Search for Kyūi Arc: Infiltration

Search for Kyūi Arc: Infiltration is an article created by Achrones150. Use is allowed with the permission of the owner, with the exception of collaboration-created articles.

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Infiltrate

First Steps

Running along the side of the island, the group is getting closer to their objective.

"Even if we get to the location, we still have this barrier thing to worry about." Adela murmured. "Megami, are you skilled in shattering barriers by anychance?"

That brought Megami to grin, as if she was waiting for someone to ask that very question. "Do you really need to ask?" She repeated, turning her eyes forward as she kept running. "This is one of my specialties. The good thing is about it is that you don't need simple, brute force in order to disrupt them. All you need to do is hit it in the right spot, and it's down for the count."

"Excellent." Adela said briskly, clapping her hands together. "Then there's the matter of getting underground without causing disturbance."

"I can do that." Miharu said exictedly.

"Whatever else...." Megami said. "....will have to wait once we actually get to it."

Aoi nodded at this.

"Kā-san, if we make it home by tonight, can you make me a really big hamburger?" Miharu asked out of nowhere.

"No, sweetie, you'll get too fat." Megami answered dismissively. Though the question came out of nowhere, it was relatively easy to ask. She was the girl's mother, after all! It paid to be prepared for such questions simply by knowing your own daughter.

"Kā-chan that would never happen." Miharu said cheerfully brushing aside her mother's reply.. "I never seem to gain weight no matter how much I eat."

"Mi-chan. I'll worry about dinner after we get this over and done with, okay?"

"Alright."

Aoi frowned. How could they even be thinking about dinner right now? She would say something but figured since they were nearly there, she would refrain from it. The sun had fully risen by now, but no ordinary soul could see them moving even if they were there, they were moving too fast. The sunlight was reflecting off the ocean water from this side of the island, a sight which caused even Aoi to smile momentarily. She'd love to be here under different circumstances...maybe on vacation with Kyūi. That thought also made her smile, though one that lasted slightly longer than the smile the sparkles had caused.

Miharu began to move ahead, and no sooner had she done so than she was forcefully pushed back by an invisible force, heading towards Megami, who sidestepped, causing the girl to fall into the ocean.

She would be fine.

For now, Megami pressed her hands against the barrier, trying not to agitate it enough for it to push her way. She closed her eyes, and focused her energy. From her hands, a blue shockwave pulsated outwards and spread across the entire barrier. It wasn't long after that there was a shattering sound. As Megami removed her hands, the barrier instantly shattered into fragments of spiritual glass that disappeared into thin air.

Miharu lumbered out of the water, spluttering and soaking wet. Grumbling, her blade flashed, and she was dried, her clothes as warm and dry as if they had been hanging in front of a fire for hours. "Did you break the barrier?" She asked, sounding slightly annoyed, most likely at having been deflected by a barrier.

"Just got done." Megami answered, stepping back. "It's all you from here, Mi-chan."

"Alright." Miharu drew her sword. "If everyone would be so kind as to gather 'round me, grab hold of my shoulder if possible." Aoi, Adela, and Megami all did as she had asked. She waved her blade, and they all began to sink, slowly but surely, into the ground. They landed themselves in a dark corridor before Miharu deactivated her Zanpakutō, solidifying them all.

"Attention! Unidentified biologicals have infiltrated the area. Making attempt to identify."

A female, automatron voice came from around them. This was followed by the lights of the corridor snapping on. Out of the ceiling, a total of four cameras pivoted on one mechanical arm each poked out and flashed the group. A red dot on their panels cut on, presumably in the process of scanning. Megami took in a deep breath. "Calm down, everyone. We're not in the frying pan yet.... they haven't sounded the alarms...."

"Should we destroy those cameras now?" Miharu hissed. "Before they do something that does sound an alarm?"

The female automatron voice immediately interrupted, the cameras sinking back into the ceiling. "Unable to identify. Sending data to master server." It spoke yet again, its words followed by nothing but silence.

There was a large flash of light, and in a split second, each and every camera was blasted to bits, Aoi's hand raised and smoking. "There..." She murmured. "Maybe that disrupted it."

"I state otherwise."

Now Megami almost recoiled at the rather smug tone that the robotic voice took on in her statement. "Ok....?!" She muttered. "Obviously, Taiki's been learning how to give machines personality...."

Aoi frowned. "You have a bad sense of humor." She said, assuming Taiki was listening in. "Let's just move. The sooner we get through here the quicker we can get to him."

"Right...."

Megami quickly snapped back into action, pushing her feet forward in order to lead the group. As she ran forward, the voice continued to speak amongst them. "Recognized intruders moving through the lower levels of the facility. Activating limited access...." Up ahead of them, a mechanical door slowly started to hiss open, steam pouring out of the middle crack. Then, it slowly slid open, revealing more corridors.

"Stop talking ya damn whatever!!" Miharu whined as they stopped before the new entryway At first, there had been two. Now, there were a total of seven.

"What do we do here?" Adela murmured, looking from entryway to entryway.

"Uhm...." To tell the truth, Megami was really lost. Her eyes looked around, searching from hallway to hallway in an effort to regain direction. Splitting up didn't really do much.... but it wasn't as if they could just cross all of the ground at once. "I'm at a loss, actually...." She took a step forward--

CLANK!

She immediately let out a yelp as the ground gave a sudden jolt in front of her. Behind them, the door shut, and the walls seemed to close in on them until they were in a sort of box-like room. All around them, there was a shuddering noise, and the room seemed to shake. "Ok...." The red-haired woman muttered half-heartedly. "I guess we just sit here and.... wait for whatever it is to stop...."

"Primary control missing." The automatron voice continued. "Redirecting to secondary."

Adela frowned. Trying to delay them? Perhaps she could bust them out of here, if this container was weak enough. She waved her hand in a circle motion, creating a circle of energy bullets. She repeated the motion until the circle was entirely full of the floating energy bullets.

"Cero Chispa: Embate." She murmured, and pressed her hand to the circle, firing all of the bullets simultaneously one of the boxes 'walls'.

"Wait!!!"

Immediately, Megami attempted to stop her.

However, it was far too late.

The bullets richocheted off of the wall.... and off of the wall.... and off of the wall. Now, thanks to Adela's actions, they were now trapped in a small room with bouncing bullets that could easily puncture some holes within them. "Call them off! Now!!" Megami shouted, barely evading an attempted head-shot.

"I can't!" Adeal said, panicking as she jumped to the side to avoid a bullet aimed at her stomach.

Miharu raised her blade and swung it, sending out a mist which immediately dissolved the bullets, before sheathing the blade again. "Apparently, blasting our way out is not going to help us here."

"This thing is moving!!!" Megami exclaimed. "Didn't you realize that?!" She looked towards what would've been the exit. "It's like an elevator.... it's taking us to wherever it wants us to go.... and...." She looked up at the ceiling. "From those messages that the machine keeps broadcasting.... I think it's taking us to a secondary control room."

Adela frowned. She hadn't realized that, and, by the looks on their faces, neither had Miharu or Aoi.

"So we just wait it out?" Aoi asked, a touch of the old impatience in her voice again.

THUNK.

The elevator stopped.

Slowly.... the doors began to open, and they were greeted with the sight of a massive room tinted with a blue light. The source of it was several computer terminals, each one with their own screen. On one of them, a finger was bent over the table and typing furiously. The light made it difficult to see clearly, and the figure did not seem to notice them at the moment. Megami squinted her eyes and peered at it for a moment.

"Only one here....?" She commented to herself. "No defenses or anything...." Then, she directed her voice to her group. "Be careful. This is most likely a trap, so we need to keep on our guard!"

Miharu slowly stepped forward, looking around the room. "This is really cool." She murmured. "Was this all made by Taiki?"

"I don't care if it was..." Aoi murmured.

Megami took the time to approach a few steps towards the figure typing on the computer.

Upon closer inspection, whoever it was had a rather feminine figure. To her chagrin, she could see the woman bent over in a moderately provocative position, her butt the primary thing sticking out. She was wearing a black skirt and collared matching-color shirt that exposed the midriff. A sword, presumably a Zanpakutō, was secured horizontal across her back and running along her waistline. A white ponytail ran down the spine of her back. Immediately, Megami's eyes widened in recognition, and her hands clasped over her mouth as she recognized who it was.

"Oh, God..."

It was none other than Kyuui.

Aoi walked up to Megami, looking at her expression of shock. "Um... Megami-baa, is something wrong?" Then she took a closer look at the girl standing in front of the monitor. "W-wait..." She whispered, who it was finally beginning to dawn on her as well. "Kyūi?"

"Yeah, just hold on a minute, guys, I'll be with you in a minute..."

The white-haired girl, however, seemed to be distracted at the moment, too busy typing on the keyboard.

Aoi fell silent for a moment. Was she talking to them, or through the computer to someone else?

"Is that it....?" A rather gruff voice sounded on the other end. Kyūi lifted her finger to one of her ears, monitors, apparently clicking on an earpiece.

"Yes. The shipments are being sent towards the 71st District as we speak. Expect them in half an hour." She answered calmly, pushing the keyboard aside to place her hands onto the table.

"You'd better be telling the truth, girl...." The voice on the other end had a rather venemous tone to it, and it made Kyūi wince a little. "If there's any law enforcement around, we'll find you. You got that?"

"If you have any problems...." Kyūi answered back, a rather hot tone in her voice as well. "You can turn it over to my dad. I'm just relaying this through him, and he says there's no problems at all. Remember, the end of the week is the deadline. You got it?"

"Tch.... whatever. This better be worth the trouble."

As she was speaking, Megami looked over towards Aoi and noticed the oddly silent attitude. Lowering her hand, she gently pressed it onto the girl's back to usher her forward. "Go on...." She whispered. "She was what you were wanting to find the most out of all of us, I bet...."

Aoi hesitated. She was rather nervous now. The way Kyūi was talking over to that person, she seemed perfectly sane, perfectly calm. What if she didn't want to come back. She slowly walked forward, her steps echoing around the quiet computer room. If Kyūi didn't want to come back...well, she had something in mind to help her deal with that. After what seemed like a century to Aoi, she reach Kyūi's side, but didn't speak. Aoi inhaled for a moment, her Pesquisa telling her it was indeed her sister.

"Kyūi?" She said quietly.

