Chapter Sixteen: Kyo's Punishment
Momiji and Hatsuharu walked down the halls and discussed the recent events.
"So Haru when do you think that Yuki will be let out?" Momiji asked.
"Shigure told me that tomorrow is his last day. It has been a whole week of being in that dark place. Akito hopes it will crush Yuki's spirit."
"Do you think it will?"
Hatsuharu shook his head.
"No as long as Yuki was able to save Tohru and get her home, then Yuki will be satisfied with that."
"Oh."
***************
"Shigure" Akito said that night as he handed him that weeks notes, "I want the monster summoned here immediately."
"But Akito, he isn't due back for at least another six weeks."
"I said I want him back now. I want him brought here tomorrow. Yuki is just about finished his punishment. It is time for the monster to get his."
"Yes Akito" Shigure bowed.
He left the room with a worried look on his face. Yuki's punishment was bad enough. And he was one of the Kings favorites. What would he do to a family member he hated?
***************
Since returning home Tohru had been fussed over. She had explained to her grandparents that she had never laid eyes on her kidnappers nor did she reveal that their superstitions had been right about King Akito. Much to the disappointment of Kageru she had convinced them. He however was not fully satisfied. He still couldn't figure out how the prince had managed to escape from the dungeon in the first place. In any event Tohru settled easily back into her normal routine all the while trying to figure out the message on the wall. She knew it meant something. She decided the next day that she and her two best friends would stop up in the mountains again to speak with Kazuma. Her grandparents were touring the kingdom that day so she could easily sneak away. Especially since Kageru was going with them.
****************
The next morning the three girls saddled up after her grandparents and Kageru left, eyeing them all strangely.
"I don't know Tohru" Uo said, "Going off after coming back from being kidnapped so recently doesn't seem like a wise thing to do."
"But we'll be back before lunch time. I just want to speak with Kazuma again. It's very important. Besides I will have you two along."
"That's true Arisa" Hana nodded, "No one will bother Tohru as long as we go along."
"I guess you're right" Uo laughed, "Okay let's head to the mountains."
They rode up the winding path and stopped by Kyo's cabin.
"I just want to see if he wants to go with us," Tohru said.
She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She looked out back to see if he was chopping wood, but he was no where to be found."
"Hmm" she thought, "Maybe he is already at Kazuma's."
"Okay" she said, "Let's keep going."
**********************
Once again Kunimitsu, who led Tohru directly to Kazuma, greeted them. Uo and Hana remained in the front to play cards with the young helper. Tohru told Kazuma of the quest to the temple and all they had learned about the curse. Kazuma listened patiently. After she finished he told her that he was still trying to translate the last part of the text, but so far he had no luck.
"That's okay" she grinned, "I'm sure you will in no time. By the way Master Kazuma, I stopped by Kyo's to talk to him but he wasn't around. Is he here somewhere?"
Kazuma's face suddenly turned dark.
"Kyo was taken to TarraSohma early this morning" he replied gravely.
"Oh" Tohru looked down, "But I thought he didn't have to return till six weeks from now?"
"Yes well apparently Akito summoned him back for something. I asked the soldiers, rather I demanded to know why, but they wouldn't tell me. They just shoved me out of the way and placed him in the carriage, roughly I might add. Then he was gone."
"I see" Tohru replied slowly, "Well I had better get back to the palace before I am missed. Thank you again Master Kazuma."
She stood up and walked over to the door.
"Princess!" Kazuma called.
She looked back.
"Don't worry about Kyo. I am sure he is fine."
Tohru nodded sadly and walked out. Within minutes the three girls were back on their horses and were heading back to ShiraNobi. It started to sprinkle raindrops as they arrived back at the palace gates. Tohru looked back and frowned.
*****************
The rain was pouring as the carriage bumped along on the pathway that led to TarraSohma palace. Kyo sat in the back, already in irons, pale-faced and cold. The carriage came to a stop and Shigure was there once again to greet them.
"You can dispense with the handcuffs now gentlemen" Shigure replied, "The King wants to see him personally."
They nodded and undid the cuffs. Shigure carefully led Kyo up the stairs. Neither of them spoke. Not a question was asked. When they reached the doorway of Akito's room, Shigure knocked once and then let Kyo in.
****************
Kyo entered the dark room shivering more than ever.
"Come my monster" Akito replied, "Come and kneel before me."
Kyo averted his eyes to the ground but obeyed.
"So" Akito said clasping his hands together, "I understand that you and the rat prince took a little unauthorized trip?"
