Akito's Audience room-
Akito-
They all stared at Akito, but he wouldn't regret his decision. Ithadn't been a hard decision for to make, even though he knew it wouldn't be popular. He would keep them close to him. As he'd known they would, they'd all obeyed, even Yuki. Yuki who'd been so rebellious lately had acquiesced without a battle and even stayed behind after Kagura and Kyou had carried the unconscious Uotoni-san from Akito's house. That had been quite the scene.
"Hatori," Akito said, sternly. "She's your responsibility, now. You must look after the baby." It wouldn't happen again. He wouldn't have the next head of his house raised by someone like Ren.
Hatori nodded and stood, following Kagura and Kyou to where they would keep Uotoni-san. There would be details to see about all that, but Shigure would…no. Shigure was gone. Akito would have to take care of the family by himself. "Yuki?"
"Yes?" Yuki didn't look happy to stay behind and he wasn't alone in it. While he wasn't too obvious about it, Hatsuharu dawdled behind the others, keeping and eye on Yuki. It was good to have such a loyal friend.
Akito stood, not too sure how to do what he wanted to do. "I'm sorry." It hurt to say. Akito's felt his chest tighten and the moment it did, he remembered all the things he done to Yuki and he knew how awful he'd been.
(We weren't awful. We were trying to protect him.) Akito's reflection told him. (We did everything we could to protect him. We can still do it. He can be kept safe in that room. Just imagine, there have been three deaths already. We may wake up and Yuki could be dead. If he runs away again the killer may find him and leave his body in some filthy alley.)
Yuki patiently waited while Akito listened to himself speak, showing no emotion at all. Yuki could be so cold.
"You'll stay, won't you?"
"You've ordered it." Yuki replied, blandly. "Kyou told me Honda-san and Kagura found a body in the forest near Shigure's house. My brother and Ritsu found a body at the Hot Springs. Then there's Ayame's shop and that poor woman. I can understand your concern."
He didn't sound happy. Why didn't he sound happy? Akito bit the inside of his cheek. He wanted Yuki to like him…to trust him, but he had no idea how to do it. Talking had to be part of the key. Shigure was always talking and he got everything he wanted. "Will you stay with Ayame?"
"The Rat's house should suffice." But saying that, Yuki looked even more depressed and turned his eyes away from Akito. Why did he always look sad?
"Hatsuharu," Akito looked at the lingering ox. "Go on. Get going. You, too, Kureno. Go away for a while. No! Wait! Kureno, bring Kazuma to me. I need to speak with him."
Yuki-
Of course, Kureno didn't object to the order but obeyed instantly and quietly left the room. With luck, he not only left the room, but was on his way to see Uotoni-san. It was more than surprising to find out that Uotoni had gotten pregnant, but it was astounding that it was Kureno who was responsible for the pregnancy. True, Yuki had never known the rooster well, but he'd never thought that Kureno's eyes would turn away from Akito for even a moment. How many times had Yuki gone to Akito's rooms and seen still, obedient Kureno kneeling at the feet of Akito? How many times had Yuki hated Kureno for looking so pleased about it? Yuki still despised Kureno for fawning over the head of the house. When Akito caused such pain, why should Kureno be happy to sit at Akito's side and unthinkingly carry out whatever whim crossed the head's mind? But Yuki had been happy with Akito, once, also.
Hatsuharu had a little more difficultly in leaving Yuki alone, but he also left hesitantly and closed the door behind him with a worried look.
When they were alone, Akito reached his arms out. "Let me hold you. Like when you were younger. You sat in my lap, once."
Yuki swallowed hard. He didn't want to, but…part of him did. It was all part of the whole messed up Zodiac thing. He went to Akito and knelt in front of him. As Akito still sat on the raised portion of the floor and Yuki knelt on the lower part, it put him lower than Akito. It was good, psychology speaking. Akito liked to think himself above everyone else. "That was a long time ago."
"But I remember it well." Akito put his hands on Yuki's shoulders and pulled him close until Yuki put his head on Akito's lap. "You were always so little. When Yahiko brought you back from the hospital you were tiny. I thought you might break. I held you when you were born. I remember that day. Shigure was sick. I was so happy to have you."
Despite their history and despite his better judgment, Yuki was glad to be so close to Akito. For just a moment, it felt right. He felt safe and protected. Stupid. Yuki told himself even as he let Akito pat his hair. Nothing will change. It'll be just like before. That room…him following me everywhere…hurting…' But Yuki didn't try to move. It was like that for all the Zodiac, not just Yuki. Logic had no place for them, not with Akito. "What are we going to do about school?"
"I don't know. Does it matter? Just quit."
Yuki thought about his dream of going to university and how much he'd been looking forward to it. "Yes, Akito. What did you need to speak with Kazuma-sensei about?"
"What did Honda-san call her? Uotoni-san? Yes. I want Kazuma to go to Uotoni-san's family and speak with them. She belongs to us, now. They can't have her back. At least, not right away. They can have her later. He's not one of us so I don't have to confine him here, but he knows everything." Aito held Yuki closely and put his cheek on the top of Yuki's head while stroking Yuki's back. "You look like Hatsuharu."
"I'm wearing his clothes. I haven't been able to get home, yet."
"Ayame will make you new clothes. Ask him."
Yuki sighed.
"What is it?"
"I don't…" Yuki stopped speaking. "Nothing. It's nothing. I'll ask my brother when I leave you."
Akito squeezed Yuki a little harder. "Are you afraid of me?"
The Zodiac were uncomfortable lying to Akito and it showed in the way Yuki squirmed in Akito's arms. "I know you're better, now."
"But you don't want to be here."
"I should go. I've never been in the Rat's house. I'll have to clean it." Yuki prayed that the house was filthy. It would be an honest use of his time to clean it if he wasn't allowed to leave the estate. After he'd spent nearly a year in glorious freedom at Shigure's house, coming and going as he pleased, how bitter it tasted that he was once again imprisoned. This time, it wasn't he alone, but the whole family trapped and at least he wasn't locked in a single dark room. Yuki didn't think he'd be able to stand that, again. While he'd never hoped to escape Akito entirely, the recent events had made Yuki rethink his relationship with several of his family members, Akito being one of them. Once, he hadn't feared Akito. Once, he'd actually have called Akito his friend.
With a gentle hand, Akito stroked Yuki's hair and gave a contented sigh. "You understand that it had to be done. I can't let you just wander about? Not with a killer out there. It's too dangerous."
"They'll come here - to the estate. Especially if they know we're all here."
"I know. Better to die here than out there. Better to die with family than alone."
I don't want to die at all. Yuki could only too well remember the night he'd been taken to Shigure's house, when Hatori had carried him out of his foster parent's house. The dull ache of loneliness and the despair of feeling totally helpless. How he'd wished to end the darkness surrounding him, to do anything that might bring some light into his heart. Yuki had stolen cigarettes from Hatori and baited his foster father until the man had struck him hard enough to lay Yuki out. Locked in his bedroom, out of fear that Akito would hear what they'd done to him, Yuki had felt the asthma painfully grip his lungs and squeeze. He'd wanted to die that night. He's tried to encourage the asthma with the cigarettes and ignoring his inhaler. Hatori was too good of a doctor, though.
