*I sigh and sink further in, not making any eye contact with you, letting my eyes wander around the rest of the room, hoping I’d become fully submerged into the water and drown in order to end the tension that was currently between us*

Hiroto: *No response came from me, understanding your pain, your frustration, your anger. I want so badly to hold you and shout a million apologies hoping it would ease the pain, but I knew it wouldn’t…* Please… I understand what it’s like to have something you love taken away from you… but you must understand us as well! Without you, we will all die. Your sacrifice will save lives.

///

Uruha: *I looked away from you and sunk all the way under the warm water, letting it consume me as I let my feelings consume me too. Letting the guilt, anger and regret fill me. I didn’t feel you move, knowing you were upset with me and at yourself, with everything really, making me stay under the water even longer*

*I looked up at him, seeing his sorrow and his pain, knowing he didn’t want to do this but had to to live, to survive. I held my head and crawled towards him, curling up in his lap. I spoke gently, not even wanting to think about Shou and desperately trying to keep Ruki from my mind; knowing that I will never see him again* Take it… take my life, Hiroto-san. I want you to live… do not share with Shou. He deserves to die… *I tried incredibly hard not to cry as I spoke, knowing that this was the end, knowing there was no way out. I called out, saying goodbye, my final call to Ruki, knowing he wouldn’t hear it anyways* ‘Goodbye Ruki-sama…. I love you…. and I will love you through living… and through dying… farewell..’

*I speak more sternly this time, wanting baldy for you to stop worrying about my well-being* Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine, just a bit tired… *I slide out of your embrace and move to the other side of the tub, crossing my arms in front of my chest and pouting, though it was hard to keep the expression of unamusement when you stared back at me with such sad, yet genuine eyes*

Shou: *I grunt and turn away, trying to pretend that I didn’t care that you were bleeding out on the floor, pretending not to care whether you lived or died..*] Hiroto: *I stare in complete shock for a moment, then rush quickly to your side and pulling you into my arms, not knowing what to do, just wanting the blood to stop* Oh… oh dear… I’m so sorry, I… I didn’t want this to happen…

///

Uruha: *I watch you move, my heart aching as you pull away. I bite my lip and sink further into the water; just so my nose is above the surface. My eyes remain on you, still concerned, but trying not to be a bother. I stay silent, the field still held around us, waiting for you to move or speak first, my heart gently breaking*

*I glare at him, my voice angry and hurt as I push myself away from him, not believing his words* this is exactly what you wanted to happen. *I use this moment to guilt Hiroto, knowing that Shou is listening too as I hold my head in pain* Don’t give me what shit that you “didn’t want this to happen”. You were going to kill me anyways… why the fuck should it matter to you? *I let my eyes fall closed, beginning to speak to myself* I was such an awful person towards Ruki…. that’s not how I wanted to say goodbye… *I slowly try to call out to him with my thoughts, knowing it will not work…* ‘Ruki…. Ruki… please…….’

*I start to remember the way Kai tried to clear my head of all the bad memories, feeling my thoughts and feelings slowly slip away from me. No matter how negative those emotions were, I still hated it. I pull my head away from your hands and nuzzle into your neck, shifting my body and curling into your lap* I’ll be fine, honest… I just need rest.

Shou: *Your sudden bravery leaves me almost speechless, as I let the anger boil through my veins. I approach you and wrap my fingers roughly around your throat, pulling you close enough so you see the fury burning in my eyes* Don’t. Ever. Speak. To. Me. That. Way. EVER! *Blinded by rage, I lose control and  throw your head hard against the ground, hearing Hiroto’s scared whimpers from behind*

///

Uruha: you’re sure…? *your sudden movements made me nervous, my arms wrapping around you tight* sweetheart, what is wrong? Talk to me. I want to help you. *my wet hand ran through your hair, getting it wet gently as I kissed your cheek. My thoughts began to race, resting my cheek on your head. I stayed still, letting you speak, letting you do anything you wished, just wanting you to feel safe and relaxed once again* please sweetheart…

