toys_that_breathe

Author: Swiss Army Knife
Email: dragonswissarmyknife@hotmail.com

Toys That Breathe

In the glow of the crackling firelight, a young woman fades inconsistently in and out of view, her shadow tossed by the flickering light. In the brief moments of revelation, the warm dancing light made golden hair glow, almost as if in flames itself. Her pale face and crystal eyes were esentuated with fluctuating shadow.

Almost tenderly, her graceful hand leaves its place where it had been folded at her side and comes to smooth back the raven tresses of a young man, asleep with his head resting in her lap. He does not stir as she runs her long fingers through his hair, or caresses his soft cheek. And he does not see her smile.

Her gestures are affectionate, even loving.

But the smile... The smile is difficult. She leans back into the cushions of the couch, a look on her face of almost smug satisfaction. When she looks at him, and weaves her fingers into his dark hair, she seems almost pleased with herself.

Through his inky black locks, so smooth and soft to her skin, she can see the shimmering golden band on the ring finger of her left hand. It shimmers in the firelight, seeming to transform almost to molten gold as she watched.

She took it off and held it up to the light, admiring it. It was gold, set with a small, glistening stone in the center. Perhaps not the most expensive, but undoubtedly the best that the small human could possibly offer to her. It was itself a testimony to how much he loved her, how much he was willing to sacrifice for her.

He was hers. The ring was an engagement ring.

Juuhachigou had been patient. It had taken a long time – many months to lead up to this night. It would have been over a year since the cell games in only a few weeks. Such a long time just to get to here, with him, when he had finally given her the ring.

She smiled again, that same disconcerting smile. It seemed crooked.

Letting her hand fall again, Juuhachigou teased the tuff of downy hair on the back of his neck, enjoying the way that he tensed even as he slept. She wasn’t sure or not if she imagined the rosy taint that rose to his cheeks and along his neck at her touch.

He was always so shy in that area.

That was one of the reasons for her choice. From the moment she set eyes on him she knew he was the one. He was the one that she would take as hers. So different from the others – sweeter, kinder, and somehow more innocent that any of the other males she had come in contact with.

And he loved her - that much was unmistakable. She had not even needed to instigate his love. He had had it all on his own, almost as instantly as she had secretly chosen him. It had made it so easy to slowly make her way deeper into his heart, until she knew that he could not live without her.

And tonight - tonight had been a big step.

She still remembered his timid face, as he almost fearfully presented her with the ring. It had been hard to surpass the laughter and the smile that she had felt. He would not have understood the laughter, and it might have prevented him from completing his halting, stuttered proposal.

She had carefully measured the time between him finishing his words and her response. But then she had allowed him to see the glow in her eyes and had fulfilled his hopes with a final, “Yes.”

His face, so unsuspecting, had lit up in a way that only he could. His smile had burst forth like a bursting dam. She was almost afraid that he would begin to cry. So happy. He had been so happy. As if his dreams were coming true.

“You’re naivety is endearing, Kuririn-kun…” Juuhachigou’s voice was sweet and oily, almost too sweet.

Her smile had returns, spreading almost clown like across her smug face – wide and victoriously. She petted his soft hair tenderly, eyes alive with something resembling a cat’s who had just found that their very favorite toy had just come and jumped between their outstretched paws.

Kuririn was to belong to Juuhachigou. He would.

Contented, and the head of her fiancée still delicately cradled in her lap, the feminine cyborg leans back with a steady exhale. She glances sideways out of her perfect blue eyes and allows a decision to come to completeness in her mind. Still grinning, she reaches out to a nearby in table with one hand and takes the phone off of its cradle.

Perhaps it was time that she called her brother.

*****

Kuririn was sitting on the beach a few weeks later, watching the morning sun as it rose before him. His fingers and his toes were free to the open air, and he allowed them to sift in the white sand all around him. He was seated at the rim of a sparkling ocean, misted orange with the sunset, shimmering like diamonds in the pale morning light. He could hear the cries of the sea birds, drifting carelessly in the distance. The upward creping of the tide teased him as the wet sand came ever closer to his outstretched feet.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes peacefully, letting out a slow sigh of contentment. If only all of his mornings could begin this way…

A fragment of a smile accosted his lips as he chose to dwell on that fanciful thought for a moment. There was a resounding question that went with it: why not? His life had taken a bizarre, unprecedented turn – unbelievably for the better. And now it seemed that his dream reality might never leave him.

Juuhachigou, the woman that he had sold his heart to, had agreed to marry him.

It had been his dream ever since childhood. His younger years had been depressing, hurtful, and lonely. He had never had the experience of true family – not the kind that loved and cared for each other. He had wanted his own since he was able to dream. And Juuhachigou was going to make his dream come true.

It seemed almost to good to be reality. Too wonderful, too perfect to happen to him. Not to him.

But it was true. In only a month, he would be married to the most gorgeous, perfect woman that he had ever set eyes on. He was convinced that she had no rival in all earth – in the entire universe. She was a goddess…

Kuririn’s wide black eyes opened again to the splendor of the ocean sunrise, and he had to take a deep breath to keep a tear from spilling down his cheek. It seemed too wonderful to happen to him. He didn’t deserve her smile or her touch. But oh! Just one look melted his heart. She seemed to him like an angel, who in her grace had seen fit to be with weak little trash like him. It made him unbreakably loyal. He could never, ever do enough to show her how much that he loved and appreciated her.

He trusted her completely.

“Juu-chan.” He whispered her name into the gentle breeze. He loved her name.

Leaning back to rest his head on his hand, Kuririn gave another soft, blissfully sigh. He smiled as he repeated her name again in his mind. Everything was going to be right.

Then, with sudden abruptness that startled the young man outstretched in the sand, a deep black shadow was cast over Kuririn’s eyes, blocking out the orange glow of the new fledgling sun. Puzzled, Kuririn cracked open one eye.

“Where is my sister?” The shadow spoke in low monotone. His orange bandana fluttered lazily in the ocean’s breath, the salt air throwing back jet strands of long hair from too familiar crystal blue eyes. He stood tall, the picture of Juuhachigou, only male.

Kuririn sat up instantly, startled badly. “Juunanagou.” He muttered in a shocked, quiet voice.

“That’s right, Human.” The male cyborg answered curtly, and maybe even a bit disgustedly. “I’ve come to see my sister. Where is she?”

