A/N: First, thanks for the comments, and favs! I appreciate it! Further notes is at the end of the chapter.
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Chapter Two: "Priority"
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It was very easy to schedule time throughout her week to see the zodiac members. With her titles, it's hard for anyone to deny whatever Akito asks. The only one who would ever dare was her 'mother dearest', but Ren didn't bother for this.
Like with Akito's studies, Ren didn't protest about her spending time with the zodiac members. Why would she? Akito will be more distracted from them. She already is occupied enough with her studies and the clan's records. In Ren's mind, this will have Akito be kept further away from Akira.
Which was a huge positive for Akito too. This meant that Ren wouldn't try to cause any problems if she saw her with Shigure and them. So it was a win-win for both mother, and daughter.
Speaking of the zodiac members, on their first "playdate", the only ones that showed up were the older ones. No Ritsu, or even Kagura, who was practically her age. She could ask for them, but currently, it'll be best with the older ones. At least for now.
Anyways her interaction with the zodiacs were… awkward.
Akito had expected that it would be. The only interaction she had with them was at the banquet, and fleeting glances at the estate. From then, they were with the servants, and their parents. Never alone. So this was the first time where it was just her, and them together. So it's like she said, it was awkward.
Obviously Shigure wasn't, but the others were. They didn't know how to interact with her. Not like she was any better, herself. She spends so much time with adults. She doesn't know how to talk to children, since she never spoken to one until now.
So how does an adult-like two year old interact with three ten years old, and an eight year old?
She doesn't know.
Neither did they.
Thankfully - though she'll never tell him - that Shigure took the lead. It took a few examples from Shigure's own exchange with her, and a couple of more play dates throughout the week. For the others to relax, and be themselves. Just enough to not be too stiff around her, and carefully watching each word they say to her. Just be children.
Surprisingly, her behaving adult-like didn't bother them like it did for everyone else. It took the servants time to get used to. While for others, it is still a working process. Maybe it was the bond, and her being a god made the zodiacs not be bothered by her attitude. Who knows.
The only thing that was bothersome was the fact Akito couldn't find herself to play with them. Well sometimes. Majority of the time, she doesn't. It's just that their idea of "fun" wasn't appealing to her, especially when it was just toys. If it was electronics like video games, that would be a different story. Sadly the current year of 1994 and how the Sohma clan functions. There isn't such a thing here among her home. Without that, Akito didn't find playing with toys, or children's games most of the time.
It took awhile to convince them that they can play with each other. They don't have to play with her. Other than spending time with the zodiacs, there was another opportunity here for her. This lets her be away from Chitaka that is constantly watching over her. So she uses this "playdate" to read up on the records of the clan. Reading those old documents here is much more relaxing than having someone looming over her, wanting to see her input on the family's history. Easier to remember whenever she is with the zodiac members. Whether it's because she is their god, she does not know. She just feels at ease with them.
Well.
Most of the time.
It's a pity.
The zodiac members haven't learned to keep anything about their curse bullshit outside this room. That along with their cult family, happens to come up often during their time together. You would think they would get the hint by now, but of course, it is her own fault. She does read the record of their family when she is with them. Not to mention she is their future head, and their god.
So anything that pertains to their clan, or them, must be important to her too.
And today THIS was the most important of all apparently, especially to her.
Well it's technically second.
Her birth will always be number one.
Anyways, obviously she should be ecstatic about this news.
She has to be, right?
Well she was, a little. Just not in a big way as everyone at the main estate is behaving today. So Akito wasn't surprised to see Kureno's face trying to contain his excitement as he stood in front of her. She already knew he wanted to tell her the news, or at the very least talk about it with her. No one mentioned it the moment they arrived for their playdate. Not even Shigure, or especially Ayame of all people. Anyone would think he would be the first person to tell her, but no, it seems that would be Kureno right now.
"Um… Akito?"
She looks up from the manuscript at Kureno. Despite his excitement, Kureno still looks a bit hesitant speaking to her. No doubt he was unsure if he should add the honorifics, even though she told him before not too. It took some time to convince the current zodiacs to refer to her as simply Akito. Even so, Kureno wouldn't break his polite mannerism towards her. Unlike the other two in the room.
Nevertheless, Akito lowers the scroll in her hands. Enough for Kureno to see, and understand he's got her full attention now. Which in turn made his shoulders and posture relax. A few seconds later, he continued with his question.
"Did you hear?"
The news that occurred today?
Of course, she did.
