Part 23

It took us no time to gather ourselves and head out to the waiting van outside. I almost wished that this was all nothing more than a terrible nightmare.

But Kyo's tight grip on my hand proved to me that I was wide awake.

Tohru looked cheerful, but it was now obvious that she was forcing on the expression. Yuki also had a tight hold on her hand; I could tell that he really wanted to hold her with all his heart. But seeing as he would change into the Rat, he didn't try to.

We bid the hostess and Ritsu goodbye at the front of the hot springs and headed for the van. Just as we reached it, he heard running footsteps behind us.

"Can with you?" Ritsu asked tentatively.

Kyo and Hiro winced visibly. I shot Kyo a stern look.

"I believe we have enough room," said Hatori. "Though it will be a tight fit. But I'm positive that there's room for everyone."

If there was enough room for us it didn't seem like it. It seemed like an unspoken rule that Tohru and I got seats first. Hatori directed us to sit together, then got Kisa to sit on the other side of Tohru. I knew she had wanted to sit with Yuki, but I realized that Hatori wanted the trip back home to be as uneventful as possibly. Ala, no transformations in the back.

"Oi!!!!" yelled Isuzu, who was tightly packed between Ritsu and Kyo. "You call this enough room?!"

"You're able to sit down in a seat, aren't you?" asked Hatori calmly from the front of the van. He was in the passenger seat and having a little more room than anyone else.

Isuzu scoffed and forced herself to her feet. The force of her sudden movement sent Kyo and Ritsu sprawling and hitting their heads with each other.

"OWWW!!!!!"

"OH MY GOD I'M SO SORRY–"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, RIN?!?! STANDING UP SO FUCKING QUICKLY!!!!"

"OH, I'M SUCH A DISGRACE I DON'T DESERVE TO LIVE–"

"Enough!!" Hatori called from the front. "Isuzu, please sit back down!!"

"Fine," scoffed Isuzu, though she didn't go back to sit in her seat. I choked on a giggle as I watched her plop herself in Haru's lap. "Okay, I'm seated!!"

Haru seemed unfazed by her action, though Hiro who was sitting next to Haru looked a little miffed.

"All right, let's go," said Hatori.

—

The snow continued to fall on the way home. Whatever humored I had felt with Isuzu's display died as we drove on. In its place was the terrible fear that had been residing inside me ever since we got to the hot spring.

I glanced at Tohru, who was sandwiched between Kisa and I though she didn't complain. She didn't even try to put on a face; her expression showed just how tired and worried she was.

I took hold of her hand. "Are you feeling all right?" it was a dumb question, considering how my feelings matched hers.

Tohru let out a soft sigh. "A little. I knew this confrontation with Akito-san was going to happen eventually. But..." she closed her eyes. "I don't want to cause more problems for the Sohma family. There's been so much tension between all of you and Akito-san...and I...it's my fault all of you get into so much trouble."

"Tohru, don't even think that way," I said firmly. "It's a blessing that you came into our family. Do you realize what our family was like before you came?"

She said nothing.

"Hardly any of us spoke to each other. At the very least the only time we'd see each other was at New Year's. But now...now that you're here with us, so much has changed. You brought both Yuu-chan and Kyo-kun out of their shells and they both started smiling again after so long. You eased the tension between Ayame-san and Yuu-chan, allowing them to have...something of a brotherly relationship."

Tohru giggled a little at that.

"She's right, Nee-chan," said Kisa quietly. "If you hadn't come, I'd probably still be not talking to anyone."

"Yep, we're all very cheerful now that you're here!!" said Momiji brightly.

"Well, you didn't do much for me," said Isuzu off-handedly. "As it was Kagura who helped me out. But I guess I should thank you for being the cheerful id...er, girl you've always been."

"As for Akito," said Yuki, though he seemed a little pale. "You shouldn't worry too much about it. We all had tension with Akito long before you came to us, Tohru-san."

"But if he think he's locking me in that fucking house again, he's crazy," grumbled Kyo.

"Thank you, everyone," said Tohru, bowing slightly. "I consider you all to be my family. And...it frightens me, the thought of having all my precious memories erased again. When I think about it...just that day afterwards, I woke up at home as if it were a normal day, though it really wasn't. I don't want to forget, ever again."

"It won't happen," said Kyo. "There's more of us this time. And if he tries it, I'll beat the shit out of him."

I winced a little at his last comment, remembering how I had beaten Akito nearly to death.

"We'll be there soon," said Hatori. "And I think it would be wise not to attack Akito. I have no doubts that he'll be prepared for it this time around."

We all fell silent at his comment. I kept my tight hold on Tohru's hand, my stomach doing flip-flops. I glanced at Kyo, and found he was staring at me. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he wasn't going to follow Hatori's advice. If Akito attack Tohru and me, he was going to attack. I could sense the same feeling from Yuki.

