Tohru's mental state deteriorated. For each passing day a new zodiac figure would appear on her windowsill – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey and the rooster.
What scared her the most was wondering what would happen when they all returned. Anxious anticipation made her thoughts more irrational as if building up to an explosive finale.
Tohru lay in her bed again staring at the latest edition – the rooster.
2 days.
She had 2 more days before she would come home from school and find… what?
Just the final piece, the pig… or something more?
Black rings had begun to show under Tohru's eyes as her nights became more and more restless. Even when she did sleep nightmares of the zodiac figures would haunt her.
Her health was suffering.
'
'
'Is she asleep?'
'I think so. She went into her room some time ago,' replied Yuki.
'Now, I don't think I have been the only one to notice. But something isn't right with Tohru.' Stated Shigure, looking around the table at Yuki and Kyo.
The three of them sat together over a pot of tea late in the evening. No arrangement had been made, just a silent mutual understanding that something was amiss.
"I know she spaces out and stuff but she has been doing it more than usual lately… and she almost seems… sad,' Kyo ended in a whisper looking down at his tea.
'Indeed,' agreed Shigure dragging his eyes from the forlorn Kyo and looking to Yuki. 'I am starting to fear for her health, she is barely eating and it seems as though she isn't getting much sleep either.'
'Do you think we need to call Hatori?' asked Yuki.
'I will talk to Hari tomorrow and see what he suggests, although if something doesn't change with Tohru soon, I don't know what will happen.'
'Yeah, like the other day, she dropped that big pot of soup in the kitchen. I know she is clumsy but something about that was off,' Kyo growled, getting angry at his own frustration for not knowing why Tohru was acting the way she was.
'Miss Honda even refused to go out with Miss Uotani and Miss Hanajima last night even though she didn't have work. That seemed unusual for her.'
'I think this all started when Tohru started going back to school. She isn't being… bullied is she?' questioned Shigure, puzzled that he was even asking something like that.
'I don't think so. I can't be completely certain but surely Miss Honda would say something if that were the case?'
'She always does things the hard way. She never thinks she can ask anyone for help,' Kyo grumbled, his voice getting gradually louder. 'For all we know she could be getting bullied by those stupid fan club girls! She wouldn't tell us!' Kyo standing up suddenly in anger, making the table rock.
'We can solve this quiet simply,' Shigure smiled. Both Yuki and Kyo looked at the dog in puzzled surprise.
'One of you could just ask her.'
'
'
The following days were dragged out for Tohru yet they also went too quickly. Her nerves tremored once more as she had come home to the sight of the dog on her window. It almost made her laugh. Shigure was so loveable in his zodiac form yet this tiny figure instilled more fear in her than Tohru could bare.
The next evening Tohru had come home again and found the final piece, the pig.
Tohru went into a state of complete panic.
She dropped her school bag by her closed door and looked around her room afraid the intruder may suddenly burst forward. Her hands and frame shook and once she had convinced herself no one was in her wardrobe she flung herself down on her bed in uncontrollable sobs.
What is going to happen? What did it all mean?
Irrational yet maybe rational thoughts crossed her mind.
What if they just wanted to return the things they took? Maybe… maybe they thought this was the right thing to do….
Perhaps it had been one of the others… what if this was all part of some joke Shigure was playing?
No… it couldn't be… it was too surreal
Tohru endured another sleepless night.
'
'
'So?'
'All the Zodiac figures sit in her room.'
'Good. You are ready for the next part? The finale!?' Akito stood and took a threatening step towards the black clad man. A streak of madness crossed the Sohma family head's eyes.
'Of course, Master Akito. Do you have something particular in mind?'
The powerful head calmed herself and walked to the window. 'Nothing in particular but be creative. Make it memorable. Make sure she sees the others suffer before you deal the final blow.' She savoured the words in her mouth making her intentions entirely clear to the man in the room.
'I will not fail you.'
'No. You will not.'
My apologies for taking so long on the update! I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your reviews though, it is wonderful to see that so many enjoy my writing - it really is inspiring.
I had a little writers block on how to continue this story but I can tell you now that I am in the midst of the following chapters. I unfortunately have also had poor health of late but can assure you that my writing will continue.
Stay tuned for more and once again thank you all for your support! Keep it up!
