Part Two:

That night Tohru and Kyo departed with Hatsuharu and Rin from the lake house and headed for the main house for the party. Reiji, Takara, Sakura, Katsuya and Stephanie had remained behind to get ready. Katsuya stood in front of the mirror as Sakura, who was wearing a green dress walked in.

"Well don't you look nice little brother. Dressing up for someone special are we?" she teased.

"Thanks. You look nice too" he grinned, "Is Stephanie ready yet?"

"Almost. And she looks amazing in the dress that we went out and got."

"Huh?" he spun around confused, "Went out and got? What do you mean?"

"Well a couple of months ago we were shopping and she bought the dress for this occasion."

"But Sakura, I didn't even ask her until a week ago."

"Oh I know. But I overheard mom and dad talking about it. So I knew you were going to ask."

"You little spy" he grinned again shaking his head.

"Trust me Kaye, you're gonna love it. Well Reiji's waiting for me. He's escorting Takara and I down to the party. So I'll see you later."

"Bye" Kaye chuckled and then turned back to the mirror.

After making sure he looked all right he walked out into the hall and bumped into Stephanie, stopping at once at her appearance.

"Hi" he said stunned.

"Hello" she nodded, "I hope this is all right?" she indicated the burgundy dress she was now wearing.

"Uh, it's great."

"You like it?"

"Oh yes. I like it very much."

"Sakura also curled my hair for the occasion. I haven't had my hair like this in a long time."

"Well it looks amazing."

"Thank you" she smiled sweetly, "You look very handsome too."

He nodded and held out his arm.

"Well shall we go?"

"Okay" she agreed taking his arm and the two of them headed for the New Year's party.

(Next Scene)

The Sohma New Year's party started just like any other. All evening Katsuya, Takara, and even Sakura introduced Stephanie to several family members. She met the enthusiastic Ayame and Shigure along with the reserved Hatori and was delighted by their comedic personalities and Hatori's kind demeanor. She keenly greeted Arisa, Kureno, Kisa, Hiro, and their son Takuto who all thought she was a wonderful girl. When she met Kandis and Rebecca along with Akito and Ritsu, she was very eager to get toknowthem and they in turn felt the same. She even met with Kazuma and he politely said she was welcome to his house anytime. From where he stood, leaning against the tree Aki watched the couple as they moved amongst the crowd. Kanako came over and handed him a plate of food.

"Having fun?" she asked.

"No way. I hate these things. I'll be happy to get to the banquet soon."

"What are you doing?"

"Watching Katsuya and that girlfriend of his. I don't see what he sees in her. She's not that pretty."

"Really?" Kanako raised an eyebrow, "Than how come you haven't stopped staring at her since she arrived?"

"Please" he scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous. I'm just doing my job."

"Sure you are" she replied not believing him and moving away.

(Next Scene)

During the middle of the party Katsuya and Stephanie wandered over to the punch bowl for a drink.

"So are you having a good time?" he asked as he handed her the first cup.

"Oh yes. A great time. Your family are all so wonderful Kaye. Such a menagerie of characters."

"Huh?"

"I mean they're so complex that you usually only find those types of people in stories."

"That's true" he chuckled, "Each one of them has a personality all their own."

"Mhm. I like all of them. Especially all the little kids. That Takuto in particular. He is so cute."

"You really like kids huh?" he grinned.

"Oh yes. I have a natural affinity with them."

"I can tell. They like you too" he grinned even more as he heard the clock chime eleven, "Oh no."

"What's wrong?"

"It's time for the Zodiac banquet."

"Oh" she nodded as Sakura came over.

"I got to go" he replied.

"Okay."

"Don't worry little brother," Sakura said with a smile, "I'll look after her."

"Thanks. But I wish you could come too."

"Well take comfort. It's only supposed to be the Zodiac members tonight. Mom and dad and all the other parents will be here at the party and most important Yamato won't be there."

"That's true" he nodded, "Well" he said briefly kissing Stephanie on the cheek, "I'll see you later."

"Mhm" Stephanie nodded as he departed with Reiji.

"Later?" Sakura asked.

