Chapter Nineteen: Yuki's Proclamation
Yuki walked into Shigure's office the next morning with a piece of parchment in his hand. As Shigure stared at him he sat down and prepared to talk.
"So Yuki" Shigure replied, "You rarely come to visit me of your own free will, so there must be something you want?"
"Actually there is" Yuki said leaning forward, "I need you to write me out a proclamation."
"Come again?" Shigure replied surprised.
"A proclamation. You know one of those things that princes give from time to time?"
"No, I heard you but, are you sure that is you talking Yuki? You have never been interested in such royal matters before."
"I am sure."
"Oh" Shigure clapped his hands, "I think I'm gonna cry."
Yuki rolled his eyes.
"Please cut it out Shigure. It's not that big of a deal."
"But it is. It is. So Yuki this proclamation, what is it you are asking the town? What is it? I am dying to know."
"I told you it's not that big of a deal" Yuki sighed handing Shigure the parchment, "Just make sure that this flyer is everywhere throughout TarraSohma. It's imperative Shigure. Understand?"
"Uh yes" Shigure replied with the parchment in his hands.
"Good. I will see you later, when it is all done."
"You do know that I am going to have to tell Akito about this?" Shigure said.
"I'm well aware of that. Go right ahead" Yuki grinned exiting the room.
Shigure watched the door for a second then unfolded the parchment.
"What?" he chuckled as he read, "What is that boy up to?"
***************
That afternoon in TarraSohma the proclamation was announced. On every lamppost in town the flyer hung. It said:
Prince Yuki Sohma requests the people of TarraSohma in their aid. He is searching for a rare Cat figurine. If you or someone you know owns such a figurine, Prince Yuki will personally be examining the figurines three days from now. The one who presents the correct artifact will receive a hefty reward. Thank you for your cooperation! See you at the palace!
Everyone in town was very excited. They all rushed home and began searching through the houses for any cat figurine they could find.
****************
That night Shigure gave Akito the news of the week as always. Akito was stunned to read about the proclamation.
"A proclamation? By my Yuki? What for Shigure?"
"Oh Akito it is just so cute. I don't know why he is doing it. He doesn't even like cats."
"Cats?"
"Mhm."
"Shigure, the proclamation?"
"Oh yes, yes. Well he's asked the town with their assistance in finding a cat figurine."
Akito's eyes moved to left.
"But he is looking for a particular one. So three days from now, he will hold the inspection himself."
"I see. A strange reason for a proclamation. But he is taking initiative."
"That's what I thought" Shigure grinned nervously.
"All right Shigure, keep me informed. If he finds his figurine, I would like to also see this rare artifact."
"Of course" Shigure bowed and exited the room.
***************
Tohru read the letter thoroughly that night and grinned. Yuki explained to her his plan for finding the figurine. She folded up the letter, said a quick prayer to all her friends and her mother, and then fell asleep.
****************
The next morning her grandmother insisted that she go into town to check out the new vendors that had arrived the night before. Her grandfather's birthday was coming up, and Tohru happily complied, provided that Uo and Hana could join her. They walked through the town looking at all the strange and wonderful objects. Tohru even secretly was looking for the cat figurine when she spotted Kyo in the crowd. He was wearing a brown cloak, but she could see his flaming orange hair. Making sure that her friends were preoccupied she snuck away. As she approached him he spotted her, took her hand gently and led her out of the crowd. Neither knew that someone was following them. In fact two someones. The tall one also wore a cloak but tripped over some spilled merchandise. The other was Kageru, who had no trouble following the princess and the mysterious boy.
****************
"Are you okay?" Uo asked the stranger as she helped him up.
"I'm fine" he replied.
She got a good look of his brown eyes.
"Wait a minute" she called out, "You dropped you're notebook" she handed it to him.
"Thanks. You didn't have to do that," he said.
"It was my pleasure. I'm Arisa by the way. Arisa Uotani."
"Kureno."
"Kureno?" she hinted at a last name.
"Just Kureno" he replied.
"You want to get something to drink Just Kureno? You look exhausted."