Kyo looked up.
"That you two traveled through the forbidden lands of Zurinth. The lands where no Sohma is permitted to enter without my say so. So did you?"
"Yes sir" Kyo replied.
"I see. And do you think that I should just let you off the hook for this my little monster."
Kyo shook his head. Akito placed his hand on his head and stroked it.
"You know that you have to be punished for this Kyo? So give me your left hand."
Kyo looked up at Akito terrified.
"No Akito. I beg of you. Not that."
"Your left hand Kyo!"
"No I won't!"
"Guards restrain him!"
The guards entered in and held Kyo up as Akito approached him. Kyo struggled in their grips.
"This is the only way you will learn" Akito said as he slipped Kyo bracelet off.
"No!!" Kyo shouted as he was let go.
He held his face as the transformation began. When he had fully transformed, Akito ordered that he be placed in his room with no nourishment for three days. The guards dragged the misshapen form out the back door. Akito sat in his chair and held onto the red and green bracelet, smiling in satisfaction at his cruelty.
****************
A crash of lightening sounded that awoke Tohru. She was dripping in sweat and was terrified. She climbed out of bed and looked out the window. It was still pouring outside only harder now.
"Something's not right" she said to herself, "Something's wrong with Kyo, I can feel it. Just a few days ago I felt that something was wrong with Yuki only it wasn't so bad, but this. I can feel Kyo is crying. He is in some kind of pain."
The next day the feelings didn't subside. Nor did the day after. Finally the thought of him being hurt was so imbearable that Tohru decided to do something. She had to know. She had to know that Kyo was all right, even though she knew deep down that he wasn't. The next morning, very early, she grabbed some maid's clothes and dressed herself. She snuck downstairs to the laundry room and left through the back door. Riding a horse to TarraSohma would be suspicious so she left on a cart that was headed in that direction. As the sun was setting into the afternoon, the cart veered off into another direction so Tohru jumped off. She covered her head with a kerchief and walked straight into TarraSohma. She walked through the gates of the palace. The guards thought she was a maid coming to work. She walked into the maid's quarters and bumped into a familiar face.
***************
It was Hinako. She recognized her at once.
"Princess what are you doing here? You'll get caught."
"I know Hinako. But I needed to come. Tell me is the top tower occupied?"
"Yes miss. But no one dares go near there lately. They're afraid to."
"Why?"
"Who knows? But I am supposed to deliver the meal today and I am dreading it."
"Hinako, I would like to do that for you."
"Oh no Princess. You have done far too much for me. I would rather do something for you. Besides you have to get out of here before you are caught."
"Hinako, if you let me take the tray up, it is helping me. It would mean the world to me, if you would let me."
Hinako hesitated but finally gave in. She handed the tray to her, warned her to be careful, and told her that she would help her out of the palace once she was done.
Tohru walked slowly up the stairs and averted her eyes. It was well known that that was the way lower servants behaved. She found the floor with the tower steps, took a deep breath and climbed them. When she reached the door, she knocked once.
"GO AWAY!"A gruff voice sounded.
****************
Tohru was a little confused but entered in anyway. Inside the room stank something awful. The room was torn to shreds and over in a corner a huddled figure was crouched. Tohru removed the kerchief and looked into the shadows. She placed the tray down, loud enough for him to hear. But when he turned around Tohru saw a gruesome sight. A monster was crouching before her, not Kyo. When he saw her he turned around immediately holding his head in his hands.
"Oh she saw me," he said to himself over and over, "There's no hope now."
Tohru stepped back a little then saw the remnants of a torn shirt around his waist. She recognized it at once.
"Kyo?" she replied coming closer.
"STAY BACK!" He growled, "JUST GO AWAY!"
"Kyo is that you?"
He screamed some more, which made her jump back some more. She turned her eyes away just for a second. When she looked back Kyo was there in his human form, or somewhat. He was dripping in sweat and his face looked pitifully pale. There were bags under his eyes and it looked like he was having a hard time breathing.
"What are you doing here?" he said slowly.
"I knew something was wrong" Tohru replied, "I just never imagined, Kyo what happened? Who did this to you?"
"Now you know why I have to come here very month for a time. My monster form appears for three days."
"Your monster form?"
"Yes. The evil spirit of the cursed cat. Just another one of my better attributes."
He held his stomach.
"But I don't understand, why did you change now?"
"Because I don't have my bracelet" Kyo replied.
Tohru took a good look at his left wrist.
"Well where is it? Did you lose it?"
