I waited in the lobby of the cruise ship, checking my phone frequently as time passed. Nee-san was taking her sweet time in the restroom, no doubt to spite me. Her desire to annoy me seemed to grow with each passing year. I had learned by now to conceal my emotions, and not to give her even an inch of pleasure from her pointless endeavors. But even though I had kept my reactions hidden from her smiling visage, it only seemed to have spurred her on, the time between her actions lessening.

"Yukino-channnn!"

Nee-san jogged up to me, her short raven hair waving in the air. The ends were hued with purple, a decision mother protested, but luckily for her, father was all for it. She was armed with a grin bright enough to charge tens of thousands of solar panels for weeks. She wore a plain white sun dress which highlighted her developing curves, and complementing them was a pair of brown sandals. She radiated an aura of sunshine, her mere presence commanding those nearby to look at her in awe.

Next to her, my presence was almost nonexistent.

Quiet, unfriendly, and lonely, I was the antithesis to my sister. Although I admit, I was not without my own physical charm, but no one bothered with me while my sister was around.

"Nee-san." I replied in my signature monotone tone as a greeting, not even sparing her a glance. I dared not to comment on her late timing, for fear of inciting another tiresome conversation with her.

"Aww... You're so cute when you act shy Yukino-chan!" she stated proudly, wrapping her arms around me from behind, picking me up and snuggling her head into my shoulder.

"N-nee-san… l-let go. Stop acting like a child." Her only response to my meek protestation was to increase the intensity of her hug.

As I struggled desperately to free myself from my sister's grasp, mother came into view. Her face shifted into a displeased look as she came near.

"Haruno, let go of your sister this instant. You are embarrassing us." She had a calm tone, yet anyone listening in could tell that her voice was edged with ice. "And Yukino, fix your hair- you must always look presentable in public."

In her usual outfit of a traditional Yukata, my mother always looked elegant. Her hair was the same color of mine and my sister's, tied into a bun. It didn't need to be said that our mother was indeed a queen among women. She had a permanent smile, one slight enough just to be noticed, but I knew what was behind it: an unrelenting demon capable of manipulating any human being. To her, every single word was calculated, every simple gesture was planned, every friendship came with benefits.

She expected us to follow in her footsteps. Nee-san fulfilled those expectations naturally. She easily slipped on a mask whenever guests that had to be pleased were around, and her attractiveness coupled with her alluring persona drew in people like flies. I was not blessed with such abilities. I was attractive, but I had no allure whatsoever. My cold words drove into people like spikes, and the looks I gave them bore into their skulls, thus making me unsociable.

I knew mother thought me a disappointment. I tried desperately to match my sister's pace, but to no avail. Although she never voiced out her thoughts, every time I drove another potential asset away, every time I wept when I felt hurt, I could feel her stare from across the room, making my skin crawl. I dared not to look back at her, for fear of what I may encounter.

It was painful, being unable to please her. At this point, my goal of surpassing my older sister seemed nothing more than a silly pipe dream.

"Remember, there is to be a social gathering in this lobby tonight. I want both of you here dressed in your Yukatas and down here by 7:00 pm, understood?" she stated, a general in the army giving orders to lower ranked soldiers, orders that could never be disobeyed.

"Yes mother," we responded in unison.

"Good, now head back to your room and prepare. Haruno, watch your sister; we can't afford any mistakes tonight." She turned around and left us.

I bit my lip. I was the only concerning outlier in the family, something my mother was obviously weary of.

"Let's go Yukino-chan!" My sister turned to me again, swiping up my hand without consent, and began dragging me towards our rooms. I felt almost like a dog being walked by its owner, making me uncomfortable to the point of shivering. After a few minutes of this, I managed to wrench my hand out of her dire grip. She turned her head to look at me momentarily, a sad, contemplative look on her face which lasted for only a second, before changing back to her happy-go-lucky attitude.

"Mean! So mean Yukino-chan! You are hurting your dear sister's feelings!" she complained pointlessly, puffing her cheeks slightly.

