It should have been a good thing. A week ago Kyoko would have been thrilled at the idea of dismissing the harem. The very concept was immoral, and it meant that she would no longer be associated with that business. It would also get rid of those nasty rumors about her and Kuon. But those were not the first thoughts that occurred to Kyoko. The first thought that came to her came from years of working in the clinic, experiencing many situations like this.

"Why?" she whispered.

That was not the reaction Kuon had expected if his expression was anything to go by. No doubt he thought she would be ecstatic about the idea since she had lamented her associated with the harem for so long. He surveyed her with a cautious gaze

"I know this is sudden." He said. "But I honestly thought you would be more excited."

"How can I be excited when I know what you're doing?" said Kyoko. Her voice stayed low, colored with emotion. "I've seen it all the time in terminally ill patients. They settle their affairs, forgive old grudges, make sure their loved ones are taken care of…"

Fear gripped Kyoko at that moment, making her chest tighten. It hit her with terrifying clarity the fact that Kuon was on limited time. That he may not pull through this. She could lose him, just like she had lost so many others. The words tumbled from her mouth without her knowledge, spilling her fears and guilt.

"You're preparing for the worst case scenario. In case you're no long around to take care of us. The curse is getting worse and it's my fault. I lost the pearl and now there's nothing to stop it from progressing and-"

"Kyoko."

His firm voice silenced her, and her vision focused. Kuon was no longer behind his desk, he was kneeling beside her, and gazing at her with an intensity focused solely on her.

"That is not what this is about." Said Kuon. "It is well past time for me to dismiss the harem and the last details just came in, else this would have happened sooner. I can't in good conscious keep you all here with the accursed attacking the castle, and admittedly, I've been extremely neglectful towards most of you. I'm trying to move on, and I'm trying to allow the concubines to do so as well."

Trying to move on.

Those words stuck out to Kyoko more than the rest and she swallowed them down, along with her building panic.

"To be clear…" she said. "This has nothing to do with the pearl. If you are angry I promise I can take it. I don't want to be coddled especially when I know I've done wrong."

A small grimace peaked through his stoic expression.

"You have done nothing wrong." He said. "even if you had, it would not change the outcome. I would choose you over the pearl without hesitation every time. So please do not blame yourself for what happened."

She focused on the surety that gaze promised and found his sincerity. The truth expressed in his words.

He did not blame her. He would choose her over the pearl. He was glad she was safe.

Relief flooded through her. She felt the knot in her stomach lessen.

One load may have lifted from her heart, but it was still laden down by many others.

"What about-"

"There is still hope." Said Kuon, anticipating her question. "While some things are not certain, there is still one thing that soothes my heart without fail."

"Then why haven't you used this earlier?" said Kyoko impatiently. "If it can sooth the curse you should utilize it as much as possible."

"I have." Said Kuon. "But my relationship with this… I have to be careful not to overstep myself lest I scare it away."

"What is it a rabbit?"

Kuon gave a light smile. "I'm not sure it would appreciate being called one."

His comment that didn't make sense, but she didn't press, recognizing his hesitance to name the object. She was just glad that he had something that was helping.

She gave a reluctant smile, his good mood influencing her own despite her still present worries. Again, she was being pulled along to his pace, relaxing against her own will in his presence. Stupid man.

Then with a shock she realized he was knelling next to her.

Embarrassment chased away all her other feelings, recognizing both the intimate position, and that he'd had to adopt it to calm her down. She searched for that impassive state of mind, hoping to keep the heat from her face. She found a portion of it, managing to cage most of her feelings until she could deal with them later.

"I'm fine now your highness." She said, waving him away. "Please get back up. I'm sorry for my outburst, it won't happen again."

"Are you certain?" he said with a serious look, but she could see the glint in his eye. "I could kneel here for a while longer if you need me to."

There was no quicker way to sober Kyoko than being teased. Her hesitance was chased away as she glared resolutely at Kuon.

"Prince Kuon you are being completely unfair using my distress to tease me." She huffed. "That is not befitting behavior for the crown prince of Ashuron."

"Is that so?"

"You know perfectly well it isn't!"

