Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket. Ooo, this is getting tense, eh?

"I didn't expect you to come until later. But I am so happy that you came to visit me so soon; I was getting anxious to show you your humble abodes." A small laugh escaped from Akito's mouth.

Kyo felt nothing.

"Ahh, Hatori. Could you please do me the favor of getting Kyo washed up and changed before we take him to his new home? I wouldn't want the stench of his past freedom to clog the air. A new set of clothing for a new life; you can thank me now for being so generous." Akito smiled ruefully.

Kyo bowed slightly. "Thank you." For rightfully locking me away for what I did. Nothing more.

Akito's smile faltered a little bit. "Do not mock me with your docile behavior. Take him now, Hatori. His presence is making me feel ill."

Kyo walked off, following Hatori to the bath area.

Shigure watched as the two turned the corner. His eyes fell onto Akito and his heart clenched.

"Ah ha ha! Oh Shigure, this is going to be so fun! After Kyo, everyone else will come back to me too," Akito claimed, leaning back and laughing loudly. "Just wait and see!"

Shigure shook his head. "Like a spoiled little girl collecting dolls."

Akito turned darkly to Shigure. "What did you say?"

Shigure looked at the half-hidden birdbath behind a bush, a little white bird drinking its share of the sun-warmed water.

"Why do you want everyone to come here?" You have me.

Akito turned disgustedly away from Shigure. "Because I am their god. They should be here with me."

Shigure paused, watching as the bird doused its feathers in the water as well, puffing up as it cleansed itself.

Before he could respond, Shigure heard footsteps fall and turned to see Tohru holding hands with Momiji as the zodiac children who had been present at the graduation followed. Shigure noted that most everyone had a look of apprehension on their faces.

"Did I not tell you, Shigure? They've come back to me," Akito said softly, but there was no warmth in the tone.

The bird flew away from the birdbath.

Tohru halted a few feet away from where Shigure and Akito were on the porch.

"How wonderful! You've all come to visit me! And Yuki, what a surprise to see you as well. I didn't think I'd see you until later. I am very pleased." Akito's arms spread in an open gesture, the robe's extra cloth hanging down extravagantly.

"We didn't come here to please you," Haru said roughly. Rin's face tightened up with fear.

"Really now. What harsh words to meet my welcoming ones." Akito smiled thinly, eyes narrowing.

A moment of silence followed, and Tohru felt as though her spirit was going to break if she didn't ask the question that was eating her alive. A soft pressure pressed against her hand, and Tohru felt Momiji's warm strength give her courage.

"Wh… Where's Kyo?" Tohru asked softly. Momiji squeezed her hand again in reassurance.

Akito's head cocked to the side. "Why should I tell you? It's not like you have any weight within this family. You're but an outsider allowed the brief pleasureof being admitted within."

Tohru began to sweat; can I do this?

No… I promised Mom I'd help him…

Tohru swallowed. "Be… Because I-I know... s-something others don't…"

Akito's eyes narrowed even more. Shigure looked at Tohru, surprised that she would be brave enough to say something of the sort.

Tohru could feel her friends around her become confused.

"I hold no secrets," Akito said darkly.

Tohru looked at Akito square in the eyes, her body feeling as though it were being shaken to death from fear. But…

I have to save him.

"You… Akito-san… y-you aren't really a boy."

Tohru felt Momiji's hand go slack, and shock seemed to go through the younger Shi as though a wave had crashed against them.

"What…?" Hiro murmured.

Akito's eyes widened. "You dare… lie about me in front of my family?"

Tohru cringed, unsure of how to respond. As she opened her mouth, a voice seemingly answered for her.

"No, she doesn't lie."

Tohru looked up to see Kureno step out of the doorway behind Akito. Akito's shock was evident. Shigure glared slightly but held his ground.

"Akito is a woman," Kureno claimed, staring down at Akito.

Akito sat, shaking; staring at Kureno as though he had just grown into another person.

Suddenly Akito turned violently, glaring straight at Tohru. "You wench! You ungrateful little bitch!"

Tohru's eyes widened, her hand clenched in Momiji's tightened even more.

"You didn't even have a home, and what do I so kindly do? I let you stay! You learned about our curse and I don't order your memory gone! I let you into our family! I do all these kind deeds for you and how do you repay me? Now what do you do? You go and turn my family against me! You… You're an ungratefulmonster!"

Akito threw herself at Tohru. Tohru closed her eyes by reflex, and felt herself suddenly being thrown back. Opening her eyes, she saw Kisa, Momiji, and Hiro jump in front of her. Akito swiped at Kisa, tossing her to the side before Shigure suddenly appeared to hold Akito back. Yuki held onto Tohru's arms, protecting her from behind so that he could throw her out of harm's way in case Akito tried to rush her again.

Shigure held the thrashing Akito against him, watching as she struggled to wrench away from him to get at Tohru.

This… is getting…out of hand…

"That's enough, Akito," a voice called out.

Everyone turned to see Hatori standing with Kyo by his side; Kyo dressed in a white two-piece outfit, his hair still damp from the shower he had just been given. Kyo stared at the group of people in front of him, his face set and his eyes blank. His gaze seemed to look through everyone; no recognition or emotion registered.

Tohru's heart wrenched in her chest, and her hand flew up as if to protect it from flying away.

Kyo… kun… he seems so different…

Yuki stared in disbelief at Kyo. I hope it's not to late...

Akito stared angrily at Hatori, her arms still caught by Shigure. Teeth bared, she growled out, "Don't you dare tell me what to do! Shigure, I command that you get off of me!"

"Not until you calm down," Shigure grunted out, almost enjoying the force being used against Akito by himself.

Akito was silent for a moment, her breathing ragged. Her eyes were wet with angry tears, her teeth still clenched in an angry grimace. She relaxed slightly, and Shigure slowly let her go. Akito jerked her arms away, straightening out her robes. After a moment, Akito turned and looked menacingly at Kyo.

"Well, is our resident monster ready to move into the place made just for him?"