Chapter 4 Akito and his Master Plan

Kyo and Tohru quietly rode the bus to the stop closest to Sohma House. They were both thinking about the revelations they had experienced since graduation. It had been a very pleasant surprise to both of them to find out that they had a past friendship and had the rest of the year to continue building upon it. After that, it was going to be different because there was one thing certain in Kyo's life. He was going to Tokyo U and not to the jail cell that Akito had waiting for him at Sohma House. It would be a bit more difficult to watch over Tohru from so far away but for some odd reason, he accepted the dog's assurances that he would watch over her in his and Yuki's place. Even more surprising was the ebbing of the rancor he had felt towardYuki for so long. He still had to defeat him to make a place for himself among the Sohmas, but it wasn't quite so pressing.

Tohru got off at her stop and waved to Kyo as he was continuing on to the stop near Shigure's house. It was quite wonderful to know the two of them had been friends in the past and had a future together at friends. She blushed a little as she remembered falling asleep on Kyo's shoulder and the manner in which he had teased her in front of Kazuma. This was a new aspect of Kyo that she had not known existed. She was pretty sure Kagura had know this side of Kyo and that was probably one of the main reasons she was so crazy about him. It had been quite an interesting week and now she had to give Hatori her decision. She wondered what Akito really thought about the offer.

Momiji was watching for Tohru from the top of the wall as he always did. "Tohru, welcome!" he called as he swung the gate open.

"Momiji-kun, you were waiting for me?"

"Of course, Tohru. I would wait forever for you, princess."

"Momiji…."

"Just kidding. Come on, Akito is waiting."

"You are always so kind to wait for me and make sure I can find Akito-san's apartments. Thank you so much"

"No problem Tohru. I like talking to you on the way there, you can always make me smile."

"Thank you, I think." Tohru replied with a giggle.

"It was really meant to be a compliment Tohru. "

"In that case, thank you very much."

Akito noted the rabbit and the girl approaching his apartments as he watched out his balcony window. "Kureno, Miss Honda will be here soon. Please escort her to my sitting room as soon as she arrives."

"Hai, Akito-sama."

"Afterwards have Sonomi-san bring us some refreshments."

"Hai, I will."

Tohru and Momiji arrived at Akito's shortly afterwards. "Bye Momiji. I'll see you later right?"

"You can count on it. Ha'ri-san is expecting you to give him an answer today. Have you decided yet?"

"Almost, I just have to consider it a little bit more."

"I hope you accept Tohru. It would mean Ha'ri and I would get to see you almost every day."

"Mmmhmmm."

Just then Kureno opened the door and Tohru turned toward it in surprise.

"Bye Tohru, see you later"

"Bye" she answered distractedly.

"Kureno-san, have I kept Akito-san waiting. I didn't mean to if I have."

"No, you are right on time as usual Miss Honda." He bowed her into the room and Tohru gracefully returned his gesture. "Please follow me, Akito-san is awaiting you in his sitting room today."

Momiji stealthily crept back to his hide-away where he could keep watch over Tohru during her visit with Akito. He had promisedShigure he would watch over her and that was a promise he was certain to keep.

Tohru followed Kureno toward Akito's sitting room. She looked around her in amazement as they approached the door. "I've never been beyond this room before, this is very beautiful. I can't wait to see more."

The two of them entered a beautiful well-appointed room. There were silk screens depicting the Zodiac tale. Adorning the walls were various brush paintings of exotic birds and an indoor fountain tinkled in the corner.

Tohru turned a complete circle in delight at the beauty of the room and suddenly came face to face with Akito. She immediately knelt. "Akito-san, please forgive my impertinence. I did not realize you were already here."

"Honda-san," Akito said with a smile, "I am so pleased you like this room. I thought you might." Akito gracefully strode toward the low table and sat down. "Please, come join me. Sonomi-san will bring the tea in a moment." He gestured at the cushions on the side of the table opposite him.

"Sonomi-san?"

"Ahh, you have not met her. She is a family retainer that has looked after us since she was very young. She has served the two Sohma heads before me and now is my servant."

"This is lovely Akito-san. Thank you for allowing me in this room. I am very honored and most unworthy of such a thing."

"Yes, and you should feel that way. I don't allow many people in here and you are the first outsider. Tell me Honda-san, how long have you been coming to visit here?"