I ignored her protests and went on ahead without her, I heard her footsteps follow for a few seconds before stopping altogether. I glanced behind me. She was nowhere to be found. I began making my journey to my room at a rapid pace, without her infuriating presence to keep me company, though I began to feel a little lonely. Luckily, the room was nearby to our location, as I was bad with directions.

As I took out the keycard to the room, I spotted a certain blond-haired boy coming out of the room near to mine. A handsome face. One I used to trust... emphasis on used to. He spotted me, about to call my name. I went back to ignoring him, quickly going into the room and shutting the door.

I was sharing the room with my sister. We had yet to unpack our bags, hence the two suitcases left on the floor. It was an elegant white room, with two beds and a balcony overlooking the vast sea. I climbed into one of them, after grabbing a book from my suitcase, and pulled the sheets over my body. I opened the book, gazing at its contents. Cute furry creatures greeted my vision. A warm feeling spread throughout my body. I had always wanted a cat for a pet, but I never asked my mother, out of fear that I would be harshly reprimanded.

Soon enough, I began to feel tired. My eyelids began to grow heavy, and I gave in, closing the book and laying it next to my pillow before entering a deep slumber.

"Yukino-channn!"

Thump

I felt a mass of weight jump right on top of me. My stomach flared up in pain as arms grappled around me. Nee-san began to roll around the bed, taking me along with her, further scrambling my groggy mind. I was in no shape to resist her assault. When It became apparent that I wouldn't give her much of a fight, she let off of me, leaving me in a crumpled and broken heap.

"Aww… you're no fun Yukino-chan!" she happily stated.

A groan was my only response.

"Anyways, it's time to get up! We've got a party remember? I've picked out your for you. Let's go!"

This time I offered no response at all, opting for silence in place of it. I wished Nee-san would just go away and disappear, leaving me alone so I could nap in peace.

"If you aren't there, mother will be mad you know?" she mentioned in a sadistic grin.

Coming from her, it was not a statement, but a threat. Instantaneously, I sat up in bed. It was mortifying, with Nee-san playing me easily as she would a fiddle, but even I knew better than to anger mother.

Nee-san's smile was bigger than ever, if that was even possible, as she took me by the arm and dragged me toward a bath which she had already prepared. She looked at expectantly.

"Nee-san, I can take care of myself. I have no need for your assistance," I said plainly, with little hope of getting my way.

Unfortunately, I was correct. Nee-san once again took on an even more sadistic grin, this time with a glint in her eye. She approached slowly, like a hunter would stalk a rabbit. I took a few steps back, but it was futile, as the back of my legs were blocked by the imposing bathtub.

She pounced.

I was sitting in the bathtub, a deep red blush adorning my cheeks, which was not from the heat of the water. I felt ashamed that I let myself be taken advantage of so easily. I was able to console myself with the thought that Nee-san was just someone who couldn't be refused. Outside of the tub was Nee-san, her hair tied up so it wouldn't get wet from any rogue splashes. After she finished assisting with me with my bath, she gestured for me to exit.

As I stepped out of the basin, I noticed a light blue yukata with a flower pattern, completed with the image of a single cat that appeared to be bounding across the midriff, laid out for me. I turned my head to look at Nee-san with appreciation, but she turned her head just as quickly. If she were any faster, I would've been convinced that she was simply just cleaning out the tub, minding her own business, but she wasn't that fast. Before she hid her face from my line of vision, I caught a glimpse of a rare sight. Her real face. Unsmiling, yet not unhappy. One that was observant, searching for my reaction.

As I began to dress and prepare myself for the party, I wondered about my sister's strange behavior today. Usually she would take advantage of every single chance she had to tease and bother me. She has done so, but there were a few leaks in her façade today, which to me was unheard of. I began to feel a bit suspicious of her actions- there was no reason for her to be this way, was there? Being always vigilant of my sister's schemes, I held on to that doubt.

After I was finished with my yukata, I began to reach for my usual red ribbons, only to be stopped by Nee-san.

"I don't think mother would like for you to wear those tonight," she said, her usual smile taking over again.

I was confused. "Why?" I scrunched up my eyebrows, looking back at her.