Chitaka was the first to tell her the moment she woke up for today.
The others here knew about it too. She could tell by the way Ayame and Hatori glanced towards them. While she could feel Shigure's gaze on her, despite having his attention only on the book in his hand. As if the news wasn't important like it is for everyone. Like the others, Shigure wants to see her reaction to it too.
If Kureno was a servant, Akito would be frank about it, but he isn't. Kureno is a child. One that reminds her too fondly of her own younger brother in her previous life. Who seems excited to share this piece of news with her. Like any other children that would do when they discover something new.
So she indulges Kureno by playing ignorant about it.
"About?" She asks.
"The rat is here." Kureno beams excitedly from that. "It's a boy, and it's Ayame's new brother. They say his name is Yuki."
News about Yuki already spread like a wildfire. It instantly covers across the main estate an hour after he was born. Hatori's own father was the doctor that delivered Yuki at the Sohma's hospital. So by his duty to the clan, he told the news about the new zodiac member to the main estate right away. It's why everyone here is in a good mood.
Well not everyone. Some don't seem too joyous about this. Like Ayame for example. He isn't annoyed, nor ecstatic about his new sibling. If anything, he seems to look bored, tired even. So many people had been coming to him, asking about Yuki. Not a single one of them had asked about him, or his input on the matter. They treated him as if he isn't important. He doesn't matter now that his new sibling is here. And if he doesn't give these people the information they wanted, they'd ignored him. Then move on to the next person that can give info about Yuki.
And yet, none are concerned about Ayame. Like if he is alright? Why he isn't with his parents at the hospital? Is someone watching him while his parents are away? Questions like that.
Yuki was born four hours before Akito met with the other zodiacs. So does this mean Ayame is by himself without an adult figure watching him? How long was he alone? Unless he's been with Shigure, or Hatori.
Either way, it didn't sit well for Akito, but she should have expected that they wouldn't take him. They probably don't even care, especially now that Yuki is here. Ayame, and Yuki's parents are well known to be neglectful in the series. So this shouldn't be a surprise for their lack of concern towards their son.
"Of course, Akito knows, Kureno." said Ayame, breaking the silent response from Akito. He leans back onto his hand. "It's what everyone's been talking about. They've been yapping all day. I'm surprised they haven't gotten bored already from how much they talk about it. They probably won't even notice if we stay here all day, especially my parents…. Hmm…" Ayame leans over, pressing his back against Hatori next to him. Few seconds later a mischievous grin breaks out across his face. "Should we test it out, Tori? All of us here, staying the night at the main house together?"
"I'll pass." Hatori replies, scooting a few inches to the opposite to make himself more comfortable. Even though his face said otherwise. "Besides, it will never happen. We're not allowed to spend a night here, you already know this. If you try, they'll just kick you out, and you'll get in trouble."
"Maybe, but it doesn't mean it can't happen, you know." Ayame argued, his grin widened more. "It is possible."
"Really? How?" Kureno asks.
"Easy." Ayame looks towards her. "Akito's here. He can make it happen."
"Ayame."
Ayame ignores Hatori, and pushes himself away from him. He crosses his legs and leans forward towards Akito excitedly. "Hmm, how about it, Akito? Could you? They would definitely say yes to you."
In other words, no one can say no to her. Like her, everyone in this room knows how much authority she holds in the clan. No doubt that was etched into their memory from all of the cult bs here.
Regardless, she isn't going to do it. A sleepover with them? It's not like she wanted to. It's more of if it did happen. There was a high chance chaos would occur from Ren popping in at any moment. Even though Akito is being raised as a boy. None of the older zodiacs have questioned her about it, since they know full well she is a female. Ren might lose her marbles on Akito with a bunch of boys in a room throughout the night. She'll probably say some bs excuse for her actions. Yada yada. You get the picture.
So yeah.
She doesn't want to potentially deal with that thunder storm.
Not yet, especially around these kids. Frankly, she would rather read more on these records, so no.
"Not today. I have something planned with Chitaka later." Not really a lie, but it's enough to make Kureno and Ayame look deflated from her rejection. "If you really want to spend a night with someone, why not ask the others? I'm sure your parents won't mind if you stay with Shigure, or Hatori."
She mentally whispers an apology to Hatori as she knew right away Ayame would definitely ask him first. More than Shigure. Which he did.
"You're right!" Ayame whips his head to his best friend. "Tori!"
