Disclaimer: I don't own squat. Events in this chapter take place during the days leading up to the funeral.

Driving back to her shop, Haruka couldn't make up her mind on what she would do first. Would she call her mom to tell her what was going on, or should she try and find Kei. Decisions, decisions. She had dropped Tsuruko and Motoko off at the kendo school. Originally she was going to stay, but she changed her mind after seeing the pained look on her old friend's face. Tsuruko was going to need her support soon but for now it was strictly family. Now arriving at her shop, Haruka exited the car and headed towards her tea place. Once inside a surprise was there for her, in the form of Kanako and Granny.

Kanako was dressed in her usual gothic cloths and was sitting in a chair by the window, the fading light cast a shadow on her; making her appear paler than usual. As if wanting to be a polar opposite of her, Hinata wore a bright, not gaudy, kimono sticking out like a stain on white. Nat caring about the fact her mom was there, Haruka lit up another, dodging Hinata's attempt to take it away. Silence reigned supreme.

Eventually Kanako tried to break the ice, "So Haruka-obasan, how have you been lately." Kanako immediately regretted her choice of words, Hinata tensed up while Haruka's eyes glinted dangerously.

"Kana-chan I've been great. My nephew is insulted, wronged followed by disownment on trumped up charges, All this was said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, And the most wonderful thing is that I can now prove it all." At this Hinata paled slightly, but quickly regained her composure, but fast enough as Haruka had already noted her facial change.

"Now daughter there is no need to talk of it, that's all in the past. Just move on already…" Hinata never finished, for Haruka had slammed a fist straight down onto the wooden table shattering it.

"No you listen to me, Hinata you should've know Kei would have never abuse the manger position like that. And for the peeking and groping? Those girls are just as guilty as he is if not more. He was the victim of a plan which in the end permanently scarred the girls, physically and mentally. If you try to make me forget then we have nothing to discuss." By the end Haruka was shouting at her mother.

Despite her advanced age and diminutive size, Hinata still managed a backhand on Haruka, for daring to talk so disrespectfully towards her. Blood dripped from her cut lip but Haruka gave no notice, Kei had suffered so much more than this. Gasps were heard from behind them, apparently the girls had returned from the hospital. Spotting Hinata, all three of the girls started speaking trying to tell what had really gone on. Eventually Hinata raised her hand for silence, stopping the one sided conversation. Su noticed Haruka's cut lip and the petite had mark on her face. She opened her mouth to ask but at a shake of Haruka's head, Su kept her mouth shut.

"Girls will ya'll go back to the dorms, I need to talk to my daughter, Be it the recant going on's or just dumb luck, not one of the girls budged from where they stood. This shocked Hinata and Haruka because never before had any of the girls flat out ignored Hinata. The grandmotherly smile on Hinata's face grew strained but still remained, Come now girls please leave my daughter and I alone to talk."

Sparing a quick glance behind her, Haruka mouthed the word, Go, towards the girls. Recently they did shortly followed by Kanako. They had barely reached the interior of the dorm when Kanako started issuing orders.

Kanako's POV

"Narusegwa go outside and start cleaning the hot springs. When you've finished with that do something about this god awful smell. Konno you better get off your lazy ass and start coughing up your rent. And you better dispose of all of your sake. Kolla turn off all of your machines permanently and make your room normal. When Aoyoma gets her send her to the manager's room, I would like to have a talk with her. Same goes for Mahera, except send her to the kitchen to start cooking a late night snack for me. Well why are ya'll standing around? Get to work!" By the end I was red in the face from shouting at these idiots. And still these bitches where just standing there staring at me! Oh brother, was it always this hard for you? Don't worry when you come back I'll show you the new inn we'll run together. With these slaves working for us, that'll leave more time for you and me. I got caught up fantasying on how he would be showing me his appreciation, that I didn't hear one of the girls till she was shouting.

"NO!"

My eyes narrowed dangerously at the speaker, one Su Kolla. How dare this piece of shit think she has a say in what I tell her. Not bothering to keep the annoyance out of my voice I replied coldly, "What right do you have to defy me? I'm the manger and these are chores you should be doing already. Now hop to it before I kick ya'll out onto the streets!"