Kuririn stood and gestured toward the pink house at the center of the island. “Juu-chan…is in there.” He said. “I can get her –“

“Don’t bother.” Juunanagou stopped him. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he headed methodically to the screen door of the house.

Halfway there, he paused, and turned back around to face a slightly quivering Kuririn. He gave his slightly fearful face a look of piercing tolerance. “I already know that you and my sister are going to be…married.” He informed the angst human, whose mouth fell open wide.

“A-and…you’re okay with that?” Kuririn was shocked. He had expected anger – fury.

Juunanagou surprised Kuririn by smiling maliciously at him. He had a morbid amusement aflame in his dangerous eyes. His look was almost frightening.

“Perfectly.”

*****

Juunanagou greeted his sister with an almost smirk as she descended the steps and came to stand in front of him. All of his teeth showed, and he seemed to be almost charmed by her look of deceitful peace.

“It’s good to see you again sister. I see that you have kept yourself occupied.” He addressed her, and gave a suggestive glance towards the window, through which one could just barely make out the slightly bewildered form of Kuririn on the beach.

Juuhachigou chuckled, her mask of softness quickly folding away in the presence of her blood. “You’ve spoken to him then.” She commented.

It wasn’t a question, but Juunanagou nodded anyway. “I have.”

Juuhachigou folded her arms across her chest. Her odd smile had returned. “He’s almost mine, Juunanagou. Only a few more weeks.”

She turned and headed for the living room, and Juunanagou follow after her. When they had seated themselves stiffly across from one another, the conversation continued.

“I don’t understand the rules of your little game, Juuhachigou.” Juunanagou spoke frankly. “Why wait?”

Juuhachigou was silent for a moment. “You wouldn’t understand, brother.” She finally offered. “It means more to him, this marriage. Unless it is real in his mind as well as in truth, I won’t have all off him. He’s remarkable noble.”

Juunanagou nodded again, seeming to understand his sister’s cryptic words. “Fine.”

They sat in silence for a long moment, considering one another and formulating questions. Juunanagou was about to speak again when the pair heard the front door creak open. Kuririn had come inside, his curiosity obviously overcoming his fear.

Only a moment later, his head poked cautiously around the doorframe and into the room in which they sat.

“J-juu-chan?” He offered quietly. “Can I come in?”

Juuhachigou smiled at him, her face returned to its former softness. “I need to discuss some things with my brother privately, Kuririn.” She told him. “Would you mind going out today? Maybe you could visit the Son’s new baby.”

Kuririn’s face brightened at the prospect of seeing Gokuu’s bubbling infant son. He had been named the child’s godfather, and loved nothing more than bouncing the laughing eyed baby and sending him to sleep with tales of Gokuu, whom Kuririn considered as close as a brother.

“Okay, Juu-chan.” He conceded. “I’ll be gone for most of the day. Do you need anything before I go?”

Juuhachigou shook her head. “No. That will be fine.”

Flashing her an adoring smile, his shaggy head disappeared again and a few minutes later the waiting cyborgs registered his ki signature trailing away into the distance.

Juunanagou leaned back lazily after Kuririn had faded away. “He seems obedient enough.” He offered.

“That’s not his entire appeal.”

“Enlighten me then, sister. I’ve been curious about this game of yours, since its delighted you so. Tell me all about it…”

*****

It was late by the time that Kuririn reached the island that night. The sun was already down, and Kuririn had been forced to rely mostly on memory rather that sight to return to the island home. He was thankful when he finally set down on the friendly, familiar beach.

His visit to the Sons had gone well. As always, he had been accepted into the house as if he were family. Gohon hugging him until he could barely breathe, and Chichi’s welcoming, tolerant smile. She had seemed almost relieved, and handed over the squalling Goten immediately. The babe loved his “Uncle.”

It had been a good night, and he was happy. But it was long past suppertime, and he doubted that either Juuhachigou or her brother had eaten anything. Maybe he would make them something and then go on to bed, leaving the pair to talk into the night without interruption.

Lighting on the doorstep as silently as he could, the small human slipped into the darkened house without a sound. He padded quietly down the wooden hallway in his light slippers, heading for the small kitchen at the back of the house. But as he crossed the intersecting hallway that lead to the upstairs rooms and the living room, Kuririn stopped.

He had heard laughing.

Sure enough, there was a light coming from underneath the crack of the door leading into the room where he had left the two cyborg siblings. Juuhachigou and Juunanagou were obviously still talking.

Kuririn decided that maybe he should check on his fiancée and future brother in law. He had been gone a long time. He could let Juuhachigou know that he was back, though he doubted she had worried about him too much.

Turing away from the kitchen, he turned on his heel and made his way to the shut door. In the darkness, it stood out like a beacon, framed with light on all sides. It almost seemed to draw him to it. The bell like laugh of his love reverberated into the hallway, causing his heart to contract. He could almost imagine her beautiful face, drawn back in mirth…

“And I thought that I was the one who enjoyed playing games with humans, sister…”

There was suddenly a masculine voice, and Kuririn stopped, his hand rested on the bronze doorknob. He felt a wave of indecision. Should he interrupt them?

Juuhachigou spoke now, voice more even and with less lightness. “You aren’t the only one who appreciates a good time, dear brother. My tastes are just more singular.”

“Humph.” Juunanagou.

Then, “I have to admire the work that you’ve done, Juuhachigou.” Juunanagou continued. “The midget’s blind. You’ll have a time.”

There was a kind of snort. “I’ll have him.”

There was a quiet moment in which Kuririn stood motionless, extremely confused. What were they talking about? They seemed to be discussing a game, but Kuririn was lost to the importance. Despite the small pang of quilt for eavesdropping, the young man couldn’t stop himself from pressing his ear closer to the door.

“When is the wedding?” He heard Juuhachigou ask.

Juuhachigou replied. “Less than a month. That was as soon as I could arrange it without making it seem that something was wrong. Kuririn would have been willing enough, but his friends would have been…concerned.” She continued. “It was better to wait. If things go as I wish, those idiots should leave us alone afterwards. Indefinitely.”

“You plan to isolate him? Won’t anyone get “concerned” about that?” Juunanagou asked.

“They don’t interact much with each other unless there’s some sort of catastrophe. It could be other a year before anyone bothers to take note of his absence…”

Out in the silent hallway, Kuririn squirmed. What was he hearing? Juuhachigou…she had been talking about their wedding. But what was she talking about when she said she had to wait so as not to alarm his friends? And…the rest… It bewildered him terribly. The tonation of his loved ones voice almost frightened him. He couldn’t remember ever hearing her used that low, calculating voice before. It made her sound…almost evil…

Furiously, Kuririn shook his head. He blinked rapidly, trying to force that though out of his head. Juuhachigou wasn’t evil. She loved him… Teeth clutched together, he leaned into the door and listened harder, trying with all of his perplexed mind to piece together what he was hearing.

