kray. When he was younger, Victor just thought him amusing but lately he had seen him as someone not to be reckoned with. As he grew older, he started flirting with every one of his cousins that were female. It was disgraceful, even more so that most of the girls' stuffy mothers were cheering them on! But then, who could blame them? He was the sweetest boy, smart and respectful. Or so he seemed. His first prospect had been Selena, and that was perfectly suitably. She was his age and able to take care of herself. Then he suddenly shocked the family with his wish to marry Alexandra. He was eighteen and she was eleven! It was madness but everyone approved because Electra approved, except for Alexandra's brothers. They fought together to protect her and their punishment for disobedience might have been serious if Kray hadn't found someone new.
That time it was Anne's sister. The age difference wasn't much closer but they had nothing in common so he tore up an important term paper on the day she was to present it. It was humiliating for her to go to class and admit that she did not have what she had worked so very hard on. And then came the Easter that all would remember.
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It was the Easter holiday and the whole family gathered to Electra's house to celebrate. Electra always threw the best parties and that Easter was a most memorable one. When the doors opened the brilliant colors of the decorations and the heavenly smell of eggs, soups, sausages, and fresh bread meshed together to create a warm and cheerful atmosphere. There were pastel ribbons and lights hanging from the ceiling and the table was beautifully spread with a deep purple tablecloth. A group of people were to be seen in the adjoining room where Electra had set up a pen of spring animals; rabbits, chicks, and a lamb. Easter eggs were hidden all over the house and after dinner, every one would begin to hunt them. Most were chocolate but Electra added two more to make the game more interesting. One was nicely decorated outside but inside it was rotten and the other, which was the reason for the adults to participate in the game, was a jeweled one.
As he could recollect, the zodiac sat at the long table headed by Electra. An argument started between Romulus and Remus as to who would sit at the table this year which ended when Erik gave up his seat to one of them and went to sit at a spare table in corner, alone. Electra had then elegantly appeared in a tasteful dark purple dress with gold necklaces gracing her throat and her hair did up extravagantly. Victor had suddenly wished that he hadn't come. She was so beautiful and it took all of what little strength he had left to restrain himself. She welcomed them all warmly but just as she was about to sit down, her violet eyes scanned the table and her brow furrowed. She looked up and Victor followed her intense gaze to see Erik quietly reading a book at the spare table. Electra smiled and nodded as she took her seat. He wondered if she was pleased that Erik had given up his seat or that he wouldn't be sitting with them all.
All through dinner, Victor couldn't take his eyes off Electra. He noted that, except for a few polite exchanges of words with the other guests, she paid rapt attention to Kray, who sat beside her. He was speaking animatedly to Arianna but she wasn't really listening. When Electra questioned her, she admitted to being a little nervous about her performance. At this Electra told her not to worry and announced to everyone that the children of Spring would now perform songs for their entertainment. Romulus, Remus, Alexandra, and Arianna stepped up to a little makeshift stage and began to sing classical and religious songs. They were dressed in light colors and made a lovely quartet with Alexandra's crystal tones, Arianna's passionate voice and the twins strong baritones.
All had gone quite splendidly until the egg hunt. While everyone raced around the house frantically seeking the jeweled egg, Victor wandered into an empty room not at all eager to play. As he wandered around the room, he thought he saw an egg a bent down on his knees behind a couch to retrieve it, thinking of giving it to little Alexandra. He then heard footsteps rush into the room with a second pair stealthily pursuing.
"Why are you running from me, darling?" It was Kray's voice. If he was planning on catching some new girl Victor didn't want to be here, but he couldn't move. So he remained hidden, listening.
"I don't understand you, Kray. You always act so strange towards me and it's making me very uncomfortable." A familiar voice said quickly. It was Anne's!
"Oh, I'm so very sorry." He replied with fake sympathy. "But it's easy to explain, sweetheart, I love you." Victor heard a small gasp and cautiously peered out from his hiding place to see what had happened. Arianna was leaning against a table looking like she was about to be sick. Kray strode over to her and held her closely. He was whispering something to her and then lowered his lips from her ear to her neck. She pushed him away but her just laughed.
"All right my angel, if you want to save it for the wedding night that's fine with me! Oh, surprised are you? You really shouldn't be, I swear Electra's been hinting ever since I told her my intentions. Really, the lady can't keep a secret! Ah! Now you see why I'm so smug. You're sister didn't really like me and I'd worried that you'd resist as well. Don't think me scandalous, you're the only one I've been after the whole time. Don't believe me? Well, it's true but don't think about refusing. Firstly, you'd be considered very wretched for it. I'm considered quite a catch with all the ladies, you know. And most importantly, Electra approves. She's crazy about marriages and the stars say we're perfect for one another. A match made in heaven, so to speak." Arianna stared at him open-mouthed in amazement and shaking terribly.