"We're going to watch the sunrise together. Sakura is Yamato really that terrifying?" she asked as they began to walk.

"You tell me when you meet him."

"Do you really think I will?"

"If Yamato has anything to do with it" Sakura nodded with a frown, "You will. Trust me."

(Next Scene)

Reiji and Katsuya arrived at the banquet hall and sat down in the chairs that were placed out. This year Hitomi was doing the Zodiac dance so they all watched quietly as she performed. When she had finished they all clapped and she bowed.

"That was wonderful Hitomi" Yamato's voice replied loudly enough that everyone turned their heads in surprise.

"Oh no" Reiji whispered with a frown.

"I'm so sorry I am late" Yamato said, "I really had no intention on attending this thing until just now" he strolled over, "But it seems I am just in time for the meal" he looked towards the taller sixteen year old, "Katsuya please come sit next to me."

"Okay" Katsuya nodded slowly getting to his feet.

"All of you as well" Yamato added. "Let's eat."

They all obeyed and joined the two teenagers at the table. Katsuya lowered his eyes and Reiji tried to not glare at Yamato as they began.

"So Katsuya. I understand that you brought someone up with you this time."

"Yes sir. My girlfriend."

"I see" Yamato grinned, "And she knows all about the Zodiac curse?"

"Yes sir. My parents sent you a letter about that didn't they?"

"Unfortunately I never received it. But that's all right. Perhaps I can meet her while you're up here."

"Of course" Kaye nodded, "If you want."

Yamato grinned again and then turned to the rest of the table.

"Well everyone. Dig in and Takara why don't you tell me a little bit about how school has been going?"

"Yes sir" she said softly and nervously as they all started to eat.

Reiji frowned even more in his seat as Takara talked.

"He's up to something" he thought, "Definitely up to something."

(Next Scene)

Fortunately for the members of the Zodiac, Yamato left the banquet early, so the entire group left the room immediately afterwards. It was now twelve thirty. Sakura and Stephanie saw that they were all coming out so they walked over.

"Hey Kaye. What's up?" Sakura asked, "You're out a lot earlier this year."

"Yamato let us go a lot earlier this time," he answered somberly.

"Yamato?" she replied surprised as Reiji joined them.

"Yep" he nodded, "He showed up unexpectedly."

"Oh" Sakura said not really knowing what to say.

"Tell mom and pop I'll see them later" Kaye replied as he took Stephanie's hand, "Bye" they walked away as Reiji crossed his arms and Stephanie watched Kaye's expression with concern.

"Katsuya are you all right?" she asked.

"I'm okay" he nodded, "I just didn't know that he was coming. All right I'm done" he said taking a deep breath and brightening up, "This is supposed to be a celebration."

"Katsuya" she interrupted, "If you want to feel down, I understand."

"But I don't want to bring you down. Come on I want to show you something."

"All right" she nodded as he led her to a small house with a ladder in the back, "Where are we?"

"We're gonna go up there to watch the sunrise" he replied.

"Up there?" she said stunned, "On the roof?"

"Mhm" he began to climb the ladder, "Watch your step."

She nodded again and then climbed the ladder behind him. He took her hand as she reached the top and then pulled her up. He led her carefully to the center of the roof and they sat down.

"So what is this place?" she asked again.

"My pop used to bring my mom up here all the time" he replied, "You can see the sunrise best from this roof."

"Hmm. Are you really all right?" she asked when she saw him get sad.

"Would it be wrong of me to say no?"

"No. I like it when you are honest with me."

"Well, I know it's silly, but every time he's around I feel like this."

"It's not so silly."

"He affects me so much. Just thinking about it bothers me. He wasn't supposed to be there tonight."

"I see. But it's natural for you to feel this way isn't it? I mean after everything he's done to you."

"Yea. But he said that he wanted to meet you too."

"Oh?"

"Mhm."

"You know Kaye, it really is natural. Believe me I know exactly how you feel."

"You do?"

"Sure. I have a similar feeling when it comes to my father."

"Your father?"