The next words that he heard would change his life.

The short pause from inside ended with Juunanagou. “Ah, Juuhachigou – I understand your desire for an interesting game. I can even understand you picking out a human for yourself. But I have to be honest with you – I still don’t see why you chose this human. He’s pathetic. A midget and a weakling.”

“Exactly, brother.” Juuhachigou’s voice was sharp. “The stupid human is so hopelessly dizzy with love for me that it would kill him if I left him now. He’s utterly controllable. I already own his heart.”

There was a murmured response from her brother, followed by four cutting words in answer.

“No, I don’t love him!” Juuhachigou’s lovely voice sounded almost sadistic. There was a short break, and then her voice fluctuated again, this time back to malicious sweetness. “At least…not in the way he loves.”

There was soft laughter. “I want him for my own, Juunanagou.” She spoke. “I’m…fond…of him. I chose him specifically, and have played my game perfectly. I hold that little human’s trust.” She laughed. “It was almost too easy.”

“I’ll own him in every way once this marriage goes through. Physically, legally, and in his own mind. Kuririn will be mine.”

Kuririn’s hands were trembling, and tears of shocked horror streamed silently down his cheeks. He continued to listen through the door as his love tore down his all his hopes and dreams for their futures. While she laughed about how she had effortlessly taken advantage of his trusting naivety and deceived him. Every word stung like a knife plunged deep into his heart, and slowly, he felt his knees give way and he sunk to the floor.

“J-juu-chan…” He whimpered her name softly.

*****

It was late into the night – indeed early morning – when Juunanagou left his sister for his own small home. Juuhachigou was tired, and she anticipated a sweet sleep that night as she walked down the moonlight hall to the room that Kuririn had set-aside just for her when she had first come to the island.

When she entered the tiny, sparsely lit bedroom, she was surprised to find a small, diminutive human waiting for her, sitting silently on the edge of her bed with his head bowed despondently. He seemed to be trembling with tears.

Approaching him, Juuhachigou reached out and lifted his chin in her hand, revealing his wet eyes and cheeks. Revealing the betrayal and pain tangible in each fluid drop. Instantly, she realized that he had overheard her and her brother. She held his face more firmly between her fingers.

Brokenly, Kuririn spoke. “Y-you knew…” He cried, choking on the tears that wouldn’t stop. “You knew how much that I loved you… Why? Why would you play such a cruel game?”

Juuhachigou’s face remained blank. Only her furrowed brow revealed any form of emotion on her face. “You’re mine, Kuririn.” She leaned close to him until her soft lips touched his ear. “You are mine, and soon, you will be legally…”

Eyes widening with awakening fear, the smaller human tried to shake his head, but suddenly Juuhachigou’s grip in his chin became merciless and he yelped, beginning to struggle.

In vain. For the next moment Juuhachigou had raised her hand and brought it down forcefully on her soon to be husband’s face. There was another short cry as the blow impacted, knocking him off balance. With newly fearfully eyes, Kuririn looked up at her, eyes brimming with hurt, seeming shocked that she would strike him.

Juuhachigou stood intimidating in the light of the doorway, solemness in her features. She spoke with deadly humor.

“You, my dear sweet Kuririn, are my new toy – and that, sweetie,” She mocked. “Is far too late to change.”

*****

The sun was shining on the day that Kuririn and Juuhachigou were to be married. Sunrays burst gaily, as if enjoying the fact that such a celebration should take place while it shone. It welcomed the birds and brought out the flowers – it was beautiful.

But unfortunately, the mood was far from appropriate…

Simple white elegance framed the thin figure of the bride, laced with a sash that sparked with glistening crystal. The veil that was draped over his lovely face served perfectly to obscure the cruel smile that graced her lips that day. It was the day of her triumph.

Beside her, so close to her that they were touching, was her soon to be husband – a paler Kuririn, withdrawn and with suppressed heart break shimmering just behind his eyes. His face held no joy, though anyone who saw might have simply accredited it to nervousness.

It was not

Kuririn was petrified. Petrified, and chained.

For over a month, the poor human had learned the truth of Juuhachigou. He had learned of her deception and her intentions, and he knew that she would not allow him to escape her now. He had been restrained. He had barely seen the light of the sun since the day since he had overheard the conversation that had sealed his fate forever.

He could feel Juuhachigou’s deceptively frail looking fingers on his neck. He was sure that her touch looked loving and sweet, that his friends would see her and smile. But he…he could no longer be deceived. He had been shocked when Juuhachigou had first hit him. The blows were no longer shocking. She would not tolerate his unwillingness to obey her.

Her fingers were on his neck now, not to be affectionate. Oh no. They were there to remind him, to tighten when he hesitated, or when he came to close to saying something to one of his smiling friends. They were there to control him – to force him through what would prove to be the worst day of his life.

There were few people there to see the ceremony. Juuhachigou had wanted a small wedding. Now Kuririn knew why. There were his friends to act as witnesses, and to quell their suspicions. No one else was invited.

Suddenly, there was the music of bells wafting gently through the air. The traditional music summoned the figures to the priest.

Kuririn felt Juuhachigou’s subtle urge forward, and he flinched. He wanted to cry as he started forward. His dreams had portrayed this day so differently… For one, he had imagined that his wife would…would love him…

Suddenly there was an almost hiss in his ear. “No tears.”

Hopelessness again danced on his soul, as Kuririn felt the words in his heart. The stinging in his eyes was terrible. But if he broke down – if he gave any indication that he was dying inside – Juuhachigou would kill him.

The balding monk smiled at them as they reached him.

“You wish to form a union?” He asked.

“Yes.” Juuhachigou’s reply was instantaneous.

Kuririn was given no time to think. The pain in his neck intensified, almost unbearably. Juuhachigou’s eyes flashed at him, challenging him. He felt as if he were giving away his soul when he let out a small cry:

“Y-yes.”

There were more smiles. The bald priest seemed pleased.

“Very well. Exchange rings.”

The gold band was pushed onto his finger before he could resist, and in his despair all that he could do was look down on it, blinking back tears.

“I now decree these two people joined as one.” The words seemed to imprint themselves in Kuririn’s swiftly ruining mind. “You may kiss.”

