Authors Note- Yay. More reviews. I like where this fic is going...kinda taking a break from To Set Them Free right now. Need to retweak it, and such. This chappy is Rin's POV, and sorry if the characters seem OOC. But I have an excuse, since the canon events haven't happened yet. Oh. Sonomi is the name that I made up for Ritsu's mother. She seems like a Sonomi to me.

I awoke to Kureno shaking me, whispering that we had to hurry. "Isuzu, Hatori-san is taking you to stay with Ritsu-san at the onsen. Its too dangerous for you to stay in the main house." I looked at him in confusion. "Kureno-nii, why are you here? Is this some sick joke of Akito's? Where's Haru? He was here. I know it." He gave me a gentle smile, as he handed me a piece of paper. "This is from Hatsuharu-kun. We told him not to come. If Akito finds out that he was here, I don't want to think about what he would do to you. Akito tends to blame you for events concerning Hatsuharu-kun, even if they weren't your fault."

That's the truth. Rather than think that Haru could do any wrong, its easier for him to blame me. I forced him to on many an occasion. It was easier for me too. I put Haru through so much pain. I bet this note is an angry one. I unfolded it to find it was the exact opposite.

Rin-

I'm sorry that I can't be with you right now. As soon as I can, I'll come and see you. You don't have to worry about me anymore. This time, I'll protect you. Akito won't hurt you again. I promise. Aishiteru

-Haru

I started crying as Kureno led me to Hatori-nii's car. God, how could I think that I could somehow live without Haru? I need him here with me. Thankfully, Hatori-nii didn't say anything about me crying. "Isuzu. How long have you been in the Cat's chamber?" He was shocked to hear that I had been in there for two weeks. "When we get to Ritsu's, I'm going to give you an examination. You're far too underweight." I didn't complain, and just climbed into the back seat. I rolled down the window, and saw Kureno begin to leave. "Kureno! I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me! Please tell Kagura and Hiro where I am. But, please, don't let Gure-nii find out. He'll take me back to Akito, I know it." He just nodded, and walked away. Hatori-nii started the car, and we left the main house. Hopefully, I won't have to come back here for a long time.

Hatori-nii and I don't really talk much. We never have needed to. He knows how uncomfortable I feel around most people. But, tonight was different."You need to get your hair evened out. And you'll need clothes. I know how much you dislike traditional clothing, but until I can get Ayame to get you some clothes, you'll just have to suffer. You might learn to like it." Dear God, no! Ayame-nii will try to dress me in something pink and lacy...I shudder at the thought. "Hatori-nii, can you have Kagura get the clothes from Ayame-nii? I don't trust him to pick my clothes. It'll be something bright and perky knowing him."

Somehow time seemed to pass by quicker than usual. Maybe its because I could actually see what time it was, or that I had someone to talk to. Before I knew it, we had reached the Sohma Onsen, home of the two most strangest people I have ever met. Sohma Sonomi and her 'daughter' Ritsu. The zodiac monkey and his mother are kind people, albeit psycho. They just apologize too damn much.

Ritsu was waiting at the front entrance for us. And no, I don't call him Ritsu-nee like Haru. That's just wrong on so many levels. "Welcome, Hatori-niisan, Isuzu-san. Please come this way. We have a room prepared for you, Isuzu-san." Okay, is something wrong with Ritsu? He hasn't apologized yet.

The room that he prepared for me was elegant, and simple at the same time. The furniture was a dark wood, polished so that it shined. A futon lay on the ground, with a pale blue blanket on it. A door was open, leading to the springs that this place was famous for. This is pure heaven compared to my last room.

Ritsu left the room as Hatori-nii prepared his medical supplies. He gave me a full body examination, unfortunately. He muttered to himself the whole time, but quietly so that I couldn't understand what he said. When he was done, he called for Ritsu and his mother. When they entered the room, he just gave Sonomi a piece of paper, and left.

Sonomi almost fainted when she saw me. I haven't looked in a mirror lately, so I have no idea how I look, but I'm assuming its not good.

Then started the fun part. They literally ripped off my robe, and dragged me into the springs. They scrubbed me for God knows how long, and finally rinsed me. It was embarrassing in a way, and yet comforting. They gave me a soft bathrobe to wear as they got ready to cut the rest of my once long hair. Of the things I've gone through in the past two weeks, losing my hair was the worst. I'll never forgive Akito for that, so long as I live.

As I felt the scissors on what was left of my hair, I began crying. Ritsu noticed before his mother, and just pulled me into his arms. No apologies. No words. I held on to him for dear life as I cried for the second time that night. After a while he just let go, and asked, "Isuzu-san? Are you ready to go through this?" I just nodded, and held his hand.

Sonomi was mercifully quick. She had cut my hair into a length that brushed my shoulders, like

Kisa's, but layered around my face. Sonomi gave me new clothes, a simple light green yukata, and slippers to wear. They let me have some time to myself, and offered a phone, so that I could make a phone call.

I thought of calling Haru, but I figure Kagura and her mother must be worried sick about me. I dialed their number and waited for someone to pick up.

It was Kagura that answered the phone. "This is Sohma Kagura speaking." Thank God.

"Kagura? Its me."

She paused. "Isuzu? Where are you? We've been worried sick!"

"I'm at Ritsu's. I'm going to be staying here for a while."

"Why? Why are you with Ritchan?"

"Its not safe for me at the main house, Kagura. Do you want to know where I've been for the past two weeks?"

"Isuzu? What happened to you? You never talk this much."

"Akito locked me in the Cat's room for the past two weeks, Kagura. He put me through hell. Kureno and Haru found me today. They asked Ritsu if I could stay with him, so that Akito won't find me."

"Oh God. Thats it. I'm coming to see you tomorrow Isuzu. I'll bring you your things. Do you want me to tell anyone?"

"No one."

"Okaa-san is home. I have to go. Please take care of yourself Isuzu. You are loved more than you realise. Oyasumi nasai."

"Oyasumi."