Chuckling quietly, Akito looks back down at the record in her hand. Now that Ayame is occupied with Hatori. She makes a mental note to come up with another excuse next time if he should ask again. Of course, he isn't the only one she needs to distract so she can go back to reading.
"Akito." Kureno calls her out again. This time, he is holding a small book to her. "Shigure-nii let me borrow this book. It's about this boy named Momotaro, and he's born from a giant peach." He tilts his head to the side with a smile. "Would you like to read this with me?"
She shakes her head. "Sorry, I want to finish this before I see Chitaka." Akito gestures to the manuscript in her hands, then smiles. "But thanks for asking."
She almost felt bad that Kureno looked dejected from that, but it couldn't be helped. She has no interest in reading children's book on old folklore at the moment. Maybe next playdate, she can with him.
As soon as Akito thought she was alone to read, Shigure proved her wrong. Once Kureno walks over to go read out at the engawa. Shigure leaves there, and comes into the room to sit nearby her.
"...Yes, Shigure?" Akito questions, trying to keep her tone from sounding annoyed, and letting out a sigh.
Shigure hums, keeping his eyes glued on the book in his hand. "Nothing. I just wanted to come inside to read. The outside's air is getting too hot for my comfort. So don't mind me."
She could practically hear the smugness in his tone. It almost made her eyebrow twitch, since she knew the reason he only sounded like that. It was because he knows she's annoyed about him sitting close to her. Just like he knows she won't tell him to leave either, since she allows the others to sit near her. So why not him too.
"..." Without saying a word, Akito lets out a small hum as her reply, then goes back to reading.
Unlike the original Akito, she doesn't bother to seek Shigure out, or engage in any conversation with him. Through all of their interactions, it's mainly been him. The first few sessions, she didn't bother to come to Shigure, or even acknowledge his presence. Unless he speaks to her, then she does. Again unlike the original Akito, she was fine with Shigure pretending to be disinterested.
Of course, she was not showing any interest like how Akito was meant to. Shigure had to change it up. He had figured out that being apathetic around her won't work, since his behavior didn't bother her in the slightest. Like how it was meant to be in the series with the original Akito. No doubt he's also probably figured out she's trying to avoid him as much as possible. She isn't exactly a pro at not showing that, considering Kureno questioned her previous playdate if she didn't like Shigure. So yeah, she was kind of obvious about her avoidance. Which is why Shigure is now not hesitating to get up into her personal space like this very moment.
'I should have expected this development.' She mentally says, before letting out a yawn. She quickly silenced it two seconds afterwards, but Shigure already heard it.
"Are you tired?" Shigure asks. "Or unless you're not. It must be a boring reading those old records every day. Maybe reading something more to our age would be appealing for you."
'Is he teasing me to go read with Kureno? Unless he's referring to himself, but the book he's reading doesn't seem to cater to our age group either. Unless he thinks I'm on the same level as him. Does he mean that?' She mentally sighs in her head. 'I hate that I can't read him sometimes. I don't know what he's trying to say, or if he's simply joking.'
Then again, she could be overthinking it.
She tends to do that, especially now more than ever. As thinking is mostly what she can do right now.
Either way, Akito answers him.
"No. I feel wide awake. And thanks for the offer, but I like reading these records. They're more suited for my tastes." She imagines herself face palming from her words. She sounded like a child trying to argue to their parents about how they feel is different than they think. When it's so clearly obvious they know. In this case, Shigure knows.
She can imagine Shigure smirking.
Maybe he wasn't.
She isn't going to look at him to see.
"Anyways, reading that book you're reading must be boring for you, since you've had that for the past week." Akito pointed out. According to Kureno, Shigure can read a 500 page book within a day. "You should go play with Kureno, or maybe chat with Hatori, and Ayame."
"Is that an order?" Shigure asks, but there wasn't any form of teasing in his tone. He sounded serious. It didn't help that he didn't follow up with humor either. Was he serious?
Akito turned her head to look to see there wasn't a stern expression, or even a playful one. There was nothing. His face was blank like a canvas. She couldn't see what he was feeling, or thinking in that matter. She had no idea what he was trying to say. It didn't sound like he was joking. Was he?
Maybe.
Or was he serious that he assumed she was ordering him to do something? She is his god. As his god, she has the right to do whatever she wants to him. And he cannot disobey her. It's what has been hammered in his brain, since the moment his fate was sealed the day he was born as a zodiac member. Just like all the other members too. The zodiacs have no will of their own. Only to follow their god's.