"Uh" he peered into the crowd, "Damn I missed them" he thought, "Sure I could use a drink."
"Then come on" she smiled, "I know the best place" she steered him down the path to a pub on the edge of town.
****************
That's his plan?" Kyo said when they were sitting near the river, "I could have come up with a better plan than that."
"Well it's working so far."
"Tohru it will be a nightmare for him. All those people with who knows how many figurines."
"You know Kyo if I didn't know any better" she smiled, "I'd say that you were worried about him."
"Me? Worried about that damn rat?" he blushed a little " Yea right. I just think he's wasting time that's all. We need to find the Zodiac Stone and get the figurines to the other people."
"I know. But something's troubling me."
"What's that?"
"It's just. I have met all the members of the Zodiac right?"
"I suppose so" Kyo shrugged.
"Then why do I keep coming up short one?"
"Uh, well let's count again. There's the damn rat."
"That's one."
"The fat cow, the whining rabbit. The annoying dog, the princess boar. The dragon doctor, the pious snake. The bratty sheep, Kisa,"
"The tiger" they said together.
"Rin, who's the horse" she continued, "And Ritsu who is the monkey. And then there is you Kyo, the cat."
"How many is that?"
"That's only twelve. Wait a minute I know. The rooster is missing."
"Rooster?"
"Mhm."
"Oh boy the rooster" Kyo sighed.
"Do you know who it is?"
"Yea, I Know. But of all of us, he is the one you are not going to get to very easily."
Tohru looked at him in confusion.
****************
"So you must be new in town?" Uo replied as they were sitting, waiting for their drinks.
"No I'm just visiting."
"You know it is customary for one to remove one's hood when they enter a room" she said.
"Oh I'm sorry" he nodded and complied.
Uo stared at him at first. He was very good-looking.
His hair was light brown and short and his eyes were a lot darker then she had first thought. He had a sad frown on his face however.
"What do you have to be sad about?" she replied chuckling.
"I'm not sad, I'm confused."
"Confused about what?"
"I don't know. All I do know is is that this is the first time I have ever been in a pub before."
"You're first time in a pub? Where do you live under a rock?"
"Sometimes I wonder."
"Well perhaps you should come more often" she took a sip of her drink."
"I really should go. I have to get back."
"You got to work?"
"Yea."
"Well maybe I will see you again some time?"
He pulled his cloak hood back on.
"I don't think so. But it was nice to meet you Arisa" he walked out the door dropping his notebook once again.
"Wait a minute!" Uo shouted angrily running after him.
She ran outside with the notebook in her hand and scanned the crowds. He was nowhere to be seen. She sighed as she flipped open the notebook. There was nothing written in it except his name in the top left corner of the first page. Kureno Sohma.
******************
As Tohru walked back into town she saw Uo standing near the edge.
"Uo what are you doing here still?" she replied.
"Oh Tohru I thought you went home" Uo said absently.
"Uh I was looking for you actually. Are you okay?"
"Yea" Uo nodded putting the notebook back in her pocket, "I'm fine."
She frowned, took Tohru's hand gently and led her back to the palace, all the while Tohru wondering what was on her mind.
*****************
Three days passed and the big day finally arrived. Yuki sat outside of the palace, at a table bored as ever. He had looked at practically forty different cats in the last three hours. Shigure stood by him cheering him on.
"Next" Yuki replied with no emotion.
"Hello Prince Yuki" the three girls stepped forward.
"Good day ladies. And what do you have?"
"Well we found these artifacts up in our attic" the bubbly one replied, "We hope one of them is the one you are searching for your majesty?"
Yuki nodded and took the rat figurine out of his pocket once again. He examined the three figurines. They were beautiful, but so beautiful in comparison to the plain one he held in his hand.
"I'm sorry, these aren't the one's I am looking for. But here are some coins for your trouble" he smiled, "Next."
It continued all day long. By that time Shigure was exhausted and there was one last person in line. He was an older middle- aged gentleman with a kind face.
"Good afternoon sir" Yuki replied.
"Your majesty" he bowed, "You look exhausted young man."
"Thank you."
"Oh I didn't mean to be rude."