Yuki didn't move to get out of Akito's embrace, though. He stayed as still as he possibly could. "Akito, how do you know Uotoni-san carries the next Head of the family?"
"I just do." His voice was dreadfully quiet. "I'm going to die in seven months."
Yuki jerked as if he would pull away, but stopped himself and made himself go still again.
"My soul will be given to Uotoni-san's baby. I will die at the moment of that child's birth. That's the way it works. Kyou won't be able to save me. It's too late."
Yuki had never seen what happened when a Head of the family died, but he knew Hatori and Ayame had lived through it once before. Akito was right, from what Yuki had been told. There was no choice, anymore. Nothing he did would save him. The new baby was a signal that it really was Akito's time to die and Yuki had no words of comfort. He didn't know what to say.
Akito abruptly released Yuki from his hold. "Don't say that! Don't ever suggest that! I don't want to hurt a baby! I don't!" Akito paused. "We don't want to die. We've never wanted to die. We want to live and be happy just like everyone else." He let out a sob. "I'm not going to hurt a baby!"
Frightened, Yuki pulled away and tensed. It was jut like it was before. Nothing had changed, nothing at all. All Count D's promised miracles had amounted to nothing more than a prolonged life for Akito. Yuki inched himself backwards and swallowed hard when Akito noticed the movement. He wanted to stay and calm Akito, but Yuki had never had Shigure's courage or gift for words. "I should go now."
"No!" Akito lurched forward and took hold of Yuki's arms and held him in place. "Don't leave! Don't go!" A light flared into his eyes and his grip on Yuki's arms loosened, though he didn't let go. "Please, where's Shigure?"
"I don't know." When he said it, Yuki felt his throat clench, as if to keep the words from escaping. He thought that perhaps it would have been better if he'd lied. If he'd said something that would have pacified Akito… "I'm sorry. I don't know. Kyou said he's not at home" Yuki felt like he was frozen. For more than a year, he'd stayed away from Akito and his flares of temper and unpredictable moods and now it was like history repeating. He was alone with Akito and couldn't protect himself.
Akito's hands tightened, then fell away from Yuki's arms. He sat back as if he were pulling himself away from Yuki. "You can go, now. It's late, isn't it? The moon's bright tonight." He looked out onto his dark garden and pulled his robe a little closer to his neck. "Shut the doors, Yuki. Hatori says I mustn't catch a chill."
Yuki ran from the room and found Hatsuharu waiting for him outside. "Haru? I thought you'd gone with Rin."
"He did." Rin spoke from just beside the door, making Yuki jump. "Looks like he is mellowing out." She pushed the door closed without moving from her spot and shared a look with Hatsuharu. "Come walk with us. You're pretty lucky, I suppose. Most people would think so. You know, the whole family talks about the lucky prince. Isn't that your nick-name at your school? Even there you're the lucky brat everyone loves."
"Rin…"
"Shut up, Haru." Rin snapped. "I'm not trying to be mean, I'm making a point." She didn't speak again until they were well out of Akito's house and a fair distance away. "Shigure ran this family."
"What?"
"For such nice guy, you really are self-centered. Open your eyes and look around once in a while. Your self-pity is nauseating. Didn't you ever wonder why Shigure paid so many visits to Akito? He was the one who handled business for Akito and advised him on pretty much everything. He was the one who took you away from your foster parents. Shigure made up all the lies our family has fed the police over the years and fixed the little legal details for the family. Now, he's gone." She turned suddenly and stopped walking, making Yuki nearly walk into her. "You've got a position in this family, whether you want it or not. Akito loves you and he makes sure the whole family knows it."
"So?" It wasn't as if he'd asked for any of it. If he'd had his way, he'd be like Ritsu and be nearly ignored by Akito. Now that would surely be the best place in the family.
"So," Rin's eyes flashed dangerously as if she were having a great deal of trouble keeping her temper. "There are things you should think about. You think everything's all better now? We're all trapped here and now," She looked over Yuki's shoulder to where they'd come from. "Now Akito knows he's only got seven months left to live. They know there's a problem." She jerked her thumb over her shoulder to where Yuki could see Ayame and Hatori walking briskly away to where Yuki presumed Uotoni-san had been taken. They walked very close together and where speaking very rapidly. "With Shigure gone, someone's got to take care of the details."
Yuki put his arms around himself, as he often did when he was feeling insecure, and met Rin's eyes boldly. "You have a point?"
He thought she might attack him at that. Hatsuharu had stepped beside Rin and lightly touched her arm with the tips of his fingers. It was enough to hold her back and Rin told Yuki, "The point is that you're qualified. You have the authority with the family. The rest of the Zodiac will listen to you if you speak sensibly. The normal Soumas will listen because they all know Akito adores you. As for the legal papers, all you have to do is have an adult like Kureno or Hatori put his signature on those."
"I'm not Shigure." He'd honestly had no idea that Shigure had done so much for the family. How could he have missed something like that?
"No shit. As if we need two of him!" Rin snorted. "I tell you, you're the only choice. You think Akito will listen to me? Considering the way he's treated Kisa and myself?"
"I'm just a kid." Yuki tightened his arms around himself. "There are others who could do it."
Rin's eyes narrowed. "In Akito's eyes, you're an adult and we both know his is the only opinion that matters. You're over ten, after all. Who would you rather leave it to? Your brother? You want him having a say on what goes on in the family? Maybe you want him signing contracts for Akito? We'll have the whole family fortune tied up in silk ribbon and pretty shoes. Hatori? Don't make me laugh. He's a good man, but he hasn't had time to sleep in days and it doesn't look like that will change any time soon. He's barely got time to eat let alone help run the family. Who else is there? Kyou? Haru? That would be just begging for a disaster."
"Shigure's only been missing for a day and a night. It's not as if he's been gone years."
"And we don't have years to wait." Rin told Yuki. "This decision has to be made now! We all know that Shigure never went anywhere. He was always either at his house or at the estate. Now, he's just gone. Who knows when he'll come back. We don't even know if he'll come back. Face it," From her expression, Rin hated saying it. "We need you."
Logic was on Rin's side, but that logic made Yuki want to throw up. How did it happen that HE was supposed to be responsible for the family?
Rin tossed her long black hair over her shoulder and started walking away. "You think about it. Now that he knows he'll die in just a few months - you mark my word - Akito will only get worse, no matter what Kyou does. He will need someone to take care of business and we need someone to persuade him to do the right thing."
What was it that Akito had said while Yuki had been with him? Hadn't he said that he didn't want to hurt the baby? But it was possible that he would. If he pushed Uotoni-san as he'd pushed Rin out of the bathhouse window or even just shoved her into the wall as he'd shoved Kisa then he could seriously hurt or even kill the baby. Rin was right. Someone would have to protect the family from Akito.
When Rin had gone, Haru poked Yuki's arm. "I'll be here."
"What?"
