A/N: Well, here we are at New Year's Day. But instead of being a closed-door event, the doors have been blown open and light shines brightly in the Great Hall. What does Shigure have planned for our intrepid couple? And is there another couple that benefits from his actions? And is this the redemption our friend the Dog was looking for? Read on! As always Hatori is in black, Mayu isn't, and Shigure is in his own box.

I also don't own Fruits Basket or the Characters Therein.

New Year's Day

The next day Ayame came to see me and said,

"Well tonight we dance together again."

"I can't believe it's been only a few weeks. I feel like it's been ages."

"Are you nervous that Mayu will be there to see us dance?"

"No, I'm glad she'll be there. I'm ready to start opening up about this side of my life."

"Do you fear that she'll chose Shigure?"

He said it so plainly that it took me aback. While I had gained confidence the night before, my old feelings of self-loathing rose.

"I feel guilty that I erased her mind without remembering I did. It seems so cold and callus of me. It would be fitting if she were to set me aside in favor of Shigure."

"We are on the cusp Hatori. Can't you feel that things are in motion? Your path to Mayu is opening. Shigure has moved out of your way. I will move out of your way after our dance, just give me that. Shigure and I need to let go of the past to give her room to join our circle. But you need to bring her in."

"Thank you but it's up to Mayu. I'd understand if she chooses Shigure. The two of them might have had something and I took that away."

"Are you kidding? You are too much of a pushover! You're feeling self-destructive because of your role in the drama. Show her how you feel!

Gods this family puts too much stock in the fates. Take hold of those ribbons and tie yourself to her."

"I'm not sure I can."

"You're exasperating."

Shigure interlude

Aya stormed into my room and asked,

"Do you feel any connection with the universe anymore?"

I closed my eyes and concentrated. While the ribbons were fainter, I could see them still. Currently they wrapped several times around Tori, Mayu, and me and went off into the distance. I tried following them through time but couldn't. I wasn't sure if this was due to the loss of the Dog's influence or because the fates were completely up in the air, but I couldn't see what would happen.

I shook my head and said,

"Seems like the universe has a 50-50 split going. Care to cast your bet which Sohma she chooses? Or to throw your hat into the ring?"

My remark did as I had hoped as he laughed,

"Well, I don't think I'm the Sohma she's looking for. But as much as it kills me to say it, she needs to be with Tori. I've never seemed him that happy. I just wish he would speak up louder."

"No, he has to act. Talking isn't getting him anywhere."

"Or rather," I said to myself, "I do."

Mayu Meets Shigure

The day of the New Year's festivities Kana came over to help me dress in the complicated layers of my formal kimono. It was an outward manifestation of my tormented mind. The layers wrapped around, burying me deep in conflicting feelings that hid away what I truly felt. While truly beautiful, all they did was obfuscate, equivocate, fail to elucidate how I felt. I had no idea where all the pieces went, and the obi was a tangled mess in my hands. I was nervous and sleep deprived as my dreams kept me awake. Scenes from my past and present melded into one whole making my future even more unsure.

Kana looked at me and said,

"Do you a want to go have a spa day? The celebration doesn't start until tonight."

"I would love that."

She unwrapped me and we headed to a luxurious spa and had manicures, pedicures, and facials. And while Kana sat on the side, I soaked in the jacuzzi.

"What do I do Kana. I just found out that Shigure and I had something way back and Tori made me forget about it somehow."

Kana looked uncomfortable but she continued this time.

"That time was horrible. You don't understand how much power Akito had over them. The very fact that they opened up to you about it tells me that things are moving in the right direction. It means that Spring is finally coming."

"I'm so confused! I love Tori but I have all those feelings for Shigure that I didn't know I had."

"It was like that for me. I found my husband and for a long time it felt like there had been no one else. But when I saw Tori that night it all came flooding back to me. However, when we started talking it became clear that we had both moved on."

"So, you're saying I should go and talk to Shigure?"

"I think so."

"I think you're right."

Shigure interlude

I was trying to settle my mind for the first New Year's after the breaking of the bonds when I received the last call I ever expected to get.

"Shigure," Mayu said, "can we meet?"

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

"I think we have things to talk about."

"You're right about that. Where do you want to meet?"

"At your studio."

My nerves began pulsing as I got nearer to my studio. Kana's car was there, and I thought for a minute Mayu had decided against coming and had sent Kana to tell me what she wanted to tell me. It was only fair as I had done something similar years ago. But then I saw her. She was dressed in the kimono she would wear that night, a garment that would make driving difficult. Turning to Kana, she said,

"Do you mind waiting?"