"No" Kyo said irritated, "Tohru you shouldn't be here. I could transform again at any minute."
"I don't care about that Kyo. Where is your bracelet? Let me help you?"
"Why would you want to help me?" he replied, "I am a freak."
"Because" she said, "To me it doesn't matter what you look like. I still care about you. You are still you no matter what. Yes I have to admit that I was afraid of you when I first saw it, but I still accept you for who you are Kyo."
Kyo looked up at her in surprise. She really did care.
"It won't do you any good to help me" Kyo said, "Akito is the one who has the bracelet. There is no way you will get past him."
"I will find a way. In the meantime eat something Kyo."
She ran out of the room. Kyo tried to call her back but he suddenly felt himself transforming back again.
****************
Tohru ran down the stairs and quickly placed the kerchief back on her head. How in the world was she going to get Kyo's bracelet back from the King? It was impossible. As she ran she pondered these things, but didn't look where she was going. She bumped right into another familiar face.
It was Yuki. He helped her up.
"Are you all right Miss?" he asked.
"Yes" she said keeping her head down.
"You seemed to be in an awful hurry" he replied as he tried to glimpse her face, "Are you new? I don't think I have seen you before."
"Oh well, I um."
Yuki quietly removed the kerchief and looked deep into her eyes. He smiled.
"Princess."
"Hi."
"C'mon" he replied as he led her to his room.
When they entered in she made a gesture for how did he know.
"I saw you sneak in from the garden. Naturally I was curious. Good disguise by the way. But I guess the real question is what are you doing here Miss Honda?"
"Oh Yuki it is just terrible. Well first I had a bad feeling about you. That something bad had happened to you. And then I started to get strange feelings about Kyo. So I came here to find out what is going on. And I found out. Yuki I need your help."
"Help with what?"
"I need you to help me get Kyo's bracelet back from the King."
"You want me to what? No Miss Honda, I can't. I cannot stand that guy. Why would I ever do something for him? Especially risk yours and my lives, if Akito catches us."
"But this isn't just for Kyo, Yuki" she said, "It's for me too."
Yuki looked at her for a second. How could he say no.
"Okay" he nodded, "I will get the bracelet back, but you have got to get out of here."
"Oh no I can't leave, till I know that he's all right."
"Trust me Miss Honda. I will get it back somehow, and then the stupid cat will be safe. Just as long as you get out of here."
"Okay" she nodded as she placed her kerchief back on her head.
"I will send you word about him afterwards" Yuki said.
"All right" she smiled as she exited.
Yuki sighed. How did he get mixed up into this one?
***************
Tohru walked down to the maid's quarters where Hinako was waiting to walk with her to town. To the guards they looked like two simple maids walking home after a hard days work. Tohru hugged Hinako as she left the town. She took one long look back at the palace, sighed, and began her trek back to ShiraNobi.
***************
Yuki meanwhile walked to Akito's quarters, where he was expected to give an apology for running away and the trip to Zurinth. Akito greeted him cordially. Yuki walked closely to the table where the bracelet had been placed. Then Yuki gave his apology. Akito walked over to the birdcage with a plate of birdseed. Yuki continued his apology as he slid the bracelet off the table and into his back pocket. Then he placed a duplicate on the table. He had stolen the duplicate from Shigure. It was just something he had carved but it looked like the real thing. When he finished his speech. Akito thanked him and dismissed him for the night. Yuki walked to the tower steps and slowly walked into the room.
He too was greeted by the odious smell, but Kyo was in human form.
"GET OUT YOU DAMN RAT!" Kyo shouted throwing things at him, "GET OUT!"
Yuki looked at him angrily. Kyo lunged for him with his left fist. Yuki grabbed it and held it for a minute. Then he slid the bracelet on.
"Look you ungrateful cat" Yuki said cynically, "I brought you something."
Kyo stared stunned at the bracelet for a few minutes while Yuki turned on his heel.
"Why did you?" Kyo replied.
"I didn't do it for you, I did it for her? Don't mistake that. Just be lucky that she cares about you as much as she does" Yuki replied as he closed the door.
Kyo clutched the beads and looked out the window. His skin was returning to normal.
"Thank you Tohru," he said to himself, "Thank you wherever you are."
****************
As Tohru neared ShiraNobi she stopped and turned around. She smiled as she saw the sun set. Yuki had kept his word. She just knew it.
************************************************************** ***
Authors Note: Okay that's it till Wed!
Next Chapter: Figuring Out the Puzzle
Tohru along with Kazuma figures out what the last translation is. Don't miss it!!!