"If you need me, I'll be here. Momiji, too. Hiro's smart and he's already told us he'll help. You aren't alone." Hatsuharu smiled. "I know Rin's has a bit of a poisoned tongue, but she means well. She'll help if you need her. "
"Thanks, Haru." Somehow, even the support of his family wasn't enough to make Yuki stop dreading the idea that he was the one who was supposed to protect the family. Shouldn't that duty fall to someone strong?
Yuki pushed the thought to the back of his mind. Haru and Rin were right, as much as Yuki hated the thought. Who else could he put in the position of taking care of Akito? As much as Yuki feared Akito, he knew he could handle the job. He was pretty sure he could handle it. Maybe…
Regardless, Yuki had a house to get ready before the night was out. The Rat's house was one place Yuki had never been in. His foster parents had never liked him to go anywhere without them and they'd barely ever mentioned that he even had a house. Probably worried that I'd press for my rights to be an adult. Thinking of being entirely alone in his own house, for some reason, didn't please Yuki. He knew, without a doubt, that Tohru wouldn't be permitted to stay at the estate overnight. That would be too much to ask from Akito.
The thought stopped Yuki in his tracks and he wanted to slap himself.
"Something wrong, little brother?" Ayame glided up to Yuki, but stayed a few feet away. He seemed more subdued than normal. It was no wonder when so much had happened, but it did seem unnatural for Ayame to be so quiet.
"I was just thinking that I should say goodnight to Honda-san before she leaves for the night. I don't know where she's going to go. It'll be too dangerous for her to stay alone at Shigure's house."
"I'm sure she'll be fine. What did Akito want you for?"
He wanted to pet me, just sounded too strange. Yuki shrugged. "The usual."
"I see." Ayame looked down one of the paths, then back at Yuki. "The Princess is with her friend, that darling tall girl. They're at the guest house. If you hurry, you can catch her before 'Tori sends her away. Don't look too upset. Think of it closely. If these killers are targeting our family, it's safer for her to be away from us."
"I suppose so." How strange to hear Ayame talking sensibly. "Do you think everything will be alright?"
Ayame didn't answer for a minute. "Mine-chan is heartbroken. My dear Leon is grieving. He will sends Jill-san's body home soon. Three people have been killed because of the abused children brought to our home." He looked to where they could only just see Hatori's house, the Dragon's house. "They're all there. All waiting to have their memory examined and, probably, stolen. No matter what happens now, I fear we'll be attacked. Kureno is certain of it. He was one of them. I remember when Hatori removed that dreadful tattoo from his chest. Akito's likely to go back to his old self now that he knows the end is so near." Ayame's hands clenched at his sides. "No, little brother, I do not think everything will be alright. Not now, anyway. Oh!" His face became more animate, more like his normal self. "You mustn't listen to me! I don't want to worry you. You know I'll do everything in my power to protect you."
In the past, Yuki would have scorned such a statement. He would have brushed Ayame off with a sneer and an insult. When he stopped thinking about how hurt he'd been in the past, however, Yuki smiled. Ayame had been making so many efforts to get closer to Yuki, to repair the damage done to their relationship. Maybe it was time that Yuki made some effort, too. "I know you will. I'll protect you too, big brother."
Ayame blinked in astonishment, gaped for a few moments, then smiled in return.
"Does Hatori have a house guest?" Yuki asked, remembering something that he'd nearly forgotten.
"What?"
"When I was at his house earlier, there was a little girl there. She said her name was Hon Ron and that she was a dragon, like Hatori. She knew I was a rat. When I mentioned my brother, she knew you were the snake. She's not family."
Ayame looked up slightly and licked his lips. "The only children who should be there would be the Black Scorpion children. Hatori told Kureno to take them there."
"No. She was the only one there. I must have left his house before Kureno got there. I'll ask Hatori when I see him."
"Hon Ron?" Ayame said, thoughtfully. "Red Dragon?"
Tohru-
Tohru couldn't have been more frightened when Kyou had emerged from Akito's house carrying Uo-chan if there had been a knife at her throat. Kyou didn't speak for a time, but carried Uo-chan through the estate quietly with a definitely unhappy attitude. It wasn't hard to tell that they were all just a little happy to be away from Akito. Tohru hesitated when Yuki stayed behind, but she knew he was strong and he'd be able to take care of himself. After all, Count D had implied that Akito would be alright, now. He wouldn't try to hurt Yuki, again.
When Kyou did speak, they were away from everyone, even from Ayame and Hatori who followed behind. He told Tohru what had happened and that Akito had announced that Uo-chan's baby would be the next head of the house. He told her that the whole family had been confined to the estate, they wouldn't be allowed to leave without Akito's permission. "It's just like old times." Kyou said with a bitter laugh. "We'll all trapped, again."
"Tohru," Kagura spoke softly and tugged on Tohru's sleeve. "How do you think your friend will take this?"
It was hard to tell. Uo-chan was so sensitive and reacted strongly to nearly everything. How could Akito say that Uo-chan's baby would be the next head of the Souma family? Didn't that sort of thing usually pass from parent to child? Then again, the Souma's weren't a usual sort of family.
Out of the darkness, two shining eyes suddenly appeared before Tohru and she squeaked before realizing that it was Hana-chan. "She will not react well." Hana-chan looked at Kagura closely and muttered something about the same waves. "Uotoni-kun is strong, but she was not anticipating this."
Hana-chan walked with them wherever Kyou was taking them, but didn't say another word until they'd reached the guest house. "There's only one guest house on this part of the estate." Kagura said as she quickened her pace to get ahead of Kyou so she could open the door for him. "It's not as if we have many guests here." The house was clean, but empty of all but a few basics. There were places to sit and a large bed, a bathroom and a kitchen, but that was about it. Kyou set Uo-chan down on the bed and backed away when Kagura started to cover her up with a blanket. "Hatori will be here, soon." When she'd finished tucking Uo-chan in, Kagura turned to Hana-chan who had been silent throughout. "You'll have to leave, now." She met Hana-chan's eyes evenly. "You weren't invited."
"Uotoni-kun is my friend." Hana-chan's tone had been lesser people flee in terror.
"Doesn't matter." Kyou added his voice to Kagura's. He looked down at Hana-chan and said, grumpily, "If you don't leave, you'll be taken off the estate. Akito will call the estate guards or the police or…" His voice trailed away for a minute.
"Or he'll have Kyou do it." Kagura spoke up, moving to stand next to Kyou. "Sorry. I don't know you, but you're a friend of Tohru's and I respect her a good deal. I don't like insisting, but you DO have to leave. Uotoni-san is a guest of the family. You are an outsider."
"What happened in there?" As Hana-chan hadn't been asked into Akito's audience chamber, she was just as curious as Tohru about what had happened and why Uo-chan had to be carried out in a dead faint. Hana-chan had always been more observant than Tohru, though. "You said the Head of your family has decided her child will be the next head of your family. Why? Why should your family be confined to the estate?"
"It's not your affair." Kyou told her, firmly. He obviously wasn't happy with having a confrontation with Hana-chan and, judging from Hana-chan's tightly pressed lips, neither was she. "You should keep out of it."