Is that what he thinks she's trying to do? She wouldn't put it past him, since she remembers in the series the original Akito took advantage of her position. Most of the time Shigure listened to her, while some times he didn't.
Right now, it's hard to pinpoint why he asked such a thing for her. She doesn't know what could be the reason.
Other than to look bewildered, and say. "No."
Just like that, there was a painting on that canvas. Shigure smiles, and laughs softly. "I'm joking." He looks back at his book as she frowns at his poor sense of jest. "Like you, I have certain tastes too. I prefer sitting here, and reading if that is alright with you?"
'Another joke about it?' She almost felt tempted to tell him no, and 'fuck off' away from her. Very tempted. It's a pain she couldn't do it.
"Of course." Akito says, almost rolling her eyes in the process.
Just like a ripple, Shigure changes the topic. "You know. The reason why everyone is talking about the rat is because this is the first time that God and the rat were born together." He stated. "They say this era will truly be a blessing for our clan. A tale for future generations to remember too." She could tell he almost wanted to mock the last sentence, but stopped himself. "I wonder, if the others will be born too."
Akito didn't respond, but she already knew the answer.
They will.
Right now, everyone is celebrating the rat's birth, despite the fact there was one person born before Yuki. No one made a fuss about her birth. Only a few words, that's it.
'You may not be lucky, Yuki, but you definitely are the favorite. That's for sure.'
Blah. Blah. Blah.
No wonder Ayame seemed nonchalant when talking about Yuki earlier to Kureno. It's fucking exhausting hearing every servant go on, and on. They're treating it as if it's the greatest thing ever. Nonstop chatter of the same topic, over and over. The day isn't even over yet.
'So annoying.'
With everyone constantly talking about it, she isn't excited anymore. She's starting to get annoyed. She shouldn't. She should be very thrilled that "her" Yuki is here.
"Both the god, and rat are here. This truly is a joyous event we must celebrate." Chitaka states as she remains seated on the floor of Akito's bedroom. Waiting for Akito to collect all of the records she had finished for her to take. While she waits, it was a perfect time to discuss the plans in the next few days.
There will be a celebration. A party about Yuki's birth. Despite the short amount of time, the servants can manage to get everything together. It will be done, and it will be hosted at the main estate.
In a way, this will be like another banquet, but far less people. Speaking of them, everyone outside the main gate, or better known as the outer Sohmas of the family. They are not allowed to attend. Only ones are the inner Sohmas. Basically the people that know about the family's curse.
'So does that mean-'
"Would the other zodiacs attend as well?" Akito asks.
Chitaka nods, "If that is your desire. As the zodiac members' God, Akito-sama you are the only one that has the right to do with them as you see fit. If you wish for them to attend, then they will."
"I see." Akito pauses in her steps. She just remembered. "And if I say I want one of them to spend a night here at the estate with me, it'll happen?" She questions, then proceeds to grab the record on the shelf near her small desk.
"If that is what you desire, then yes. You may even take one of them, and have them live beside you here." Chitaka says, then a pleased smile grows on her face. "Do not worry, we've already prepared the rat to live here. His parents have already agreed, but the head would like him to be at least four years old before then." Chitaka presses a hand on her chest, and slightly bows her head. "I apologize. His current age is unsuitable. It would only be a troublesome burden to you... Akito-sama, please I must ask you to be patient for his arrival. The rat will come soon, I assure you."
Not like she cares.
She isn't in a rush to have Yuki live with her.
"It's alright." Akito waves her hand to stop Chitaka from bowing. "So as their god, I have the right to allow any of the zodiacs to live here with me?"
"Yes. You may even have all of the current ones live with you if that is what you wish."
She had a feeling that would be the case. Yuki wasn't the only zodiac that lived with the original Akito, but having another member living with her wasn't what she was trying to ask. From the sounds of it, it seems like she has more choice to do something right now than what she assumed she could later.
So she'll be damn if she didn't ask this sooner.
"I see… what if I want one of them to live elsewhere among the Sohmas?" Akito asks as she stares down at records, rubbing the smooth old leather with her fingers. "There have been reports in the past that some zodiacs live in different households, due to their former living situation forcing them to leave."
Far too many from what she had read so far. The previous three generations had dealt with worse than the current one.
"Yes, you can move them if that is what you wish." Chitaka lets out a sigh. "As joyous as a member of the zodiac's birth can be, some in the clan find them a burden. The parents of one would even find them more monstrous than anything." She pauses, letting the weight of her words set in. As if Chitaka expected Akito to agree with her on that matter. Which she didn't, but Chitaka carried on. "Regardless, how they feel, they are well aware of the importance of the zodiac members to you. Not only are you their god, but you are also the clan's next head. They will not overstep their line."