*I scream at the sudden pain, growling as I snapped back to my normal self; looking at Hiroto as I felt blood pour from my head. I was determined to do anything to get back to Ruki and Shou was NOT going to stop me. My voice was soft and teasing, trying to hide the intense pain filling my body* who the fuck do you think you are…? You are no god. You are no saint. You will NEVER make me do anything under your command. I will never submit to you. *my eyes remained on Hiroto, a single tear falling*

*I released a shaky sigh, shivering as I removed my coat and pulling my shirt over my head, the lukewarm air of the house entrapping my icy skin. I kick off my shoes and slide out of my jeans, hugging myself as I make my way toward the bathroom. Once I approach the tub, I undo my bra and let it slide down my shoulders, then pull my underwear down and I step into the steamy water, letting my body relax into the bath, trying my best to relieve my head of any stress, trying to let Kai’s insults toward my close friend exit my mind*

Hiroto: N-no! *I couldn’t stop myself from plunging the knife through my master’s gut. I stared down at my hand, stunned at what I had done, at what she made me do* M-master…] Shou: *I was caught off guard by the knife that drove straight through my stomach, gasping once I felt the weapon pierce through me from behind. After a moment, I sigh and slowly pull the knife out of my back, wincing once the dagger was fully out of me and in my hand* So this is your great plan… You try to kill me?! *Out of anger, I throw the knife towards you, watching it stick accurately on the wall, missing your head, but only barely*

///

Uruha: *I took off my clothes, not eager to get in the water to be against your body; but to be with you and to surround us in silence and peace. I slipped in next to you and pulled you close, the warm water enveloping me as I let my eyes fall closed. I shivered as the water stopped moving, keeping my arms around you, pulling you against me* Relax… nothing can hurt us now… I promise. *I then let a field of energy grow around me, creating a gentle silence; letting us be alone and finally in peace. My voice carried through the silence; soft and comforting* please… relax… clear your mind… or do I have to clear it for you? *my hands gently moved to rest on the sides of your head* Hmm…?

*I barely even moved, my eyes glaring at Shou. I kept my teeth tight together, speaking harshly as I stepped towards him, Ruki overflowing in my mind* Let. Me. GO. *I approached him and raised my hands to control him, my eyes covered in black. I growled and looked up into his eyes* Do not make me take your life for something so STUPID! *I pushed my hands to his chest, making him hit the wall* 

I’ll never leave… not now, not ever. *I fight back the tears that desperately try to escape, clinging to you as if you were the last bit of hope I have left, never wanting to lose you. I finally break the silence, pressing my face gently against your neck* Can we go inside…? It’s cold… I hate it.] Reita: *I reacted angrily to Aoi’s words, placing Ruki down and rushing up to him, pinning him against the wall with my forearm against his throat* No!! We can find them… there has to be another way!!! This can’t be the end…

Hiroto: *I winced as you shouted at me, feeling your rage fuel you even more. I sighed, and responded as gently as I could* Please… I don’t want to hurt you… none of us do. But, your power will be able to fuel us. Without it, we’ll die. We need power to live. I’m sorry… I wish there was another way, but… *I turn away and bite my lip, before returning my gaze to you* It’ll be over soon, I promise…

///

Uruha: *he nodded and quickly lifted you up, holding you close as he took you back to the room and placing you on the bed* Undress. I will start a bath for us, then we can just relax. I will lock the doors and use a force field to make sure that we cannot hear any of the hellish chaos that seems to constantly plague us.  *he disappeared into the bathroom and turned on the water, stripping down to his boxers and coming back to you, going to help you undress* come now. You need this.

*I keep a tight hold on you, not letting you move as I look at Shou as tears fill my eyes, turning back at you, shaking my head in denial* No…. no, I am not going to die for you! You are both nothing but parasites that feed on others! NO! *I scream as my tears fall and move my hands, still controlling your body as I make you stand and grab a knife. I move to the side and twist my hands, making you run towards and attack Shou with the knife* YOU CAN BOTH ROT IN HELL!