He gave her one last amused smile at her fuming before placing his hands to his knees to help him stand. "Then I will be more courteous in the future."

That was highly unlikely, but she let it slide as he retreated to his chair. She took the brief absence of his gaze to pull herself together.

"Since I'm dismissing the harem, you and the rest of the former concubines will need to find new places to stay." Said Kuon with a hint of business like formality. "Most have family they can go back to, others don't have that option. Since this was sudden I researched different options for each of you to make sure none of you ended up without support."

"I understand this transition is sudden, and if you need some time to sort through your affairs, you are welcome to stay here longer. Though I doubt you will have that problem." Kuon gave her a satisfied smirk. "You've already established yourself here as a physician. There is a room in the palace that is yours if you want it."

"I can stay here?" she said. She'd grown accustomed to these walls. They had become her home. She was relieved to hear she was welcome to stay, even if it was in a different section. Truthfully, the realization that the harem was being dismissed was only hitting her now. She would no longer be a concubine!

"Of course." Said Kuon. "But that is not the only option available to you."

He took a ledger from his pile on the desk, handing it out to her. Curious, she opened the contents, looking over them briefly.

"This is…"

"An offer to study a current outbreak in the Broken Hills." Said Kuon. "Kazutoyo has been impressed with your work. The syndicate is sending a team out there in a few weeks and they requested for your presence."

Kyoko gave him a light glare. "Are you sure? This sounds much like another ploy for you to get me out of the palace."

Kuon shook his head with a bemused smile.

"You earned this one all on your own." He said. "I actually hesitated to show it to you, but I no longer have any right to control your actions."

He handed her a ledger and she briefly overlooked the contents. The more she read, the more her interest was peaked. The outbreak was spreading universally through some cities. No noticeable means of transmission. The symptoms and who weren't affected… She felt herself itching to go out there and see what she could find. This would be a huge opportunity for her. If she accepted the job and helped find the cause, she'd be one step closer to her dream of being a top tier physician.

But it would mean she would have to leave.

For the past week, she had been toying with the idea of leaving, despite telling Kanae she wouldn't. But now that the option was laid out for her so perfectly, she was torn, unsure if she wanted to go or not.

And the man in front of her was the reason for all this confusion in her heart.

"I know this would be a great opportunity for you." Said Kuon, with slow deliberation. "It shows just how far you've come in the few months you've been here. But I admit, I hope that you choose to stay."

He wanted her here.

The thought should have made her happy, but it didn't. It felt tainted by the knowledge that he knew about her feelings. He knew that she loved him and he had to gall to say these sweet things to her: That he would choose her over the pearl. That he wanted her to stay. Was he playing with her feelings?

She was done. Something within her was tired of this dance and wanted it too end. Her gaze hardened as she responded.

"Your highness. I know that you're aware of my feelings."

Something had changed. Kuon had an idea of what it was, but he hoped he was wrong. He kept the growing sense of dread from his face. Kyoko had entered that hardened state, the one she adopted when she needed to control her emotions. When something had seriously upset and angered her.

"So knowing about them…" she said. "don't you think it's unfair for you to ask me to stay like that?"

She talking about Sho and her desire to beat him. Thought Kuon. His mood dropped considerably. That brat still held power over Kyoko, she was still driven by revenge. The moron was gone, never to return and he was still controlling Kyoko's life. Kuon's face soon matched Kyoko's as they both hid their anger. She recognized his displeasure as surely as he recognized hers.

"I know it's a lot to ask," he said. "but I was hoping you had gotten past this."

Her face twisted, displaying an unusual amount of hurt. Her lip trembled as she spoke, her every movement telling him she wanted to run.

"I realize that these feelings are shameful," she said. "but it is not something that I can easily suppress. It's not like I wanted these ugly feelings to develop."

"Kyoko, I would never scorn you for them." Said Kuon. "I can't disapprove of them since I hold similar feelings within me as well."

Kyoko drew back sharply, emotions overflowing from her golden eyes. Every aspect of her expression displayed unfiltered pain and fear. The sight made Kuon's own heart spike in fear, draining away all his anger towards Sho.

