"You cannot do this. We had a deal!" Hikaru shouted.

Rin clutched her hands into fists. She took a deep breath; flying off the handle would not help this situation. She had learned that the first time she had met the mercurial guardian.

"We don't have a deal, remember? Shin took your place and your chance to break free," Akio said. He yanked on the chain around Shin's neck, slowly bringing him closer to him. Rin watched helplessly as Akio took away everything she loved. He already had Shin, would he take Hikaru away as well?

This is personal. He is trying to pay me back for before.

"What do you want from me, Akio?" she said.

Hikaru swiveled towards her, mouth agape. "No, Rin!"

"Rin!" Shin growled at the same time.

Akio wound the chain around his arm and yanked, bringing Shin to his knees. He glowered at the boar.

"What could you possibly offer me?" Akio said. Though he pretended at indifference, his black beady eyes gleamed.

"Anything you want. If you need a Kitsune, then perhaps I can help you with your problem."

He scoffed. "Only a Hanyou with the right ability could do that."

Rin shrugged. "Fox fire has many healing abilities. I am sure you've heard about the curative power of a Kitsune liver."

"Rin, don't."

She would not face him, could not. She had already come this far to keep him safe, she wouldn't lose him to Akio. Akio paced back and forth, making a great show of considering her offer. Then he came to stand before her. Her knees locked as she looked up at his massive form. She could see his leathery skin beneath the spattering of coarse dark hair.

"Even if your liver could save me, I wouldn't take it. I wouldn't give you the satisfaction." He laughed.

Hikaru stepped in front of her. "Then take me, just let Rin go."

Akio rolled his eyes and then, tugging Shin along behind him, went to sit back down on the raised platform. Shin's gaze was murderous. Rin felt the same. She should have known Akio would play games. She put her hand on Hikaru's shoulder and held back from jumping in front of him to try to protect him from Akio. Though the gesture was appreciated, she could not imagine living knowing he was locked up here while she was free. It was bad enough Shin had made his own deal when she was not able to stop him.

"I am sure if I tried to keep you, she would come back and cause another disturbance. No, I will let you both go, but you must each pay a price," Akio said, gloating all the while.

She stood next to Hikaru and grabbed his hand on reflex. She felt stronger beside him. She considered Akio. Any offer he made was most likely laced with poison. She held onto Hikaru, an anchor for the storm inside her heart. She looked at Shin kneeling beside the guardian, head bowed. It made her heart ache.

Hikaru looked to Rin, and when she nodded, he said, "Name your price."

"From the Hanyou, I want a favor," the guardian said as he leaned back on his cushion. He twirled the length of chain around his arm and the metal rattled, piercing Rin's heart.

"And what sort of favor is that?" Hikaru asked.

He waggled a hoof at him. "I will not tell you, not yet."

She squeezed Hikaru's hand. "You don't have to agree to this."

"I accept," Hikaru replied.

Akio grinned, revealing his crooked yellow teeth. Rin swallowed hard. Now came her price. Whatever it is, I will do it to protect him.

"And what would you have my price be?" Rin asked.

"It is simple, I want you to spend one last night with Shin."

Shin growled and looked back at Akio. He bared his teeth; his rage was hardly contained. What is he getting at?

"How does this benefit you?" she asked.

He laughed. "When the night is through, I will ask you a question, and your answer will be your price."

Her stomach twisted. Hikaru pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She inhaled his scent. Now that she was back to her original form, she could pick out the varying notes that made up his own unique signature. She could also sense his worry. Neither of them knew what game Akio was playing, but they could not fight their way out.

"Done," she said.

Akio broke the chain and, with a sweep of his hoof, set Shin free. At least in part, the collar remained around his neck like a beacon highlighting his servitude to the boar.

Rin looked to Hikaru.

He nodded his head. "Go to him. I'll meet you in the morning."

She squeezed Hikaru's hand one more time before running to Shin. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and buried her head into his chest. "You idiot, why did you do this?"

"Maybe we should talk in private?" he asked. Akio grinned at them deviously. He would love for them to play out their tragic drama in front of him—she was sure. She would not give him the satisfaction.

She nodded. A servant came and escorted Hikaru out one door, and then another led Shin and Rin out another. She did not want to be parted from Hikaru. She watched as he disappeared out the opposite door. He kept his eyes locked on her until the door closed between them. I just have to hope Akio will stay true to his word and he will let us go come morning.