The Witch and the Zodiac | Kyo

Chapter 7- Face to Face

Aki let out a small cry and her eyes burst open as she sat up abruptly. She stared down at her hands with her eyes unfocused, tears spilling down her face.

W-What was that?! A dream...?

She bit her lip hard and shut her eyes.

It was from his point of view, though... it could have only been a memory.

She buried her face in her hands and choked back a sob.

But... how? I never established a mental link with him. And he's... he's...

She moaned softly as she cried, her chest tightening.

Stone... I'm so sorry. It's all my fault that you... you...

She dug her nails into her palms, keeping her eyes closed as she trembled.

Seeing what they did to me from his point of view... it makes it hurt even more than what I remember.

She slowly cracked opened her eyes to stare at her palms.

I remember my hands being burned all of the time. They always hurt... and I was never allowed to cry about it. It was my job to use my magic for others, so I had no right to complain... even when I was in so much pain...

Hugging her arms close, she squeezed her arms tightly and shut her eyes.

He was always there to bandage me and let me cry when everyone was gone. He never let me down... and it's my fault what happened... everything... it's my fault.

"H-Hey... are you alright?" A man's voice interrupted her.

Aki jumped slightly and blinked, her eyes focusing as she wiped her face.

Come to think of it... where am I?

She looked over at the man as he knelt beside her, carrying a medical bag with him. He frowned slightly as he looked at her.

"You woke in a panic suddenly. Are you in pain?"

Is that...?

She bit her lip and clenched her hand over her heart.

That's right... I really did come here, didn't I? It wasn't a dream...

He let out a short sigh and opened his bag to retrieve a stethoscope. "I'm going to examine you now. Please sit still."

Aki only nodded and did as he said as he pressed the stethoscope to her chest and listened to her heart.

Even if I've accepted that as fact... what exactly am I supposed to say to them? I'm face to face with someone I've only ever known as a character in a story.

She swallowed slightly and he removed the stethoscope and met her eyes.

"I'm not sure how, but your heartbeat sounds strong and stable again already."

"Oh, Haa-san! Tea is ready!" Shigure's voice came from down the hall and Aki turned slightly to see him enter the room. He blinked at Aki and his smile faded slightly, only to grow again. "You're awake!"

There's no doubt about it. That's really Shigure Sohma.

The doctor sighed quietly and looked up to his friend. "Could you at least not be so loud and startle the patient? You're the one who called me here to treat her."

"Oops." Shigure chuckled and waved his fan to cover his face slightly. "My bad."

"Now, could you please give us a moment? I need to examine her and I think she'd appreciate privacy."