Tidus shut his eyes. There he was again. Erik, on his knees before the formidable Darius, blood dripping down from the side of his head. Tidus tried to replace the image with Erik snapping at Arianna or ruining Electra's portrait, anything to get rid of this strange feeling inside him. Was it pity? No, it was something he couldn't explain but he knew the feeling well. When he couldn't find what his painting sorely needed he would develop a feeling of frustration, as if he had been stumbling around blindly with his eyes closed. Often, Tidus found that the answer was in simply laying back and opening his eyes. But what was there to see? He disliked Erik, he didn't care about Erik, but did he even know Erik? Did anyone?

He sighed heavily and looked around him, at the people bustling around him, full of life and with things to do, at the coffee he hadn't even tasted yet. This wasn't right, he thought grimly, he should feel at peace in a place like this. He stared absentmindedly at a poster on the wall and sipped at his coffee, not really tasting it. Through the thick aroma of the different coffee beans and the din of people shouting their orders, Tidus heard the silver tinkling of the bell that announced a person's entrance or exit from the café. Tidus didn't look up until he felt the ever so slight quiver of someone tapping at his table. He turned up his eyes to see his white-haired Gemini cousin smiling down at him. By the neatness of his appearance, he could tell it was Remus.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked politely. Tidus nodded and waved a hand at the seat across from him. Remus sat down, placing his book and his coffee neatly to the side. They sat in an awkward silence. Remus was obviously aware that Tidus had something on his mind but that was usual for Tidus. What was unusual was that Remus had a confused look on his face. Tidus sat up straight and looked at Remus in a way that asked if he wanted to talk. His cousin took a coin out of his pocket and fiddled with it for a minute before speaking.

"Tidus," he paused. "Tidus, do you ever consider marriage?"

Tidus blinked. "Are you proposing?"

Remus laughed half-heartedly in reply. "No, not quite." Again, the confused look appeared. "I've just had the strangest conversation with Electra." He murmured. Tidus was about to ask what he meant but stayed silent.

"It started with a simple conversation and she seemed very melancholy. Then a light sparked in her eyes, the likes of which I couldn't begin to describe and she asked my opinion of marriage. She explained that although the majority with the curse were still young, it would be only a few years until we decided our futures. She suggested that," he took a breath. "She suggested that we keep the curse in the family."

Tidus almost jumped out of his seat. "Do you mean..." he exclaimed. Remus immediately put a finger to his lips and Tidus lowered his voice. "Do you mean she wants us to marry our cousins?"

Remus nodded. "She made quite a passionate speech about how it would be cruel to involve outsiders in things they'd never understand. Personally, I take that as a polite way of saying no outsiders allowed. It's not unusual for a leader to be protective of her family and family marriages have been arranged before."

"Arranged?" The only word Tidus managed to choke out.

"Yes," came his cousin's reply. "She was very eager to arrange them herself as long as the signs were compatible."

Tidus gulped his coffee and likewise, Remus slowly sipped at his own. "But that isn't right! What about love? She can't contain love!" Tidus protested.

"She could contain us." Remus pointed out.

"But Electra's always been a good leader ! Where'd she get this stupid idea?" Tidus exclaimed, forgetting to lower his voice. Remus glanced around the room.

"Perhaps we should converse elsewhere." He whispered and promptly picked up his coffee and his book and walked out the door. Tidus followed him and they walked to a nearby park and sat on a bench.

"Why are you taking this so calmly?" Tidus exclaimed in frustration, damning Remus for his patience. Remus looked at him in surprise.

"It isn't a radical idea. You know it's been done before."

Tidus tried to collect himself. "Well, girls always like playing matchmaker. She probably wasn't serious and she'll most likely forget in a few years."

Remus said nothing.

"Won't she?" Tidus asked nervously. Upon seeing the pained smile on Remus' face, he could guess before he explained.

"And yet, you still remain calm? At this outrage?" Tidus exclaimed incredulously.

Remus took a deep breath and stared straight ahead. "I think it's a good idea."

Tidus stared at him in shock. "Remus, are you feeling alright?"