'Oh so abusing them isn't overstepping their line?' Akito mentally comments about that. She may not have said, but her face showed her displeasure.
Chitaka saw it, and assumed it was for a different reason. "Akito-sama, do you… wish the rat wouldn't live here with you?"
"No." Akito replied quickly, making the older woman relieved it wasn't that. No, Yuki isn't her concern at the moment. Someone else is.
She promises herself that she will not be like the original Akito. She's going to try her damn hardest to make sure all of the zodiacs have a good life. Well a decent one where they won't go through the horrible abuse in the series. Right now, she's going to help one of them.
'I've been thinking about this for a while now. From the sounds of it, I can make it happen right away.' She wants to, because the sooner she gets her out of there the better. She will not let her be abused by those two bastards.
"The reason why I was asking was for Isuzu Sohma." Akito explained, before walking over to set the records in a pile near Chitaka. "When you are dismissed, please have someone bring Isuzu Sohma's parents to me."
Chitaka may be a servant, but that never stops her from questioning her. "Yes, but why do you wish to move the horse?"
'More of why should I care about the horse? I should be more focused on the rat, since I haven't been talking about Yuki like the rest of the hivemind.' Akito sarcastically says in her head, before answering.
"Well I want her to live elsewhere. I have a place in mind." Akito turns towards Chitaka. "So please also fetch Kagura Sohma's parents as well. I'll speak with them after I'm done with Isuzu's parents."
"You want the horse to live with the boar?" Chitaka says in surprise, not expecting she would say that either. "I've… I've heard both of their living situations are fine. Their parents harbor no ill will towards either of them. Therefore, there is no need for you to be concerned about the two of them."
Akito restrained herself from frowning, "Oh? Would you like me to be more concerned about the rat? He has been born, and everyone is happy about it, right?" She asks, trying to not sound sarcastic too.
Not like Chitaka would noticed. She thought it was a serious question, since she looks so passionate to answer with a stern look. Like she was correcting her as if she's the ignorant one in the room.
"Of course, Akito-sama. The rat is the zodiac that is the closest to god-"
"Whereas the others are not." Akito cuts her off sharply. "True, I should be celebrating that Yuki's been born with everyone, but they didn't celebrate the others' birth."
Not to the level of Yuki's. In fact, there was hardly any celebration at all. Of course, she can't blame these morons for that. It's been rooted in them none of the zodiacs compare to the level of the Rat is on. To which, Akito tells Chitaka of that.
"I don't blame the clan. The stories have always painted the rat's as the luckiest and most favorite among the zodiacs." Akito explains, then pauses.
She always have been mindful of her words. Never allowing her frustration, and annoyance out to these cult morons. Only because she didn't know the limitation she was allowed and not allowed to do. Now that she knows, Akito is going to educate this old woman.
Unfortunately, only a few things for now.
'It's too soon to tell this stupid family that everything they know is a lie about the true story of the zodiacs.' Not to mention if she starts changing everything right now. It'll cause uproar, and all that. As much as she hates it, she has to go slow. One step at a time.
"... Stories change as time goes on... especially by people that haven't lived through it." Akito states calmly, and slowly for her to understand. "Whoever recorded it can lie, and future generations will believe that as the truth."
After all, it was the same for her in her previous life as Rory. So much of her people's history was erased. Her culture was nearly destroyed. The worst part was that most history books had it down differently as if it was trying to hide the bad side of the country. She discovers that when she left the reservation, and went to a public school for her high school years. It wasn't just her people. Others as well. So much can be swept under the rug in history books, or written differently to paint an event in a different light.
It's honestly sickening to see how easily that can happen.
'...I should calm down before I say something I shouldn't…' Akito mentally points out the growing anger inside her, and the silence from Chitaka. No doubt the older woman could see, and feel her annoyance seeping off of her.
"... Anyways, I'm just glad Yuki was born just as I am for the others as well. All of the zodiacs are important to me." She'll just leave it at that for now. Akito takes one last look around her room, then to the records to see it's all the ones she has. Just in case. "You may leave, Chitaka. Remember please bring Isuzu's parents, then Kagura's to me." Oh yes, she needs new manuscripts to read. "Also please have a servant to bring records of all the heads dated to the earliest one we have."
