The week flew by and soon it was the weekend. Once again Katsuya and Stephanie were sitting in the park telling each other in full detail about what happened earlier in the week. In fact Stephanie hadn't mentioned about her encounter with Yamato because of his news about Tohru's pregnancy, but being in the park reminded her that it was probably time.
"I'm so happy about this" Katsuya replied excitedly, "I can't wait to see whether it's going to be a boy or girl."
"I'm sure you are" she tried to smile but he could see her frown, "I felt the same way when Sophie was born."
"What's the matter?" he asked her in concern rubbing her shoulders, "Why do you seem so down?"
"I have something I have to tell you" she replied looking up at him, "I should have told you sooner but you were so happy about your mom's pregnancy."
"Okay" he nodded gently, "So tell me now."
"The other day, when I went to the park with Sophie, I met Yamato."
"Yamato?" Kaye's eyes widened, "He was there?"
"Yes. He was there with Akito. I don't think he expected to see me there."
"Well what did he say?"
"He was polite at first, but then he got serious."
"In what way?" Kaye frowned slightly.
"Basically he did it in a very casual way but ultimately he was implying to me that I'm not welcome and that he didn't approve of us and he went so far as to threaten me that if I do anything to go against his wishes, that'll he'll make me sorry."
"Yamato" Kaye shook his head angrily, "I'm sorry. I should have been there. I didn't want you to meet him by yourself. To go through that all alone."
"It's all right Kaye, it's done. I've met him. So now it's over with. The first meeting is over."
"I guess that's true" Katsuya nodded, "But still I hate this. I knew he wouldn't approve but" Kaye clenched his fist, "I never thought he'd go so far as to threaten you. Damn him!"
"Kaye?" Stephanie's eyes became wide as she watched his body, "You're shaking."
"I'm sorry. But this is what he does to me. Just the mere thought of him brings to mind so many emotions. Fear above all others. He's never really hurt me physically, that badly."
"Except for once" she replied sadly.
"Huh? How do you know about that?"
"Reiji told me his first day at school."
"He did?"
"He was concerned about us. About you mostly. Because of what happened back then."
Katsuya sighed.
"Yea. That was a terrible time. I don't know what happened to me. I snapped. Not snapped as in angrily but snapped as in I didn't know what I was doing."
"Yes you did. You were protecting him just like you promised you would."
"He told you about the blood oath too?" Kaye smiled slightly.
"Mhm. He did."
"Yea. I did do it because of the blood oath. When Reiji and I were seven we made that oath. It was new years."
"Did you really use blood?"
"Yep. Our own blood. We went into the woods behind the main house and swore to each other that we would always protect what the other held dear. Whether it be sister. Brother. Mother. Wife. Girlfriend. We would protect it. And Sara, his best friend, was someone very important to him so I had to do it."
"Mhm" Stephanie smiled, "Because that's what type of guy you are Kaye. And it's all the more reason of why I love you as much as I do."
"Mhm" he nodded with a smile, "Well anyway, yes that was the only time that Yamato gave me one for like that. But it was worth it. Yamato made me really mad that day. Not so much that I had snapped in anger though" Kaye lowered his head and closed his eyes, "I've only been that way once."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you remember I told you about my curse?" Kaye looked up and stared in the direction of the pond, "The form of the vengeful spirit of the cat?"
"Yes. I remember."
"Well I want to tell you about it. So you can understand a little more."
"If you want, but don't put any pressure on yourself."
"It's okay" he smiled again, "I want to tell you."
"All right" she nodded.
"You see it happened when I was five years old. You recall that I told you that the Ushida family has long since been our enemy?"
"Mhm."
"That form is probably going to be the most terrifying thing you ever lay your eyes on. When I'm in it, I'm not myself."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I do things that aren't natural. That's why I am so, so careful to not getting angry enough to lose control."
"What could you possibly do that could be so terrible?"
"Steph" he shook his head, "I'm serious. Because of that form I almost killed somebody."
"What?"
"In the past the Ushida's were the ones who helped to cause the curse. But after some years it was forgotten. That was until my parents were both in high school. When an Ushida and a Sohma encountered each other once again" he paused, "They had gone skiing for the weekend with some friends and family and he was up there. Tai Ushida."
"Tai Ushida? Why does that name sound so familiar?"
"It ought to" he frowned again, "He is a very brilliant businessman in Tokyo. He owns a lot of businesses up there. He even owns some down here."
"I think my stepfather knows him."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he does. He's popular with everyone except with my family."
"I see. Okay. Go on. I'm sorry I interrupted you."
"Anyway Tai Ushida was a childhood playmate of my mother's. He lived next door to her grandparents but she hadn't seen him for several years until then. So when they were up in the mountains she met him again. He was all politeness, like he always had been, but he had his own agenda."
"Agenda?"
"Yea" Kaye frowned once more, "The truth is, the only thing he was after was her grandfather's company. Well at least that's what it was then. During his pursuit of her though my father and mother fell in love. So that hindered his affections towards her. In the end my mother chose my father over him. Unfortunately Tai Ushida is not one who gives up without a fight. He eventually remembered the stuff about the Zodiac curse that he had heard about when he was a child and made it his mission to make my family suffer."