"I'm sorry," she stuttered. "I'm sure you're really nice but I-I-don't love you. I can't marry someone I don't love and I'm too young. I'm only." She was cut off and uttered a cry of pain as he tightly grasped her wrist.
"If you refuse, I'll make your life a living hell, you cheap little." He raised his hand as if to strike her. Victor couldn't stay quiet any longer. He jumped up and at the same time, a skeletal white hand stopped Kray's and the one lamp that lit the room came crashing down on the nineteen year- old's head. The room went black, the only light being the moonlight peering through the window. He stumbled over to Arianna as the unknown person and Kray struggled with each other. Victor heard a moan and a crash and the next thing he knew something ran into him knocking him down. His head spun and he heard Arianna scream followed by the breaking of glass.
Soon, a light appeared and illuminated the frightened face of Arianna, one hand holding a candle and the other clutching the side of her head. Tears were streaming down her pale cheeks as she called out.
"W-who's here?"
A second candle was lit from across the room revealing the unknown person to be Erik. He glided across the room and pulling out a handkerchief(he was the only boy Victor ever knew that had one) and gently dabbed at her eyes. What a touching sight it was to see them! It felt to Victor an almost symbolic scene. Though what it symbolized he wasn't sure. He stumbled to find the door and opened it letting the hall light in. In doing so he found the electric light switch and turned it on. Arianna quickly blew out her candle and set it down on the floor. Erik did the same and her hand flew up to his cheek.
"Oh! You're hurt!"
Victor felt as if some invisible hand had squeezed his heart. He approached them and saw what she meant. Erik had a clean cut on his cheek that was bleeding. Erik placed his fingertips to it, seeming unaware that it was there. He nonchalantly studied the blood on his fingers a moment and shrugged, a grin momentarily appearing on his face.
"It could have been worse. I could have had it in my side or something." He said it casually but Victor had had a feeling that Kray hadn't left the struggle unscathed. Victor frowned as a thought came to him.
"I didn't know you carried weapons on your person, Erik." He spoke disapprovingly. Again, Erik smiled faintly.
"Oh, but I do." And with a flourish, bent down and pulled a knife out of his boot. (only boy Victor ever knew to look appalled at the thought of wearing sneakers!) He held the knife out for them both to admire, for although Victor disapproved of weapons and violence, it had a rather nice handle with a jeweled scorpion. Even though they were cursed, Erik always seemed to take pride in his spirit. Perhaps it was because everyone else was ashamed of it. Erik snickered at the Victor's shocked face.
"Oh, don't be alarmed, Victor! I didn't use it."
"Kray had a knife!" Her hand went to her mouth but Erik shook his head and corrected her.
"Scissors."
"Why, in God's name, would he need scissors?" Victor asked puzzled. Erik gestured to Arianna but when they both turned to him in confusion he patiently explained.
"It would seem that this young boy wanted a token of your reluctant affections. Or are you acting on fashion spontaneity by wearing one braid?"
Now Victor understood. Arianna had worn her hair long except for two thin braids at either side of her head. One was now missing. Arianna quickly rushed to a mirror and started jumping up in down to catch a glimpse of herself because she was a bit too short.
"You see how the feminine mind works, Victor? She could see herself perfectly if she backed up." Erik whispered to him lazily as he kicked a footstool over to her. She lightly stepped on it and began to scrutinize her locks of chestnut hair. As much as he was fond of Erik, he hated it very much when Erik spoke with boredom or superiority. It really made a person feel small. He wondered if Erik was aware of that. Meanwhile, as Arianna began to fully realize that Kray had stolen a braid of her hair, her teeth clenched in anger. Erik dramatically crouched behind Victor and pointed his knife at her with a shaking hand.
"You see how the gentle beast transforms into the raging bull!" He hissed sarcastically. She spun around and dismounted the footstool, sticking her tongue out at him. Erik straightened up and jumped out from behind his older cousin.
"Oh, a false alarm. Nothing to worry about, just a childish retaliation." He said knowingly. Seeing Arianna's face redden and her eyes cast down was the last straw. Victor couldn't take anymore of this!
"Erik, have you no shame! After that, this is no time to start teasing the poor girl!" Erik's shining eyes shifted in his direction.
