Chapter Twenty-Three: Adding the Pieces
Tohru opened her eyes slowly and gazed around the room. She sat up and realized that she was in her mom's cabin that was located in the mountains.
"How did I get here?" she wondered as she scratched her head.
"Looks like your captain of the guard knows about this place too?" Kyo piped up from the doorway.
Yuki was standing behind him with a piece of board in his hands.
"Kyo? Yuki?" she said in astonishment.
"Are you okay Miss Honda?" Yuki asked as he threw the piece of wood on the ground.
"Yes. But how did you find me?"
"We took a guess" Kyo replied taking her hand and helping her up, "Although I have to admit he is pretty stupid putting you where we could find you. He did lock the door however, so we had to bust our way in."
"Maybe he did it on purpose," Yuki said.
"What do you mean?" Kyo looked at his cousin.
"I mean, he is a descendant of that sorceress right?"
"Oh so you guys figured that out too?" Tohru replied.
"More or less" Yuki said.
"We have another problem. He's got your figurine Kyo" Tohru told him.
"Damn that bastard" Kyo spat, "Ah it's no big deal, we can get it later."
"What do you mean Kyo? The time is almost running out."
"We can get it" Kyo insisted, "As soon as the others put theirs on the stone thing, I'll find it. Before it's too late."
"The others?"
"That's right Miss Honda" Yuki replied, "They are meeting us at the Sohma cabin."
"All of them? Even the rooster guy?"
"Yea, even Kureno" Kyo answered, "So let's get to the cabin so we can meet everybody."
"Okay. I'm sorry Kyo," she said somberly.
"Hey it's no big deal. We'll get it back" he smiled at her.
****************
"I don't understand this" Rin replied with her arms crossed.
"Yea it makes absolutely no sense to me either" Hiro added.
"How can I make this any more clearer" Hatsuharu sighed, "We need you guys to help break the curse."
"And these little rock things are supposed to do that?" Rin said.
"Yes. Everyone has one."
"Well I for one hope it's true. Because then we can leave this dreadful place and see the world" Ayame laughed.
"Are you sure you need me?" Ritsu replied timidly, "I mean I am a very useless person after all."
"We need everyone," Haru said, "Now Ayame, you're certain that Hatori is at the castle?"
"Yes I'm positive. Hari always informs me when he goes there. He trusts me wholeheartedly to keep an eye on everything while he is gone."
"I seriously doubt that" Rin replied sarcastically.
"Well what are we waiting for Haru" Kisa spoke up, "Sissy needs us."
"I guess if Kisa's going, then I'll go" Hiro gave in.
"Follow me everyone" Haru said as they exited the doorway.
"Uh" Rin poked him in the back, "You do know where you are going don't you?"
"Yes" Hatsuharu gave her a nasty look, "I don't always get lost you know."
"Could have fooled me."
***************
"Momiji" Shigure replied as he led them away from the palace, "Are you certain that it's true? You have found a way to break the curse?"
"Yea. Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo have been working on the mystery for months now" Momiji said leading the way.
"Pity. And here I thought they were sending love letters back and forth" Shigure sighed.
"You really shouldn't make such comments Shigure" Hatori replied riding up next to him.
"Oh yes Hari I know" Shigure blushed, "Sometimes I just can't help myself."
"Let's go you guys," Kagura said from behind, "My Kyo needs us!"
Kureno was the only one who didn't say anything. He wasn't used to being around the others like this. Akito never let him see anyone.
****************
From atop his room, Akito watched as the five of them left the palace grounds. He stared angrily, then, quickly closed the curtains.
"Guards!" he shouted.
"Yes your majesty?" one of the guards came in.
"Ready my horse."
"Your highness?"
"Do it!"
"Yes sir" the guard replied rushing out of the room.
"I will teach them all, never to defy me again" he seethed inside as he made the vow.
***************
When Hatsuharu had arrived with his group, Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo were already waiting. Tohru hugged Kisa as she ran to her, with Hiro sulking the whole time. About an hour later, Momiji arrived with the rest of them.
"Now would someone please tell me what is going on here?" Hatori asked.
"Oh Hari it's simply wonderful" Ayame spoke up, "Oh Shigure" he said when he saw him, "It's been so long. So have you missed me?"