Loyalties

It was the magic word.

Immediately, Kyūi's body stiffened, her head whipping around to stare over her shoulder. For a moment, she didn't move, eyes looking Aoi's figure up and down. Her mouth opened slightly, but in those fleeting seconds, she couldn't bring herself to say anything. Her eyes were stricken with both disbelief and hope, unable to concieve that what she was seeing was actually there. Yet, at the same time, she wanted it to be there, to be real, and to exist. Her heart was shaking violently within its ribcage. Could it be?

One way or another, she was going to find out.

Taking in a shuddering breath, Kyūi pulled herself up, turned around, and nearly tackled Aoi in a hug, arms wrapping around the shoulders around the girl. Her eyes were shut, and her voice was cracking as she spoke her words. "Oh, my God, Aoi....!" She sobbed. "Is.... is that really you?! I can't believe you found me!!"

As Aoi felt Kyūi's arms envelop her, she could feel the emotions she had long since been missing returning to her. Kyūi was glad, glad to see her. Aoi was not on the verge of tears of joy, but she wrapped her own arms around her sister.

"It's me, Onē-chan." She said quietly, breathing in. "My hair may have whitened in your absence, but it's me."

Adela stood watching this. Both her children were back together, she thought, smiling. Now all that remained was to find their father.

Miharu hung back for a moment. She wanted to apologize to Kyūi, since she had been kidnapped because Miharu was getting to into the fight with her brother. She felt the need to apologize.

Megami had her arms folded across her chest, giving a satisfied smile and expression towards the two re-united sisters. It was nice to see them back together again, especially greeting each other with such emotions. Such moments were always amazing to watch....

Kyūi pulled her face away from Aoi's shoulder, giving her a weak smile. The pull was only enough to keep her face off of Aoi's shoulder while keeping herself in the comfortable embrace that the other girl had put her in. "Heh.... I guess we can say we're really twins now, huh....?" She asked jokingly, placing her hands on Aoi's shoulders.

Aoi let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, just get some color changing contacts for your eyes and it would be perfect." She took a deep breath. "All that remains now is, are you gonna come home with us?" She spoke these words nervously, fearing what the answer might be.

"I'm afraid that's out of the question, really."

Upon the second voice that seemed to come out of nowhere, the computers all shut off, leaving everyone in the room in darkness. Megami's eyes widened in shock, readying herself to summon her Zanpakutō. However, her tensing was unneeded, as overhead lights snapped on to completely light up the room. The sound of boots clamping onto hard steel made her snap her gaze to the right. A white-haired figure, decked in a black uniform and gray gloves, stepped towards them with an unreadable smile across his face. Despite his calm demeanor, it was clear that this man was not here for an easy family reunion. A spiritual pressure, terrifying and dominant in contrast to the unchallenging and equilibrium-based energy from the group, could be felt from his person. His Zanpakutō was at his side, ready to be unsheathed at a moment's notice.

Taiki had made his debut.

Emergence

"Tō-san." Aoi hissed.

"Onī-san." Miharu said soon after, though her voice was much less venomous.

Adela merely eyed her husband quietly.

"I really have to say...." Taiki muttered, standing a distance away from them. His hands were in his pockets, his eye leveling themselves on the group in particular. "I was expecting more of you. A disappointment that no one cared about little old me enough for the whole family to come. But.... I have to say, I am shocked at the lack of response, even though you all knew that Kyūi was alive...." The said girl was taking a few steps back from Aoi and turned to her father. "And here I thought Kurosaki would always be loyal to family...."

Aoi eyed him coldly. "As if you're one to talk Tō-san." Her face, which at been so emotionless before their arrival, had every line etched with anger.

"Um... Tō-san didn't feel like seeing you..." Miharu speaking nervously to her brother. "And...well, you know how Onē-chan is with Kibō..."

Taiki made a fwhipp noise with his tongue. "Of course...." He muttered, shaking his shoulders a little. "The phony's busy with her boytoy, and that moron.... well.... don't get me started." He took a few steps forward. "Tell me. Who did you actually bother to come for? Me...." He pressed a hand to his chest to motion to himself. "Or did you come for my daughter?" He lifted a finger to point at the white-haired girl, who was staring from him to the group in worry.

"We're here for Kyūi." Aoi said firmly.

"Well, Aoi is." Miharu said. "If you'd come back as well, I wouldn't object. I'd like to have you back at the house Oní-san."

Adela was continuing her silence. She wasn't sure what to say, since anything she said usually tended to annoy her husband.

"Taiki..."

The solemn voice of Megami brought Taiki's attention to her. She had her arms folded across her chest. "Adela had told me what happened between you and the family. I might have not been there to see it myself...." She looked away for a moment, before directing her gaze back onto him. "But that doesn't mean we can shirk responsibility for what we've done to you." Her expression turned slightly pleading. "Please, Taiki.... we've all made mistakes. Your father was being....selfish, at the time.... but now is a different time. Things change. I'm sure Ahatake would understand everything if--"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

She recoiled at Taiki's loud, boisterous, angered laughter sounded within her ears. Immediately, Kyūi herself flinched at the rather malicious tone lacing the sounds. Soon, they faded away, and the once-polite smile turned into a sneer. "Change?!" He spat. "That man wouldn't know the word "change" if it reached over and tore off his nuts!! Several years have passed, and not a word of reflection or apology was directed my way. Why else do you think my mother left him?! He refused to change, and that's what cost me someone that actually understood me for who I was. How can you speak as if you know everything about it, outsider?!"

"Onī-san, calm down!" Miharu insisted, shocked to hear her brother in such a rage. Aoi was giving her father a furious stare, as if she would love nothing more than to tear out his throat and devour it.

Adela sighed. "You shouldn't direct your anger at her Taiki." She said, her voice as calm as she could manage. "Megami is the type of person who can see a good outcome in anything. While I admit, assuming Ahatake will ever apologize to you or view you as anything less than the scum of his boots is optimistic to the point of foolishness, there is no need to take such harsh tones with Megami."

Taiki narrowed his eyes dangerously, glaring at his wife. However, this immediately flashed away, replaced by a look of what would've been frustration. "Do I really need to hear that from you, of all people?" He asked lowly, folding his arms across his chest. The vicious tone had lessened drastically, though it could still be heard. "You know...." He lifted that hand to wag a finger towards her. "She was right about one thing. Things do change. Years back, I would've looked at you as something more than someone so annoying. But, just recently, I had been thinking of you honestly as someone better than that. I was actually starting to love you, Adela, and I was just about to throw myself away just for you."

He cocked an eyebrow, his tone taking on a casually conversational tone. "And then you had to say it.... you didn't trust me. After all those years, you never completely trusted me...." It was almost as if he was also saying "Shame on you!" "Well.... congratulations, you ungrateful bitch. You took that chance and threw it out the window. Good-bye, relationship!" To emphasize, he raised a hand to mockingly wave her farewell.

Adela let out a mirthless laugh. "Taiki, it's an unfortunate fact that no one in this family, sans Tereya -and she's odd anyway- completely trusts you. It's a sorry fact, but it's true." She smiled, a strange, hollow smile, and turned to pick at the last words he had just said. "Once upon a sadder time, Taiki, you saying the words "good-bye relationship", would have crushed me. Living without you is something I can manage quite easily now. I would, however, like my daughter back."

This prompted Taiki to smile wryly, his calm demeanor once again fading to the surface. "And what makes you think that's going to happen any time soon?" He asked, tilting his head to the side slightly.

"For one, we outnumber you." Aoi said, pointing at the "rescue party". "I'm sure we can take even you, if Megami-baa and Miharu don't hold back."

"And two...?"

"There's always the chance Kyūi would come willingly." Miharu supplied the second option. "But I'm sure it would still end in a battle..."

That's when Megami's eyes widened in shock at Megami's words, and she snapped her head towards the girl. "Miharu, no--!"

"....oh."

Taiki's smirk returned, and his words effectively rendered a near-stop of Megami's heart. "Are you hearing this, my dear? They said chance! Even though they came all this way, they weren't sure if you'd actually come willingly or not! That's just a heart-crusher right there!" His eyes fell onto Kyūi. "I'm pretty sure that now that you've heard it, you've made your choice.... right?"

What he saw pleased him.

The girl's eyes was stricken, staring at her family in a mixture of shock and betrayal. Tears fell down her cheeks, and her hands quivered at her sides. She couldn't believe it. All of this time, they were actually questioning her loyalty! She assumed that they would've had more faith in her! Her sister hadn't even said anything in order to counteract that statement! She shut her eyes, allowing the tears to flow freely across her face. But her expression, overall, was nothing but sadness and disappointment.

"Yes, father...." She whispered, voice cracking.

"Kyūi..." Aoi stuttered. Then she moved, instantly, towards her father. One thought was going through her mind. If she could just end his existence, right now, Kyūi would be able to come home, and she'd be happy. She drew her swords from under her coat.

"Fluctuate! Rakuen!" She cried, anger pouring out of her body as her sword entered Shikai. Her speed, strength, everything was increasing as her anger spiked. She appeared in front of her father with surprising speed, and aimed, not a strike with her sword as one would assume, but a power-packed punch towards his face. She wanted to punch it off.

It was so quick... no one had been able to react in time. Yet, even as Taiki stared at his daughter come forth towards him, he smiled. There was a serene look into his eyes, and he did nothing to prevent the attack from hitting his face.

Someone else did.

WHAM!

Kyūi had acted, re-appearing off to the side of Aoi and extending a leg. The base of her foot connected with her sister's ribs, and she was sent flying away from her target. Kyūi landed in a crouch, head hung down as tears were streaming down her face still. However, even that was a fleeting memory; she blinked them away, a defiant stare directed at Aoi. "I'm not going to let you harm Tou-san, Aoi!!" She said angrily, clenching her fists.

Aoi was surprised, all the power she had gained depleting due to change of emotion. "Since when were you so quick to strike?" She murmured, rubbing her side. "I need to get rid of him. He is in the way!"

Immediately, Kyuui grabbed the hilt of her own sword, quickly unsheathing it and holding it in a backhand position in front of her. Her eyes were narrowed, and an angry frown was plastered on her pale face. "Of what?!" She demanded. This wasn't a weapon she could use for lethal purposes due to the blade being on the wrong side.... but, it would still be an effective weapon to fight with in the event that Aoi decided to attack again.

