This was the last straw. The nerve… the absolute nerve of my aunt, the clan head! She offered me off to a young noble with military enforcers in his disposal. I was nothing more than a bargaining chip! How disgusting! The noble was known for his open relationships regardless of being with another person. He makes me sick.

I cannot stay here anymore. I need to leave. Maybe Roku wouldn't mind running away with me. What would his reaction be if I told him of my affection? I crept out in secret in the dead of night with limited necessities. I used the shadows as my means of escape; stealth was key. If I were to unleash my ninpo, the clan will be aware of my presence which I am trying to avoid. I was over the border gate when I let a familiar power.

"What are you doing, Rin?" I asked, without meeting my brother's gaze.

Rinmaru descended from the tree. "I should be telling you that, little sister. You're out past curfew." He noticed my sack. "Are you running away?! Why?"

My grip tightened. "Why, you asked… I want to live my life… why? Because my betrothed is narcissistic philanthropist. Why? Because, despite the skills I've mastered, it means nothing if I am a shogi piece on a wooden board." Finally, I turned to my older brother. "And I will fight anyone who stands between me and my freedom."

"And where are you going to go, Misa? Any man who sees you would want you on their bed. Think rationally and return to the manor. I'll let this slide just once."

After I dropped my satchel, I unsheathed my katanas. "I said I'll fight anyone who stands in my way… that includes you, Rinmaru."

My red-haired brother laid his hands on his sais. "Don't do this, Misa. We can talk things through." I almost concede seeing his sad eyes, but I shook it off.

"If I win, you will act as though you never saw me. If you win, I will turn back with no complaint. Do you agree?" I bargained.

Rin only sighed. He knew how stubborn I can be. He twirled his weapon. "First to make their opponent bow in defeat wins."

I took my chance and charged at my new enemy.

Rin had the strength, but I have the speed and ninpo on my side.

I know I can win!

~Lady Ai~

Some dream. I wish I could sleep longer on my bed. I wanted to know what happen to Misa. It was like becoming a part of Dad's soap operas. Maybe if I snuggled deeper into my comfy bed.

The strange thing was… I don't remember my bed being this fluffy. My eyelids felt heavy opening them. Finally, I managed to groggily open my eyes. My "room" was luxurious. I was lying on a soft bed with fluffy pillows and blankets that it felt like sleeping on a cloud. I sat up only for my neck to throb in pain. I massaged it recollecting what transpired before getting here.

My body grew stiff. Xander! That fucking, piece of shit! He bit me and injected some sort of neurotoxin. I'm gonna beat his well-sculptured face if he ever shows up. I threw the blankets off and jumped out of bed.

Unfortunately, I fell. I felt my vein above my eye-popping. My legs are still numb. Fan-FUCKING-tastic! I sat up and lapped my legs. I could a small pain emitting. I should be able to stand soon and when I do, I'm getting out of this luxurious prison! I heard the door jiggling. I crawled to my bed, yet the door opened in time to see me struggling to get on it.

"Oh, sweetness. Let me help you", Xander's voice made my blood boil. I felt his hands on my back, but I slapped them along with adding a heavy slap to his face.

"Don't TOUCH me!" I yelled. "Better yet. You and your posse get out! You're the last person I want to see!"

Xander touched his cheek. Then, his eyes turned red. The next thing I knew, I was thrust onto the mattress. He held my wrists above my head with one hand. I struggled with little effort. I didn't recover from the venom.

The spider yokai gripped my cheek in a strong grip. "You are fortunate I have no means of punishing you today. After tonight, you and I will be newlyweds. You will obey whatever I tell you."

"I'm not marrying you –!" he covered my mouth.

"For instance, if I say speak you bark. If I say come, you follow. Other than that, you will be living in luxury. Everyone will be envious of you." I couldn't say a word since his hand clamped my mouth. "Let's put this pettiness aside and have dinner. I've brought the hotel's special for my fiancé." He released me and sat me right on my bed. I didn't bother looking at him or the food he displayed on a serving tray.

"Where're my brothers?" I asked, not looking at the bastard.

"Your brothers are in the VIP room either eating or preparing for the ceremony." I smelled steak immediately. I heard him cutting the meat and stabbing it. I noticed he was trying to feed me like a baby.

"And my friend?"

Xander stopped. "What about him?" his voice grew deep.

"What did you do to him?"

"He won't be joining us."

I quickly looked at Xander. "That doesn't answer my question! Where is HE?!"

I didn't jump as he stabbed the same fork with the steak into the wall beside my head. My glare intensified. "What does that HUMAN have that I don't?" his glare was as burning as mine. "I have power. I have money. Connections. I can give you the world on a silver platter if you ask for it! Tell me, Baby Blue, what makes this human special?"

I crossed my arms. "For starters, he doesn't use my family as leverage to force me to marry. He doesn't poison me. He doesn't look at me like I was rare species in a museum. He's better-looking than you. The list goes on."

