Chapter Fifty

Just like I'm hiding my feelings in my heart…that's right, I'm sure she is too.

Hiro Sohma

Like a Piece of Peace

"Don't be stupid Eriko,"

"Why not? It's tempting…" the Fox growled, the Holiday Horse sighed.

"You're just mad,"

"Why the hell would I be mad?"

"Because your parents and Yuri said they would be gone for a couple of hours."

"Hell no, they took off without telling ME where THEY were GOING!" a twelve-year-old Eriko growled, her fists balled and her hair in a tight braid. Sunmei looked at her, tilting her head to the side.

"They'll be back and I'm sure they have a good enough reason to suddenly go missing-"

"Nothing good enough, they're just like them." Eriko hissed as she stomped over to the recliner and sat on angrily, her arms crossed.

"Who's them?" Sunmei had asked. Her gray orbs met the angry navy of Eriko's. As if they were about to launch missiles at the Horse.

"Everyone but me." Eriko answered, Sunmei sighed again.

"You shouldn't be so harsh-"

"Not like it matters, life's short and no one will remember me once I leave since no one will ever see me again." Eriko explained coldly, her tone indifferent. Sunmei's brows furrowed.

"Eriko-chan! Do not start that, it is not your fault you share that fate. In fact, it's just as fair as I and the others that have to go through with it!" Sunmei scolded. "Life's short, and life is unfair. So therefore, you're suppose to make as much out of it as you can!"

"Gee, thanks, I'll brand that in my mind." Eriko replied sarcastically.

"You are too stubborn."

"Proud," Eriko said with a smirk.

RING! RING! Sunmei practically flew to the phone; she picked it up hastily and put it to her ear.

"Yeah, yes…" a few nods and phrases later Sunmei placed the phone back down. "You're neighbor, Nakkou needs some sugar. Mind taking some over?" Sunmei asked, Eriko snorted.

"Whatever…" Eriko got up and walked into the kitchen, Sunmei slipped her shoes on soon after Eriko came back. She too slipped her feet into her shoes, and then they silently put themselves into their jackets and walked out. "I don't need an escort." Eriko growled as Sunmei locked the door.

"Then why do you need a baby-sitter?" Sunmei replied with her goofy smile. Again, Eriko snorted. Content that no other smart remarks were being retorted, Sunmei hurried to Eriko's side as they walked to Nakkou's house.

"It's going to snow soon," Sunmei said as they grew closer to the door.

"…" Eriko said nothing as they stepped at the door of Nakkou's and Sunmei knocked on the door. Eriko looked off into space, completely oblivious as Nakkou opened the door. He looked plenty younger with a face full of rosy cheeks and a happy smile.

"Do come in Eri-chan and Mei-kun." Nakkou greeted as he opened the door the rest of the way, motioning for them to come inside. Eriko attempted to hand him the sugar. "Thank you so much, would you put this in the kitchen for me Mei-kun?"

"I will," Sunmei was smiling for some reason as she took the bag of sugar and walked down the hall. Eriko watched her leave, then turned to her neighbor, watching him eagerly.

"You want us to stay?" Eriko asked, he beamed.

"But of course, I owe you a favor for giving me sugar." Nakkou said as he placed his hands on her shoulders and began wheeling her into the living room. Her eyes narrowed, the room was filled with a pastry sort of scent, and it blocked out any other scent there could have been in the room.

"It was only sugar," Eriko stated dully, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"Ah, but every well done favor deserves a reward." Nakkou said as he left her in the middle of the room, the room was dark, hardly any light was streaming through the rice-paper windows. He put his hand on the switch. "Sorry about the lights," he said with a smile as he flicked them on.

She was completely overwhelmed with the result.

"SURPRISE!" People she knew jumped out from behind the furniture and a buffet table that line the one wall to her right. She blinked how was one to react to a surprise like this?

A normal girl would have fallen back on her rear end.

But Eriko was hardly normal after all.

"What surprise?" Eriko looked from one face to the other, some shifted uncomfortably. She spotted Dikatou and Sarah along with Yuri not far off. Sarah approached her first.

"It's your birthday Eriko," she said with a smile, but Eriko could see it very well.

For behind that smile, in her eyes, was the dancing flare of sadness.

She didn't remember her own thirteenth birthday.

Still, Eriko slept on in unconsciousness in the hospital bed, Hatori again sitting at her side, a phone at his though.

"So you're coming home tomorrow morning?" he asked.

"Indeed, Shoda and I will have them loaded onto the plane and flown back to Japan! Right now we're preparing for the festival tonight." Yuri's voice replied happily, he smiled.

"You of course, are allowed back. Akito seems to be no longer interested in capturing you." Hatori said, she sighed happily.

"That's good, what about Sunmei and Shigure-san?" Yuri asked.

"They're fine, for the time being." Hatori answered, remembering just this morning that he had re-bandaged Shigure's face.

"And Eriko? Is she doing all right?" he sighed, Shigure asked the same thing.

"Is Eriko doing any better?" Shigure asked as Hatori finished bandaging the Inu's head.

"She's stable," Hatori answered calmly as he began packing up.

"So that doesn't really answer my question," Shigure said with a joke-ful manner.

"No, not really." Hatori replied, Shigure nodded.

"As long as you do your best Hatori, there cannot and will be no regrets. Am I making myself clear?" Shigure asked in a serious tone as Hatori stood his bag in his hand.

"Crystal," he turned to leave.

"Oh, and Ha'ri?"

"Yes?" he turned back around, his free hand on the door's handle.

"You're doing a great job,"

"Arigatou Shigure,"

"No better, no worse." Hatori replied, Eriko had been in a stable condition since after the teens left for the USA.

"Well, it's better than getting any worse I suppose. But with how we're all doing is a different story, somehow Kaede got footage of the event from yesterday." Yuri said.