He had never seen her so openly hurt since they were kids. What had he said to cause that? He searched his brain to find what had triggered that reaction. Was she disappointed he sought revenge? He couldn't understand.

Before he could come to a conclusion, the hurt had disappeared. A shade had been drawn, and Kyoko's face was shrouded in an unexpressive mask.

She stood up, Kuon following her lead and standing as well. He moved cautiously, not wanting to startle her.

"Thank you for your hospitality your highness." She said, eyes lowered as she spoke. "I'll consider the offer."

Something had gone very wrong. Kyoko had shut him out completely. Never had she done this to him before, and he was lost on how to remedy this. She had already halfway to the door.

"Kyoko wait." Said Kuon.

Blissfully she stopped. Her shoulders nearly reached her ears, but she stopped. Kyoko's face was still impassive, not a single shred of emotion peeking through. He moved to stand in front of her.

"I'm not asking you to give up your desire for revenge but…" said Kuon slowly. "Please, I need you to stay."

This wasn't a matter of the curse. It was his own feelings. His own desire for her to stay. He relied on her. Craved her presence and admired the passion in which she put into everything. She always inspired him to do better. To be better.

Kyoko didn't move, his words hanging between them in the silence. It hadn't worked. Her mask hadn't changed.

"This level of insensitivity is just too much." She said dispassionately. "I know that you could never… The deception was not necessary. If you had just been honest with me your highness I would have stayed without hesitation."

She reached up, wordlessly unclasping the glittering blue choker from her neck. Panic shot through Kuon at the gesture.

"Kyoko, I-"

Kyoko shoved the necklace into his chest, her face shrouded behind black bangs.

"Just- don't." said Kyoko, her voice cracking. Metal and fingers dug into the fabric as she pressed the necklace a little harder into his chest. "Please."

The desperation in her voice stopped his inquiry. His panic climbed as he recognized that Kyoko was about to break. Her limit passed. He was confused. Lost as to what lie he was supposed to have told her. What he had said to make her this upset. He wanted nothing more than to make it right. To remove whatever thorn that had pierced her armor.

He reached up, meaning to place a hand over the one holding the necklace. A hair's breath away, Kyoko's hand slipped away and she left the room without looking back.

Kuon was left, clutching the concubine necklace to his chest. Slowly he walked back to the desk, placing it among the rest.

Somehow, he'd hurt her. Really badly. That dark, haunted look had stirred old memories, only now recognizing it for what it was. It was the look she took when she was younger. When her mother had rejected her.

Kuon felt sick. Had he somehow made her feel like that? Unwanted or unloved in some way?

He needed to find her.

The door opened.

His imagination went wild for a moment and he saw Kyoko. Then the delusion disappeared, and Setsuko stood in her place.

And the woman did not look happy.

"What are you thinking?"

Setsuko was standing in front of the door, arms folded with irritation rolling off her shoulders. Her neck was bare, but the ex-concubine held her head high without the weight of the necklace, unlike the others.

"We've already talked about this Setsuko." Said Kuon, currently irritated from his conversation with Kyoko. "The harem is being dissolved. End of discussion."

"Not that. Kyoko. What did you say to her?"

"None of your concern."

He was rummaging through the papers on the desk, pulling out a brown package. He meant to leave, but his exit was barred by Setsuko.

"Are you so determined to ruin everything good in your life?" she said, her tone condescending. "That girl has managed to make you happy Kuon. She's brought the life back into your soul. Stop toying with her and secure her by your side."

"I am not toying with her." Said Kuon. "I honestly don't know why she was so upset, but I am going to find out."

Setsuko continue to stare at him, judging his sincerity. Eventually she stepped aside.

"See that you do."

He sent her a curious glance. Setsuko had never been fond of Kyoko and hadn't been shy voicing her opinion. He had assumed that dislike extended to his attempt courting her. Apparently that assumption was wrong.

"Goodbye Setsuko." He said before stepping past his previous lover and heading towards the woman he loved. Though the guards didn't know where Kyoko had gone, Kuon did. There was only one place she would go.

Kyoko kept moving, her feet automatically making their way through the quarters and out into the corridors.