The air in the room became thick, it tickled on Tohru's skin, then became more like an itch. It pressed at her. "I will not…"
Tohru put a hand on Hana-chan's arm and stepped between her and Kyou. "Hana-chan," She gave the best smile she could manage considering all the terrible things that were going on around them. "You don't have to worry. I'll be here and I promise I'll take care of Uo-chan. I'll have her call you when she wakes up. Kagura's a wonderful person, she'll help me." Tohru's words seemed to pacify Hana-chan, but it only made Kagura put a hand on Tohru's asrm.
"Sorry, Tohru-kun." Kagura looked apologetic. "But…ah…you can't stay."
Tohru blinked. She hadn't been invited, either. Why should she be surprised? Of course Akito-san wouldn't change the rules for her. "Of course. It's alright."
"It's NOT alright!" Kyou snarled. "It's not safe at Shigure's house, you can't go back there. Where are you going to go?"
It did pose a problem, but Tohru would deal with it. If nothing else, she'd go back to her grandfather's house and take her place there, if it wasn't too much trouble for them. She would do it even though the thought of living with her aunt and cousins gave her a headache. "I'll be alright and I'm sure I'll be safe. Grandfather said I'd always have a place at his home. I can always sleep on the couch."
"Yeah. You'd better call us every day and come to visit!" Kyou instructed, firmly. He was unhappy with the situation and kept the scowl on his face. "It's probably for the best. I get the feeling something's going to happen around here. Something unpleasant." Kyou shook his head and looked at Hana-chan. "As for the yankee, you don't have to worry. You know I'll do my best for her." Kyou added in. He didn't promise to protect her or keep her safe, just that he would do his best. It was another of the little things Tohru was beginning to notice about the Souma family. Kyou hoped for the best, but he wouldn't lie and tell Hana-chan that everything would be alright. He, like the rest of the Souma's, was too pessimistic. Kyou ran a hand through his hair. "Looking at me like that won't help the yankee. We have a great doctor here."
"And that doctor would like to get to work. You may all leave, now." Hatori walked in and sat at Uo-chan's bedside. "How long has she been pregnant?"
"Only one day." Hana-chan answered.
Hatori frowned. "The baby will be born right around New Year's. Almost precisely at New Year's. Has she mentioned any troubles? Pain or discomfort? Morning sickness?"
"None."
"You're unsurprised by all of this."
"Few things surprise me."
Hatori took Hana-chan at her word. "I see. Young lady, it's late." He stood and gave Hana-chan a polite bow. "I'm certain your family must be worried for you. I'll arrange for a car to take you home." Hatori's message was clear. Hana-chan was unwelcome.
"That will be quite unnecessary."
While part of Tohru was very unhappy that Hana-chan wouldn't be able to stay, she was, in a way, glad. There was so much danger that it would be selfish for Tohru to wish Hana-chan to stay. "It'll be alright, Hana-chan. I'm sure she's fine."
Hana-chan looked at Uo-chan, then at Hatori. "She didn't know she was pregnant. She's frightened. I will return in the morning to see her. If anything has happened…" Her eyes glazed over slightly. "I will make your family regret it."
Hatori took the threat well. "Young lady, your friend's life is currently more valuable than anyone else on this estate. She will be guarded fiercely. She will be fed only the best of food. She will have personalized medical care. She will be exhaustingly well taken care of."
"I understand." Hana-chan nodded and put a hand on Tohru's shoulder. "Dear Tohru, will you be alright?"
Tohru nodded, hoping to calm some of Hana-chan's fears. "I'll be fine. Just fine. I suppose I'll go back home, now and…"
"To go so far in the dark alone is unwise." Hatori interrupted. "I'm sorry that I can't offer to drive you. Kyou or Yuki would walk you there, but…Akito's orders…as it stands, I will find another escort for you."
"Oh!" Tohru waved her hands in front of her. "That's not necessary! Don't put yourself to any trouble. Please, you've all been so busy lately, I'd be happier if you just got some rest. You already have to look after everyone and all those poor children."
"Who told you about them?"
Kyou blushed. "Me. Kagura and I walked Tohru back to Shigure's house earlier and we talked about it then." He looked irritated, then. "It's something she should know! It does kinda involve the whole family and possibly a massacre."
Hatori didn't flinch at Kyou's harsh voice. "I didn't say you were in the wrong. I was merely curious. Yes, I do have to look after the children, Honda-san, but that doesn't mean I will allow you to make your way across half the city in the darkness alone."
"She won't be alone." Hana-chan, always at Tohru's side, stepped closer and put an arm over Tohru's shoulder. "I will be with her. No sane person will dare to raise a hand to Tohru."
Whether he liked it or not, Hatori stared intently at Hana-chan for a long while before nodded. "Very well. See that you call me when you arrive there, Honda-san. You, as well, miss." Hatori handed Hana-chan one of his business cards that he kept in his wallet. "You know my number by now, Honda-san. Allow an old man an unworried night of sleep and let me know you've made it home safely."
Hana-chan and Tohru left quietly, allowing Hatori-san to get on with his work, but as they walked through the estate, Tohru found her thoughts drifting to her mom, again. Her mom, who wasn't her mom. She was adopted. She'd been adopted as a pet. It hurt Tohru to no end that her mom had never told her, but it was sensible. Really, who would have believed such a thing? Mom didn't lie. She just didn't…tell quite the whole truth. It's not the same as lying at all.
All the while that they walked though the estate, it seemed to Tohru that everything was strangely still. There was no noise at all. No one would think anything odd was going on at all. Parents would be putting their children to bed or settling in for a late dinner. No one would think there were killers living on the estate. No one would think that there had been murders so close by.
"Tohru!" Yuki's call took Tohru's attention and she turned to see Yuki walking quickly towards her. He stopped when he reached them and nodded to Hana-chan. "Good evening, Hanajima-san. Tohru, I'm sorry you can't stay. Maybe I could find someone on the rest of the estate to give you a room. I'm not sure…Kazuma-sensei is staying with Kyou at the Cat's house and Ritsu's mother is staying with him at the Monkey's house." He paused. "I really don't know anyone else on the outside. I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for." Of course, Kazuma-sensei and Ritsu's mother would stay with them in the Inner House. It only made sense so there was nothing for Tohru to be disappointed about. "Thank you for worrying for me. Hatori-san has already asked that I call to let him know I've gotten home alright and I'm sure he'll let you know when I do."
"Yes. I'm sure he will. You will remember to call?"
"Sure I will."
The walk to her grandfather's house was mostly silent. Hana-chan had never been one for filling the silence with speech, not like Uo-chan. Though Tohru normally would have filled the silence herself, her mind felt too busy. Little thoughts kept eating at her. She kept wondering if she had, in fact, forgotten to turn off the stove at Ayame's apartment over the store. Maybe she had started the fire. She thought about the photo of her mom which had been neglected in her bedroom since Kyou had been attacked in his bedroom. She hadn't had time to retrieve it.
They arrived at Tohru's grandfather's house all too quickly and Tohru felt a pang that Hana-chan would leave. It would have been comforting to have Hana-chan's cool, composed smile near that night. How much of an inconvenience she would have been to ask Hana-chan such a thing! 'Have to be brave. Everyone else is brave and they're the ones who are really in danger. I can do the same.' Even if Tohru would rather sleep on the streets than with her family. No! I shouldn't think that. They aren't bad people it's just…I'm an inconvenience.