Then the drunk stepped forward placing herself in front of the brat. "Kanako, Motoko is the manger and even if you were we wouldn't really be in the mood to work today." So it seems this bitch could be diplomatic if she wanted to. Too bad it won't work with me. If she really wanted me to listen to her then she could have started by treating my husband to be better. Also it told me that Granny didn't explain it to them, no matter the end result will be the same. Hinata's plan had worked gloriously and now I just needed to break their self-worth. I closed the distance between us and gave her my best vampire smile, "I'm the manger and owner of this inn, and as such ya'll do what I say. If I say jump you ask how high. If ya'll don't like it then the door is right there." This last statement was punctuated with a finger jab in the direction of the door. What shocked me is that this slut didn't recoil in fear of me. NO she actually seemed to grow in stature, emitting not the fear I inspire into people but anger.

"No. If anyone does leave, it'll be only you going. Whether you knew it or not Motoko lied and forced me and Naru to help her get rid of Keitaro. Last night he broke in with nothing to lose to kill Motoko, the sole person responsible for his misery. What he didn't know was that Motoko was gone and Shinobu had taken to sleeping in his old room to help comfort herself. He ended up fatally wounding Shinobu, who passed away earlier. Now some psycho is bossing us around without a care for how we feel." Spittle had flown near the end striking me on my cheek. I raised my hand and wiped it off, then turned the same hand into a fist; driving it into her stomach. Bones cracked.

End Kanako POV now General POV

Kanako watched as Mitsune took the full force of the punch to her stomach, without flinching. Then pain exploded throughout her right hand. The bone breaking noise she had heard hadn't belonged to Mitsune, but were from her now broken hand. Doubling over in pain, Kanako didn't see Naru's fist till it collided with her chin. Looking over Kanako's unconscious form Su remarked, "See I told you it would be a good idea to wear the armor." Numbly nodding their heads, Kitsune was especially thankful for it and Su's paranoia that Keitaro might come back and get them.

Bending over, Naru grabbed Kanako's torso and threw her onto a nearby chair. Su then followed up by wrapping coils of steel around her, securing her with no wiggle room. It was clear that Kanako knew something and she was going to talk one way or another.

Tea House

Shortly after the girls had gone, Hinata's fake smile changed to a stern parent. Settling into a chair she motioned to her daughter to do the same. Reluctantly Haruka did so, purposefully puffing, smoke into Hinata's face.

`"Daughter I'm going to tell you why I did what I did and the plans for the future, Before Haruka could comment Hinata plowed on, I knew that the girls would mistreat him and try to get rid of him. When Motoko sent me her 'evidence', I used it as the excuse needed to move the plan into phase two. Keitaro was a Urashima without a backbone, what I did was to ensure he'd grow a spine. However I heard that he killed Mahera, is this true?, at the nod of her daughters head HInata smiled; heart bursting with joy, Then that is wonderful, he finally manned up now he just needs to marry."

Haruka's face exploded in anger, she shot up out of her seat eyes a blazing. Haruka stared down at the mother she had loved and trusted her whole life. Now she looked down at Hinata with disgust. Turning her back, Haruka left Hinata and headed up the stairs. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Back at the Dorm

Kanako awoke to, massive pain in her right hand and to icy cold water being tossed onto her pale face. Rising with a shock that someone would dare do such a thing, Kanako found she was restrained to a chair; as well as being hooked up to numerous machines. If she had any doubt that this was a screwed up dream, the pain in her broken hand vaporized it.

Naru, Mitsune and Su where off to the side watching, not the captive, but the captive's thoughts; that appeared on the screen. The Memory Blaster 40k was one of Su's newest inventions. It allowed you to go into a person's mind and see their memories. They had tried to use it while Kanako was out cold but were sickened by her thoughts. Namely the ones about her and Keitaro getting it on.

Now with their stomachs under control they resumed working. Naru had been all for keeping her out but Su said it'll be easier if she were awake. So Mitsune had gladly thrown ice water onto Kanako. Said captive was currently screaming bloody murder and what Granny would do when she heard what they did to her. Ignoring her threats, Su typed a series of commands into the computer and waited. What they discovered was much the same as what Hinata told Haruka. Expect in this case it showed how mentally unstable she was concerning Kei. Spinning around at the sound of the door opening, the girls looked at the wide eyed Haruka, who was apparently taking in all the machines in the room. Noting their expressions Haruka waved them over, "Girls I'm leaving to an old friend of mine. Will ya'll come with me?"