Not yet. She told herself. She could hold the tears back for just a little longer. Just until she was somewhere safe. Somewhere she could let it all out. So please Kyoko, just keep it together for a few more minutes…

She was vaguely aware of someone following her. That was probably either Yuusei or Shinichi. She didn't care. She was too busy putting as much distance between her and the harem as possible.

I can't believe he would be so selfish. Thought Kyoko. He'd known about her feelings and used them to keep her here. For her ability to sooth the curse or whatever thing that caused him to say he 'needed' her to stay. Once again Kyoko had been used for her feelings. There was an extra bite of bitterness laced from her previous betrayal. It stuck in her throat, causing her eyes to burn.

No. I'm almost there. Though where 'there' was Kyoko wasn't sure. She wasn't paying attention.

Slowly, she raised her head to take in her surroundings. Instantly she knew where she was going. Where her heart had instantly reached to for comfort. Her movement stopped.

Trees and greenery surrounded her, winding paths and flowers disappearing into the dense columns of shrubbery. The sun was partially shielded from view, giving her patches of cool shade to walk through. She knew this area. A certain semi-transparent flower grew in large patches just around the corner.

She kept walking, alone in the gardens.

Stupid Ren. She though as she sat down, wrapping her arms around her legs and hugging them to her chest. She frowned at the cluster of crystal asters in front of her, their petals shifting seamlessly from blue to purple. Why had she come here for comfort? He was the one that made her upset in the first place! He'd probably made up that whole story about the father and child being able to communicate through the flowers.

"You've lost your magic." She huffed at the flowers. "It was never real in the first place."

But the comfort they had brought her was real. All that care and attention hadn't been made up. That was why she couldn't stay mad. Because Ren had cared. Kuon still obviously cared. She knew this, and thinking otherwise else would be an insult. It was that care that made it worse. Because she had allowed his kindness to go to her head, carelessly allowing her heart to become overly exposed. She should have monitored her feelings better.

"I was hoping you had gotten past this."

He had been disappointed. Her worst fears had been confirmed with those words. He had seen her feelings and hoped she would get over them.

"I can't disapprove of them since I hold similar feelings within me as well."

How could she have forgotten that he loved someone else? Some peasant girl that was four years younger than him. That conversation in the Bo costume seemed so long ago, yet it had come back with frightening clarity after he had said that. Not only did he not love her, he loved another whose very memory helped him control his light magic.

Hot tears were sliding down Kyoko's face. They were filled with shame and grief. At the knowledge that she'd been very clearly rejected.

It wasn't surprising though. She had known that was why he had kept quiet. It was the only thing that made sense, and she had been the one to force him to admit it to her face. She had brought this on herself.

She buried her head into her arms.

"Why was I so stupid?" she muttered.

There was no benefit from forcing Kuon to admit he didn't love her. It should have gone without saying. She was unlovable after all.

Something rustled beside her. A soft piece of fabric was placed against her cheek. A little surprised, she took the handkerchief, unable to see through the blurring of her tears. She recognized the aura of the person as they sat down, facing the opposite way.

"I sent Yuusei and Shinichi farther away up the path." Said Shadow.

He said nothing else, but he didn't need to. She understood. He had sent them away so that she could cry without feeling guilty for worrying others. She also understood that both men had followed her, no doubt worried after seeing her face.

Their kindness just added to the emotions constricting her lungs, and she continue to cry.

After a few minutes, her sobs turned into quiet sniffles and hiccups. A large headache was making her brain feel like it was too big for her skull, but her heart felt a little better.

She slowly tilted her head, leaning it on Shadow's shoulder. She felt a touch of surprise in his aura, but other than that he didn't react.

"Shadow, you keep a very close eye on me, don't you?" said Kyoko. The man grunted, which was the equivalent of a 'yes'. "Do you ever get a break?"

He shrugged, careful so as not to upset her head.

"You saved me from that accursed."

No response.

"Thank you, you saved my life… and for the handkerchief as well. I feel much better now."

She was so well taken care of. Here she had been given a home, education, and protection. When had she become so selfish to expect even more from the prince himself?

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she allowed her mind to rest, not thinking of anything specific.