"Yesterday?" she explained to him what happened to Yuki and the whole confusion that followed.

"…" Mildly entertaining…Kaede must be happy… Hatori thought.

"It only turns out that he got suspicious with Aspen in the parking lot…" Yuri said.

"Aspen?"

"I rather not explain, you wouldn't believe me." Yuri said.

"Try me,"

"Well, I haven't really seen what proof she has to back this up but…she says, well, she knows about our curses."

"Perfect…"

"I don't know about you, but I feel like I've been exposed to a little too many people in one year." Yuri giggled.

"I feel open as well," Hatori replied. "So what else do you know about this girl? I've never heard of her."

"Neither have I, she just came out of nowhere while I was in a diner waiting for Shoda to get back from the bus rental. She sat down across from me and instantly started up a VERY cheerful conversation. But I couldn't see anything you know? She's an enigma." Yuri explained. "She's like a hard brick wall, I couldn't see anything. Next to that, she hardly made sense. Reminded me of that Disney movie with that weird cat…what was it again Shoda? You know with that strange pink cat?" he heard Shoda say something in the background.

"Oh right! The Cheshire Cat! She's just like him! Spoke in riddles!" Yuri said cheerfully.

"Glad, another cat has made its way into our fate…"

"She's not like that, seriously, I know Hatori. I know it…" Yuri said in a low voice, Hatori had to strain his ears to hear the rest of her sentence. "She knows about it…the curse's full tale…she knows how to help us – actually help us."

Mayuko sat at her desk, finishing non-graded papers and stacking them up at the corner of her desk. She looked up when footsteps sounded in her room. She didn't crack a smile.

"Greetings, Niirohana." Mayuko greeted the brown-haired man; he grinned, his eyes twinkling. He was around her age if not younger.

"To you as well, finishing up?" Niirohana asked.

"Indeed, but aren't you suppose to be at the junior high?" Mayuko asked.

"Mihoshi – my sister – is meeting me outside Kaibara high." He answered, Mayuko raised a brow.

"Mihoshi? Ah, so she went to Kaibara as well?" Mayuko asked, barely interested.

"Yes, you should remember her Mayuko. She was in your grade with Sunmei and Naomi." Niirohana said, his voice cracking slightly. Mayuko had no response, even though she too felt awkward. "She'll be here any minute." He looked at his watch on his left wrist and began walking out.

"I know this is just being nosy as me, but where are you going?" Mayuko asked, Niirohana looked back at her, smiling.

"To Naomi's grave, Mihoshi didn't want to go by herself." Niirohana answered as he came to the door. "Tell me, do you have any students that go by the name 'Sohma' or any other of my relatives?" he asked.

"More than enough," Mayuko replied. Niirohana chuckled.

"They're an adorable little group ne?" he asked with another chuckle as he headed outside the room. "Sayonara Mayuko-san!" Mayuko shook her head as she focused on her papers again, her eyes scanning them hastily. Then they stopped when she came to Hatsuharu Sohma's paper. Strange, he hardly did a thing to this assignment. He didn't put much effort into it at all…there was barely anything written…

That family! Their family! Dear Kami-sama why must I endure this! She mentally screamed as she put a bold, red 'D' on his paper. Something wasn't right, she knew that of all people the only ones that could possibly be taken by Eriko's coma and Naomi's death greatly were her students like Kyo and Yuki Sohma, and most likely that Honda girl. In fact, they were all doing well in their studies, but Hatsuharu…he wasn't that close.

Maybe something else was bothering him…

She sighed as she re-stacked the papers, making them straight and placing them in a vacant drawer.

Teenagers! They think they're invincible till something comes rolling into them and-

RING! RING!

"Konnichiwia, Shiraki, Mayuko speaking." She said as she lifted the receiver to her ear.

"Oh Kami your still at school? I was hoping you would be home by now…" it was her mother.

Of all people.

It had to be her mother.

"Yes, I had to finish up the grades. I should be home soon." Mayuko replied, now she just needed her mother to add a great event like Hatori visiting that darn bookshop again and her mother announcing she was engaged to the Seahorse.

"Oh yes! There was a man here to see you, the same one from last time remember? The one with long hair on one side with piercing green eyes! Oooh! You two make a perfect tall couple with those long legs of yours-"

Yep, my day's complete… "Look Mother, that was Sohma, Hatori. Now before you-"

"You know him personally? My daughter's secret crush perhaps?" Mrs. Shiraki squealed, Mayuko had to hold the phone away at a good distance not to go deaf.

"Secret crush? Where did you get that from?" Mayuko asked, calm and bored like.

"Well, that's what it said in your journal-"

"My what?"

"Oh…shouldn't have said that…"

"You didn't!"

"Oh well look at the time!"

"Don't you hang up!"

"Sayonara dear!"

"DON'T YOU DARE HANG UP THAT PHONE-"

"…"

"Mother?"

"…"

"Mother?"

"…"

"MOTHER!"

"Mi-chan?" Niirohana spoke finally as they drove up to the temple. The young female broadcasting star remained silent. Dressed in gray and white, she never wore black. Niirohana sighed as he parked and shut off the engine. He opened his door and walked around to the left side of the car, there he helped Mihoshi out. "Mi-chan, surely Naomi wouldn't want you so depressed."

"I know…," Mihoshi said quietly, trying hard not to crack. Niirohana wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked through the temple's entrance and into the cemetery. It was quiet, no birds chirped here…nor wind that whistled…

"Mihoshi?" Niirohana said as he looked up.

"Hm?"

"It's over there," he replied, leading her to the grave not too far away. When they found the right one, they stood there silently, in front of the grave.

"I know this isn't the place or time, but Mi-chan? Is this some sort of inspiration to you?" he asked, she blinked.

"Do you know…if she ever listened to it?" Mihoshi asked, he had to strain his ears, as her voice was so quiet.

"I'm sure she did," he answered.