Aoi eyed the blade warily. "Hell no." She said, sheathing her own. "I didn't come all the way to this place just to fight you." She jerked a finger at her father. "Him, yes, you, absolutely not."

Miharu frowned. She could stop this, but best to see how it played out.

"Then you better leave...." Kyūi growled, glaring daggers at Aoi. "Because there's no way I'm coming with you now!!" To emphasize, she pointed the blade straight at the other girl. "I really thought I knew you better than that. For me to hear that you were already thinking I betrayed you?! That's just too far!!" She whipped her scornful gaze towards the rest of the family. "The same goes for the rest of you.... especially you, Kaa-san!!!"

Megami remained silent, a now unreadable expression crossing her face.

"So..." Aoi said slowly. "You're not coming back?" She began to draw her sword again. It seemed she would have no choice.

"Too bad for you, isn't it....?" Taiki said mockingly, walking over to stand behind Kyūi and placing his hands on her shoulders. She flinched slightly under the touch, but relaxed once she knew who it was. "All because you let a little pessimism slip through your mouths. Then again, you never did learn how to keep your mouth shut...." As he spoke, Kyūi lowered the blade, but still kept her glare directed at Aoi.

"Fluctuate..." Aoi murmured, feeling sadness rip through her like a cold knife. "Rakuen." This time, the sword vanished, and Aoi's dim shadow began to darken and rise up, forming tendrils that moved in a circle around her. A single tear fell from her eye.

"Well, Onē-chan... It was a nice few centuries." She said, and the tendrils rose quickly into the air and then shot back at Aoi, spearing her from all directions, one piercing her heart in a sure bid to end her life.

This action, needless to say, sent a vicious shock through the minds of Megami and Kyūi.

"NO~!!!!"

Immediately, Kyūi and Megami lunged forward at Aoi. However, Kyūi was stopped as the hands gripping her shoulders squeezed tightly. "Now you understand...." He whispered smoothly, lowering himself so that his voice would be right in the girl's ear. "This is what happens for a Kurosaki when they see change. They either deny it completely.... or they destroy themselves before accepting it. Your sister attempted to do this twice because she only wanted what was best for her.... not you. If you stayed with them.... that could've easily been you...."

Immediately, Megami skidded to a stop and kneeled over Aoi's form. "You... you stupid girl!!!" She said angrily, even though it was most likely she would be dead at this point. She shoved her hands onto Aoi's torso, blood staining the skin as she did so. She pushed healing energy within the girl in an attempt to preserve her life. However, the apprehension continued to exist, with her knowing that it would be the end.

Aoi was not budging, her pierced heart already seemed to have stopped.

Miharu ran over to Aoi, her face white as a sheet. "Kā-san, perhaps I can do something?"

Adela let out a hiss like an angry cat. Her hearing was good enough to catch what Taiki had just said. "Taiki, from what you say, you make it sound like Kyūi staying with you is what's best for her."

Immediately, Megami moved aside, her hands shaking as she stopped the flow of the healing. "Anything." She pleaded. "We need it!!!"

At this, Taiki turned to face his wife. However, Kyūi turned with him to face her as well, a blank look of solemn apprehension crossing her face. "Apparently it is...." He said smoothly. "Based on what we've both seen from our own families. Nothing but disappointment and ignorance on your end. Not to mention...." He turned his eyes from her to the fallen Aoi. "Our daughter just committed suicide right in front of you, and you didn't even flinch. Even if they managed to revive her, it's not going to erase the despair she'll feel. You and I both know she doesn't take rejection lightly...."

"You could easily erase the despair she feels by giving Kyūi back to her." Adela said simply, waving away Taiki's remark about her lack of reaction. Miharu was here, her daughter's death would be easily reversible.

Miharu drew her sword. "Improvise! Kyūmu!" One again, the golden sparks she had used before to revive the citizens of the Yūrei Ōkoku and Kibō's parents. As it landed on Aoi, the multiple stab wounds on her body began to heal and close, her heart began to heal and began to beat again. Then her eyes opened. She sat up, her sword materializing in her hand.

"W-why am I alive?" She murmured, as if waking up from a sleep. "That attack should have finished me off."

SLAP!

She was answered with a vicious slap to the face. "What were you thinking?!" Megami snapped, retracting her hand. "Giving up just like that!!!" She was clearly unhappy for Aoi's selfishness.

Taiki turned his gaze back to Adela. "Give her back....?" He repeated, giving a small smirk in her direction. "I don't even have her. She's staying with me out of her own free will." At this, Kyūi closed her eyes and turned her head away from her mother. "What part of that don't you get?"

"I was thinking it was time to die?" Aoi said simply.

Adela frowned. "Hmm... that is problematic... I'm thinking Aoi had the right idea, trying to eliminate you." Miharu heard this and shot Adela a reproachful look, which the Arrancar ignored. "Not that she would have succeeded." She added as an afterthought.

"Don't be an idiot, Aoi!" Megami scolded.. "Things aren't just going to happen instantly just for your benefit! And I, for one, am not going to let you go and waste your own chances!"

"SHUT UP!!!!!"

A piercing scream immediately brought the room to silence, drawing the attention to Kyūi herself. She had her fists clenched, her hands shaking with rage. Her eyes were wavering, but they held a look of outright fury. "D...don't you dare say anymore to him....!" She hissed, voice shaking slightly. "Don't you dare talk to him like that....! If you do.... I swear..... I'll kill you!!!" She didn't hold any regret for it. Why should she, hearing her mother talk so callously like that?! She hadn't even cared that Aoi had just tried to extinguish her life! Was that how much she loved her daughters?!

Adela's eyes widened, and Aoi was shocked. Kyūi, the family pacifist, had threatened to kill her own mother.

"You've done a good job on her." Adela murmured, staring at Taiki coldly. She turned to Megami. "I did tell you she favours her father."

Miharu was looking at Taiki, Adela, and Kyūi. "I hate to sound as if I'm joking at a time like this, but isn't there some sort of divorce lawyer you two could see?"

If it was a simple show, that would've been a clear blooper.

Now, Miharu was finding herself looking into the raised eyebrow of Taiki and Kyūi, expressions of clear disbelief on their faces. The white-haired man slapped a hand onto his face, only saying one thing to her. "Little sister.... you are such a ditz...."

Megami promptly slapped Miharu on the back of her head. "Not the time, Mi-chan!" She exclaimed, a comical vein twitching on her forehead.

"Sorry..." Miharu murmured.

Adela frowned. "I believe we should go. If she wants to stay with Taiki, there's no point in forcing the child." Her tone was cold, though she did not like the thought of leaving her daughter with Taiki. She was already acting differently. Anymore time around him and she'd definitely be permanently altered. But she didn't seem like she wanted to come with them.

Aoi shot her mother a wild look. "L-leave?" She stuttered. "While she's still with him?!"

"Yes." Was the simple reply. "Megami, do you agree? Before more damage can be caused?" She gestured to Aoi, obviously reminding Megami of the suicide attempt the girl had so recently attempted.

It was clear that at this moment, it was hopeless.

Megami simply stood up, eyes shadowed by her hair. "We're leaving." She agreed simply, her tone grim. They had destroyed their own chances, anyway. She had entrusted them to do what they had to do.... but it was just not the case. Now, she was feeling that same pessimism that had taken them over before they had arrived. "There's nothing more we can do."

"B-but we can't le-" Aoi was starting to protest again, but Miharu waved her sword, and the girl fell unconscious.

"Aoi, sleep it off." The girl murmured, she said, flinging the girl's limp body over her shoulder, and they began to file into the elevator that had brought them there. Adela spared a glance back at Kyūi.

"If you are going to come, now is this time." She said, one foot in the elevator.

"Oh, shut up and leave already...." Taiki muttered, giving her an irritated glance. Kyūi said nothing in particular, only continuing to give her mother an angered glare.

Adela frowned, and stepped into the elevator, and the elevator began to make it's descent. After it vanished from view, Anton and Achilina faded into view, Anton wearing a slight frown, Achilina, a malevolent smirk.

"That was an amusing little show." The girl said.

"They really messed themselves over by doing that...." Taiki said calmly, putting his hands into his pockets and shrugging. "Not very good with words, were they?"

"True." Anton nodded. "That trait seems to have been skipped you. Might as well consider yourself lucky."

Achilina let out a wicked chuckle. "I think I'mma go mess with the white-haired girl's head again." She did not bother to supress the delight in her voice at the very thought of the idea.

"I'd rather you not...." Kyūi said quietly, voice sullen as she spoke the very words. She didn't turn to face Achilina, not having the will to do so.

"What does it matter to you?" Achilina asked. "You obviously don't want her. Besides, I think I almost had her convinced you drowned earlier yesterday. The tears were definitely something to laugh at."

Anton frowned, and made a funny little spasm as if to slap the girl but thought better of it.

Kyuui slowly turned her head to give the other girl a defiant glare. "I'm not going to let you." She declared, fingers curling slightly at her sides. Though she had been angry at Aoi for her lack of faith in her, there was still a part of her that had loved her. She would be damned if she let this sadistic do whatever she wanted with her!

Taiki remained silent. Of course, he wasn't the boss of every one of them.... just an associate. He simply watched the words exchange themselves between the two females.

"I highly doubt you'll be able to stop me, staying holed up here with him." She jerked a finger at Taiki. Like the Kurosakis, she wasn't his biggest fan. "Have a nice a tiiime." She said, fading into the shadows. Anton let out a sigh. "I do apologize for her rude behavior you two. She's only about a year old anyway, she hasn't learned how to behave."

"Well--"

However, Achilina's disappearance tipped Kyūi off. Immediately, she pumped into a Flash Step, surprising her father and vanishing from the room. In return, the white-haired man sighed, placing a hand onto his forehead. "My, my.... you're dealing with a kid?" He questioned. "And she already knows how to mess with someone's mind?"

Anton gave a grave sigh. "Yes. She's actually a part of me. As a Hiteiteki, I have the ability to create a Chevalier. I gave her more power than a normal Chevalier would possess, and I think it's twisted her."

"Is there anyway to fix it?" Taiki asked casually.

"No, and even if I could, I wouldn't." Anton said genially. "When she's not being inconvenient or annoying, I find her rather entertaining. Besides, I'm sure your kid will put a stop to mine."