"Aya" Shigure replied coyly, "Not a day has gone by when I haven't thought about being by your side again."
"Yes" they held up their thumbs.
All the zodiac members and Tohru looked at them stunned.
"That's enough you two" Hatori said matter of factly, "That is most inappropriate in front of impressionable young minds."
"Okay" Hiro spoke up, "So what's going on? Don't tell me you dragged us all the way here for nothing?"
"Patience you little brat!" Kyo said, "First off, the damn rat told us that he knows where the location of the stupid stone is" he grabbed Yuki by the shirt, "So speak up! Where is it?"
"I know where it is" Tohru replied.
Kyo and Yuki looked at her.
"While I was asleep, I dreamed about a place. A place I have been to before. You have too Yuki. Master Kazuma told us that the last piece of the message said, "The stone lies where the jewels sparkle as the sun hits them."
"I understand that part Miss Honda, but where did we go?" he clapped his hands, "Wait! The little lake you took me to. I noticed that when you looked at the stones at the bottom of the lake, they sparkled, just like jewels."
"But what about the last part?" Kyo asked
"You mean a hidden cavern, behind a curtain of mystery?" Tohru said.
"Whatever? Yea."
"That's easy too" Yuki said, "There is a waterfall, from which the water flows from. Waterfalls are like curtains. They are also very mysterious."
"Oh I see what you're saying" Momiji replied, "You're saying that the Zodiac Stone is located behind the waterfall."
"I think that is our best bet" Yuki said nodding.
"Well there is only one way to find out for certain" Shigure added, "We have to go there and see for ourselves."
****************
Meanwhile the King of ShiraNobi had decided to go and look for his granddaughter. His wife had informed him of Kageru's treachery. He was riding with his soldiers when he spotted King Akito on the other side of the lake with his soldiers. He stopped his troop and stared at the young king.
"King Akito!" he shouted, "Return my granddaughter immediately!"
Akito sneered at him.
"I don't have your granddaughter" he replied, "I am looking for my family at this moment. I don't have time for you old man."
"If you're talking about the two boys who were in my dungeon" the king replied, "They have escaped. My wife informed me that they were going after Tohru."
"What?" Akito looked at him, "What two boys? I hope you don't mean my Yuki and that monster?"
"I don't remember seeing any monster?"
"Never mind!" Akito snapped, "I have to go now."
"Perhaps we could help each other," the king suggested.
Akito looked at him for a moment.
"Whatever. But when the time comes old man, don't interfere with my family."
"All I care about is Tohru's safety."
"As you will" Akito nodded to his soldiers to move on.
The King of ShiraNobi followed with his soldiers as they all rode up into the mountains.
*************
The queen watched sadly out the window as she saw the horses disappear from the mountains. Uo, Hana, and Megumi had remained to watch over her. They were all sitting in the King's chamber.
"Don't worry your majesty" Hana replied coming over, "Tohru will be all right."
"Yea" Uo agreed, "After all. She does have Kyoko's spirit."
The queen nodded smiling a little, but continued to look out the window.
**************
Tohru led them to the lake, where now the moon was shining on it. It still sparkled enough for them to see the waterfall up ahead.
"I'll take the lead" Yuki replied walking towards the waterfall.
He walked over to the ledge and peered in. Then he carefully walked behind it. It was a few seconds till he stuck his hand back out reaching for hers. She took it carefully and then held her hand out for Kyo.
"I hate water," Kyo grumbled as he walked inside and the bits of water splashed onto his pants.
And so it continued until finally everyone was under the waterfall, inside the cavern.
"It's awful dark in here" Momiji replied.
"It's scary" Kisa said as Hiro held onto her hand.
He squeezed it gently.
"It's okay Kisa, I won't let anything bad happen to you."
"How are we supposed to see where we are going?" Kagura asked.
"I have something that will help" Kureno said pulling out a small lantern.
A few moments later it was lit, and Yuki was leading them down the passageway. They entered a small room that was lit by dozens of candles. In front of them stood a stone carved completely out of rock. It had small holders carved into it, and under each holder was a symbol of a Zodiac animal.
**************
"The Zodiac Stone" Tohru breathed, "We found it."
"That's the Zodiac Stone?" Shigure replied surprised, "I always thought it would be more extravagant."
