Chapter 25

Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and its characters are property of Natsuki Takaya

(Author's Note: I'd like to thank the folks who have read and reviewed this story. You guys are so wonderful! I wish I could say the same about my job. My work schedule changed recently so I haven't had time for anything but sleep.)

"Clothes, money, drugs and keys. I think that's about it," Shigure said as he zipped shut a black bag.

His eyes wandered all over the study and lingered on his books and computer. He mentally shook himself. This will not do. To pull this plan off he needed to cut certain ties. But oh how he would miss this house. Then he saw a picture of Tohru with him and the boys on his desk. He'd taken to putting pictures of her all over the house to strengthen his resolve. This was for her and ultimately, for them as well.

Sounds of a scuffle broke out upstairs. That was the second fight between Yuki and Kyo today. With the way those two were acting, there wouldn't be a house left standing. Sighing, Shigure made his way upstairs.

Kyo was sitting on the floor holding his jaw. Yuki brushed some imaginary dust off his shirt and turned his back on the cat. Kyo got up and lunged at the rat who spun around and kicked him in the chest. The impact sent Kyo crashing through a wall.

"Will you two stop destroying my house?"

Yuki gave Kyo a cold look and answered Shigure.

"His stupidity knows no bounds. Just because Haru was baiting us today didn't mean he had to fall for it."

"What has that got to do with you two damaging my house?"

"Haru went black and taunted us about Honda-san. How we – especially Kyo – have done nothing to get her away from Akito. This stupid cat nearly blurted out the plan. We were lucky Kureno showed up at that moment."

"What's the big deal? It's not like that brat would remember what I said anyway once he's no longer black."

"If the plan fails because of your big mouth and Honda-san marries Akito…"

The usually reserved rat's control over his emotions was slipping. Shigure had never seen Yuki like this before. He stood between the two and tried to placate the rat.

"We don't really have time for this, you know. The engagement party is this weekend."

At the mention of the party, Kyo looked away from his cousins. Haru's taunts really hit home. He couldn't stop himself and nearly told the ox about their plan. They weren't so useless! They were going to get her back!

Deep down, he knew Yuki was right. He really shouldn't have said anything. But he'd rather be damned than apologize to that arrogant rat.

"Just don't get in my way again today stupid cat."

Yuki turned on his heel and walked away.

They were all on edge, the dog thought. So much was riding on this plan; their little flower's future and their bid for freedom.

He left the brooding cat and went downstairs to write a letter. He was withdrawing Yuki, Kyo and Tohru from Kaibara Public High School. The letter should arrive at the school after the engagement party. He knew how much Tohru wanted to graduate and vowed this would only be a temporary break from school.

At the main house, the dragon was moved to a different room as Akito ordered. He now had a bathroom but was still kept under lock and key.

Kureno followed the maid who delivered Hatori's dinner and watched from behind an armoire as she returned a key to a cabinet drawer. When she left, he took the key and sneaked out of the estate to have it duplicated. He returned it back in the drawer before breakfast.

He still felt a twinge of guilt for going against Akito because he'd been conditioned since childhood to blindly follow the clan leader. But Shigure was right. Tohru Honda deserved to be freed from their so-called God. A possessed Akito would only ruin her life.

That night, he made his way to Hatori's room and let the dragon in on the plan. On the other side of the locked door, Hatori smiled and thanked fate for making Shigure the way he is.

"When is the engagement party?"

"It's this weekend Hatori-niisan so we haven't much time left."

"No we don't but I'll be ready. How is she?"

Kureno hesitated briefly and decided to lie.

"She's fine."

Hatori knew the rooster was lying but didn't press the matter. Tohru hadn't visited him in days and he suspected that Akito was keeping a closer watch on her. Their God was becoming obsessed with the girl. They needed to get her away from that accursed man quickly.

Hatori wanted her to be free; longed for her to be happy. She was too pure to live among the Sohmas.

He closed his eyes and remembered a snowy afternoon when he saw a beaming Kana telling friends of her upcoming wedding. It didn't hurt thinking of Kana anymore and he hoped she was happy now. Another smiling face appeared in his mind and his heart skipped a beat.

He really shouldn't be thinking of Honda-kun this way. He was no better than Shigure. And if his cousin found out, he would only become fodder for the dog's teasing. Or worse. Shigure did love her enough to defy Akito.

Elsewhere in the main house, Akito was enjoying one of his favorite past times – inflicting emotional pain. His target this time sat before him trying hard not to cry.

"Tohru-san. You don't really need a high school diploma to be my wife. I don't want you to even return to that place."

"But Akito-san, one of my goals is to graduate from high school."

"I've decided already. You're not going back there. Besides, after the engagement party, we'll be traveling for awhile."

Tohru looked at him in surprise. She didn't know they would be leaving. Akito smiled softly at her. He would take her away from those animals and her nosy friends. She belonged only to him.