"And what about you, dear Libra?" He said, rounding upon him. "I just happened to come by but you've been here a bit, haven't you? You naughty young man, haven't you anything better to do than play peeping tom?" Erik exageratingly explained, waging a disapproving bony finger at him. "Honestly! Spying on a poor boy 'attempting' to make advances on a young lady. What deplorable behavior! It's positively indecent!" Victor tried to protest but what was the use? It wasn't the first time Erik would leave him speechless and it wouldn't be the last. Erik turned to Arianna.
"But Victor has a point. Please forgive me for being so insensitive. That must have been a surprising turn out for you, I must say, but I didn't think this would weigh to greatly on you're mind. You're not as weak as you seem, you know."
"Don't worry. I suppose it's just in boys' nature to be insensitive. Thank you for helping me but it's not what happened just now that's bothering me. He wants to marry me and I don't want to!"
"And who say's you have too?" He asked, replacing his knife back in it's place. Just then, Romulus, Remus, and Alexandra came in through the door.
"What's happened?" The sixteen year old twins asked simultaneously, pausing to glare at each other. Remus, the quieter of the two, continued.
"We heard noise upstairs and."
"What the hell did you do to the window?" Romulus exclaimed loudly. "Electra's going to be pretty.," he paused and glanced down at his younger sister. ".Upset, when she sees this."
"There was a disagreement." Erik said, shortly. "Someone chose a new victim."
"Oh no! Is that.," Romulus bit his lip. ".Kray in heat again?" His sister looked up at him.
"You can swear in front of me, you know. I'm not a baby."
"No, of course you're not." Erik murmured excitedly. He had an idea, one that he thought was clever like all his other ones. "Miss Alexandra, is it?"
"No. It Allie. I like being called Allie." She said quite firmly. He nodded.
"Of course." He glanced up at the twins and asked with mock sweetness. "Does that make you both Romy and Remy?" Allie muffled a giggle which seemed to delight Erik. While his brother contained the swear words he wanted to spit out, Remus answered dryly.
"Very funny, you venomous scorpion."
"I'm shivering, I assure you." Erik muttered back sarcastically. "Now, Allie, would you like to do me a favor. If not me, perhaps for your cousin, Arianna?"
And soon after, more chaos. Everyone's mother adored Kray but when they were informed by Allie that all the time that Kray paid attention to their daughters he had all along been flirting with Arianna, they were furious. It had been a smart move on Erik's part for having Allie give the news. No one would have believed him. They complained to Electra and Kray became the new black sheep of the family. This didn't seem to bother him but he became a menace to the family when he found out that he couldn't have Arianna. He'd break into people's houses and destroy things, tear up their gardens, and peer at people through the windows at late hours. It got to the point that he was ordered to leave by Electra, herself.
In anger, he spray painted a message on Electra's house. He had written that he would leave but only to find the 'other' zodiac members and return to rule them all. He had also listed names of those to be punished and Arianna's name was among them. One thing that was odd was that at the end of the list was 'a man whose identity is unknown to me'. Erik later informed Victor over tea that Kray had referred to him, the one who attacked him in the dark. Everyone had laughed because they knew that no such thing existed but Electra called to the zodiac members and told them all she feared that it might be true. It was unlikely but if it was true that there were 'others' then they might be in danger. The Chinese zodiac had stronger animals like the dragon, the ox, and the snake. It was true that they had demi-gods like the Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius but they were peaceful and connected to nature. There was only one thing to do, stop Kray. And that's why they were here now, to find Kray.
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Momiji Sohma rushed to find Hatori. Hatsuharu was in danger! The rabbit couldn't let anything happen to him. Haru looked after him and was his friend. He opened the screen door to Hatori's office but found it empty, the hazy morning light peeking through the window. He might be with Akito, although he usually didn't see the head of the Sohma family this early. Momiji decided to try there and if he wasn't there he could still tell Akito, although he secretly wished it wouldn't come to that. He didn't have anything against Akito, but he had a feeling that he wouldn't like being bothered no matter how urgent the matter was.
He turned and ran down the hallway and skidded to a stop, closely avoiding ramming into Hatori who was just exiting Akito's room.
"Momiji." The doctor said firmly. "What's the matter?" Momiji bent down his hand's on his knees, stopping for breath. Just then a steely cold voice drifted out from the room.
"Bring him here Hatori. I should know what's going on in my family."
