.Devil Inside. [Mature, Shiranui, continued]

Confused thoughts afflicted Aki Mikage with an array of alien emotions never before felt. He found himself plunging through a field planted with anger, disbelief and sorrow. Why did the young man express such fury towards Aya? Why did he have the sudden urge to wrap both hands around his sister's throat? Did he want to kill her? Did he want to intimidate his own flesh and blood into obeying every whim? Could it be over-protection or sheer envy? 'Are you willing to strike out against a relative? Are you willing to throw away sixteen beautiful years down the drain? Don't you recall those fun times at the beach? You and Aya would always head to the same spot year after year. If I do recall...you two had a secret cove in Okinawa that your parent's never knew about. Heh...look at yourself now..about to hit your own sister for telling the truth.' Truth? What truth? A pile of twisted accusations woven into an intricate fairytale? Sad excuses to justify Aya's lying behavior? 'Reincarnations, Tennyo's and family secrets...sound more like sad story plots directors use to make cheap movies. I bet she watched a similar story and decided to add a few details to entangle me.' Or could the blond-haired female be telling the honest? Swallowing a lump that had been forming in his throat, Aki found himself unable to control the sudden urge to punch Aya across the face. He wanted to throw her to the floor, scream at her until his throat turned red raw from enraged cries. He wanted to knock some sense into his sibling's over-active imagination, but at the same time the male didn't want to hurt her. 'Don't do it! For heaven's sake get a hold of yourself!' His rational mind cried out in a last ditch effort to maintain it's owner from committing an act he would later come to regret. However, Mikage Aki's mind blocked out every word of reason. He had allowed his ignorant emotions to gain a foot-hold in his heart and now the male lashed out at the frozen female whose face seemed to go pale with each passing minute. Scarlet-rimmed hues locked with Aya's wide blue ones, the look etched across her face was enough to drive a dagger into his heart. Were those earlier words about the Mikage secret true? Or did she want to fool him with an exaggerated joke? "This is absurd." He sneered aggressively "My perfectly normal sister being the reincarnation of an angel? I suppose your next tale will consist of being able to turn into a damn mermaid with the ability to swim underwater." The young man mocked, not knowing that his words were treading dangerously close to private territory. "Hmm...a Tennyo? I see no reason for an immortal angel to descend down to earth just to bear half-Celestial children. That is technically impossible." Aki hissed, smiling lips going from teasing to twisted in the blink of an eye.

Moving right shoulder backwards, the blond-haired male raised his hand in mid-air, trembling fingers tightened themselves into a balled fist. Gathering energy from bruised muscles, the furious adolescent aimed for Aya's fragile cheek. 'She isn't even attempting to evade my hits! Why? Why isn't Aya reacting!?' His questions were lost to the sudden feel of anguish traveling up and down his wrist. A vague warmth registered against Aki's sensitive skin along with extreme pain for his punch had been stopped by the strange girl "What the?!" The young man hissed in question, bleary indigo hues moved sideways to see Kagura blocking holding his balled-up fist in mid-air, all the while Aya Mikage continued to stand in one spot as if stunned by what had almost occurred. "Don't interfer! This is strictly family problems that Aya and I need to solve on our own." He grunted, attempting to move backwards until the zodiac female mentioned his name. "H..how do you know my name?" Aki questioned, feeling of rage temporarily forgotten. 'How did this strange female get our names? Our home direction? Hmm...a cousin sent her?' He tried placing two and two together, but felt his concentration shatter at the mention of Haru Sohma. Facial features drained of color as memories from his earlier fight with the white-hair Sohma resurfaced to haunt him. Faint images of a level-headed Haru transforming into a dangerous opponent, the sudden feel of the male's foot crushing a few ribs and the last vision of Momiji jumping in last minute to save him from being slain. 'Momiji...' Hot tears begun to stream down Aki's face, before realization hit him straight in the face "I don't know what to believe..." The adolescent whispered, blue-violet hues averting to the floor. What had he done to deserve this? "T..that can't be true. How can families destroy one another?" Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable, yet if four people had already confirmed the truth....then had to be real. "No..." Aki rasped, closing azure hues against the impending headache. 'Foolish assumptions coming from a skeptical boy who doesn't understand curses or paranormal events. I did for a fact descend from Heaven to Earth. I did mate with a normal man and I left a lineage behind. My blood run's through Aya's veins as well as your's Aki...but I suppose you don't want to know that?' The Celestial Maiden muttered beneath her breath 'Quickly transform into me! There is no need to suffer because of one man's ignorant nature!' Ceres called out, trying to spur her stunned host into action.

How could honesty bring on such a calamity? Was it her fault for not telling Aki sooner? Would his reaction have been different? 'If I had opened my mouth earlier to tell him our family secret...he still would've of judged me as insane.' Either way her brother would have turned his nose at her words. She felt utterly foolish for spilling out her heart to a boy who had seemingly changed over night. What happened to the gentle Aki Mikage? What happened to the soft-spoken brother, that would ask a million questions concerning Aya's welfare? How could a person change in one day? Sixteen years of living together. Sixteen long years sharing the same roof, eating the same food, diverging secrets only he would understand. Sixteen years of running to him for comfort. Where were those warm memories now? Had every year been one more lie covered up in sweet agony? ' This boy has the same name...same appearance...same clothing..except...I don't recognize him.' She stayed frozen in place, unable to move or even breath. Fear became Aya's greatest enemy clouding her mind with irrational images of Aki striking his fist into her face. The agony from his impact against her delicate face would surely dislocate a few bones and the quick swing would undoubtedly send Aya slamming into the opposite wall. Why couldn't she move? Why did her scream freeze inside? Was she hoping for an invisible miracle to appear out of no where? 'AYA!' The Tennyo's desperate voice rose in pitch as Aki's fist traveled through the air at high speed 'Hurry!' Ceres screamed again, until the boy's curled hand stopped mere inches from her face. It took several seconds for the young woman to register what had just occurred. Her brother's fist had been blocked in mid-air, but by who? Had he repented last minute? Glazed sapphire hues flickered slowly to life, pupils quickly focusing to the side where Kagura had jumped in last minute. They were formed in shallow triangle, with Aki positioned South and Aya taking up the Northern flank while the Sohma female stood on the sideline with one hand wrapped around the boy's wrist. "Nani?" The blond-haired female questioned softly, unable to get over the shock of having a complete stranger blocking off Aki's vengeful wrath "Aki...you could have killed me from the impact! Why are you acting this way?!" She screamed suddenly, her loud voice capturing attention from Aki. "Aren't you even the least bit ashamed?" The female asked, curling both hands into tense fists. "Aya...I..." He attempted to communicate with his devastated sister, though an instant later Aya seemed to vanish in a flood of reddish-white light. "I'm sick of this." A woman's cold voice pierced through the brilliant aura and as the light disappeared Ceres stood in the spot where her host had been standing seconds earlier.

"W..Who are you? Where did Aya disappear to?!" Aki yelled, firing a volley of rhetorical questions to the enraged Tennin. "My name is Tennyo Ceres....and Aya is within me" Ceres responded, running a slender hand through pitch black hair "You really are a naive little boy aren't you? I can't help wondering how a short-sighted person such as yourself can continue living in a world of black and white. Aki...you are blind to reason..even if the answers are lying underneath your very nose." She stated bluntly, raising an accusing index finger at the stunned youth "Whether you chose to heed my words or ignore them...that is up to you. However....curses are all too real for some people." The Celestial Maiden stated, shimmering orbs gazing off to the side where Kagura stood "Hmm...your demanding explanations from Aya..while your the one keeping some serious secrets from her. She doesn't deserve a brother who will strike out for attempting to keep her own flesh and blood safe from harm. Because frankly...Aki Mikage...you give my family a bad reputation." Ceres spat , averting golden-brown orbs to the ground below. The urge to send her great grandson to oblivion became one giant thorn embedded within a fragile heart "Your extremely lucky to be alive cause I wouldn't hesitate to dissolve you into a pile of ashes." The raven-haired female snarled, raised her head to give Aki a deadly look "Only...Aya's presence keeps me from acting out of pure instinct." Her harsh words stabbed straight into the young man. Wide indigo hues changed from aggressive to fearful in the blink of an eye "Y...you would kill me? Your own grandson?" The skeptical adolescent questioned, dislodging himself from Kagura's vice-like grip with a violent tug. Extreme agony traveled up Aki's forearm, as he grabbed at his bruised wrist. 'Another bruise...to add to the countless other bruises Haru inflicted on me. Now...I'm being threatened by my own grandmother?' No. She couldn't kill him. He was Aki Mikage. Son to Mituski and Ronny. Brother to Aya and a straight-lined descendant from Ceres herself, but the vicious look never left the Tennin's eyes. Her warnings were real. They weren't empty threats consisting of meaningless motives, for the next minute one of the vases shattered into a million pieces. Craning his head to the floor below, Aki saw the broken ceramic pot disappearing in a flash of reddish-white Celestial fire.

"I don't kill for the fun of it." She answered "Those who have attempted to harm me..have had a similar fate to that pot." Dropping one hand to her side, the young woman flickered orbs in several directions. Aki moved towards the stair case, trying to evade a potential encounter with the powerful woman whose aura only seemed to flare at his presence. Tears running down his face, the boy vanished into his room without a word of acknowledgment to Ceres or Kagura. Celestial powers dying down a bit, the raven-haired female turned momentarily to the Sohma Boar with a brief nod of gratitude "Thank you....and tell your cousin that I thank him as well." This place held to many memories. To many tears shed. She needed to seek tranquility from the impending rage attempting to steal a way into her heart. Painted lips thinned into a curt line, as Ceres walked towards the front door. Extending a trembling hand forward, the Heavenly Maiden pulled the door open to reveal skies etched in multicolored hues. 'Such a pretty sky.' Obsidian hair changed into brownish-blond hair, grayish-blue hues now gazed up at the heavens with yearning. "Such an embarrassing mess." Aya whispered, casting a glance over one shoulder to see several vases smashed to pieces "They were mom's favorite decorations in the entire house." She lamented sadly, raising a hand to wave at Kagura "Gomen...I wish we would've of met under different circumstances. Aki's behavior is in no way acceptable..." The blond-haired female apologized, granting the female a gentle smile "Anyway...I must be going. Say Hi to everyone for me." Bowing down in polite dismissal, Aya turned towards the path stored in mind. 'Wouldn't it be wiser to just deal with your emotions first...before going to see Yuki?' Her rational spoke out 'After all...look at what happened between you and Aki. That argument was intense.' Pretty intense alright. Much worse then she had imagined. "I don't know what I was thinking back there." She responded to the voice "If Kagura hadn't stopped Aki's fist...he could have caused some heavy damage." Bringing one hand to the spot where Aki had been about to hit, Aya rubbed trembling fingers against the soft skin going sleek with tears. Inches. Just inches from the fragile hinge connecting her temporal jaw to the eye socket positioned above. What would have happened if he had succeeded? Why hadn't Ceres taken over at the first sight of danger?