"That doesn't matter now Shigure" Yuki said, "We need to place each of our figurines on it. We don't have much time. In one more hour, the curse becomes permanent."
"And then that she-devil who placed the curse on us in the first place comes back" Kyo added, "So how do we start."
"Each member must place their figurine on the stone, according to the order that the animals came to the banquet" Tohru replied, "That means that Yuki is first."
Yuki nodded and took out his figurine. He walked up to the stone and saw the rat carved on the bottom to the far left. He slid the rat into the spot and underneath it glowed purple.
Hatsuharu was next. As he slid the cow figurine in, the light that was lit was black.
Kisa and Momiji walked over. Kisa slid hers in and it was green. Momiji's was next. His color was yellow.
Then Hatori and Ayame's turn came. The bottom row was filled now. Now it was time to fill the next one. Hatori put the tiny seahorse (dragon) in. The color underneath was brown. Ayame's light, that was silver came on after the snake slid into place.
Next Rin and Hiro wandered over. Rin placed her horse next to Ayame's and the light that came on was blue. Hiro placed his, and the light was white.
There was one section left. Ritsu and Kureno took their figurines and walked over. Ritsu placed his and the light was light blue. Kureno placed his, which turned out to be red.
Finally it was Shigure and Kagura's turn. They each sauntered over. Shigure placed his dog. The light was light grey. Kagura placed her pig on and the light was pink.
"That's it!" Kagura clapped her hands, "All we need now is your piece Kyo!"
Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki looked at each other.
"That will be rather difficult wouldn't it?"
They all turned and saw Kageru standing in the doorway. He was holding up the final piece. He was smiling very triumphantly.
"Seeing as I have the last piece."
*******************************************************
Authors Note: Hello everyone! Hope everyone had a great weekend! There's snow here! Any way hope you enjoyed this chapter. Send reviews please. After all there is only two more chapters to go!
Next Chapter: A Heroic Act
Kageru holds the last piece in his hands. There is forty minutes left. Not only that Akito and the King of ShiraNobi show up making more problems. It may take the courageous act of one princess to save the people she cares about so dearly. Find out what happens next time.
Tohru opened her eyes slowly and gazed around the room. She sat up and realized that she was in her mom's cabin that was located in the mountains.
"How did I get here?" she wondered as she scratched her head.
"Looks like your captain of the guard knows about this place too?" Kyo piped up from the doorway.
Yuki was standing behind him with a piece of board in his hands.
"Kyo? Yuki?" she said in astonishment.
"Are you okay Miss Honda?" Yuki asked as he threw the piece of wood on the ground.
"Yes. But how did you find me?"
"We took a guess" Kyo replied taking her hand and helping her up, "Although I have to admit he is pretty stupid putting you where we could find you. He did lock the door however, so we had to bust our way in."
"Maybe he did it on purpose," Yuki said.
"What do you mean?" Kyo looked at his cousin.
"I mean, he is a descendant of that sorceress right?"
"Oh so you guys figured that out too?" Tohru replied.
"More or less" Yuki said.
"We have another problem. He's got your figurine Kyo" Tohru told him.
"Damn that bastard" Kyo spat, "Ah it's no big deal, we can get it later."
"What do you mean Kyo? The time is almost running out."
"We can get it" Kyo insisted, "As soon as the others put theirs on the stone thing, I'll find it. Before it's too late."
"The others?"
"That's right Miss Honda" Yuki replied, "They are meeting us at the Sohma cabin."
"All of them? Even the rooster guy?"
"Yea, even Kureno" Kyo answered, "So let's get to the cabin so we can meet everybody."
"Okay. I'm sorry Kyo," she said somberly.
"Hey it's no big deal. We'll get it back" he smiled at her.
****************
"I don't understand this" Rin replied with her arms crossed.
"Yea it makes absolutely no sense to me either" Hiro added.
"How can I make this any more clearer" Hatsuharu sighed, "We need you guys to help break the curse."
"And these little rock things are supposed to do that?" Rin said.
"Yes. Everyone has one."
"Well I for one hope it's true. Because then we can leave this dreadful place and see the world" Ayame laughed.
"Are you sure you need me?" Ritsu replied timidly, "I mean I am a very useless person after all."
