Chapter Thirty-Three: Happy When it Rains:

March 17th, 2010.

She felt her trying to get free. Anna had just put the dishes in the sink when her chest began to hurt. She gasped aloud in pain. She's here! The kitsune this time had gotten stronger. Anna's heart sped up into four times the usual speed. She breathed harder to keep up. No! I won't let you! Stay back! Stay where you are!

Why should I?

Anna froze wide-eyed as nerves sent a chill up her spine. Who� are� you�?

Take a guess, sweetheart.

Chills took over her body. No�

Close your eyes to see.

Anna felt her stomach turn. This looked like an invitation for a trap, but what could she do? Her body felt weak and tied to weights. Anna drew in another breath and drew her eyes closed. Heat blasted her face. It felt like bullets to her cheeks. Steam made her feel damp and icky. She could barely move. Anna tried to turn her head to look around. Well, where are you?

Look within yourself.

Huh?

Can you feel me?

Anna put her hands to her chest. She felt her heart tear inside. A realization chilled her bones. It's you! A ball of fire floated in front of her face. Anna narrowed her eyes, puzzled.

"That's not your real form," she said.

I know and I wonder whose fault it is!

"Hey! I did it to protect me!"

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But, he couldn't, could he?

Anna blinked at the flame. "No� What are you saying?"

The flame tried not to laugh. Oh boy! There is so much you don't know.

"What are you saying?" Anna asked.

You poor, clueless soul.

"What?"

The flame floated around her. You have so much to learn.

"Is that right?" Anna smirked as she pushed back her hair. "Okay then, enlighten me."

The flame snickered. Let me out and I'll tell you.

"Uh, no."

The flame snorted at her cocky tone. Fine then.

Ann pouted. "At least a little hint."

Why should I?

The woman put her hands on her hips. "Oh� no reason. Just I own you in a sense."

The flame flickered. So you say.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

The flame moved closer to her face. Anna found herself stunned at the lack of heat coming from the body. The grin from it held her attention instead.

I could own you.

"And how so?"

How do you think you own me?

"By my own instincts."

And that's all?

Anna nodded confidently. "That's all I need."

The flame laughed at her. You are an interesting person. Fine, I'll give you a little hint. The flame flew behind her head. Anna stayed calm and tried not to laugh. However, the flame�s words through her mind into wild storm.

He knew that the shield wasn't strong enough to hold me.

Anna whipped around. "What?" The flame had already disappeared before the question came out of her mouth. She opened her eyes and looked around. Her body settled back to normal once she realized that she had returned. Anna lay down on the kitchen floor.  She took a minute to settle her brain. She pressed her lips together and shut her eyes. This couldn't wait anymore.

I have to tell Asato-kun, she thought. I really have to now. So much for protecting him from worrying. Her heart ached thinking about it.