"How can you be sure?" she asked, looking up at him with hopeful, teary eyes.

"She was your best friend, so it's only natural that she was your biggest fan. As well as Sunmei." Niirohana said, Mihoshi shook her head.

"No…Sunmei is no friend of ours…she would have at least tried to save Naomi…" Mihoshi said, he voice slightly cracking. She covered her mouth with her right hand. "Why didn't she try?"

"Mi-chan…how was Sunmei supposed to know-"

"She left us for two years Niirohana! She abandoned us and even left Shigure without saying good-bye!" Mihoshi cried, her face angered and tears threatening to fall from her bright orbs. Niirohana stared back sadly, as if in understanding.

"Did Naomi not to do that? Go without saying good bye?" he asked, she started, but returned to her former condition.

"It wasn't her fault! Naomi was only trying to help you and she was killed! But when Sunmei left what did she gain? Her life-long dream of becoming a vet! While Naomi gained nothing! Nothing!" Mihoshi cried, her frame shaking as she drew her hands up to her eyes. Niirohana drew her into an embrace.

"Calm down Mi-chan…calm down…there must be some things we're missing out on…" Niirohana spoke calmly, Mihoshi withdrew from his grasp, shaking her head.

"No! She would have told me!" Mihoshi snapped.

"But as your duty of being a friend of hers, maybe you should try to get some answers and see, exactly what happened." Niirohana replied, she stubbornly shook her head again.

"I'll never go see that wench again!" she retorted, tears falling to the ground.

"Why? Because of that?" Niirohana asked as Mihoshi began stomping away.

"No!" He followed her.

"Then why?" she continued walking, but it steadily grew angrier.

"Because of what she is!" She obviously had no idea what effect she just had on her older brother. He froze; she too froze two feet later.

"I'm sorry…Niirohana…" Mihoshi spoke, not turning around. "I'm sorry…"

"No, I agree."

"Nani?" she jumped up as a hand was placed on her shoulder.

"If it weren't for our curse, Naomi would still be here. And you, Naomi, and Sunmei would still be together." Niirohana said, his face somber.

After a few moments, he began walking towards the entrance. A few seconds later, Mihoshi was close on his heels.

"Niirohana…I really am sorry…" Mihoshi apologized again as Niirohana got in the car, ignoring her it seemed as he started the car up. She pulled at the handle. It was locked. "Niirohana!" He began backing out, her eyes widened with surprise; Niirohana made no sign of knowing she was there. "Niirohana!"

He began pulling out; she was still grasping the door's handle. She began pounding on the window with her free hand.

"Niirohana!" She lost her grip as he started off out of the parking lot with a fast speed. She went running after him. "Niirohana!" The car stopped and his window opened.

"C'mon! What's taking you so long?" he shouted, she growled as she got to the car's side and yanked at the door, locked.

So she yanked again, still locked.

There was a small click, showing it was unlocked.

When she went to pull at the handle again, he soon locked it again.

Then it was unlocked.

Then locked.

Then unlocked.

Then locked again.

Finally, when she managed to open it before Niirohana could lock it again, she was about to scream at her brother as she then found him laughing.

"That's the spunky little sister I know!" he laughed, her hair slightly tangled and her skin patchy with pale and red spots.

"NIIROHANA!"

He continued to laugh anyway.

She stared down with a hint of amusement dancing in her cyan eyes, her lips glossed with lovely soft pink, a lovely white and azure kimono whirling around her, two sheaves of rice between to of her fingers.

"They seem to familial outside the estates, just how I told you." A voice said, the woman nodded.

"Afraid you are right, the time is coming quickly however…most of them are almost done with high school." The cyan-eyed woman explained, the voice's owner's head nodded slowly.

"I know what I am to do, but is it really what you want?" the voice asked.

"Is there another option?"

"No…"

"Besides…" the woman replied as she raised the sheaves of rice. "I am free, I wish the same for my daughter. Begin whenever you wish." With a flick of the sheaves, the wind carried off the cyan-eyed maiden, leaving the voice alone upon the temple.

"I'll be home soon Akito, yes, I know. Sayonara," Hatori sighed as he placed the phone down, he raised his right hand to his temples; closing his eyes tiredly. He was doing work already, so what was he going to get when he got home, more of it and definitely an added bonus of more frustration.

Goody.

"Sohma-san! Sohma-san! You have to come and see this!" a nurse cried as she ran towards him, he eyed her curiously. She looked a bit excited, she slowed down when she saw him walking towards her. "It's Sanotomono, her vital signs are improving!" Hatori's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly regained his emotionless composure. Was she awakening at last?

If so, does this mean tomorrow will be better or will it be their worst nightmare?

"Look sir!" the nurse cried happily as she opened the door and Hatori walked in, indeed, they had already removed the oxygen mask. She was capable of breathing on her own now! He silently cheered as the monitor showed signs of increasing improvement.

Come on Eriko!

Akito could wait; Eriko was the one in perfect succession while he wasn't even gaining a fever.

"Oh good! Let's hurry! Come on everyone! It's starting!" Yuri cried as she and Kaede hurried out of the tent they set up on the beach. The boys grumbled, they were wearing dark pants with tropical shirts hardly tucked in while the girls wore Hawaiian dresses Yuri managed to get for them all.

The 'Hawaiian torches' were lit and were at every other corner, tables were clothed in red, orange or yellow fabrics with varieties of foods on them. There was even a stage where a few people were gathering around the microphone, but one was left at it while the others backed away. Dogs went silent and the gulls stopped squawking. Other people began emerging from tents they had brought and set up. They all began surrounding around the stage where a man around his early twenties and combed brown hair and a bright smile stood with the microphone at his mouth.