"Tohru," Hana-chan said. "Your waves are clouded. Do you wish to speak? I will listen."
"It's nothing. Really. It's just that I haven't been here for a very long time. And the last time…it didn't go too well. I didn't know anything and I just got in everyone's way." But if she tried harder, she would know where the large dinner platter was kept and she would know which socks were grandfather's and which were her cousin's. She would sleep on the couch so she wouldn't take up her older cousin's bedroom. Hana-chan would be happy to share her room with me. Kagura, too. I know they would. Why won't my own family?
Hana-chan scowled at the house of Tohru's grandfather and Tohru could almost feel Hana-chan's displeasure. "You have no need to suffer them. Stay with me."
"I couldn't." It was kind of Hana-chan to offer, though. Tohru knew she would. "I'm sure grandfather would be hurt if he found out I needed a place to stay and didn't go to him. I should at least visit. He'll think I'm a neglectful granddaughter."
"You trust the Souma's, but I see no reason to." Hana-chan held up a hand to stop Tohru's protest. "I do not understand everything that is going on and I will not pretend that I know why Kyou-kun had been so changed."
Tohru bit back a gasp at that. She'd forgotten that Hana-chan had seen Kyou's new shape. Hatori must have forgotten ,also, or he'd have taken her memory. "You probably shouldn't talk about that."
"I understand. Something is different with this family. Is it any odder than my own family? Megumi and I are not exactly normal, you know. I will say not a word of Kyou's change. At least, not now. I do not understand, but you must promise me," She took Tohru's hand but didn't look at her. "If you or Uotoni-kun need my help you will call."
"I promise. Everything will be fine." Tohru promised Hana-chan. When Hana-chan started to walk away, defeated by Tohru's good-faith in her family, Tohru repeated it to herself. "Everything WILL be fine. I'll make sure of it." She turned her determined face to her grandfather's house and took a step towards it.
"Well, if it isn't the pretty missy."
Ten-chan was suddenly leaning against grandfather's house with his arms crossed over his chest. He'd been very sweet to her at the Petshop - even if he had teased her terribly when she'd woken up with no clothes on - and looked incredibly out of place. His long red braid was hanging over his shoulder, but instead of the elaborate, traditional outfit he'd worn at Count D's Petshop, Ten-chan was dressed very much like Hatsuharu. Black leather shorts and a black silky vest with lots of jewelry around his neck and wrists. Gold bands decorated his arms and glittering jewels hung from his ears.
Tohru smiled, genuinely happy to see him. "Ten-chan! It's so nice to see you again. What are you doing here?"
"Fetching you, pretty missy. The Boss said you were coming by and when darkness fell and you didn't come, well…he's the worrying type. He sent me out to find you."
"But how did you know I'd be here?" She hadn't been at her grandfather's house in months.
Ten-chan winked cheekily and pushed himself away from the house. He swaggered to Tohru and put his arms loosely around her neck. "I didn't. You're so cute. Why hasn't some big, bad predator eaten you up, yet? I didn't find the house. I've been following you since you left the Boss's Petshop."
"But…didn't you say Count D had sent you after I didn't show up tonight? I am sorry about that. I meant to come. Things just sort of happened."
"Hey, no biggie that you missed the appointment. He just wants to be sure you'll show. He's kinda protective of us."
"Us?"
Ten-chan stepped away from Tohru, but kept hold of one of her arms and gave her a little tug. "Us, all his pets. You and me and Tet-chan…all of us."
Tohru felt suddenly uneasy and tried to pull away from Ten-chan. "I'm not a pet."
It only made Ten-chan smile wider and he laughed. "You're cute. Come on. You don't really want to stay here, do you? I heard what you said to that tickly girl."
"Tickly?"
Ten-chan rubbed his hands up and down his arms and rolled his head a little. "It was wonderful! Like swimming in bubbles. She feels unreal! All that aside, we both know you don't want to stay here and we both know you promised the Boss you'd stop by for lessons. No better time than now."
"But, it's late. He'll be sleeping."
Ten-chan shook his head, making his earring shine in the moonlight. "Not him. He's waiting for you. After all, didn't Michael ask you to give the Boss a message?"
Souma Estate-
Hatori-
Hatori held a cigarette in one hand, but hadn't put it to his lips or lit it. Time to stop the filthy habit. Ayame wouldn't like his hair to smell like smoke and it surely wasn't good for Momiji to be inhaling second-hand smoke. Then…there was the baby to consider.
He sat in the guest house at the bedside of Uotoni-san and stared at her. He'd been staring at her for two hours. Inside that girl was his next master. Akito was nearly set to die and the tiny life inside Uotoni-san would rule them. She's just a child. He thought, morosely. Too young for this. Older than those three other girls, those girls from the Pit. I'll have to look in on them in the morning. It made his head ache to think about the children. His house was likely to be littered with children for quite some time. Stealing their memories of Kyou would have to wait, though. He had to speak with Uotoni-san, first.
"Hatori?"
"Yes?" Kagura stood in the doorway and looked over Hatori's shoulder at Uotoni-san.
"You look sad. Is she alright?"
"She's fine. I'm just…remembering." Remembering things he'd rather not. Remembering a time that the children of the Zodiac had never known and, if he had his way, they would never suffer through. "You should sleep. I need to speak with her when she wakes and it's a conversation that really should be held in private. Doctor-patient confidence, if you will."
Kagura, as usual, didn't obey. She came to stand by his side by Uotoni-san. "Tohru's very fond of her. I think she must be a good person. Tohru wouldn't like awful people."
But she liked the Souma's. How good could her judgment be? "We'll see. Where is Kureno?"
"Lurking outside the house. I think he's nervous, but it's hard to tell."
Considering that Uotoni-san was probably the first person Kureno had ever been intimate with? Yes, it would be logical to assume he was nervous. He was about to be a father and what could make any man more nervous? "It will be a hard time for everyone." Not even considering Uotoni-san's obvious fear at impending motherhood, Kureno's look of complete disbelief when he'd heard Akito's earlier announcement, or the looming threat of the Black Scorpion that would attack for the rescued children, there was the fact that something more ominous was approaching. Like a black cloud on a spring day, the child growing within Uotoni-san was likely to cause more havoc for the family than anything else. That child meant that Akito had a deadline - literally. Seven months and he would be dead. Until those seven months were over…
"Hatori?" Kagura put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. "You've been quiet a long time. Are you alright? Momiji told me you haven't had time to rest lately. Do you want to go home and I'll watch over her? I'll call if she wakes up."
It was a sweet offer. Hatori pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and handed them to Kagura. "Throw those away for me." It was time to quit.
Kagura didn't argue, but she didn't look pleased with leaving him. It didn't matter. After she was gone, Hatori craved his cigarettes more than ever. He wouldn't buy more. Stupid habit to start in the first place.
Before Akito, there had been Akira. Hair the color of steel and wild, unpredictable moods. Akira…Hatori's father. The previous Head of the Souma Clan.