'You followed your heart's instincts without realizing the consequences. Aya....you were considerate enough to tell Aki about the family secret...but also foolish to speak with a boy in such a state of tension. Let's pay Yuki Sohma a visit...I'm sure he'll be happy to see you.' The Tennin stated, giving her host some motivation to run down the side walk at high speed. 'I can't help wondering...if we're both being foolish.' Ceres stated mentally, while Aya Mikage stopped at a nearby food stand. "We might be. The danger at the Sohma House is ever present...however...we chose to ignore it." The blond-haired female replied, focusing blue-gray hues on the menu. "What will you be ordering today miss?" The cashier asked, reaching out to grab pen and paper. "Can I get canned coffee, three rice cakes and a side of Dango?" Aya muttered, fumbling through skirt pockets for yen. "Of course...your order will be ready soon." The clerk smiled kindly at the young female, as she walked away to wait for her lunch. 'Did you order that much food for Yuki?' The Celestial Maiden questioned in astonishment 'Or is it for you?' Faint chuckles escaped from glossy pink lips "Silly...that food is for me. I haven't had anything to eat all day long...plus the coffee will help me stay awake." She explained, flickering up orbs to see the cook waving at her with food in hand. Trotting back towards the stand, the young woman handed the clerk his money, then took the small bag towards the nearest park bench. "Mmm...the dessert smells delicious." Aya whispered, taking a few bites out of her rice cakes and Dango. 'Your only giving yourself a brief moment of respite. How about we visit Yuki in the morning?' The raven-haired female tried negotiating with her grand-daughter, only to feel rejection at the idea. Shaking her head savagely, the blond-haired female swallowed the last of the coffee "I can't keep delaying myself...Ceres..please understand that I want to help him. I want to fix the problems...I've caused." She admitted, lowering blue hues to the glistening grass below. Sadness welled in her heart, but the young woman pushed away the troublesome feelings. Standing up from the bench, Aya trudged over to the disposal unit located a few yards from the sidewalk. Dumping the contents of her lunch into the yawning maw, she turned to gaze skyward with wistful eyes. Evening stars began to appear as faint white pin-pricks in the sky, twinkling with comforting coldness.

' I envy the stars for their freedom to shine without constraints.' Aya Mikage thought silently to herself. Yet, stars did have specific mechanics tying them down. No gas meant no way to keep their inner cores hot enough to sustain life. A star without food would die, just like a human without proper nourishment. Pulling in a shallow breath, the blond-haired female began to walk down the designated path Ceres had proposed earlier. 'I'm barely half way to the main house...and already my nerves are acting up.' Pausing in mid-stride, Aya began counting to ten until her anxious emotions settled down enough to promote clear thinking. But, who wouldn't get nervous of Akito Sohma? They sported a massively negative aura with enough force to send even Ceres into a fit of rage. While, the leader could cause fear in some individuals and rage in the Tennin...all Aya could feel was pity. Why? Why would she pity a human who mistreated their own family members? 'We have arrived.' The Tenshi announced, tugging inwardly to gain her attention 'Don't ask how you got here so fast....with that distracted nature of yours...I had to take over temporarily.' Ceres stated, before falling quiet. Golden-brown orbs fell shut as sleep threatened to over take her 'I will be silent for the time being...however..I'll still be alert.' She muttered telepathically, letting her descendant know that Aya wasn't completely abandoned. "Thank you." Glossy pink lips curled downwards in a grateful smile. Turning around to face the lush bushes, the blond-haired female began to crawl through tangled branches and dried leaves. Insects chirped faintly beneath the waning sunlight, while she crawled into the front yard with different leaves sticking out of her wavy-hair. 'Ugh..someone needs to trim the bushes.' Reaching up with both hands, the sixteen-year old adolescent brushed aside the foliage. Swallowing harshly, she didn't stay standing in one place for long, instead Aya raced silently towards a back entrance. With the Celestial Maiden stretching senses outwards, the young woman could not detect movement nor any perturbing auras coming from the main house. It seemed the area was safe to explore. 'It's now or never.' Gathering courage, the blond-haired girl walked through the entrance and across the destruction Ceres had caused days ago. Lips thinned into a small line, she finally reached the door leading into the medical ward. A trembling hand pulled backwards on the icy-cold knob and without the slightest hesitation Aya walked right in. 'I sense someone here.' The Tennyo spoke up, but by the time she looked up it was to late to hide. 'Why didn't you tell me sooner!?' She yelled at the sleeping spirit 'Anyway...it's time to improvise.' Pushing back troubling emotions, the young woman spoke softly "Nice...to see you again..." Blue orbs traveled from the doctor to the silver-haired Sohma resting in the same spot. He appeared to be in the same condition with no improvement, yet Yuki appeared to be wide awake. Falling silent, the blond-haired female tried speaking mentally to the zodiac rat 'Yuki...I came to see you.' She said gently, wondering if he would respond or if he was still stuck in sightless nightmares.



Occ: Ack...sorry for the length!

{ "This pine tree is really high. I wonder if I could climb all the way to the top?" Curious blue-gray orbs focused upwards to where lush green needles greeted brilliant golden rays from the rising sun. "Climb? Don't tell me that! How are you going to climb this huge tree? How do you expect to come down?!" Aki cried out, reaching a trembling hand to latch onto Aya's blue over-all's "Grandfather warned up over this particular tree." The blond-haired male warned, narrowing indigo hues down at his youngest sibling. Arms crossed over her chest, Aya's pale lips formed into a cute pout "No one is watching." She pointed out, throwing several glances around the front lawn. Stiff pig-tails bounced up and down as the little girl rounded Aki on her way to climb up the thick tree stump. "Aya!? Wait..." He tried reasoning with his stubborn sibling, but his sister had other ideas. Digging stout finger-tips into several holes, the blond-haired female began using upper body strength to haul herself slowly up the pine tree. Inch by inch, yard by yard she reached the upper branches with Aki Mikage standing protectively beneath her. His arms were out-stretched ready to catch Aya if she were to lose balance and fall six feet to the hard ground below.} Memories and pictures. Which were more important to him? Trembling fingers ran lightly over cold glass, tracing smile faces. Two siblings sitting together on a park bench with identical ice cream cones held in hand. Two siblings who had once shared secrets together. Now the only memories Aki could latch onto were the physical ones in his room. 'Apparently...my anger was more important to me.' Doubling both hands into white-knuckled fists, he slammed curled fingers into the soft bed sheets. With each pressured hit, the springs groaned inwardly as if protesting against him. "Quiet." The blond-haired male snarled beneath his breath, but reminded himself that Kagura Sohma was still in his room. "I'm not one to offer hospitality." He answered curtly, indigo hues showing an indignant shimmer with her insults over his neat room. What? Was it bad to have every single object in his bed-room coordinated by letters and colors? Was it bad to keep his bed in neat order? Mitsuki's constant jabbering for household cleanliness had pushed the entire Mikage Family to keep their bed rooms in constant neatness. Being orderly made life a lot simpler for finding things, yet at the same time pressure drove Aki up the wall. "Hey! For one I love living in a clean room...not some dust filled closet covered in bugs." He wrinkled his at the thought. However, the brown-haired female had not entered his room for any reason then to taunt him. 'There is something else...she wants to tell me.' What did she want anyway?

Shoulders tensing slightly, the blond-haired male followed Kagura all the way to the opposite wall where a dozen pictures hung from sea-shell covered frames. Remorseful blue-violet orbs flickered lightly from face to face recognizing several pictures belonging to their trip in Long Beach. "Aya was worried about me?" Aki questioned softly, his voice lowering for daggers sliced into his heart. Of course she would worry over his safety. He was her brother, but at the same time his own blood and flesh possessed a heart of gold. Could she forgive him? Could she ever find it in that heart of her's to trust again? 'Trust and respect need to be earned. No one is going to dish out their feelings on a silver platter. Frankly...Aki Mikage...you were the one who placed yourself in this position...now you're regretting what you've done.' The rational voice in his mind scolded, along with Kagura's more painful words being shoved into him. Swallowing harshly, the young man looked away for her words suddenly hit home. 'Aki...the Mikage Family wants me dead...' Aya's earlier confession rose up to cloud his mind with conflicting emotions 'Tell me the truth...you little whelp!' His own savage voice created an illusion of previous events. He was stand once again in the living room with one hand held prepared to lash out at a very frightened Aya Mikage. Wide blue-gray hues reflected anguish and then a feeling similar to betrayal. Realization slapped Aki right in the face, his sister. His own sister had come to him for comfort and what did he do? Instead of placing himself in her shoes, he went ahead with despicable insults. With threats about hitting Aya until his arm ached from the constant beating. Leaning against the wall for support, the blond-haired male ran finger tips through tangled blond-hair. He couldn't describe the feeling rising in him, but it was the type of emotion some criminals felt. Could it be the beginnings of guilt? Or was he molested at himself for treated Aya like an animal? Straightening his slumped posture, the blond-haired adolescent faced Kagura's next verbal assult. Body tensing automatically with dying anger, he snarled at the zodiac boar "Silence!" He snapped suddenly, bringing an index finger to point at Kagura "I only wanted to protect Aya from dangers...obviously I DID fail." Aki hissed, placing emphasis on the word for extra measure "But I didn't need to know that now...did I?" The youth sneered, shaking his to get rid of the images. Agonizing pictures filled with pained tears. Images of one blond-haired female looked down at him in disdain. 'Gomen...Aya..' He began to find himself cornered into a position where Haru and Momiji were before. Through his eyes, Aki witnessed how it felt to be truly taunted with words.

Fool. He was a fool for attempting to hide himself behind white lies. Deep in his heart Aki Mikage felt jagged knives tearing into his very soul. Why? Why did he listen to Kagura's words? Why did he allow her to continue reminding him of past events? 'Because you know it's true. Because Haru Sohma was about to take your life with his very own hands. Remember Momiji? Remember how he stepped between you and Haru!? He risked his life to save your's and yet...at the same time you laughed in his face. It hurts...doesn't it? It hurts to have someone rubbing it in your nose.' That voice in his mind whispered venomously 'Now you know what it feels like...' Swallowing harshly, the blond-haired male clenched hands tightly, until his knuckles creaked in protest. Pale skin turning doughy-white from the pressure Aki placed on his fingers, the youth finally snapped as Kagura Sohma's last sentence hit home. Everything he and Aya had built in a life time...lost to the sands of time. Every single memory they shared as family washed away. Could he ever rebuild it? With effort maybe? But words were painful enough to leave life long scares on an individual and Aki knew...he had left several people nearly immobile. Haru, Momiji, Kyo and Aya...those individuals paid for his stupid ignorance. 'I can't stand this anymore!' Ignoring the rational voice in his mind, the blond-haired male allowed warm adrenaline to pump through his veins. Euphoria making his movements rather clusmy and uncoordinated for Aki Mikage was not a boy used to martial arts. Swinging curled fists in all directions, he barely had time to react as Kagura lunged towards him without warning. Her movements were fluid, filled with grace and purpose. She moved like a graceful crane in mid-air, while he flopped around the room trying to land direct hits on her slender body. Indigo hues widened momentarily upon catching an aimed fist for his head. Instinctively, Aki flinched backwards to avoid being hit directly. A deadly blow to the head could render him unconscious or worse...bring on instant death. "Are you trying to kill me?" He questioned out, panting harshly for his body wanted no more movements. Stiffening muscles whimpered with each forceful twist and cracked ribs rubbed painfully against each other. "Ugh..." Thinning lips into a determined line, the youth kept fighting on his cloudy combination of adrenaline mixed anger. Exhaustion prickled Aki's spinal cord as his body decided to suddenly shut down on him, fury dissolving just he found himself having an up close encounter with Kagura Sohma. Indigo orbs widening in astonishment, the young man rasped out for she pushed him backwards onto the bed. Falling off balance, the blond-haired male landed on the soft mattress with violet-blue hues snapping automatically shut. He had captured a brief glimpse of Kagura's other hand pulled backwards as if to hit him, but after an indefinite amount of time nothing came. No pain. No shrill cries. Nothing, except dead silence.