"Very well, Akito-sama." Chitaka says calmly. She quietly picks up the records, then leaves without saying a word. Once Akito heard the folded doors shut, she waited a few minutes to let out a long sigh. She walks over to her double layer futon, and falls onto her knees briefly. Then onto her stomach as she lays on her bed.
She inhales through her nose sharply, rubbing her face onto her pillow a few times. Just enough to make herself relax, calming herself down.
"No wonder Akito was a brat. This is annoying to deal with." Akito says to herself. The worst part, she knows this is nothing compared to what she's going to be dealing with when she makes changes among the Sohmas. Now that is going to be a storm. One she isn't ready to deal with at the moment.
Akito lets out another sigh. She turns her face, resting her right cheek on her pillow.
"There is so much I have to do." It'll be nice if she had some help, but- "I can't ask the others to help me." By others, she means the zodiac members. She's not going to let them get involved. Well maybe in the future when they're older.
Right now no.
…. But there is one member that knows about the toxic side of this family, and might be able to help-
"Pass!" Akito loudly says, shooting that horrible idea down.
This is why she hates overthinking sometimes. She'll get stupid idea like that. 'There's no way I'm going to ask Shigure for help.' Maybe she's being stubborn. A scaredy cat. Maybe both, but keep in mind, she hasn't forgotten that guy is in love with her. 'I need to get it through his stick skull that me, and him ain't ever happening.'
So she isn't going to ask for his help.
'Well…' Akito lets out an annoyed huff. "Okay… I might have to, but right now I don't want to." She just isn't comfortable with him yet. Besides, it's not like he could help her with the decisions on the clan.
Speaking of that.
Chitaka may have said she has the right to do what she wants, but she isn't the current head. So would Akira object to what she's about to do with Rin?
Perhaps, she should ask.
"... but he's with her." Akito points out that Ren is with Akira. Another problem she has to deal with too. She just can't catch a break. Akito turns her head, and presses her face down into the pillow briefly. Then lifts her head up to take a large inhale of air. "... Alright. Alright… let's go see her."
She rolls over onto her back. She swings her legs up in the air, then bends her knees back to the ground. Helping herself up onto her feet. She pauses briefly, wanting to go back to her futon to just sleep all of the problems away. 'That would be nice'.
Nope, she has to go see Akira.
Just to be sure.
"Hello father." Akito greets Akira, then glances over to Ren sitting next to him. "Mother."
She may have knocked at her parents' door, and waited for Akira's approval for her to enter. That didn't mean Ren does. Akito could clearly see Ren doesn't want her here. She's practically wearing her disdain on her face freely. Unlike her husband, who was happy to see their daughter.
"What are you doing here?" Ren demanded, her right hand sliding down to grab a part of Akira's kimono. As if she was trying to keep Akira from going to her. It was childishly stupid, making Akito smile.
"I've come to see father." She states as if that is the sole reason for her sudden smile. Regardless, it didn't stop Ren from glaring and tightening her grip on Akira more. "I have business to discuss with the head of the clan. As the next head, it is only my right to do this." Akito finishes with an explanation.
"Akira is busy, can't you see?" Ren flicks her left hand at her, turning her head towards Akira. "So leave. We don't want you here."
"Ren, it's alright." Akira tells his wife with a smile. He rests his hand on hers, gripping his kimono. Before he turned towards his daughter with the same smile. "What do you wish to speak about?"
It's kind of funny, and yet sad at the same time.
She doesn't see either of these two as her parents. Ren will never be viewed as one for her. Akira on the other hand, somewhat sees him as a father. Just a smidge. She thought she would, but now that she is talking, and behaving far more herself than she did as a baby. Akira doesn't really treat her as his daughter. Well not like how normal parents should.
As much as she dislikes her previous parents as Rory, she remembers in her youth they behaved like how parents should. Then again, those two weren't raised in a cult, and view their daughter above them.
So for that reason, Akito doesn't speak to Akira like he was her father, but more of as the head.
"I wanted you to be aware that I will be speaking to the parents of Isuzu and Kagura Sohma." Akito began, "My reason for that is I want Isuzu to live in the same household as Kagura. As you are the head of the family, I came to you for approval about my decision." While also to see she isn't overstepping her line, despite being the god of the zodiac. She isn't the head yet.
Apparently that doesn't even seem to matter.
"I understand, but you don't need my approval for that. Any decision that is with the zodiacs, they should be only approved and dealt with by you." Akira explained as if it was common sense. She should know this. It reminded her of the way Chitaka explained earlier. The worst part, Akira even seems to have the same look on his face like her too. "I may be the current head, but you are their god. That right belongs only to you, Akito-sama."