A soft crunch of feet reached her ears and she opened her eyes. They widened further at seeing who it was.

Prince Kuon was there, a slight hardness in his eyes as he stared at her. She instinctively raised her head from Shadow's shoulder, unsure why she suddenly felt the need to put distance between them. Shadow didn't seem to notice, keeping his own expression level as he looked at the prince.

"Please excuse us." Said Kuon curtly to the shadow guard. Shadow smoothly stood up, giving Kyoko and Kuon one last bow before disappearing into the shade.

With Shadow's retreat, she was now alone with the prince. His gaze was fixed on her and she had to look away, aware her face was probably red and splotchy from crying.

He walked towards her, taking the spot that Shadow had previously occupied, though he faced the same direction as Kyoko. She could feel the subtle irritation radiating off of him. He was probably mad he'd had to chase her.

"I thought you might be here." He said. "I was looking for you."

"Sorry for troubling you." Said Kyoko.

"You're not causing trouble." His voice said otherwise. It was still stiff.

"You're still bad at lying." She grumbled. "I can see you're irritated."

"Not because of you." He gave a great sigh, rubbing his temples with a thumb and forefinger. The atmosphere changed as the prince calmed his emotions from whatever had upset him.

"I'm sorry for demeaning your feelings like that." He said suddenly, lowering his hand. "I guess I had just assumed that you had gotten past your revenge for Sho, and you were ready to move on."

"Why are you bringing it up?" she asked. He had mentioned her revenge earlier now that she thought about it. What did Sho have to do with it?

Kuon also looked confused. "Isn't that why you're upset?" he said. "You want to go on this mission to help get your revenge and I asked you to stay."

"What? No, that's not why."

"It's not?"

"Eh?"

They both stared at each other, identical faces of confusion.

Kuon had thought she was talking about her feelings of revenge? Where would he get that idea? Kyoko quickly went over their conversation, replacing her feelings of love with feelings of revenge. It fit perfectly, and everything he said clicked into place. He had been scorning her feelings of revenge!

Instantly she felt relief, knowing that he hadn't been outright rejecting her. It was short lived as she realized that the outcome was still the same as if he had. He knew her feelings, and loved another. Nothing had changed.

The locks around her heart were instantly latched back on, sealing away that emotion with determination. An extra lock accompanied the others, this one bearing the imprints of this most recent disappointment. She would not get hurt again.

Kuon apparently hadn't experienced any sort of clarity to their previous conversation as he still looked confused.

"Then why were you upset?" he asked.

"It's not important." Said Kyoko. She had found that indifferent state again, this time sinking even farthing into its depts. She would not let Kuon shake her heart again.

There was a short beat where Kuon stared at her before his expression transformed revealing a wonderful smile. It wasn't that sincere smile he had shown her earlier. It was a very sparkly smile with undertones of anger rippling through his aura. Kyoko stiffened under the smile.

"I see you're the kind of woman that cries for no reason." Said Kuon, his voice lighthearted. "Carelessly making other people worry. After I took this time to come chasing after you it turns out not to be important."

He's mad! So very mad!

"I'm sorry have bothered you." Said Kyoko, bowing her head. "I didn't mean to trouble you with my meaningless worries."

"And now you call them meaningless." Said Kuon, his sparkles somehow increasing in their glow. "It's frustrating when you are so obviously troubled and then refuse to share. Why become troubled in front of others if they turn out to be meaningless? People will think you just want attention."

Kyoko gave him bewildered stare as she tried to express her exasperation at the comment without words. What was she supposed to say to that? Kuon knew her better than to believe she wanted attention. He believed it about as much as he believed her troubles were small; which was not at all. The man was being infuriating on purpose. Now was not the time to become bullheaded.

"You take offense to the comment." Said Kuon. "Now you understand my feelings when you lie so obviously to my face. It's insulting and hurtful."

"I'm sorry you feel that way." Said Kyoko stiffly. "But perhaps his highness should realize that I do not wish to address my troubles with present company."

"Then who can you talk to about it?"

"You are not my only confidant your highness."

"I never presumed myself to be."

"Then stop bothering me."

"Kyoko this is ridiculous. I want to help you, why are you shutting me out?"