*The silence, which was usually so painful, now comforted me while relaxing in your embrace. The peace surrounded us and I succumbed to it, my entire body relaxing while it resting against yours, feeling completely safe, like nothing could harm me or tear me away from you*] Aoi: *shoots around and follows you hastily to the glass corridor, deftly knocking down the door to see the cloud of darkness disappear and remorse written all over Reita and Ruki’s faces* What… what happened?] Reita: *It took me a while to take in all that had happened. The betrayel, the harsh words I spat in Keiko’s face, watching her being taken away from us.. reality hits me hard as I realize Ruki is sobbing in my arms, and that Kai and Aoi were with us, frantically searching for answers* She’s… she’s gone…

Shou: *groans and tosses you to the floor, tired of your migrane-inducing screams. I shout orders at Hiroto angrily* Tie her up! And make sure she doesn’t try to escape!] Hiroto: *gives a quick nod and shuffles over to grab the ropes, doubling back towards you and begins binding your wrists and ankles tight, but hoping it wasn’t too tight* I-I’m sorry… Did I hurt you…?

///

Uruha: *my words were soft and gentle, repeating them over and over, a feeling of absolute desperation sitting in my stomach. I needed this to end, I needed to make the love of my life happy and happy forever. I kept the field up, wanting no distractions, no interruptions, nothing. I pulled you away from me, cupping your face in my hands as I looked into your eyes. My eyes overflowed with tears as I looked at yours; so lifeless, so dark and so depressed. I gripped your cheeks tighter, trying to speak as I did. My voice broke, causing me to restart my sentence a few times* Chihiro… I… I have no idea… I can’t….. *I gathered myself quickly and spoke softly, in an almost inaudible whisper* I love you. More than life itself. If you were to ever leave me, I would be an empty person, unable to continue in life… *I paused, letting out a small sob as I pushed myself to continue* If you left… I would most certainly be dead with due time. *my last words escaped with no noise, only moving my lips* I love you…] Aoi: *he looked over the two on the floor; Reita’s arms tight around Ruki as he sobbed. He felt Ruki’s sadness, his pain and his sorrow. He took a few steps forward, towards the place where the monsters that took her had been standing. He reached forward and picked up the crystal necklace that had been given to her, that she always wore around her neck. He turned and offered it to Ruki, speaking in a low and solemn voice* I cannot sense them… anywhere…

*I let my head hang, still sobbing silently as the image of Ruki’s face continued to burn itself into my mind. I heard Shou behind me, every noise he mad infuriated me more, the tight knot Hiroto made around my ankle finally made me snap. I screamed in pure agony and stood from my seat, raising my hands in the air as I faced Hiroto. I slowly lowered my hands, watching him slowly sink to his knees. He couldn’t move on his own, my power was overtaking his, controlling his body and making him my puppet. I kept him knelt on his hands and knees as I turned back to Shou; my voice demanding and vengeful as more tears fell* Release me… NOW!

*I sink further into your arms, feeling as if it’s now the safest place I’ve ever known. The tears I tried to hold back started to fall as I buried my face deep into your chest and bawled heavily, not out of sadness, but out of anger towards myself for being so selfish and wanting to die, even after you’ve done so much to keep me alive and by your side* I… I’m… *I struggled to get the words out that were muffled by my sobs* I’m s-so sorry… I-I’m a terrible p-person…] Aoi: *narrows my eyes at what you were about to say* Control your anger. It won’t help us at all. *scowls and turns away, shutting my eyes and trying hard to get in contact with Keiko, yet something blocked my connection to her* I… I can’t sense her… it’s like someone’s keeping me from contacting her… *my eyes shoot open in fear* Someone strong.