Remus cast his eyes down. "No, I'm not. I've been thinking of our so called family." He muttered bitterly. "From outward appearances, we seem perfect with all the family gatherings and games but that's all it is just a game! Most of us can't even stand each other and if we don't stop and realize it we'll crumble into nothing! It's so damn frustrating." So unused to displaying his feelings, Remus leaned back against the bench in exhaustion. He closed his eyes. "I'm just so sick and tired of fighting."

Now Tidus understood. Remus was talking about his brother, Romulus.

"I mean, it's not good for Alexandra to hear so much arguing.." He sighed.

"Well, what do you expect? You and Romulus hate each other and even if you choose not to speak to each other, it won't be any better."

"I don't hate him." Remus confessed. Tidus sprang up in surprise. He had seen the two in the worst of their arguments and it was hard to imagine that there had ever been any love between them. Remus looked at him pitifully. "He's my brother." He explained and a frown formed on his face. "Damn it! We were friends once! How could we let such a trivial matter come between us? Who cares who the cursed one is?"

"Well, if it's so trivial, Why don't you both be friends again?" Tidus asked.

"It's not so simple. I'm always the one to apologize for things! I know that's silly too but what if he laughed at me? What if he only thought I was sorry because I'd accepted that I was the cursed. I couldn't bear it, if only I knew what he thought." He looked up hopelessly at the sky. "It's not just us though, it's the entire family."

Tidus was hesitant to agree. "Not the whole family?"

"Ignorance is just as bad as excluding or harassing someone. Three perfect examples are Victor and I needn't mention the other two since one is the reason we're here and the other has been the subject of concern as of late." Kray and Erik.

"That's why I think the arranged marriages would be a good thing. If we're forced to live together we all have to eventually accept that the fact that we have to get along with each other."

"I hope the Leo and Scorpio aren't compatible! Selena would rather die!" He bit his lip. He shouldn't joke like that, not about Erik. It was all becoming clear to him now. He had opened his eyes. How could he not see the thick hostile cloud hanging over their family. Was everyone like Remus? Hiding what they really felt...

"So...any thought about who you...wouldn't mind being married to?" Tidus queried.

Remus looked up at him with interest. "A little," he admitted shyly. "I know of course who would be the most sensible choice for a wife. Katherine."

"Katherine?"

Remus nodded. "Don't you agree? She's intelligent, efficient, hard working and she's not too bad to look at either. Yes, she'd make a good wife for anyone."

"I suppose so." A thought suddenly came to Tidus. "Wait a minute! That wouldn't work. There aren't enough girls to go around and Allie's so young!"

"She's only a year younger that Katherine. But you have a point, there aren't enough. However I have a notion that Electra would pair us at similar ages. So counting out the adults and Kray, there are four boys and five girls." Remus stopped and froze solid.

"What's the matter?" Tidus asked in alarm.

Remus bowed his head down. "I'm ashamed to admit it."

"What?" Tidus asked again and was surprised to find Remus on the brink of tears.

"I know I shouldn't be upset but if those are the odds Electra chooses, then the only choice my sister has is you or..."

"Erik." Tidus finished for him. Tidus sympathized with Remus. Even though Remus was fair, he was very protective of his sister and it was a nightmare to think of the spirit of sex and death being bound to his sister for all eternity. But if she wasn't paired with the Scorpio then she'd be paired with him! He couldn't marry a twelve year old!

"Now wait a sec," he said shakily. "If there are more girls than one will be left over. So Allie might not have to get married at all!"

"I hope to God, that's so." Remus sighed and relaxed a little.

"So, you were saying that you'd like to marry Katherine?" Tidus asked, although he was getting tired of talking like this.

"I," Remus paused and blushed. "I didn't say that, I just said she'd make a good wife." The tenseness lifted a bit.

Tidus gasped. "Remus! You cad, you like one of our cousins, don't you?" The color in Remus' cheeks turned a darker shade. "Who is it?" Tidus asked eagerly.

"Well, look, I'm not in love with her or anything like that but I know here very well and she's really sweet and pretty. Of course, my first choice is Selena but someone that gorgeous is at the top of everyone's list and I wouldn't have a chance with her."