"She specifically asked me to not include any extra ornaments for tonight."

"Oh," I said, handing them to Nee-san. I would rather be safe then provoke mother tonight.

"Alright then! Let's go!" she suddenly burst out, grabbing my hand without permission as usual, dragging me out the door.

Hosted by my family, the party was a crowded, noisy place, as expected. Many attendees hung out in groups, loudly conversing and downing glasses of wine. What I assumed to be guards stood by the doors. I noticed they were armed, an unusual sight, but it didn't peak much of my interest. I saw my mother and father in the center of the lobby, people lining up for a chance to speak with them. They both took on a professional stance, treating their guests with respect. My sister was in a similar situation, except with more teenagers around her age. Her smile was in full blast, laughing and chatting, directing their eyes and ears in her general area.

Even with my biased feelings towards my family, I felt a surge of pride at the sight of them, only for my spirits to be forced down at the thought my own efforts. I was standing in the corner, silent, unwelcoming, and transparent. Although it most likely wasn't my fault, as there weren't many children my age aboard the vessel, I couldn't help but feel ashamed at my nonexistent contributions our family's cause.

I caught sight of mother beckoning for me to come over, index finger curling in repeatedly. I assumed that some guest had inquired about my presence, as that is the only reason she would ever call me over.

I dutifully came over to her, hands grasped in a V-shape in front of my waist. As I approached, I took my steps carefully. I was not about to trip and ruin what could possibly be my one chance to impress mother today.

After situated myself by my mother's side, I looked over to the opposite side. I shouldn't have been surprised to see the Hayamas, our long-time family friends.

"Ah! Yukino-chan, you look so beautiful tonight!" Mrs. Hayama exclaimed, her hands reaching over to pat my head. I used to appreciate her kind words, rubbing my head as she did, but after a certain incident, whenever she did so, I felt like a dog, wagging its tail in order to appease its masters.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw mother's eyes harden as she observed my expression turn sour. I attempted to fix it immediately, but changing my face from something other then what I truly felt was difficult. Switching back to a blank stare was the best I could do.

"Oh! You must want to see Hayato!" she continued. An invisible lightbulb turned on over her head.

My eyes widened. She didn't know about our falling out. "Wai- " Before I could complete my statement, mother placed a freezing hand on my shoulder, stopping me from objecting.

"Of course. She would love to see him." My mother calmly replied in my place, only I could feel the frost in her tone, emphasizing the word "love".

I slowly turned my head around, looking at my mother in the eyes, coming to a realization.

Her usual slight smile was tilted higher, giving her a cruel look.

She knew.

As Mrs. Hayama turned around to call her son over, I was in deep thought. How could she possibly know? I made sure there weren't any leaks of the incident, so how? Out of all the possibilities, there was only one that made sense. Only one loose cannon that I couldn't possibly influence.

Nee-san.

I've never told her, but it's safe to assume Hayama-kun has. He always admired her, her ability to adapt and mold herself to rise above the expectations of others. He always confided in her, something that I used to feel envious about. I began to feel my emotions about to burst as he approached me, another smiling face to annoy me tonight.

"We should give the both of you some time alone. Now go off and play." My mother stated, holding on her sinister visage as she moved her hand in the "go away" motion.

Hayama-kun and I began to walk in the opposite direction from our parents. Silence came upon us, saying more about our current relationship better than words ever would.

"So, Yukino-chan. How has your day been?"

Fury took over, some of it making it on to my expression. Visibly flinching, he quickly backed up. He had no right to call me by that title anymore, and he should know it. Even if he was simply testing the waters, I was not going to let that go. He had to know the consequences of his actions.

I slowly let a breath of air escape from my lungs.

I continued to ignore him. I must keep calm. Even if she wasn't looking at us, mother was always watching.

Suddenly, he grasped the sleeve of my yukata. His final act of desperation.

"Listen to me for just one second! Please!" His was voice was mixed with various emotions: uncertainty, indignity, and shame. He was beginning to reach out of his comfort zone, just to attempt to reconcile with me. Anyone would've been flattered at the amount of effort he was exerting. Anyone but me.