"No no it's all right" Yuki yawned, "I'm sorry excuse me. Please what do you have to show."
"This is the best that I can do your majesty. I brought all the cat figurines that I have in my collection."
He placed down ten different figurines. Yuki stared at all of them carefully.
"Yuki" Shigure interrupted, "I'm going upstairs to give Akito the update. This is the last customer. I am sure you won't be long."
"Okay" Yuki nodded as Shigure walked up the stairs.
Yuki once again took out the figurine, which the man stared at.
"I'm sorry sir. None of these are the one I am looking for."
"Yes I can see that."
"Hmm?"
"The figurine in your hand. Is that what the other one looks like?"
"As a matter of fact yes. Why?"
"I am an avid collector of cat figurines, and I could have sworn that I have seen that particular figurine."
Yuki's ears perked up. He leaned forward.
"Where?"
****************
"So it was a bust?" Akito replied.
"Yes" Shigure nodded sadly, "Poor Yuki, he was so determined to find it. He even had a figurine of a rat, that could help him."
"A figurine of a rat?"
Shigure nodded.
"Shigure what did it look like?"
"It's rather plain actually" Shigure replied as Akito put his hands behind his back and moved to the left of the room, "It's only made of some type of rock. It was carved lovingly though, and you can tell it is very old. Probably a very old artifact."
"I see" Akito said as he clung to the door handle on the armoire that stood in front of him.
It was green in color and etched with all the animals of the zodiac.
"Leave me now Shigure. I will see Yuki in the morning."
"As you wish" Shigure bowed.
He exited quickly.
Akito opened the armoire. Inside were many figurines of the zodiac animals. In the center was the only cat. It was an old one. Akito picked it up and grinned.
"So you're the one he is searching for" he smiled maliciously, "My little friend."
**************************************************************
Authors Note: How about that? Akito has the last figurine. And the last member of the Zodiac makes his appearance. Hope everyone had a good weekend.
Next Chapter: Taking Back What Is Ours
Yuki along with Momiji concocts a plan to steal the final figurine from King Akito. Don't miss it!
Yuki walked into Shigure's office the next morning with a piece of parchment in his hand. As Shigure stared at him he sat down and prepared to talk.
"So Yuki" Shigure replied, "You rarely come to visit me of your own free will, so there must be something you want?"
"Actually there is" Yuki said leaning forward, "I need you to write me out a proclamation."
"Come again?" Shigure replied surprised.
"A proclamation. You know one of those things that princes give from time to time?"
"No, I heard you but, are you sure that is you talking Yuki? You have never been interested in such royal matters before."
"I am sure."
"Oh" Shigure clapped his hands, "I think I'm gonna cry."
Yuki rolled his eyes.
"Please cut it out Shigure. It's not that big of a deal."
"But it is. It is. So Yuki this proclamation, what is it you are asking the town? What is it? I am dying to know."
"I told you it's not that big of a deal" Yuki sighed handing Shigure the parchment, "Just make sure that this flyer is everywhere throughout TarraSohma. It's imperative Shigure. Understand?"
"Uh yes" Shigure replied with the parchment in his hands.
"Good. I will see you later, when it is all done."
"You do know that I am going to have to tell Akito about this?" Shigure said.
"I'm well aware of that. Go right ahead" Yuki grinned exiting the room.
Shigure watched the door for a second then unfolded the parchment.
"What?" he chuckled as he read, "What is that boy up to?"
***************
That afternoon in TarraSohma the proclamation was announced. On every lamppost in town the flyer hung. It said:
Prince Yuki Sohma requests the people of TarraSohma in their aid. He is searching for a rare Cat figurine. If you or someone you know owns such a figurine, Prince Yuki will personally be examining the figurines three days from now. The one who presents the correct artifact will receive a hefty reward. Thank you for your cooperation! See you at the palace!
Everyone in town was very excited. They all rushed home and began searching through the houses for any cat figurine they could find.
****************
That night Shigure gave Akito the news of the week as always. Akito was stunned to read about the proclamation.
"A proclamation? By my Yuki? What for Shigure?"