What happened? Why had stillness fallen over the house? Straining his ears to hear, the adolescent could capture nothing, but the sound of his own hoarse breathing. 'Kagura was about to hit me...so what made her stop?' Eyelids fluttered open to see the brown-haired Sohma hovering over him with curled fist coming down. Breath backing up into his lungs, the youth waited to feel immense pain..yet the woman's fist froze mere inches from his facial features. 'Fear and horror...this must have been what Aya was feeling.' As Kagura looked into his eyes for what seemed like an eternity, she finally left him free to take gulps of fresh air. Indigo hues shut against painful memories threatening to rise. Why? Why had Kagura taunted him into playing a deadly game of cat and mouse? He could have hurt her...or rather it could've been backwards. She would have been the one to finish killing him if that blow had landed squarely on his face. Swallowing dryly, the young man pulled himself into a seated position on the bed with eyes glancing around the room. Cloudy sapphire hues cleared to reveal the old Aki his sister had once sought for warmth. Faint tears swam in his vision, but he didn't let them fall. Twisting his head sideways, Aki Mikage let his watery gaze fall directly on Kagura "Why?" The young man asked "You had your chance to knock me out...so why did you stop?" He probably knew the true answer deep down, yet at the same time Aki found himself dealing with vestiges of sorrow combined with anguish. "Let me guess...I was being taunted..just to release all this pent up anger..." Of course, she could also have been trying to save him. 'Save me from what? From myself?' Shrugging tense shoulders, he fell into sight silence until every possible image rose in his line of sight. "Yeah...it took me just now to realize how much damaged..I've caused with my attitude. I suppose...it'll take eternity for conflicts to settle down." Aki replied, referring to his incidents with the Sohma males earlier at school.


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{ "I wonder what type of flowers mother likes?" Feet crossed neatly beneath her starched tribal outfit, Miku Mikage leaned forward to caress several purple-blue violets with tender fingers. "Hmm...if I recall correctly dad used to bring fresh flowers for mom everyday....I wonder what happened to make him stop. Did the plants suddenly die? Or..." She took her hand away from the blossoms with a bad feeling welling up in her chest. "Or did mom ask him to stop?" What happened to make father behave strangely? What had mother done to him? Why did her parents argue constantly? Drawing knees upwards, the raven-haired female pressed a hand beneath her chin in deep thought. How could a happy marriage suddenly turn sour? What were the mechanics involving love? "I don't know the answer, but I remember mother mentioning love at first sight? Does it even exist?" She leaned back against the tree trunk, recalling detailed images of her mother telling stories underneath the candle light. Ceres told grand tales involving Heaven and Tennyo's. A beautiful fairytale in which Miku wished to have lived in. How would life be, if she had wings? Mother had them at one time in her existence, but what happened to Ceres' ability to fly? Pushing aside bothersome questions, the young woman decided to gather some violets for her beloved mother and siblings. That would cheer them up! "Hopefully..." Yes, hopefully her efforts weren't in vain. The family needed at least some joy in their meager cabin filled with sparse belongings. Pushing herself away from the trunk, Miku broke several stems in her search for the most beautiful blooms. Finding several purple violets growing in a patch near their house, the black-haired female gathered flowers until her basket over-flowed with different specimens. Brushing off clay dust from her dress, the young woman walked towards the lone cabin, but as she neared several choked cries froze Miku in place. Dropping the basket onto the dirt road, she ran instinctively inside to find her mother lying sideways with fresh bruises covering one cheek. "What happened!?" Her worried voice rang above, Ceres' desperate cries. Cracked lips formed broken words "Y..your father is changing into a m..monster! I..I thought I knew him...but look at my stupidity." She snarled softly "Apparently...my ability to judge has been sorely compromised." Lowering her head against the straw mat, the Celestial Maiden pressed herself against the cold floor, hollow golden hues gazing up at her daughter's tear-stained face. }

'What kind of mistakes will Aya commit? Will she suffering an unpleasant surprise like I did?" Ceres pondered quietly "I'm afraid to admit it...but my descendant is underestimating the Sohma curse.' Tossing fresh mud on her old memories, the raven-haired female moved anxiously inside of Aya Mikage. Painted red lips thinned into a line of disapproval for the young woman dismissed Hatori's words without even pausing to ponder the meaning behind them. Was there a real reason he said those words? Was he foreshadowing an oncoming disaster? Narrowing amber hues, the heavenly maiden spoke out to her host 'Hatori Sohma appears harmless...but don't let his serious appearance fool you into a false sense of security. I heard earlier from one of the Sohma members...that he has the ability to do things.' She warned mentally, hoping that her grand-daughter would be wise enough to heed the alarm bells. 'I'm not attempting to separate you from Yuki...however...I suggest being on guard at all times.' As the words rung inside Aya's subconscious mind, she could feel cold tension seeping inwardly. Obviously, such bleak news served in slapping some realization into the half-tennin. 'What do you mean? What is Hatori capable off doing to me? I haven't done anything wrong to deserve punishment...and do you think Yuki needed to be hit this hard? Just because he got close to me? I will not let a doctor's words scare me away.' Aya snapped mentally, before glancing up at the departing doctor with widening blue hues. She wanted to deny every word Ceres had spoken, but the blank tone in Hatori's voice began to sprout seeds of doubt into her heart. Was she being foolish for not heeding warnings? "I see...some scares are hard to heal...and those that do will forever stay there." The blond-haired female commented, watching as the dark-haired man lingered by the doorway. His gazed fell squarely on her trembling form and Aya couldn't help flinching underneath his scrutinizing stare. What was he thinking? 'I feel like a bug...beneath a microscope.' Funny comparison right? Yet, ironic at the same time. Sohma doctor meeting Celestial Maiden underneath the very same roof. 'Ceres....stop putting secret fears into my heart.' She scolded, but found herself speaking to empty space. Eyes snapping wide in realization, Aya panicked mentally for Ceres appeared to have fallen asleep again. Although a small portion of the maiden's private conversation leaked through several cracks in her defense 'Aya underestimates everything...just like Aki.' Just like her brother? What could she mean? Was Ceres worried over her welfare?

'Like Aki? How can Ceres compare me to him?' Skillful fingertips folded the damp towel outwardly, so the edges wouldn't bother Yuki. Taking one step backwards to glance down at her work, Aya's glossy lips curved downwards in a satisfied smile. 'I can't erase memories nor erase Yuki's anguish. Except...I can make an attempt to heal his worst wounds with my Tennyo powers..but what about Aki? His gashes are bad...yet' Gritting teeth furiously, the blond-haired female fought against the turmoil threatening to rise. 'Why? I keep replaying earlier events...at home...and I don't understand why he wanted to strike out at me?' Was she foolish for telling Aki her secret? Grabbing a hold of the basin, the young woman walked back to the counter to refill the bowl with more luke-warm water. Extending both hands outwards, Aya found herself latched onto the faucet handles, but unable to even muster enough strength to turn them on. Why? Why did it hurt to move? Why did it hurt to feel? Why did her heart feel heavy? Shimmering gray-blue hues stung with unshed tears. She wanted to cry, but with Yuki sleeping peacefully behind her there was no reason to make noise. 'Aya...I know it hurts.' Ceres stirred from her restless slumber, unable to concentrate on gathering energy for her host's stressed state made it nearly impossible. 'Your brother's explosive attitude is due to his own ignorance. He wants to know what is happening around him...yet at the same time Aki sees his world in black and white. He can't see...because he wishes not to see. Now...take a deep breath..remember we came here to heal Yuki's worst wounds. Heaven knows that poor boy is suffering in silence...unable to escape from the cycle of nightmares Akito forced into him. Let's start by freeing your mind from negative thoughts.' Summoning small amounts of celestial power, the black-haired female transformed herself from floating energy orb to a full-sized illusion reflected in Aya's thoughts. Unclenching stiff fingers from around the sink knobs, the blond-haired female walked towards Yuki. Clearing away cobwebs, she waited eagerly for the Tennyo's next set of mental instructions. 'I will not lecture you...however just close your eyes and let the energy flow. Celestial powers can be used for destructive or healing purposes...so whatever you are thinking is how your body will manifest those powers. Don't touch him...just hover your hands in mid-air for he might end up injuring himself if he sees you using magic.'

Lips curving into a motivational smile, the Tennin watched Aya extend hands upwards with palms faced downwards in the characteristic stance Ceres had instructed her. 'Here I go.' Closing sapphire hues, the blond-haired female probed through mental maps of the Sohma's worst injuries. 'The ones on his back are bad....and his stomach...' Fighting back against the rising sorrow, she concentrated on healing his deepest gashes, while leaving minor wounds to heal naturally by themselves. 'I...I'm to weak to completely erase those deep wounds ...but at least..they won't bleed or hurt him much. Unless...' Breaking off her thought process, Aya opened eyes to see her reflection staring back from the opposite wall. A blond-haired female with a ghostly pink-white aura surrounded her lithe frame for a few minutes, before disappearing into oblivion. 'Aya! I told you not to over do it!' Ceres yelled mentally 'Your body isn't prepared to handle massive amounts of Celestial energy. Just look at yourself...exhausted from problems...lack of sleep...we'll end up running ourselves to the ground.' Shaking her head in exasperation, the black-haired female departed from sight..leaving Aya Mikage to collapse into the nearest chair from sheer wariness. Glassy blue hues gazed at the ceiling as warm tears trailed unseen down her cheeks 'At least...these powers were used to heal...' Was she even a little useful? Was she able to at least steal away some pain from the silver-haired Sohma? Bringing a hand to her face, Aya scrubbed the annoying tears from beneath her eyes. Reaching over to grab a thin blanket from the bed right behind her, the blond-haired female prepared herself to spend an all nighter standing guard over a beloved zodiac rat. 'I won't be able to see the results till he wakes up tomorrow...' Drawing knees upwards, the young woman hid her face from sight as images from her previous encounter with Aki left an empty sensation where faith had once blossomed. Empty. She felt empty without her brother's warmth. But that was the faith of a cursed individual right? Cursed to be rejected, isolated or even killed by people who failed to understand. "Yuki..." Whispering his name soundlessly, Aya peered at him through bangs of wavy golden-brown hair. He did not deserve this fate. He deserved to be happy and to be loved. The silver-haired Sohma needed a normal girl who wouldn't bring on disaster, like she had done. 'Maybe..I did deserve to be killed...after all..Tennyo's bring about calamity.' Averting blue-grey hues towards the Eastern window, she fell back to her early argument with Aki Mikage.