The thought of his father made Hatori feel cold, inside. Akito was better than Akira. Hatori had always comforted himself with that thought. The children who feared Akito so terribly had never known Akira. As terrible as Akito could be, he wasn't deliberately cruel, not to his own family. Hatori's last memories of his father, those awful days when Hatori could hear Yuriko-san's screams…The children didn't know how lucky they were. In his own way, Akito truly did love them, even if he didn't know how to show it.
Hatori had a hard time believing that Akira had ever loved his family.
Flashback-
The day after their first day of school had ended so disastrously, Hatori woke up to the sound of shouting. It was strange. Not the shouting. His father was always shouting about something. The strange part was that it sounded like his mother was shouting back.
"It's not! You can't do it!" Hatori's mother screamed. He could almost see the veins in her neck standing out.
"You dare tell me what I can't do?" Akira screamed right back at her. "I am head! I am god!"
"You're a weasel! A damned rat!"
The sound of flesh hitting flesh . "Are you trying to insult me or my rat?" Akira hissed angrily. "Lowly wretch! You're lucky I let you live with your son! My precious dragon!"
"Our son! Ours! You had more than a little to do with him. It's not as if it was my choice. Don't you look away from me! I've put up with you for seven years and now you'll deny me what I've earned? We have an arrangement. You get a child and I get the money!"
A long, tense silence made Hatori feel ill.
"You question me?"
Several minutes went by then the door of Hatori's bedroom swung open and Akira strode in. "Get up. Get up!"
Hatori didn't question, but did as he was told. It was the wisest thing to do, especially when his parents were in this kind of mood. He dressed hurriedly while his father waited in the doorway, tapping his foot impatiently.
"Move! There's no time to waste. I saw her!" He seized Hatori by the back of the throat and dragged him out of the house without even any shoes on. On their way out, Hatori caught a glimpse of his mother sulkily watching them with a glass of brandy in her hand. "We're running out of time and you don't care! You don't even know I…" His voice trailed away and he stopped walking long enough for Hatori to get his bearings. They weren't far from Akira's house, with only a few people here or there. Akira's eyes were on a girl with her hair tied up in a ponytail as she laughed with a friend. It struck Hatori that the girl must have been a normal Souma, for she was not Zodiac.
"Father," Hatori ventured, cautiously. "What's wrong?" It wasn't like Akira to take notice of the normal family, least of all to stare with such undisguised loathing at some girl who was barely an adult.
"Go." Akira shoved Hatori a little bit away from him. "Fetch my puppy. He's in the kennel."
Hatori felt his insides go cold. The kennel, again. Poor Shigure.
Hatori had only taken a few steps before he heard a terrified scream and turned to see his father throwing the girl to the ground. With his face twisted in rage and hate, Akira brought his fists down hard on the girl's stomach, knocking the breath out of her and making her gasp. Without mercy, Akira wrapped his skinny hands around the girl's throat and squeezed. She kicked and hit struggling for all she was worth but couldn't get Akira off her. He straddled the girl and put all of his strength into strangling her until a shout from her friend brought help in the form of Yahiko.
The ox had always been a force to be reckoned with in the Souma family and one of the strongest members of the Zodiac family. Without hesitation, Yahiko tore Akira off the girl by putting his arms around Akira's waist and simply pulling the smaller man off. 'Stop! Stop it!" Yahiko shouted. "Akira, calm down. I'll get rid of her. You'll never see her again, I swear it!"
"Fool! All of you fools!" Akira screeched and clawed at Yahiko's arms, drawing blood in long lines. "I'm dead! I'm dead!"
Hatori watched as the girl was helped to her feet by her friend. Her eyes were wide and tears wet her cheeks. She shook and clung to her friend, staggering away from Akira and Yahiko. Yahiko yelled at the girls to run home while he struggled to calm Akira. Other Zodiac began coming out of their houses - old Junko, the rat, was the first to arrive at the scene - and all helped to calm Akira as much as was possible.
"Seven months!" Akira snarled once Yahiko had released him. "Seven months and I'm dead! That whore carries my replacement! I'll kill her!"
Hatori ran.
He found Shigure where Akira had left him. The kennel was nothing but a small gardening shed, but Akira often used it to punish Shigure. It was where he kept 'bad puppies'. Shigure was tied by the throat to the wall with a length of stout rope. His mouth was swollen and caked with dried blood, his arm hanging awkwardly at his side. It wasn't the first time Hatori had found Shigure like that. For just a moment, Hatori froze and stared at the condition his father had left Shigure in. He turned and looked over his shoulder to where he could still see the crowd of the Zodiac gathered around the raving Akria. He turned back to Shigure's broken body and thought of Toma, alone in the Cat's house. He thought of the girl's horrified face as she stumbled away from Akira. Life had gone from bad to worse.
"Shigure," Hatori walked into the gardening shed, knelt next to Shigure, and began to untie the rope. "It's time to wake up. Shigure."
Shigure groaned and opened his eyes as if the dim light that came in from the doorway hurt. "'Tori?"
"We have to go. Things are going to get bad."
"Bad?" Shigure's eyes didn't look quite right. Maybe Akira had hit Shigure too hard.
"You have to get up. The next Head has been identified. We have to keep father away from the baby'smother. He's trying to kill her."
End Flashback-
No. Akito's mother was not some passing whore who'd been paid to give birth to the next head of the Souma family. That had been a lie - another one - that Ren had told Akito in one of her many efforts to twist his mind. Akito's mother had been a Souma girl. She was a good girl who'd gotten into trouble. Akito's father, some high school boy, had never been told that he was to be a father and never again allowed to see Akito's mother. His mother, almost destroyed by Akira's treatment during her pregnancy, died shortly after Akito's birth.
She'd been hidden during the pregnancy. Stolen away to a local hospital, stuck in unused back room, and occasionally found by the irrational family Head, the poor girl had been beaten many times and suffered depression all through her pregnancy. It was really no wonder that her body had given up in the end.
But it won't happen this time. Hatori thought, focusing on Uotoni-san instead of his memories. This time it'll be right. I hope. If only Akito would keep half-way sane, then there was a chance that it could all end well. As well as it can end. We'll have his funeral just after New Year's and someone would have to be chosen as regent until Uotoni-san's baby was old enough to make its own decisions. Who? Shigure is the obvious choice, when he resurfaces. Shigure. Hatori's eye widened with realization. There would be one person hurt more than anyone else when Akito died. Shigure…I'm sorry.
Well past midnight, Uotoni-san woke up. As Hatori believed in being thoroughly professional in all things, he waited until after her examination before he began the important discussion. Of course, there were formalities. He had to wake Kagura up to make sure there were no improprieties and then assure Uotoni-san that she hadn't been kidnapped at all, they were only worried for her. He also had to promise her that she'd be able to speak with Kureno as soon as he was finished with her.
When the examination was finished, Hatori asked Kagura to leave them and sat in front of a distinctly irritated Uotoni-san. "May I ask your full name? Honda-san neglected to tell me."
"Uotoni Arisa. Now look, I have to go. I'm not hanging around here."