Hatori opened the door wider and followed Momiji in, closing the door behind him. The young rabbit felt a bit colder as he entered the room and colder still as he found the owner of the voice. Akito, nineteen year old the head of the family, was sitting on the floor with a white bird perched on his pale finger. Momiji was about to tell what he'd seen but then remembered himself and went down on his knees in respect.
"So, what has happened that you should so urgently wish to speak to Hatori?" He murmured.
"Please! Hatsuharu's in trouble! He went somewhere and I saw a boy following him and he had a knife too!" Momiji stammered.
Hatori glanced up at him. He recalled Hatsuharu's strange behavior the night before. Akito noticed the change in his face.
"Do you have something to add, Hatori? Something you neglected to tell me."
"I apologize, Akito. I didn't think it was important at the time and didn't wish you to be bothered by trivialities. However, I did notice that Hatsuharu was not himself late last night." Hatori explained. Akito's teeth clenched tightly for a moment but then relaxed.
"How did he seem?" He demanded sharply.
"I wasn't sure." Hatori said honestly. "But if it had been anyone else, I'd say he was nervous." Akito was quiet a moment while Momiji grew impatient inside. It was unwise to speak out but shouldn't they do something instead of sitting around?
"It is odd. That cow isn't usually one to be nervous, you should have told me Hatori." Akito scolded him. "But perhaps this can be resolved. Momiji!" He snapped drawing the rabbit's attention. "Do you know where Hatsuharu was going?" It wasn't a question.
"I think he was going to Shigure's. He went that way." Momiji replied quickly.
"Very well. We can't have anything happen to our dear Haru, now can we? Hatori, take your car and get to Shigure's house and find out why he's being followed. You can take Momiji to identify his pursuer. Then bring Hatsuharu to see me, it seems we have things to talk about." Akito said finally. Hatori and Momiji quickly left, Akito's room and went on their way to Shigure's. Momiji worried. Who was that dark-haired boy he'd seen. And why was he following Haru?
Aries( March 21st-April 20th) Taurus(April 21st-May 19th ) Gemini(May 20th -June 20th) Cancer(June 21st - July 22nd ) Leo(July 23rd -August 22nd ) Virgo(August 23rd- September 22nd) Libra(September 23rd -October 22nd) Scorpio(October 23rd -November 21st) Sagittarius(November 22nd -December 21st) Capricorn(December 22nd-January 20th ) Aquarius(January 21st- February 19th) Pisces (February 20th-March 20th)
'That nice young girl just came in to say that Erik wasn't coming tonight. Not coming!' Victor knew that Erik could take care of himself and yet, he didn't want him alone. He felt upset. He didn't want to be here in this stuffy hotel room, he wanted to be at home with Erik. But Erik wanted to come and so Victor followed him. He wanted to go out with him today but Erik told him to stay here and he stayed but Erik wasn't coming back tonight. She went with him so he wouldn't be alone. She came back. Erik didn't.
Victor grasped the edge of his chair as he felt his panic rising. He took slow, deep breaths to keep away from hysteria. Erik wouldn't like to see him like this. He relaxed and laid back in the black leather chair pulling his shawls around him. Here, it was customary to sit on the floor but Erik had gotten him a chair, how sweet of him! Victor shook his head but stopped as he saw his reflection in a mirror hanging on the wall. He moaned. How hideous he looked, what had happened to him? He was once beautiful and alive, he had fallen in love and now.he was nothing. Just an empty shell with not much emotion except guilt and pain and anguish. But there was one more emotion that stood out. His love for Erik.
It wasn't physical, no, he'd never think of Erik like that and he could never love him like he loved women. It was more an obsession, a worship. If Victor ever thought of his thin lips sipping a glass of water or his graceful white hand push away a stray piece of silk black hair from his lovely face it wasn't because he found them attractive but just because they were Erik's! How Erik had understood and offered him friendship when no one else would. And he the most likely of all! The scorpion took care of him and for that Victor thought him some deity to be worshipped, but at the same time he wanted to keep him to himself like a pet. He couldn't decide which were his true feelings but the former would be right. Erik wasn't a pet but he was so precious.
When Anne had appeared, Victor was so happy to see how upset Erik was. He was jealous and didn't like Anne. He wanted to be with him and share him with no one just like Victor felt. It was almost an unspoken mutual love and how wonderful the thought was! He took every chance to talk with her and make him irritated but he had worried at first. Anne had grown very pretty and Erik was growing older. Suppose Erik would love and leave him. What if he got hurt like Victor had? The thought was unbearable! But he seemed to hate her quite nicely and even when they seemed to become more friendly Erik spoke with no warmth to her.