.Tell me.
.What do they see. When they look at me?
.Do they see my many personalities.ღ

Kagura watched him, eyes narrowed slightly, she wasn't sure about shameful, but it was enough that anyone who heard would feel the ache in his heart of what he had lost. Hadn't everyone felt loss? "You made a mistake." She said simply as she listened to him. Yes he had made a mistake, but it wasn't a mistake that had to cost him the rest of his life. What about Akito? If he changed would he be forgiven? Kagura closed her eyes, images flying past her eyes, images only for her. Would they be able to forgive him? She would like to say yes, that it was possible for him to change, and they could just all live in harmony. Deep in her heart though she wasn't sure, it wasn't that simple...not after everything that everyone had been through. Aki's words snaked through her head as he spoke them, 'I guess..even family members can't be held onto forever.' Kagura laughed to herself, as if sharing a private joke as she opened her eyes to look at Aki. "Can't they?" She muttered softly under her breath for only her to hear. She sighed, "Blood does not hold people together forever." She told him, repeating his words to confirm the statement, yet not flat out agreeing with it. There was a reason, but not one that she was going to share with him. For not being able to hold a family forever Akito was sure doing a good job. How long had the zodiac existed? They had existed longer than that... would they be together forever? She shuddered slightly at the thought, turning back to look at Aki. He's not like us... for a normal family he would be right, wouldn't he? She sighed, Yes they were different, they were still together, but they had also lost much of what made a family a family. Compassion, understanding, stability... we have none of that... She thought to herself with a sigh, shaking her head. She glanced at him as his voice caught her attention, Kagura resurfacing from her thoughts. "Not everyone is..." She said softly as she turned back to the situation at hand. Kagura narrowed her eyes at his come-back. She gave him a harsh glare. She knew that how you were brought up changed a person, but hadn't Aya grew up with the same mother? Had she ever wanted to lash out at her brother? She took a slow breath as she felt tension growing in her limbs.

"Aki, there have been more people than your mother in your life. I don't care what you say, you and only you gave into those emotions. You caused this and no one else, your mother is responsible for her actions and hers alone. Someday it will come back on her, but you are not her. Look around you? Does every child turn into their parents? They don't because they make their own choices, and you made yours to turn your back on your family." She told him, she didn't mean to sound harsh, to make him feel worse all over again, but every persons actions effected them around them. each person decided how they wanted to effect people around them, and it doesn't matter why. It annoyed her that he was trying to blame his mother for his faults. Did she help? Certainly not, but she hadn't hurt as much as Aki thought she had, a fair amount of it had been him. "Don't forget her expression Aki, you'll see that expression a lot more if you continue to hurt her instead of protect her like you should be doing." She told him as she watched him, wondering partially what he was thinking, but on the other hand not wanting to know. She was getting involved in their problems when they had enough of their own. "You closed emotional connection to your family was the result, lack of feeling for your family, the reason is only you." She told him, her eyes hard, little did he know that his conversation was driving close to home, a wrong word and he might truly get on her bad side. Her body seemed to freeze at his disbelief at her statement. "Aki, blood doesn't hold a family together forever." She said, her voice suddenly hard and strained. 'Why...the hell would I push my own flesh and blood out of the family circle?' His sentence echoed in her head, followed by another word. Kyo... She thought, imagining him locked away from civilization just because he was that cat. Because his other form was a monster. Why indeed, "Your disbelief has caused enough trouble so far, don't think it doesn't happen. Your family tried to kill your sister, families... they they WILL push people out of their circles, whether the reasons are valid or not." She told him, leaving him to dwell on her words, pushing her thoughts away from where they had seemed to drift. She had been worried, he had freaked out, and caused all of this because she was worrying about the broken rat.

Kagura looked back at him, all tension seeming to dissolve from her body. "My, you setting conditions now?" She asked him playfully, tilting her head, her scissors still held in front of his face. "What do you think i'm going to cut you?" She asked him in almost an insulted tone. She she did though she let the bottom handle of the scissors go, the razors flying apart only centimeters from his face. "If i'd wanted to do damage, i would of done it already." She rolled her eyes as if the idea were absurd. She pulled the scissors back, watching him remove his shirt with a smirk. "That's more like it...I thought i was going to have to cut them off of you." She told him, snipping the scissors in her hand again as she raised an eyebrow at his suggestion, glancing again at the shirt. She wasn't as confident as him that his shirt could be saved, grass stains didn't tend to come out. She didn't say anything though, it wasn't his concern and if wanted to wear stained clothes to school that was his decision. She raised her eyebrow as he told her he wouldn't complain. "We'll see about that..." She muttered loud enough for him to hear as she started, she wasn't so convinced that this inexperienced, fragile skined boy could handle it, that's all. She wasn't rough on his wounds, but she certainly didn't spare any tugs or pressure she placed on the wounds. Honestly she wondered if it would be enough, usually they went to Hatori who took a look at them, would Hatori bandage it or would more of had to be done? She wasn't sure, sometimes he just bound their wounds, other times he had to do more bracing. Either way she wasn't a doctor so what he did afterwords was his decision, she was just helping for now. She stood back up and stretched as she finished. "There!" She smiled as she finished, pausing as she glanced at his destroyed shirt. After a second grabbing it on her way out. "I'm gong to throw this away for you." She smiled before disappearing from the doorway, not waiting for his reaction. No matter what he said the shirt was destroyed, hopefully he had a second one at any rate.

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Hatori watched Aya, she had been strong through all this, she had put up a good fight. She had been strong, gone through a lot from Yuki to Akito to her brother. She had done a lot, she had stood tall, through the wind and the rain...Through the snow? he added mentally, once again an image of a smiling Kana flashing though his mind. Even when he had pushed her away, after he had decided he didn't want to chance it she kept fight, kept coming back to him. like a wave that continuously beat on a rock, her warm breeze had come again and again until it had melted the snow. He closed his eyes, What are you thinking? This girl isn't Kana, but will meet the same fate. She will be able to smile again, or be closer with one less secret... He reminded himself as he looked back at Aya. "It's bad to over exert your body, it only weakens your body and makes you sick, you can't help anyone if your sick." He told her, His words were caring, but his tone was still guarded. Looking out for her welfare, while not wanting to get involved. "I just think Yuki could use as little distraction as possible to help him sleep... he's a bit of a light sleeper at times." He told her, once again a strange contradiction in his phrase. the words seemed to be speaking of of concern, But his tone was so guarded there was little expression in it. He nodded, "I would appreciate it..." He told her, his voice low voice, his eyes watching the wall outside the door, beyond the room and the pain he could feel building up in it. He glanced at Aya, she was in turmoil right now, and from the flashing in her eyes he would say he wasn't the only one involved. She was struggling.She whispered Yuki's name like it was all she had to hold onto... would it really be easier without him? She wouldn't have to worry as much, he wouldn't be in a hole as deep as she was now. She was looking at him for he last time before she left, holding onto the picture in her mind. If only you knew, that holding on isn't enough, it can all go away... He thought, would it be the last time? He shoved the idea from his head, as she turned away to face the outside. As she turned around to face the doorway and what laid next he saw the one thing he had been avoiding, he saw Yuki's eyes open slowly.

Somewhere from deep in his sleep, in his turmoil and night mares, he had heard Aya's voice, her call to him had drawn him out of his slumber. He was listening to her, every word as emotions seemed to spark, his eyes suddenly traveling to Hatori, in understanding. Regardless of where he was, if he were stuck in his childhood, or in his current state, he doubted he would be fooled by her words. I planned on visiting Yuki...the day after tomorrow anyway..I'll be certain to stop by your office....I will keep my mouth sealed. Sohma's have enough problems ...they don't deserve to have more burdens brought upon them. The words consciously entered Yuki's mind, something Hatori had been trying to avoid. He had tried to pull it out of the room, but Aya's reluctance had prevented it. Aya was lost in thought, wasn't paying enough attention to realize Hatoi's glance was off, traveling right behind her rather than at her, and with that Aya ran from the room, down the hallway and out of sight. Hatori's eyes never left Yuki though, knowing now was better than finding out after right? Wasn't it better to know, even if by accident instead of going up to her and realizing she didn't know him? Their eyes locked, and slowly a desperate emotion crept into Yuki's eyes, the same emotion he had seen so many years ago from a silver-haired child crying on his knee. "Yuki...I'm sorry..." Hatori told him softly, looking away and down the hallway Aya had disappeared down, after a second turning around to leave when something made his stop, freezing his feet into place. "Hatori...please..." The two words spoken by the mute rat behind him were soft, almost nothing more than a whisper of a wind. They were his first words, and could very well be his last for a long while. The whole room grew still, every sound painstakingly loud, and each moment unbearably long. Hatori tightened his grip on the door frame, looking down and off to the side before raising his eyes to look at Yuki over his shoulder. "I'm sorry Yuki... it's already been decided.." He said finally, his voice, no long guarded and wavering. He was sorry, and he meant it. He knew what it was like to lose someone you loved, he had done it with his own hands. It was better to know you couldn't control it rather than be the cause of it. "I'm sorry..." He repeated, leaving the room and closing the door behind him, his breath ragged. He closed his eyes, falling against the opposite wall, using it as a support as he tried to gain control of his emotions. No matter what he did though nothing seemed to work as he walked away from the room, back towards his office. It wasn't until he closed the door behind him that he fell into his chair, as if exhausted as he closed his eyes, You have no choice... A voice crossed his mind, but it wasn't his voice her heard rather...the cold voice of their god. Forgive me Yuki... Hatori breathed out slowly in defeat.

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"Damn it Shigure that hurts!" Kyo yelled at the older male as Shigure re-bandaged Kyo's arm, Kyo jerkig his arm away which only made the pain worse. "Oh Kyo... you're always such a drama queen, just let me finish." Shigure laughed as he pulled Kyo's arms back. "I can do it myself!" Kyo told him pulling his arm back, hissing in pain. "Well fine...I was just trying to help...after all Hatori said he isn't going to be here for a day at least so we have to do something about your wounds until then." Shigure told him. "Well Shigure..." Another velvety voice cut in. "You really can't be so rough on him, you know he's not used to it like you are..." "Damn it Ayame, you shut up too." Kyo told him as he jumped into a standing position to jump again from the long, silver-hared man that had come over to join them. However, Kyo's legs weren't ready for it and he quickly fell back onto the floor. "Kyo, you really should be jumping around..." Haru's calm voice rang from across the room here Haru had settled himself onto a couple pillows, content to lay there unlike Kyo who couldn't sit still despite the obvious wounds that were causing him pain. "If you want i'll do it instead!" Momiji offered, raising his hand as if her were in school. "Like hell I'd let you do it! You'd definitely make it worse." Kyo told the rabbit who immediately looked down fallen. "B...Bu...But..." He started, tears seeming to grow in his eyes. "Kyo come on! Let Doctor Shigure finish." Shigure cut in over Momiji, Kyo growling and reaching over, grabbing the gauze and scissors quickly from Shigure, the movement shooting al the way up his arm and down his spine. "Damn..." he grunted through clenched teeth as he took himself over to a corner, bandaging his wounds to himself. Before Ayame of Shigure could start again another voice broke into their thoughts as a familiar blond haired female poked her head around the doorway. "Aya," Hatori said surprised to see the familiar girl he had seen earlier. It seemed like a lifetime ago after all that had happened though. "Come in and take a seat..." He told her, waving to the cushions around. "My, My...don't tell me...this is the fair maiden Aya?" Ayame cut in again, not seeming to be able to keep his mouth shut. "Ayame, would you shut up? Why are you here anyway?" Kyo snapped at him, for a breif second Ayame seeming to take his words to heart before brushing them off. "My, My Kyon, are you really that happy to see me come back you want me to leave? I know my presence effected you but i have no idea..." Ayame laughed, Kyo opening his mouth to start yelling again. Haru sighed, gingerly lifting a arm to run his fingers through his hair. "It's ok...you're not interrupting anything..." He told Aya, ignoring Ayame and they rest of them for the moment, none of whom seemed to notice they were being ignored.