"I'm afraid you must." Hatori told her. "There are guards around the estate and they've all been instructed to keep you on the estate. I am Hatori-sensei, doctor for the Souma family and your personal physician. I have the duty of telling you about your choices. You can either stay here, quite comfortably, or you may leave."
"I'll leave." Uotoni-san made to get up, but Hatori took her arm to halt her.
"I think you may wish to hear what I have to say before you make your decision. If you leave, you will leave only after you've given birth. We will keep the baby."
Uotoni-san's face darkened with anger. "I don't think so!"
Hatori was undisturbed. "But I do. After your child is born, if you chose to leave us I will steal your memories of this family and of the baby. You will return to your home and family and you will never know that you've even had the child. Perhaps that is best for you in the long run. Your life will be easier without a baby to take care of."
"It's mine!"
"Then stay." Hatori wished that she would. Surely, that would make things easier on the child. "We can take care of you. You'll have everything you need for the rest of your life. I must tell you that your child will have the name of Souma and will be raised as the next Head of the Souma clan. There is no choice about that. Your only choice is whether or not you want to be part of your child's life."
She glared. "Some choice. You can't just take my baby!"
"Yes, I can. Many mothers have chosen to forget their children rather than stay with the Souma family. We have dark secrets that you will never be allowed to even whisper about."
Uotoni-san ran a hand through her hair, brushing it out of her face. She was not beautiful, but she did looked strong. Strong and stubborn. Those were good qualities to bring into the Souma family. "What are you gonna do if I just up and leave. You can't watch me all the time."
"But I can drug you."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"I have the knowledge to drug you and keep you…passive…for your entire pregnancy. It won't hurt the baby at all. You must believe me. You won't be leaving anytime soon. Your family will be contacted and taken care of."
"This is all garbage." Uotoni-san snarled. "I don't know who the Hell you are, but…"
"He's Hatori-sensei." Kureno walked into the room and sat by Uotoni-san. "I am a rooster. You didn't imagine it. We are a cursed family, possessed by the vengeful spirits of the Zodiac. When embraced by someone of the opposite sex, we change into our animal. You must decide." Shyly, Kureno put his hand on Uotoni-san's still flat stomach and managed a tiny smile. "A baby."
"Your baby." Uotoni-san told him, firmly. "I swear it's yours."
"OUR baby." They both smiled at each other.
Hatori breathed a sigh of relief. Uotoni-san would be difficult to handle, but no more so than Kyou had been or stubborn Rin. Kureno's support would help her immensely and with luck, she would be content as part of the Souma family. Hatori found himself wondering if he should explain to Kureno the concept of marriage.
Count D's petshop-
Tohru-
Tohru found herself alone as she descended the stairway into Count D's petshop. "Ten-chan?" He'd stepped ahead of her and vanished into the shadows. "Ten-chan? Are you still there?" There was no answer and Tohru had to walk into the Petshop alone. She screwed up her courage and knocked on the door before opening it. "I'm sorry. Did I come at a bad time? Count? Sir?" No one answered, though Tohru had a terrible feeling of being watched. She remembered the last time she'd been alone in Count D's petshop and felt another stirring of apprehension. There had been that awful room of snake people and only Yuki's timely arrival had saved Tohru. It hadn't been entirely bad. She'd met Michael and Ten-chan, both of whom were very nice to her. "Sir, may I come in?"
She heard the cries of animals and scratching and rustling.
"I've come to return the outfit I borrowed. I've washed it. Thank you for lending it to me." Even thoughshe hadn't exactly asked. Tohru took a few more steps into the front room of the Petshop. She hated walking into a person's home without an invitation, but supposed that it was also a kind of a store so maybe it was alright. "I spoke to Michael and he wanted me to speak with you, Count D-san. Something awful is happening and he wanted you to know. Sir, are you home?"
A movement caught Tohru's eye and when she turned, she saw an elegant little parlor to the right where a little boy was sitting on an antique sofa. He looked just like a little Momiji and it took all of Tohru's self-restraint not to rush over and hug him. He was so cute!
The little boy looked at her with big, blue eyes, but didn't say a word. He was younger than even Kisa so Tohru guessed that he must have been in about first grade.
"Hello." Tohru smiled, politely, and walked towards the little boy. "Is Count D at home?"
The little boy opened his mouth as if he were speaking, but no words came out. The little boy looked disappointed then shook his head: no.
"Do you know when he'll be back?"
Again, the boy shook his head: no.
"Oh, dear." Tohru just couldn't leave without seeing him. Yuki would undoubtedly know that she'd gone out by that time and she wouldn't be able to do it again. Still, it would be rude to never show up for the lessons Count D had promised her. She'd agreed to go, so if she never went then he'd think she was dishonest and…
"Don't look so worried, pretty missy." Ten-chan, looking as cocky and pleasant as ever, was standing just behind Tohru and his voice made her jump. "Don't be nervous, it's just me. I see you've met our little Chris." He went to the sofa and sat next to Chris, putting an arm around him. "He's the Petshop's little darling, aren't you?"
As most boys his age would, Chris looked insulted at the endearment. Again, he opened his mouth, but no words came out. All the same, Ten-chan answered.
"I haven't seen him. Sorry. Maybe he's in his den, but I wouldn't bother him. Something's worrying at him. You just stay here and he'll come out of hiding sooner or later." Another pause. "I don't know why not? We'll go look for him together in a minute. Ah, you're home, boss."
Tohru turned to see Count D-san standing in the doorway behind her and bowed hastily. "Count D-san, I'm sorry for just barging in. Please, forgive my bad manners. I have a message for you."
"Now, now." Count D-san told her, kindly. "You hurry too much. Ten-chan, do take Chris to his room. It is well past your bed time, Chris. Honda-san, please, sit and have tea with me."
The message from Michael was passed on, but to Tohru's shock, it didn't do much to worry Count D-san. "The Souma's will look after this trouble on their own. My responsibility to them is limited to their blood. That duty, I will begin very shortly. Now, tonight is for you. I am pleased that Ten-chan was able to find you. Please, won't you come with me."
"Where?" Tohru took his offered hand without thinking and only noticed the long fingernails when they wrapped around her hand. It felt like razors pressed against her skin.
His eyes danced when he looked at her. "To fly."
A short time later -
Tohru stood on a tall tree's branch and trembled looking down at the earth below. She was nearly twenty feet in the air and felt that she might faint at any moment. How they'd gotten up the tree in the first place was a mystery. There were no lower branches to climb. When Count D-san had brought her to the forest room, he'd taken hold of her arm and sudden they were standing on the tree branch. She wished that she'd just gone into her grandfather's house or accepted Hana-chan's offer to sleep at her home.
Count D-san was taller than Tohru, but that was really nothing unusual. Most people were taller than she was. It was intimidating to have him standing so close behind her, but Tohru did her best to keep still. "You must accept what you are. You are unique in all of my menagerie, a nightingale that thinks she's a human. It's not a bad thing, you understand."
All Tohru could think of at that moment was what a long way down the ground was. "But I know what I am now."