"Unhand me, you mongrel." My voice, a blizzard, enveloping him, enclosing him in ice. I offered no forgiveness. I had none. Nothing would make me forget that day when he had left me alone, when I had needed him the most.

The ambience dampened. Guests began to stare. The lights seemed to darken. Although I had not said my reply aloud, everyone around our nearby area could tell something was going on from the mood alone, but only one stare in particular concerned me. A knife running down the back of my head, and into my spine.

I need to get out of here.

I briskly walked in Nee-san's general direction. Where I had seen her last, she shouldn't be too hard to find. Sure enough, I walked into a gaggle of rowdy teen. A couple looked at me, whispering amongst themselves as I passed by. In the center of them was Nee-san, giggling and socializing, a natural hypnotist, the crowd to following in her wake. I walked up to her, tugging at her sleeve. She moved her head down to look at me, her smile reminding me of mother's.

"Yes Yukino-channnnn?" she said, dragging out my name in an attempt to continue her cutesy manner.

"Nee-san, I want to go back to the room," I softly whispered in her ear, currently not in the mood to raise my voice any higher.

She looked at me quizzically and smirked. "If you haven't noticed, I'm quite busy right now. Ah! I know! How about you go talk to Hayato-kun? I'm sure he would love your company!"

I turned around immediately and began to leave the lobby, ignoring Nee-san's weak attempts to call me back. I should've known that Nee-san was going to be no help. Fatigue began to set in. My eyes began to sting; it was a horrible feeling. Why did everyone in around me have to be this way?

I attempted to look for my room, but all the corridors, elevators, and stairwells confused me. I opted just to wander around until I found it, a tactic that worked well for me in the past. Most of the time anywa-.

"Urp!" I whimpered as I planted my face into what I assumed to be someone's leg. Clutching my nose as I backed up, attempting to see through the flare of pain. What I assumed to be a man wore a black trench coat that encompassed his entire body, his hands gloved in a similar color.

The thing that was most startling was that he wore a mask, one that reminded me of the ones worn by the plague doctors during the Black Death. It looked like it had been etched out of bone, the hallow abyss for eyeholes pointed at me, stealing my voice away. Atop all this as a top hat of a matching color.

"Are you alright?" A smooth voice came out of the mask, one that did not suit his current image. It was a serene sound that somehow calmed and terrified me.

"Y-yes, I'm okay," I replied awkwardly. Responding to a masked man was much more difficult than initially thought.

"Are you lost, child?"

I slowly nodded. I've learned not to judge people by their attire, yet he still unsettled me. But, as hard as it was to admit, I was hopelessly lost.

"Your room number?"

"117."

He nodded, seemingly making a mental note to himself.

"Come, I will guide you there." He held out his hand to me, his palm facing upwards.

Wearily, I placed my hand on top of his, and we began our journey.

As he guided me, I came to a realization. For once I didn't think to remove my hand. Unlike mother's or Nee-san's, his was warm, comforting, and inviting. It made me feel at ease.

We finally came to a stop at my room. We both were silent for the majority of the walk.

"You know… I never got your name," he spoke, a soft purr like that of a cat.

"Yukinoshita Yukino." I felt like he deserved some sort of reward after all he had done for me.

He stopped to consider for a moment before asking another question, one that put me on edge.

"And do you know where your mother and sister are currently?" he asked.

It was unsettling that he knew that I had a sister and mother. I supposed he had figured out by my last name, as we were well-known throughout Chiba.

"In the lobby, attending a party."

I didn't feel too worried about telling him this. It was fairly common knowledge to everyone aboard the ship.

It was a couple of seconds before his next response.

"I suppose that does make my job easier," he sighed.

Wait, what?

"Wha-?"

Suddenly, he reached over to the nearest fire alarm, pulling the lever.

His once warm hands became cold.

I awoke in the dark closet of my room, my hands cuffed, my mouth gagged with cloth. I attempted to struggle and remove my bonds, but to no avail. I was never good with dark enclosed spaces. Tears began to well up in my eyes out of fear. The alarms blared constantly. I listened to the sound of racing feet, most likely guests in a hurry to save their possessions.