Kagura listened, he wanted to believe it wasn't his fault. Partially she knew it wasn't all his fault, part of it was his mothers fault, but that was no way to justify it. As far as he was concerned it was all his fault, that's what was important. Maybe someone someone could soften it, make him see that his mother had had a hand in it, but it wasn't now, it wasn't today. She narrowed her eyes to watch him, walking over and slamming her hands down on either side of him, her face inches from his. "I don't care what your mother said, Aki. Your purpose here isn't to make Aya's mistakes. Nothing gives you the right to make a mistake, or anyone for thee matter." She told him, her sentences not seeming to make sense as she pulled back. "Of course we do, and those mistakes hurt us and others, but as humans we have hearts and we forgive because we know they will happen, but our goal should be to fight, to try not to make mistakes for our friends...our family." She told him, her eyes hard in passion. "We try to become better and not make mistakes so we don't hurt them, not decide we're here to make mistakes that only hurt others." She told him, looking away not wanting to look at him again. She turned around, walking over to the pictures. "Yes... there are exceptions." She told him, it was not longer a matter of theory. "Your family is proof." As is ours... She added, closing her eyes to the wall. Images of Kyo, transforming into his rotting form. Images of times long past as they walked away from him to go to the feast, leaving a young and sad looking Kyo behind. She saw the cage Kyo had spent time in and the house, isolated from the rest of society that was set aside for him. Yes, blood guarantees nothing for a persons well being... She thought to herself as she opened her eyes to look at the happy pictures again. Happiness, and family bonding is what guarantees a persons well being... She thought, looking at the memories from the twins childhood, happy times and free times. Sure, they had had their fair share of stupid times together, fun times that the cousins had spent together, laughed together, but that's because they had become friends, not because they were family. The word family only held death and sorrow to them.

"You are trying to rationalize it." She said simply as he seemed to fact the reality. She was blunt, but struggling with emotions as she still found she couldn't face him, emotions raging on her face, tears even threatening to well in her eyes. "You had a family, you have a time to remember when everything was good." She told him, since birth everyone of them had been different. Before they knew they were different, the world treated them different. Their parents treated them different. Some over protected them, nost pushed them away, were repulsed by them, became sick of them until Hatori watched their memories of their child clean. "Never take that for granted." She warned him, not caring if she if giving him a hint to her life, a glimse into the emotions of their family even though he was still ignorant to their curse. Someday he may know, and if he did he would understand her words. He wasn't going to explain, but warn him from her own experience, and with ehr tone no one would doubt her words came from experience. "Yes Aki, It was only you that caused the rift between you and your sister, but it's also only you that can heal it." She told him, finally turning around to look at him again, her eyes guarded, but full of compassion for the teenager. "You can do it. I have confidence in you. And maybe if you can do that, for yourself, if you can do it for Aya you will give Aya the hope she needs to keep moving forward." She told him, her eyes sparking as she watched him. "You can give her hope that within the darkness of night, of pain caused by curses, that people have the will to over come." She told him, a small smile finding it's way to her face. Who knows, maybe someday that hope will reach our family. She thought to herself as she smiled at him. "Next time int he future maybe you'll learn you don't have to see to believe, you just have to believe in the people around you." She pointed out, glancing over at the scissors as she shrugged her shoulders, throwing her hands in the air, scissors and all, as she did so. "Like I said, If i had been going to mark on you, it would of been done by now." She told him with a laugh before putting them away and disappearing onto the streets.

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Yuki fell back onto the bed, once again alone in the small room, his room. He closed his eyes as his head hit the pillow, even that force sending tingles down his spine that he barely noticed through his thoughts. So this was the end? As far as the road went. Isn't that how it always was? No one could ever get farther, right? No matter how high up the mountain they climbed the mountain was just an illusion, that would send you crashing back to earth when it disappeared. It was happening again, all over again. Yuki covered his eyes, pulling his arms up to his ears despite the pain it caused. He pressed his hands to his ears desperately as if to block out sounds only he could hear. 'Please Hatori don't! They're my friends! He heard his voice, the scene reliving in his mind, one that controlled his mind and body at the moment. Ever since he had overheard Hatori and Aya's conversation. Why? Why was Hatori doing it? He could still feel Hatori's larger hand on his head and his voice, though years had passed his voice hadn't changed. It was still the same tone as he looked at him with eyes that didn't dare to show emotion. 'I'm Sorry Yuki,' He tried to cry out, but he couldn't do it. His voice, which had been controlled by a memory had returned to it's dormant state. He couldn't speak, he couldn't even move from his curled position on the bed as he tried to cover his eyes and block out the images of his memories without prevail. They will all... forget about me... He thought to himself, thinking about Aya, her smiling face. She'll forget about me, like the rest of them. She won't know my name or anything about me... I'll be alone, alone in the darkness, alone with his scars and memories. Will she be happier? He thought to himself, the smiling faces of his past friends popping in his head. They had been smiling before he met them, and they smiled after it had all been over. He tried not to think about the smiles they had shared with him, the ones that no longer existed. They had been happier to forget, after their faces of terror at his transformation.

Meanwhile Hatori was still sitting in the same chair, staring at the paper door that separated him from outside, from the gardens and the pond. He could still remember the day he fell trying to catch Tohru, she seemed to have a habit of falling. He'd transformed onto the frozen pond, in need of water. Her reaction had been the same as Kana's. He wondered, if he had transformed in front of Aya would she of had the same reaction? He supposed it was to late to know. The day after tomorrow... He thought to himself, that was how long she had to hold onto her memories, her feelings. When her memories vanished so would her emotions. No matter now real they seemed no, no matter how impossible it seemed they would change, soon they would no longer exist, vanish entirely. What was Yuki thinking right now? Physically he was worn down, mentally he was worn down. It was in a state of panic and confusion already and now... and now the person he had gone through so much for and looked forward too was about to forget him. She might remember his name from seeing him in the hallway. She might know that 'Prince Yuki' was exalted in the school, but nothing beyond that. No transformations, no lunches, no conversations, no house calls or bedside visits. It was all gone, at least Hatori had possessed a clear head at the time, Yuki's was in disarray from the beating, this is the second time he's had it happened to him. Yuki... Maybe someday you'll understand. He thought, this curse he had, he had no choice. It was his job that he would carry out, regardless of how anyone felt about it. The only thing that mattered was what Akito thought. In the end it would be better, he just had to tell himself that. The curse hurt people, it was best not to hurt more people than necessary, even if that meant hurting them within the curse more. Every time he had erased someones memories it had been to cave that person from the knowledge, like Momiji's mother or Kana, or to stop people from spreading it, like Yuki's young friends who didn't know better. Which did Aya fall into? The truth was he knew the answer, and he wish he didn't. She didn't fall into either, she had intruded in Akito's territory and that was all. He closed his eyes, looking away with a low sigh.

Across the main house Akito sat sprawled on the floor of her bedroom. Her kimono was loose, didn't seem to fit right, but when had that mattered to her? Kureno sat behind her, trying to comfort her and calm down her unstable nerves. She had fallen silent from her cries and looked calm but her thoughts and emotions were still a mess of a blur. Aya... She thought to herself, a picture of the girl rising in her mind. I don't know why she's even here... it's not like she's beautiful or gorgeous, it's not like she had any special abilities either... She thought to herself, fuming at the idea of this outsider. Shes just CURED Akito had protected her from her mother hadn't she? On one condition, and the ungrateful brat couldn't even do that. She thought she could change things, but she was sorely wrong. She can't change things, she can never change things. We are bound together forever...forever... IN the silence Akito suddenly raised a fist, throwing it onto the floor in frustration with a low thud. She can't ruin it! She can't ruin our fun! Why can't she just go away and leave us to our never-ending feast?She thought, looking up at Kureno as he gently ran his hands through her hair to try and calm her down. Why...Why is she here? Can't she just go away and leave us alone? She thought, suddenly an image of Aya popping up again in her mind. But this one wasn't Aya it was the other one, the one that had threatened to kill her. Her dark hair was flying around her face, who was she? In that instant Akito had don't nothing but laugh. She could kill her all she wanted, she could bring the reign of the heavens down on her, it wouldn't change anything. She would just be born again, and again, and again. She couldn't stop it! Akito had the urge to laugh, to laugh at her stupidity but something held her back. She could see Ceres face clearly. Why does her face seem to remind me of someone? She wondered to herself, she couldn't place it but Ceres face gave her an unsettled feeling. I don't like it! She thought to herself as she buried her head into Kureno's shirt. It doesn't matter, She reminded herself, soon it would all be over, and she's never have to feel these strange emotions ever again, she could continue their feast in happiness.

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Kyo growled as he finished, tossing the roll of gauze as Shigure, though the roll going off in a strange direction when the movement was too much from his arm. "There." Kyo grunted as he curled in a ball as if to protect his wounds. Haru glanced over at him. "If you'd just let Shigure finish you wouldn't of misused your arm and it wouldn't hurt so much..." Haru told the cat as he looked over at him, still not moving from his comfortable position on the floor. He hadn't changed and was still dressed in a loose people of shorts and a tank top. While they prevented and pressure on his wounds they also showed off a lot of his wounds, you could even see some through the white tank top on his chest. "I'm not letting that dog get anywhere near me." Kyo hissed, Shigure not seeming to notice as he glanced up at Aya. "Ah Aya, welcome." He told her with a carefree smiel as he ushered to one of the many spots around the room. "Sit, Sit...we have plenty of room. As you can see Kyo had graced us with his presence...."Shigure started laughing before he was cut off. "Whatever, I wanted to stay upstairs." Kyo hissed at him. "It's much quieter, but then YOU had to go and call Ayame, and I sure as hell wasn't going to lay there while he curled up beside me." He told Shigure, Ayame laughing and waving Kyo off. "Nonsense, I was helping with the fever! They say if you lay down on someone who has a fever it helps bring the fever down." Ayame told him, Kyo trying to jump up, but barely moving before his body prevented it. "What fever? I don't even have a fever!" He told Ayame who shrugged as if it was a minor detail. "Not now, I stopped it before it happened." Ayame told Kyo who narrowed his eyes. "Why you..." He started, trying to get up again but once again failing. "Kyo..." Momiji told his cousin with a worried expression as he winced in pain. "Why don't you just lay down?" He asked, Kyo turning to look at the rabbit. "Because he's annoying and he can't just get away with saying stuff like that!" Kyo told Momiji firmly.