It was disturbing, Victor thought queasily. How could he have been reduced to this? He was still young yet he felt so old and tired. Why had this happened to him? He sighed and worry crept over him. He wished Erik had never come here. He wanted to do the right thing and protect the family and Victor approved but he feared Erik wouldn't be able to escape the danger Victor knew was coming.
"Now let's see. How did this start?" Victor frowned in concentration, as he tried to remember.
Most of the older generation looked down upon Erik. The younger were kept away from him so he had no knowledge of them. They in turn knew nothing of him except that if they saw anyone like him they were to return home at once. It became a sort of joke with everyone especially Romulus and Remus who would take turns pretending to be the 'ghost or demon' (which ever they felt like) and the victim. It was difficult for Victor to accept that at one time the twins had once been friends. That was a story easily explained. With the children unaware of Erik's existence, they knew that there were twelve members of the zodiac and all was peaceful. It was Kray who had disrupted that serenity.
Kray was, like himself, the pride of the family. He was an adorable boy with an angel's face beneath neat, brown hair. He was intelligent as a child but even though he was always watched and admired, most were unaware that Kray had an inner demon. He'd break things and steal cookies but the adults never blamed him. The older boys, although thinking themselves more mature, found it sort of amusing how Kray so cleverly evaded getting caught. Yes, Kray was a clever little imp. When the adults avoided mentioning Erik, he became intrigued. His first plan might have been to play a prank and blame it on the "dark scorpion" but he changed his mind. He told everyone that there were thirteen members of the zodiac. The children didn't think it shocking but were curious. The sweet fun went sour, when Romulus and Remus began to joke about the 'outsider' saying they were glad they weren't number thirteen. Kray, the devil as always, sharply informed them that one of them *was* the thirteenth.
He cruelly pointed out that Erik was the Scorpio, a rightful member. They were the Gemini (twins) The one born *second* was the outsider. Ever since then they had been fighting to prove who was the rightful member of the zodiac much to the dismay of their mother and their younger sister Alexandra. They continually demanded that their mother let them know who was born first, for she was the only one that knew since the doctor who attended their mother had died two years after their birth and their father had left. It was all too much for her and last year Erik and Victor had heard the tragedy of their mother's suicide. The note she left behind explained that she wished to take her secret to the grave since she did not wish them torn apart over the truth like she and her sister had been. The white blond blue-eyed twins blamed themselves for their mother's death. They also blamed each other but refused to fight because they were both terrified as to what their sister would think. Her mother's death had come as quite a shock that she hadn't quite got over but she still remained devoted to her brothers and her family except for one person to whom she spoke in dead tones. Kray!
Kray. When he was younger, Victor just thought him amusing but lately he had seen him as someone not to be reckoned with. As he grew older, he started flirting with every one of his cousins that were female. It was disgraceful, even more so that most of the girls' stuffy mothers were cheering them on! But then, who could blame them? He was the sweetest boy, smart and respectful. Or so he seemed. His first prospect had been Selena, and that was perfectly suitably. She was his age and able to take care of herself. Then he suddenly shocked the family with his wish to marry Alexandra. He was eighteen and she was eleven! It was madness but everyone approved because Electra approved, except for Alexandra's brothers. They fought together to protect her and their punishment for disobedience might have been serious if Kray hadn't found someone new.
That time it was Anne's sister. The age difference wasn't much closer but they had nothing in common so he tore up an important term paper on the day she was to present it. It was humiliating for her to go to class and admit that she did not have what she had worked so very hard on. And then came the Easter that all would remember.
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It was the Easter holiday and the whole family gathered to Electra's house to celebrate. Electra always threw the best parties and that Easter was a most memorable one. When the doors opened the brilliant colors of the decorations and the heavenly smell of eggs, soups, sausages, and fresh bread meshed together to create a warm and cheerful atmosphere. There were pastel ribbons and lights hanging from the ceiling and the table was beautifully spread with a deep purple tablecloth. A group of people were to be seen in the adjoining room where Electra had set up a pen of spring animals; rabbits, chicks, and a lamb. Easter eggs were hidden all over the house and after dinner, every one would begin to hunt them. Most were chocolate but Electra added two more to make the game more interesting. One was nicely decorated outside but inside it was rotten and the other, which was the reason for the adults to participate in the game, was a jeweled one.