"We need everyone," Haru said, "Now Ayame, you're certain that Hatori is at the castle?"
"Yes I'm positive. Hari always informs me when he goes there. He trusts me wholeheartedly to keep an eye on everything while he is gone."
"I seriously doubt that" Rin replied sarcastically.
"Well what are we waiting for Haru" Kisa spoke up, "Sissy needs us."
"I guess if Kisa's going, then I'll go" Hiro gave in.
"Follow me everyone" Haru said as they exited the doorway.
"Uh" Rin poked him in the back, "You do know where you are going don't you?"
"Yes" Hatsuharu gave her a nasty look, "I don't always get lost you know."
"Could have fooled me."
***************
"Momiji" Shigure replied as he led them away from the palace, "Are you certain that it's true? You have found a way to break the curse?"
"Yea. Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo have been working on the mystery for months now" Momiji said leading the way.
"Pity. And here I thought they were sending love letters back and forth" Shigure sighed.
"You really shouldn't make such comments Shigure" Hatori replied riding up next to him.
"Oh yes Hari I know" Shigure blushed, "Sometimes I just can't help myself."
"Let's go you guys," Kagura said from behind, "My Kyo needs us!"
Kureno was the only one who didn't say anything. He wasn't used to being around the others like this. Akito never let him see anyone.
****************
From atop his room, Akito watched as the five of them left the palace grounds. He stared angrily, then, quickly closed the curtains.
"Guards!" he shouted.
"Yes your majesty?" one of the guards came in.
"Ready my horse."
"Your highness?"
"Do it!"
"Yes sir" the guard replied rushing out of the room.
"I will teach them all, never to defy me again" he seethed inside as he made the vow.
***************
When Hatsuharu had arrived with his group, Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo were already waiting. Tohru hugged Kisa as she ran to her, with Hiro sulking the whole time. About an hour later, Momiji arrived with the rest of them.
"Now would someone please tell me what is going on here?" Hatori asked.
"Oh Hari it's simply wonderful" Ayame spoke up, "Oh Shigure" he said when he saw him, "It's been so long. So have you missed me?"
"Aya" Shigure replied coyly, "Not a day has gone by when I haven't thought about being by your side again."
"Yes" they held up their thumbs.
All the zodiac members and Tohru looked at them stunned.
"That's enough you two" Hatori said matter of factly, "That is most inappropriate in front of impressionable young minds."
"Okay" Hiro spoke up, "So what's going on? Don't tell me you dragged us all the way here for nothing?"
"Patience you little brat!" Kyo said, "First off, the damn rat told us that he knows where the location of the stupid stone is" he grabbed Yuki by the shirt, "So speak up! Where is it?"
"I know where it is" Tohru replied.
Kyo and Yuki looked at her.
"While I was asleep, I dreamed about a place. A place I have been to before. You have too Yuki. Master Kazuma told us that the last piece of the message said, "The stone lies where the jewels sparkle as the sun hits them."
"I understand that part Miss Honda, but where did we go?" he clapped his hands, "Wait! The little lake you took me to. I noticed that when you looked at the stones at the bottom of the lake, they sparkled, just like jewels."
"But what about the last part?" Kyo asked
"You mean a hidden cavern, behind a curtain of mystery?" Tohru said.
"Whatever? Yea."
"That's easy too" Yuki said, "There is a waterfall, from which the water flows from. Waterfalls are like curtains. They are also very mysterious."
"Oh I see what you're saying" Momiji replied, "You're saying that the Zodiac Stone is located behind the waterfall."
"I think that is our best bet" Yuki said nodding.
"Well there is only one way to find out for certain" Shigure added, "We have to go there and see for ourselves."
****************
Meanwhile the King of ShiraNobi had decided to go and look for his granddaughter. His wife had informed him of Kageru's treachery. He was riding with his soldiers when he spotted King Akito on the other side of the lake with his soldiers. He stopped his troop and stared at the young king.
"King Akito!" he shouted, "Return my granddaughter immediately!"
Akito sneered at him.
"I don't have your granddaughter" he replied, "I am looking for my family at this moment. I don't have time for you old man."
"If you're talking about the two boys who were in my dungeon" the king replied, "They have escaped. My wife informed me that they were going after Tohru."