"And what makes you believe we won't build up our relationship? My mother married my father for an heir. They didn't love each other, but they respect one another. Why can't we have that sort of relationship?" Xander let go of the fork to pace around my room. "Humans are a waste of existence. Each generation their intellect dwindles. We might as well live in a world of simpletons." I pushed myself out of bed.

"Merrill is more than a simpleton! He's sweet and kind and he cares about me unlike you!" I held onto the bedpost. "You can't hold a candle to how much of a bigger man Merrill is."

"You spoke as if you're in love with him!"

"That's because I do love him!" I paused. Did I just say that? Did I say I love Merrill, my best friend? Was I in a romance story?

"So… the human does have something I don't… your heart."

I held my head high. "That's right he does. And knowing him, he's coming to find me and he's going to beat the living shit out of you!"

The spider yokai's reaction was neutral. He went to the vanity where an object was covered. "I was going to use this as a trophy, but I was considerate enough to offer it as a wedding gift." Xander held out a long object with a light grey cloth covering it. "Perhaps if I were to give this to you, you would reconsider your rejection." He lifted the cloth. My heart stopped; my blood felt cold; my body stiffed. The gift he presented was one of Merrill's metal arms. "The human never stood a chance. He resisted. This was his end." He's lying… it's all a lie… Merrill… my friend… can't be dead!

I clenched my teeth and fists. "Get out…" Xander stood there. "I said get out!" I glared at this son of a bitch. "I don't want to see you or talk to your pathetic face!"

Xander remained immune. "Of course, you need time to grieve. I will leave your gift. Remember, dear Leonardo, your human may not be alive, but your brothers are. Do the right thing and compose yourself. I will give you one hour to fully recuperate. After the hour, the staff will come in and prep you. I expect your cooperation with no resistance." He left the arm on my bed. Then, he exited my room. As soon as the door closed, I collapsed. This wasn't happening.

I grabbed Merrill's disposed arm. The cold metal made me shiver. Was this what it would be like if this arm was made of flesh? I pressed the cold fingers against my forehead. Merrill, can you hear me? Say something! Tell me a dirty joke! Say a curse word. ANYTHING!

…please… don't leave me…

The silence was nerve-wracking. I waited for a minute. That minute felt forever. You can't be dead, you asshole! I just said I love you and you're not here to hear it! I wish you were here so I can kick that flat ass of yours! I'll turn your bedroom into a pink Barbie Wonderland! I'll do it! Don't tempt me!

Nothing…

I pulled the arm away. I stared at the metal arm. Memories of Merrill went through my mind. Some of them were him being a jerk. Some were sentimental. My mind wandered to our slow dance. I remembered feeling the need to kiss him. I knew deep down he wanted it, too. Water drops fell onto the arm. I touched my cheek.

Oh… I'm crying… I wiped them off, but more tears spilled. I was turning into a water faucet. I tried holding in my cries to not attract the guards out my door.

Merrill, come back to me…

I wiped my eyes again only to see my shadow shift. Then, it grew and extended to a long shadow. I was going to use the arm as a weapon until… the bulging shadow revealed Merrill's unconscious body. I quickly covered my mouth to conceal my shock. I quickly went to his side. My fear grew feeling his cold body underneath my touch.

I pulled his body to my private bathroom. I grabbed as many sheets as I could. I checked inside the mirror case and drawers for a first-aid case. To my relief, I managed to find one. I frowned at the limited supplies in it. I pressed the sheets against the bleeding wound. I added so much pressure I was afraid I was bruising him.

I didn't know how long I pressed, but I was satisfied seeing the blood stop flowing. Now, I'm staring at a big hole in his stomach. Merrill's breathing was unstable and I didn't know if he was still breathing. I checked his pulse; barely one beat at a time.

…he's dying.

I cupped Merrill's cold cheek. Was this how Merrill felt since the mutant pizza fiasco? Praying to God I would come back to him? Please… Pizza Supreme, Jesus, God, Buddha, whoever is watching me right now, please bring my friend back. There are things I want to do, and things I want to say. Don't take him away… not yet… please…

I pushed the emo's hair aside. Merrill's face in full view. I really like seeing your whole face, you Goth Nerd. More tears ran down my cheeks. If this was our last moment together, then I hope you won't consider me selfish, Merrill, my weird, amazing, dear friend.

"I love you", I whispered as I leaned in and kissed his cold lips. For once, I wished Merrill would wake up like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty; he would stare at me and grin a weak smile. I pushed back. No reaction. I guess he's really gone. I laid my forehead against his and softly cried. I don't care if I was crying like a little baby. Someone I cared about died and he's never coming back! My tears made my ears sting.

…that was until I saw something that blew my mind. A small light show wrapped around Merrill's stomach. My eyes widened watching the deep cut heal within seconds. The lights died down. I held my breath seeing Merrill stir. His eyes fluttered.

The emo's eyes focused. "…Leo?" more tears ran down. I leaped into Merrill crying into his arm. My tears dripped on his shoulder.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.