As he could recollect, the zodiac sat at the long table headed by Electra. An argument started between Romulus and Remus as to who would sit at the table this year which ended when Erik gave up his seat to one of them and went to sit at a spare table in corner, alone. Electra had then elegantly appeared in a tasteful dark purple dress with gold necklaces gracing her throat and her hair did up extravagantly. Victor had suddenly wished that he hadn't come. She was so beautiful and it took all of what little strength he had left to restrain himself. She welcomed them all warmly but just as she was about to sit down, her violet eyes scanned the table and her brow furrowed. She looked up and Victor followed her intense gaze to see Erik quietly reading a book at the spare table. Electra smiled and nodded as she took her seat. He wondered if she was pleased that Erik had given up his seat or that he wouldn't be sitting with them all.
All through dinner, Victor couldn't take his eyes off Electra. He noted that, except for a few polite exchanges of words with the other guests, she paid rapt attention to Kray, who sat beside her. He was speaking animatedly to Arianna but she wasn't really listening. When Electra questioned her, she admitted to being a little nervous about her performance. At this Electra told her not to worry and announced to everyone that the children of Spring would now perform songs for their entertainment. Romulus, Remus, Alexandra, and Arianna stepped up to a little makeshift stage and began to sing classical and religious songs. They were dressed in light colors and made a lovely quartet with Alexandra's crystal tones, Arianna's passionate voice and the twins strong baritones.
All had gone quite splendidly until the egg hunt. While everyone raced around the house frantically seeking the jeweled egg, Victor wandered into an empty room not at all eager to play. As he wandered around the room, he thought he saw an egg a bent down on his knees behind a couch to retrieve it, thinking of giving it to little Alexandra. He then heard footsteps rush into the room with a second pair stealthily pursuing.
"Why are you running from me, darling?" It was Kray's voice. If he was planning on catching some new girl Victor didn't want to be here, but he couldn't move. So he remained hidden, listening.
"I don't understand you, Kray. You always act so strange towards me and it's making me very uncomfortable." A familiar voice said quickly. It was Anne's!
"Oh, I'm so very sorry." He replied with fake sympathy. "But it's easy to explain, sweetheart, I love you." Victor heard a small gasp and cautiously peered out from his hiding place to see what had happened. Arianna was leaning against a table looking like she was about to be sick. Kray strode over to her and held her closely. He was whispering something to her and then lowered his lips from her ear to her neck. She pushed him away but her just laughed.
"All right my angel, if you want to save it for the wedding night that's fine with me! Oh, surprised are you? You really shouldn't be, I swear Electra's been hinting ever since I told her my intentions. Really, the lady can't keep a secret! Ah! Now you see why I'm so smug. You're sister didn't really like me and I'd worried that you'd resist as well. Don't think me scandalous, you're the only one I've been after the whole time. Don't believe me? Well, it's true but don't think about refusing. Firstly, you'd be considered very wretched for it. I'm considered quite a catch with all the ladies, you know. And most importantly, Electra approves. She's crazy about marriages and the stars say we're perfect for one another. A match made in heaven, so to speak." Arianna stared at him open-mouthed in amazement and shaking terribly.
"I'm sorry," she stuttered. "I'm sure you're really nice but I-I-don't love you. I can't marry someone I don't love and I'm too young. I'm only." She was cut off and uttered a cry of pain as he tightly grasped her wrist.
"If you refuse, I'll make your life a living hell, you cheap little." He raised his hand as if to strike her. Victor couldn't stay quiet any longer. He jumped up and at the same time, a skeletal white hand stopped Kray's and the one lamp that lit the room came crashing down on the nineteen year- old's head. The room went black, the only light being the moonlight peering through the window. He stumbled over to Arianna as the unknown person and Kray struggled with each other. Victor heard a moan and a crash and the next thing he knew something ran into him knocking him down. His head spun and he heard Arianna scream followed by the breaking of glass.
Soon, a light appeared and illuminated the frightened face of Arianna, one hand holding a candle and the other clutching the side of her head. Tears were streaming down her pale cheeks as she called out.
"W-who's here?"
A second candle was lit from across the room revealing the unknown person to be Erik. He glided across the room and pulling out a handkerchief(he was the only boy Victor ever knew that had one) and gently dabbed at her eyes. What a touching sight it was to see them! It felt to Victor an almost symbolic scene. Though what it symbolized he wasn't sure. He stumbled to find the door and opened it letting the hall light in. In doing so he found the electric light switch and turned it on. Arianna quickly blew out her candle and set it down on the floor. Erik did the same and her hand flew up to his cheek.
"Oh! You're hurt!"
