(Chapter Ten: Akito Discovers the Zodiac)

The following week something did arrive for Tohru in the mail. Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure all gathered in the sitting room with her while she opened it, just as curious as she as to what was inside. Tohru undid the box with a little help from Yuki and opened it up. On the top were three picture frames. There was one with Tohru, Kandis, Rebecca, and Matt standing on the set in their costumes. There was one with the entire cast and Tohru in the center on their last day of shooting, and finally there was one with Tohru in costume standing with Yuki, Momiji, Hatsuharu, and Kyo near the chairs that they had sat in when they came to watch. On top of the frames was an envelope. While Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure all examined the frames, Tohru opened the envelope and read.

"Dear Tohru,

Kentaro said that I could send this photos along with his surprise. I thought you would like to have them since I know how much you love pictures. I even framed the one I took of you, Kyo, and the others. I hope that you enjoy them and I can't wait to hear from you soon!

Lots of love,

Kandi

P.S. I have been talking to my parents about coming to Japan with Rebecca when she moves. They haven't said anything, but I will let you know when they do.

"Well wasn't that sweet of her to send these?" Tohru smiled folding up the letter.

"Yes indeed" Shigure nodded with a grin of his own.

"But what I want to know is" Kyo replied, "What surprise your uncle has for you in the box."

"Oh right" Tohru agreed, "Let's take a look."

She removed all the bubble wrap and finally lifted out many small boxes. She looked on the front of them and they read:

Zodiac Curse the Movie

"I think," Yuki, said, "That is a DVD of your film Miss Honda."

"Why you're right" she nodded, "In fact all of them are. My uncle sent enough copies of the movie so I can give all my friends one."

"Why how nice of him" Shigure beamed taking his copy as she handed it to him, "Now Hari can see what I was talking about. And I am sure that Aya will be happy with his copy as well."

"Here you are Yuki" she handed him one, "This one is yours."

"Thank you Miss Honda" he replied sweetly but thought in his head, "Maybe I can take this over to Machi's later and watch it with her."

"I have about four more copies in here" Tohru said pulling them out, "That means one for Hana, Uo, Momiji, and Hatsuharu."

"I am sure that they will appreciate it Tohru" Shigure smiled, "In fact I will take them over to Sohma house when I go over this afternoon. I have an appointment with Hari anyway."

"Thank you Shigure" Tohru beamed at him.

"Think nothing of it."

(Next Scene)

Shigure knocked on Hatori's door that afternoon and it was answered by Momiji. With a few quick words Shigure handed Momiji his copy of the Zodiac, in which he jumped up and down with joy and ran to the main house to watch it in his room. Shigure shook his head with a smile, as Hatori came out of his office.

"You're a bit early today Shigure" he replied.

"Oh I know. I thought I'd take you to lunch. Oh and here" he handed him the DVD, "Here's your copy."

"Copy of what?"

"Tohru's movie. You know the one I told you about? She wanted you to have one."

"Uh thank you I mean thank her. You know what I mean."

"Of course, but are you blushing Hari?" Shigure teased.

"Knock it off Shigure" Hatori placed the DVD on his desk, "Let's go to lunch" he grabbed his coat.

"Right after you" Shigure beckoned as he opened the door, following Hatori out.

"Hatori!" Akito called as he entered the room just as the door was shut, "Hatori where are you?" he looked around the room angrily, "Where is he? I can never find him when I need him."

He sighed frustrated but then just happened to glance at the DVD that was sitting on the desk. He picked it up and stared at the title.

"Zodiac Curse the movie?" he frowned and then turned it over to look on the back, "Can one girl save the Sakamoto family from the curse they have lived under for generations?What's this?" he looked on the way bottom, "Starring Tohru Honda? Hmm? I better check this out" he replied to himself leaving the room and heading for his sitting room.

Once there he slid the DVD into the player and turned on the television. For a half-hour he watched as the story unfold, sometimes becoming wide-eyed because of the accuracy of the film. Sometime later in the afternoon while he was watching it, Momiji heard the television was on and peeped in the door. When he saw who was watching the movie, he moved away from the door, and ran down the hall, gasping and out of breath.

"Oh no" he thought, "He's watching it. Well I won't tell anyone just yet. Just in case he doesn't do anything."

When the movie was over Akito turned off the television and slightly smiled. Then he walked to his room, where Kureno was waiting.

"Master Akito" he said slowly as he sat down.

"Kureno. Get my pen and the invitations. You know the New Years ones. It's time I sent them out."

"Yes sir" Kureno nodded fetching the items that we're nearby.

As Akito signed his name to one of the invitations he smiled menacingly and with joy. Kureno fidgeted a little in his position as he kneeled, wondering just what was on Akito's mind.

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Yea! That's the end of Book Ten! See you on Friday for Book Eleven!

Next Book: A Sohma New Year

New Years has come once again and so has the Zodiac banquet but what happens when Tohru is invited not only to the party but to the banquet as well? What sort of things does Akito have in store for her this time, and how will Kyo and Yuki react to the surprise invite. All this and more in the next book. See you there!!