3

Dry grass crunched under her feet as Teresa made her was to Hatori's house. "Hi, Hatori," she was bathed with warm light and the smell of books as she entered Hatori's study.

"Hello, Teresa," his voice was heavy and warm towards her. Teresa said nothing more but went on to visit Kisa in the back room.

The child was given a proper bed, instead of that horrid hospital bed. She seemed small, but strength radiated from her frailty. Strength only Teresa could see, as others were stopped at the weak child lying in the bed. Teresa gave a small smile and dusked from the room and the house. Hope swelled through her as she opened the letter that had been constant in her pocket for the past two weeks.

Dear Teresa,

Hatori called and told us what happened. Come home! I can't allow you to stay in that wretched place with that wretched man anymore. I don't care about eh connection your Father is always talking about, come home to us!

Teresa, I love you. You are my only child, and I can't bear to know that you are suffering. At his place, a few tears stained the white stationary, and a masculine hand took up the rest of the letter.

Darling, I understand the pull of the zodiac on you. My Father was once the boar of the zodiac and he was connected to the god just as you are. But I cannot allow you to be hurt, Teresa. You went back on the pretense of seeing someone. You've seen them, Teresa, and you have suffered for it! When it is convenient, come home. I will not beg as your mother has, but I ask this: that you come and speak to us. You haven't spoken to us all of these past six months. You have written short, concise, letters about your time, but nothing more. Tell us why you stay. I trust that Hatori has been taking care of you as he always has, and he only tells us so much, love.

Love,

Mom and Dad.

Teresa had read and re-read the letter from her parents. She paid careful attention to what her Father had written. She knew that going home was her only chance of keeping Kisa safe. She has to come with me.

Teresa clenched her jaw in determination and walked to Akito's room. The walk seemed so much long than it had in the past.

She opened the door and took two steps into the room. Akito was laying on his futon, his hand over his eyes. "What is it?" his voice was thick with annoyance.

"May I talk to you, Akito?" obviously he hadn't expected her and sat up when she spoke.

"What is it, Teresa dear?" he purred and beckoned her to the side of the futon.

Teresa took the place hesitantly. "I received a letter from my parents. They said that they missed me and want me back home, Akito."

Akito glared at the paper in her hands, "No. You have just come back."

Teresa almost gave up right there. He needed her. He had missed her. "Akito, I have to leave." She stood up and looked him right in the eye.

Akito stood slowly, "I forbid it. I forbid you to leave. You are mine," his hand curled around her shirt front, "And I will not have you running off to my mommy and daddy!"

Teresa didn't think. She reacted. The sound of skin on skin filled the room. Akito stumbled back and Teresa clenched the back of stringing hand.

"NO, Akito!" she was livid and fire and rage filled her eyes, "I WILL NOT STAY HERE AND BE YOUR PET ANY MORE!" she storm out of the room and stopped at the door, "And I'm taking Kisa with me!"

"Teresa!" the voice froze her in her tracks. "If you leave, you will never be loved. Isn't that what you want? What you need?" his voice teased her and taunted her.

Teresa swallowed. That was all she wanted was to be loved. The thought of never being loved was breaking her. No. She would be loved. Haru would love her. Kisa would love her. Her parents would love her. "You do not love me." her voice was low and calm, "You depend on me. You depend on me to make you feel like a bigger man!" she faced him now and took a few steps towards him, "You want a play thing to make you feel," she jabbed his chest, "Like you have some good in you. Like you could love someone. You can, Akito. You can love someone. But that's not me. You can't love me and you never will. Because I am bound to you. Bonds are not love. They are hurting and pain." She was whispering now, anger gone. "I fooled myself into thinking I loved you, when all I knew where the bonds that drew me to you. I may come back, Akito. But know this," she hissed at him, "I will never. Love. You."

With that, Teresa departed. She left a stunned Akito to stare into her wake.

Teresa was free. She was free to leave. She had settled her mind with Akito. Now onto Kisa.

The little girl was still asleep when Teresa entered the room again. "Kisa."

She opened her eyes and rolled towards the girl, "How would you like to come stay with me? I spoke to your mother a few days ago and she said it would be fine with her. You'd come back eventually, but you would live with me In a big house in the city. Would you like that?"

The girl gave no verbal answer, but wrapped two thin arms around Teresa's waist. Teresa hugged her back and they were bonded.

Both stood at the gate. Teresa carried the duffle bag and suitcase that she had brought with her six months ago. In her other hand, was the hand of a girl. Kisa would only be staying a few months, and in that time the two would have some much needed healing.

"Ready?"

"Ready." Teresa pushed the gate open, walked down the sidewalk and slipped into the car sent from her Father's law firm.

A few hours later and Kisa was asleep on Teresa's shoulder. I'll be back. When I graduate. I'll come back and see all of those wonderful people again. The unspoken promise was made and Teresa and Kisa slipped away from Sohma house, if only for a little while.

We have reached the end. I know it's very quick, but all endings cannot be drawn out. I give you all virtual hugs and love you fore reviews. I hope you review on this ending chapter, I'd love to know what you thought about it. Thanks you, gentle readers. For know, I hope to see you again someday soon.