"Ah! You just gave yourself away!" Tidus exclaimed triumphantly. "If it's not Selena, Katherine, and certainly not your sister...it's Arianna isn't it?" The smile a Remus' face confirmed that he'd guessed right. Tidus smiled, he should have known. Because they were children of the same season, they were naturally very close and as children they had been each other's favorite cousin. It wasn't surprising really. They had much in common. Both were shy and quiet dreamers. They lived next door to one another and shared classes at school and often at family gatherings, even when it wasn't spring, they were asked to perform together. They were a perfect pair and it wasn't surprising to Tidus to find that Remus had developed feelings for the Taurus.

"Well, that's great! It's about time one of you realized that you were obviously made for each other." Tidus said, forgetting for a moment that he was opposed to this whole situation.

"Yes, it would seem so.' Remus agreed. "We've always been very close and I've always been protective of her . She'd make a lovely wife. She's sweet, and caring, and optimistic. She appreciate beauty and is growing very pretty herself. I'm sure it wouldn't be so difficult to be a good husband to her and as to Electra's arrangements, after Kray, I suppose I'd be the natural choice for Arianna."

"Yeah, so why don't you seem so happy about it?" Asked Tidus.

"Isn't it clear to you?" Remus sighed. "I've no objections to such a match but what about her. She deserves someone who'll love her and devote himself entirely to her not someone who hopes his affection will turn into love in time. She needs someone more sure of himself."

"But you never know," Tidus said encouragingly. "She might feel the same way about you and you don't even know it."

"That would be more than I could hope for. What about you, the family romantic?" Remus said, smiling slightly.

Tidus quickly shook his head. "Hell no! I won't be bound to anyone unless I choose to and believe me, me first choice would not be my own relative!"

"Are you going to tell Electra that?" Asked Remus skeptically.

"Damn straight!" He said with a confidence that he didn't really feel.

Remus glanced at his wristwatch. "I think I'll head back to the hotel, coming?"

"No, I think I'll stay out here a while. I've a lot to think about." Tidus replied.

Remus nodded and turned to go. "I wouldn't think about it too much. After all, she might decide it's not worth it." He said before leaving.

"God, I hope so." Tidus watched him leave and when he had gone, he stared at the stores across the street. There was a grocery store, a book store, and an arts an crafts store...The Painted Lily...No, he shouldn't think about it, but he had to! How could he be married when he loved someone else: an outsider. He had met her at The Painted Lily, an arts and craft store where she worked and he quickly fell under her charming spell. So like a magical fairy was she with her pixie haircut, short stature, melodious laugh and charming smile.

Over and over he was lured back into that shop not just for his passion for art but also his passion for her. He had a feeling that perhaps she might feel the same way about him but then again perhaps that was only in his vivid imagination. But even if she could not return his love he couldn't dream of loving anyone else.

Just then, he heard a ringing in his ears and for a moment, he wondered if he'd gone mad until he realized it was his cell phone.

"Yeah?" He answered harshly, annoyed at being interrupted in his moodiness. Not that he liked being distraught but depression was just so sorrowfully poetic.

"Hi." A familiar voice said softly. Tidus felt his heart jump to his throat; it was her! He might have been overjoyed to hear her voice again but because of his situation he assumed the worst.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" He asked in concern.

"No, why do you ask?" The sweet voice replied.

"Well, you're calling long distance, aren't you? There must be some reason why you're paying for this call?"

"...I just wanted to talk to you. It's so weird not seeing you here asking for supplies for your latest project. I really miss seeing you...Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I've just had a lot on my mind." Tidus replied.

"I have too." She paused. "Actually, there was a reason I called. I have to tell you something. I know this is sudden and all, but I really have to tell you that...that...I love you. I know it seems totally crazy right, maybe I shouldn't have said it but it's true! I can't bear working at the store and not seeing you there. I know I probably should have said this to you in person but I was afraid of what you'd think because if you feel the least bit uncomfortable then I'm very sorry..."