"No, go ahead."

I felt better that her friend waited for her. I led her up the stairs, providing her with support as the darkness of the hallways was almost complete. We walked into the space. To my eyes it looked as it had a few weeks before. Dusty and barren.

She looked around, looked at me, and said,

"It looks different than before. The light doesn't look magical anymore. If just looks dusty."

I said,

"I think the ghosts of the past have flown for you."

I added to myself, "If not for me."

She was so close. I could smell the cherry blossom perfume she wore and the floral scent of her shampoo. We stood silently for a moment, as if caught in a long-ago moment when her essence had first imprinted itself on me. I reached my hand out towards her, moving to smooth a strand of her hair that had come loose from her intricate hairstyle, but put it down. I looked down at the floor, breaking the moment, for it was a moment in time, and it was over.

Walking over to the easel, she found a pad of paper and a charcoal pencil I had left there that fateful night and handed them to me.

"Can I sit for you?"

"Oh Mayu…"

"Not…not like that. As a friend. I want you to see me as a friend, not a potential paramour. That sketch of me held the potential of so much. And that's all gone now."

She looked at me again and said,

"Well not all gone."

I looked at her more closely. The kimono she wore had images of yellow koi with black spots. It was the Bekko koi which symbolizes finding true love.

"Ah Aya," I thought, "on the nose as always."

I had a thought, the image of her sitting there in her beautiful kimono would make the perfect cover for my book. It was so much more appropriate for the story as I had rewritten it. The ending for the story came to me as well. I had her position herself on an ornate chair that I kept for just such occasions. I began to feel again as my emotions flowed onto the paper. I still felt icy cold, but things had started to crack inside.

I showed it to her, and she smiled.

"It's beautiful Gure."

"So do you know who the princess chooses yet?"

"I do."

"So do I."

Touching my cheek, she kissed me on the forehead, and then she walked away, her face pointed towards another sun.

I wrote furiously on the back of the drawing and then drove back to the compound to get ready for the night.

Lord of the Dance

Aya and I had practiced our dance for a few hours, and we were ready to go. I had expected to see Shigure as he had said something about wanting to talk before we began but he was cutting it close. He skidded in with a half an hour before showtime and said,

"Sorry, sorry! There was something I had to finish."

"What's going on Gure?"

"Everything is fine."

"Fine? Like really fine, or fine like you've done something and you're hiding it?"

"No, no nothing like that. It truly is fine. Can I ask you a favor though?"

"What?"

"When you finish dancing with Aya, would you dance with Mayu?"

We both looked questioningly at him.

I said, "You know these dances are really choreographed. She's never danced traditionally."

"I don't need it to be traditional. I just need you to dance. I'd like everyone to dance."

"Alright. Do you know for a fact she'll be here?"

"Oh yes. Of that I'm certain."

Kana was waiting patiently for me.

She asked

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, I think we're all on the same page now."

We drove to the compound. I felt nervous. The last time I had been there was for the funeral. I had no idea what to expect given Tori had been very cagy about his family's observances of the New Year. I turned to Kana and asked,

"What's this like?"

"I don't know, I've never been. It was only for the…."

"For the zodiac members?"

"Wow they did open up to you. Yes. I'm excited to see it as well."

We met Kyo and Tohru on the way in.

Kyo snarkily said,

"I can't believe I have to go to this thing."

But his face, which glowed, spoke differently. He was clearly excited about being invited finally. Torhu was especially excited.

"We get to see Hatori-sama and Ayame-sama dance! I've only heard about it. I can't wait!"

We made our way in and sat down at a table. The room was lit by candles whose shadows danced on the walls as if to give us a preview of what was about to happen. Ayame and Tori walked in dressed in elaborate kimonos. They danced together in complicated figures representing the Year of the Dragon giving way for the Year of the Snake's reign. The swirling fabric of their kimonos billowed behind them, the hems were embroidered with intricate patterns which morphed into flying dragons and slithering snakes as they dance. At the end a golden ball appeared from thin air, and they passed it between themselves a few times until Aya finally caught it threw it into the air where it exploded into a shower of sparks. He then hugged Tori. It was simply beautiful. I was transfixed and sat in silence until the moment was broken when we began to clap. We thought it was over and the murmuring started about how beautiful the performance had been but then Shigure walked in. Something about his manner commanded attention and we all fell silent.

