A/N - Aieee, I completely forgot about this! ;-; Sumimasen! PLEASE forgive me! X-X --grovels like Ritsu-- Sorry it's short, too.

Over the next few weeks, Tharaide and Misaya became well-known and well-liked among the humans at Shigure's house. Shigure soon found himself being attracted to Tharaide, wanting to spend time with her, find out more about her. Reluctantly at first, she obliged him, even taking meals with the Sohmas and Tohru, despite Misaya's disapproval.

"I've never seen anyone with such sadness in their eyes," Shigure said quietly one evening. "And I… I don't know why, I just wish I could comfort her somehow. I know it sounds… foolish."

Hatori looked at him. "Perhaps." He looked up at the stars. "She… is an interesting person. There must be some deep sorrow in her past… something that I don't know if even we could comprehend."

"I wish I could find out… help her. You don't believe her story about being an electrician, do you?"

"Perhaps…" He shook his head. "In any case, Shigure, don't let this girl entangle you. It would be a danger, you know that, and I don't want any of us to meddle in things that don't concern us."

"At least you must understand something of what I'm feeling," whispered Shigure, his voice barely audible. "No matter how guarded you are, my friend."

"Are you getting anything?" said Tharaide anxiously as Misaya cast the seeking spell. His eyes were closed, his face taut with concentration, his arms raised slightly.

"Not a thing," he said slowly, anxiously. "It doesn't seem right…"

Slowly he opened his eyes and looked back at her. "I'm worried about this, Tharaide… it's taking far longer than it should."

Tharaide sighed. Her intuition told her that this mission was far from ordinary. And Shigure. It was painful being around him, especially when she could see that he remembered nothing of her, but somehow it eased the pain at the same time. Gave her the strength to carry on with this mission. When she left, she knew her heart would break again.

"Keep searching, then," said Tharaide quietly, turning to leave.

Without really knowing why, she wandered up to the higher slopes, along the edge of the cliffs. The sun was setting.Then she gave a small gasp as she realized she was not alone there. She walked down to the very edge, a few feet away from where Shigure stood, and watched the sun set wordlessly.

"Tharaide," said Shigure, startled. "I didn't expect…" He trailed off as he realized she was quietly sobbing. He strode over to her side. "What is it? What's wrong?" They turned to face each other.

"Shigure… I…" She lifted her tearstained face to meet his eyes.

"Please…" He took her hands in his, his eyes filled with worry and empathy. "I want to help you. It's okay…"

Tharaide took a deep shuddering breath and stepped back, shaking her head wordlessly, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she whispered, continuing to move away from him. Then abruptly, she stepped back over the edge of the cliff and disappeared.

"Tharaide!" shouted Shigure, horrified. He dashed to the edge and looked down, but she had vanished. After searching the foot of the cliff, he assumed she must have landed unhurt and run off.

Tharaide landed in the woods, her wings receding into her back, and she grimaced in self-rebuke. "Stupid, stupid…" she murmured to herself, giving a deep sigh. "If only…"

Back at the house, Shigure was in his study, working on yet another manuscript. Suddenly the door opened. He glanced up, expecting to see Mii; his editor was usually the only one who ever entered that room. He was startled to see Tharaide. He got to his feet quickly and went to greet her.

"Tharaide… you're okay…" He stepped back a little, wanting to hug her in relief and resisting the urge. If she didn't kill him for it, Akito would for allowing himself to transform in front of her. And more than anything, he didn't want her memory to be erased. "I'm… sorry."

"No, don't be," said Tharaide, lowering her head. "I… I know how you feel… And I wish… but… we can't…" She looked into his eyes, distraught. "Please understand," she whispered, and then left.