Ayame turned his expression onto Aya, his eyes giving her his full attention, he had a way of making girls feel special. "Well of course, someone as beautiful as you can't be called as anything less." He told her, glancing at Shigure. "Ah, so this is the fair Aya? I've heard so much about you, i hadn't dreamed that this day would come so soon. Forgive me, It's a crime i haven't introduced myself yet, "My name is Ayame Sohma," He told her with a charming smile. Though they acted completely different, there was a definite resemblance between Ayame and Yuki. they could of been twins born a few years apart, and different hair. "Yuki's brother." Haru added after a second, just loud enough for her to hear. Unfortunately Ayame seemed to hear, "Ah yes! Alas my dear brother whom I love so much is not here. I wanted to go strait away, but Hatori told me it would be best not to come so i had no choice but to obey..." He said, for a second looking as if he were down-fallen, but the expression vanishing very quickly. "But not to fear, I am making him something to cheer him up! What do you think?" He asked as he held up a pink shirt with what looked like unfinished embroidery on the back. "Who the hell would wear that?" Kyo asked Ayame with a snicker. "Kyon-Kyon... my you don't have to be so harsh about it... if you want one just come right out and say it! I can make you one too you know!" Ayame told him with a laugh Kyo looking horrified by the idea. "Hell no, there's no chance i'd ever wear something you gave me." Kyo told Ayame sourly. "Really Kyo, just because you got beat up by Haru doesn't mean you have to get in a bad mood." Shigure cut in as he glanced at Ayame. "I'm sorry Aya, i'm afraid he hadn't learned the proper manners." Shigure told Ayame, using his common nickname 'Aya,' not thinking about the confusion.

Haru shook his head, glancing at Aya, and ignoring the rest of them again. "Don't worry Aya, it wasn't your fault." Haru told her with a reassuring smile. "Besides, none of this is from your brother." He told her, deciding to leave out the face that Momiji had gotten hurt protecting her brother which was what led to him fighting Kyo to release the anger Aki had provoked from Haru. "I got back the one who DID do this pretty good though." Haru said, glancing over at Kyo with a slight smirk, Kyo seeming to realize he was being talked about. "What are you saying over there?" He asked but Haru waved him off. "Nothing, nothing..." Haru said offhandedly as he turned back to aya, ignoring Kyo's protests: 'Don't start a fight if you're not gonna finish it! Oy...Haru!.' "Really, just battle wounds." He told her, "Though my head does hurt a bit from getting thrown into a tree..." He muttered, the comment seeming to cut the noisy Kyo up. "Served you right for that blow you served into my chest..." Kyo told Haru who decided to stop talking about it with Aya around, she probably didn't need to know the details of what her brother started, unless she asked and then... even then he wasn't sure. At Ceres nudge two different reactions sprand out from both sides of the room. Kyo hissed at the pressure on his wounds as he glanced around. "Who the hell did that?" He shouted, as ayame across the room seemed to pause in his rant for a momentary instant before continuing talking to Shigure. About what? Honestly none of the Sohma's really cared, knowing the two of them it probably didn't makes sense anyway. Momiji looked at Aya as she mentioned her reason for being here. "I see! But don't worry about it now! We can do it later, just sit down ok?! Aya are you going to cry?" Momiji told her as he jumped up, giving no hint he had any wounds and sitting down beside her. Momiji had an uncanny ability to sense others emotions, and Haru knew it who was watching Aya closely. "You know...everyone here is sad and worried." Momiji told her with a small smile as he took her hand. "But you have to be happy too right? He wouldn't want you to be sad!" Momiji told her referring to Yuki as the 'he' in his statement. "So come on! be happy for now! Tohru will be home any moment and will make some delicious food and we can listen to Shigure's stories and Ayame's..." "What's so good about that?" Kyo asked, cutting into Momiji's explanation. "It's all annoying blabber to me..." He said, referring to 'Shigure's stories' and Ayame's...well whatever he did. "Now, Now Kyo...you must learn to appreciate a good story when you hear one!" Shigure told Kyo who was fuming. "I have yet to hear a good story out of you." Kyo told Shigure with a hiss.

{ "This place is enormous!" Pulling instinctively from mother's protective grasp, the brunette-haired female scrambled towards double-plated windows situated above several Boeing 727's parked around Tokyo's International airport "Airplanes?" Misora whispered softly, pressing forehead against cold glass separating interior from exterior elements located outside. "Honey? Is something wrong?" Brushing loose strands of tinted reddish-brown hair, Misao raised one slender eyebrow in astonishment. 'My daughter isn't behaving like her usual self. Could the planned trip to America be placing unimaginable stress upon Misora?' Stress. Her beloved flesh and blood suffered from bouts of chronic fatigue. It wasn't difficult to see how chaotic atmospheres changed even the calmest person into a bundle of wrecked nerves. "Mi-chan! Come back here!" Waving aside worried hunches, the russet-haired woman jogged over to the window over-looking Terminal B "Yes...." She answered blankly, reaching out to trace slender fingers across smooth crystal "Those machines parked outside are airplanes...and we are going to fly in one today." Misao explained, averting sapphire hues to the floor below. "Flying? How can such a large machine fly without problems?" Misora questioned, although she secretly wondered why her mother behaved suspiciously. What was going on? Why did she appear stressed out? What did Misao mean earlier, when she said 'Adios tradition.'? Why had father gone to America without telling them? Thousands of questions flooded her mind, until one in particular popped out "Why are we leaving home?" Misora muttered, turning from excited to serious instantly "What is going on? I don't want to leave Japan forever! I love it here! I have friends...and other cousins living near me. Why the sudden change?" She whined, catching her parental authority off-guard. 'I should of seen this coming.' How could Misao explain their situation without spilling to much information at the same time? How could she make Misora's transition to a new country painless? 'I can't.' Change was never easy. Change could only be lessened by exposing ones' child to no stress, but how would a normal parent react to knowing their child might be sentenced to death? 'I won't allow my daughter to die over a tradition.' Dropping both hands downwards, the brown-haired female fought bitter tears from emerging "Because..daddy has found a better paying job in Los Angeles. That is the main reason why we are moving cross-country." Misao explained lowly, veiling desperation beneath a blanket of calm lies. How could she lie to her own flesh and blood? Yet, how would a mother allow an only child to die? 'Misora might not be afflicted with the Tennyo genes...though testing is inescapable.' No. Simply no. Her daughter deserved every right to live on this world. Swallowing back despair, the elder woman managed to smile warmly down at Mikage Misora "Don't worry....you'll like America eventually." Reassuring words left Misao's scarlet lips, although ten-year old Misora pretended her mother's words were more, then petty white lies designed to protect.}

"Misora turns sixteen today. How long has it been since we moved down to Los Angeles?" Reaching left hand outwards, Misao pulled down a calendar illustrated with various landscapes belonging to twelve different months. Flipping open the page to June 18th, she couldn't help tracing each individual square filled in bold numbers counting down days towards a particular holiday. Why did June 18th hold significance for her? Wasn't June just an ordinary month? Slender fingers traced across glossy paper, painted red lips etched themselves into a noticeably bitter smile as Misao leaned against velvet-lined seat cushions. "Of course that month holds significance for me." She whispered beneath her breath, glancing briefly at the empty living room. "Some would call me cowardly to run away from home... who wouldn't make the ultimate sacrifice to make sure their daughter lived life to the fullest?" Unfortunately most mothers in the Mikage Family preferred losing daughters, to losing economic privileges that came along with eliminating potential threats. 'The Tennyo residing within a select few. I've been present in those rituals carefully designed to test for reacts to certain items belong to the great mother.' Shuddering slightly, Misao turned away from the calendar sitting innocently beneath morning sunlight. Darkening sapphire hues fell half shut in concentration as the brown-haired female forced herself into a standing position. Breakfast needed to be made for Misora had school today. "I can't let trivial matters cloud my judgment." She muttered softly, closing the agenda and pinning it against white-washed walls. Forcing shimmering eyes open again, Misao called up stairs to her sleeping sixteen-year-old daughter "Wake up! You don't want to be late for school again!" Education played an important role in her daughter's young life, after all school provided temporary refuge from reality. How could she have optimism? How could a mother used to seeing death cope with deep-seated guilt? Inhaling deeply, the elder woman decided to focus her mind on making eggs, bacon and butter-milk pancakes for Misora's increasing appetite. Teenagers needed extra nourishment for growing muscles, although her delicate daughter wasn't much of an eater. "I'm just cooking to entertain myself." She stated lowly, pushing several buttons to start the coffee machine. "I'm coming down in fifth-teen minutes!" Faint music drowned Misora's whimsical voice, but at least the adolescent female was awake on time to catch today's school bus. "Alright! Don't take an eternity in that shower or else...cold food doesn't taste good!" Misao shouted, glossy lips curving downwards in a serene smile. Peace.Warmth. Security.Family. What more could she ask for in life? 'What about my own family? What about Mitsuki and her two fraternal twins?' Scooping two spoonfuls of powdered coffee into the filter, she couldn't help pausing in mid-air to remember Aya and Aki's first birthday celebration. Poor kids. They had been born in a world filled with blissful ignorance. At least Aki Mikage could live his life without worry of being killed, but Aya Mikage was a different story. She should have turned sixteen by now, yet what fate had befallen upon the energectic blond-haired female. 'Could she be dead?'

"School is such a bother." Misora whispered beneath her breath, pausing momentarily to inhale aromas wafting through the opening. The pleasant scent of freshly brewed coffee mixed in with breakfast caused her stomach to roil around hungrily. 'Mother doesn't cook Japanese food anymore...just the typical meat, eggs and frozen waffles she buys weekly.' What made her loving mother change customs so fast? Grabbing blue jeans and a white blouse bordered with light blue trimming around the collar, the brunette-haired female dressed herself for school. "I really don't want to go back there." She muttered wordlessly, flashing back to classes filled with unfamiliar strangers. Every single period, every single lunch break offered nothing, but coldness for a girl used to hanging out daily in public gatherings. Cousins, social events and freedom had all played a vital role in shaping Misora into the out-going, perfectionist, soft-spoken girl who now seemed to wither noticeably. "I'm losing my own identity." Pressing trembling fingers against cold glass, Misora pulled in a ragged breath of fresh air. Gaining composure took several minutes, until Misao's voice ushered her into action "Are you done yet!?" Extending right hand towards her dresser, the adolescent female brushed curly reddish-brown hair with a boar bristle comb to settle down the frizz. "Almost ready!" She called out loudly, hoping her voice would carry past plastered barriers. Settling the brush back on the dresser, Misora scrambled towards the door with back-pack hanging loosely over one shoulder. Wrapping copper-colored knob, she found herself standing amid familiar territory. Light beige paint shimmered briefly underneath dappled sunlight streaming from the skylight above, several family portraits hung neatly from decorative nails hammered into supple plaster. Family memories forever trapped in time. Memories of a time when pink cherry blossoms littered asphalt streets. Instead, the scenery in Los Angles contrasted sharply against Japan's rural beauty. Metal, brick and smog mixed in together to form a city scape wrapped in smoky fog. "Mi-Chan!" Her mother's voice brought Misora abruptly out of glorious daydreams belonging to past events now lying dormant within her subconscious mind. "Come on. Breakfast is getting cold." Sighing in desperation, the adolescent scampered downstairs to find Misao picking delicately at the food sitting before her. "Mother what is wrong?" Leaning back-pack near the outer wall, Misora leaned slightly forward "Something is bothering you. I'm sorry for taking forever...but finding an outfit took careful planning." She confessed, making attempts to cheer her mother up. However, the red-haired female merely glanced sideways avoiding any direct eye contact "Nothing is wrong with me." The usually soft voice took on an edgy tone "Today's date has significance...despite how ordinary celebrating a birthday is....I think you should learn the truth behind my motives." Misao explained, motioning towards the sofa. What was going on? What truth did Misora need to know? Tightening fingers around the cold blue coffee cup, she began speaking seriously to her sixteen-year-old daughter "Leaving home was a tough choice for me...and I know adapting hasn't been easy. Although....you should know that our family harbors secrets that no one knows...except for those who witness what occurs behind the scenes. The Mikage Family was established through a fusion of human and Tennyo blood. Absurd right? You must be wondering how an angel would produce half-tennin descendants right?"