Shou: *growls* Enough of this emotional nonsense… Keiko! *angrily pulls you to your feet and holds your waist against me* We’re leaving! And if you even try to follow us, you will breathe your last breath. *yanks Hiroto roughly by his collor and covers us in the shadows, slowly vanishing from the corridor, the last thing I see being the smaller boy’s tears and the one holding him reaching out an arm for Keiko, the fear so obviously written all over his face*

///

Uruha: *I hold you close, not caring about the cold wind against my back or the snow hitting my face. I hold you tight in my arms, not wanting to release you. I hear the commotion inside the house, gripping you tighter as I breath in, creating a large field around us. The field makes everything silent, snow no longer hitting us, the wind having stopped; just us. Together. In absolute silence*] Kai: *I nod at Aoi’s words, trying to control myself from getting angry, not needing to turn into the monster that I usually become. I release a deep breath, looking down the hall then turning to run* she’s in the glass corridor. Come on. We need to hurry! *I begin running down the hall towards the corridor*

*I scream as you pull us away, my mind finally snapping back as I try to get back to Ruki. Everything hits me hard as my screams echo through the hall. I grip your shirt and try to push myself away* No! Let me go! Reita! RUKI! NO! *I feel my blood running over my arms and down my face, feeling the space and the separation between us grow and finally tear apart; leaving nothing left but pain and loneliness. I whisper softly, torn and devastated* no… *my eyes become blank and my body motionless as it remains still against Shou’s side*

*it was amazing how you could see straight through my guise; able to see how broken, angry, and terrified I really was under my strong appearance. I averted my eyes away from your gaze, staring down at my clenched fist as my quivering lips uttered softly* That night… when you changed me… Why didn’t you just kill me… why didn’t you just let me die…? *my voice begins to crack as warm tears start to trickle down my cold cheeks, my clenched fist now shaking* I rather be dead than endure all of this any longer…] Aoi: *I rush through the hallways and find you shouting and slamming your fist into the wall. I join you by your side as fast as I can, and place my hand on your shoulder* Where’s Keiko?! She may be in danger! I can feel it…

Reita: *I watched Ruki, broken and scared, cower closer to me as Keiko ripped him apart with her words. Furiously, I kicked Keiko away, not even caring whether I harmed her or not* You call him pathetic? After everything we’ve been through? After everything he’s done to protect you?! Just look at yourself, Keiko!! You’re pathetic! You’ve betrayed us, and everything we had! You’ve thrown away love for power. And now, you’ll face the consequences… *I reach down and gently pick up Ruki, holding him in my arms as I give you one last cold glare* I’m done with you…

///

Uruha: *I shake my head, becoming angry with you. I move and hold your face firmly in my hands, looking you directly in the eyes, almost having had enough of you and your depression* Chihiro! I have had just about enough of this! *my voice softens as I quickly embrace you so you cannot see the tears streaming down my cheeks* I love you. I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOU….. THAT is why I didn’t kill you. I need you in my life, I need you by my side and I need you to be here to go through life with me. Without you… I don’t know what I would do. And I am not just saying that… *I cannot help but let a small sob escape my lips* I truly and wholeheartedly mean that…] Kai: that stupid bit—- *I stop myself and growl, trying to watch myself around him when talking about Keiko* she got herself into another mess… *I begin running towards the glass hallway* maybe you can fix her…

*his words strike me, knocking me down slightly, making me pause. My mouth opens gently as I breath, staring at the ground, my eyes slowly trailing back up to him, watching him carry Ruki away. I feel Ruki move further away from me; feeling the space between us growing makes my legs weak. They shake as I step forward, a hand reaching out towards them. As I put weight on my leg, it gives out, making me fall to my knees. I watch them, the pain growing as he not only leaves me physically, but also emotionally. I can feel them cutting their ties with me, leaving me alone and forgotten. I look down at my hands and notice them bleeding; as if the emotional wounds were so great that they cut through my skin. I look back up at them, a thin stream of blood running down my cheek from my eye. My voice is soft and broken, never having felt this kind of devastation before.. never having felt this absolutely alone~ w… wait.. please…. don’t leave me…. here.. all alone……. *I feel another stream of blood run from my now blackened eyes* please!