Akito's chest tightened from the way Akira addressed her. It was her fault for that. If she behaved like a normal child, he would speak to her the same way he did with the original Akito. No, instead she did the opposite. Now this man sees her more as the zodiac's god than his own child. It's a little upsetting.
She wants love and support from her parents, but not like this, stemmed from a long generations of brainwashing.
It was tempting to cry, or yell at Akira for that. Akito ignores either one by putting her hand behind her back and nods her head.
"Okay." Akito replies, feeling her face hurt from smiling. More than from her digging her thumb's nail into her index finger behind her. "Thank you, father."
"Is that it? If so, you can leave." Ren says, breaking her silence. She flicks at her hand again towards Akito. Obviously wanting her to leave already. To which, Akito agreed with her on.
"Yes, that's all." Akito says, and she didn't look back when she left. She didn't even say goodbye either, but it's not like Akira or Ren got after her about that.
No one does here.
"Forgive me for bringing you both here on short notice, but there is something I wish to discuss." Akito began to the married couple before her. She waited for them to get seated in front of her. It was just the three of them in the room. She had dismissed Chitaka, and the other servants. These two may be parents of a zodiac member, but clearly she can see they're very uncomfortable by her presence. They don't know why they're here. She made sure they wouldn't, since she told Chitaka to not tell them of their intentions. So they're worried, and wondering if they're in trouble. As they should be concerned, considering who these two are.
Akito didn't expect Rin's parents to look timid. She never saw their faces, since it was hidden in the manga and anime. How they treated Rin. She expected to see some sort of arrogance, or similar faces to her own previous parents. No, just meek expressions. Like they have no desire for any violence as if it's against their nature.
How looks can be deceiving.
Who knows.
Maybe Rin's parents are really like that. Their mental state could have changed when it snapped over the years the moment Rin asked them that question.
Either way, she isn't going to go easy on these two pieces of shit. They may not be one right now, but she doesn't care, she isn't in a good enough mood for kind pleasantries.
Akito gestures around them. "As you two are aware that as the god of the zodiacs, anything that deals with them is by me. Both of you as the parents of Isuzu, the horse, I would like to offer you both a deal similar to one we've made with the parents of the rat." It's no surprise already the news about that broke out. So Akito expected to see Rin's parents look shocked.
"W-Wha? You want to b-buy our daughter from us?" Rin's mother questions.
"Yes, but Isuzu will be placed under someone else's care. She will be living in a different household preferably with the parents of the boar. To whom, I'll be meeting next after I'm done here with you both." Akito explained nonchalantly like she's buying their child from them is normal. It definitely is in this messed up family of theirs. "Of course, as Isuzu's parents you can visit her if you like. She just won't be living with you anymore. Look." Akito sets her hands down by her side. "I understand it must be hard for you both to love her-"
"Of course we love her!" Rin's mother argued. "We love her, because she's our daughter. W-We don't hate her, Akito-sama!" Rin's father continued after.
"I didn't say you hate her. I only said it must be hard for you both to love her" Akito corrects them, 'but if the shoes fits'. "Isuzu is a zodiac member, and the zodiacs are precious to me. As their god, and the clan's next head, their well-being is my concern and priority. You may take what I said in any way you want."
It's not like they can do anything about it. She already got the greenlight for this.
"Regardless, Isuzu will be living somewhere else. I'm simply giving you both the choice of getting a good deal out of this. Along with your standing among the family won't be tainted. So you don't have to worry about that. You'll get the same benefits as the rat's parents" Many people might not like that, especially Chitaka. 'I don't care. She's going to have to deal with it.' Besides, no one wants to be on the bad side of the head of this family, especially hers. Surely these two have to care about that. "Do you agree?"
Silence filled the air. Rin's parents look at each other, before they lean towards each other to whisper. Akito looks away to give them some privacy. She stares out to open the door that leads to the outside. She could see that the colors of the falls are setting in. The air isn't too hot, nor too cold. It's a perfect temperature. No doubt it was cold in her old home, it always is during the time of this year. Snow tends to come in early-
"She won't be living in the same house as us?" Rin's mother says suddenly, snapping Akito out of her thoughts.
She turns to look back to the two of them. "... No. As I've said, she will be living in a different home. More likely with the parents of the boar."
"We… we have to visit her?" Rin's father asks.