"Do you? You are terrified of learning to fly while you should be eager. You can fly. You will be able to do it as soon as you believe." Count D pushed a little on the small of Tohru's back, encouraging her to take a few shaky steps. "You saw your reflection. Your know that the people you care about, people who know you well, saw you as a nightingale while you were in my Petshop. Kyou and Akito did not see you as human."
"Why?" Tohru asked, swallowing passed a lump in her throat. "Yuki saw me."
"He was looking for you. He expected to find you. As more of them decide to change themselves to eradicate their human blood, they will see you as you wish to be seen. There is a great deal of power in belief. Once they knew you were no human, they could embrace you without fear of transformation. You will decide how people will see you. If you wish to interact with humans, then you will be seen as a human. If you wish to be more overlooked by humanity, you can appear as a nightingale." He gave her another little push. "The first step is learning to fly."
"Are you sure about this?" Tohru was shaking terribly and couldn't seem to stop. She was starting to become afraid that she'd fall with one more step. "Not that I'd question your judgment, but…but the branch is getting very narrow."
"Birds are often taught to fly by being pushed out of the nest."
He was going to push her off! "Oh!" Tohru gasped, feeling her knees start to tremble and her balance falter. "Stop! This isn't a good idea, I really think we should go back. Please!"
"You do want to learn to fly, do you not?"
Tohru could feel Count D-san's cool breath on her ear, but it did nothing to reassure her. Yes, she did want to fly, but… "It's too far up! Too far! I'll fall!"
"You will only fall until you fly." Count D-san took his hand off her back and Tohru hoped for a moment that he would take her hand and help her back to the safety of the ground. Flying couldn't be as wonderful as all that, could it? No. Better to stick to what she knew.
When nothing happened for a moment, Tohru turned cautiously to look over her shoulder and found herself alone on the tree's branch. "Count D-san?" There was no answer and Tohru felt herself break out in a cold sweat. She was alone in a tree and had no idea how to get down. "Count D-san?"
Looking down at the ground below, Tohru's thoughts drifted to something important she'd forgotten. I never called Hatori-san. He'll be worried.
Three days after Jill's death-
Leon-
The airport was crowded, but Leon didn't hear any of the other people. He didn't see any of them. All he could see was the airplane taking off. It was Jill's plane. It was probably the last glimpse of her that he'd ever see. As was right and proper, he'd sent Jill's body back to America so her family could bury her. Leon felt like part of himself was dying.
It wasn't fair.
Jill had always been one of the most import people in his life and suddenly she was just…gone.
Flashback-
"What do you mean, you're not going?"
"You heard me. I've got an opportunity for a job at the local diner. Bring in some money and maybe, finally, get myself a car."
Jill, with her hair in braids and a frown on her face, said, "That's not an opportunity, that's a waste. Come on, Leon!" She elbowed him in the ribs. "College awaits!"
"College isn't for everyone." Leon had replied, coolly. He wouldn't mention that her jab in the ribs had hurt. "Look, I didn't do so hot in high school, why would college be any different? I'm not a brainy kind of guy. A hands on job will suit me better."
She looked like she wanted to hit him again. "You graduated twenty-fifth in our class. That's better than a poke in the eye with a rusty nail. I don't know where you get this obsession that you're stupid. You won that scholarship, didn't you?"
Leon made a derisive sound. "Yeah. For baseball, not anything important." It wasn't like Jill's scholarships for her mathematics or the grant she'd gotten for that psychology paper. "Why's this so important to you, anyway?"
"Why ISN'T it important to you? You really want to spend the rest of your life waiting tables and making minimum wage? You'll be working for tips and starving all the while. You'll never be able to afford your own place at that rate."
"So, I'll get two jobs. A little hard work never killed anyone. Maybe they'll need help at the garage." It really didn't matter. Leon just wanted enough money to get a little apartment and have enough to eat. Maybe he'd get back home, back to the mountains where he'd grown up with his mom. It would be nice to get a cabin in the forest. Something with a chimney. That was what Leon found himself missing in the winter, most. The smell of burning wood.
"Have some ambition!" Jill chided him. "There must be something you want. You're smart, Leon, but you've got to do something with it."
"What do you care?"
She smacked him on the back of the head, lightly. "Fool." She smiled. "Why do you think? I love you. You're as dear to me as a brother."
Leon had blushed and looked away. He hadn't heard anyone say 'I love you' since his mom had died and it meant a lot to him. If Jill believed in him, then maybe he could handle college and become a police officer, just like he'd always wanted.
End Flashback-
He'd never told Jill that he loved her, too.
He hadn't thought he'd lose her so soon.
Leon put his hands on the glass window of the airport and leaned forward to watch as the plane roared away into the sky. He'd never get back in time for the funeral or the wake, even if he were willing to give up the chase for the Black Scorpion. He wasn't. The crimes of the Black Scorpion kept piling up and Leon could feel their weight on his shoulders, pressing him down. Jill's death was one more
"You can still abandon your hunt and go with her." D put a hand on Leon's shoulder and Leon was glad for the comfort. Lately, Leon had come to accept just how glad he was to have D around. "Her family will be pleased to see the one who was with her at the end."
"Can't." Murakai was still in that hospital back home. He'd sleep there forever because of the Black Scorpion. Poor kid had never even had a chance. "Too much to do. I wish you'd go home, though. If they could get to Jill, they could get to you and Chris." In fact, Leon was pretty damned certain that D was well able to defend himself. While he wasn't sure exactly what the deal with D was, Leon wasn't stupid. He could see the little details that added up to something 'not-quite-right', even if he was the only one who could see them. Even Jill couldn't see anything odd about D and she was one of the most observant people Leon had ever met.
Moving to stand next to him, D slipped an arm around Leon's waist and just stood with him. "You are not to blame for her death."
"I know."
"But you still feel responsible."
"I can't help it." She had bullied her way into coming along. She'd forced Leon's hand and he knew she'd been completely serious when she'd said that if he didn't wait for her, she would follow him to Japan. There honestly hadn't been anything Leon could have done to stop her. "I can't stop thinking that if I'd done something different…"
"If." D repeated.
"If what?"
"It is such a powerful word. If. Powerful and humbling, it can make the best of us believe that we are nothing but worms, that we know nothing of anything but the dirt that is before us." D's arm tightened around Leon. "If I had not done this, then that would not have happened. If I had done that, then this would have happened. You must not dwell on that word, Leon. It will only cause you more pain. What is done, is done."
But Leon kept seeing Jill's face in front of his eyes. He saw Mine-chan crying. "Yeah…and it is done. Jill's dead." The grief Leon felt for her loss was never going to go away, Leon was sure of that. Jill had been too precious to just brush aside. "There's been no investigation. The police won't touch the case. I can't let it end like that for her." Standing in the middle of the airport with hundreds of people all around wasn't the way Leon had been planning it, but he said it regardless. "I love you."
D said nothing.
"Sorry." Leon pulled away a bit. He felt sick. "I should go. Ayame's pretty broken up about this whole thing and what with the murders around their family, the Head of the family's worried. Doesn't want anyone to leave, Ayame tells me. I - I'm just going to see how he's doing. You can get home alright?" When D still said nothing, Leon turned away and strode off without so much as a good-bye. His stomach hurt. His eyes were burning.
To be continued…
