(AKANE) After our little talk I watched Shino-Nii leave. That man really was like everyone's big brother. Always there to protect us or to let us cry on his shoulder. I just wish I could protect him the way he protects us. I know full well that he takes all of Kanayuki's anger in order to spar the rest of us. The young kids don't realize it yet, but those of us who are older know full well. But we never say anything or try to stop him. Is it because we are cowards?

I looked back up at the clouds. "I wish I could be free like a cloud." Cat's aren't ment to be tied down. It makes my skin crawl. Is that why the cat is always looked down on? Because I cannot be tamed? Because I always yern to go outside? Shino is just like a dumb dog. He stays loyally at his Masters feet even though he gets mistreated. I fight back...that's why Shino-Nii....

I felt the tears coming and I laid my head on my knees. I don't want to remember that time. Remember that it's my fault that Shino got beaten. I made Kanayuki angry but Shino took the blame...I let him...because I am a coward.