He didn't tell me much about what he had in mind, but he did say that he wanted to involve everyone in the dance. He took my hand and Ayame's. As soon as we linked hands ribbons of light appeared, binding us together. We followed Shigure's lead and danced in a circle, our bonds strong and vivid. They fanned out, twirled around in intricate patterns, but they remained close by, drawn together in a tight knot. At one point I saw a bond between myself and Kana glow and fade away. As we turned toward Mayu, Shigure drew her in to the circle and dropped my hand, urging me take her hands. He did the same for Kyo and Tohru. The four of us began to dance in circles of our own, mostly separate, but still connected to the rest. Aya and Shigure formed a wider circle with the other zodiac members, and they danced around us. The ribbons between Aya and Gure and myself faded, while those between me and Mayu's glowed strongly. The same happened for those between Tohru and Kyo.

The rest of the family took their cue and joined the ever-growing circles of dancing relations until the entire room was dancing around us. They were generations of Sohmas dancing together with us instead of shying away from us. I tried to make out my parents in the crowd, but in the darkened room it was hard to make our individual faces. As we continued to dance, ribbons overlapped and glowed and faded until only Mayu's and my ribbons were left. Glowing bright red, they spun together tightly and divided to include a third, which shot into the distance. The room went black, and we stood in silence. And then the room exploded with applause.

"Well, Aya said, "I guess the fates have spoken."

Shigure answered, "are you going to argue?"

We replied, "Not a chance."

Shigure then turned to Mayu and said,

"Now that's how my book ends."

Gure looked a bit winded but was smiling ear to ear.

Hugging Shigure, I asked, "How did you do that! That was beautiful!"

"As we said, some things are beyond explanation. Welcome to the family by the way."

"That third ribbon, I'm not…"

"Knowing Haa-san I highly doubt it. But it's in the cards. And I for one can't wait to be an uncle."

As the group began to mingle the four of us slipped out the side door to shield Mayu from having to meet everybody at once before she had a moment to process what she had seen.

"So, said Aya, what to you see for us."

"I think that might have been the last of my predictions. That took a lot of effort and energy. But really, I'm not sure I want to know. It's exciting not knowing what tomorrow will bring. But you two, I think you have a date with some wildflowers."

Shigure Interlude

As they walked off, Ayame turned to me and asked,

"Do you think we'll ever be that happy?"

I tried to focus on the future, and while I thought I saw a glimmer of our paths I couldn't see beyond the loosening coils of our widening circle.

"I'm afraid the Magic Eight Ball in my head says, 'Reply hazy, try again later.'"

"Well, what do you want to do now?"

"We should play dutiful sons for a bit but after that we could go out."

"Out would be good."

"Or I could go home and finish the cover for my book so I can drop it by my editor's tomorrow."

"Do I see the glimmer of a future forming?"

"Who can tell? The fates have stopped talking to me."

Walking among the Wildflowers

It seemed silly that I felt shy suddenly given all we had shared, but this was the first time I was invited fully into Hatori's world. It was a bit chilly and while I was wearing several layers of cloth the breeze still bit. He held me close until we arrived at the greenhouse. It was simply exploding with wildflowers. We strolled around the beds for a bit, taking in the sight of the beautiful flowers. He knew all the names of the flowers and what they were used for. I could have listened to him for hours. But we came upon a beautiful bench in a private corner that seemed to have been designed for a private tete a tete.

He pulled me down next to him and said,

"I thought you could use a moment. We should eventually go back so that I can introduce you. It's the proper thing to do. But we can rest for a minute."

"Yes, I know. And you'll need to meet my parents when they get back home next week. They'll be over the moon that you're a doctor."

I noticed he glossed over me meeting his parents but rather said,

"So, what do you think of the wildflowers? Are they worth the wait?"

"Oh Tori they're a welcome break from the winter!"

"Well, I'm glad I could bring a bit of Spring to you."

"It's beautiful."

"You're beautiful."

He leaned in and kissed me.

I then asked,

"Do you believe Shigure?"

"I've learned over the years to tell when Shigure is being Shigure and when Shigure is being serious. He was being serious."

I was overwhelmed again. Here was the man I had followed for years sitting with me and he loved me. I had just been told that our fates were intertwined, and sometime in the future we would have a baby together. He saw I was panicking again, and he held me close and said,

"When I spend too much time with Shigure when he is in mystic man mode, I find its best to take a deep breath, close my eyes and refocus myself in the here and now. Just know I am happier than I have been in a long time Mayu. And you're the reason. Now, it's getting late, so it's time to go meet everyone."

He pulled me back to reality and I met so many Sohmas. They were happier than they had been the last time I met the family. Fortunately, there were several friendly faces amongst them including Kana, Aya, and Shigure. It seemed endless and I was growing tired.