A smile came across Taiki's face. "Thanks for having faith in my daughter, Anton." He commented, giving a bowing nod.

Anton mimicked the action, and then he himself faded.

---

Achilina was running across the water, blending into her surroundings like a chameleon. All that was going through her head was how best to mess with Aoi's head. With any luck, she'd get the girl to kill herself again.

Little did she know, Kyūi was right behind her.

She was underwater, pushing her muscles as she sped after Achilina at an inhumane rate. She had masked her spiritual energy, so Achilina wouldn't discover her following until the very last minute. Her eyes were narrowed, and a scowl was on her face as she continued to manuever through the cold liquid.

She continued to press on, certain that she could not be seen, various plans racing through her head, each different one giving her a thrill of sorts.

Far up ahead, the Kurosaki group was also moving swiftly across the water, Miharu still carrying an unconcious Aoi over her shoulder. She turned to her mother. "Kā-chan, are we going home then? Since we couldn't convince Kyūi?"

"We messed up, Miharu...."

Megami kept her head lowered as she ran. "All we did was say the wrong things.... right now, the only thing we can do is retreat, wait, and maybe try again...." She said solemnly.

"It's my fault..." Miharu said, looking down at the water. "It was what I said. If I hadn't spoken, maybe it all wouldn't have gotten out of hand."

"Don't take it out on yourself." Adela replied, looking at the girl. "I'm willing to bet even if you hadn't said anything, and she came with us, Taiki would have done something." She looked irritated. "You heard what he said when Aoi asked if Kyūi would come home with us. 'I'm afraid that's out of the question, really'."

Megami continued to remain silent, not having much to say.

"If we were to go back and get Tō-san, would he be able to make Kyūi come back?" Miharu asked her mother.

"We know that's going to be extremely difficult to do...."

"I could probably do it." Miharu said, holding up her Zanpakutō with one arm for emphasis. "If I asked, Tō-san would do it. He's never refused me or Midoriko."

"Yeah.... maybe he could go through with it.... but in the end...." Megami looked away from her. "How are you sure that everything will work out?"

"I'm not." Miharu replied slowly. "I haven't been sure of anything since we started this. I'm only sure Tō-san will come. Not sure of what will happen after that. Do you not agree it's worth a shot?"

"....it's worth a shot...."

Miharu tossed Aoi's body to her mother. "Alright then, I'll get moving." She said, and she sped off ahead of them before anyone could call her back.

"Do you really think it's going to work?" Adela asked Megami.

"....no." Megami muttered, catching the body. Mentally, she criticized Miharu for being so reckless with it. Even though she was fine, she wasn't a ball! "In fact, I don't think anyone can convince them now that we managed to mess everything up...."

"True..." Adela murmured. "Either way, what do you say we stop off at the same inn we stayed in before. We can all rest there, I'm sure Mihara will find us, and we can try and think of a way to convince Kyūi were aren't the monsters she's beginning to think we are."

"All right..." Megami gave an affirmatory nod. "I just hope Aoi doesn't try anything else when we actually get there...."

"She'll be out for awhile I'm sure." Adela assured her as they turned towards the island they had so recently left, and walked into the inn. She told the innkeeper where they would be staying, and they went up to the room. After Megami set Aoi down on the bed, Adela sighed. "The day is only half over, and I feel exhausted."

"I know what you mean...." Megami immediately flopped down onto the bed, closing her eyes for a moment. "Everything that went on.... it just wears one out, you know?" She placed the back of her hand on her forehead, half-lidding her eyes.

"Yeah." She stood up. "If you feel like it, there's a hot spring that we could go take a soak in. It'd be a nice way to rest at least."

"...really....?"

Megami immediately shot up, a rather surprised look on her face. "That's....convienient...." She muttered, pulling herself up and off of the bed. "But I could really use one right about now....!" Her grin grew, happy that she had at least some form of reprieve. "I'll join you!"

Adela smiled. At least some good would come out of this day. "Follow me then, I'll show you where it is." She motioned Megami to follow her, and she did, leaving Aoi asleep in the room.

At first it was silence, the only sound was Aoi's slow, deep breathing. Then, Achilina faded into the room. She looked upon the white-haired woman sleeping. "So unaware." She chuckled. "If I wanted, I could extinguish her life as easily as water on a flame. But where would be the fun in that?" She formed what appeared to be a hand sign, and began to flicker, her appearance changing into that of Kyūi's. Now, at least for a moment, she'd have to act the part of a nice person. Just the thought of it caused a look of revulsion to cross her face. It did not suit the face of Kyūi.

She took a seat down on Aoi's bed, the weight of the additional person causing the bed to sag slightly. She placed a hand on Aoi's forehead, dispelling the forced sleep that was placed on her by Miharu. Aoi's eyes began to open, and she slowly sat up, dazed. She looked around the room, missing Achilina at least twice. Then her head snapped back towards her.

"K-Kyūi?" She stuttered the name, puzzled by the sight of her 'sister'. "What are you doing here?"

"I followed you." Achilina replied simply.

"But why?" Aoi asked, puzzled. Delighted to see 'Kyūi' though she was, she hadn't forgotten her sister's rage at them all, the look of anger on her face.

"Let's say I've had a change of heart." Achilina kept going. "I'm tired of staying with Tō-san."

"This is for real?" Aoi asked, not believing the simple sentence she had heard. She pinched her cheek. "I'm definitely awake."

"This isn't a dream." Achilina said, smiling. "I'm gonna come back."

At those words, Aoi flung her arms around Achilina, tears starting to leak out. Apparently the joy she was feeling was not easy to express in words, for she remained very silent. Achilina smirked, and summoned a blade with her free hand. It wouldn't hurt if she killed the girl. She didn't think Taiki would complain. Anton would disapprove and Kyūi would probably be distraught, but that would add to her fun. She swung the blade at Aoi's neck.

It was as if that very notion had spawned her savior.

THWACK!

Immediately, a body came in from behind Aoi, almost pressing the white-haired girl between the two figures. A hand thrust out, grasping the wrist of the attacking sword hand and preventing it from going any closer to her goal. Narrowed blue eyes glared at "Kyūi", white hair dampened with water. Her lips were curled into a snarl, and she remained silent as she leveled a cold glare towards the other girl.

The first Kyūi smirked, staring the newcoming Kyūi. She jerked her wrist out of Kyūi's grip, and jumped away from Aoi and Kyūi. "What a surprise. You actually followed me all the way here."

Aoi looked from one Kyūi to another. "Wait... what's happening here?"

Kyūi kept her glare at her "clone", pointing an accusing finger. "This monster wanted to toy around with you a bit more before you left. I may be staying with Tou-san.... but that sure doesn't mean I'm going to get family get thrown around like that!"

The clone Kyūi's smirk became much more pronounced and she dropped the disguise. Achilina revealing her current form. "So you stopped my entertainment for today. No matter. But I see it like this, Kyūi. If you want to protect your little sister, you might as well tag along with her instead of staying with that white-haired dolt." With those words she faded from view.

Aoi looked confused. "So...that was a clone. And you're the real Kyūi?" She looked crestfallen. "I got tricked it seems..."

Kyūi nodded, her anger subsiding to sadness. "She could've killed you at that moment. She had a blade right behind you...." Then, her mind flashed back to where the attempted suicide had occured, and she placed a hand on her hip. "You.... you stupid fool!" She snapped, emphasizing with body motions. "I thought you were above attempting to take your own life! What...." Her voice seemed unsure, hesistant of saying the words. However, they came through with genuine frustration. "What will I do if you die?!"

"I don't know." Aoi replied. "You seem perfectly content with our father" - she said the word with as much contempt as she could manage - "I'd just feel better off dead than living at home with you not there."

"Aoi...."

Slowly, the white haired girl walked towards Aoi, placing hands onto her shoulders and looking at her with pleading eyes. "You know I'm not going to stay away from you forever.... but you seemed to think that I was just as ready to dismiss every one of you as evil." She blinked. "That.... you don't know how much that hurt, Aoi.... to see you not trusting in me like that...."

"What did I do that gave you the impression I didn't trust you?" Aoi asked, frowning. "It was Miharu who said "there's always a chance Kyūi would come willingly", not me."

"And you.... you just stood there and allowed her to say it!" Kyūi answered, standing back a bit with a motioning hand. "You and the rest of them did! Maybe I wasn't thinking of it right then, but I was hoping that you would've defended me."

"I'm sorry." Aoi replied quietly. "In all honesty, I haven't been speaking much for quite awhile. You could say I'm just getting used to using my voice again." She sighed. "I just want you to come home with me..."

Kyūi's hands grasped Aoi's, holding them up between her palms. "Listen.... I said that I wouldn't stay away forever.... Tou-san isn't forcing me to come with him. He told me...." She looked away for a moment in hesitation, her fingers intertwining with her sisters'. "He told me that once I finished my job with him.... then I could go back if I wanted or continue to stay with him. It may not be right away... but I'm going to come back. Just wait for me a little bit longer...."

"Why are you choosing to stay with him, for any amount of time?" Aoi asked, sounding slightly angry, though it was not directed at her sister. "Have you forgotten how he even took you? He stabbed you through the chest and then fled with what we thought was your corpse!"

"You think I don't know that?!" Kyūi's grip on Aoi's hands tightened a little. "Even I thought I was going to die after he did that, with the wounds he sustained. But all he was aiming for was a non-lethal strike to reserve me.... after that, he explained to me what happened.... if you allowed the assumption that I was dead get into your head, it would be a lot longer before anyone took any action."

She leveled her eyes to stare into Aoi's own. "He told me everything.... about how cruelly Ojii treated him.... how all of the family just stood off to the side and ignored it like it was no big deal. I think that's a pretty good reason to feel angry towards one's own family, wouldn't you think?"

Aoi frowned, averting her gaze slightly. "I guess..." To be honest, nothing Kyūi said would make her feel sympathy towards her father. She wanted to hate him right now. She needed it. "Besides, if it wasn't for Ahatake-jii's "treatment" of him, including forcing our mother on him, we wouldn't be here--"

Immediately, Kyūi pressed a finger to Aoi's lips.