"Oh Akito it is just so cute. I don't know why he is doing it. He doesn't even like cats."
"Cats?"
"Mhm."
"Shigure, the proclamation?"
"Oh yes, yes. Well he's asked the town with their assistance in finding a cat figurine."
Akito's eyes moved to left.
"But he is looking for a particular one. So three days from now, he will hold the inspection himself."
"I see. A strange reason for a proclamation. But he is taking initiative."
"That's what I thought" Shigure grinned nervously.
"All right Shigure, keep me informed. If he finds his figurine, I would like to also see this rare artifact."
"Of course" Shigure bowed and exited the room.
***************
Tohru read the letter thoroughly that night and grinned. Yuki explained to her his plan for finding the figurine. She folded up the letter, said a quick prayer to all her friends and her mother, and then fell asleep.
****************
The next morning her grandmother insisted that she go into town to check out the new vendors that had arrived the night before. Her grandfather's birthday was coming up, and Tohru happily complied, provided that Uo and Hana could join her. They walked through the town looking at all the strange and wonderful objects. Tohru even secretly was looking for the cat figurine when she spotted Kyo in the crowd. He was wearing a brown cloak, but she could see his flaming orange hair. Making sure that her friends were preoccupied she snuck away. As she approached him he spotted her, took her hand gently and led her out of the crowd. Neither knew that someone was following them. In fact two someones. The tall one also wore a cloak but tripped over some spilled merchandise. The other was Kageru, who had no trouble following the princess and the mysterious boy.
****************
"Are you okay?" Uo asked the stranger as she helped him up.
"I'm fine" he replied.
She got a good look of his brown eyes.
"Wait a minute" she called out, "You dropped you're notebook" she handed it to him.
"Thanks. You didn't have to do that," he said.
"It was my pleasure. I'm Arisa by the way. Arisa Uotani."
"Kureno."
"Kureno?" she hinted at a last name.
"Just Kureno" he replied.
"You want to get something to drink Just Kureno? You look exhausted."
"Uh" he peered into the crowd, "Damn I missed them" he thought, "Sure I could use a drink."
"Then come on" she smiled, "I know the best place" she steered him down the path to a pub on the edge of town.
****************
That's his plan?" Kyo said when they were sitting near the river, "I could have come up with a better plan than that."
"Well it's working so far."
"Tohru it will be a nightmare for him. All those people with who knows how many figurines."
"You know Kyo if I didn't know any better" she smiled, "I'd say that you were worried about him."
"Me? Worried about that damn rat?" he blushed a little " Yea right. I just think he's wasting time that's all. We need to find the Zodiac Stone and get the figurines to the other people."
"I know. But something's troubling me."
"What's that?"
"It's just. I have met all the members of the Zodiac right?"
"I suppose so" Kyo shrugged.
"Then why do I keep coming up short one?"
"Uh, well let's count again. There's the damn rat."
"That's one."
"The fat cow, the whining rabbit. The annoying dog, the princess boar. The dragon doctor, the pious snake. The bratty sheep, Kisa,"
"The tiger" they said together.
"Rin, who's the horse" she continued, "And Ritsu who is the monkey. And then there is you Kyo, the cat."
"How many is that?"
"That's only twelve. Wait a minute I know. The rooster is missing."
"Rooster?"
"Mhm."
"Oh boy the rooster" Kyo sighed.
"Do you know who it is?"
"Yea, I Know. But of all of us, he is the one you are not going to get to very easily."
Tohru looked at him in confusion.
****************
"So you must be new in town?" Uo replied as they were sitting, waiting for their drinks.
"No I'm just visiting."
"You know it is customary for one to remove one's hood when they enter a room" she said.
"Oh I'm sorry" he nodded and complied.
Uo stared at him at first. He was very good-looking.
His hair was light brown and short and his eyes were a lot darker then she had first thought. He had a sad frown on his face however.
"What do you have to be sad about?" she replied chuckling.
"I'm not sad, I'm confused."
"Confused about what?"
"I don't know. All I do know is is that this is the first time I have ever been in a pub before."
"You're first time in a pub? Where do you live under a rock?"
