Beyond the Darkness

Chapter Eight: A Blatant Filler.

Or better known as Morbidity.

Akito froze as Aiska quickly made her way down the street. Her hesitant eyes glanced his way as she paused. Her eyes once again darted to her watch and once again she raced off, the kimono still draped over her arm. His kimono. Akito's eyes narrowed as she vanished from sight. For the past week Akito had stood by the window, watching as the young woman passed. Each time she would glance towards his window and hesitate before hurrying off. Aiska had been carrying his kimono each time, but had yet to come forward.

'She is afraid of me. Good.' Akito smiled slyly as he turned from the window.

Aiska shook her head as she passed out of sight of the main Sohma house. Each day she had planned to return the kimono to Akito. And each day, she had been running late. Every time she was in sight of the estate, she was unable to shake the feeling that someone was watching her. It unnerved her but she had decided not to get carried away with her paranoid delusions. She merely desired to get on with her life, as Romiko seemed to be doing with her new job. As she had stated, Shigure was not the kind of person to follow an agenda, much like Romiko.

Lost in thought, Aiska stumbled slightly, her eyes cast down as she paused, resting against a nearby tree for a moment.

'Damn it!' She swore, the world swimming slightly around her. The nightmares had progressively been getting worse, and Aiska was finding it increasingly difficult to sleep.

'At least Romiko wasn't here to see that.' She smiled wryly to herself.It was not that Aiska was trying to keep the dreams from Romiko; it was merely that they simply didn't bear discussion. Aiska shivered, the shadows of the previous nights replaying in her mind as the haunting images danced around her, laughing and jeering.

Life at the teahouse, her job, had been a rather pleasant distraction in comparison with the ongoing nightmares. Yet ultimately, Aiska did not care much for her job. She did what needed to be done, and that was all there was to it really. She was capable of putting up a front for the customers she served, a smiling, cheerful young lady who enjoyed her job and life in general. But she knew it was a lie. It was menial and almost pointless, Aiska was well aware of that. And yet, if she were to sit at home each day, she knew the repercussions would not be worth it. It had been Romiko who had dragged her from her original stupor but introducing Aiska to a world she had spent her life condemning.

'Normal people do this kind of thing every single day. If they can do it, I can do it.' Aiska scolded herself as she gathered herself and continued on her way.

Hurrying home later that evening, Aiska was still unable to shake the sense that a dark gaze was following her every move. She quickly risked a glance to the nearby window of the Sohma estate only to find a young man silhouetted by a flicking candle flame. He was leaning against the window sill, head resting on his hands as he seemed to watch her, hardly concerned by the fact he had been spotted.

'What a weirdo.' She snorted, thankful as she passed from his sight.

As Aiska dragged herself up the stairs and slid the door open, a wonderful aroma reached her nose.

"What's this? Something smells delicious! Did you get home early?" Aiska exclaimed as she kicked her shoes off in the hallway. Romiko smiled as Aiska wandered into the kitchen, following her nose.

"Yup Shigure and I finished a manuscript today. So we gave ourselves an early mark."

"So what's this one about?" Aiska knew Romiko was simply dying to tell her all about it.

With delight, Romiko launched into a detailed description over dinner, which Aiska hardly listen to. She had learnt very quickly in their friendship that some moments, such as now, it was simply best to just let Romiko prattle on. Although, Aiska did catch something about a collaborative partnership, which was developing between Shigure and Romiko, and as she carefully studied Romiko, she was sure of a subtle lift in her best friend's demeanour.

"Aiska… Aiska… Aiska, are you listening to me?" Romiko's voice finally managed to cut through her thoughts.

"Sorry, of course I was! I just didn't catch the last bit." What ever Aiska believed she saw in her friend's eyes was lost as she tried in vain to convince Romiko that she has been listening.

"Don't think you can get away with not telling me what all these nightmares are about by pretending you're not listening, because it wont work. Aiska Tokari, I'm warning you!" Romiko's glare sent waves of guilt crashing down onto Aiska forcing her to speak.

"Romiko, I honestly don't know what the nightmares are about. All I ever really see are shadowy figures that circle me. They never speak, and they never approach. They all just hang back, watching me with their faceless expressions."

"Did you know you often sleep talk as well?" Romiko frowned as Aiska's eyes widened. "I think it's a name, but I can never catch it. And sometimes I wake up hearing you moaning, like you're in pain or something. I really think you should tell Hatori before they get any worse."

"No. Not yet. They really aren't that bad." Aiska attempted to sound convincing.

"Well… alright. But if they get any worse I am going to call Hatori wether you like it or not." Romiko poked her playfully. "Now I think we've got a date with a certain lightsaber wielding hunk tonight and we wouldn't want to be late for that!" She laughed merrily as she danced around the room, DVD in hand.

Two hours later and the two friends stumbled towards their beds, exhausted after screaming over their movie.

"Ah, hot guys always hit the spot."

"Goodnight Romiko" Aiska laughed.

The night was strangely cold, as opposed to the usual crisp evening air and thankfully the two snuggled deep into their blankets. It was not long before the two drifted into a deep slumber.

