The ride was boring and silent. Shigure would glance into the rearview mirror occasionally to see his "charge" staring blankly out the window. He was nervous. How would he explain this to Hatori? And how were they going to explain Tarja?

"How much further?"

Shigure sent a goofy smile his way and chuckled. "Another half hour, Akito. Would you like me to turn the radio on?"

The boy glared over at the dog before returning his attention to the scene flying by. "Don't you dare. I don't want a headache so early in the morning. I'm already feeling sick."

"I'll make sure Hatori takes care of you right away," Shigure assured.

"I knew I could count on at least you, Shigure."

Tarja rolled over in bed and squinted into the sunlight. She heard voices coming from outside the room.

The door opened and Hatori entered. "We have a bit of a problem," he said. There was an uneasy look in his eyes.

"What is it?"

"Akito's coming."

Tarja blinked sleepily. "He's the head of your family, right?" Hatori nodded.

"He's not in a good mood either, and I'd rather he not learn of you just yet. He could punish us all for letting someone else know about the curse and not telling him."

"He's that bad?" Hatori could not meet her eyes and she knew it was important. She sighed. "I suppose no one would really notice a wolf running around the woods for a while eh?"

"What's this about a wolf?" Hatori froze at the voice. No way they could have arrived already. He turned and faced the young lord.

"Akito," he bowed his head respectfully. The boy looked past the dragon to the Tarja.

"I don't believe we've met," he smiled sinisterly, although he tried to seem friendly. "My name is Akito Sohma."

"I've heard," she said dryly. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm the resident werewolf."

Akito threw back his head. A werewolf? Oh, that was rich! "Really now?" he chuckled. "I'd like some proof."

Tarja grinned and prepared to unleash the beast when Hatori laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Akito," he addressed the boy. "You must not be feeling so well, to travel all this way. Can I assist you?"

Akito switched his attention back to the good doctor. "I've had a migraine all week, Hatori. And I haven't been feeling so well."

Hatori felt the boy's forehead. "You are running a fever. Perhaps you should lie down. I'm sure the car ride was tiring." They continued the conversation down the hall, with Tarja completely forgotten. She slipped out the window and ran smack into Shigure.

"Whoa!" she yelled. "Where did you come from?" He grinned and pointed behind him.

"That way!"

She made to go around him, but he stopped her.

"So you've met Akito?" came his quiet question. She nodded. "Don't think too harshly of him. He is dying after all."

"Dying?" Tarja's eyes widened. That could explain why he'd complain so much about getting sick.

Shigure let his eyes wander to the forest before them. "Yes, it's his destiny to die so we all can live on without the curse. It's all we can do for him, obey his every command."

She nodded. She still felt that it was a bit selfish of Akito, but what could she do about it? She had her own problems to worry about.

The room was silent, with only the night breeze to whistle through the silent halls. He stood shakily and moved the window for more fresh air. He felt nauseated and put a hand to his stomach.

Movement caught his eye out in the forest. As he watched, that girl emerged. What the hell is she doing out there at this time? She walked closer and her eyes came up to meet his. He stood back suddenly.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" she asked, calling up to him.

"I could say the same to you," he shot back. "Why are you wandering about out there anyway?"

"I'm a night owl," she shrugged. "Can't sleep at night. Thought I'd go for a run."

Akito smirked. "Running with the wolves?"

She sneered at him. "I'm the only wolf around here. If there were others I'd take them out."

He admired her ability to stand up to him. He knew there was nothing he could do to scare her into obeying or respecting him. So, he resorted to simply being a dick.

"Why should I believe this bull about being a werewolf?"

"Is it any less feasible than your family's situation?" He sucked in a breath. She knew! He saw her smile evilly into the darkness and disappear into the house.

Slowly, he sank back down onto the floor. His eyes closed…and he fell into a restless sleep.