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Chapter 3: A Revolution"With the passing of Akito, as the individual possessed by the spirit of the rat, I am the new leader of the Sohmas."
Silence continues.
Shigure smiles mischievously and says, "What next?"
"My only decree is that you all, at last, live."
Hushed chatter begins and slowly heightens to a clamor.
Rin angrily walks towards me.
"What are you talking about? Everyone knows, but I am admitting, that you're just going to do what Akito wants, Pet."
Noticing the hidden sadness and apprehension in her words, I smile and say, "No, I want us all to exist without fear and by our own wills."
She steps back, but still looks angry.
I see Ritsu moves forward slightly out of a corner, "It's wrong of me to ask, I apologize, I'm so sorry, Yuki, but I – I'm sorry, but, what about when we transform? I'm sorry!"
He bows repeatedly and quickly recedes back to the corner.
"It won't matter."
This time, Heero speaks, "It won't matter? Of course it will!"
"No, Tohru-san has taught us that we don't need to live in shame. She has shown us that others will accept us."
Still angry, Heero moves closer and says, "What makes you think she's a good example?"
Obviously upset, Kisa steps towards him and takes hold of his arm as she says, "Please don't say such things about Onee-chan."
He looks at her and falls silent.
"Tohru-san would say that it is better to try to believe, rather than doubt."
Haru walks to the middle of the room and says, "Yuki is right, haven't we learned even just this from knowing her?"
Momiji shouts out, "We've learned that, and a lot more, from Toh-ru!"
Chatter begins once more.
"Please, we have an important matter to discuss," I say.
With a smile, Onii-san says, "And what matter would that be, little brother?"
I scan the room with a serious look and say, "The dissolution of the Sohma."
Shigure laughs while some make nervous noises.
"What do you mean?"
"How?"
"That's insane!"
I smile and say, loudly, over the worried cries, "You are all aware of the vast Sohma fortune."
Quiet returns.
"Hatori keeps an official list of the living adult Sohmas. It is my plan to distribute the money equally among the adults and, in effect, free each from the name of Sohma."
"How do we know it will be fair?"
"What about the estate?"
"What about after that?"
"If any of you are concerned about fairness, you are welcome to help me divide the fortune. In regards to the estate, I have chosen that the decision should be made by vote of all the Sohmas living here. After that, you may do as you please."
Intermittent murmurs fill the silence as I remain standing.
Shigure approaches me and says, "My, is this how you think the curse can be broken?"
I look at him and say, "Whether we transform or not, over that, I have no control, but this is to break the real curse of the Sohma, fear – our fear of the world."
Shigure smiles mischievously and says, "Well done, well done."
"I'm going to gather all of the Sohmas who live in the estate here now, could some of you please help me to expedite the process?"
Kisa, Haru, Momiji, and Kagura step forward.
"Thank you," I say, smiling.
As we head to the door, Kyo suddenly blocks my path.
"Kyo-kun, what's the matter?" Kagura asks as she walks over to him.
"You, what are you going to do?" he says as he glares at me.
"I am going to attempt to fulfill my greatest wish."
He steps aside surprised, Kagura still unsuccessfully trying to gain his attention. Kisa, Haru, Momiji, and I walk out of the room.