Gasping, Aiska gulped for air as she tried to steady her racing heart. Gradually her pulse slowed and her eyes adjusted to the darkness. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Romiko sleeping soundly. At the same time she cursed under her breath, knowing all fresh attempts at sleep would be pointless. As quietly as possible, Aiska slipped from her bed and padded downstairs, praying she would not wake Romiko since it was the first decent nights sleep she's probably had in a while. She shivered slightly and flicked the heater on before easing the blinds open. With a smile she paused, watching the snow sprinkle down, coating the trees in a powdery coating, almost like icing sugar. She found herself staring at a nearby calendar, and with a gasp realised what she had been neglecting for the past few weeks. Aiska slid a nearby drawer open and pulled out her medium sized ruby velvet diary. She carefully seated herself at the table and, with pen in hand, opened the book to a new page, where she began to write.

Age: 20. Time: 3:10am.

As one can guess, heart is still beating. Quite a surprise really as have been unable to cure latest cold. Chest pains still coming at constant intervals, usually mid afternoon. Have seen a doctor, who is part of the family who owns the house we rent. House is beautiful and have been here now for about three weeks. The Sohma's, however, are strange ones. Romiko is working for a Shigure Sohma, an author. She is typing for him while his hand is 'injured'. Employment will therefore be long term, from what I've gathered. All Sohma members seem nice so far. Met the head of the family, Akito Sohma. Strange man. Surprisingly young but has some issues. Serious issues. Walk past their estate to get to work (which is mildly entertaining but mostly dull, pointless work) and get the distinct impression someone is watching me. Cannot tell whom. Looks kind of like Akito, but it is hard to tell. Don't know why the head of the house would be watching me though. Perhaps he is some kind of pervert. Or perhaps a stalker? No, that doesn't bear thinking about.

Winter in Japan surprisingly cold at the moment, but still beautiful. Everything is settling down nicely, with the house and with the neighbours, some more members of the Sohma family. A surprisingly large family it would seem, and with some strange secrets. Was told not to say anything, so won't write it down. Just take my word for it, they've got some hell of a secret!

I am also having some seriously disturbing nightmares, and they're always exactly the same, with a shadowy figure standing over me, merely mocking me with its presence. It ignores all questions and merely stands there watching me. Occasionally it might also circle me. The dream is most upsetting, although I'm not quite sure why I'm so afraid during the ordeal. Every time I seem to wake up with a cry, or even screaming. I get the feeling there's a part of this dream that I simply cannot remember, or perhaps don't want to remember. It is hard to tell. Romiko wishes me to tell Hatori, my doctor, but I'm not too sure. After all, what can he really do for me? Other than attempt to keep me alive for a little while longer. Good intentions, I know, but ultimately it amounts to the same outcome. I am going to die. Too early for my liking. But what can I really do? Nothing, that's what. Every day should be a blessing, but sometimes it doesn't seem like that.

I may only ever update this journal of mine every year or so, but the story never seems to change. I go from one day to another asking myself, 'Will today be the day? Will I never see the dawn again?' But each day ends and begins anew and here I remain. I feel so pessimistic, so morbid. And yet… my heart still goes out to Romiko. It is cruel of me to befriend her like this, and to leave her the way I will have to. I am left with no choice, and yet, I do not feel strong enough to carry on by myself anymore. Have I grown accustomed to having her by my side? Too dependent, probably. But she is so dear to me, and now the thought of being alone, even now, is too daunting for me to handle. Romiko worries too much. About the dreams at the moment. I do not wish her to worry, but I cannot lie to her either. They scare me. And yet, I cannot tell why. Romiko is not sleeping all that well either. I hate keeping her awake like this, which is why I am thankful she did not wake this time. She needs her rest at the moment, so I am content to stay up and write.I hope Romiko finds herself someone while I am still alive. I wish to see her in capable hands before I can rest. It is my true wish for her. It seems the least I can do, after all. I want to know that she'll be taken care of when I'm not here to keep an eye on her anymore.

I shall write more on the Sohma's another time, if I am given that long. Especially Akito. That man is surely hiding something. I should know, I used to be like that too. Still am to a degree, I suppose.

Oh well, until death takes me…

Aiska…

Aiska let the pen fall from her fingers, watching as it rolled off the book and onto the table before coming to a halt. With a sad smile, she closed the book and slid it back into its drawer just as Romiko staggered into the room, managing to stub her toe on the table in the process.

"Good morn…ow! That hurt! Morning. Been up long?"

Aiska quickly glanced to the clock, 'Eight o'clock.'

"No, not really." She smiled, thankful Romiko didn't seem to suspect anything as she rose to prepare breakfast.

"Are you going to return that kimono today? You have had it for about three weeks now." Romiko asked after noticing it hanging on the nearby hall tree.

"Oh yes! I'll leave early today and do that before I forget again. I've been taking it with me for the past two weeks! But each day I end up running late, and haven't gotten out until late. But today I'll definitely return it." Aiska nodded with determination as she passed a plate to Romiko. "Make sure I don't forget!"

"Will do."

I just lost my other line... points to the thing above How odd.

Yes it's a filler!A rather pointless filler chapter that needs to be there for a variety of annoying reasons! This author does appologise, and she also appologises for the shortness of this chapter and for theblatant removal ofYuki, Kyo and Tohru from the story. They are irrelevant characters, that'sall. I still love them! I promise the next couple of chapters will be good. I can't wait to write them! Cheers all...