Momiji and Hatsuharu walked down the halls and discussed the recent events.
"So Haru when do you think that Yuki will be let out?" Momiji asked.
"Shigure told me that tomorrow is his last day. It has been a whole week of being in that dark place. Akito hopes it will crush Yuki's spirit."
"Do you think it will?"
Hatsuharu shook his head.
"No as long as Yuki was able to save Tohru and get her home, then Yuki will be satisfied with that."
"Oh."
***************
"Shigure" Akito said that night as he handed him that weeks notes, "I want the monster summoned here immediately."
"But Akito, he isn't due back for at least another six weeks."
"I said I want him back now. I want him brought here tomorrow. Yuki is just about finished his punishment. It is time for the monster to get his."
"Yes Akito" Shigure bowed.
He left the room with a worried look on his face. Yuki's punishment was bad enough. And he was one of the Kings favorites. What would he do to a family member he hated?
***************
Since returning home Tohru had been fussed over. She had explained to her grandparents that she had never laid eyes on her kidnappers nor did she reveal that their superstitions had been right about King Akito. Much to the disappointment of Kageru she had convinced them. He however was not fully satisfied. He still couldn't figure out how the prince had managed to escape from the dungeon in the first place. In any event Tohru settled easily back into her normal routine all the while trying to figure out the message on the wall. She knew it meant something. She decided the next day that she and her two best friends would stop up in the mountains again to speak with Kazuma. Her grandparents were touring the kingdom that day so she could easily sneak away. Especially since Kageru was going with them.
****************
The next morning the three girls saddled up after her grandparents and Kageru left, eyeing them all strangely.
"I don't know Tohru" Uo said, "Going off after coming back from being kidnapped so recently doesn't seem like a wise thing to do."
"But we'll be back before lunch time. I just want to speak with Kazuma again. It's very important. Besides I will have you two along."
"That's true Arisa" Hana nodded, "No one will bother Tohru as long as we go along."
"I guess you're right" Uo laughed, "Okay let's head to the mountains."
They rode up the winding path and stopped by Kyo's cabin.
"I just want to see if he wants to go with us," Tohru said.
She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She looked out back to see if he was chopping wood, but he was no where to be found."
"Hmm" she thought, "Maybe he is already at Kazuma's."
"Okay" she said, "Let's keep going."
**********************
Once again Kunimitsu, who led Tohru directly to Kazuma, greeted them. Uo and Hana remained in the front to play cards with the young helper. Tohru told Kazuma of the quest to the temple and all they had learned about the curse. Kazuma listened patiently. After she finished he told her that he was still trying to translate the last part of the text, but so far he had no luck.
"That's okay" she grinned, "I'm sure you will in no time. By the way Master Kazuma, I stopped by Kyo's to talk to him but he wasn't around. Is he here somewhere?"
Kazuma's face suddenly turned dark.
"Kyo was taken to TarraSohma early this morning" he replied gravely.
"Oh" Tohru looked down, "But I thought he didn't have to return till six weeks from now?"
"Yes well apparently Akito summoned him back for something. I asked the soldiers, rather I demanded to know why, but they wouldn't tell me. They just shoved me out of the way and placed him in the carriage, roughly I might add. Then he was gone."
"I see" Tohru replied slowly, "Well I had better get back to the palace before I am missed. Thank you again Master Kazuma."
She stood up and walked over to the door.
"Princess!" Kazuma called.
She looked back.
"Don't worry about Kyo. I am sure he is fine."
Tohru nodded sadly and walked out. Within minutes the three girls were back on their horses and were heading back to ShiraNobi. It started to sprinkle raindrops as they arrived back at the palace gates. Tohru looked back and frowned.
*****************
The rain was pouring as the carriage bumped along on the pathway that led to TarraSohma palace. Kyo sat in the back, already in irons, pale-faced and cold. The carriage came to a stop and Shigure was there once again to greet them.
"You can dispense with the handcuffs now gentlemen" Shigure replied, "The King wants to see him personally."
They nodded and undid the cuffs. Shigure carefully led Kyo up the stairs. Neither of them spoke. Not a question was asked. When they reached the doorway of Akito's room, Shigure knocked once and then let Kyo in.
****************
Kyo entered the dark room shivering more than ever.
"Come my monster" Akito replied, "Come and kneel before me."
Kyo averted his eyes to the ground but obeyed.
"So" Akito said clasping his hands together, "I understand that you and the rat prince took a little unauthorized trip?"
Kyo looked up.
