Greetings to all. It seems my 3rd chapter generated a bit of interest. I have gotten several nice reviews. Originally, this story was just going to be a one shot, but now I'm not so sure. At least one person wondered if I was going to do a sequel once this is done. I wasn't planning on it, but perhaps I can.

Nightfall - It would be interesting to continue this. I'm not sure where I would go with it at the moment.

Kaeru, I hope you find this last chapter as interesting as the others. I know it isn't a very long story but I really had no idea it would be read and received with such kindness.

Thank you all. Please enjoy the final chapter.

Chapter 4

"Hatori, you will erase that woman's and her daughter's memory, and his as well," he said pointing at Kyo. "I do not want them to remember anything that happened in the past two weeks. I want it done now!"

"Yes, Akito-san," Hatori said coolly. "We certainly cannot have outsiders knowing of our family curse."

Systematically he erased first Tohru's memories and then Kyo's memories. He turned to Kyoko and Akito left knowing the job would be done.

"Hatori-san, I have something to say before you erase my memories. Kyo is a boy before he is the cat of the zodiac. He needs love as all boys do. Please be kind to him as I know our paths will never cross again. I have loved him as a son. I have accepted him but now his memory of this time is gone. When he wakes up he will remember nothing. However, Hatori, I also have to believe that Kyo will remember this time in his life again and that he will remember he was loved and accepted by people outside of the Sohma clan. I allowed you to erase Tohru's memories because it is best for her. She is too young to deal with the original form of the zodiac cat."

Hatori's eyes widened. "How did you know..."

"About the Zodiac curse?" Kyoko finished for him. Hatori nodded his head.

"I have always been curious about the Sohmas, ever since Katsuya and I met Kazuma. He was always so secretive about his family, Kazuma was, and I was always the curious kind. I did some research. I had my suspicions and this innocent young boy confirmed them quite by accident."

"One more thing, Hatori-san, "

"Yes Kyoko-san, and what would that be?" Hatori knew he had already delayed for too long but he was curious.

"Hatori-san, do not expect my memories to be erased permanently. I will not allow that. I may forget for six weeks or six months but in time it will return. I will send you a card when that happens. Now, do your best Hatori-san."

Hatori erased Kyoko's memory with every confidence that it would be gone forever.

Epilogue

On September 1st Hatori received a card.

Hatori-san,
I hope you have been kind to Kyo and that he is still living with
Kazuma-kun. Tohru is her usual cheerful self and remembers nothing.
I could wish it otherwise, but it's for the best right now. I will
tell her nothing. Someday, Hatori-san, Tohru is going to be very
important to your family. And someday Hatori-san, Tohru and Kyo will
both recover their memories.

Remember me always, The Red Butterfly

"I wonder what Akito would think of this if he knew." Hatori smiled as he burned the card in the fireplace.

THE END...or is it?