Kuri finished putting all the food out, and Reiko took off her apron and straightened her kimono.
The Sohmas were arriving now. The Head of the family, Akito, entered with a disdainful look on his face and sat in the place of honor.
Mana hurried over and greeted each Sohma starting with the head of the family.
Kyo stood off to one side, not sitting at the table. Yuki was seated next to the head of his family.
Kuri hesitated, then went and sat beside Yuki. He smiled at her.
"It will all be ok." Yuki said. He wasn't sure why, but he felt protective of the girl. She seemed fragile, reminding him of how he used to be.
Hatsuharu sat beside Mana, on her other side. She gave him a look of surprised interest. Kiana, the blonde, came out and sat beside Momiji and began talking animatedly with him, as if they were not in a terrifying situation. Ava, the curly haired woman, went and sat beside Ayame, speaking in hushed tones. Finally, Billie, the woman with cropped brown hair, sat beside Hatori with a demure smile.
Yuzuru entered with a child at his side. She had her blue hair in high pigtails, and was absolutely silent. She definitely resembled Kuri. She even had her eyes. But she had an expressionless face.
Yuzuru had the girl follow him as if she was on a tether.
A boy with red hair that resembled Reiko, exited the back rooms and went to accompany the girl, taking her to a separate reserved table.
"Ninako and Shimano. My youngest." Yuzuru said by way of explanation.
Kuri tensed, and Yuki could see she was angry. But why?
He watched as she stared at the little girl with worry and love. That made sense; she was a member of her family. But maybe the two of them were just especially close. Yuki wanted to ask her, but he had a feeling she wouldn't answer.
They ate their meal and during that time there was a lot of chatter but no real answers on either side.
"So, down to business." Mana attempted.
"No." Akito snapped. "I don't want to talk to you. I came to talk to the head of your family about our curse. I won't talk to a stand-in. You insult me!"
"My father has no power at all." Mana said sharply, showing no fear. "I am the only one with the power to grant your wish. Let me see. You want your curse made eternal, correct?"
There was a collective gasp. Akito did not deny it, and none of the the Zodiac felt able to confront him about it.
Mana smiled. "So I have your attention. Come with me Akito, and we will make our deal."
The two left the room, and then shortly returned. Akito looked happier than Yuki had ever seen him. Mana, too looked happy.
Kuri placed a note in front of Yuki, written in English.
"Don't worry so much. Mana is a double-dealer. She may have appeared to solidify your curse, but chances are she made a deal with another member of your family. Our curse for your curse. She wants our family curse broken, and she probably dealt that she would break your curse in exchange."
Yuki was surprised as he crumpled the note and nodded, eyes traveling to Shigure.