Hirato awoke in his childhood bedroom. The sun was shining brightly across his walls. Why did the world have to be bright and happy? What was it happy for? It will die eventually. No material possession would change that. No amount of love would save you from death.

Knock. "Who is it?" Hirato sneered. He had better things to do than talk with somebody from this pitiful family-

"Ah, you're up, that's good to hear. Are you descent?" -especially Saburo. Letting out a sigh, he rose from the floor and opened the door.

"What do you want Saburo?"

"Oh, just wanted to make sure everyone was up for the big day. Okay, so it won't be, like, big or anything, but it's going to be super important. Though I'm sure that you're aware that more than anyone, since, you know, you have been waiting for this moment ever since Inu no Taisho-" He was silenced by a hush from Hirato. "Look, I know that you hate-" Did this idiot ever shut up? Of course Hirato knew the answer; so, he silenced him by covering his mouth and slamming him against the paper wall. He quickly shut the door and put his ear up against the wall as he tried to listen attentively.

"Ouch, what was that for?" Rolling his eyes, Hirato once again shut up his brother. Finally, Saburo stopped talking and he was able to hear through the thin wall and out into the hallway. He listened as the small chatter grew louder. He was soon able to hear the conversation clearly. Hirato recognized both voices as InuKimi and her sister. Just as he thought. By the sound of footsteps ceasing, he guessed the two had stopped right outside his room. How… opportune.

"Sis, you need to forget about it. It's in the past. As Saburo always says, if it's a memory that is discouraging, it's best to be forgotten." Hirato gave the voice the face of Masami.

"I know, but I – I – I loved him. It's not something easily forgotten. Every time I think I found some closure, something happens and…and I remember what he did. He never even say goodbye." Hirato smirked at InuKimi's thoughts. Inu no Taisho's wife still feels heartbroken, alone, and betrayed. Good: now he'll have to push her. Only then will things be okay.

"Hirato, what on earth are you doing?" Saburo asked with his expression full of curiosity.

"Nothing," Hirato assured. His eyes were shining with desperation for power.

"Why are you smirking?" Saburo questioned. Hirato looked into his brother's eyes and found fear as he backed him up against the wall.

"I was just creating tactics for the games," Hirato explained falsely. His smirk couldn't stop growing. The world was showing him fear.

"No cheating Hirato. I will not stand for that kind… of-" the, frustratingly, friendly youkai stopped talking as the fear took control over him. "Well, you know. I guess I'll see you later, then." Saburo scurried out the door. Well, that's one way to get rid of an unwanted presence.

"Oh - I'm glad - follow me- uh-" Hirato could barely hear the words of his brother through the lanky door.

"Oh - you - me - did - from?" the voice of InuKimi.

"Hirato – wants - you to-" That fool, what does he think he's doing? Concerned, Hirato leaned up against the door. But when his ear made contact with the door, all he heard were steps as they walked away from his room. Waiting a while more, Hirato finally lifted his head and stayed sitting on the floor. He pondered on his findings this fateful morning. What made Saburo so frightened? Yes, he could see it now: the look in his brother's eyes. It was the same as that in Inu no Taisho's amber eyes. The day they fought, and he had lost. Inu no Taisho won. But why? He had that look before he won the battle. But he was afraid. Wasn't he? Hirato remembered terror, the same kind. Does that mean that Saburo will be the one to-?

"Boy, make yourself presentable. Get up and stop mopping around." Hirato looked up at his father. Standing up quickly, Hirato bowed his head clumsily.

"Of course, excuse my behavior," Hirato replied as his father sighed and walked out the door. Wait, that's it: his father! "Wait, can't you look into the future. Who will be victorious?" His father stopped dead in his tracks. "You know, don't you?"

"Hirato, how dare you ask me to do such a thing! I never even told your brothers what their destinies have in store. What makes you think I would tell you?"

"You have spoken to Inu no Taisho about the future before."

"So that I might convince him not to tread on the road he chose," InuFurui explained, still refusing to face his son.

"Please, chichi-ue, give me some peace of mind," Hirato pleaded. He couldn't believe he was on his knees just to receive an answer he was already sure of.

"Fine, but I will only give you a warning. I have seen what you will become. You must forget the things you think you need. Only then will you be successful." Hirato was filled with relief. Why did this make him feel so confident? "But-"

"But?" Hirato felt his heart race at InuFurui's hesitation.

"If you don't do as I say, you will be lost forever."