"I'm not going to argue with you over this...." She whispered. She brought herself closer to Aoi, their foreheads almost touching. "That's not what I came here for, alongside the reason to stop Achilina from killing you. I'm going to have to return to Tō-san in the morning.... so that means I can only have the night with you." Her breathing became a bit labored. "I....I want it to make it memorable...."

Then, after making sure the door was closed, she abruptly closed in.

She threw herself onto Aoi, pinning and straddling her onto the bed. Her hands were planted on both sides of Aoi's head, her intentions becoming all too clear.

Aoi's eyes widened, her face reddening slightly. "Um... Onē-chan..." She didn't make a move to push Kyūi off, but the position she was in seemed to embarrass her. It was rather strange for Aoi to act like this. "What are you going to do?"

The other white-haired girl smiled. "Something that I've been wanting to do ever since I left." For emphasis, she swooped down on Aoi, giving her the old-fashioned passionate kiss. Her arms moved themselves, fingers sliding down her coat and towards the buttons. Her heart raced viciously within her chest, and her nerves were protesting like crazy, but she didn't care one bit. At that moment, nothing mattered. Not her father.... not the ones who had wanted to rescue her.... not even the bitch Achilina. All that mattered was her, and her beloved.

And before the night was over.... Aoi would be saying the same.

Discovery

Adela and Megami just got back to the room, chatting almost cheerfully. They had spent a great deal of time soaking in the hot spring, and, to their surprise, the waters had made them feel very content. It was actually close to morning as they made their way to their room.

"Who knew we'd actually wind up staying in there so long?" Adela asked, drying her still damp hair.

"I was just about to fall asleep...." Megami answered back, grinning at the thought. "Thank God you kept me from drowning, eh?" She was now wearing a bathrobe-like clothing on herself, using a fan to cool herself off.

Adela grinned. "I'm wondering what was in that water though? I've never been in such a good mood." They reached their room and Adela turned the door knob, opening the door with a silent creak. As she walked in, still chatting animatedly with Megami, her eyes widened when she turned her attention to Aoi's bed.

"Um...Megami." She tapped the woman on the shoulder and pointed at Aoi's bed.

"What is it--"

Immediately, Megami turned her eyes towards Aoi bed. They almost fell out of her head out of what she saw.

Under the covers, Kyūi was lying peacefully with Aoi at a close proximity, keeping her in an almost possessive embrace. She appeared to be asleep, her eyes closed and expression serene. Their clothes lay scattered onto the floor right beside Aoi's bed. Kyūi's hair had been untied from its ponytail, her long hair climbing past her shoulders. Thankfully, the sheet kept their shame. That didn't stop Megami from gaping, her face almost a complete red. Her eyes were in comical shock, and she could only mutter strangled, quiet gasps.

"Eh? Eh? Eh?"

Adela was much more composed than Megami, though she was also slightly red faced. Flicking Megami's forehead to snap her out of her gasping state, she looked from her daughters to Megami. "I am not sure what we do here. I mean, this isn't a situation I would like to be walked in on."

"Eh? Eh-- OW!!!"

Megami let out a protesting yelp and clutched the spot affected with her free hand, glancing over at Adela helplessly. "Well, don't look at me!" She complained, though kept her voice soft as to not wake the two. "I'm not exactly familiar with situations like this! Besides...." Her eyes fell onto the pair. "....I had no idea they swung that way!!"

Adela was surprised. "Wait, you didn't?" She fought to supress a laugh at the thoughts that must be running through her mother-in-law's head. "You've been in our family for a few centuries before Kyūi was taken. And you never noticed anything?"

"I-I...." Now Megami felt embarrassed, her expression even more helpless as she tried to defend herself. However, she immediately lowered her head. "Y...yeah. I didn't notice a thing. Pretty ditzy of me, ain't it?"

"Now we know where Miharu gets it." Adela chuckled. "Still, what do we do here? Should we just let them sleep?"

"I... really have no idea...." Megami muttered, shaking her head. "I really don't want to ruin their sleep by simple chaos if they find out we're here....."

"Let's allow them to sleep. Aoi is actually smiling, something I rarely see these days. And finding out we're here won't ruin anything. I doubt Kyūi thinks Aoi is in this room alone. We should get some sleep as well, before Miharu comes back with your husband."

"Right...."

---

The sun began to creep in through the open window in the inn room. Adela and Megami were sound asleep, Adela having allowed Megami the upper bunk. After a moment, the sunlight hit Aoi's face, and her eyes began to flutter open at the light and warmth. Her head was facing towards her mother's bunk, and it was a moment before she remembered the events of the previous night.

"It was a dream." She told herself firmly. "I dreamt that Onē-chan saved me from an imposter and.." However, she could feel the weight of something lying slightly on top of her, and turned her head to see her sleeping sister. She smiled. So it hadn't been a dream after all.

Her expression was relaxed, no negative emotion able to escape within that surface. Her mouth was slightly open, but not so much as to make one turn away in slight disdain. Her snores were light, almost silent to Aoi's ears. Though the position of her embrace around Aoi seemed possessive, her grasp was gentle and escapable if she wanted to.

Aoi sighed, a smile on her face. With Kyūi next to her, she felt much more at ease, happier. The only unfortunate prospect of this moment is that Kyūi would eventually wake up, more sooner than later judging by the advancing sunlight, and would have to return to Taiki. She sighed. How long would it be before she was able to come home?

Sure enough.

"Mmmm....."

Kyūi awoke with a start, her eyes shutting tighter as the light hit her face. She instinctively raised a hand to her face to shield herself from its brilliance, cautiously opening one of her eyes. "That's right..." She thought to herself. "I had spent the night with Aoi, didn't I...." She couldn't really regret it, of course. Her father probably already knew what she had been doing. She didn't fear retribution from him - after all, he had never physically harmed her for such a reason.

Aoi looked up at her sister. "G'morning Onē-chan." She said, half cheerfully.

"Morning...." Was the disgruntled reply. The girl who said it slowly placed both hands onto her face. "Ugh.... I really don't feel like getting out of bed...." She whined, last night's charades having tired her extensively.

Aoi chuckled. "You don't have to. You could always stay." She couldn't keep the hope out of her voice. "Kā-chan and Megami-baa will wake up soon. Then we can all head home."

"You know I can't...." Kyūi muttered. "Please don't allow your hopes to get up only to crash again...." She slowly sat up in her bed, a hand pressed to her forehead. Her eyes were blinking continously, trying to eradicate the sleep from her vision.

"True." Aoi sighed, not sitting up. "Well, I guess I'll just have to be patient until you do come home." She smiled at the thought. "Any general idea as to when that will be?"

"I honestly don't know...." Kyūi shrugged lightly, looking over at her sister for a moment. In the sunlight, she seemed strangely more addicting to look at.... "Maybe sooner, maybe later...."

"Like I said then, I'll just have to be patient." Aoi sat up herself now, though she kept the blanket wrapped around her. "Maybe we should get dressed? Before they wake up?" She gestured to Adela and Megami.

Kyūi lifted her eyebrow at the choice of words. "Maybe?" She repeated, giving a smile and tilting her head to the side. "Gee, I donno...." Her words were a bit sarcastic. "I've always wanted to go commando in front of my elders!"

Aoi let out a loud laugh, but was quick to stifle it. As she got up, she slid into her own clothing very quickly, and went into the bathroom to wash her hair. "Kyūi, what are you doing over at Tō-san's anyway? That stuff you were doing in the computer room?" She called out from the bathroom, though still trying to speak quietly.

It didn't work.

"Hunh....?"

Kyūi's potential answers were interrupted by Megami's groan. "Ugh.... my head...." She immediately said, rising up from her position on the bed and rubbing her eyes. Immediately, the white-haired girl froze, shocked eyes falling onto Megami's half-lidded ones. However, her fear was soon replaced by surprise as Megami simply gave a cheery smile in her direction. "Oh, hi, Kyūi!" She greeted. "I almost forgot you had been here!"

Kyūi looked away from the older female, embarrassed. "Y-yeah...."

Aoi stuck her head out of the bathroom, in the middle of brushing her teeth. "Oh. G'morning Megami-baa." She said thickly. She went back into the bathroom and gargled, spitting out the toothpaste. "So, what is it you do Kyuui?"

"Uhm...."

Kyūi's obvious discomfort immediately set Megami to speak, this time to Aoi. "Now, now, Aoi...." She said in a patronizing tone, closing her eyes as she stepped out of her bed. "It's not polite to just divulge in someone's personal business like that, is it?"

"Is is that bad that I can't know?" Aoi asked, now drying her hair with a towel. "If you don't wanna say what it is, can't you just write it onto a sheet of paper and I can read it or something?"

Megami crossed her legs in a lady-like fashion, placing her hands onto her knees. "Aoi...." She said warningly. She was simply doing this out of Kyūi's benefit. Towards the bedded girl, she gave a nodding smile.

Discreetly, the white-haired girl gave her an appreciative nod before turning her head towards the bathroom door. "I'm sorry, Aoi.... but I'm just not comfortable with telling you!" She called out. She pulled the sheets a little bit closer to her, hoping that the girl would leave the shower soon. However, there was the problem in getting out of bed.... it'd look ridiculous if she had to take the sheet with her to the bathroom.

As if on cue, Aoi walked out of the bathroom, yawning widely. "Sorry, sorry..." She said, scratching her head. "I was merely curious."

That was when Kyūi threw her head up slightly and let out a heavy sigh. "You know what? Forget this...." She grabbed the sheets and threw them off of her, sliding into a sitting position. She briefly caught the eye of Megami's shocked expression, as the full nature of her body was shown to them. There were bandages around her stomach where Taiki had inflicted the chest wound, the only clothing she had on. And shockingly, Kyūi looked only slightly embarrassed as she sat in front of her sister, looking down at her feet for a brief moment.

"Um...Onē-chan..." Aoi's pale face became light pink. "Should you be...?" She gestured to Kyūi's naked body and Megami's shocked expression. Before anyone had a chance to say anything, another voice came from bunk under Megami's.

"Strange sight to wake up to, your daughter's naked body."

Adela had woken up.

"Good morning, Mom...." Kyūi said innocently, rising herself up and walking over towards Aoi's direction. Though she didn't say anything in direct response of anything them, she let out a whistling tune as she stopped in the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Once she did, she put her hands to her mouth and started giggling. Should she do things like that more often? Aoi's face was just so funny! And cute....