"Can I see Hana-chan and Uo-chan before we go? They weren't invited to the party and they're my best friends."

"I don't want you associating with those kinds of people. And the party is for family only."

"But…"

He walked over to Tohru and played with her hair. Her fear of Koji Sohma made her flinch. Akito dropped his hand and adjusted his kimono which was forever sliding off one shoulder. He smirked and used his trump card.

"If you don't do what I say, I'll never free Hatori."

She bowed her head in defeat and let the tears fall.

Rain fell on the day of the party which no one but Akito looked forward to. He insisted that only the Jyuunishi and the cat be present to hear his announcement. The rest of the clan would be told later.

But he refused to let Hatori out of the room since he needed the dragon to bend Tohru to his will.

The rest of the Jyuunishi drifted in twos and threes to the event. Akito kept Tohru away from her former housemates. It galled him to invite Kyo to the main house but he wanted to see the cat's expression when he announced the news. It was clear to anyone with half a brain that Kyo loves the girl. And for that "sin", Akito would never forgive him.

He surveyed the room in disgust. Stupid, useless animals. It's time for another obedience lesson, he thought.

Hatsuharu leaned against the wall and looked bored. Like everyone else, he didn't want to be here but had no choice in the matter. An unusually subdued Momiji walked up to him. The rabbit looked at Tohru and hoped the kimono-clad girl would turn his way. He sighed.

"Yeah I know. I've been to happier funerals,'' the ox commented dryly.

"Do you think she'll be allowed to talk to us?"

"I don't think so. He's not even letting her near sensei, Yuki and Kyo."

"Oh," was all the rabbit said and lapsed into silence.

Ordered by Akito to stay away from the cat and the Jyuunishi, Tohru could only smile at them. Yuki and Kyo blushed. Hiro just scowled at her in return.

As Shigure circulated among the Jyuunishi, Kureno passed by and gave him the briefest of nods. The dog looked to where the champagne bottles stood.

Akito smiled broadly at his Jyuunishi as Koji's laughter rang in his head.

"Thank you for coming. I love you all,'' he lied.

Kyo gritted his teeth and controlled himself. He wanted to smash in Akito's face so badly. Think of the plan, think of the plan, he reminded himself.

"I invited all of you here to celebrate my engagement to Tohru Honda who has been a wonderful part of the Sohmas for nearly two years. I am making her an official member of this family soon,'' Akito said and fished a small velvet-covered box out of his black suit.

He took a diamond ring out of the box and slipped it onto Tohru's finger. Aware of her bargain, she said nothing. Shigure, Kyo and Yuki saw red. But the dog recovered his composure quickly and caught Kureno's eye.

"Congratulations," the rooster said. "I propose a toast to the happy couple."

Bottles of champagne and apple cider were opened. The cider was for the underage members of the family. Akito accepted a glass then realized Shigure handed him the drink. He "accidentally" spilled his champagne and took the dog's glass instead. He stared at Shigure and downed the drink in three gulps.

The dog hid his grin.

Akito beamed at his captive audience and motioned towards Tohru.

"As an engagement present, I am giving Tohru-san a trip around the world. I want her to experience and see the world before she begins life as the wife of the clan leader. We will be leaving tonight. Don't worry. We'll be back in a year or so, unless we decide to live abroad permanently."

Stunned silence greeted Akito's announcement. He greedily drank in their shocked expressions and pulled Tohru to his side.

"Onee-chan, you can't leave me! Onee-chan!"

A hysterical Kisa ran to Tohru and clutched at her kimono. Tohru pried Akito's fingers off her arm and gently pushed him away. She embraced the crying Kisa and whispered in the girl's ear.

"My mother told me that when you love someone, they will always be with you. Even if that person is gone. I love you, Kisa-san. Remember that."

Akito forcibly separated the two and slapped Tohru.

"Remember our deal," he hissed at her softly. "You belong to me now."

She bit her lip, bowed her head and offered him her hand. Before anyone could react, he dragged her out of the room. Hiro was the first to recover.

"You stupid woman! Kisa and the others got hurt because they hid you but you came willingly to him anyway,'' the boy yelled as he quickly made his way to Kisa's side.

The tiger looked with sad eyes at the ram who suddenly felt ashamed.

"Onee-chan must have had a good reason."

Kyo and Yuki tried to run after Akito but were restrained by Shigure and Kureno. The dog then addressed the rest of the Jyuunishi.

"After that display of affection by Akito-san, I think it's time we all have a little chat."

Tohru sat on the floor in front of Akito. He'd dragged her to his room and given her the silent treatment. She was too scared to move from where she sat or look at him. But it was also fear that he would hurt the Jyuunishi that forced her to speak.

"Akito-san I'm so sorry for what happened. Kisa-san is young. I just felt she needed to be comforted."