Victor felt as if some invisible hand had squeezed his heart. He approached them and saw what she meant. Erik had a clean cut on his cheek that was bleeding. Erik placed his fingertips to it, seeming unaware that it was there. He nonchalantly studied the blood on his fingers a moment and shrugged, a grin momentarily appearing on his face.
"It could have been worse. I could have had it in my side or something." He said it casually but Victor had had a feeling that Kray hadn't left the struggle unscathed. Victor frowned as a thought came to him.
"I didn't know you carried weapons on your person, Erik." He spoke disapprovingly. Again, Erik smiled faintly.
"Oh, but I do." And with a flourish, bent down and pulled a knife out of his boot. (only boy Victor ever knew to look appalled at the thought of wearing sneakers!) He held the knife out for them both to admire, for although Victor disapproved of weapons and violence, it had a rather nice handle with a jeweled scorpion. Even though they were cursed, Erik always seemed to take pride in his spirit. Perhaps it was because everyone else was ashamed of it. Erik snickered at the Victor's shocked face.
"Oh, don't be alarmed, Victor! I didn't use it."
"Kray had a knife!" Her hand went to her mouth but Erik shook his head and corrected her.
"Scissors."
"Why, in God's name, would he need scissors?" Victor asked puzzled. Erik gestured to Arianna but when they both turned to him in confusion he patiently explained.
"It would seem that this young boy wanted a token of your reluctant affections. Or are you acting on fashion spontaneity by wearing one braid?"
Now Victor understood. Arianna had worn her hair long except for two thin braids at either side of her head. One was now missing. Arianna quickly rushed to a mirror and started jumping up in down to catch a glimpse of herself because she was a bit too short.
"You see how the feminine mind works, Victor? She could see herself perfectly if she backed up." Erik whispered to him lazily as he kicked a footstool over to her. She lightly stepped on it and began to scrutinize her locks of chestnut hair. As much as he was fond of Erik, he hated it very much when Erik spoke with boredom or superiority. It really made a person feel small. He wondered if Erik was aware of that. Meanwhile, as Arianna began to fully realize that Kray had stolen a braid of her hair, her teeth clenched in anger. Erik dramatically crouched behind Victor and pointed his knife at her with a shaking hand.
"You see how the gentle beast transforms into the raging bull!" He hissed sarcastically. She spun around and dismounted the footstool, sticking her tongue out at him. Erik straightened up and jumped out from behind his older cousin.
"Oh, a false alarm. Nothing to worry about, just a childish retaliation." He said knowingly. Seeing Arianna's face redden and her eyes cast down was the last straw. Victor couldn't take anymore of this!
"Erik, have you no shame! After that, this is no time to start teasing the poor girl!" Erik's shining eyes shifted in his direction.
"And what about you, dear Libra?" He said, rounding upon him. "I just happened to come by but you've been here a bit, haven't you? You naughty young man, haven't you anything better to do than play peeping tom?" Erik exageratingly explained, waging a disapproving bony finger at him. "Honestly! Spying on a poor boy 'attempting' to make advances on a young lady. What deplorable behavior! It's positively indecent!" Victor tried to protest but what was the use? It wasn't the first time Erik would leave him speechless and it wouldn't be the last. Erik turned to Arianna.
"But Victor has a point. Please forgive me for being so insensitive. That must have been a surprising turn out for you, I must say, but I didn't think this would weigh to greatly on you're mind. You're not as weak as you seem, you know."
"Don't worry. I suppose it's just in boys' nature to be insensitive. Thank you for helping me but it's not what happened just now that's bothering me. He wants to marry me and I don't want to!"
"And who say's you have too?" He asked, replacing his knife back in it's place. Just then, Romulus, Remus, and Alexandra came in through the door.
"What's happened?" The sixteen year old twins asked simultaneously, pausing to glare at each other. Remus, the quieter of the two, continued.
"We heard noise upstairs and."
"What the hell did you do to the window?" Romulus exclaimed loudly. "Electra's going to be pretty.," he paused and glanced down at his younger sister. ".Upset, when she sees this."
"There was a disagreement." Erik said, shortly. "Someone chose a new victim."
"Oh no! Is that.," Romulus bit his lip. ".Kray in heat again?" His sister looked up at him.
"You can swear in front of me, you know. I'm not a baby."
"No, of course you're not." Erik murmured excitedly. He had an idea, one that he thought was clever like all his other ones. "Miss Alexandra, is it?"
"No. It Allie. I like being called Allie." She said quite firmly. He nodded.