Megami, meanwhile, fell silent for a moment before pinching the bridge of her nose. "Look, I know we're all females here, but... wow." She muttered. "I would've expected that kind of bluntness from you, Aoi, but Kyūi? What happened between you two that night?" However, she immediately raised her finger up to silence possible words. "On second thought, don't tell me, dear. I'd rather not know."

Aoi chuckled slightly. "All I can say is I am in a better mood than I have been in a long time. Kyūi has to go back to Tō-san in a bit, but it was nice having her here even if only temporary."

"And you....!"

Immediately, Megami allowed her upper torso to hang off of the bed so that she could stare at Adela from an upside down perspective. "I thought you'd have a worse reaction than that!" She exclaimed. "Your own daughter just walked in front of us nude! Doesn't that set off your "mother" alarm or anything?"

Adela's eyes widened, surprised that Megami had rounded on her. "In all honesty, it doesn't. I'm a different sort of mother than you Megami. My policy is "if it doesn't kill them, it must be alright"."

"She's not kidding." Aoi piped up.

"Hmph...." That being said, Megami pushed herself back up onto her bunk. "One of these days, that mentality's going to lead you into a situation you're going to regret...."

"Marrying Taiki led me into multiple situations I've regretted." Adela replied. "I think I've learned to deal with them."

Aoi said nothing to that. "Megami-baa, where's Miharu?"

Oh... Aoi had been unconscious that whole time.

Megami let out a heavy sigh, exasperated at the simple fact that they had to bring up the bad things again. "She had sent off to fetch Ahatake in order to try one more time to bring our two estranged Kurosaki back." She explained. "I really wasn't expecting her to do so right off the bat.... and I have even bigger doubts that Ahatake wants to do it...." "Although he REALLY needs to man up on this and admit what he did wrong...."

Message

In the Yūrei Ōkoku, it was currently dark, Ahatake, the only remaining Kurosaki in the Kurosaki mansion, was in a deep sleep, not knowing what was happening in Aether. His sleep was currently dreamless, but that was about to be ruined.

He was currently standing in a bright mist, though it was not like mist he had been in before. His surroundings were not hidden by the mist, rather, the mist had not yet formed into surroundings. He looked around, and, as he did so, his surroundings seemed to come into existence. He seemed to be in an empty building with a domed glass ceiling. He seemed to be the only person there.

"Oh.... it's you...." A feminine, but dry and serene voice came through the silence.

Sitting on a balcony and silhouetted against the dim light of the ceiling was a brown-haired female. She was dressed in a unique Shinigami uniform, none of the insignia on her person. Her gi was open, exposing her torso. Her breasts were wrapped in bindings, serving as a considerably good "shirt" for her. Her green-blue eyes stared down at Ahatake with disdain, and she tilted her head to the side, her long and brown hair falling with her.

It was none other than the one he had grown to despise.

The one he knew as Tereya.

He felt a pang of irritation at the voice he knew so well. Turning his attention towards the newly formed balcony, he frowned. "Hello Princess. I see you now feel the need to invade my dreams, since you can no longer torture me in person?"

A sly smirk came across her lips. "Is it honestly my fault that you allow some part of your subconscious to keep thinking about me, even though what happened....? Besides...." She immediately pushed herself off of the balcony, she descended towards Ahatake with a flipping jump, landing a few distance in front of him. Once she did so, she put one hand on her hip and stood idly. "I don't need to invade your dreams in order to torture you." In a rather cocky manner, she walked towards him, hips swaying slightly with each movement.

Ahatake placed a hand on his Riyūhōchō, though what good it would do him in a dream he didn't know. "That is true..." He murmured, sitting a chair that formed out of nowhere. His voice was one of forced calm. "So, can you tell me why you are here? You must have a reason." A chair formed for Tereya too, as if inviting her to sit, as well as a table with two glasses and a bottle of gin. It seemed this dream expected them to talk over drinks.

She didn't take it.

Instead, she took her chance to stand in front of the sitting Ahatake, arms folded across her chest. "You're such a fucking idiot...." She remarked disdainfully, shaking her head. "But...." She placed a finger to her chin in mock thought. "I'll be nice and explain for your little head. You see, there are times when the mind has things locked away that come to the surface, even when you don't expect them to. Apparently, this time around, I'm one of those things...." She leaned in for a moment, placing her hands onto her knees and looking him in the eyes.

"When you were fighting me.... when my inner Hollow had control over my body...." She continued, smirking all the while. "I saw everything... from your desire to kill me.... to sparing me because I was pregnant with a child. Yet, even though outwardly you want to hate me for our broken relationship.... a part of you keeps on thinking about me, even throughout all of these years. I should've faded away long ago, and yet, I'm still here. Why is that?"

She raised herself back up, lifting an explaining finger before folding her arms across her chest. "You want to know what I think....? I think you understood what you did wrong. I think you felt guilty over the reasons why our relationship was broken.... and that's what keeps me here--"

Then, abruptly, she thrust her hand out, caught Ahatake by the chin, and kissed him full on the lips before bringing herself back. "--my little Aha-chan...." She finished tauntingly.

Ahatake was slightly red-faced, and maintained a stony silence for several minutes, which Tereya apparently did not see fit to interrupt. Then he reached for the bottle, poured himself a glass of the liquid inside, and downed it in one gulp, before refilling. His mouth began to move, as if he was chewing over the words he was going to say. "Suffice to say I've never been that complex. I will admit that I do want to hate you, and yes, a part of me does keep thinking about you. You don't wish someone for several centuries to just forget them." He took a breath, though, since this was a dream, the act was quite unnecessary. "But, I don't feel guilt Tereya, not if I can help it anyway." He took a sip from his glass. "Take a seat. The dream is offering you relaxation and drink, I've never known you to deny those before." He paused, waiting for her to do as was requested.

"You know I'm not one to sit still, even for a talk..." The brown-haired woman snatched up a glass as well as a bottle of her own and mimicked Ahatake's actions. However, she didn't drink hers right away. Instead, she chose to take pacing steps around her former husband. She stood behind him, one arm resting on the back of his chair. "But I think we both could give a shit less about that.... the reason why I'm here is because of another reason, other than me...."

"Then explain." Ahatake invited, taking a swig from his glass again. "I've got nowhere to go."

"It's because of our son." For a moment, the woman paused in order to allow her words to sink in.

Ahatake was silent for a moment, and took that time to finish his glass before refilling. "The boy? What of him?"

The girl didn't answer directly. Instead, she regressed to another topic. "It seems that your wife's making herself comfortable within the family. They respect her, love her, and they trust her. They begin to tell her things about themselves, and about each other. And sooner or later, they're going to end up talking about you... about when Taiki was just a simple boy living under the care of his father and mother. Tell me...."

She wrapped an arm around his shoulders, her other hand waving the gin glass around lightly. Her body was leaned against his chair. "If "they" meant Adela.... what do you think she'll end up telling her?"

Ahatake frowned. She dodged his question, but he might as well answer hers. This dream had to be going somewhere. "I don't know. I've never known Adela to spill her guts to anyone." He winced slightly at his choice of words. Taiki had once literally spilled Adela's guts. "Several stories of abuse I assume."

"She's going to tell him about Taiki...." The woman continued. "And how he grew up to live as he does now. She's going to explain that his own father forced him into a marriage for his own benefit. She's going to note that even as he protested, his father merely struck him in retaliation and threatened him with death if he didn't go against his own will. Hell.... she might even tell about the very fact that you played a game of extreme favoritism towards Midoriko and against him. Even now, you sit and continue to claim that it is all his fault..."

She leaned in closer to him for a brief moment. "Now, I know Megami's the good old fashioned kind-hearted wife that nearly every man wants in their life.... But when she hears these words.... do you honestly think she's going to take them lightly? That her own husband committed such cruel and abusive acts towards his own child?"

"I threatened him with death?" Ahatake mused. "That's strange, because I don't recall that at all." Due to the fact that Tereya was so close, he could not drink. The liquid began to float from the glass and into his mouth, and he drank. Items could be fullbrought even in his dreams? Strange, but excellent nonetheless. He smacked his lips as if in appreciation of the gin, and spoke again. "I favored Midoriko because she is more like me than Taiki. She's much easier to deal with. Taiki, as far as I was, and am concerned, if your problem. Is that why you are here? To lecture me on my treatment of him?"

"No, Aha-chan.... I'm here to give you a wake-up call."

The woman retracted her arms around her shoulders and walked in front of him again. "You see, that narrow-minded way of handling your kids pushed him to where he nearly slew his own daughter. It was what drove me away from you. Now, it's many years later, and I still find you to be the stupid, idiotic bastard I broke up with." She tilted her head to the side again, smiling toothily. "So far, it must be going great...."

She began to count on her fingers as she spoke. "Hanging out with your new daughter... courting your wife.... fucking your wife...." A chuckle was added at this last statement. "But, we both know that there's going to always be another kid on the way. Are you going to keep as you are and let the risks of history repeating itself linger out there? Or are you going to take the first steps of being a real man and admit your mistakes?"

Ahatake frowned, and he stood up from his chair, it and the bottle of gin and glasses vanishing. "Mistakes? Aside from the way I treated the boy, I don't see any other mistakes I've made. Care to enlighten me?"

"That's just the main one you should be concerned with...." Was the honest answer. "But if you insist...."

As she stood beside him, the woman waved her hand as if pushing something aside. A portion of the environment's background was shifting into a sort of "screen" for the two to watch. There were flashes of the past, but most of them were primarily obvious. One was a pained Tereya, having just been painfully crushed into the ground by Ahatake's spiritual pressure. Ahatake himself was looking on with a mocking expression, clearly amused by the spectacle. "Ah, this was the very reason I wanted to fight you, darling.... you seemed to undermine me in those days quite constantly, and even when we were married, you seemed to treat me as nothing more than a valuable object than a sentient being. Can't say I enjoyed it very much, but I'm sure you had your own sadistic pleasures concerning it...."

It then flashed to segments in where Shunsatsu had been attacked by a Hollow Ahatake had summoned during his talk with Tereya.... and then subsequently attacked by Ahatake himself when he had retreated. "In most cases, it's real amusing to see two men fight over women, but this was your own friend. He didn't even want a relationship with me in that way, and yet you just couldn't see it any other way, could you? Nice job treating your closest like garbage, hero...."