It felt surreal when Juuhachigou’s eyes bore down on him in that moment, eating him up inside and out. And when her lips touched his, pulling him into a sweet kiss, he felt violated and hurt. Love wasn’t supposed to hurt like this…

The next moment it was over and Juuhachigou leaned over to speak in his ear, smiling at his broken face. “It’s done.” Was all she said, and she chuckle made him sick inside. “It’s all over.”

Approaching the door, Kuririn suddenly caught sight of Yamucha blocking their path. Juuhachigou stopped and smiled, but her grip on his hand never loosened.

“Hey, buddy!” Yamucha crowed, “You did it!” The scarred young man laughed and swatted at Kuririn’s shoulder. “Who knew, eh?”

For just one, desperate moment, Kuririn tenuous hold on his emotions broke and his face dropped into almost pleading hurt. He wanted to scream – to cry out for one of these dear friends to help him somehow. To keep this woman from hurting him any more.

Juuhachigou was quick to catch his expression, and immediately pulled him toward the door, pushing past Yamucha.

“Hey, Kuririn…” Yamucha’s concerned voice just barely made it to Kuririn’s ears before he found himself out of the building and pulled into the air.

*****

“Okay, Young Man. Just sign your name there and you’re legally married.”

Kuririn clutched the pen in his hand, indecisive. He was scared. Juuhachigou’s name was already written on the certificate. This one stroke would change his life and would seal him as a slave.

“Kuririn-kun.” The light, feminine voice was deceptively calm and sweet. He could feel her grip on his color bone begin to tighten to the point of pain, and her palm, rested like a spider to the small of his back, began to heat up and tingle with energy.

She would kill him if he didn’t submit to her.

And so, hand trembling, the sweet, loving human pressed the tip of the pen to the paper and slowly began the characters of his name. Each stoke brought a fresh wave of pain through his shoulder – a promise of things to come. He could almost feel Juuhachigou’s smile, though he could not see her face.

When he at last set down the pen, he could feel the chains descend around his heart. He struggled to hold back a wave of hopeless tears…

“That’s it,” The man said, smiling. He pulled back the document and stamped it, making it official. “It’s done. Congratulations.”

Feeling sick, Kuririn did not notice that Juuhachigou had leaned down to his ear again, keeping her words just for the two of them.

“We’re married now, Kuririn-kun.” She buzzed sickly sweet into his ear, underlying maliciousness heavy in her tone. “Until death. Aren’t you happy?”

As the man got up to leave the room and file the certificate, Juuhachigou’s hand left his back abruptly, sliding smoothly around his waist and forcefully wrenching his body as close to hers as physically possible, causing Kuririn to inhale sharply.

The message was clear – she owned him now. Mind, spirit, body, and soul. She now had every right to possess him completely.

Juuhachigou’s quiet laughter hissed in his ear.

“You’re mine.” She whispered.

*****

Kuririn was lost.

Juuhachigou’s game was completed. Kuririn was hers – too weak to fight her or to escape her, too lost in his betrayed love for her to hold up under her torment. He became like a ghost.

This woman that he had loved quickly became abusive – any wrong move and her much greater strength would gladly leave bruises across his face and neck. There was little he could do; he was only a human. But it hurt him.

Se played tricks with his mind, confusing him and hurting him. Her game was about control, not pain. She did not wish to kill him, nor even really injure him. What she wanted, almost obsessively, was control. She wished to control Kuririn. To have him obey her. To serve her. To love her. By all terms she wanted a slave.

And she met with little resistance. Because Kuririn did still love her. Somehow, despite her dripping evil and obvious lack of love for him, he managed to hold out on the hope…the hope that maybe…

But it was in vain.

He was isolated, kept from the other Zed senshi. The only people that he saw were Juuhachigou and occasionally her brother, who stopped by from time to time. Juuhachigou did not want him around the others. She was afraid that they would discover what she was doing to him.

*****

It was late at night. The inky black sky shone coldly with twinkling stars, which reflected dimly off the crashing waves as they washed up onto the tiny shore. The sea itself seemed restless and torn. Its unhappy spray of water hissed with displeasure, swirling the churning sand of this particular small island.

Inside the tiny house, the chilling ocean wind could not reach. The cold was shut out into the night, held at bay by a crackling fire that burned brightly in the hearth. Its warmth filled the home with an orange glow that cast shadows. It was so much like the night so long ago – months ago – when Kuririn had proposed to Juuhachigou, unaware of the nightmare that he had begun.

Juuhachigou was sitting on the couch this night as well, only there were stark differences. She was not gently cradling her loved ones head in her lap. No, not tonight.

She held him in her arms – firmly, possessively. He would struggle sometimes, fighting to be free, but her grip would only tighten to restrain him.

When at last he had given up fighting, he lowered his trembling head, breathing heavy from silent weeping.

Smiling to herself in her victory, Juuhachigou petted his damped face, broken with defeat. Her teeth cracked open with self-satisfied evil as she pressed her cheek against his sweet smelling raven hair. She nuzzled against it, enjoying its thickness and silky softness.

His face held anguish – she could see the careworn lines at the edges of his eyes, which had developed so quickly over the past months. Had his eyes not been clinched so tightly together, she would have seen beautiful glistening onyx pools of sorrow.

It was the way that she liked to see his face – bruised, terrified, and broken…

Still smiling, Juuhachigou pulled his face towards her and placed her lips across his in a passionate kiss. She held his chin unbreakable, preventing him from pulling away. He no longer resisted her anymore. Her kisses and caresses caused him pain whether or not he struggled.

When she finally released him, she chuckled again, pulling her milky white fingers through his thick black locks, now dampened with seat caused by so many things – fear and pain …

“Dear little Kuririn-kun…” She breathed, resting her cheek on the top of his head, smiling, pleased with his misery. “What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you happy?” Her mocking voice was meant to hurt. His eyes cracked open slowly like obsidian beads, riddled with internal pain.

She stroked his face, reveling in his helplessness. “What’s wrong with you, dear one? Don’t you love me anymore?”

This blow, aimed at his brokenness, struck the human like a twisting knife in what was left of his loving heart. And he broke down and sobbed, no longer able to hold back the dam of betrayal and abused love. He sobbed.

And Juuhachigou held him like that while he cried, utterly lost. Held him in her arms for the rest of the long night, mocking him, taunting him – breaking down his heart and spirit. Destroying what had once been a beautiful soul, piece by piece.