I didn't know if their tactic was wise.

—

"Welcome home," a servant greeted us politely. "Akito-sama asked me to tell all of you to go straight to him."

"I know," said Hatori. He climbed outside and waited for us.

None of us were all too eager about being home. I could see Hiro was dragging his feet, and Momiji was slow in getting out of the van. However, Kyo, Yuki, Haru, and Isuzu wore an air of confidence about them and didn't even look frightened.

I was the last one out of the van. Both Hatori and Kyo helped me out of it, and I was happy for their concern for me.

"We're here," said Hatori. "Let's go meet Akito."

It felt like an execution march; each of us being condemned criminals being led to our death. But now that we were home, I tried not to look too frightened. Kyo had his hand clamped on mine once again and I gave his a reassuring squeeze. If Akito intended on sending Kyo back into that house (whatever was left of it after Kyo blasted through the roof), then he'd have to go through me first.

When we reached Akito's house, we noticed immediately that there were two figures standing outside. One of them stood up and hurried over to us.

"Long time no see!!!" chirped Ayame cheerfully. "Did you all have fun relaxing yourselves?"

"Yes, they did," said Hatori, answering for us. Most likely to get us into Akito's house faster.

Ayame slithered over to Yuki, who had Tohru at his side. "Aww, my dear Yuki! You didn't do anything indecent to Tohru-kun, did you?!"

Yuki decked him, sending him flying.

"Um, what does he mean, indecent?" asked Tohru.

Yuki turned dark red and ducked his head.

Haru laughed aloud, drawing my attention. I'd never seen him transform into Black Haru before just out of the blue. "Oh poor dear sweet Tohru!! What Ayame means is that he's wondering if Yuki–"

Yuki decked him next. Tohru still looked confused by the conversation.

The second figure approached us. "It's been a long time, everyone."

"How is Akito's attitude, Shigure?" asked Hatori.

"Same as usual," said Shigure, smiling brightly.

"Exactly, what are you guys doing here?" asked Kyo.

Ayame recovered himself, striking a pose. "We heard a sad tale of a love denied by all; two tragic lovers who could not bear being parted from one another! History did not learn its lesson from Romeo and Juliet, so we had to intervene!! How terrible would it be if we allowed our precious lovers to perish–"

"What's the real reason?" asked Yuki, ignoring his brother's speech.

"We heard from Haa-san that all of you were at the hot springs," said Shigure. "And once Akito gave the call to have you all come back, we realized that we both would be left out of the fun. So we came to see what happens."

I smiled at this. Despite their words, I knew that Ayame and Shigure came here out of concern for all of us and wanted to provide as much support as they could.

"All right," said Hatori. "Thank you, Shigure. We should all get inside and not keep Akito any longer."

"And our sweet Juliet said 'I cannot bear to'–"

"We're going inside Ayame," said Hatori. "I suggest you be quiet and not annoy Akito."

Ayame immediately stopped his story. "Of course, 'Tori-san!!"

"What an idiot," muttered both Yuki and Kyo, though I'm positive Ayame's display helped to ease some of the tension.

We didn't waste anymore time in getting inside Akito's house. I was very worried as we walked down the hall towards Akito's room. I jumped at every sound; a creak in the floor or a creak in the walls.

Kureno was waiting for us outside Akito's room. He didn't seem surprise to see all of us. "Welcome. Akito-sama is waiting for you all inside."

None of us answered him as he slid the door open and beckoned us inside.

I jumped a little as we entered, half-expecting Akito to jump out from somewhere and attack us. But he was at his usual spot, watching the snow fall outside instead of watching us. I swallowed a lump in my throat as I look in the sight of him. Despite recovering from my assault, Akito still had healing bruises on his face. They were no longer black and blue, but seemingly every other color.

"Please be seated," he said softly without looking at us.

We all started sitting down. Kyo's grip on my hand was very tight. He was glaring at Akito but stayed in a ready position; as if daring Akito to attack me.

Yuki did not sit down though. He remained standing and gently pulled Tohru to her feet as she tried to sit down.

"There's something you need to understand, Akito," said Yuki, glaring at him. I could tell this was taking all his self-control. "We may be cursed members of the Juunishi, but we are family and we are humans. I know you never liked any of us, but you need to understand that we have feelings. And your treatment of us will not be tolerated any longer."

Akito glanced at Yuki, his expression unreadable. "How very noble of you, Yuki. And very foolish of you. Your feelings do not matter when it comes to me, the Head of this family."