Ahatake did not wince or show any sign that this was bothering him. "I nearly forgot about Shunsatsu." He murmured. So, he was going to have to watch his mistakes? He sighed. He'd kill to wake up right now. "This was centuries ago. I was more of an idiot then than I am now."

"Oh, really....?" Nami remarked. "Because right now, of what she knows, she's starting to feel resentment towards you. In addition, your refusal to help your son and granddaughter, that resentment's only going to increase. Soon, it's going to be "I'm done with you" all over again.... and we both know you're going to be tired of finding another wife. Now, stop skipping over my question and answer it...."

She stopped in front of him, leaning inward and their faces inches apart from each other. Their eyes were meeting. "You going to let history repeat itself, or not?"

Ahatake frowned. She may be annoying him, but she was right. He could not let history repeat itself. "What do you expect me to do?" He asked quietly. "Swallow my pride and apologize to the boy? Suggest we start over?"

"BINGO!" Immediately, Nami recoiled back and clapped her hands once for a brief moment before pointing her index fingers at Ahatake. "FINALLY, THOU HAS SEEN THE LIGHT!!!" She shouted in triumph, grinning toothily.

Ahatake couldn't help it. Her reply, and how she had said it, caused him to let out a short, bark-like laugh. "Your boy is stubborn. Knowing him, he may decline the offer. Or mock me or even suggesting it."

"OUR boy." Nami corrected, a bit sternly. She folded her arms across her chest.

Ahatake sighed. "Yes, yes." He waved his hand. "He's just so much more like you it's irritating!" He placed a hand to his head. "If I'm gonna make up with Taiki, I'm going to need to stock up on aspirin..."

Nami let out an exhaling sigh, slowly walking towards Ahatake until she was right in front of him again. Then, she spun around to stand right beside him, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Her free hand placed itself on her hip. "Just go with it...!" She eased, putting on a small smile. "You don't have to stress over it. Unlike you, he's capable of listening...."

"Fine." Ahatake let out a long drawn out sigh. "I'll get right on that." He was quiet for a moment. "I can feel myself about to wake up. "Princess," He began, not abandoning the petname he'd called her for so many years. "I'm sure the you I'm seeing doesn't really exist, but on the offchance it does, I doubt I will see you again, so, I'd like to take this moment to apologize to you. For my treatment of you when we first met, my overprotectiveness, and the treatment of Taiki." He actually sounded sincere. "It was actually enjoyable, seeing you again."

"Oh.... I don't stay away from family alone, and grudges are simply so damn pointles.... so don't worry...." Nami's smile grew a bit. "You may see me again real soon...." To emphasize this, she leaned over to give him a peck on the cheek. As he felt her lips on his cheek, the dream around them immediately shot itself to darkness. Consciousness was beginning to return to him once more. However, even as this was happening, the apparition's last words spoke to him.

"By the way.... it's Nami now. Not that you'd care to call me that...."

Ahatake was suddenly awake, very aware he was back in the material world. He sat up. It was still dark. He frowned. Had that been a dream? Or more of a telepathic conversation? He didn't have an ability like that, nor did Tere - woops, Nami. Not as far as he knew anyway. He got up, and slipped into his work suit, and stepped outside into the brisk, night air.

"What will I do about Taiki?" Ahatake murmured. He was already dressed, which meant he did into to start moving. He was merely asking himself pointless questions. He closed his eyes for a moment, and could seem to recall when Taiki had been just a kid years ago. A toddler. He'd gotten along with the boy then. He chuckled, remembering, even then, how calm Taiki acted, and his knack for knowing and getting into things he shouldn't. As he opened his eyes, he saw a figure coming, flying on what looked like a yellow cloud. He didn't have to see her to know who it was.

"Miharu." He murmured as he girl touched down. "What is it?"

"Oh, Tō-san, you're awake." She said, sounding breathless even though she had not been running. "That simplifies this."

"What is it?" He repeated.

"I need you to come with me to Aether. We need you to help bring Kyūi back."

"Aether? Is that where Taiki is?"

"Yes."

"Good." Ahatake said briskly. "That's where I was headed. Seal Kyūmu, we'll move faster if I flame us there. Grab my arm."

Miharu did as she was told, and gripped her father's arm. "Wait, do you know where Ather is?"

"No. You will guide me."

"How?"

"Just think about it as I flame." Ahatake replied and with that, he turned on the spot, and, with Miharu feeling the discomfort of flaming for the first time, they appeared, right in the middle of the inn room where Adela and co. were staying.

"WHAT THE F--"

Needless to say, Megami wasn't expecting their presence. She jumped off of her bunk, which caused her to collapse onto the ground. "Ooowwww......" She moaned, clutching her face in pain as she rolled over on her back. "....note to self....agh....really need to start looking out for these things....."

"Huh?!"

As she was slipping a towel around her body, Kyūi's senses immediately picked up Ahatake inside of the room. Her heart almost stopped, and she snuck over to the door to listen in. Her body had beads of water covering its person, drops falling at an extremely slow rate to the floor.

Ahatake was surprised and stooped down to help his wife. "Megami, you alright?" He asked, fighting a chuckle. He extended his hand in offer to help her up.

"Mhm..."

Megami accepted the hand and stood up with her husband's support, sniffling a little. "So.... I take it Mi-chan's explained everything?" She asked, although her tone was a bit sullen. She was somewhat averting his gaze, too.

Ahatake noted this, and frowned. Nami had been right. After all this, he owed that woman. "Not in so many words. She mentioned needing my help bringing Kyūi back, and I obviously agreed. But, I'm also here to get Taiki." He paused for a moment, seemingly chewing over the next sentence. "I'm going to apologize and try and make nice with him." He finished.

"...really?"

That made Megami look up, her expression hopeful. "You mean that you're going to try and reconcile with him?" She pressured, a small smile crossing her face.

"Yes." Ahatake nodded, his voice reassuring.

Adela frowned from her bunk. "I can only wish you luck with that Ahatake. But, I have to ask, what brought about the sudden change of heart?"

Ahatake chuckled. "Let's just say I had someone talk some sense into my fool head."

Aoi was puzzeled. Who could it have been? "Ahatake-jii, it seems the shower water has stopped. Kyūi is in there, so maybe you'd like to step out while she gets dressed, since I'm sure she wants to come out by now."

"Hm? Of course." And Ahatake left the room for the hall, Miharu following.

Once the door shut, Kyūi immediately pushed the door open and stepped outside, eyes widened in the disbelief she was feeling. "Ojii.... is actually going to talk to Tō-san....?" She said, voice unable to contain the excited hope she was feeling. She couldn't help it - although they were on opposite sides at the moment, she was actually feeling happy that her grandfather decided to resort to negotiations in order to help his own son instead of violence.

"I can only wish him luck." Aoi murmured. "I highly doubt whatever he has to say will convince Tō-san of anything, but I guess he'll try."

"He can handle himself, but...." Megami questioned softly. "What should we do? This always has the chance of failing too, after all...."

"Let's hope it doesn't." Adela replied. "If Ahatake actually means what he says, and Taiki believes it, who knows? This could make the remainder of our lives very enjoyable."

"Yeah...."

"Is Kyūi dressed yet?" Ahatake's voice called out from the hall.

"Uh...."

She had been busy listening to the discussion in order to perform the necessary actions. She looked down, noticing herself still in the towel. "Well...." She began, a bit nervous. However, that nervousness was immediately shaken out from her next words with a heavy sigh. "You know what, forget it. You can come in, I'm decent enough!" She would just change later! She was late meeting up with her father as it was!

This made Megami giggle a little, the white-haired girl's openly expressive ways becoming a bit humorous to her.

Ahatake chuckled. Reminded him of Nami to an extent. In a surprise, he burst into the room in a mass of flames, Miharu gripping his shoulder again. She staggered over to her mother, looking sick.

"You know what..." She murmured. "I'm not too fond of that twice in a row..."

Megami smiled in sympathy, reaching over to wrap an arm around the girl and bring her closer to her in a hug. "Don't worry, dear. You get used to it after the first few times...."

Ahatake chuckled. "Maybe I'll teach you to do it. You probably could."

Miharu smiled ruefully.

Ahatake sighed, and, his eyes avoiding Kyūi (possibly due to the fact that she was standing there in a towel) though he spoke directly to her. "Kyūi, after you get ready, would you mind flaming with me to your father?" He asked, getting right to the point.

Understanding, Kyūi nodded. "No, it's not a problem!" She immediately said, walking over to the closet and opening the doors. She grabbed her old clothing and quickly slipped into the bathroom again in order to change.

"I assume you all will be coming along?" Ahatake turned his attention towards them.

"I'm going." Aoi said firmly.

"I may as well." Adela replied.

"As soon as I recover from that flaming, I'll be ready." Miharu spoke up.

As she held Miharu, Megami gave a nod of her own. "We've all been ready." She answered simply, keeping a solemn look about her.

Ahatake took a seat down next to Aoi. He figured Megami wouldn't be too fond of him right now. He was silent, a silence that was mimicked by the rest of them. They were just waiting on Kyūi.

They didn't have to wait long.

The bathroom door opened once again, and this time Kyūi stepped out fully clothed. She took in a deep breath, her mind flashing back to the last confrontation between the two. If they let their animosities get in the way again... well, this time it just wouldn't be pretty. However, she kept up a rather hopeful attitude about herself, just to encourage the rest of them. "All right, Ojii-san...." She said softly, walking up to him. Her hand reached out, grasping onto his shoulder. She closed her eyes, thinking of the place she was going to go. "I'm ready."

Family Fun Time

"Alright, everyone, grab onto my shoulder, or arm, whichever you can reach." Ahatake instructed, and they all did so, Miharu apprehensively. "Kyūi, you will guide me. Just think about where Taiki's place is, and I will take us there."

She nodded quietly and they turned, vanishing into flames, forced into the uncomfortable sensatiing of being compressed and forced through a tight rubber tube, then released, appearing, this time, in Taiki's study, where Anton had given Taiki the bet money he'd lost a few nights previous.

Kyūi was the first to open up her eyes. "All right.... there was a panel back here that allowed access to the elevator....follow me, please." She walked ahead of the ground, motioning for them to follow her as she walked down the aisle. All around them, there were all sorts of books on various topics. It was just like a library.