"I am the head of this family and your future husband. When I tell you to stay away from those animals, I expect you to obey me. Do you understand?"

"Hai."

He suddenly pushed her down on the floor, kissed her and ran his hands all over her body. Tohru started trembling.

"You disgust her," Koji whispered in his head.

Akito stood up and glared at Tohru.

"I didn't propose this bargain. You begged me on your hands and knees and told me you'd do anything. Was it all just a lie then?"

Tohru sat up but kept her eyes down.

"No, it wasn't a lie Akito-san."

"Then tell me what I want to hear and I will have Hatori freed tomorrow. 'I belong only to you.' Say it!"

"I belong only to you."

He cupped her face and kissed her forehead, cheeks and lips. Those animals will never have you while I live, he thought. Never.

He deepened the kiss and embraced her. When he felt her tremble, he pulled back and looked sadly at the shaking girl in his arms.

"I will not force you Tohru-san. I am not Koji Sohma."

By 5 o'clock in the evening, Kureno had loaded the limousine with their luggage. A humming Akito checked his pockets for the plane tickets and passports.

He didn't care if the Jyuunishi and that monster were still hanging around the estate. As far as he was concerned, the party was over the minute he announced their around-the-world trip and stunned those animals. Never underestimate your God was today's lesson.

A fidgeting Tohru stood next to him hoping to catch a final glimpse of everyone before she left. She was also trying to drum up the courage to ask permission to bid Hatori farewell.

"Ano Akito-san?"

He turned to her and raised an eyebrow.

"May I say goodbye to Hatori-san?"

"We don't have time to spare. Get in the car."

She swallowed her disappointment and did as she was told. Her only consolation was the fact the dragon would be freed soon. Akito followed her into the limo. Kureno rolled down the window on Tohru's side.

The Jyuunishi appeared as they drove off. A small figure broke away from the group and ran after the limo.

"Onee-chan! Onee-chan!"

Tohru gasped and looked out of the window. Kisa vainly tried to keep up with the car but tripped. Hatsuharu knelt next to the tiger and embraced her.

"Please stop the car! She's hurt."

"Keep going, Kureno."

"But Kisa-san needs help."

Akito's eyes flashed a warning and he squeezed her arm hard. She winced in pain and fell silent.

Shigure watched intently as the limo drove out of sight. He didn't bother to turn around when someone cleared their throat behind him.

"Well? What are we still doing here? Let's go!"

"Patience Kyo-kun. We have 20 minutes left before the drug takes effect."

"But they'll be at the airport by then!"

"Kureno-san is driving. Don't tax your empty orange head with thinking Kyo-kun. It'll just give you a headache."

"Why you..," Kyo said and grabbed the dog by the shoulder.

"What are you doing now, you stupid cat? Keep your mind focused on the plan," Yuki calmly interjected.

The cat snorted in disgust but dropped his hand. He muttered something under his breath about damn, arrogant rats.

Akito's eyelids started to droop and he yawned. All this excitement wore him out today, he thought. He wanted a nap badly and closed his eyes.

Kureno checked the rearview mirror and saw Akito sleeping. He left the main road and made a detour. They stopped at an isolated stretch of road. The rooster turned around in his seat and looked at Tohru.

"Someone wants to see you."

Another car pulled alongside the limo and three familiar figures stepped out. A grinning Shigure opened the door on Tohru's side and leaned inside. He ignored the sleeping Akito and offered a hand to the teen.

"Shall we go my little flower?"

A dumbstruck Tohru could only gape at him. She could see Yuki and Kyo behind the dog.

"We're leaving Honda-san."

"Let's go!"

Tohru turned to Kureno who smiled and nodded at her. She glanced at the sleeping clan leader next to her.

"Don't worry about him. He'll be sleeping for hours. Go on, I'll be fine," Kureno said.

She took off the ring and put it on Akito's finger then she grabbed Shigure's hand and got out of the limo. As she climbed into the second car, she asked about Hatori and the other Jyuunishi. What will happen to them once Akito realizes she left?

The car's driver looked at her. It was Hatori.

"I'm coming with you, Honda-kun. The others have been told nothing of our destination so Akito cannot force anything out of them."

"What if he hurts them?"

"I left them letters with instructions on how to deal with him,'' Shigure said grimly. He didn't elaborate.

Yuki and Kyo got inside the car. There was a brief fight on who would sit next to Tohru since Shigure already claimed the spot to her right. The cat lost and sat sulking in the front.

Kureno transferred her luggage to the other car's trunk then talked to Shigure. The dog handed him a small packet.

"That's a different dosage since you need it to take effect faster. You'll have 15 minutes."

"It will be enough to get back on the main road," the rooster said.

He waved at them as they left. Tohru had wanted to say something more to the rooster. But it was OK. She knew she would see him again.

"Where are we going?" she asked her new traveling companions.

"Wherever we want Tohru-kun,'' the dog said and grinned at her.