"I don't give a damn if my feelings matter to you. But I do want you to understand something." Yuki pulled Tohru into a half-hug, careful not to fully embrace her. "I love this girl. I've never truly loved anyone in my life, but I love her more than anything. And I'm not going to standby and let you punish her for my feelings. I want you to know...if you do anything to her again, whether it be abuse her or have her memories erased, then I will kill you."

Tohru was staring at Yuki, her face full of fear and admiration. "Yuki-kun..."

Akito laughed loudly. "You kill me?! I think being around that stupid girl has made you stupid. You are incapable of hurting me in any way, Yuki. Your stay with me is proof enough. Did you ever raise a hand to me? Of course not. All you did was obediently followed my commands as you sealed away your voice. You see Yuki..." Akito smirked at him. "You're not able to take me on because you know I'd win. Why else do you dominate your much weaker opponents?"

Kyo growled and I was quick to grab his arm to prevent him flying at Akito.

Akito waved a dismissive hand at us. "I've heard enough. You're all confined to your houses until further notice. And I do mean your specific homes; I've had that shack repaired, Kyo."

Kyo stiffened, going a little pale. I quickly jumped to my feet. "Hold on, Akito!! You can't just brush us off!!"

Akito glanced at me, but said nothing.

"Look at us!! You always talk about how we Juunishi cause you nothing but pain. But think of our pain!! We've suffered right along with you!! All we ask for is relief from the pain!!"

Akito glance turned into a glance. "What pain? What makes you think that your suffering parallels mine?!"

"I guess you beating the shit out of me on a daily basis and making me break up with Haru doesn't count for pain," Isuzu growled, standing up.

Kyo stood up next to me. "Doesn't being condemned for your whole life count as suffering?!"

"I lost my family," said Momiji softly, standing up as well. "Doesn't that count for suffering?"

Slowly, everyone stood up and told their ills. Except for Hatori, though he did stand up.

"I can't be silent any longer," he said. "As the family doctor, I realized the pain that you have gone through. But that doesn't merit making other people's lives worse."

"I suffered from cancer!!!" I said, having waited for everyone to speak. Tears were flowing from my eyes. "And I suffered from a coma!! I know what it feels like to wonder if I'll ever see sunshine again or whether or I'll wake up from a nap!! It's terrifying, and it's painful!! I suffered Akito!! We all did!! Why can't you see that?!"

Akito was silent as we spoke. When we finished he spoke again.

"None of you have ever talked back to me," he said softly. He turned a murderous glare to Tohru. "You bitch!!! You turned them all against me!!"

"Tohru didn't turn us against you," said Kyo. "You did."

Akito jumped to his feet and some of us took a step back. "You stupid fucking bitch!! You've destroyed MY family!! You stupid outsider, I should have had your memories erased at day one!!!"

Yuki stepped in front of Tohru. "It's a fucking blessing that she came to know us!!! She saved us all from fading into the darkness, Akito!!!! I'm thankful every single day that I got to know Tohru-san!!!!! And I'm warning you; you better not touch her!!!"

Akito seemed the most offended that Yuki was daring to stand against him.

"I really don't care," said Akito. "My word is law. And I expect you all to obey me." He looked straight at Kyo. "I think I'll start the slaughter by tying you up in that house."

I stepped in front of Kyo in a similar fashion that Yuki had stepped in front of Tohru.

"If you even try that Akito, you'll have to go through me," I snapped. "No matter if I'm recovering; I'll give you more colorful bruises to go with the ones on your face!!!"

Akito glared murderously at me. Though I had no intention of attacking him again, I was ready to defend Kyo.

"Then I'll send you into another coma," said Akito. "Only this time I'll do so much damage that you'll be kindeyless."

I felt Kyo's arms slide around me from behind. "If you try that again Akito, then I'll join that Damn Rat in killing you."

"I'll shield Kagura again!!" added Momiji, his usual cheerful attitude completely gone.

Silence followed this. It broke when Hatori spoke up.

"You know I'm loyal to you Akito," he said softly. "I've been loyal to you all these years, even through the worst times. But this time...I cannot allow you to hurt these children. I made an oath to myself that I would shield them from the kind of pain I suffered. So far, I haven't kept this oath, but now...now I am. If you intend on causing more pain, then I'm afraid I can't stand by you."

Akito seemed a little stunned by Hatori's speech. I realized that it probably wasn't the first time Hatori spoke against him, but I knew that it was the first time Hatori threatened him.

Akito laughed a little, running a hand through his hair. "Wow...this is truly unprecedented. Never have I had so many Sohma's stand against me. But...my word still is law. And though I cannot come up with a suitable punishment for all of you at the moment, you still have to follow me. And I say this."

He glared at all of us. "All of you leave right now, except for Kagura and Honda Tohru. I want to have a word with the both of you."

The next chapter is the final chapter. Have a Happy New Year!