Freedom of choice, for a start. But that's only *if* the Umeki family is as traditional as I suspect they are about arranged marriages, amongst other things. It doesn't seem that the family elders have much concern over what the younger generation thinks of them, just so long as they jump when they're told to. If that's what you were refering to when you chose the title "Who are the Real Monsters?", I agree whole heartedly. With "friends/family like that, who needs enemies?"

All three senior members of the clan appear to be scheming so-and-sos, doing what they regard as best for the clan without informing anyone as to what's going on - and I doubt they'll willingly volunteer some crucial information even at the ceremony, leaving Kimmie to work it out for herself.

There also appears to be a rigid hierarchy: Sachiko --> Aya --> Rika --> everyone else.

“Ken is no longer, it would be wise to remember that. We exist to serve the Umeki family and this was their decision... This was never a contest. This is the way it has to be.”

Ren's father was apparently imprisoned overnight - so presumably the pair of them knew something was up and were determined to try and interfere.

This quote seems rather ominous - they've known about a certain aspect of Ken since birth, and have been planning for Ken to change forms (presumably not the standard were change, as we know from other cases - and presumably Ken's relatives - that happens at sixteen). They apparently believe that if Ken had changed forms 'naturally', (s)he would have escaped and (in their view) become dangerous to the entire family.

“We had no choice, Katherine. If she had broken free, then seventeen years of planning would have gone to waste. Changing forms now seemed prudent. She was too comfortable with Ken.” Aya didn’t need to remind Katherine how dangerous it would have been to the entire family if that one had escaped.

We learn of the true reason for Katherine being left behind in Skogshaven:

“The Mistress didn’t want any more distractions. Once the Tojiru ceremony is complete, we will finally be able to leave this town”, she said with a sneer. “Moreover, Kimme-sama will return to her proper place as heir to the Umeki family.”

It sounds as though Aya doesn't have any special love for Skogshaven, and would prefer to get out of there asap. However, regardless of their plans for Kimme, unless she's effectively confined to the family home and shrine until the ceremony (after which they'd stick her on a plane back to Hawaii), they won't be able to watch her 24/7. No doubt given any chance whatsoever, she'll try and spread the word to others outside the family - there's no way she's going to be the submissive, compliant girl they presumably want her to be without either a mind-wipe or making her life a living hell.

Except maybe ritual suicide by Aya or one of the other main suspected villains here IF their plan for Kimmie fails. If they are THAT *traditional* in their beliefs then they might do it to *save the family honor*. HAH! Like there is ANY honor in this family.

I can see Siles having a fit if she finds out. Ken was possibly becoming her lover and the murder of her lover several centuries ago was a reason she sided against the Dark Fey who by her nature she should have aided.

And Ken though likely stuck as Kimmie by the first *ceremony* -- or Kimmie is now the defalt form and Ken can only come out at times, like Kimmie previously was -- has not yet been subject to the second or final one and has retained control of her will for now. The glowing tattoos? of a previous chapter indicate some binding ceremony was used on Ken/Kimmie long ago.

The grace of his dancing suggested he had a strong affinity to his Kimmie form or even was born Kimmie and magically changed. Who knows?

Kimmie still has her free will though is still too willing to do as asked. Can she fight of the last magics and be herself if she can't ever be himself again?

Ken needs justice. Kimmie needs to have a life of her own choosing.Does anyone in the family truely love him/her?

But His/her spirit is strong. I can't see her killing herself. But maybe fighting back... eventually? Possible.

And like another speculated I wonder about the Hawaiian girl. Just a throwaway character or was she a victim of the family plan? They feared she would learn the secret so they had her *removed* from Ken in some way?

I could still be wrong here and our authoress has led us up a false trail. But it would take a lot to convince me this was done out of love and having no other choice to save the child. It all seems a cynical power grab by *the family* to me.

John in Wauwatosa