(Chapter Five: Zodiac Banquet)

As Tohru entered the large room, she gasped in joy at the sight of it. There were all kinds of decorations in the room depicting pictures of all the animals in the Chinese Zodiac. There was a large flat area big enough for theatrical performances or even dancing. In the center of the room, were two large lengthwise tables covered with all sorts of food. One table had about fourteen chairs while the other, too many for her to count at the moment.

"This is amazing" Tohru replied as Yuki came over.

"Hey there Miss Honda" he said with a smile.

"Oh Yuki" she smiled back, "How are you? How was your visit with your mother?"

"Oh so so" Yuki answered, "Welcome to the Zodiac banquet" he replied as Momiji looked nervously around him, waiting for Hatsuharu.

"Thank you" she said.

Just then Hatsuharu entered the room and hurried over to Momiji at the exact same time as another Zodiac member came over to say hello to Tohru. Ritsu was dressed in a very nice top, and was also wearing pants. Tohru beamed as he approached and bowed his head.

"Oh Ritsu" she grinned, "It's so good to see you" she bowed her eyes, "I was hoping I would."

"Yes. It's good to see you too Tohru" he smiled warmly, "But I am surprised to see you here."

"Well I was invited by Akito," she explained.

"Uh Miss Honda" Yuki said as Momiji and Hatsuharu whispered about something, "We should get to our seats. It will start soon."

"Okay. Well I will see you later Ritsu" she replied.

"Mhm" he nodded as Yuki took her hand gently.

"Wait Yuki!" Haru called out, "Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Well I'm kind of busy right now Haru" Yuki said as Momiji listened in worried, "I have to go get seated."

"It's really important" Haru insisted as Ritsu watched his anxious face.

"It will have to wait" Yuki replied impatiently, "Akito will be here any minute" he steered Miss Honda in the direction of the chairs that were sitting in front of the large flat area.

"Oh man" Haru grumbled as he walked back over to Momiji.

"He didn't listen" Momiji cried out.

"I know" Haru replied, "Well I guess it's up to us Momiji" he placed his hands on his hips, "We got to make sure that conversation never comes up."

"I should have told Yuki earlier. I just didn't think about it. Oh Tohru" Momiji said sadly.

"Don't worry about it. I think you and I can handle it, if it does come up. I think" Haru added unsure.

"Well let's go take our seats" Momiji sighed and they both walked over to the sitting area.

Ritsu watched as they departed and frowned sadly.

"I wonder what they were talking about?" he thought, "It has something to do with Tohru that's for sure. Maybe I should keep my eye out as well."

Yuki led Tohru around the chairs and began searching.

"What are you doing Yuki?" she asked curiously.

"Every year we have a certain place we sit. Our names are on the chairs, and there are nameplates at the table. I'm just looking for your name."

"Oh okay" she nodded, "Do you sit next to Akito every year?"

"Usually" Yuki said, "And Kureno sits on the other side. Let's see, Kisa. Rin. Kagura. Me. Akito. He's always in the center" he explained as he looked, "Kureno should be on the other side, no wait" Yuki stopped, "This isn't right" his face became pale.

"What's the matter?"

"This chair has your name on it."

"Huh?" she looked, "You're right. I'm sitting next to Akito?"

"I guess so. There's got to be some kind of mistake. But they don't usually make mistakes."

"Then I guess" she said, "We should sit down" she sat slowly in the chair, while on the other side of Akito's chair, Yuki did the same.

(Next Scene)

Meanwhile outside while everyone began to eat their main meal Kyo was running at the back of the houses, toward the largest building of the main house. Behind it was a large tree that was close enough to the huge window at the back. Kyo took a breath and then looked around to make sure that no one was watching. Then he tried climbing the tree. With no success he fell back to the ground.

"Okay" he thought, "Plan C."

He left the back of the house and saw a female servant carrying a small tray to the party and smiled. Then quite deliberately he ran face front into her. POOF!!

The woman gazed around and saw nothing. In a flash she scooped the empty tray back up, shook her head in confusion and continued on her way. While behind one of the smaller trees Kyo watched her depart, his clothes in his mouth. On his four paws he carried them back to the large tree and once more began to climb it, being more successful this time since he had claws to help him up.

"Ah hah" he grinned placing the clothes on a nearby branch, "Now if I transform I got my clothes this time."

Kyo peered into the large window and saw the same set-up that he had for so many years. The truth was this wasn't the only time he had climbed this tree. He had done it several times in the past. He looked a little more and finally he could see Tohru sitting down in the sitting area near Akito's chair.

"So far so good" he sighed as he continued to watch.

(Next Scene)

From behind one of the purple curtains that adorned the room, Kisa was helping Hiro get prepared.