"That you two traveled through the forbidden lands of Zurinth. The lands where no Sohma is permitted to enter without my say so. So did you?"
"Yes sir" Kyo replied.
"I see. And do you think that I should just let you off the hook for this my little monster."
Kyo shook his head. Akito placed his hand on his head and stroked it.
"You know that you have to be punished for this Kyo? So give me your left hand."
Kyo looked up at Akito terrified.
"No Akito. I beg of you. Not that."
"Your left hand Kyo!"
"No I won't!"
"Guards restrain him!"
The guards entered in and held Kyo up as Akito approached him. Kyo struggled in their grips.
"This is the only way you will learn" Akito said as he slipped Kyo bracelet off.
"No!!" Kyo shouted as he was let go.
He held his face as the transformation began. When he had fully transformed, Akito ordered that he be placed in his room with no nourishment for three days. The guards dragged the misshapen form out the back door. Akito sat in his chair and held onto the red and green bracelet, smiling in satisfaction at his cruelty.
****************
A crash of lightening sounded that awoke Tohru. She was dripping in sweat and was terrified. She climbed out of bed and looked out the window. It was still pouring outside only harder now.
"Something's not right" she said to herself, "Something's wrong with Kyo, I can feel it. Just a few days ago I felt that something was wrong with Yuki only it wasn't so bad, but this. I can feel Kyo is crying. He is in some kind of pain."
The next day the feelings didn't subside. Nor did the day after. Finally the thought of him being hurt was so imbearable that Tohru decided to do something. She had to know. She had to know that Kyo was all right, even though she knew deep down that he wasn't. The next morning, very early, she grabbed some maid's clothes and dressed herself. She snuck downstairs to the laundry room and left through the back door. Riding a horse to TarraSohma would be suspicious so she left on a cart that was headed in that direction. As the sun was setting into the afternoon, the cart veered off into another direction so Tohru jumped off. She covered her head with a kerchief and walked straight into TarraSohma. She walked through the gates of the palace. The guards thought she was a maid coming to work. She walked into the maid's quarters and bumped into a familiar face.
***************
It was Hinako. She recognized her at once.
"Princess what are you doing here? You'll get caught."
"I know Hinako. But I needed to come. Tell me is the top tower occupied?"
"Yes miss. But no one dares go near there lately. They're afraid to."
"Why?"
"Who knows? But I am supposed to deliver the meal today and I am dreading it."
"Hinako, I would like to do that for you."
"Oh no Princess. You have done far too much for me. I would rather do something for you. Besides you have to get out of here before you are caught."
"Hinako, if you let me take the tray up, it is helping me. It would mean the world to me, if you would let me."
Hinako hesitated but finally gave in. She handed the tray to her, warned her to be careful, and told her that she would help her out of the palace once she was done.
Tohru walked slowly up the stairs and averted her eyes. It was well known that that was the way lower servants behaved. She found the floor with the tower steps, took a deep breath and climbed them. When she reached the door, she knocked once.
"GO AWAY!"A gruff voice sounded.
****************
Tohru was a little confused but entered in anyway. Inside the room stank something awful. The room was torn to shreds and over in a corner a huddled figure was crouched. Tohru removed the kerchief and looked into the shadows. She placed the tray down, loud enough for him to hear. But when he turned around Tohru saw a gruesome sight. A monster was crouching before her, not Kyo. When he saw her he turned around immediately holding his head in his hands.
"Oh she saw me," he said to himself over and over, "There's no hope now."
Tohru stepped back a little then saw the remnants of a torn shirt around his waist. She recognized it at once.
"Kyo?" she replied coming closer.
"STAY BACK!" He growled, "JUST GO AWAY!"
"Kyo is that you?"
He screamed some more, which made her jump back some more. She turned her eyes away just for a second. When she looked back Kyo was there in his human form, or somewhat. He was dripping in sweat and his face looked pitifully pale. There were bags under his eyes and it looked like he was having a hard time breathing.
"What are you doing here?" he said slowly.
"I knew something was wrong" Tohru replied, "I just never imagined, Kyo what happened? Who did this to you?"
"Now you know why I have to come here very month for a time. My monster form appears for three days."
"Your monster form?"
"Yes. The evil spirit of the cursed cat. Just another one of my better attributes."
He held his stomach.
"But I don't understand, why did you change now?"
"Because I don't have my bracelet" Kyo replied.
Tohru took a good look at his left wrist.
"Well where is it? Did you lose it?"
"No" Kyo said irritated, "Tohru you shouldn't be here. I could transform again at any minute."