*****

The following morning was a sad one, dreary and cold as the night before. The wind pushed hard against the solitary building in the center of the small landmass, as if willing that it collapse in its wake. But the tough little structure held firm, creaking slightly in its defiance.

A single figure was seated out beside the waves, watching with little expression as the tide gurgled around his ankles. The rain the night before had brought debris up on the breach, and there were pieces of bristly seaweed all around him, sticking to the pale skin of his bare legs when they came in contact with him.

He leaned back his head to gaze up at the pale sky, cloudless and gray before him. It seemed such a far cry from the beautiful sunset that he had witnessed that fateful day so long ago. The day when he had imagined all of his dreams coming true. The morning before he had been cruelly exposed to the truth – when he had realized that Juuhachigou did not really love him.

He was her toy. An object of affection perhaps. Something to keep her occupied and entertained. But she did not love him as a person.

Even now, though he seemed alone, Kuririn knew that he was not. Juuhachigou keep too close an eye on him. If he were to even stand up to quickly, give any impression of leaving the island, she would have been upon him immediately. He was not allowed to leave the island unless she was with him.

He sighed long and deep, dropping his head. Wordlessly, he buried his head in his hands, covering his face. How he just wanted to fall asleep and never wake up again… He wanted to run. But where could he go even if he were to get away? Juuhachigou was too strong.

Gohon might be able to help, but if he went to them, Juuhachigou might take it into her mind to attack Chichi or baby Goten, who where helpless. He would kill himself if his fault ended in their deaths.

Kuririn was a prisoner.

The human had cried a lot lately. Now though, he felt that he just didn’t have the heart. There was nothing to be done. It was hopeless. Tears…his tears pleased her. He tried so hard not to cry. She liked to make him cry.

He thought of the night before, and he found it hard to bite back the sobs that were still with him. Last night – last night had been hard. He pulled his knees to his chest, so tight that it hurt to breath. It shouldn’t have hurt so much last night – Juuhachigou liked to hold him so close he could barely move. She liked to taunt him and smooth his hair back and pretend that she cared about him.

But it was all a lie. Another part of the game she played with him.

What had hurt so badly last night was the last thing that she had said to him. Those last words had struck at his heart with such force! He still could hear the question now, voiced in that sweet, sweet voice:

“Don’t you love me anymore?”

She had meant to remind him of how she had deceived him and made him believe that she loved him. But it struck deeper than that. Kuririn had loved Juuhachigou with all of his heart – he’d have died for her! Everything in him was in awe of her face and her laugh. He loved her then with everything in him.

And…and he loved her still.

Unbelievable as it seemed, even to himself, there was a part of him that simply would not let go of his hope for Juuhachigou – his love. There were days that he wanted to be able to, and run from her as far as he could. But then, on quiet mornings when he sat here almost alone on the beach and was left to think to himself, mornings like this, he wasn’t sure if he could ever let go of Juuhachigou.

Sighing again, disoriented with questions and riddles, Kuririn kicked off the sand from his feet and stood. He headed back inside. It was late, and Juuhachigou would be up for real soon. She would be hungry, and he was going to fix her breakfast.

Maybe somehow the gesture would please her.

She really does own me, Kuririn’s thoughts drifted out onto the beach as he grasped the latch on the door. He closed his eyes. In my heart, she owns me...

*****

“Aquarius, was born the night,

The shinning star, edith bright a shining light.

Aquarius, was my savior,

It came along, like a blast from out of sight.

And I was weak,

You came along,

Enlightened me, Covered the sun.

You seduced me,

I can never, ever run…

Cause I can only loose.

And I’m Aquarius.

You’re the power that I need to make it all succeed,

Can you hear me call?

Aquarius, is the stardust.

It kills the faith,

And the only one I trust.

It calls your name,

And you listen.

It steals your soul,

And you hunger in your lust –

For life.

And being free.

It’s dragging you,

It’s killing me.

You seduced me,

I can never, ever run.

Cause I can only loose (You’re words I can’t refuse).

And I’m Aquarius.

You’re the power that I need to make it all succeed.

Can you hear me call?

I wish the stars would turn you in,

And leave me standing in the wind.

I wish the Devil, gave you up

And all the snow would melt and stop.

As I sit, I can run away.

You’re the joy in my life,

Can you hear me say…

I can only loose.

And I’m Aquarius.

You’re the power that I need to make it all succeed,

Can you hear me call?”

(“Aquarius” Aqua)

*****

Sizzling filled the kitchen as Kuririn turned on the burner over the stove and poured the grease into the pan. It hissed almost angrily, and the small, subdued human worked quietly beside it. He pulled up his sleeves and opened the cabinet to retrieve a bag of rice.

Cutting up a piece of chicken and adding it to the mixture, he stirred the rice in and added enough sauce for flavor. It was simple, but he felt Juuhachigou would be pleased to get it one way or the other. He would take his small gifts like these with a smug smile, disregarding or perhaps not seeing the love was still behind them.

It didn’t matter.

Kuririn worked steadily, and pulled out a plate for Juuhachigou from over head. He would eat later, off to himself if she allowed it.

He was just pushing the fried rice and chicken onto the platter, when a noise suddenly made him jump. Laying down the pan, he stared at the wall to his left, almost shocked. The phone was ringing. Kuririn almost wasn’t sure he should pick it up, but Juuhachigou was still asleep. And so with only a moments hesitation, he padded over the phone and nervously lifted the receiver.

It took him two tries to get out a greeting. “H-hello?”

“Kuririn, Man!” The voice on the other end was ecstatic and loud to his ears. Kuririn couldn’t help but glance quickly over his shoulder, as if expecting Juuhachigou to wake.

He waited in the silence for a moment, and then said cautiously. “Y-yamucha?”

Though Kuririn was unable to see him, at the end of the line, the tall, scarred young man was smiling in relief. “Hey, Buddy. How are you getting along? Haven’t see ya since you were married.”

Another quiet pause on indecision. Then a rather hesitant, “I’m fine, Yamucha…”

Yamucha laughed nervously at the end of the line. “Yeah, I figured so.” His voice seemed uncharacteristically somber all of a sudden. “I know it must sound silly, but you had me a little worried that day at the wedding, Kuririn. You looked…a little panicked. I was worried there might be something wrong.”

