The only sound was the soft thud of the water feature. Tohru shifted nervously, but didn't dare break her formal kneeling position. From the corner of her eye she could see Kyo, his face determined in that way he had while training, or when he studied for exams. She felt so happy, after all today Kyo was going to –
"Tohru and I wish to be married."
Akito's face took on a predatory look. "Do you now?"
Akito smiled, a slow smile that made Tohru nervous and chilled her to her very bones. "I give my consent."
Tohru beamed. She'd known Akito had a good side all along.
"On the condition that Tohru loses her memory."
From behind her came Hatori and Shigure's voices as one. "Akito!"
"Now, now," Akito continued, "surely if they are meant to be together young Tohru will end up marrying Kyo anyway. Consider this a test for Tohru."
Beside her Tohru could see the worry lines on Kyo's face. Tohru knew there was only one thing she could do.
"And to make it a proper test no one is to tell Tohru that Kyo is her fiancé," Akito was saying.
"Akito, that's unreasonable!" Shigure again. Tohru knew it wasn't good for Shigure to go against Akito, but she also knew he was doing it for her sake. Tohru knew she didn't want to lose her memories, but she didn't want everyone to worry unnecessarily either. And before anyone else could say anything, Tohru said, "I accept."
There was complete silence, and Kyo had turned to look at her, but Tohru stared straight ahead at Akito. Akito was almost sneering, but Tohru would make sure to pass any trial. After all, one of her virtues was that no matter the times she'd never give up.
"Tohru," Kyo finally said.
Tohru turned to Kyo and smiled. "Don't worry Kyo, I'm sure I'd love you no matter what."
Hatori's concerned voice interrupted them. "Tohru, are you sure about this?"
Tohru looked Akito in the eye. "I'm sure."
Slowly Hatori rose from his kneeling place and walked to Tohru's side. He knelt beside her and placed his hand on her forehead. "Tohru," he said, "I'm sorry."
There was a flash, and Tohru fell backwards. Kyo caught her just before she hit the floor.
Tohru stirred, then slowly opened her eyes.
"Tohru!" Kyo said.
Tohru stared up at the strange boy with orange hair.
"Sorry," she said, "but who are you?"