"In case you're wondering Ha-san," Shigure said, "You've done the requisite hi, hellos. I don't think anyone would notice if you slipped away. Oh, and I think we're about to have fireworks here anyway, you might want to skedaddle." I thanked him for helping me to figure things out.

He smiled and said,

"Well, it's all in a day's work princess. However, if you ever find the dragon cold and slimy always remember I am your faithful Dog Headed Knight."

Tori proceeded to give him a nuggie.

"Mercy!" he yelled. Tori chuckled and said,

"You forget, while dogs are soft and cuddly, dragons breathe fire. So, we are known to be quite warm thank you very much."

Gure fanned himself and said, alright I get it, I get it. You're hot. Now get out of here!"

I said, "I'll second the motion that Tori is hot."

I gave Gure the first big hug in my life. It felt warm and inviting, but I was pleased how things had turned out. I turned to Aya, meaning to give him the usual pat on the shoulder, but he too drew me in and gave me a gigantic smile when his arms went around me. We left just as a bolt in the form of Kagura came streaking right for Gure. We said goodbye and exited stage left, pursued by none, not even hungry ghosts.

Shigure interlude

As the happy couple left, Kagura came gunning for me. Aya made his apologies and went to find Yuki to wish him happy new year leaving me to meet her wrath alone. She had tears in her eyes and said,

"You see Kyo and Tohru together, don't you?"

"Well, I don't see anything at all now."

"Don't play with me Shigure. The connections between them have grown, haven't they?"

"Yes. Just as those between Mayu and Haa-san have grown. We must make room for the newcomers. For turning them away will only cause pain. You're young Kagura-kun. You have time to find your own path. Think of your elders as we molder on the shelf. Aya and I are the old maids."

"You're not that old."

"Keep telling us that. It helps. Well, I must get home. I'm simply exhausted."

She seemed a bit appeased and was almost civil when Kyo and Tohru wished her Happy New Year.

I then turned to Kyo and took on the tone of authority that few, including myself, ever believed.

"And shall I see you at home Kyo?"

"Don't wait up!"

"I'll keep the home fire burning. Happy new year Kyo."

He wished me a happy new year, quite civilly as well. Apparently, he enjoyed the lightshow as well. I collapsed into my chair as I felt my very essence had been drained. But, I reflected, it was worth it if I served as a beacon for confused souls.

I must have dozed off in my chair as I heard the door quietly open and close. Three pairs of feet scuttled past me. I looked at my watch. It was past midnight but as it was the new year I wasn't going to remark on the hour. I played asleep. Mumbled voices came from the back of the house. Kyo said to Tohru in a tender voice,

"How do you feel?"

She giggled and said something I couldn't grasp as her voice was muffled.

Kyo answered.

"I'm glad, me too. Well, we better get to bed. It's late."

Toru said something, there was an embrace and she left. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and Kyo said,

"I know you're awake Gure."

I sat up and looked at him. He looked calmer than I had ever seen him. I couldn't help myself as some of my impertinence slipped out of me,

"Have you become a man tonight?"

This flustered him.

"What? Did Tori tell you something? I thought he couldn't tell you anything!"

"Relax. He didn't say anything to me. It's just you and Tohru have been cute together lately."

He got a soft look in his eye and said,

"After your light show, when I saw our fates tangled together, I told her I loved her. And she loves me. And…"

He trailed off then, lost in his thoughts for a minute, forgetting I was there. For the first time, I didn't find it necessary to impertinently poke into his private affairs. I let him have his moment. He finished his sentence with,

"And I was wondering if you knew if we would make it. Tohru will he going off to school soon, and I'm trying figure things out."

"I can't see the future anymore. Ever since the Dog left, I have had trouble seeing very far. Tonight, was my last gasp."

"Well, it was pretty….and Kagura said she understood that Toru and I are together. She's getting out of our way."

"Well, that's great!"

"How about you Gure?"

Oh, I'll bumble along.

"You'll miss Shiraki-sensei, won't you?"

"Why do you say that?"

"You look at her like a big dope."

"Eh, c'est la vie."

"I better go. It's late."

"Goodnight Kyo."

"Goodnight Gure."

He left me, and I felt happy that Kyo had been so open with his feelings.

Things were changing. But for the better. I made up my mind that I would follow those winds wherever they took me.

A/N: So there are just one or two more chapters to go! I hope that this reprise of Shigure's magical mystical tour was enjoyable. That is one scene of this story I can really picture happening. There are days when I wish I had a talent drawing, because I would love to draw this. So hang tight! There's a little more to go. Shigure's book needs an ending. As does this story. Until then, as always r and r! And I remain, Acta!