Kuririn clutched the plastic exterior of the phone so tightly that he felt sure it would crack under the pressure. His face was pursed. So, someone had seen his face before he had left. He had wondered if anyone… And Yamucha was here now, just on the other end of the line. All he had to do was tell him – to beg for his help while he had the chance. There might not be another opportunity…

“Yamucha, I-I…” Kuririn found himself stuttering almost before he knew that he had opened his mouth. It made him realize how desperate he was… His hands were shaking, and a bead of sweat rolled unchecked down his face.

On the other line, Yamucha must have heard the lost tone in his voice, because suddenly he sounded worried again. “Buddy?”

Kuririn swallowed hard. So effortless. All it would take is one word. All he had to do was say the word “help” and Yamucha would know there was something wrong. He would get the others. Almost of its own accord, his lips parted to voice his plea.

He never got out the word.

In that moment, just as he was about to speak, there was a sudden pressure around Kuririn’s jugular, like fingers closing around his windpipe. A merciless arm curled fiercely around his waist, almost yanking his feet from the ground it tightened so quickly and so violently. He barely had enough time for a gasping cry before he could no longer breath or speak.

Juuhachigou’s face was pressed firmly against his, her eyes blazing. “What do you think you’re doing, filth?” She hissed venomously into his ear. Her words were thick with murderous intent.

“Kuririn? Kuririn, what’s going on?” Yamucha’s voice had become confused.

“Answer him!” Juuhachigou’s fingers loosened ever so slightly, releasing him to talk. Her arm jerked him painfully around the waist, warning him – challenging him to dare let out any indication of his hurt.

Petrified and trembling uncontrollable, Kuririn gasped, trying to suppress his whimper of terror. “I-I’m here…Yamucha.” He managed to say weakly.

“Kuririn, what’s going on? Is something wrong? You cut off for a minute, and now you sound sick. Do you need me to come over…”

“No!” Kuririn’s abrupt answer was spurred by another sharp pain shooting through his abdomen. He struggled to keep his voice level, struggled not to cry. “N-no. I’m fine. Just tired. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

Seeing Juuhachigou’s glare, Kuririn managed to scrap up the pretense to form a laugh from somewhere. “I’m fine, Yamucha. Maybe I’ll see you some other time, okay?”

Yamucha was quiet. “You’re sure?” He finally said, uncertainly.

Kuririn . “O-of course,”

“Alright then, I guess I’ll see you later, buddy.”

Kuririn nodded through tears. “Sure. Bye, Yamucha.”

No sooner did the soft click of his friend hanging up echo in his ears, Juuhachigou ripped the receiver away from his hand and threw him to the ground madly. Her slammed the phone back into its cradle and rounded on him with such wrath that he could not help but cower. Her face was more livid than he had ever seen it.

“You filth!” She exclaimed passionately, her gorgeous features contorted almost unrecognizably.

Her eyes blazed an infuriated red as she came forward the few steps to where he crouched on the floor. His eyes widened in fear as her chest heave, her breath hissing between her teeth. With startling abruptness, her hand shot out for him and her fingers dug deep into his shoulder.

Kuririn cried out as her grip tightened, drawing blood as her perfect nails buried themselves in his flesh. She wrenched him up from the ground so that his face was only inches from hers, and bore her icy crystals through his head.

“Now you listen to me, Kuririn!” Her voice was low and enraged. “You very nearly destroyed everything today with that stupid phone call of your. I should kill you!”

She seemed almost itching to do just that. Her face twitched eagerly, begging for a reason.

Kuririn’s face was set ridged with terror. He had never seen her like this, never been so afraid of her. She was so much like some kind of demoness who wished to destroy him…

“P-please, J-juu – “ Kuririn tried to stutter.

Before he could even finish her name, Juuhachigou stuck him hard across his face, drawing blood and efficiently silencing him.

“Shut up!” She snapped at him, “Just keep your mouth shut, you fool! I should kill you!”

But she didn’t, and settled instead for releasing him angrily, throwing him backwards into the side of the wall. He slide down to the floor with a grunt, sticky crimson blood flowing smoothly into his eyes. When he lifted his head, she was standing over him quietly.

It was almost more frightening to see her still and silent. She gazed down on him disgustedly, but seemed to have resisted the urge to kill him. She pointed to his face, her lip curling.

“If I ever see you near that phone again, I will make sure that you wish you were dead, do you understand?” She hissed at him.

Weakly, Kuririn nodded. He hurt.

*****

Moonlight poured into the upstairs window, spreading the loose curtains and sliding across the floor to bath a sparsely furnished room and simple bed. It was a silent night – utterly soundless. Even the pale stars seemed lethargic and sorrowful.

Inside of the room were two people, one male and the other female. One, the woman, lay beneath the covers already asleep, her soft steady breathing enunciated by the lack of any other sound. She seemed almost peaceful as she slept, one arm spread at ease over her head on the pillow.

Beside her, the young man was not asleep. He sat up amidst the sheets, watching her quietly in the soft lighting. His hands were folded quietly in his lap, and his eyes were somehow very sad looking. Dark purplish bruises had since risen to his face, though the blood had been washed away.

Kuririn remained seated that way in the darkness for a long time, quietly watching over this woman he had been so afraid of earlier. Her anger had left her quickly enough, and she spoke not one word to him for the rest of the day. She hadn’t even touched him.

She was curious that way, sometimes, becoming explosively violent at only a small misdemeanor, or even for nothing at all. And yet she did little in the face of such larger crimes as he felt he had committed by answering the phone. It was puzzling, but Kuririn could not explain it. He could only imagine it to be just another of her strange, twisted rules in her game.

Still, she had terrified him that day. Her icy silence had kept him on pins and needles until she had at last gone to sleep. He had jumped at every sound, fearful of a sudden frenzied attack.

Maybe his fear had been Juuhachigou’s intention. He wasn’t sure.

Fingers twitching hesitantly, Kuririn carefully reached across the smooth blanket and laced his smaller, rougher fingers in Juuhachigou’s. With his thumb, he rubbed against her fair skin tenderly, careful to keep the touch feather light.

He liked these moments of quiet when Juuhachigou slept. Her face always looked so calm and contented when she was asleep, and there were times when he had sat up all night, trying to forget the cruelty of the day and see her only as she was in his dreams. He could do that during the darkness of the night.

Tonight he was not left to imagine what things might have been like, for his mind was cluttered and lost. So close. He had come to close to what might have been freedom. He’d almost done it, and run from her, which was something that he hadn’t been sure that he was capable of.

Could he run from Juuhachigou?