Uruha: *I am a bit stunned by your resentment towards Keiko, but I shake it off and simply nod* Alright. I’ll try and keep her distracted while you guys handle it… *I squeeze his shoulder once and turn back to Chihiro, who sat still in the snow, not moving an inch*] *my mind went completely blank after hearing it all. I heard what Kai said about my closest friend. Every word. And though my anger boiled within me, I couldn’t help but wonder why she was doing this again. I redirect my gaze to Kou, who stood over me, watching as I was lost in thought. No longer having any desire to stay out here, I told him softly* I want to go back inside…

Reita: *my head shoots back to Keiko, my lips sealed tight. I stayed as silent as a mouse, holding Ruki closer to me, wrapping my arms around him protectively*] Hiroto: *curiously, I looked out into the snow, seeing a figure standing over a young girl with black hair falling off her shoulders and down her arms. Another dark figure quickly moved inside the house, and I knew immediately what he had done* He’s… calling for help…

///

Uruha: *it overwhelmed me. Seeing the desperation, confusion and anger in your eyes. Even though you tried your hardest to hide it, I saw right through you. My lips trembled as I tried to search for the perfect words to say, the words that would make you feel like everything would be okay, like nothing was wrong, like you didn’t have to worry….. but I couldn’t. No such comforting words even traced my lips. No words at all. All I could do was fall to my knees and put my hands on your shoulders. I looked into your eyes, trying to stay strong for you; trying to incredibly hard*] Kai: *I growled and tore my way through the hallways of Ruki’s elaborate house, slamming my fists on the wall and screaming his name as my anger erupted from deep within me* AOI! AOI, GET OUT HERE, NOW! *the silence killed me* AOI!!!

*I turned my eyes towards Hiroto then back to Reita, growling and screaming as I took a step forward. My words slowly spilled forth from my growls* aauughh… what did you do?! *I took another step forward and raised my hand to strike him, looking down at Ruki, seeing him cowering in Reita’s arms. He looked so scared, so sad, so broken. I slowly lowered my hand and stood tall above him, an evil, sinister smile spreading over my lips. I slowly let out a scoff, which over a few seconds turned into a dark and mocking laugh. Looking at him all broken and pathetic made me laugh, laugh with disgust and amusement. I bent down by him and lifted his chin, watching a tear slip down his cheek, then, without thinking, my mind let the most awful and horrid words I have ever said slip past my lips* You are not a man. You are just a pathetic waste of life. You are undeserving of a person like me.

Uruha: *I turn around once you tap my shoulder and look to see the black silhouettes moving in the glass corridor* U-umm, darling… Why don’t you go and.. build a snowman? *manages a reassuring smile and pecks Chihiro’s cheek lightly, then turns to you, giving a quick nod before standing to my feet and slowly paces towards the corridor*

Shou: *scoffs and squeezes your hips as I hold you against me* Ignore that blabbering fool. *scowls in the direction of the two men, watching the small one fall to his knees, motionless as he stares at the floor, tears falling from his eyes onto his hand. The sight of his misery made a smirk slightly, my pride growing over the thought of winning Keiko*  My dear… *lifts your chin gently with my hand to meet your eyes* Make your goodbyes quick. We will need to leave soon… *feels the presence of two powerful beings approaching us from behind, which made me want to get out of here as fast as possible, to avoid any more altercations*

///

Kai: *my eyes hardened as I focused on the shadowy figures in the corridor, my anger growing as I saw the tall one holding Keiko. My words slipped out before I could think* it’s always that stupid bitch. Can’t she ever give us a break? I feel horrible for Ruki, falling for such a bipolar cunt. *I jumped up and grabbed onto a tree branch, pulling myself up to get a better view of the corridor, noticing Reita spotting me, a stern look on his face as he waved me away, his lips silently moving, lipping “Aoi”. I understood him perfectly and nodded before jumping down* Uruha…. Uruha.. *I looked up at you* we need to get Aoi. He is the only one that has a connection with Keiko. *I looked back to Chihiro* … I’ll get him. You spend you spend your time with her.

*your eyes only swept up my heart more, feeling your hand on my hip, my body against yours, feeling so protected. I turned back to Ruki as I placed a hand on Hiroto’s head. As I opened my mouth to speak, I noticed Reita looked and motioning towards the window. I pushed away from you slightly, stepping towards him* what… *I looked towards the window then back to him* what are you doing…?