"Hey everyone! Welcome to the twenty-second Florida's Grand Tropical Festival! We'll be lighting up the rides in a minute or two for you to enjoy yourselves and even have the DJ going as well. But we have some rules for all of you! Even for the ones that have been to these before! First, there is no throwing up on the twirly rides all right?" People laughed at his joking manner, "Second, have fun!" Several teens cheered. "Third, remember to tip your waiters and waitresses!" he punched the air and instantly lights burst on in full power, in the distance, at least half a mile away did the small amusement park burst into life. People cheered and as the man continued to talk they began heading towards the park.

Happily, the Japanese group went for it as well.

"I've never been to an amusement park before!" Momiji cried as he bounced about in front of the group.

"Wait up Momiji!" Tohru shouted after the Rabbit.

"Hurry up! Hurry up! Hurry up!" Momiji yelled, the group sighed as the continued to run after the hyper-active bunny. Kaede started her camera.

"Testing – testing – 1 – 2 – 3 – testing! I'm on a roll! Someone do something stupid!" Kaede laughed as they hurried through he entrance of the amusement park. The group split up, several of them going in several directions.

"We'll meet up at nine back at the stage all right!" Yuri cried before they all fled from her sight.

"Kyo-kun! Let's go on that!" Tohru shouted happily, pointing at the Ferris Wheel, he looked at her strangely.

"You'll get scared," Kyo stated dully, she smiled.

"No I won't! Not if you do it with me!" Tohru cried happily, reddening slightly he growled.

"All right, if you want…"

"Let's hurry before the line becomes too long!" Tohru said as she tugged at his forearm.

Thank Kami, the 'stupid woman' is gone. Hiro mentally snickered as he walked off with Kisa, Momiji and Kaede. Wait a minute! How did I get stuck with those two! He glared at the Rabbit and Holiday Tiger. DARN'T! Can't I have SOME quality time with Kisa ALONE!

"Hiro? Are you all right?" Kisa asked, looking at him.

"Fine, perfect, never better." Hiro replied, Kisa smiled.

"What do you want to do first Hiro?" Kisa asked sweetly, Momiji and Kaede hurried ahead of them, not looking back at the Tiger and Sheep.

"Dunno, whatever you want to do first Kisa!" Hiro retorted, she looked away in thought.

"Um…okay…how about…erm…" Kisa looked around, she didn't look like she was going to make a decision for a while.

"That?" Hiro pointed at the water tank, someone sat on a panel and a person was trying to hit the target on the side. Kisa watched with slight interest till finally the person hit the target, the man fell in the water. Her eyes widened.

"Oh no! That's too mean!" Kisa cried, Hiro sighed.

"That?" Hiro pointed at something else completely random, the Ferris Wheel.

"Too high Hiro-kun. Sorry…"

"Ugh – it's all right! Um! That?" Another completely random ride, her eyes sparkled at the interest.

"It's lovely, let's do that!" Kisa cried happily as she grabbed hold of her hand and they headed for the line full of couples. Hiro seemed to be the only one out of the pair that could read.

No…no…no…no…no…no… he turned blue, if not for Kisa, he would never be in line for the Tunnel of Luv.

I'm going to DIE! Hiro mentally cried.

"Hiro-kun? Are you all right? You look a little pale…" Kisa asked.

"F-Fine…" he croaked.

Great, I'm going in ghost-style…not what I imagined for our first 'outing'…

"They're doing that?" Kaede asked no one in particular as she and Momiji spotted Hiro and Kisa in line behind a few couples.

"I think it's sweet!" Momiji cried.

"I think it'll make money, let's go in!" Kaede said with a smirk.

"How? Through the line?" Momiji asked, looking up at her.

"Of course not, we'll sneak in behind those two!" Kaede answered slyly.

"Wouldn't that be cutting?" Momiji asked.

"It's for the profit my friend, look! They're almost in! C'mon!" Kaede whispered loudly.

"Would you like a drink Machi-chan?" Yuki asked, Machi shrugged, looking away. Yuki only smiled. "If you decide if you want one, I suppose I'll have to add some pep to it?" She looked at him strangely.

"Pep?" Machi said in question.

"Florida talk or so I heard, it means to get you more active." Yuki said with a soft chuckle, she blushed, she looked around frantically as she felt her face burning.

"Machi?" he yelped as he spotted her running towards the restroom, he tilted his head in confusion then shrugged, he would wait. He turned to look for a seat, only to spot a lonesome Kakeru.

C'mon…go away! Machi scrubbed at her face, but it only became redder.

"That's no way of getting rid of a blush Machi," a voice said, Machi jumped and looked Komaki. The girl smiled. "You could always use the excuse that it's only make-up. Worked once when I first met Kakeru," Machi eyed her, she giggled.

"Is Machi actually forming a small crush on our Kaibara prince?" Komaki asked, smirking insanely. Machi glowered at her. "So I'm right! You're falling for Yuki! Outta girl!" That only worsened Machi's blush.

"It's all right, it's natural to feel that way. In fact, I was the same way with Kakeru, he hardly noticed though. Took till junior year to actually catch his attention," Komaki said.

"How did you?" Machi asked quietly.

"I tripped him,"

"!" Machi looked at her, she only laughed.

"Yep! Had a puffy bottom lip for a week or so! But he found it so amusing that he paid more attention to me! Then well, I was the one who asked him out actually. We've been girlfriend and boyfriend for more than a year so far." Komaki explained, Machi shook her head. "So in case you were wondering where he got it from. That's why!"

"He wasn't mad at you?" Machi asked.

"Kakeru isn't that kind of person, and by now, I think you know what kind of person Yuki is right? So you should try to reveal yourself a little more, eventually if he feels for you, he will reveal himself sometime too. But for that to happen, one of you have to start something." Komaki stated.

"Is this Kakeru's influence?" Machi asked.

"What? How I know so much about all this or is it something else?"

"Why you're so talkative?" Machi corrected.

