Author's note:

SnoFlurri - Yeah, reviews would be helpful. ; It helps me see how I'm doing. Also, I'm writing it quickly because I get the ideas and if I ignore it, I'll forget. I have the outline up to Chapter 8 written already.

Super Llama Chick - I liked that line, too. My friend said that was the best line from the whole thing, but there'll be some funny moments coming soon.

Thanks for reading!

Chapter 3

Two weeks later, Shigure was sitting out in front of his house, a book in his hands. It was autumn, his favorite season - he loved sitting outside in the warm air, watching the leaves change colors and dance through the air. The sun felt much softer in this season than it did in summer, though it seemed to have more attitude than spring. He didn't like to admit it, but he was always touched by mother nature's beauty.

Hearing a twig snap, he looked up, seeing someone come down the path. Whoever it was, he or she walked very noisily. As the person got closer, a slight smile appeared on his face. It was Mii, his editor. Shigure didn't have a deadline today, but she was scheduled to bring his preview copy of the book, which was coming out next week. He'd completely forgotten.

He stood as she came down the path, knowing that she was expecting the worst from him today, but since he wasn't supposed to give her anything, the worst he could do was tease her. A goofy smile plastered on his face, he raised one hand to greet her. "Ah, Micchan, I didn't know you were coming."

The woman looked reluctant to be there. "At least you didn't run away this time… here, it's your preview copy." She held out a small package to him.

Taking the package from her, the man peered at it curiously. It had an interesting cover. He hadn't had a chance to preview the cover art, so he told Mii to choose. "What's this supposed to be?"

"It's your book, Shadow…"

"I know, but what's the picture?"

Sighing, she looked at it, then said, "It's supposed to be the shadow of a woman. She's standing under a streetlight, so she looks dark. That's what you said you wanted, sensei."

"Did I really say that? Oh, you must've heard me wrong, your ears really are very bad, Micchan," the man teased.

He hummed to himself as he studied the new book, not even noticing the look on the woman's face. She looked upset, like he'd just made her feel even more depressed than usual. He then raised the hand with the book in it slightly, saying, "Well, I really must be going now, it was nice seeing you again, huh, Micchan? I'll see you at my next deadline." He then walked past her, leaving her on her knees in front of his house. He had one thing on his mind:

Surprise visit.

Reaching the main house, the man opened the gate and let himself in. The inside was beautiful. Since his last visit, the gardeners had replanted the front garden to make it look more like an autumn layout. He hummed to himself as he walked in, seeing the flowers that were more dark red and brown than green. Autumn really was beautiful.

He walked down towards Hatori's office, knowing that he hadn't seen the man in a very long time. Of course, he wouldn't be in his house, since he was working. The man really was a work-a-holic, and needed to take a break once in a while. Shigure didn't seem to realize he caused more stress in the doctor than most.

Shigure knocked on the rice-paper door, a childish grin on his face as it slid open. "Haa-san, long time no…" The door slammed shut in his face. "…see? How rude!" He slowly opened the door, seeing the doctor walking back towards his desk. Shigure opened the door the rest of the way, walking in after the doctor, slipping his shoes off as he did so.

"Haa-san, why do you always act like that? It's as if you don't want to see me!"

Hatori's temple throbbed slightly as he responded, "It's because I don't."

Shigure let fake tears stream down his cheeks. "Haa-san, you're so mean!" With that, he tossed his preview copy on Hatori's desk.

"What's this?" The doctor picked it up, glancing at the back cover's summary.

"It's my newest book. It comes out next week!" Smiling widely, he went over to sit on the couch. "I brought it over to give to Akito. I have a feeling he'll want to see it."

"Why would he?" Although they both knew Akito's secret, they both called her a 'he' where others might hear them.

Smiling knowingly, Shigure raised a finger. "I told him I was dedicating it to him. I have no doubt he's been writhing with curiosity for two weeks."

Hatori shook his head, setting the book aside as he continued to fill out some forms he'd been working on when Shigure'd arrived. "Just don't get a swelled head if he is that curious. It might just be a downer to him."

Shigure smiled slightly, though he didn't respond to that question. He stood, grabbing the book. "I'll call you soon, Haa-san, I think it's about time you gave us a check-up. I really do have to go see Akito now."

Shigure walked out of the room, slipping his shoes off, waving goodbye to the doctor. "Bye, Haa-san!" He then turned, walking down the path to Akito's house.

Akito was currently sitting alone in her room, reminiscing about many things. Her mind had been wandering a lot since Shigure had last visited, and she'd actually read one of his books. It disgusted her. How could he write like that? The stories were all so… disgusting. All these women who fell in love with these men who were already married, and then they ended up getting together anyway. All the books were the same, she'd read the summaries of some others.

Then, there was a knock on the door. She had a splitting headache at the moment, and the noise jarred it back into motion, now eating at her brain again. "Who is it?" Her voice was sharp and meant to sound like she didn't want to be bothered.

The voice that came back made her blink and sit up slightly. "Akito, it's me, Shigure. May I come in?"

Akito hesitated. What did he want? Was he going to rub it in her face that she didn't know what the book was about? Well, what if he'd come for something else? "…Fine."

As the door slid open, the author blinked. It was very dark in there. "Akito-san, may I turn on a light? I can't see in here."

"Do what you want. …I see you learned to knock this time." The retort was meant to sting the author, but he didn't seem phased.

The light flicked on and Akito winced slightly. The light was boring into her skull. She needed an Advil.

"Where's Kureno?" This time it was Shigure who spoke. Akito looked over at him, then said, "He's out. What do you want?"

"Oh, nothing really. I brought you a preview copy of my book." He held the book up, saying, "I thought you would want to see it."

She sat up, grabbing the book a little too quickly. Realizing she seemed too eager, she just set it on the floor in front of her. "Is that all?"

He nodded, a slight smile on his face. He knew she would want to be alone while she read it. "Of course."

"Then leave." She returned to leaning against the wall.

Standing up, he said, "Do you want me to turn off the light?"

She turned her face away from him, saying, "Leave it on."

A knowing smile lit his lips as she said that. "…Of course. See you later, Akito-san." With that, the author left the room.

After a few minutes of staring off into space, the god picked up the book. It was surprisingly thick, much thicker than his other books. She opened it, flicking to the dedication.

Shadow - Dedication

Hello, this is Shigure Sohma. As I wrote this book, my editor suggested that I dedicate it to someone. It has been a very long time since I've written a dedication, and I decided to make this one unique.

Most authors dedicate their books to their parents or lovers or something of the sort - it's so cliché. So, I decided to be different.

This book is dedicated to my shadow - the one who cares but does not. The one who I reach out to but I can never touch.

This book is dedicated to the one who loves one but touches many. The one that cannot be without light but acts only in darkness. The one who loves all but shows only hate.

The shadow will read this book and understand that it is that person who I am talking to. I hope you recognize the various characters in this book, as I have written it solely to you.

Author's note

This is the end of chapter three! I am planning on writing in parts of Shadow in as well, but I can't guarantee that. I'm not good at writing original fictions ;

Please Read and Review to let me know what you think!