"Mhm. He's not at all abusive or anything but he is an uncomfortable person to be around. He drinks a lot. And his personality is like a pendulum on a clock. One minute he could be fine and then the next he could be out there. Especially if he's had alcohol. You know when my mom got remarried we were given a choice on where we wanted to live. Rather then stay in a familiar environment, I decided to come here with my mom. Sam, Sophie and I. My father wouldn't want my sister and I anyway."

"Why?"

"He's never been close to either one of us. He can relate more with my brothers. I guess that's enough for Stephen. At least for now. My dad's remarrying too. To a woman named Barbara, who is just as bad with her drinking and has two obnoxious sons that I can't stand the fact that they are going to be my stepbrothers. My brother's not too thrilled either. That's why he was so mean."

"Huh?"

"Stephen told me before he left that he was taking his anger out on you about that. And everyone else too. He apologized for that even" she smiled.

"That's good. I'm glad to hear it. You seem to be awful close to him."

"I am. I'm very close with Stephen. And I miss him very much."

"It's sad though that you're estranged from your father and mother in a lot of ways."

"I'm used to it" she replied as the wind lightly blew her hair.

"I know, but."

"I know what you're saying Katsuya. But really it's all right. It's the way it's always been. I'm used to it just being Sam, Sophie, and I. And now I have you" she added looking at him directly, "So I'm not lonely anymore."

"Stephanie" his heart melted as he looked into her eyes and wrapped his arms around her.

"You are fortunate though. You Sakura, and Takara. To have such a wonderful family. I envy you."

"We got our quirks too."

"Yep. But you all love each other. I love my father and mother too. But I do miss them a great deal. You don't know what a blessing it is that your family is always around."

"Oh yes I do. I sure do" he grinned.

"How long do you think it will be until sunrise?" she asked yawning slightly.

"Four more hours at least. You're not going to fall asleep on me are you?" he teased.

"I'll try not to" she said leaning her head into his chest and closed her eyes, as he surrounded her with his arms.

"I tell you what. I'll wake you up in time."

"Okay" she nodded in a quiet voice, "Sounds good."

(Next Scene)

Meanwhile back at the lake house, Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki sat on the back porch also waiting for the sunrise.

"So did Takara say much about Yamato showing up?" Tohru asked Yuki.

"Not really" Yuki shook his head.

"Just like that little punk to show up though" Kyo snorted.

"Kyo" Tohru said softly.

"Well he's just like Akito in that way. Showing up and ruining things."

"You shouldn't say such things Kyo" Yuki replied, "We don't know if that was his intention."

"I can't believe I am hearing that from you of all people you damn rat."

"It's true. We don't know what is going on. We shouldn't assume."

"Yuki's right" Tohru agreed taking her husband's hand, "Besides he hasn't done anything as of yet."

"I know. But that's what makes me so uneasy."

Nearby Sakura and Reiji also stood discussing Yamato.

"I'm telling you Cherry" Reiji replied, "He was smooth and silky as ever. Definitively up to something."

"Well I sincerely hope that you're wrong" she frowned, "For Kaye's sake."

(Next Scene)

At six o'clock Katsuya started to nudge Stephanie.

"Hey. Wake up. It's starting," he said in a loud whisper.

She opened her eyes and saw the sun start to rise. She sat up and gasped at the bright orange color of it.

"It's so beautiful."

"Make a wish."

"A wish?"

"Yea. It's tradition. You always make a wish on the morning of the new year."

"All right then" she nodded, "But I'm not going to tell you what it is or it won't come true."

"Okay" he agreed with a smile as she closed her eyes and wished.

She opened them again as the sun came completely up. Then she turned to him.

"Did you make a wish?"

"I don't need to."

"Why not?"

"Because mine already came true."

"Oh Kaye" she placed herself back in his arms and he wrapped them around her, "I'm so tired. But Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year" he smiled as she closed her eyes once more, "And don't worry. You can sleep the day away."

She smiled andhecontinued to watch her sleep as the sun shone it's beautiful rays towards the young couple.

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: One more chapter to go and then this week will be done! See you all later!

Next Chapter: Yamato's New Command

Yamato has a new surprise for the Zodiac members and their families. Find out what when next you read!