"Oh, no, I have always been outspoken! It didn't falter even when I saw Yuki in Kakeru's arms!" Komaki announced, she paled quickly; Machi didn't appear well either after the past image. Machi got enough information to make her head spin from Momiji alone.

"Anyway…" Komaki started up again, "Try talking a bit more, I think Yuki's getting a little edgy. And Kakeru must be getting impatient now as well, here, let's go!" Komaki wrapped an arm around Machi's shoulders and began leading her out.

"Where's Komaki?" Yuki asked, looking at his best friend. Kakeru yawned.

"Restroom. Machi?"

"Same, may I?" Yuki motioned towards the seat next to him, Kakeru nodded. Yuki sat down.

"So how are you and Machi-chan doing?" Kakeru asked.

"Good,"

"That all?"

"So far…I can't get her to talk more."

"She's like that, give her a few years and she'll warm up to saw a whole paragraph." Kakeru advised.

"Years?" I don't even know if I'll be able to be on the 'outside' for that long…

"Kidding, with you being there for her. Dunno, maybe by tonight she might just speak a haiku!" Kakeru joked again, laughing. Yuki rolled his eyes. "But seriously, give her a chance to warm up. She has never been on a date before." Yuki blushed a soft pink.

"Date? Who said we were going on a date?" Yuki sputtered, Kakeru laughed.

"Machi told me you asked her to the dance, so I hate to tell you buddy, that's a date!" Kakeru laughed again, Yuki blushed harder.

"Hey guys! We're back!" Komaki cried as she and Machi approached the two.

"All right! Let's do that twirly whirly thing!" Kakeru shouted, pointing at a wild ride that spun around viciously.

"That's not its name!" Komaki snapped.

"Then what do you call it?"

"The spinny ride!"

"As if that's any better! Spinny ride? Tiwtly whirly thing fits it more!"

"Are you wearing some of Komaki's make-up Machi-chan?" Yuki asked, Kakeru and Komaki fell. Machi looked irritated, her blush worsened however.

"Of course! It's a good brand! A brand of sweet love!" Komaki cried, Yuki looked up in thought.

"That's a strange name, never heard of it though." They all sweat-dropped.

"You're a sad case Yuki, you know that right?" Kakeru asked, Yuki sweat-dropped.

Rin… Haru watched as Yasashiku, Myuu, Benjiro and Kaemon aimed for the bottle booth, where you throw at least five balls at a giant bottle and try to knock it over, so far, Yasashiku and Benjiro alone could not knock it over, funny with how much Yasashiku seemed to have worked out during the school year.

"I'm tired of you…"

I just don't understand the 'why'…

"Yo! Haru my man! Get over here and spare our arms!" Yasashiku shouted, snapping the Ox out of his thoughts, apparently, Yasashiku had out-thrown his dominant arm. He shrugged and then stood up and walked over to them.

"Did Kaemon try?" Haru asked, they shook their heads.

"He doesn't want to try," Benjiro stated, Kaemon grunted.

"Fine, I'll go…one ball please," Haru stated, putting down a coin for the man in charge of the booth, he smirked.

"You really think you can knock it over sonny boy?" he asked, Haru shrugged, aloof as usual. Aggravating the booth man. "Here!" he pushed the ball into Haru's hand roughly.

Easily, it cleared through the bottle, shattering the top to pieces.

"It's glued down," Haru stated blankly, the booth man stared at the bottle and the remains on the floor. "Therefore I think that's cheating," Haru said blankly. He looked absently up at the stuffed animals.

"Which one?"

"Huh?" Yasashiku and Benjiro's jaws had dropped the moment the bottle broke, Kaemon answered however.

"Myuu wanted the erm…" Benjiro eyed his friend, wondering why he was blushing. It was only a stuffed animal. Then again, Myuu was sort of turning pink too.

"The giant lion." Kaemon stated dully, almost bored Haru plucked the stuffed lion (it had one shaggy mane) and threw it to Yasashiku, the Lion growled, noticing the Ox's eyes…

That better not be amusement that I'm seeing! Yasashiku thought as he handed the lion over to Myuu (whom was only a bit bigger than the stuffed lion itself).

"I'll call it Yassy-chan!" Myuu cried out enthusiastically.

"YOU DID NOT GET THAT FROM THAT WITCH!" (Referring to Eisuka) Yasashiku yelled.

"Fluffly will be so happy to meet you Yassy-chan!" Myuu said, cuddling with the giant lion, apparently unaware of Yasashiku's loud voice.

"By all means of saving our ear drums, I do think she's oblivious to you Yassy-chan-" Haru stated, Yasashiku instantly turned around and grabbed his collar.

"Don't even start that YOU" he hissed.

"You're kinda sounding like Rikuyami there pal," Benjiro said. Yasashiku sent him an icy glare. "Ugh…I'm not here…"

"Ristu! I think it might be wise to have you sit down for a bit-" Yuri tried to reason with the Monkey, but currently the green (sickly-looking) man was being persistent.

"Don't pester yourselves over me go and have fun! I'm doing nothing but bothering you! I'm such a bother!" Ritsu cried as Yuri tried her best to urge him to get off his feet, obviously trying out the roller coaster was NOT a good idea…but Kagura wanted to, and well, Ritsu wanted to make them happy and both the Boar and Elephant didn't want to leave him out of all the fun.

"No it's just that you weren't really prepared for the ride! (I don't even think your suited to ride roller coasters – if any ride at all)" Yuri exclaimed.

"No admit it I'm a bother!"

"Oh there she is!" Yuri cried out happily as Kagura returned with a strawberry smoothie, another for herself with a banana smoothie for Yuri.

"Thank you Kagura-chan!" Yuri said as Kagura forced one of the strawberry smoothies into Ritsu's hands.

"Putting something in your stomach might settle it a bit, so drink it 'kay?" Kagura stated somewhat kindly.

"But-"

Kagura's eyes shined.