"About 18 months Akito-san. Why do you ask?"

"18 months…and have I treated you well?"

"Yes Akito-san, you have always been kind to me."

"Always Honda-san?" Akito asked with a hard smile.

"Well, there have been a couple of times when you have had troubles on your mind and I was a little frightened."

Just then a small, slender lady entered with the tea and Daifuku buns. She set them down on the table. "Is there anything else you require Akito-sama?"

"That will be all Sonomi-san." She bowed herself out of the room at his curt dismissal.

Tohru turned to the tea set on the table. "Will you allow me to serve the tea Akito-san?"

Akito nodded his head in acquiescence.

Tohru poured the tea into the cups and then sat back on her heels. Akito picked up the conversation from the point where the maid servant had interrupted.

"I find you to be a very honest person Miss Honda. Please tell me now, what have you learned in the last 18 months about me and about my family?"

"I have learned much about your family, Akito-san. I have learned it is very hard to live with a curse, believing you cannot live among normal human beings for fear of its being discovered. I have learned that they both love you and fear you Akito-san. But as for you, I have learned much of you in 18 months, but I still don't know you."

Akito frowned slightly. "Explain."

Tohru took a sip of her tea as she considered how best to obey his command. "This is delicious tea. It reminds me of the kind Mom used to make when she was alive."

She saw the look in Akito's eyes an immediately returned to his question. "Forgive me Akito-san, it was just Mom and I for so long that it makes me happy to have experiences that keep my memories fresh. And you know, Akito-san, Mom once told me that a person's eyes are the window to their soul. If you can see into the soul, you can know the person. Akito-san, your eyes are opaque. I cannot see beyond them to the person that is truly you. You have built a wall to guard yourself, but that same wall also imprisons you. I know that you bear the core of the curse and I cannot even imagine how hard that must be. I know that you are often sick because of this burden. I know you are good at giving orders and I know you expect to be obeyed. You can be quick to anger and can sometimes be violent. I know that all of your juunishi love you, but they also fear you because of these same qualities. You are very skilled in fighting and management. These are the things that I know of you.."

Momiji crept closer to Akito's sitting room and was able to eavesdrop on the conversation. It had been difficult, but he had found a closer hiding place. Tohru being allowed in Akito's inner sanctum had initially caught him by surprise, but he had recovered quickly.

Akito's voice came clearly through the door. "Miss Honda, do you truly find me short-tempered and violent?"

"Oh, uhmmm, maybe I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean to offend you. Please forgive me if I have."

"While it is true Miss Honda, you would do well to remember this about me and not repeat the mistake. "

"Oh no mom…I think I may have made him angry. I really don't think sometimes, what should I do?"

"I did ask you a straightforward question so I must accept a straightforward answer, must I not? I do expect the truth from you Miss Honda, and I would have been very angry if you had answered otherwise. Now, continue answering my question. What is the difference between knowing about me and knowing me. Aren't they the same thing?"

Tohru breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe he wasn't angry with her after all. But how to explain the difference….

"Miss Honda, I grow impatient."

"I am sorry Akito-san. I was trying to decide the best way to explain my meaning. Perhaps I can explain this way. For example, I know you bear the core of the curse. I know you weren't given a choice and it hurts very much. Beyond this I don't know what you feel, what you think. I don't know if deep inside it makes you angry or sad, afraid or accepting. I think if I were you, I would be very afraid. But then, Mom always said even if I was afraid I should keep on living and enjoying life because every moment is precious. The good and the bad are all part of it and every memory should be treasured. Life is too precious to live in anger and in fear. That's what Mom believed and I believe it too. I'm sorry Akito-san. I know what I said doesn't relate to your question. I don't know you. I don't know what makes you happy, what other things make you sad. I want to be your friend but I don't even know what you are interested in, I don't know anything about you or your past, even after all this time."

"Are you really interested in knowing who I am , Miss Honda?"

"Yes I am. I like you Akito-san and it makes me sad to see you alone so much of the time."

"Alone…I am not alone! Kureno is with me always and my juunishi come to see me anytime I wish. Miss Honda, if you wish to know me, accept Hatori's offer and stop by to see me for a short time each day."

Tohru eyed Akito with excitement. "Will it really be okay with you if I accept Hatori's offer. I wanted to but I was afraid you might not like it and…."