They followed, looking around the the study. Ahatake, in his suit, looked like he belonged in this part of the hideout. Everyone else looks strangely out of place.

"Daiyaku would enjoy it here." Miharu thought to herself, looking at all the books.

"And.... here."

Immediately, the white-haired girl stopped at a part of the wall, standing in front of what looked like a panel. Megami stood by her, eyes looking curiously at the buttons. "How long has this facility been active?" She questioned the girl, who gave a look over her shoulder.

"It's been here for years. We managed to find it through references from my father. With the right equipment, we were able to restore it to its former glory, though with a bit of renovating...."

"You've done good work." Aoi said.

Ahatake nodded internally in agreement.

Kyūi reached over to type a few buttons within the system. A small panel opened up, and she bent over slightly so that she was eye-level with the blue light showing. After a few beeps, the same automaton voice that greeted the group from before spoke up. "Secondary contact indentified." In front of them, part of the wall opened up to reveal an elevator similar to before. "Where would you like to go?"

"Take us to the primary contact's location." Kyūi ordered, stepping into the elevator.

They all stepped in, a rather awkward silence floating around the elevator. Aoi was making a point of standing as close to her sister as possible, dreading the idea of having to leave her soon. Ahatake was thinking over how this was going to go. Taiki was stubborn, but he was sure he could work around that. Taiki had inherited the ability to be reasoned with that must have come from some long dead ancestor, since no blood-relative on his side of the family he knew about seemed to have it, though his father may be an exception to that. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the elevator stop.

"And here we are...." Kyūi said hesitantly, watching the elevator as it opened up.

It looked like a storage room. There were several massive wooden boxes labeled in different languages and scattered out in an organized pattern across the area. Each of them was marked with a different name, and all of them was marked with the words "Fragile". At the end of the hallway, Taiki's darkened spiritual pressure could be felt. Kyūi took in a nervous breath as she stepped forward.

Ahatake frowned, his eyes sweeping over the boxes. He got a slight feeling of foreboding from them, though maybe, without his Shinigami abilities, everything seemed slightly dangerous. Making a mental note to inspect them upon leaving, he kept walking. He was here on business, not the rest of them. Taiki's spiritual pressure was coming in strong, but, perhaps because the room was slightly dim, he couldn't tell where the boy was.

"Taiki?" He said cautiously. Centuries worth of experience told him to be on guard when Taiki was involved.

"Yes, what is it--"

Immediately, he turned around.

His slightly exasperated tone immediately stopped itself once he stared into the eyes of his own father. Immediately, he began walking towards him, his eyes falling on Kyūi intently. "Kyūi...." He said smoothly, a rather dangerous tint in his voice that made Kyūi flinch involuntarily once her name was spoken. "Why is this group back, and why is this man here in my facility? You were supposed to come back alone, not with ticks on you...."

"I....I couldn't stop them, Dad...." It was a half-truth, anyway.

"I would have managed to flame myself here somehow." He frowned. He really didn't know where to begin in the boy's case. Ahatake was never good at apologizing in the first place. He cleared his throat. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't order me out until I have said what I've come here to say however." He silenced himself there, his silence inviting Taiki to reply.

"And what could you possibly say to me?" Taiki answered mockingly, smiling. "How dispicable I am for betraying the family? How far and low I've sunk myself? I've heard it all, Tō-san. You might as well leave now, because your insults are meaningless to me."

"Nami, when I see you again, I swear I'm gonna let you have it." Ahatake thought to himself, his eye twitching. He sighed, placing a hand onto his head. "No, but it's nice to see you have such a decent grasp of my normal behavior. I have actually come for a different reason. Thanks to a certain someone talking quite a bit of sense into me, I have realized, over the last few centuries, I've treated you far less than fairly. I've ignored you in favor of Midoriko, forced you into a marriage you didn't want, just to name a few." He stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath. "Taiki, I apologize for my treatment of you all those years, and, if you'd accept, I'd like to start over."

".....?"

He didn't allow himself to show it much. However, the smile immediately faded, and he cocked an eyebrow. In truth, he was masking complete shock over what Ahatake had just said to him. Did the man actually.... apologize, want to make amends? This was the very same person who had treated him like an outcast, a "black sheep" just like the rest of his family did. A lesser man would've started crying.

But the white-haired man did no such thing.

The smile returned once more. "You know it's too late to start over....however....." He walked over to the man, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I think I am ready to start forgiving you." His tone held its usual conversational tone, no perfectly genuine manner within. But his actions spoke volumes of it.

Ahatake smiled, a grateful smile that reached his grey eyes. He didn't know what to say besides, "That's a relief to know. Thank you son."

Adela was surprised by this. She didn't think Taiki would be so easily swayed. But, it would save them grief for the remainder of their lives. Though, of course, her relationship with Taiki was now over. "There's always that parking attendant." She thought.

"Taiki...."

Immediately, the white-haired man, much to his surprise, was embraced by none other than Megami. "I'm glad you've made the choice to forgive...." She whispered, not hiding the pride in her voice. "Your mother would've been proud of you." She released him and stepped back, earning a rather comically surprised look from Taiki himself. It caused Kyūi to giggle a little. She couldn't help it - now that things were back to normal, it was ok to laugh, wasn't it!

"Taiki, if you don't mind my asking, what is in all these boxes?" Ahatake asked, gesturing to the crates they had passed marked "Fragile".

"They're weapons." Taiki said immediately. "Kidō firearms to be exact." He stuffed his hands within his pockets.

Ahatake's eyes widened. That explained his sense of foreboding. "And what exactly are you doing with these? Supplying armies?"

"In a matter of speaking...." Taiki answered calmly, turning his back onto them for a moment. In front of them was a small table with a laptop on it. He was steadily typing on the keys. "It's really nothing to do with you, actually. Don't bother with it."

"I wasn't intending to." Ahatake replied, eying the boxes warily. "Well, I guess I shall be taking my leave now." He rubbed his eyes. "I woke up much too early." He looked at Taiki who had his back turned. "Whenever you want to come back to the manor, the door isn't locked."

"I'll hold you to that...." The white-haired man answered simply.

"Any of you coming back?" Ahatake asked, looking at his family.

"I am." Adela said at once, moving to Ahatake's side.

"I am too, but I think I'll go back my way." Miharu replied, hand on her sword. "I don't wanna throw up on your shoes when we get back Tō-san."

"Hmm..." Aoi was thinking for a moment. "Actually... I think I'm going to hang round here for awhile."

Immediately, Kyūi's ears were the first to perk up in surprise. She directed her stare towards Aoi, uncertain of whether her decision was genuine or not. After all, the animosity she held towards her own father had not been quelled under her knowledge. "....are you sure?" She asked quietly. She was planning on coming back right after she asked her father if it was still OK!

Aoi nodded. "I may not be too fond of Tō-san, but I want to be as close to you as possible." She insisted. "Besides, it's only for a little while, until you're done here and can come home, right?"

A weak smile came across Kyūi's face. "Thank you, Aoi...." To emphasize, she walked over and wrapped her arms around her sister's shoulder in an affectionate embrace.

Aoi responded by squeezing her sister in a tight hug.

"So, you're staying here kiddo?" He question, and Aoi nodded. "Alright. I guess I'll see the three of you whenever you decide to come back."

"Good luck!" Megami added, giving an encouraging smile.

Aoi nodded back, smiling. Everyone else gripped onto Ahatake's shoulder, Miharu standing rather close to her mother, figuring she'd need something to support herself on when this was over. With one final wave, they vanished in a burst of flames, once again meeting the uncomfortable compressing feeling akin to being squeezed through a tight rubber tube, until suddenly, they were outside their house, most of them taking in great lungfulls of cold, night air. Ahatake reached for the key under the welcome mat, Miharu gripping onto her mother as she predicted she'd have to. He let them in, and Miharu ran up to her room and Adela to her own, leaving Ahatake and Megami standing inside the sitting room.

Ahatake stretched. "It's good to have things back to normal."

"Ahatake...."

Megami placed a hand on his shoulder, but this time she was doing so in an encouraging manner. Her smile was matching of that. "I'm really proud of you...." She whispered. "Here I was, thinking that you'd simply get into another argument with your son. I'm glad you made the choice of least resistance...."

Ahatake smiled. "I wish I could say I came to that decision on my own. Like I said before, someone beat the sense I needed into my head."

"....who would that someone be, if I may ask?" Megami removed his hand from her shoulder, folding her arms across her chest and tilting her head to the side slightly.

"Tereya, though she goes by Nami now." Ahatake replied. He frowned. "I still can't tell if that conversation was a dream or reality. The location definitely didn't seem real."

"Well, it was in your mind, wasn't it? Of course it's not going to be real...." Megami assured him. "It may have been her contacting you through some sort of telepathy... I wouldn't be surprised if she could use that ability without us knowing...."

"Same." Ahatake agreed. "But I'm not complaining. She did help me see sense." He yawned, and rubbed his eyes again. "I think it's time for me to-"

"Meowr..." A small, grey cat came skulking out of the corner, moving up against Ahatake's leg for a moment, and causing him to look down.

"Haiji?" He was surprised. "Why aren't you with Midoriko?" It was stupid, to ask a cat a question an expect it to answer. The cat was silent as it looked at Ahatake with it's green eyes. "That cat has always been strange..." He murmured.

"Maybe it's trying to tell you something." Megami commented lightly, smiling. She knelt downward, gently petting the cat on the head.

"Midoriko would often say that." Ahatake murmured. "I think it's just an insane cat." The cat glared at him, before walking off, tail held in the air. Ahatake watched it for a moment. "I rest my case." Turning his attention to his wife, he said. "I know saying this always jinxes it, but do you think our family is finally out of the woods? That we'll be able to live the rest of our lives without fighting off some idiot with an agenda?"

This earned a heavy sigh from Megami. She folded her arms across her chest, closed her eyes, and shook her head. "Y'know, I have no idea...." She admitted. "But I'm really hoping that's the only choice we have to go through at this point."

"Yeah." Ahatake said. "And now, truly, it is time to go to bed." As Ahatake and Megami climbed the stairs, Haiji was sitting on the windowsill, looking outside at the Yūrei region, still blanketed by the night sky.

"Meow."

END