"Or I'll force it down your throat Monkey-boy…" Kagura threatened, Yuri sweat-dropped and instantly Ritsu placed the straw between his lips.

"So are you two looking forward to the dance?" Yuri asked, Kagura blinked so did Ritsu.

"Ah…no, not really. Seeing as I have no dance partner," Kagura admitted, Ritsu nodded in agreement.

"That's a shame, but I thought for sure you would ask Kyo…" But now that I think of it…I haven't seen Kagura all over Kyo like she used to be…wonder what happened? Yuri thought, as she tasted the soft coolness smother over her tongue.

"Oh, no, we have never been together if that was what you were thinking." Yuri looked up at shock at her; Ritsu (obviously just as shocked) looked up as well.

"So…?" Ritsu muttered.

"It was just a…erm, very strong (violent in this matter of speaking) teenage crush or something?" Yuri asked, slightly cocking her head to one side.

"I suppose you could call it that, but of course it was my emotions that got out." Not my heart…Kagura thought, It was only a forced love after all. There is no worth in that…but not entirely, I really do love Kyo – more than a simple little crush…but just not in 'that way'. Of course, it wasn't ever meant to be from the beginning. But I do…I really do love him, and he knows now…but he'll never have the same feelings that he can…

But then on the day I first met you Kyo-kun…I was happy.

….

I was…relieved.

I realized that…

Compared to the Cat…I had it –

Easy.

In return give to me. I was happy to confess, I thank you for letting me tell you Kyo-kun…because…I really did feel dirty when I thought about it. But I was able to confess…I could straighten it all out, and now then did I do that. Did I see what I was blind to because of my stupidity…

But then…when I saw her chasing after you…I realized…

Just how foolish I was.

I was blind to your pain, Kyo-kun.

I can now live on with a piece of peace…hey, that sounded funny! Piece of peace… Kagura's eyes widened with glee – Piece of peace, funny!

Yuri and Ritsu watched with odd expressions as Kagura burst out laughing. They exchanged their abnormal looks, silently, they returned to their smoothies.

"I don't see why you two can't dance together? You know? Just as friends," Yuri stated, Kagura's laughter minimized down to giggles (she was tearing) and with a few shrugs, she didn't mind. She had been Ritsu's friend for so long anyway, why not?

"Uh? Are you sure, I'm sure there is someone else out there you could ask to dance-"

"She's dancing with you Ritsu – as …" Kagura stopped laughing at Yuri's suddenly very strict voice, then with a snort of laughter Kagura's lungs exploded with amusement. Yuri stood up straighter, gaining back her posture before she too joined in the joyful chorus.

Ritsu stared at them.

Women… Ritsu blinked, backtracking on his own thought. Funny, he dressed like one after all.

He couldn't help but laugh too.

There was a part of me…that chased after him because…

I wanted to…

Believe me.

"Ohhh…this is rich…so rich…heck, I'll be rich…" Kaede thought evilly as she climbed from boulder from boulder, out-smarting the tricks and traps that laid about, waiting for the next victims that came by those small, swan-shaped boats. Momiji followed silently, looking about eagerly.

"Kaede-chan! This is what a love tunnel looks like? It looks more like a haunted tunnel! This is so much fun!" Momiji cried happily.

"Shush! I don't want to caught!" Kaede scolded, Momiji nodded.

"Looky looky what my camera gotty…" Kaede said with a silk-smooth voice as she put her eye to her video camera again. Hiro looked as if he were competing in a tomato contest (his head winning first prize) partially because Kisa was grasping him with seeming to be whatever she had from the 'monsters' that popped out of supposedly nowhere.

"Aww…they're so cuuuute." Momiji commented.

"I suppose…" Kaede agreed with mild interest, the swan boat was nearly to them.

"Oh dear…look at that thing, it's about to pop out at them." Momiji noted, noticing a scrunched up clown. Kaede grinned.

The great climax…the tip-top of the mountain… she thought as finally the clown sprang out at them.

Obviously Kisa had enough and pushed her face into Hiro's chest, completely burrowing her eyes away from what scared her but did not terrorize Hiro in the least. But her action sure did give Hiro's worsening blush a boost.

Ohhhhhhhhh…perfect…no need to stay any longer… Kaede thought as she closed her video camera and began crawling away.

"Where are we going now Kaede-chan?" Momiji asked.

"To my next victims," Kaede purred.

"Oh," Momiji yelped, Kaede rolled her eyes. "Who are they?"

She fell.

"Come on! You can do it Eriko!"

It's the Fox!

"What can't you take?"

Of course! The Fox thought she was too good for us and refused the 'God's' offer!

"Hey, do you err…want help?"

She's just like the Cat…

"Don't talk, you're too tired."

She should be lynched for her stupidity…

Should I believe in such a fate? Do I want to take part in such? If I were to die, what would everything think? Do? Say?

"Dear me, never knew you cared what others ever thought of you? Let alone what they do or say about you."

Who there?

A flash of a magenta animal flew past mind, strange, what animal was magenta?

"You don't know who I am? Well, I suppose it's because you don't normally read fairy-tales, that is what I based myself from. Should watch a bit more Disney," the voice replied.

How are we communicating? I don't feel my lips moving? Or are you just a figment of my imagination?

"You never considered me being your mother or something from the heavens or something?"

Pff…my mother sounded nothing like you!

"You're right, she was a lovely woman. That's why your father did everything he could to protect her, he did whatever he could for her."

Shouldn't all husbands be like that?

"They should, but most aren't. But we're getting off subject,"

Really? What was this conversation about anyway?

"You,"

Don't get me started whoever you are!

"I'm not here to aggravate really, I'm here. For a reason…"

State your point please or leave a message at least.

"You wouldn't bother listening to it even if I could leave a message,"

Good point.

"But anyway, I'm granting you a second chance now…"

Did I die or something?