"Are you nervous Hiro?" she asked sweetly.

"Yes I'm nervous" he replied angrily, "I can't believe I have to do this."

"It's okay Hiro" she smiled, "You'll be fine. I was able to do it last year. I'm sure your dance will be beautiful."

"Thanks Kisa" he managed to grin, "That makes me feel a little bit better. Now you should get out there before Akito arrives."

"Okay" she nodded leaving, "Good luck Hiro," she added.

"Thanks" he nodded taking a deep breath.

(Next Scene)

Kisa joined the other members of the Zodiac in the chair area and sat down. Most of the family members of the Zodiac members were filing into their seats. Hatsuharu, Momiji, Rin, Shigure, Ayame, Hatori, and Ritsu were already seated and most of them quite concerned about the chair that Tohru was sitting in.

"Are you sure that is where she is supposed to be sitting Hari?" Shigure asked with a frown.

"That's what Akito said," Hatori replied, "And we don't argue with him."

"Hmm?"

The lights in the room suddenly became dimmer and from out the side of the room, entering through two large doors strode in Akito with Kureno right behind him. He smiled as he entered and gazed at all the members of the Zodiac.

"I am so glad" he began, "That all of you could join us this evening. Especially my Zodiac family" he moved towards the chairs and spoke to each of them as he walked, "Rin, Shigure, Hatori. And of course Ayame and Kisa. And over there on the other side, I can see Ritsu, Kagura, Momiji, and Hatsuharu. Kureno you can be seated."

"Yes sir" Kureno nodded.

"Naturally Hiro is preparing for the dance tonight" he walked over to the three chairs in the middle and smiled, "And Yuki. You're here."

"Of course" Yuki nodded a bit wary but with a small smile just the same.

"I'm glad" Akito added as he finally turned to Tohru, "Miss Honda. So nice of you to come. Have you been enjoying yourself?"

"Why yes" she nodded, "It's been most fun this evening."

"Good" he replied as he sat down never once taking his eyes off of her, "I hope you enjoy the rest of your time as well. It should be just as fun."

"Thank you" Tohru lowered her eyes as each member in their own way stared at Akito with suspicion and worry.

"Well" Akito looked at the flat area, "I don't know about the rest of you" he said loud enough for everyone to hear, "But I am ready for the dance. Hiro!" he called.

Hiro came out from behind the curtain ready and prepared. He walked to the center of the flat area.

"You may begin" Akito directed as Hiro responded with a nod.

The music started and so did Hiro. Tohru had never seen anything so amazing in her whole life. It was so beautiful and his movement was so eloquent. She had to stop herself from tearing up every now and then during the dance, because Hiro was doing such a great job. From where she sat Kisa clasped her hands together. But she allowed the tears to touch her cheek. She was so proud of him. From outside Kyo growled in the tree. He had seen Akito enter and sit down next to her. He had seen the way he had looked at her during the conversation. That creep was spending his time with his girlfriend, while he was stuck in a tree, back in his human form and wishing more than ever that he could be at that stupid party. Kazuma walked by and noticed Kyo staring into the window. But he walked away and simply smiled.

"Poor Kyo" he thought, "He's always watched the banquet from afar. Up in a tree or behind a bush. But I think this year, he has a better reason than just not being invited."

(Next Scene)

When Hiro was done his dance everybody clapped for him enthusiastically. Then Akito stood up and directed everyone to the table, where they were to begin their main course dinner. Tohru sat down next to Yuki, since that was where her nameplate was. As they sat down she turned to Yuki, since Akito was preoccupied at the moment talking to Kureno.

"So do you guys always eat this late on New Years?" she asked.

"Yea pretty much" Yuki nodded, "We snack a lot during the day so we can eat this big meal around midnight. Which it is about that time anyway."

"Oh I see" Tohru smiled, "How long does the Zodiac banquet last?"

"As long as I want it to Miss Honda" Akito spoke up as all the other members who were sitting at the table looked up from their plates, "It typically only lasts till about two in the morning though."

"Oh" Tohru nodded, "Well I really do appreciate that you included me in this."

"Not at all" Akito grinned, "Please enjoy yourself."

"Thank you" she nodded again as he once more turned to Kureno, and the others went back to their own plates.

From where he sat Yuki eyed Akito the whole time.

"I wonder just what he's up to this time" he thought angrily, "He's acting way to smooth tonight and I don't like it."

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Hey everybody! The last two chapters of the week will be done today since I don't have time to do any tomorrow, so enjoy them! And feel free to use your imagination as far as the dance of the zodiac and the banquet goes! Be creative!!

Next Chapter: Ritsu's Distraction

When Haru and Momiji's fears are confirmed the most unlikely of Hero's appears. See what happens next time!!