"Only if you want to." Akito replies flatly, watching Rin's parents look at each other briefly then back at her.
"Okay. Okay, we accept."
Akito should be thrilled with them agreeing, but she didn't. Even in this life, she could never get used to parents not considering their child's feelings. It grinds her gears so much. She felt her eyebrow twitch briefly. She stayed silent to stop herself from saying something, then gesture towards the folded doors.
"... Excellent. Please go see Chitaka. She will go over further details, and be the one to arrange the payment for you." Akito says, obviously dismissing them from her sight. Thankfully, they got it, and left the room. Once those folded doors shut, Akito lets out a sigh, and rubs the middle of her eyebrows. "Calm down, Rory. You still have to see Kagura's parents." She reminded herself about them.
The day isn't over yet. She already wants to pull her hair out from these idiots. Hopefully, Kagura's parents would be amazing people to speak with. She hasn't see Kagura's father in the series, but only snippets of Kagura's mother. That woman seems decent enough like Hiro's mother. So fingers cross.
Who knew the Sohmas can be this exhausting.
It was only eight, but Akito thought it was better time than any to call it in for the day. She was hoping to read one of the new records she got today. Unfortunately the stress of everything that happened today just makes her want to go to sleep earlier.
The moment she got back to her room, Akito didn't hesitate to fall onto her futon, and get comfortable. She didn't bother to change her kimono. She's that tired from today.
'And it's only the beginning too….'
Well.
Thankfully Kagura's parents agreed. They'll be paid double, since they'll have two zodiacs to look after. Which meant that they'll also be getting a new house as well. It was only fair. Just as it was to let them be the one to decide which house they can take. They are going to be looking after Rin from now on. Sure they agreed, but for all she knows they only did it because she wanted it.
It's like Chitaka said, the Sohmas will not overstep their line. Just like the zodiacs, they will do whatever she desires. No matter if they hated her, or loved her. They will utterly obey any commands she gives them.
That's just the way it is.
She can only imagine what Rin would think once she is older, and learns of this arrangement.
For that, Akito lets out a sigh. She rolls over onto her back and stares up at the ceiling. "... I'm sorry, Rin. It's for your own good. I hope you won't hate me too much for it when you're older."
If Rin's hate means she won't be abused, then Akito accepts it with open arms.
And that was okay, she was rather used to.
In her previous life, her sister Mara always had blamed her for constantly getting involved with their parents. She disliked her for doing that. Overtime begin to hate her, because she believed she wasn't helping to resolve the issue. She was making it worse. In Mara's own words, "would you stop fanning the flames!".
When in reality, her little sister had no idea that if Rory would never intervene. Their parents would have turned all of their attention to her, and their younger siblings. Mara always acted so smart, thinking she knew everything, but she was just as ignorant as Felix and Tavi. It's not like Rory wanted to deal with that 'shit'.
"It's fine now." Akito says, not wanting to think of those horrible times from her previous childhood.
Her sisters and brother all had a good childhood thanks to her. Hopefully, she can do the same for the others here.
If it's just her, it'll all be okay.
"As long as they're happy." Akito whispers to herself, closing her eyes. "That's enough for me."
•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
A/N: This took awhile to finish, since I was half a foot in the FB fandom. Only because I was very reluctant to finish the final season so I won't be sad. Eventually I did finished it... and as expected I'm sad ... So now I'm rewatching the series, and rereading the manga to get rid of that post anime finale depression lol
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this update! Until then, peace peeps c:
EXTRA(S):
✦ Kureno & Akito's brother ― Kureno reminds Akito of her younger brother, Felix when he was a child. It's from the way Kureno behaves, and his brotherly relationship with Shigure.
✦Shigure's lack of apathy ― imo it seem like Shigure only acted indifferent around Akito was mainly to have her seek him out. Of course, he also did it to not lose control of himself, but I felt Akito was the main reason for his indifferent nature. Then again, I cannot recall if that is canon or not, but in this fic it would be lol So anyways that tactic doesn't work on Rory here. So Shigure had to switch his game around, since he saw it didn't work. Remember, even as a little kid, he vow to get what he wants, and that is Akito. Much to Rory's annoyance lol so if being indifferent isn't bring Akito to him as he had thought, then he'll go to her. No matter what, Shigure will have what he wants.
✦Rin's whereabouts― Rin wasn't alone when her parents went to see Akito. I've remember there are some people that are servants for some of the zodiac families. So Rin had one watching her, while Akito speaks to her parents.
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