"And what? That Hatori might get hurt again because of you? If you think so poorly of me Miss Honda, then perhaps I should withdraw my approval."

"Oh no Akito-san. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you and Hatori-san, well Hatori-san…."

"Is overworked and in need of assistance?"

"Well yes…."

"That is exactly why I will allow it. Hatori is one of my family and I take care of my family. After all, you do know our secret. That makes you perfect as his assistant."

"Thank you Akito-san. I will do my best for Hatori-san and for all of the Sohmas."

Momiji's eyes widened as he realized Akito's real intent today. Akito wanted to make sure that Tohru accepted Hatori's offer, but why? There was something at work here. Perhaps he would discuss it with Haru, or possibly even Shigure. Now was the time to beat a strategic retreat as it sounded as if the visit was coming to a close.

"Miss Honda, remember that the opportunity with Hatori is dependent upon my approval. Hatori will do as I say, so don't disappoint me. Keep your promise to come by each day you are here. I will know if you don't."

"But of course Akito-san. I look forward to it. If I become an annoyance, please tell me and I will step down."

"Miss Honda, you have been an annoyance since the first time you came to know my juunishi. But an annoyance I know about and can keep tabs on is better than one I do not know. You are dismissed. Hatori is waiting."

"Oh, hai Akito-san. I will go see Hatori-san now. Good-bye."

"Tohru…come on, let's go see Ha'ri-san now."

Tohru's crestfallen expression cause by Akito's last comment, immediately brightened. "Momiji-kun, how do you always know exactly when I finish my visit with Akito-san?"

"Just lucky guesses I suppose. Tohru, come on , let's hurry!"

Akito watched Momiji and the girl depart across the garden. He had not failed to see Tohru's sad expression and the way it brightened at the sight of Momiji. An impatient frown crossed his face. It was time to start putting his plan into action.

"Kureno!" he said sharply.

"Hai, Akito-sama." And the rooster returned to the room.

"Am I the type of person that most females would find attractive?"

"Yes, you are. You have a pleasant appearance, a commanding air, and a certain aloofness that attracts and intrigues women. They naturally come into your sphere. You know this Akito-san, so why do you ask me now?"

"Yes, women are very foolish creatures aren't they?"

"They can be, Akito-san. I have to wonder Akito-san, what brought up this topic so suddenly? I know I shouldn't ask but…"

"You are right Kureno, you should not question me, but I am in a good mood. I shall tell you"

"Miss Honda is one of the most foolish of creatures. I find her to be quite cute but not very intelligent. I am certain that once Kyo and Yuki are out of the way, I shall have no problem convincing her I am the man of her dreams."

"Akito-san, I know you are not a fan of Miss Honda's so why would you want to put yourself to that much trouble?"

"Trouble, Kureno? She will be no trouble. Once I have her within my power, I will then cast her off like a broken doll. A doll that is beyond repair and is wanted by no one. Because of the way I will use her, she will no longer wish to live among the Sohmas or to stay acquainted with my juunishi. She will disappear from our lives and they will all be broken. They will discover that rebellion is pointless and that the dreams she gave them are just that, dreams. Useless, foolish dreams of happiness and acceptance. That is not for those of the juunishi. It is Miss Honda who has encouraged them, and in being broken, she will break them and they will come crawling back to me begging for my forgiveness. I will teach them all a lesson and then I will forgive them."

Kureno knelt in silence as Akito voiced all of his pent up anger and frustration. His voice grew increasingly louder and more animated as his anger increased, and then suddenly, Akito collapsed. All of his energy had been spent in his anger towards Honda Tohru and his faithless juunishi.

Kureno caught him as he fell and carried him to his bed. At the back of his mind, Kureno found himself wondering "Akito-san, why do you hate her so much, this Tohru Honda. Is it because she brings hope to our cursed family?" He glanced sadly at the frail young man in his arms and spoke out loud. "Akito-san, you should not get so worked up or you won't be strong enough to carry out your plan."

Akito opened his eyes as Kureno gently place him on the bed. He was very weak.

"Shall I call Hatori-san?"

"Yes, he will give me something that will help me rest."

Kureno left the room to go get Hatori. He thought over Akito's plan. Would it work? Perhaps Miss Honda would be broken, but would the rest of the family let her remain that way? Akito obviously believed it would work, but the rooster was not quite so sure.