She kept babbling on but Tidus wasn't even listening. All he had heard were those three little words and he felt something so beautiful that he could never paint it. He forgot all about the arranged marriages, his curse, his family, and quickly told her how he felt. They talked for a long time and as the sky darkened slightly, they, reluctantly, had to stop. Tidus paused to look at the world around him, to see if he would see it any differently now that he was loved. He was amazed at how beautiful everything around him seemed to be and he was so caught up in the magic and splendor of the world that at first he didn't notice the man who walked past him. So out of place was this shadow in this new and colorful world that Tidus idly wondered if he was the god of night, drawing a cloak of darkness over the fading sunlight.

Tidus watched this shadow's back as he crossed the park, his long cloak billowing in the wind, his wide brimmed fedora fixed at an angle. Who dressed like that? Some eccentric perhaps, but Tidus couldn't help feeling that this person reminded him of something or someone. He continued to watch as this creature crossed the street and stopped, not in front of a store, but in front of a wall. He stood there some time. Strange, thought Tidus as he rose to leave, for the air was getting colder.

Suddenly this phantom spun around on his heels and immediately locked eyes with Tidus. To Tidus' surprise it was not a man but a boy and to his horror, it was a boy he knew well. Erik stood before him, head to toe in black except for a bit of white peeking out from under his hat; a bandage to stop blood from dripping down the side of his face. Tidus wondered if perhaps it was a vision for how could Erik be there if he was under constant watch? But he realized that it was no vision. Even though they were separated by a few yards, Tidus saw Erik's thin lips twist into a wicked smile as he raised his hand to reveal...a cell phone. At that moment, Tidus felt as close to dying as he never thought he could and he looked beside him to see that that his cell phone was missing. It must have been so easy for Erik to snatch it up as he walked past. How could he have been so foolish as to leave it lying on the bench beside him after it had brought him the voice of the girl he loved to his ear! The girl he loved...what if Erik had been behind him while he poured out his soul to this same girl. He must have but how long was he there?

He looked up in despair, understanding the misery Victor must have felt, and Erik disappeared from view as a bus drove past. It did not stop but when it had past, Erik was gone. Tidus was frantic! Had Erik grabbed hold of the bus as it sped past him. Tidus had to find him. Fast! Not knowing for certain why or to what purpose, he ran down the street chasing after the bus, hoping to catch Erik before his fear of what he'd say when he did, caught up with him.

But he would not find Erik for Erik had not gone away with the bus. He had simply withdrawn into the doorway of a shop, his dark attire blending well with the shadows. He watched Tidus disappear around a corner, shaking his head. What a fool! To put passion before sense. Erik sighed, perhaps his little bit of mischief wasn't so funny after all. He glanced down at the cell phone in his hand. It wasn't fair. Why did Tidus have someone who loved him while he did not. Why was it that his family could hate him and he could not return it with a vengeance. He didn't feel any thing for his family but he couldn't find it in him to wish them ill, except maybe for Electra. Was he what everyone said he was? If he wasn't, then why should they hate him?

He couldn't put up with this much longer. He had to end this. Surely his family would not miss him and they would probably find life much better with out him. He remembered the discussion between Remus and Tidus. Perhaps if he were gone, the family would settle there differences. Even Arianna would not miss him much. Why would she need him when she had someone like Remus to look after her. He remembered the alarming desire to stretch out his hands and grab hold of Remus' neck when he spoke of marrying her but now that he thought about it, he'd make a good husband to her and they were perfect for each other. How could he ever have thought that she could be happy with a scorpion. If she'd ever shown any affection to him it was probably out of pity. Yes, he couldn't delay it any longer but he had to see her one last time before all his troubles disappeared forever. He'd see her at the masquerade and perhaps he'd give her a letter confessing everything he felt for her with instruction not to read it till it was too late for her to do anything about it.

He suddenly realized that he had been walking aimlessly around town and that he had gotten a little lost. Had night really descended so quickly? He wandered around a bit more until he recognized one of the stores. Was it coincidence that he had found the store he had gone to for his costume? Whether it was or not, he thought he might as well go and see if it was ready.

"Is everything to your satisfaction?" The store clerk asked eagerly as Erik studied his reflection. He showed no emotion but he was pleased with how he looked. No one would laugh at him now or ever again.