Closing his eyes, Kuririn breathed deeply, and looked down into the face of the woman whom had held him captive in so many ways for months. Who had deceived him and abused him. Taken advantage of him, and ruthlessly sought to tear apart his heart.

“I love you.” He whispered to her, and kissed her fingers softly.

Then he placed her hand back at her side and slipped out of the bed. His feet were bare and still on the wooden floor beneath their bed, and Juuhachigou did not stir as he made his way to the door and cracked it open. He stole a glance back at her as he slipped out, wishing more than anything that she and him could have lived his dream together…

Closing the door quietly behind him, Kuririn crept down the black hallway and down the steps. The cold tile of the kitchen on his feet was both welcoming refreshment to his spirit, and a chill to his spine. He almost slipped and fell on his way to the phone when his feet suddenly lurched under a small puddle of sticky fluid.

Looking down at his foot in the medium darkness, Kuririn could see that it was the blood that he had spilled earlier that morning when Juuhachigou had thrown him to the floor.

It only made him more sure of his decision. He had to get help.

Trembling, Kuririn picked up the receiver and carefully punched in the number of his friend, praying that he would be in his own home that night and that he would pick up the ringing phone. The poor, shuddering human almost began to cry as he heard the line ring endlessly.

And then there was a catch, and a misty, sleepy, “Hello?”

Kuririn let out the stream of air he had been holding in his lungs, relieved. “Yamucha. It’s Kuririn.” He whispered.

“Kuririn!” The voice at the other end had lost its drowsiness. “Man, are you alright? Why are you calling so late?”

The human at the other end clutched the phone hard, almost dropping it from his shaking hands. When he finally had found the strength to speak, his voice revealed his fear and desperation.

“Y-yamucha, I need your help...”

*****

In the living room of the Kame House, large open windows allowed in a fresh stream of damp night air, filtering the salty scent and spreading it throughout the house. It was cold even inside tonight. The fire lay in a heap of burnt charcoal and rotted wood.

Kuririn was in this room, seated just at the edge of the couch as he waited. He was nervous, strung up far too tightly to relax. He prayed that his friends would arrive soon to help him, before something went wrong, or before he changed his mind and the thoughts of never seeing Juuhachigou again became too much for him to bear.

He had no plan. He had only been able to beg Yamucha to help him, and to try to explain that he was Juuhachigou’s prisoner. He was afraid to talk too long, in case Juuhachigou might hear him and wake up. But he had said enough. His friends…he trusted them to think of something.

Kuririn would be free.

In a matter of speaking.

Deep in his heart, Kuririn knew that even if he never saw Juuhachigou again, and even if he got off this island forever, he could never forget her and what she had done to him. She was…his wife. And his heart was bound to hers, forever. He could never escape her in that way.

But he was beginning to realize that he dreams where child’s folly. He had been a fool. Juuhachigou wasn’t going to love him if he stayed here with her until he died. There was no choice but to leave. At least then there was hope…

There was a flicker in his somber eye with that thought. It was the only real fragment of a plan that he had. And sadly it was all that he was capable of. Maybe it would show her…maybe…

“Kuririn.”

Kuririn jumped at his name, startled and angst. He spun around in his seat, only to find the silent ghost that was Juuhachigou was standing right beside him. She gazed down on him with almost milky blue eyes in the lighting, but she was not angry.

“Why did you leave? I thought you would be tired.”

Her perfect hand descended to his head, fingers pulling through his thick hair. It was times like this when Juuhachigou was quiet that were so confusing. Her gesture seemed genuinely affectionate.

Kuririn could only stare at her, onyx eyes brimming. Looking up at her now, he almost wanted to say he was sorry for what was about to happen. She was not supposed to have been awake yet, but he supposed that it didn’t matter. He could only continue to look at her, silently.

It was his only opportunity to make a move of his own in their intricate game.

Juuhachigou held his gaze for a long moment, as if reading his mind. She seemed puzzled, and was opening her mouth to speak when there came an abrupt knock on the door. It started soft, but then grew louder as no answer came. A pair of male voices could be heard faintly calling from outside the door.

Kuririn turned toward the door dully, his eyes sad. Juuhachigou had also turned, and even in the dark, Kuririn could see her brow furrow dangerously as she realized what had happened. With a look of shocked betrayal, the cyborg woman whipped her head around to glare at Kuririn incredulously.

“What have you done?” She cried.

The knocking was louder, and Kuririn wondered how long it would be before his friends torn down the thin wooden door. He looked at Juuhachigou squarely, and so sadly.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered to her. “But it’s the only move that I have left.”

Uncomprehending, Juuhachigou gave a cry of fury and her fingers in his hair clinched. She yanked him upwards in her grip and with no other way to go, dragged the willing Kuririn toward the door. He did not even bother to try and pull away.

The pair had just reached the hallway when the door suddenly blew in off of its hinges. A young, tight-faced boy was standing palm up just outside it. Gohon. It was a wise decision to bring him. He was stronger than Juuhachigou.

Yamucha stood just behind the boy, and both were dressed hastily. They were confused and apprehensions, not entirely sure what they should expect once they found their friend, nor even if he were in any immediate danger.

They didn’t have to look far for him.

Juuhachigou stood before the door, glowing like some celestial fairy as her energy built and glittered about her. Her long golden hair fluttered in the fluctuation of her power, ready to defend what she considered her own. In her hand she still held Kuririn like iron, and the sad human remained still.

The faces of his friends when she saw him were something between fear and horror. The way that Juuhachigou kept hold of was enough to sear their imagination… But they could do little while she held him, and as she walked forward, out onto the beach, they were forced to retreat.

“Let go of Kuririn, Juuhachigou!” Yamucha demanded, but the strength was lost in his statement.

Gohon now had both hands in front of him, and energy crackled in a powerful bluff. The boy was at a loss. His best friend was being held captive by the woman he had loved and married. He didn’t understand.

Juuhachigou's face had lost none of its venom, and her reponse to these two intruders in her home was to pull Kuririn closer to her, one deadly hand curling around the base of his neck. Her hand was hot with her power.

“I’ll kill him.” She hissed at the two humans.

Kuririn looked up at her, and a tear coursed down his face. “Would you really?” He whispered to her softly.

Juuhachigou seemed surprised that he had spoken, and turned to look down at him with malice. “This is your fault,” She cried, eyes blazing. “You’ve ruined everything!”

The small human shook his head.

“Let go of him!” Gohon spoke now, his boyish voice catching a high note under the tension. “Let him go or I’ll open fire!”