Tearfully Naru, Kitsune and Su nodded and ran upstairs to get their belongings. When they returned they saw Hinata attempting to release Kanako, while Haruka watched on amused. Seeing Su, Hinata made an attempt to grab her to release Kanako. Naru and Mitsune leapt in front of Su, blocking Hinata's attempt at grabbing her. Walking down the stairs towards Haruka's car was easier said than done. Hinata gave up on getting Su, and tried to grab the ones guarding her. A well aimed missile from a Mecha-Tama 5v provided the needed distraction to get to the car and leave.

3 days Later

Could they have told me about this earlier? Yes they should have! Instead they forgot, not that I blame them, but now I have to return to that place. Haruka was fuming as she parked her car under the shadow of the night.

Three days had passed since she and the remaining girls left the dorms; fleeing from the manipulative Hinata. The place she took them to did cause discontent but it was the only safe place for them. The kendo school ran by Tsuruko proved to be safe despite Hinata's repeated attempts to gain entrance. In light of recant happenings Motoko's fate was now uncertain. When they had dropped her off Tsuruko had told her that the only course of action was death. Sadly the Elders of the school refused to condemn Motoko to death. Their line of reasoning was that to sentence Motoko to death was a waste of talent, same went for banishment. Tsuruko was even removed from the proceedings as her emotional ties with Motoko would cloud her mind.

Late last night Tsuruko had spoken to them. She said how unless there was solid evidence in the form of Motoko's writing, and then Motoko would get off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Not even what Su had shown them would sway them. When Naru's and Mitsune's scars were shown, they were dismissed as being the fault of the bearer not the inflictor. No matter what was said or done they refused to budge. So Naru had a light bulb moment and remembered how Motoko had written everything down during their candle light meetings, hiding it in the annex. And that was why Haruka was heading into the lion's den. It had been voted that she would have the best chance of returning alive while keeping a semi-clear head.

Creeping into the annex Haruka saw something that will haunt her forever. A man was hung, swaying slightly in the breeze. Bile rose in her throat at the pool of blood on the floor, swallowing it down Haruka walked forward. Spotting a knife she picked it up, only to nearly drop it at the feel of the dry blood. Grimacing she cut the rope and lowered the cold corpse down. Then she saw his eyes in the moon light. It was her precious Keitaro! Tears flooded at as dry blood became moist with tears. Haruka went to shut the pain filled eyes, fingers touching dry eyeballs. His right hand was clutched in a fist, undoing the fist Haruka read the letter, both realization and dread rising in her.

To whoever finds this letter and my body, know that I am undeserving of any form of last rites. I have cut my eye lids off as a meager penance of my sins. I will never enter the eternal slumber, I will live on in pain and pain only as I so righty deserve. Anyone finding Haruka tell her I'm sorry for failing her and not for her to blame herself.

This time Haruka didn't bother holding her bile down. She did make sure that not a drop hit Keitaro's corpse. A gasp was heard from behind her. If she could get any paler then she'd be there, for behind her was Kanako. Instead of anger at the sight before her, it was a joy filled Kanako which ran towards the corpse.

"Oh honey it's so good to see you. You know I hate it when you leave me." Haruka watched in horror as Kanako embraced the corpse kissing it for all she was worth. Kanako's hands went all over the corpse, it wasn't until one of those hands began fumbling with his pants did Haruka move. She spun Kanako around and punched her hard in the temple. Kanako fell to the floor with a thunk. Haruka was regretful on what she had done but could now see how fucked up Kanako was. Carrying Kei's body bridal style, Haruka returned to her car. Then drove to the school were Shinobu's funeral was to be held.

It was a changed Haruka who returned with what she had left for and more. That night Haruka had drunk herself into a stupor, worrying everyone present. When she had gotten onto a table, proclaiming herself Empress of Japan, Tsuruko swapped her sake with a sleeping draught. A few minutes later Haruka was out like a light. They carried her into her futon and returned to their respective beds. Come morning, Tsuruko found they were all sharing the same futon with Haruka.

3 Days Later

The dual funerals of Shinobu and Keitaro was a somber affair. One thing they had all discovered was that Shinobu's parents had ditched her at the doorstep of the dorm. Hinata had risen her telling her how her parents died in a car crash. Everyone present was shocked by the fact that parents could actually do that to their own children, it was unthinkable!

The tombstone for Shinobu was inscribed with the following;

Shinobu Mahera

Loved by all in this life

And the next.

Keitaro's bore the inscription;

Keitaro

A tormented Soul. In death

May he gain peace.