"No, you're still in a coma."

Well then, hurry and get to your point!

"All right, fine. Edgy aren't we? Basically, I came to give some pointers and answers."

Really? And you didn't come sooner WHY?

"She just now hired me!"

Who?

"Inari,"

Inari?

"She wants her daughter back, you know?"

Minari…

"Yes, you know the tale. Whatever human spirit she had is still resting in Kyoto. Her body has long since decayed and became earth itself. But her human spirit remains her demon however, still lies within you. Locked up, unable to escape the prison that Cosiniak cursed it by."

I thought I was 'claimed'?

"Well, you are. The Fox chooses the person freely, but anything else is restricted."

Good, are you done yet?

"Wish I was, look, what I am doing now is what you have been craving for! I would suggest being a little kinder!"

Whatever…

"Let's see, how should I continue, something that won't be too shocking – oh! All the cursed one before you claimed by the Fox, you do realize they were all female right?"

Except for my father,

"You're father what the – oh! Oh I see why…it makes sense,"

Explanation needed.

"Right, your father was never cursed."

…

"It was your mother, Mina Sanotomono. Maiden name, Sohma."

Oh, yeah, right – WHAT!

"Yep, you have Sohma AND Sanotomono blood in you! Quite the hybrid aren't you?"

'Something that won't be too shocking' she says…damned if whatever I hear again is true…

"So, if you haven't figured it out yet. Mina was Kazuma Sohma's younger sister."

Oh this is SO NOT shocking…really, it isn't.

"Blunt aren't we?"

Says who?

"Didn't really expect this conversation to turn out the way it's going…but anyway, that makes Kazuma your uncle. Does that solve a few questions for you?"

Actually, it does. Quite well, can't believe I hardly remember him…

"Sad isn't it? But it is partly your fault, with how much you keep blaming yourself."

Don't go there, so did people know who was really the Fox before me? I mean, if what you said was true –

"Of course it's true! I speak no lies! But no, no one knew that Mina was really the Fox, not even Kazuma. They all believed it was Saniiro, you see. When Mina was born, her mother died from childbirth; therefore Mina never transformed being around a woman. She feared someone would find out, she found out she was cursed from Mei's mother."

Mother?

"Nasty woman, hard to believe Mei was her child."

Please hold all opinions till the end. Thank you.

"Saniiro and Mina were best friends as soon as they met each other in elementary school. By high school, they fell so deeply into one another's hearts, she knew he deserved to know the truth before he thought about proposal. So she told him, and in return, he loved so much more. He loved her for the bravery and risk she took for being with him, even when he was at risk for being 'involved' with the cursed. Eventually, they did marry. Saniiro than announced to the whole Sanotomono and Sohma family who came, that he was the Fox. Everyone played along without knowing. Sadly, he never had been on good terms with his father so he never been in an affectionate embrace with him. Helping him out in sorts."

So why did he do that?

"To protect Mina,"

How would that help her?

"Eriko, there is a way to lift the curse. But it is a dreadful thing it is…I'm afraid for myself, even knowing it."

How is it done?

"When Saniiro was rumored to runaway, do you know why he wasn't found when he wasn't the Fox? Then why Mina was never found either?"

Well, Mina was naturally the Fox anyway-

"This isn't a matter of logic Eriko, it's the work of an apparition. One so great that anyone whom to oppose it, will only be crossing fatal paths…making it look worthless by outside eyes."

Min-

"Not her, certainly not. It was…Inari."

Her own mother! What did she do to my father?

"She well, used him. You see…to lift this curse Eriko. There are quite a few rules and codes of a non-existent language…"

A non-existent language?

"The native tongue for Fate."

The rules?

"Only a couple, be alive and willful."

All right, I get your point.

"Really? Good, didn't make one yet."

I was kidding, finish would you. I feel something…

"There needs to be four willful sacrifices, to do it. Has never been accomplished, it's as possible as creating a one hundred percent efficient machine…"

I'll do what it takes…

"But Eriko, if you do so. You'll only be making one sacrifice…"

I'll be making the second sacrifice.

"Indeed, Saniiro sacrificed himself willfully at the brink of death. You see,"

Am I feeling things at last again? I'm feeling light-headed…

"He ran all the way to Kyoto from home, non-stop. To make that sacrifice in order to help along the cursed. He loved them all, with all his heart. The devotion and passion Mina felt for him explained her extended existence as well. Never before her, did the Foxes ever wish to grow attached to someone. You are now as well Eriko, you're extending your life. Everyone is happy for that…"

My head…it feels like lead…

"Oh, and Eriko?"

Eh?

"Your mother, and father. They said hi. And Eriko?"

Get out of my head all ready!

"Rise and shine!"

What the –

The trouble with school is

They always try to teach the wrong lesson

Believe me, I've been kicked out

Of enough of them to know

They want you to become less callow

Less shallow

But I say: why invite stress in?

Stop studying strife

And learn to live "the unexamined life":

People were laughing, they really meant the way they were doing it too. Twirling about happily and dancing to the beat.

The dance had long since began, only so many were dancing however.

"Come on Ritsu! Stop being so modest and dance! You're future wife is sure not going to want a man with two left feet!" Kagura laughed as she tried to get Ritsu to grow used to dancing properly with his feet and the rest of his body.

He started to tumble, but Kagura certainly wouldn't let one of her childhood friends fall.

"Just a bit more practice…wow, I really like this song." Kagura commented.

Dancing through life

Skimming the surface

Gliding where turf is smooth

Life's more painless

For the brainless

Why think too hard?

When it's so soothing

Dancing through life

No need to tough it

When you can sluff it off as I do

Nothing matters

But knowing nothing matters

It's just life

So keep dancing through

"Kyo? Are you having fun?" Tohru asked as they sat down at a table, Kyo staring off into space.

"Huh?" he snapped back to reality. "Oh, yeah, sure."