"Sometimes I wonder."
"Well perhaps you should come more often" she took a sip of her drink."
"I really should go. I have to get back."
"You got to work?"
"Yea."
"Well maybe I will see you again some time?"
He pulled his cloak hood back on.
"I don't think so. But it was nice to meet you Arisa" he walked out the door dropping his notebook once again.
"Wait a minute!" Uo shouted angrily running after him.
She ran outside with the notebook in her hand and scanned the crowds. He was nowhere to be seen. She sighed as she flipped open the notebook. There was nothing written in it except his name in the top left corner of the first page. Kureno Sohma.
******************
As Tohru walked back into town she saw Uo standing near the edge.
"Uo what are you doing here still?" she replied.
"Oh Tohru I thought you went home" Uo said absently.
"Uh I was looking for you actually. Are you okay?"
"Yea" Uo nodded putting the notebook back in her pocket, "I'm fine."
She frowned, took Tohru's hand gently and led her back to the palace, all the while Tohru wondering what was on her mind.
*****************
Three days passed and the big day finally arrived. Yuki sat outside of the palace, at a table bored as ever. He had looked at practically forty different cats in the last three hours. Shigure stood by him cheering him on.
"Next" Yuki replied with no emotion.
"Hello Prince Yuki" the three girls stepped forward.
"Good day ladies. And what do you have?"
"Well we found these artifacts up in our attic" the bubbly one replied, "We hope one of them is the one you are searching for your majesty?"
Yuki nodded and took the rat figurine out of his pocket once again. He examined the three figurines. They were beautiful, but so beautiful in comparison to the plain one he held in his hand.
"I'm sorry, these aren't the one's I am looking for. But here are some coins for your trouble" he smiled, "Next."
It continued all day long. By that time Shigure was exhausted and there was one last person in line. He was an older middle- aged gentleman with a kind face.
"Good afternoon sir" Yuki replied.
"Your majesty" he bowed, "You look exhausted young man."
"Thank you."
"Oh I didn't mean to be rude."
"No no it's all right" Yuki yawned, "I'm sorry excuse me. Please what do you have to show."
"This is the best that I can do your majesty. I brought all the cat figurines that I have in my collection."
He placed down ten different figurines. Yuki stared at all of them carefully.
"Yuki" Shigure interrupted, "I'm going upstairs to give Akito the update. This is the last customer. I am sure you won't be long."
"Okay" Yuki nodded as Shigure walked up the stairs.
Yuki once again took out the figurine, which the man stared at.
"I'm sorry sir. None of these are the one I am looking for."
"Yes I can see that."
"Hmm?"
"The figurine in your hand. Is that what the other one looks like?"
"As a matter of fact yes. Why?"
"I am an avid collector of cat figurines, and I could have sworn that I have seen that particular figurine."
Yuki's ears perked up. He leaned forward.
"Where?"
****************
"So it was a bust?" Akito replied.
"Yes" Shigure nodded sadly, "Poor Yuki, he was so determined to find it. He even had a figurine of a rat, that could help him."
"A figurine of a rat?"
Shigure nodded.
"Shigure what did it look like?"
"It's rather plain actually" Shigure replied as Akito put his hands behind his back and moved to the left of the room, "It's only made of some type of rock. It was carved lovingly though, and you can tell it is very old. Probably a very old artifact."
"I see" Akito said as he clung to the door handle on the armoire that stood in front of him.
It was green in color and etched with all the animals of the zodiac.
"Leave me now Shigure. I will see Yuki in the morning."
"As you wish" Shigure bowed.
He exited quickly.
Akito opened the armoire. Inside were many figurines of the zodiac animals. In the center was the only cat. It was an old one. Akito picked it up and grinned.
"So you're the one he is searching for" he smiled maliciously, "My little friend."
**************************************************************
Authors Note: How about that? Akito has the last figurine. And the last member of the Zodiac makes his appearance. Hope everyone had a good weekend.
Next Chapter: Taking Back What Is Ours
Yuki along with Momiji concocts a plan to steal the final figurine from King Akito. Don't miss it!