HELLO ALL!!! I'm back! This has got to be the fastest I've updated in a while, but I got so many nice reviews! I just hope this chapter lives up to your expectations.

Okay- couple of things. As I said in the last chapter: I'm playing up on Kyo and Yuki being friends and I probably am going a little to deep into the story line. If you see something that I could improve- TELL ME!!! I need the critisism!!! Also, I think Akito might be out of character, or Yuki, or Kyo (actually, I'm POSITIVE Kyo's out of character, but he's supposed to be.)

So, once again, I hope I continue to get your support and I hope to get more great reviews! Thanks!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story line!

P.S.- I know it's short- SORRY! I'm going to post again either later today or tomorrow so no worries!!!

Year of the Cat

The time was 4 PM when the two boys left for Sohma house. Kyo was delighted as could be with Yuki treading quietly behind him. "And what, pray tell, has you in such a pleasant mood?" the rat questioned, raising a brow.

Kyo just peered over his shoulder, his smile only widening. "You'll see."

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Finally, they reached their destination: Akito's house.

Only at this point did orange top's ego deflate slightly. "What are we doing here?" Yuki seethed, glaring angrily at the cat.

Kyo shrunk slightly under his gaze, but built himself back up. "Akito asked to see us this mornin' when I came."

Yuki drew back. What could Akito possibly want from the both of us? he pondered.

The crimson eyed boy began toward the door, Yuki reluctantly following suit. The door slid open, revealing the head of the family sitting quietly on the hardwood floor, candlelight dancing around him.

"Hm. Good." Akito mused. "You did exactly as was required."

The man looked up, his cerulean eyes locking onto Yuki's violet ones. "Well, don't be strangers and just stand in my doorway. Come in, come in!" he chirped happily, standing.

Kyo followed commands and waltzed jubilantly into the room, leaving Yuki alone at the doorway. This is strange…. Yuki thought. My brain's telling me to move, but my legs are frozen stiff? What would happen… if I didn't listen? What if- "Yuki-san, you're not going to keep me waiting forever, are you?"

The raven-haired Sohma smiled venomously, seeming to be daring Yuki to disobey. Yuki walked into the room. "Good boy."

The two cursed boys stood side by side, almost less than a hairs-breadth away. "Now," Akito announced. "I need you," he pointed to Yuki, "on that side, and you," he looked at Kyo, "on that side." Yuki peered to the side he was allotted. A strange circle was etched into the wooden paneling above the spot, whilst on Kyo's side hung a banner with the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac on it.

Reluctantly, the rat proceeded to the spot, the cat following suit to his own side. Akito gracefully danced to a platform in the center of the room, folding his hands across his chest. Incoherent words sprouted from his mouth, almost silently, - slowly- the sound of velvet-smoothly- almost seductively.

There was an aura of calmness shrouding them all in the air, enveloping them all. For once, Yuki felt almost safe in Akito's presence.

But naturally- this is Akito we're talking about. Those good moments never last.

Before Kyo had even realized what was happening, Akito had dashed behind Yuki, where a knife now rested peacefully on his throat. "There's only room for twelve…" Akito cooed, his eyes reflecting the true malice of his smile.

"Kyo, dearest, you had to know that you being in the Zodiac would come at a price, right? Nothing's free! So for the cat to be accepted…" Akito pushed the blade down on the poor rat's throat carefully, so as only to draw a thin line of dark crimson blood. "The rat has to give himself up for the cause."