"What?" Akito looked at him, "What two boys? I hope you don't mean my Yuki and that monster?"
"I don't remember seeing any monster?"
"Never mind!" Akito snapped, "I have to go now."
"Perhaps we could help each other," the king suggested.
Akito looked at him for a moment.
"Whatever. But when the time comes old man, don't interfere with my family."
"All I care about is Tohru's safety."
"As you will" Akito nodded to his soldiers to move on.
The King of ShiraNobi followed with his soldiers as they all rode up into the mountains.
*************
The queen watched sadly out the window as she saw the horses disappear from the mountains. Uo, Hana, and Megumi had remained to watch over her. They were all sitting in the King's chamber.
"Don't worry your majesty" Hana replied coming over, "Tohru will be all right."
"Yea" Uo agreed, "After all. She does have Kyoko's spirit."
The queen nodded smiling a little, but continued to look out the window.
**************
Tohru led them to the lake, where now the moon was shining on it. It still sparkled enough for them to see the waterfall up ahead.
"I'll take the lead" Yuki replied walking towards the waterfall.
He walked over to the ledge and peered in. Then he carefully walked behind it. It was a few seconds till he stuck his hand back out reaching for hers. She took it carefully and then held her hand out for Kyo.
"I hate water," Kyo grumbled as he walked inside and the bits of water splashed onto his pants.
And so it continued until finally everyone was under the waterfall, inside the cavern.
"It's awful dark in here" Momiji replied.
"It's scary" Kisa said as Hiro held onto her hand.
He squeezed it gently.
"It's okay Kisa, I won't let anything bad happen to you."
"How are we supposed to see where we are going?" Kagura asked.
"I have something that will help" Kureno said pulling out a small lantern.
A few moments later it was lit, and Yuki was leading them down the passageway. They entered a small room that was lit by dozens of candles. In front of them stood a stone carved completely out of rock. It had small holders carved into it, and under each holder was a symbol of a Zodiac animal.
**************
"The Zodiac Stone" Tohru breathed, "We found it."
"That's the Zodiac Stone?" Shigure replied surprised, "I always thought it would be more extravagant."
"That doesn't matter now Shigure" Yuki said, "We need to place each of our figurines on it. We don't have much time. In one more hour, the curse becomes permanent."
"And then that she-devil who placed the curse on us in the first place comes back" Kyo added, "So how do we start."
"Each member must place their figurine on the stone, according to the order that the animals came to the banquet" Tohru replied, "That means that Yuki is first."
Yuki nodded and took out his figurine. He walked up to the stone and saw the rat carved on the bottom to the far left. He slid the rat into the spot and underneath it glowed purple.
Hatsuharu was next. As he slid the cow figurine in, the light that was lit was black.
Kisa and Momiji walked over. Kisa slid hers in and it was green. Momiji's was next. His color was yellow.
Then Hatori and Ayame's turn came. The bottom row was filled now. Now it was time to fill the next one. Hatori put the tiny seahorse (dragon) in. The color underneath was brown. Ayame's light, that was silver came on after the snake slid into place.
Next Rin and Hiro wandered over. Rin placed her horse next to Ayame's and the light that came on was blue. Hiro placed his, and the light was white.
There was one section left. Ritsu and Kureno took their figurines and walked over. Ritsu placed his and the light was light blue. Kureno placed his, which turned out to be red.
Finally it was Shigure and Kagura's turn. They each sauntered over. Shigure placed his dog. The light was light grey. Kagura placed her pig on and the light was pink.
"That's it!" Kagura clapped her hands, "All we need now is your piece Kyo!"
Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki looked at each other.
"That will be rather difficult wouldn't it?"
They all turned and saw Kageru standing in the doorway. He was holding up the final piece. He was smiling very triumphantly.
"Seeing as I have the last piece."
*******************************************************
Authors Note: Hello everyone! Hope everyone had a great weekend! There's snow here! Any way hope you enjoyed this chapter. Send reviews please. After all there is only two more chapters to go!
Next Chapter: A Heroic Act
Kageru holds the last piece in his hands. There is forty minutes left. Not only that Akito and the King of ShiraNobi show up making more problems. It may take the courageous act of one princess to save the people she cares about so dearly. Find out what happens next time.