"Are you feeling all right Kyo-kun?" Tohru asked, Kyo looked at her.

"Fine, actually, I'm feeling-"

"Good! Now go and dance or are you so immature that you can't even ask a girl to dance?" Kyo hissed as he noticed Haru standing behind him.

"Who asked you ya damn Ox?" Kyo roared.

Haru – completely emotionless still – plucked Kyo by the scruff of the neck and began dragging him out under the lights.

"Tohru, he wants to dance." Haru stated, looking back at Tohru (she followed).

"O-oh! Why didn't you say so Kyo?"

"E-EH? I didn't!" Kyo cried with a blush coming on.

"This is my leave." Haru stated.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Somewhere,"

Dancing through life

Swaying and sweeping

And always keeping cool

Life is fraught-less

When you're thoughtless

Those who don't try

Never look foolish

Dancing through life

Mindless and careless

Make sure you're where less

Trouble is rife

Woes are fleeting

Blows are glancing

When you're dancing

Through life:

"I can't believe I already edited by clips at least fifteen times and made them perfect! Now I have nothing to do but watch people smooch!" Kaede cried out, sitting at a table by herself, completely bored out of her mind. Sadly she slumped against the back of her chair.

One of these days… Kaede thought miserably, somewhat sadly, she watched Hiro and Kisa stand and talk in the distance.

They already found one another; I wonder when I'll meet my sweetheart? Kaede thought, Maybe I already had, just tortured him into a mental institute…

"Why are you all alone?" Kaede looked up, she couldn't believe to find Momiji Sohma standing their asking her such a question. She mostly preferred being alone, didn't he know that? Or did he just now realize that she didn't want to be a lone at this moment in time?

"Because I am," Kaede stated sarcastically, Momiji smiled.

"You always want to have fun, what's stopping you now?" Momiji asked, her eyebrows vanished behind her bangs.

"You're a strange one Momiji, but cute too." Kaede stated with a smile.

Let's go down to the Ozdust Ballroom

We'll meet there later tonight

We can dance till it's light

Find the prettiest girl:

Give 'er a whirl:

Right on down to the Ozdust Ballroom

Come on - follow me

You'll be happy to be there:

"Ah…meat…" Saki said as she happily (she doesn't show it however) plucked at meat pieces, experimenting with the forks and knives. Uotani not too far from her.

"I can't believe we're at a dance and you're eating! Don't you want to dance?" Arisa asked.

"Why would I want to dance?" Saki asked, "with all these wonderful meat trays here?"

"I'm happy for ya…" Arisa replied, Saki blinked then returned to her meat plucking.

I swear, what is stopping me from going free-style? Arisa wondered, Maybe, it might just be because I actually do want to 'dance'. As in dancing with a guy…Tohru, you're a lucky girl.

"Kyoko would be happy wouldn't she?" Saki asked.

"I think she is happy. Especially with Kyon with her, he just the kind of guy she likes!" Arisa exclaimed, Saki smiled.

"Indeed, orange hair would certainly tempt her…"

"Oh yeah! It would!"

Dancing through life

Down at the Ozdust

If only because dust

Is what we come to:

Nothing matters

But knowing nothing matters

It's just life

So keep dancing through:

"They sure look happy don't they?" Komaki asked, motioning her head towards Yuki and Machi, whom were both – equally confused on how to dance properly – smiling happily. Kakeru nodded in agreement.

"I suppose I should be playing more of a big brother role here, but I don't think I need to worry about her being with Yuki." Kakeru admitted. "Besides! Why would I want to interfere with such a brilliant shade of romance!"

"You promised Kakeru," Komaki warned, Kakeru became depressed.

"Yes…Mother…"

"Are you calling me old?" Komaki hissed, he smiled again.

"I might be."

"You said you wouldn't go about harassing me tonight!" Komaki stated.

"Did I?"

"YOU DID!"

"So I did, now please be quiet Komaki, you're attracting attention." Kakeru said, winking at her.

Darn you Kakeru!

Dancing through life

Down at the Ozdust

If only because dust

Is what we come to!

And the strange thing:

Your life could end up changing

While you're dancing

Through!

That night was lovely for the most part, the evening was clear of clouds, the moon was full and it shined of illuminated loveliness. The stars cascaded through the bright, blue heavens and the colorful, vibrant lights improved the scenery along with the palm trees and here and there. Eventually the stage crew grew tired, the singers and other performers called it a night.

They soon went home.

Packed up and went to sleep.

They had somewhere to go in the morning. They slept soundly however, for once, a peaceful evening they all had.

"Welcome back, Eriko." Hatori greeted that afternoon, as finally Eriko's steely blue orbs fluttered open. Absorbing in all the nurses and Hatori's face. She was relieved, to see them all looking happy.

But now, things are finally going to be on their way…destiny can no longer be delayed…

Musouka Dare to Dream

The End

Word from the Author:

Hey all! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and soon to be New Year! Almost 2006 can you believe it! Anyway, this is in fact, the last chapter for this chapter of Musouka. Fortunately, there is much more to be added. In the sequels thankfully. Now, to clear some things up. Some of this stuff mostly from Kagura was from volume 12 so the bold Italics were from Natsuki Takaya. Then for the song, it was 'Dancing through Life' by Michelle Federer from the musical 'Wicked'. Good soundtrack, I love it. My choir actually sang 'Defying Gravity' at the beginning of the year. But anyway, when one is in a coma, no one knows for sure when he or she are to awaken. So 'the vital signs improving' was a bit made-up I'll admit.

As for any other questions, feel free to send me an e-mail (I don't check it much though - another confession!) or review! I'll answer whatever else by reply or at the start of my sequel!

I would like to thank all my readers for this story and I would love to hear from you again in future Furuba stories of mine and of other fics based off animes you are fond of!

Take care!

And be safe!