"I don't care about that Kyo. Where is your bracelet? Let me help you?"
"Why would you want to help me?" he replied, "I am a freak."
"Because" she said, "To me it doesn't matter what you look like. I still care about you. You are still you no matter what. Yes I have to admit that I was afraid of you when I first saw it, but I still accept you for who you are Kyo."
Kyo looked up at her in surprise. She really did care.
"It won't do you any good to help me" Kyo said, "Akito is the one who has the bracelet. There is no way you will get past him."
"I will find a way. In the meantime eat something Kyo."
She ran out of the room. Kyo tried to call her back but he suddenly felt himself transforming back again.
****************
Tohru ran down the stairs and quickly placed the kerchief back on her head. How in the world was she going to get Kyo's bracelet back from the King? It was impossible. As she ran she pondered these things, but didn't look where she was going. She bumped right into another familiar face.
It was Yuki. He helped her up.
"Are you all right Miss?" he asked.
"Yes" she said keeping her head down.
"You seemed to be in an awful hurry" he replied as he tried to glimpse her face, "Are you new? I don't think I have seen you before."
"Oh well, I um."
Yuki quietly removed the kerchief and looked deep into her eyes. He smiled.
"Princess."
"Hi."
"C'mon" he replied as he led her to his room.
When they entered in she made a gesture for how did he know.
"I saw you sneak in from the garden. Naturally I was curious. Good disguise by the way. But I guess the real question is what are you doing here Miss Honda?"
"Oh Yuki it is just terrible. Well first I had a bad feeling about you. That something bad had happened to you. And then I started to get strange feelings about Kyo. So I came here to find out what is going on. And I found out. Yuki I need your help."
"Help with what?"
"I need you to help me get Kyo's bracelet back from the King."
"You want me to what? No Miss Honda, I can't. I cannot stand that guy. Why would I ever do something for him? Especially risk yours and my lives, if Akito catches us."
"But this isn't just for Kyo, Yuki" she said, "It's for me too."
Yuki looked at her for a second. How could he say no.
"Okay" he nodded, "I will get the bracelet back, but you have got to get out of here."
"Oh no I can't leave, till I know that he's all right."
"Trust me Miss Honda. I will get it back somehow, and then the stupid cat will be safe. Just as long as you get out of here."
"Okay" she nodded as she placed her kerchief back on her head.
"I will send you word about him afterwards" Yuki said.
"All right" she smiled as she exited.
Yuki sighed. How did he get mixed up into this one?
***************
Tohru walked down to the maid's quarters where Hinako was waiting to walk with her to town. To the guards they looked like two simple maids walking home after a hard days work. Tohru hugged Hinako as she left the town. She took one long look back at the palace, sighed, and began her trek back to ShiraNobi.
***************
Yuki meanwhile walked to Akito's quarters, where he was expected to give an apology for running away and the trip to Zurinth. Akito greeted him cordially. Yuki walked closely to the table where the bracelet had been placed. Then Yuki gave his apology. Akito walked over to the birdcage with a plate of birdseed. Yuki continued his apology as he slid the bracelet off the table and into his back pocket. Then he placed a duplicate on the table. He had stolen the duplicate from Shigure. It was just something he had carved but it looked like the real thing. When he finished his speech. Akito thanked him and dismissed him for the night. Yuki walked to the tower steps and slowly walked into the room.
He too was greeted by the odious smell, but Kyo was in human form.
"GET OUT YOU DAMN RAT!" Kyo shouted throwing things at him, "GET OUT!"
Yuki looked at him angrily. Kyo lunged for him with his left fist. Yuki grabbed it and held it for a minute. Then he slid the bracelet on.
"Look you ungrateful cat" Yuki said cynically, "I brought you something."
Kyo stared stunned at the bracelet for a few minutes while Yuki turned on his heel.
"Why did you?" Kyo replied.
"I didn't do it for you, I did it for her? Don't mistake that. Just be lucky that she cares about you as much as she does" Yuki replied as he closed the door.
Kyo clutched the beads and looked out the window. His skin was returning to normal.
"Thank you Tohru," he said to himself, "Thank you wherever you are."
****************
As Tohru neared ShiraNobi she stopped and turned around. She smiled as she saw the sun set. Yuki had kept his word. She just knew it.
************************************************************** ***
Authors Note: Okay that's it till Wed!
Next Chapter: Figuring Out the Puzzle
Tohru along with Kazuma figures out what the last translation is. Don't miss it!!!