"Maybe because you'll only lie to me Ren!"

She wished the words back even as they fell from her mouth. Her pain was leaking through the cracks of her wall, morphing into an anger that lashed out at Kuon. The one that had caused this pain in the first place.

Keeping her feelings distant would have been easier if Kuon had replied to her slip up with irritation or anger. Even that brilliant smile would have been a better response than the immediate fall in his expression, the hurt that was so obvious to her. His eyes widened, unconsciously drawing back from her as if she had morphed into a viper. Her heart constricted.

That expression hurt more than it should have. It instantly stirred her desire to apologize. To erase the pain. But pride made her bite her tongue. He was the one that had lied. What business did he have getting hurt? She refused to drop eye contact as that would be the same as admitting her guilt.

And that would make her vulnerable again.

They stared at each other, each lost in their own whirlwind of thoughts and thumping hearts. The shift in the atmosphere was undeniable as Kuon now fully understood that she knew who he was, and the lies he had been twisting to keep his and Ren's identity separate.

Eventually Kuon swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down visibly.

"Will you allow me to explain?" he said quietly.

The weakness in his voice almost made her cave. Kyoko looked away, her eyes burning again. She didn't know what she wanted. She wanted a full explanation. She craved it. But she was also scared of it.

Kuon took her silence as an invitation to speak.

"I was ashamed."

And out of all the possible apologies and explanations, this one had never occurred to her. Her heart sped up, but she was able to keep the emotion from her voice as she asked;

"Why?"

That one word, though spoken so dispassionately was all the invitation he needed.

"Because I knew you'd be disappointed." He said. "You have natural talent sensing auras Kyoko. You can often recognize people just from that alone, yet you have never noticed that me and Ren were the same. How could you when the differences are so vast?"

"Maybe I just forgot what you used to feel like." Said Kyoko.

"Or maybe I've changed too much." She could hear the pain in his voice. "You mistook Shin for me just from his aura. You haven't forgotten."

No, she hadn't forgotten. Even now she couldn't see Ren's aura inside of Kuon, but she knew that they were the same. They had to be.

"So that's your excuse?" said Kyoko. "Because I didn't notice you decided to lie and tell your family to keep it secret? This is my fault?"

"That is not at all what I meant." Said Kuon, and there was no denying the earnestness in his voice. "Knowing you, I'm sure you thought the worst. Thinking I was playing a prank on you and having my whole family in on it. I promise you, that is wrong. I never meant to hurt you."

Oh right, cause it's so hard for you to say anything.

"But you had all those opportunities." She hissed. "What about in the treasure room? Leaving a flower in my room after we saved you from the poison. There were so many times you could have said something, why didn't you?"

"I was scared I would lose you." Said Kuon. "You are too important to me. And after I saw Rosa transform into Ren…"

Kyoko held her breath, shutting her eyes tight against what she knew was coming.

"… I realized how important that memory was to you. How could I take that away from you, especially when you needed his strength? I had no right to dirty your memories with what I had become."

Slowly Kyoko's eyes opened, inch by inch until she was staring wide eyed at Kuon. Her mind was slow to process what her heart had already deduced from what he had said. She examined him for any insincerity to see if he was avoiding the subject. Avoiding the real reason why he hadn't said anything. No. His face and aura were open. He was ashamed and regretful. He truly felt as he had said.

And he didn't know about her feelings.

"How…" she muttered. How had he not noticed? It was obvious. Literally everyone close to her had told her so. "I'm sorry I'm just… You thought I'd be disappointed you were Ren?"

"More or less." He dropped his eyes, rubbing a thumb against the ground. "I know I am."

Kyoko was blown away. She had a moment of clarity as she saw him. Really saw him and the insecurity he was exposing to her. The man she had come to esteem so highly was truly ashamed of who he was.

"How..." she muttered. "Could you even think that?"

It was complete garbage. How could she have been anything but ecstatic that they were the same person? Ren had saved her as a child from her grief, and Kuon had saved her in just as many ways. Both men had provided her with the emotional and physical support she had been depraved of since her father died. There was no way she wouldn't be happy.

