Writer's Note: I'm not the author; I'm just a writer. The author is Natuski Takaya. I pick up where Takaya-san left off (assuming the series is ended). I normally prefer not to write from another author's ideas, but I was spell-bound by many of this mangaka's characters, particularly Momiji. The style is quick, due to time constraints, so I recognize that some literary development could take place to improve the writing, but the brevity mimics manga, minus the art. Other than the previously developed storyline, I attest that I haven't copied anyone else's fanfic, or their ideas. I am completely new to this site and have limited time. If I infringe, I apologize and welcome comments to let me know that, along with the source. Dawn Astoria

Aftercurse

Chapter 1: Hope for Momiji

Momiji sat staring, alternately, at the hot spring and looming mountains, allowing the steam to rake over him, moistening his skin, hair and shorts.

"Momiji, are you okay?" Hari broke the silence.

"I was just thinking: now that the curse is lifted, would Mama be willing to love me? She can hug me now, and I won't change into the rabbit."

"I think that determining that will take a lot of time," stated Hari, in his wisdom. "Look! Shigure and Kagura have come back. I suppose everything went well."

"Hari, Momiji, where are you?" sang Shigure. "Did you miss us?"

"Immensely," Hari dripped with sarcasm. "I was just telling Momiji that it's too intensely quiet and how I wish you'd return to break the silence."

"Awe, Hari, that hurts," crocodile tears forming in 'Gure's eyes, while a characteristic whine laced his words. "Your best friend brings you lunch and you insult him," and except for the play of laughter around his mouth, Hari would have thought Shigure was really about to cry.

Hari warmed up to 'Gure's playfulness and said, "Well, I guess I can be thankful that you didn't get arrested."

Shigure twinkled, "College girls are of age."

"And the thought still gives me the creeps. Did you get registered at the University, Kagura?" Hari changed gears.

Kagura answered, "Yes, and I'm REALLY looking forward to my classes. I wish Kyo and Tohru would have gone here, but I understand that they wanted to go away to school."

Momiji innocently asked, "Well, would you get to see them much, anyway, since you are a junior now?"

Kagura's eyes glowed. Momiji recognized the danger he was in and began to run. Kagura gave chase, yelling, "IT DOESN'T MATTER MOMIJI!!! BEING NEAR EACH OTHER IS WHAT'S IMPORTAAAAANT!!!"

Suddenly, Kagura stopped chasing. Momiji stopped too, and panting, worriedly asked, "What's wrong, Kagura? Are you hurt?"

"No, I just want to stop with my 'boar-ishness. '" Momiji giggled at her pun, and both were laughing, before long.

Shigure was beginning to pack, humming happily to himself. Hari eyed him with great suspicion.

Shigure glanced up and saw the look on Hari's face, and smiling at his wariness, said, "Last day at the hot springs. I think I'll invite Aya."

"As long as you two remain tolerable, I have no objection, but get out of hand, and I shall disown you."

With his whine and crying, Shigure accused, "Oh, Hari, you're no fun!"

"Grow up," commanded Hari, with a playful gleam in his eye.

"I knew you loved me. If you didn't--"

"I would spike your drink with this poison at dinner," and he pulled a bottle from his jacket pocket.

"You…," Shigure gulped,"…have thought this out, have you?" But, he knew Hari was teasing him…he thought.

Hari patted him on the shoulder, "Shigure, you feel a little tense." Then, they both laughed.

After dinner, Hari caught Momiji, who was walking by the lake. He asked, "Momiji, I want to talk with you. Do you have some time?"

"Sure, can we talk in the hot spring?" agreed Momiji.

Shigure cut in, "A man who knows how to conduct business. Hari, you could take a lesson from Momiji. Momiji is a wise, young man, handsome in every way. If you just—"

Hari warned, "If you keep talking, I will sell all of your private stories to your editor, and not give you a dime."

"Shutting up."