Hi everyone! ::Bows in apology:: I know I kind of implied everything would be updated sooner but I didn't. And at the end of this chapter I'll explain everything. I mean it.

Much thanks to MysticSorcerer for helping me with this idea a while back when I was in serious doubt. And thanks to Nat, mine and mine alone, and Caitlin for letting me talk things out with them. Please read the story and there will be an Author's Note at the very end. Thank you.


The next morning Kisa woke up and started her day normally. She didn't think that it was any different from most days…at least she hoped it wouldn't be. It took her about the same amount of time as usual to shower, dry off, put on her uniform and gather up her things before walking over to her dresser.

Kisa looked in the mirror. I can do this. I can. Everything will be alright. It was a dream. Just a bad dream. Everything is fine. Kisa you can do this. You are brave. You are strong. You are the Tiger. You can face it. Besides. It was just a dream. Just a bad bad dream. She took a big breath and walked out of her room. To her surprise her mother was actually home. "Gggood morrning motther." She stuttered. No. No! Mother doesn't like it when I do that.

Her mother looked at her. "You should get your things together. You'll be staying at Aunt Satsuki's for a while." For a moment Kisa did not move. "Go on. Gather your things. You'll be going as soon as you're done."

Kisa stood there for another moment before nodding and going back to her room. She started packing things up into bags. Why is this happening? What did I do? It's not fair. I knew it. She's my mother…She forced herself to hold back her tears. After about ten minutes she packed up all the things of importance and clothes. She knew she would be there for a while.

Her mother just looked at the bags and decided it was enough. "You are to go to her house with your things and she will give you further instructions. Think of it as your new home." She got up. "I have to be going now. I expect you to be gone when I return." With that, the woman Kisa called mother left.

Not even a goodbye…Kisa walked over to the couch and sat down. Not even a goodbye…she doesn't love me does she? She's my mother. I know that with mothers of the Zodiac they are usually either overprotective of their children or they reject them completely. I always thought, until now at least, that my mother was one of the over protective ones. She seemed like it. But now…I guess that was just an act. I'm not wanted anymore.

Kisa got up and was about to leave before realizing she forgot something. I can't forget that. If I ever succeed, I need to make sure they get my message. She picked up some paper and put it in one of her bags before gathering up everything to head for her 'Aunt's' house.

She walked along, carrying the things she brought with her, most of it clothes. It didn't take that long to get there time wise, but it felt like longer. Soon enough, she reached the house. Kisa put her things down for a moment before knocking on the door.

Satskuki, hearing the knock, immediately went to answer. "Hello." Upon seeing the young tiger, she immediately hugged her. "O welcome dear! Come in come in." She ushered her into the house.

Kisa picked up her bags and followed her Aunt into the hall.

"Now dear let me get Hiro to show you to your room. That way you two can catch up while I finish cleaning up from breakfast." She turned to the kitchen. "Hiro!! Come here baby. Mommy needs you to do something before you go to school."

Kisa opened her mouth to object but before she could, Hiro was standing right there, in front of her.

"Yes mom" Hiro spoke calmly and respectfully. Most people wouldn't expect that from him, but this was actually normal with his mother.

She smiled. "Can you show Kisa the room she'll be staying in?"

Hiro's eyes widened when he realized Kisa was right there. Kisa…He nodded. "Yyes mother." He turned to her. "Come on." He grabbed her bags before she could and then started up the stairs.

Kisa hurried to follow him, feeling very uncomfortable already. Why did Aunt Satsuki talk as if I'm just a visitor? Like this is a temporary situation? I know it's not…unless she doesn't want me either…

Hiro walked up the stairs quickly. What is she doing here? She's been avoiding me lately...like I'm the plague or something. And now she shows up at my house with bags? What the hell is going on here?

The young teens walked into a room lightly decorated in pinks and purples. "Here you go I guess." He shrugged. "Not that I have any idea why you're staying here but whatever. Just put your stuff away and get ready if you want me to walk you to school." He looked at her and then left. Damn it what is wrong with me? He shook his head as he walked downstairs and got ready for school.

Kisa put her bags away for the moment and grabbed her backpack. I feel so stupid. I can't seem to speak up for myself. I couldn't tell my mother that I didn't want to leave, I couldn't tell her I didn't want to stay here, and I couldn't tell Hiro that I don't want to walk with him. He did it again too. He just…does he care about me at all?

"Kisa! Hurry up!" Hiro yelled from downstairs.

She quickly walked out and shut the door before going downstairs.

"It's about time. Come on. We'll be late." He grabbed her hand and dragged her out the door without another word.

Just for a moment, Kisa's face showed her pain. Ow. The hard part was that Hiro did not notice. He didn't see her face…or her tears…


Author's Note: I know I said I would update sooner. And I know that you probably expected an update that took this much time to be longer. Please forgive me!! But the thing is, I have been busy. I also had a long, long summer. And then I started college. Busy, busy, busy. When I was inspired, I couldn't. Or I got distracted. There is no excuse. I am sorry it has taken me so long to update. I appreciate all of you who continue to read/review this and any of my other fics. Until next time…

Different Child