Juuhachigou laughed at the boy’s words. “You wouldn’t dare. You might hit dear little Kuririn.” She clutched Kuririn closer to her body, almost desperately. “You wouldn’t chance hitting him, would you?”

Gohon clinched his teeth, but did not speak. His eyes remained deadly serious, and his hands had not left their position in the air where they still crackled with a pale yellow light. “Let him loose now.”

Grinning her jackal grin, the cyborg woman shook her head. The challenge was clear. “Take him from me, brat.”

With a sudden, unexpected burst of lighting like ki, Gohon’s powerful beam reached its maximum, and to the surprise of everyone, shot out of his palms and toward Juuhachigou and the captive Kuririn. The cyborg’s eyes widened in shock as she realized what was happening, and that the wide yellow beam was indeed heading for her – and more distinctly – for Kuririn.

It will kill him! Her mind erupted.

And in that still, impossibly slowed moment as the beam approached, Juuhachigou released Kuririn’s collar, and shoved him to the ground. There was only seconds left in which she too jumped to the side, and out of harms way.

The house behind them took the fullness of the blast, and there was an explosion that shook the whole island. While the smoke slowly cleared, Kuririn found himself to be unhurt, and sat up slowly on the seared sand.

Gohon’s eyes were big, as if he himself had not realized what he had done, and how close that he had come to taking two lives. Yamucha had fallen back on his rear end, and sat blinking rapidly, unsure of what had happened. His eyes found Kuririn with relief, and he recovered enough to push himself up and pull Kuririn to his feet.

“Are you alright?” He asked, concerned. His dark eyes seemed to linger on the obvious abrasions visible on his face and eyes.

Kuririn nodded absently, but his thoughts and focus was elsewhere. His eyes were concentrated on the figure to the left of the island, crouched down and silent. She seemed almost shell shocked.

“Juu-chan.” Kuririn whispered her name.

Knocked out of his stupor, Gohon turned toward her, his hands poised. He began to power up again, daring her to move.

But Juuhachigou didn’t move. She stayed absolutely still, breathing in and out in and out, heavily. She looked at the spot where her home had been for a long moment, and then turned one eye, cocking it to look steadily at Kuririn.

There was recognition of something dawning in her eyes as she gazed at him.

Gohon’s voice raised into a cry as his new beam reached completion. This one was stronger, and his close encounter with hitting his friend had served to fuel anger into his blast. He intended to damage her badly. Even kill her. His father would not have allowed such people to live – not after what she had done to Kuririn…

Juuhachigou was motionless in the light of his glowing power. She seemed resigned, as if she had suffered some terrible loss and could not bear to recover from the fall. Only one other person on the beach knew how suddenly her game had ended.

Gohon cried out one final time, almost prepared to fire…

“Stop, Gohon.”

The voice was so soft that the boy almost didn’t hear it, and when he turned he was even more surprised to find that Kuririn had come to his side. The short man put his hand on his arm, willing him to power down the blast. Incredulous, the boy obeyed.

Kuririn stood thinner and sadder than he had a year earlier. His eyes seemed full of dark memories that left haunted lines across his young face. But there was something else in his face besides sorrow. Something opposite, and his eyes were only on Juuhachigou.

The young woman met his eyes in surprise. Even now she did not understand.

“I love you.” Kuririn said softly to her, face tender and caring.

Do you understand now, Juuhachigou? Can’t you hear what I’m trying to tell you?

I love you.

Even now.

Juuhachigou’s eyes widened as he watched, and for the moment hope flared in his heart. He could see the pieces coming together behind her eyes, and for just the briefest moment, he was sure that he spotted moistness glistening at the edge of her eyes.

And then she was gone.

She burst off into the sky, lost in the distance until Kuririn could no longer see her…

*****

It was morning, new but with a kind of pale dimness attacked to it. The wind is shallow and the clouds sparse in the pinkish atmosphere. Dewdrops clung longer to the plants than usual, though the air seemed to hold a secure warmth. Even the morning seems to be healing.

Seated in the grass outside of a large facility called capsule corp., and young man sits meditatively. He was far from the sand and the therapeutic ocean that he loved so much, but the shadow trees and thick grass were no unpleasant recesses among which to think.

He didn’t realize that he was not alone. Nor that the shade of the trees surrounding him served to shield a quiet observer from his sight. He would never know that the young woman was ever there, watching him.

She was perched lightly on the edge of one of the tree’s great branches, crystal blue eyes focused icily on the small human below her. Her eyes follow his calm, peaceful face and over his dark hair and eyes. As she continues to stare at him, her face softens.

I couldn’t let him die. Juuhachigou thinks to herself, and she breathes in a long breath.

No one had been more surprised by her actions than she had, when she had realized Kuririn that last day at their home. In that spit second, she had realized that she could never allow his death. She had realized that he meant something to her.

Kuririn had not seemed like a toy to her in that moment.

She watches him for a moment longer, noting that the bruises she had created had faded and almost left him. He was healing. Soon it might be hard to tell what he had undergone at her hands. She felt it was unlikely he would share the experience with even his friends… In a matter of weeks, she might be forgotten, and put aside like an old nightmare.

And yet.

Juuhachigou knew that she could never be forgotten. Not by Kuririn, and not only because of the hurt and the pain she had caused him, either. No, he would not forget her for a different reason, one that he had managed to show her in the last moment that she had seen him.

Kuririn loved her.

He had chosen to risk it all – his life and his happiness – just to try and get across that simple message. He had gambled for a new chance for them both.

Juuhachigou knew that his “I love you” was meant from the bottom of his heart. Nothing she could ever do would change it. She felt blind for overlooking something so important. Maybe if she had noticed before the wedding – maybe things could have been different and she wouldn’t have hurt him.

Guilt was a new emotion for Juuhachigou.

But guilt did not eat away at her, leaving her to mourn what she had lost forever. No, no. Kuririn had given her one last gift in his exclamation of love. One last thing. An invitation. An invitation that told her, when she was ready to love, to start over, that he would be there, waiting for her.

Kuririn sits up slowly from where he had been resting on the soft grass. He yawns and stands, turning his face upward to the sky. Even from her position in the tree, Juuhachigou sees that he is smiling to the clouds.

He had hope too.

Turning to go, Juuhachigou gave her loved one last departing look. She wished she could go to him now. Whispered on the wind, knowing that he could not hear her, she said,

“I love you...”

~fin~

___________________________________________________________________________

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