"Of course." He glanced up at the twins and asked with mock sweetness. "Does that make you both Romy and Remy?" Allie muffled a giggle which seemed to delight Erik. While his brother contained the swear words he wanted to spit out, Remus answered dryly.
"Very funny, you venomous scorpion."
"I'm shivering, I assure you." Erik muttered back sarcastically. "Now, Allie, would you like to do me a favor. If not me, perhaps for your cousin, Arianna?"
And soon after, more chaos. Everyone's mother adored Kray but when they were informed by Allie that all the time that Kray paid attention to their daughters he had all along been flirting with Arianna, they were furious. It had been a smart move on Erik's part for having Allie give the news. No one would have believed him. They complained to Electra and Kray became the new black sheep of the family. This didn't seem to bother him but he became a menace to the family when he found out that he couldn't have Arianna. He'd break into people's houses and destroy things, tear up their gardens, and peer at people through the windows at late hours. It got to the point that he was ordered to leave by Electra, herself.
In anger, he spray painted a message on Electra's house. He had written that he would leave but only to find the 'other' zodiac members and return to rule them all. He had also listed names of those to be punished and Arianna's name was among them. One thing that was odd was that at the end of the list was 'a man whose identity is unknown to me'. Erik later informed Victor over tea that Kray had referred to him, the one who attacked him in the dark. Everyone had laughed because they knew that no such thing existed but Electra called to the zodiac members and told them all she feared that it might be true. It was unlikely but if it was true that there were 'others' then they might be in danger. The Chinese zodiac had stronger animals like the dragon, the ox, and the snake. It was true that they had demi-gods like the Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius but they were peaceful and connected to nature. There was only one thing to do, stop Kray. And that's why they were here now, to find Kray.
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Momiji Sohma rushed to find Hatori. Hatsuharu was in danger! The rabbit couldn't let anything happen to him. Haru looked after him and was his friend. He opened the screen door to Hatori's office but found it empty, the hazy morning light peeking through the window. He might be with Akito, although he usually didn't see the head of the Sohma family this early. Momiji decided to try there and if he wasn't there he could still tell Akito, although he secretly wished it wouldn't come to that. He didn't have anything against Akito, but he had a feeling that he wouldn't like being bothered no matter how urgent the matter was.
He turned and ran down the hallway and skidded to a stop, closely avoiding ramming into Hatori who was just exiting Akito's room.
"Momiji." The doctor said firmly. "What's the matter?" Momiji bent down his hand's on his knees, stopping for breath. Just then a steely cold voice drifted out from the room.
"Bring him here Hatori. I should know what's going on in my family."
Hatori opened the door wider and followed Momiji in, closing the door behind him. The young rabbit felt a bit colder as he entered the room and colder still as he found the owner of the voice. Akito, nineteen year old the head of the family, was sitting on the floor with a white bird perched on his pale finger. Momiji was about to tell what he'd seen but then remembered himself and went down on his knees in respect.
"So, what has happened that you should so urgently wish to speak to Hatori?" He murmured.
"Please! Hatsuharu's in trouble! He went somewhere and I saw a boy following him and he had a knife too!" Momiji stammered.
Hatori glanced up at him. He recalled Hatsuharu's strange behavior the night before. Akito noticed the change in his face.
"Do you have something to add, Hatori? Something you neglected to tell me."
"I apologize, Akito. I didn't think it was important at the time and didn't wish you to be bothered by trivialities. However, I did notice that Hatsuharu was not himself late last night." Hatori explained. Akito's teeth clenched tightly for a moment but then relaxed.
"How did he seem?" He demanded sharply.
"I wasn't sure." Hatori said honestly. "But if it had been anyone else, I'd say he was nervous." Akito was quiet a moment while Momiji grew impatient inside. It was unwise to speak out but shouldn't they do something instead of sitting around?
"It is odd. That cow isn't usually one to be nervous, you should have told me Hatori." Akito scolded him. "But perhaps this can be resolved. Momiji!" He snapped drawing the rabbit's attention. "Do you know where Hatsuharu was going?" It wasn't a question.
"I think he was going to Shigure's. He went that way." Momiji replied quickly.
"Very well. We can't have anything happen to our dear Haru, now can we? Hatori, take your car and get to Shigure's house and find out why he's being followed. You can take Momiji to identify his pursuer. Then bring Hatsuharu to see me, it seems we have things to talk about." Akito said finally. Hatori and Momiji quickly left, Akito's room and went on their way to Shigure's. Momiji worried. Who was that dark-haired boy he'd seen. And why was he following Haru?