Death

Chapter 7: Salutations and Grievances

TW: Suicidal thoughts, Depression, Blood, Injury, Assault, Yelling.

This chapter is potentially quite triggering for some and caution is advise, please take care of yourselves first.

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Enjoy -Ghost

New Year's preparations are in full swing, maids were constantly rushing around the main house trying to get ready for the big day. Hitomi was more of a nuisance than ever, constantly nagging Akito and I to practise our dance for the banquet. "Hitomi-san, please, Mei and I have already practised the dance 5 times this week and it's the same every year. We really don't need to practise more." Akito said frustratingly to Hitomi who had once again yelled at us for not rehearsing our dance.

"Yes but, Akito-sama, you must remember the banquet must go perfectly to ensure the strength of the Zodiac bond for the new year." Hitomi argued.

This irked Akito, "Do you question the strength of the bond I have with the Zodiac's? Do you question my leadership I have over them? Do you think that our bond of God and the Zodiac's is weakening?! Do you?!" Akito yelled at the maid.

Hitomi stuttered, "N-no of course not, Akito-sama. I would never question your bond with the Zodiac's." The maid bowed deeply.

"Good. Now leave before you anger me further." Akito demanded.

Hitomi left without another word and I heard Akito sigh next to me as she slumped and rested her head on my shoulder. "All this New Year's preparation has made me so tired." She complained as she embraced me.

I patted the girl's head. "I know me too."

Out the open shoji a loud voice spoke, his voice echoing through the empty estate. "Harii's house is a bit of a walk."

Intrigued by the loud voice of the Rabbit Zodiac, Akito stood and walked over to the shoji, watching intently.

"There's someone here." She said, softly. "Someone I don't recognise."

I smile as I remember the events that occurred at Kaibara High school. "That could be Miss Tohru Honda-san. Hatori had something important to say to her and gave her his address when we met her at the culture festival."

Akito frowned. "Why didn't he tell me he was inviting an outsider into the estate?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure. He was acting very cryptic when he was talking to her. I asked him what he had to talk about with Miss Honda-san but he simply shrugged it off and didn't tell me." I explained to Akito. "In all seriousness, I thought it was something that was involving you, so I didn't push further."

Akito hummed but kept her thoughts to herself. "Let's head upstairs. I want to get a good look at this Tohru Honda."

The pair of us went upstairs to one of the many sitting rooms. I was sipping some tea and reading the newspaper while Akito was gazing out the window when our peace was interrupted.

"Greetings, Akito and Hakumei." A smug voice spoke.

I looked up from my reading and had to stop a scowl from crossing my face as I met the eyes of Shigure Sohma.

"What are you doing here, Shigure?" Akito asked, also seemingly annoyed by his sudden presence.

"Just checking up on the preparation for the banquet. Making sure everything is in order." Shigure smirked.

I scoffed, likely story.

"So you're not here for that Honda girl?" Akito frowned.

Shigure's expression turned to one of shock, "Tohru is here? How do you know?"