'Our family harbors secrets?' What kind of secrets would her own blood hide? What horrors would Misao tell? Swallowing harshly, the brunette-haired female found herself frozen in place. Unable to move. Unable to react. Not even able to muster enough strength to speak. Why? Why did her heart ache badly? "What is going on mother? My chest is beginning to ache and I don't understand anything." She confessed at last, pulling herself together until Misao's facial features turned sullen. 'Please! Please give me enough strength to remain calm! Give me enough strength to maintain my composure!' Taking one last sip of cold coffee, the auburn-haired female locked serious blue eyes against widening maroon ones. "Hmm..." She parted dried lips in order to speak "There is no easy way for me to break the news. Although...I'd prefer you hear the secret from my mouth..rather then an outside source." Misao acknowledged, pushing away the half-empty cup filled with residual obsidian-colored liquid. "Our family carries an ancient curse stemming back to ancient times. Could be fact or could be fiction...yet...our female relatives carry a slight chance of inheriting supernatural powers belonging to a woman named 'Ceres'. Grandpa Mikage assured every member with daughters that if left to roam freely, the Celestial Maiden would bring about the end of our blood-line. Hence...why every time a girl turns sixteen...she is tested for a possible reaction. I...I'm well aware of what our relatives would have done to you...which is why I chose to run...instead of taking a chance and losing my only living daughter." Cutting the conversation short, the elder female allowed each word to fester in mid-air. Some parts of the idle warning were hard to stomach, while the rest of her story seemed rather absurd. A fairytale many ignorant girls failed to believe in until it was too late to escape the never ending circle of death. "Is it true?" Misora whispered in disbelief, leaning against concrete walls for support. Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Angel blood running through her very veins. A family that based their reason for murdering on a poor girl harboring the Celestial Maiden? Could she have been killed? The reason. The most valid confession for running away from a blood thirsty family. "My own family would kill me....just for being completely different." The young woman stammered, slapping one hand to her forehead. Of course. Grandpa had always scorned her and Aya...although thinking about it now...what fate had befallen her cousin? "Mom! What about Aya-Chan?! Tell me...do you think she suffered the same cruel fate?" Misora asked, shooting several questions out at one time. "Aya..." Misao uttered blankly, twisting sideways to gaze at a family portrait of Misora and her two cousins riding three ponies together. "I wish I knew....my older sister Mitsuki broke off contact with me." She managed to smile bitterly "Her views are twisted....different. She prefers economic benefits to having a family." Shrugging shoulders casually, the woman stared coldly from beneath shaggy bangs. Although anyone wise enough to take a closer look at Misao could see regret reflected. Forcing back a lump in her throat, Misora slammed both hands against the wooden table "I don't care!" She spat passionately "I don't care what dangers I'll face! I want to visit my cousins in Japan! Every day is a struggle to fit in....trying to be normal isn't working for me." The brunette-haired female pulled in several breaths of air "Please...let me travel alone as my birthday wish." Misora begged, even though Misao stared back in astonishment. "You would risk your life just for a brief visit?" She questioned her daughter who nodded without flinching "Eh...I'm rather hesistant to let you go alone...but I suppose a birthday trip to Japan wouldn't harm you." Glossy lips curved upwards in a gentle smile as the brown-haired female squealed joyfully. At least for the time being, the Mikage curse seemed to have been forgotten in a time of blissful ignorance.

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'All these terrible mistakes I've commit. All these terrible assumptions made by my own troubled mind. How will my beloved sister ever forgive me?' The blond-haired male mused silently, falling back into endless memories. Why? Why had he acted irrationally towards Aya Mikage? How could he sit nonchalantly on the bed, while his own flesh and blood roamed the streets at night? Wasn't he supposed to be worried? 'Ceres.....The Celestial Maiden hidden inside Aya's body. Her display off attitude, power and presence really made an impact....especially those words directed at me. Whether...I want to admit my mistakes or not...she is right. All this time.....my world came in shades of black and white.' His world wasn't colorless in a sense, but Aki's earthly views had been severely distorted by violence. Severely distorted by his own stubborn nature. He had secretly known all this time Aya was different somehow, although coming to terms that she wasn't entirely human became hard to stomach. 'You fail to see what my true colors are.' Ceres' wise words came up from the depths haunting Aki until he found himself nearly pinned against cold walls. 'Can't move a muscle now. Am I scared of treading upon dangerous territory?' Strong words jumbled themselves inside the blond-haired youth neither coming out nor disappearing into his voice box. Why couldn't he move? Why couldn't he speak? Time froze for the adolescent male and only Kagura Sohma's movements interrupted blanketed silence. 'Of course you are scared. Admit it already Aki Mikage...the boy who ran off school grounds with tail between his legs.' Harsh words produced mixed emotions inside of him. Bitterness. Fear. Shame. Self anger. Sadness. Each chemical combination produced by his aching body could form one dangerous formula in which the youth could lose total control. No. He didn't want to convert into an animal without restraint. He wanted to be Aki Mikage. The mild-mannered boy everyone looked to for help. He wanted to be the beloved brother his sister would come running to for advise. He didn't want to find himself alone. After all, his attitude shattered potential friendships with Haru, Momiji and possibly Yuki Sohma as well. 'Never to late to change.' His rational mind whispered motivational words 'Listen to the voice of reason. Listen to Kagura Sohma...even if some of her words fail to make absolute sense. Pulling in several breaths of fresh air, the sandy-haired youth shifted uncertainly, indigo-colored hues flickered upwards meeting gestures that signal faint irritation coming from the zodiac boar. Why was she irritated? Was it because the mere mention of his wounds sounded sarcastic? Apologizing mentally, he parted dried lips in an attempt at logical conversation "I understand." The male replied softly "I've made many mistakes this particular week....but that means I will be able to learn my lesson." Indeed. A lesson had been learned here. Or had it? Was he making idiotic excuses to make more fathomable errors? Shaking strands of shaggy blond-brown hair away from his facial features, he managed a sincere smile "Yes....I'm only human." Scrunching facial expression into a small frown, he added quickly "Err...partially human." Even if he lacked powers, that still did not excuse him from fault. 'The Sohma Family right? Each individual I've met....harbors some form of hidden sorrow. They are mysterious....just like my own family. However....Aya seems to know more about them...then me. Maybe being separated from the truth is better.' Perhaps, his own flesh and blood would spill the beans eventually.

Foolish. He would be foolish to attempt an interrogation with Aya. He would be an utter idiot to take an enraged Heavenly Maiden. 'Two souls in one body. Different appearance. Different attitudes.' Black and blond mixed together in a complicated genetic code. 'Programed for destruction...yet I wonder what type of pain Ceres felt seeing her grand-son about to strike out at his own sister?' She must have gotten mad. She probably felt anxious enough to threaten him into submission with explosive words. 'You are one idiotic fool....but at least stupidity doesn't run through your veins.' Shoving aside troublesome thoughts, the blond-haired male straightened upright, focusing blue-violet hues skywards "I'm just making assumptions." He responded blankly, flickering eyes from the ceiling towards family portraits hanging neatly from copper-colored nails. Stumbling forward, the youth reached out tentatively, running tender fingers across one picture involving his father and Aya posing together. Happy faces and wide blue-grey eyes expressing vivacious love. 'The other's used deception...but your father...and sister love you very much. Even if dad is long gone....he wouldn't like seeing our sibling bond breaking into nothing.' True. His extend family could reject him. They could attempt tricks of humiliation, but the people who mattered most were his immediate family. The very foundation which kept Aki Mikage sane. 'My nuclear family.' Sure, Mitsuki lived. Although any mother who cared for their child's welfare wouldn't vanish without leaving a trace. Perhaps, she had forgotten about him and Aya. Perhaps, the elder female found herself another man to replace his deceased parental figure. 'Whether your mother wants to recognize her children or not....that is her problem. As Kagura Sohma stated before...karma will bring justice someday.' Digging short nails into plated glass, Aki reflected upon inner feelings. Warmth swirled with love. Love for his own flesh and blood. The type of loving family affection which kept every individual glued together. The unbreakable between two faternal twins. "I suppose living in blissful ignorance is better then facing the truth." He mumbled lowly, letting limp hands fall back down. Twirling away from frozen memories, the young man analyzed his own words. "Eventually...truth would spring out one way or another." It could have taken days, weeks...even months to know his 'family' kept themselves hidden in the shadows. 'You would've been living in blissful ignorance....while your dear sister struggles with reality. Had your attitude not exploded...fantasy would keep blinding your sense of judgment.' The blond-haired male stumbled towards his computer chair, before pulling the leather office seat close to him. Sitting down carefully, he smiled warmly up at the brown-haired female "Eh...don't fret." Chuckling lowly, the male tilted his head sideways capturing another dynamic emotions coming from Kagura. She really had a way of speaking to people and making them see their errors. Although, their earlier conversation had been tense, over-flowing with mangled emotions they had come out unscathed. At least he was safe for the time being, unless common sense decided to take a back seat again. "I don't think beating me up will happen anytime soon." Aki reassured her, momentarily reaching out to turn his laptop on. Silence fell heavily in his room, as the sandy-haired youth waved after Kagura's departing figure. How could one stranger open his eyes? "After this mess is fixed....I need to get myself into anger management." He huffed softly, finding himself alone with only brief echoes resonating in his mind.