Following the funeral, Haruka and the girls forced themselves to move past the graves and onto the trail building. Haruka was apprehensive of the coming trial because, Motoko deserved death and a chance to live. Su wanted Motoko to be set free, but only if she did penance for her actions. Naru and Mitsune were out for blood, these two had the strongest desire to want Motoko dead. Tsuruko was conflicted, one part wanted her beloved sister free, while the warrior in her wanted Motoko dead for sullying the blade.

Trail Building

The elders watched as Motoko was brought into the room. Her once silky rave hair, was now a rat's nest of dirt and grime. They took in notice of her bruised blood stained knuckles. Tears stained her once rosy cheeks in memory of her friend. They had heard of what've she had done in her cell upon learning of what happened to Shinobu. Twice they had to restrain Tsuruko from going into the cell to comfort/beat her sister. The elders had heard and been showed proof of what Motoko did in the name of 'justice'. Then they were told how Hinata, a valued member of society, manipulated Motoko into doing what she did to an extent. The most shocking was when Haruka returned with the documents from the annex. In there was multiple faxes from Hinata to Motoko, where Hinata was throwing fuel onto the fire; saying how Keitaro did purposeful perverted acts for kicks. How she had sent him to the dorm so the residents would kick him into shape. In light of this the elders were forced to reconsider their previous decision. Though now it all depended on if Motoko showed remorse for her actions. Judging by her arrogant swagger into the room and the way she still held her head eye sealed her fate.

In the shadows Haruka, Naru, Mitsune, Su and Tsuruko all sat and watched expectedly for it to start. Tsuruko had a tight grip on Haruka's hand, more to stop herself from jumping into the center than for comfort. Tsuruko knew that if Motoko had walked in with the smallest bit of regret, then that would've gone a long way for her. But no, she had to come in as if she owned the place. From the shadows a tantō slid out, stopping short of Motoko's feet. The look on Motoko's face was priceless, it went from bored arrogance, to outrage then to fear and finally acceptance. She fell to her knees and opened her gi, revealing pale skin and the bandages around her upper body. Then Tsuruko broke free from Haruka and headed towards her sister, drawing her blade. She positioned herself behind Motoko, acting as her self-appointed second. Her blade would fall onto Motoko, beheading her if disgraced herself in this. Motoko's lips moved, to silent for them to bear but Tsuruko's face tightened with sadness. For once the greatest swordswoman in the school was trembling, but her sword stayed straight and true.

Motoko drew the tantō, and sliced her stomach open, entrails spilling onto the ground.

Eight Years Later

The group left the tombs of friends' dead, heading for the baths of the Kendo school. In the eight years since the horrible events, they had all changed.

Haruka cut all ties with the Urashima name, selling her Tea shop to Kentaro. She left Japan and eventually married Seta, who finally got a clue and proposed to her. They had a four year old son named Keitaro, and Haruka was three months pregnant with a girl. Seta had been good for Haruka, helping her get past the grief, and showing her how to love life again.

Mitsune stopped all her vices and had started a night club. Said club was very successful but Mitsune didn't spend much on herself. The bulk of it went into a donation for, Japanese Multimodal Intervention Trials for Suicide Prevention (J-MISP), in honor of their memories.

Su was the one who changed the most. Gone was the energetic girl, who always had an idea. Now she was quite, withdrawn. The business she had started was a major success, not really surprising considering it is an electronics company. In the course of the business she had found her significant other. Su was five months pregnant with twins, much to her delight.

Naru, sadly didn't have a chance at happiness. She had died three years ago after over dosing on her sleeping medicine. The pain had cut her deeply and she was never the same since his death. She was buried alongside Kei's grave.

Kanako was taken to a high security mental hospital, where it was discovered the complete depth of her madness. The one time they had visited her, Kanako was talking how her husband, Keitaro, was doing. This was the last time they visited her.

Motoko was alive. When she had sliced herself open the paramedics, who were on standby, raced over to save her. The elders had decided that she had to 'die' and be reborn anew. For the first two years she had avoided all contact with them, she was too ashamed of herself to be around them. Surprisingly it was Haruka who reached out to her. When asked why Haruka replied, "What's done is done. No amount of grief can change that." After that Motoko slowly rejoined them.

No one saw HInata again, though according to a fax from her, she was on another world tour.

Every year they went to the graves to pay their respects to the dead.

END

A/N: Yes, the story is over! Thanks to all the people who reviewed; it really helps with the writing process. I'm going to take a break from writing but there's a poll on my profile page for the next story. Reviews are still welcomed. Any Questions PM me. Lastly hope ya'll be here when I have my next story. Catch ya'll later!