I heard the door to my room slam open, a panicked voice following it.

"Yukino! Where are you!?"

Nee-san!

I began to bang my head against the door of the closet. It hurt immensely.

The door swung open, revealing Nee-san with a relived look on her face. It quickly changed to horror when she noticed the position I was in, rendering her speechless.

I noticed a dark shadow approach from behind. I tried to yell out a warning, only for it to be stopped by the gag.

Raising his hand, the masked man swiftly brought it down on Nee-san's temple. She fell to the ground.

I screamed internally, panicking, twisting and turning. The cuffs were digging into my wrist, making me bleed.

After he was done placing Nee-san in restraints similar to mine, he proceeded to jab a needle into my neck. Almost instantly, a cloud came upon me, dampening my senses, sending me into a dark haze.

I came back to reality only a small while later. Nee-san was staring at me, her eyes-wide as the moon above our heads. We were on the deck of the ship. It was empty except for the three of us. My yukata offered no protection against the frosty winter winds, making me shake. Our abductor walked up to the both of us, swiftly removing our gags

While I was catching by breath, Nee-san began to hurl foul insults and threats in his direction, hatred burning in her irises, mostly words that I thought I would never hear leave her mouth.

His only reaction was to place his index finger over the supposed area of his mouth, the other hand unsheathing a wicked blade.

Nee-san's words ceased immediately.

"Listen, this is nothing personal children, but your mother has put her hands in places she doesn't belong. She must be taught a lesson." Unlike last time, the smooth tone he had was gone, replaced with a grim hallow echo, one that demanded to be feared.

Just as he finished his statement, I saw mother arrive at the deck, escorted by a dozen guards, all armed with handguns.

The masked man held Nee-san by her right arm, the scruff of my yukata in his other hand, and stepped onto the very edge of the deck, holding us over the open ocean.

The guards approached, their handguns drawn.

"Put those down, or they both go overboard!" the masked man said. The conviction in his voice boomed.

My mother signaled for them to lower their arms. "What do you want?" she said, as silent and calm as she possibly could with everyone hearing her. I could tell it was on the edge of turning into panic.

"Choose." He was the one in control now, his voice unsettling everyone in the area, including mother. "Choose who gets to live. The other one goes for a swim."

"No." Regaining her composure, her voice brought forth the force of a glacier, combating him. "Release them, or I will make you regret ever setting foot on this vessel."

His grip on the both of us loosened. "You've messed with the wrong kind of people, sticking your fingers where they shouldn't be. I've been told to make you pay for the consequences. Now Choose. You have 10 seconds by the time I finish this sentence." His voice echoing through the air.

10…

Nee-san and I exchanged looks.

9…

"Mother! Choose Yukino! I'll be fine!" Nee-san yelled defiantly.

I was stunned. Why?

8…

I attempted to talk to my mother, to convince her to pick Nee-san,

7…

I was the worthless one. I never had any real friends. I could never follow your expectations…

6…

Nee-san was the best at everything. She was surrounded by people. She fulfilled every single one of your expectations…

5…

But only a squeak came out of my mouth, my voice wouldn't cooperate with me.

4…

For possibly the first time in her life, mother looked confused.

3…

The masked man was practically holding the both of us with his fingers, ready to move at a moment's notice.

2…

Mother's eyes refocused, her breath steady, she had come to a decision.

1…

"Haruno." An emotionless one-word statement.

Time slowed.

Nee-san turned her head to look at me helplessly, opening her mouth. The man's grip on her tightened, flinging her towards the deck.

The guards raised their handguns.

The man let go of my collar, letting me fall into the abyss.

I hit the water. Cold instantly greeted me, sapping what little stamina I had. As I struggled to stay afloat I screamed, calling out for mother and Nee-san to help me. I heard many things above, guns firing, mother's orders, nee-san's wail.

It didn't matter anymore. I ran out of strength, my body failing me, and I sank to the bottom of the ocean.

Thanks for reading my story! Beta-ed by Claudaujay, please check them out if you have the time! Also read and review! ;3