Otherwise I wouldn't have fallen in love with you.

Kuon gave her an anxious glance. "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you…"

He looked so vulnerable as his green eyes peered at her. Like the next words from her could determine his entire future.

I can't do it.

Kyoko looked down. She reached forward, braking the stem of a single flower. She cradled the crystal aster in her lap, twirling the petals as they gleamed in the light only to be dimmed in the shade.

"I'm sorry Prince Kuon." She said. "I think I need a little time to sort my thoughts."

She had been burned one too many times. She loved Kuon. Desperately so, but she didn't know if she could open herself up to him again. Not when she knew what the result would be. She didn't know if her heart would heal this time.

He didn't answer and she thought he hadn't heard her again. She looked up.

Kuon's face was blank. Nothing. No type or flicker of emotion showed in his eyes. If there was a way to describe those eyes, it would be dead. The image of a man, but bearing none of its light.

"I understand." He said, voice unnaturally steady. "and I'm sorry for… everything."

He picked something off the ground, a small package. He gave it a momentary glance before placing it beside Kyoko. Right next to the ledger containing the information about the offer.

"A congratulatory present." He said in that same voice. "For the offer. And a thank you, for all that you've done for me."

Kyoko watched as Kuon stood up. He turned, showing his back to her. With every step he took, her heart constricted until she couldn't stand it. She dug her fingernails into her ankles, wondering why this, watching Kuon walk away from her, hurt more than anything else.

Thanks for reading!

And happy late Christmas!

Sorry for not posting on schedule. That was quite the awful Christmas present I didn't get you, but I was not satisfied with the way the chapter turned out and didn't want to publish it, so I didn't. It turned out to be a good thing as on Christmas I was able to identify what was wrong with what I had planned (With Imouto's help of course). So yeah, I'm sure you still hate me after the end of this chapter but please don't curse me.

I have to say though; you guys are such a delight to write for! I recently read (what I thought was) a great FF and glanced at the reviews after placing my own. I noticed most of them comprised of people griping about the characterization of some characters, the ending, the magic, and just being nasty in general to an author who had obviously taken a lot of time writing their story. It made me both sad for the author and grateful for you all and your wonderfulness and ability to make me laugh. So a million times thank you!

ribbons4, I'm so sorry about your soft things. Lol. KamilahKaliope, I know I'm starving you but please don't die.

I will try to update on Jan 7th to get us back on track, but keep an eye on my profile for any changes.

-Blushweaver

Let it be known I wrote you a beautiful chapter that Blushweaver refused to post. Also, this scene really threw Blushweaver for a loop. She wanted to tidy up loose ends and have it end all happily, but noooo Kuon and Kyoko just wouldn't let it happen. Anywho, I hope you had a great Christmas!

-Imouto

Note to OniPrince:

First: Please give me some way to contact you other than after posting a chapter! Please! I know internet is not so great and wow snow, stay warm my friend. But it's super easy to make an email and an account here on FF.

Out of the three ideas, I like the first one the best. Mostly because it would be an absolute hoot to write it and I knew exactly what I would do with it. I'm not sure if I will get to it, at least not until this story is done since that would be a more involved project then what I have time for. The other two… I'm not going to lie, I'm not a big fan of Reino/Kyoko… or as Imouto calls it, the darkbeagle ship.

Yup, Hirotaka is the father of the director of the dark moon from cannon. Will the son show up? You will have to wait and see, which is my answer for Kyoko's darkness in her heart as well. It's a horrible answer I know, but I'm not a believer of major spoilers. XD

Yup, I read other fanfiction every now and then. I have not read that one, and I have read fruits basket but I have not seen the anime. :P Hmm, recommendations? Based on what you've told me of your tastes, my recommendations would be Tokyo Ghoul (Violent and sad), Rurouni Kenshin is a classic (hilarious with an angsty backstory), Moribito is a great anime (One of the greatest strong female main characters ever!), Reimei no Arcana (Romantic and political tension), kabaneri of the iron fortress the anime (only saw about 5 episodes of that so far. But the art is beautiful and it's kinda similar to attack on titan). Hopefully you will enjoy at least one as they each have different appeals. See yah!