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{ "Mommy! Mommy what happened?!" Seven-year old Miku squealed, dropping her necklace in the process. Twisting head entirely around, the raven-haired child blinked golden orbs. Why did her mother look pale? Why did Ceres have blood caked upon delicate facial features? "Village suffered an ambush." She answered simply, pushing wooden door aside to bring in Mikage's semi-consious body. Scarlet stained his usually starched tribal outfit, several gashes covered his tanned cheeks, forearms and stomach as if he had been in a battle against daggers and spears. "F..father...." Cooing softly, the little girl scampered over to her father's motionless body already feeling tears building within. 'He can't die! Please don't die on me!' What would happen if Shiso Mikage died from internal bleeding? What would happen to their fragile tribe who was already suffering from multiple attacks sprung in the course of one week? How would Mother Ceres react to being a widow? "Will...he live?" Miku questioned, glancing over right shoulder in time to see her mother crushing herbs against granite. Flat stone held in both hands, the raven-haired Tennyo thinned scarlet lips "I won't allow him to die." She replied "Your father should heal in no time with my combination of herbs and magical powers." The woman reassured, gathering the pulpy plants and walking right back to Shiso's muscular body. "I'm such a disgrace." He hissed between cracked lips, opening glazed hues to gaze into two faces expressing concern "If only...." Mikage paused in mid-sentence, forcing his battered body into a seated position. "If only what!? Ceres cried out, lunging automatically forward to stop her husband from injuring himself even further "Don't shame yourself." she whispered, making mental assumptions just by looking into troubled indigo hues. Humiliation, loathing and shame rolled off him like ripples appearing on a lake's placid surface. Why? Why would Shiso feel shameful of having his wife step in to protect him? Could it be the social stigma? Or the macho attitude proding him to be independent? "Look at me!" The young man sneered "Battered! Bruised....by low life thieves! You were able to slice everyone to ribbons with a single flick of your hand. If only....I had your heavenly powers." He hinted noticeably, averting violet-colored eyes to the dirt floor below. "I'm happy that father is okay." Miku blurted out, interrupting her parent's tense dilema momentarily. Ceres on the other hand worked quietly on applying herbs to every single wound inflicted upon Shiso's weak body. 'He wants power.' Giving mortal humans power differed vastly from transferring abilities to another tennyo. Most human males would die if their immortal mates passed on super-human powers. 'Giving him part of my powers would benefit us both. Stronger men produce vigorous off-spring...but I want Mikage to travel safely. I never want his fragile heart to be wounded ever again.' Softening critical honey-colored hues, the Heavenly Maiden went against better judgment. Leaning close to her brooding husband, she gingerly pressed both hands flat against his chest "Then I shall grant you just a bit off my power....so that your kind heart will never suffer again....so that..you maybe protected from harm." Eyes falling shut, Ceres' slender body glimmered different shades of white mixed in with red. Eventually, the Tennyo symbol appeared on Mikage's chest before melting into his bruised skin. "Arigato." He thanked her briefly, wrapping strong arms around the raven-haired female. }

'Did I make a mistake?' The Celestial Maiden pondered quietly 'Maybe I did commit the fatal error of giving him partial powers.' Golden-brown orbs narrowed viciously as painted red lips curved downwards in a smile full of mockery "You are foolish..Aya Mikage. Extremely foolish to believe simple love would mend every broken relationship in the world. True love comes with an expensive price tag in which....everyone comes out bleeding.' She sneered at her descendant, knowing how every acidic word tore into the blond-haired female. 'I thought you were asleep.' Aya answered bluntly 'Why are you always bothering me with nonsense words? Aggressive questions turned into sharpened knives for the crafty Tennyo, who dodged blows with mere giggles echoing inside her conscious mind. 'Seems.....I've hit a sore spot' The raven-haired angel replied, changing personalities in the blink of an eye 'My words aren't to be taken lightly. Tread with extreme caution....for any little mishap could turn your life around dramatically.' Ceres warned harshly, crossing both arms defensively around herself. Tread cautiously? What did Ceres mean? Could she be planning an attack upon Akito Sohma? 'You aren't planning on using my body to attempt another round at the Sohma's life right?' Swallowing harshly, the adolescent girl shuddered visably. She didn't mind harboring the Heavenly Maiden inside her, but keeping a murderous female didn't sit well with Aya Mikage. This body belonged to her. Her thoughts. Her feelings. Her heart. They all belonged to one unique girl right? Or was the half-celestial nymph falling into self-denial? 'No one controls this body except me!' Every part of her soul wanted to believe false promises, but reality dimmed Aya's hopes. Ceres, the Celestial Maiden continued to be unpredictable. 'After all this time...I'm still unable to predict her next movements.' Shaking troublesome thoughts, Aya smiled lightly despite internal struggles directed against herself. 'Truly an image of myself.' Centuries ago, Ceres had been exactly like her descendant was now. Stubborn. Passionate. Kind. Qualities that were difficult to find in heaven for Tennyo's had tendencies to be snobbish of Earthly creatures. 'Love was my downfall...hopefully...Aya won't go through the same heartache I suffered.' Sealing herself in a protective shell, she relinquished control back to the teenage-girl. "Me acting timid?" The blond-haired female questioned, relaxing slightly for Ceres had seemingly gone to sleep "Tea sounds nice...although I...." Breaking off in mid-sentence Aya averted gray-blue hues away from Ayame Sohma. His bright smile. Dazzling demeanor. Charming wits. An almost perfect image of Yuki Sohma. How could the silver-haired male act this confident when his little brother was completely alone. 'Yuki....I wonder how you're doing?' He might be in the same position, she had left him in. 'Hatori acted coldly towards me....why?' No amount of pondering could provide a clear answer to her dilemma. Hatori Sohma was mysterious. Calm and calculating at the same time. What the doctor thought during her presense would be only known to him. 'Hatori is dangerous.' Ceres responded simply, once again reminding Aya of how hopelessly entwined both girls were 'Stay away from him.'

Warnings. Nothing, but false red flags Ceres rung in order to discourage her from visiting Yuki Sohma. Why? Why would the Celestial Maiden begin pointing accusing fingers at Hatori Sohma? What did she see in the dark-haired doctor? Perhaps, his lack of emotional response? Or his mysterious nature that gave away no emotion, no weakness, no clue as to what Hatori could be scheming? 'Hatori isn't that scary.' The blond-haired replied mentally, finding herself back in the small room once again. Drab-colored walls, smelly disinfectants and one lonely bed housing Yuki Sohma's battered body come into view. Grinding teeth harshly against each other, Aya Mikage battled savagely to regain control of her emotions. Breaking down in front of the Sohma's would be embarrsing...but they would also know just how severe Yuki's injuries were. 'Remember...your promise Aya? No words over the main house visit would ever escape from your lips.' Yes. She remembered the promise made in front of Hatori Sohma. She remembered telling the doctor that she wouldn't be a burden for his ailing family. Keeping promises proved difficult, for the Sohma's possessed an uncanny ability to discover hidden feelings almost instantly. What made them so keen to emotional perception? Could their animal spirits play crucial roles? 'I should focus more on controlling my own emotions.' Indeed. Her most important task involved keeping shattered emotions from being spilled into the open. Pulling in ragged breaths of fresh air, the blond-haired female tilted head sideways. Did Ayame Sohma always treat people as servants? Raising slender eyebrow upwards, Aya shook her head slowly "I..." She tried speaking, although any words that had formed in her throat quickly jumbled together. Shame and sorrow. Both feelings fought for traction inside their owner's trembling body. "I see. Your informed...." Aya broke in the middle unable to continue any further for the zodiac snake continued to shower her with compliments. Beautiful face? How could he call her beautiful? 'How am I going to look beautiful with exhaustion weighing me down?' Brushing off his motivational words, the adolescent female couldn't help wondering if the silver-haired male even realized his brother laid mute in a house infested with nightmarish people. "Sorry...Haru.." Aya turned to him, soft blue eyes landing on the white-haired Sohma "I try to stop blaming myself....but the feeling is always the same. I should be able to control myself...this is my body after all." She whispered, falling silent once again as Haru explained Ayame's past history of being school body president. "Eh...well..Yuki does make a good president." The young woman agreed, remembering her first time in school. The silver-haired teenager had been extremely kind to her. 'I'd never except Hatori Sohma to sleep in the same tent as Shigure and Ayame. Maybe...he had no choice?' Fighting chuckles, the wavy-haired tenshi stopped momentarily to see Momiji Sohma balancing his tray precariously "Ah! Momiji....need help?" Aya offered, already getting up although Ceres' inflluence froze her in place. "Can't move...." Widening hues narrowed instantly, upon Kyo mentioning wounds. Hurt? Was Momiji Sohma injured? Why hadn't he said anything before?

The orange-haired adolescent obviously spilled the beans. Momiji Sohma's injuries were supposed to be kept secret, but why? 'Injuries are nothing new to me.' Ceres whispered mentally, rousing herself from complete isolation. She had been silent during Aya's brief conversation with the zodiac cow. Listening carefully for clues as to confirm hidden fears. Clues that would reassure the Celestial Maiden that Hatori Sohma planned something clever behind Aya's back. 'I know.' The blond-haired female answered curtly, focusing on her own grim reality. Sixteen-year old adolescent harboring an ancient spirit, family trying to murder her and having Yuki Sohma injured. That wasn't the outcome she wished for. She hadn't wished for the zodiac rat to be hurt because of her. She wanted him to be free. To love without restraint. To melt into society without fear of being rejected. 'Nothing...but wishful thinking.' Lacing fingers together, Aya stayed absolutely silent letting Haru's words sink in. His statement sounded twisted like a game sick game of cat and mouse. Akito being the cat, pulling all the strings...while his helpless opponent attempted tactics of evasion. Shoulders trembling with barely restrained anger, the half-tennin parted glossy lips to speak "Why blame yourselves for falling in love?" She questioned, trying to decipher Haru's self-blame "Hearts can't be controlled....that much..I know." The blond-haired female explained, knowing her own words matched closely in description. Love. The abstract emotion no one could touch physically. Intangible. Dynamic. Constantly changing. Love could come in many forms. Could take many shapes...and could bring about calamity. 'Disaster.' The Tennyo hissed, remaining keenly observant as Haru mentioned Hatori being a victim to Cupid's cursed arrow. 'Hatori in love?' How would an emotionless man like Hatori Sohma fall in love? That couldn't be right? Or could it? Lips stretched out, Ceres picked apart every word. She analyzed different means. Analyzed different ways Haru could have structured his sentence. 'Bias observations of mine...yet Hatori doesn't seem to love anyone.' She concluded at last, treating the doctor's feelings as mere objects to be thrown aside. "You know nothing!' Aya screamed mentally, clenching hands together in a vain attempt to keep fragile composure together. "You are a keen observer...aren't you Momiji?" The young woman questioned, wiping unshed with shaky hands "I promise to smile for Yuki-Kun. I'll be strong for him..for myself...and for Aki." Glossy pink lips formed an uneasy smile, while one hand took the cup of tea Momiji offered. Bringing the glass to her mouth, the young woman found the tea quite to her liking. "Doesn't matter if you mixed in different flavors...this tastes really good." Aya complimented, closing sapphire orbs in frustration. Ceres wanted to come out again. 'I don't have a choice.' Tightening fingers around the tea cup, the blond-haired female relinquished control to the over-zealous angel. "You were hurt the entire time...Momiji." She stated seriously, shimmering golden-brown orbs scoured the blond-haired Sohma for any signs of pain. He appeared lively enough, although Ceres wanted to make sure his wounds were taken cared off. "I came here to complete my promise...now who goes first?" The raven-haired female questioned, shooting severe glances at the two older males chatting away in the background "Noisy as ever." Commenting curtly on their odd behavior, Ceres approached Haru Sohma 'Do I even have enough strength to heal them?' She questioned mentally, yet the answer would remain unknown until she attempted using Celestial powers upon the Sohma's worst injuries.