"How did he do that?"
"Using his new found knowledge he tried to use it against my father with the help of his father."
"What do you mean?"
"My real grandfather is not a very nice person. He hates my father and for his own reasons he joined forces with Tai Ushida in attempting to separate my parents before they got married or before the Zodiac curse could be lifted from my family. While Ushida's men took care of my father by locking him up, my grandfather brought my mother to Ushida. That was the deal. You see Ushida never gave in to the fact that he had lost my mother and at all costs he did everything in his power to take heraway from my father."
As Katsuya paused again Stephanie listened completely appalled by everything she was hearing.
"However my uncles and my father foiled his plans. But that didn't mean he was done. Not by a long shot. You see after my father rescued my mother he threatened Ushida with the fact that he could change into the monster form. That he would do it if Ushida ever pulled something like that again. Unfortunately my father's threat would be void in no time."
"Void in what way?"
"You see my mother with help from my Uncle Yuki discovered a way to solve the Zodiac curse. Well a temporary way anyway."
"Temporary?"
"Uh huh. She was able to dispel the curse from my father and that generation. But since it was only a temporary thing and Ushida knew that it was, he was able to bring it back."
Katsuya continued to tell her the whole scheme of the Zodiac's revival. Her eyes got wider and wider as he told her about his Aunt Kagura, Jinto Tikeda, and eventually Yamato. Then he got to the part of the story where Tai's final piece of the plan came into play.
"Using her cousin Riku, his best friend, he had him kidnap my sister and I. Now we both knew like you know about the whole thing. The only people who were involved who didn't know were my parents and Tai Ushida. My pop found out later as he went to rescue us."
"What happened?"
Katsuya sighed and then looked at the ground.
"This is the part of the story I hate telling. But here it goes. The plan was that Sakura and I were to meet my Uncle Yuki, but I couldn't leave my mother behind. You see I had promised my father that I would look after Sakura and my mom when we went to Tokyo and I wasn't about to break that promise."
"What did you do?"
"I went back. Sakura was right behind me. When I got to the office where she was being held I saw that she was crying. She looked completely disheveled. But as my sister and I ran forward his men came and snatched us again. But instead of ordering us away from that scene he" Kaye gritted his teeth angrily, "He did the worst thing I've ever seen" Katsuya closed his eyes, "Just thinking about it makes me so angry."
"Katsuya?"
"Don't worry. I won't transform. I can control it better than that" he said as she placed her hand on top of his, "But I couldn't do it that day. As we stood there he continued his seduction of my mother, with us right in front of her."
"You're kidding?" she replied shocked.
"No" he shook his head, "I wish to hell that I was. And in that brief moment, something happened to me. Something I never felt before. My whole body was on fire. Before I knew it, I had ripped the necklace that Sakura had given to me off my neck. My teeth were bared. My eyes were burning. The smell was emanating the room. By this time the guards had already backed off of me, terrified at what they were seeing. Even Sakura couldn't stop me then. She begged me to, but I couldn't. I had one goal in mind and nothing could stop me from conquering it. I completely transformed into that creature, that beast. And then I did it. I lunged after that creep. Baring my teeth and claws at him. Striking him in anyway that I could. My mother had been released at that point, but I didn't care. I wanted him dead" Kaye spat dangerously, "For what he did I could never forgive him. But I shouldn't have done it. Because of me that guy can't even walk properly anymore and I hate him" Kaye cried furiously, "I really hate him. I've never hated anyone as much as I hate him. And I hate it that I feel that way" he sobbed.
"But Katsuya" Stephanie shook her head the tears streaming down her face as well, "He was hurting your mother. You had no choice."
"No choice? Yes I did. You don't understand Steph. I wanted to kill him. In cold blood. Me? I was only five. Can you imagine? A five year old wanting to murder somebody? That's not normal. If Sakura hadn't pleaded, begged me to stop, with tears, I wouldn't have stopped with his leg, I would have killed him. I know I would of. Because I am nothing but a monster. That's what I really am. A monster" he placed his head onto his knees and let the tears fall.
"Katsuya" Stephanie replied wrapping her arms gently around him, "Please stop calling yourself that. It hurts me when you say those things about yourself."
"Huh?" he looked up in surprise.
"What that man did to you and your family was unforgivable and I don't blame you in the slightest for losing control. He was hurting your mother. Someone you love very much. You are not to blame. Look at me" she took his face into her hands and lifter his head, "You are not to blame" she said in a whisper, "Not at all."
"Stephanie" he whispered back, "I love you. I love you so much. I don't know what I would do without you. And I hope to God that you never have to see it. That form."
"Even if I do, I'll never leave you. I'll stay by your side. For as long as I am able. I'll stay with you" she leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips.
He kissed her back and soon they were locked inside each other's embrace.
(Next Scene)
Akito Sohma sat quietly in Yamato's room after he had finished his cup of tea. Yamato took his last sip and then turned to the other boy looking a bit peaked. He cleared his throat and then spoke.
"Akito. I am sure you're wondering why I called you here in the middle of the afternoon."
"Not really sir" Akito shook his head, "After all that's what I am here for. To do as you wish."
"Good answer" Yamato smiled, "I'm glad to hear it because I have a task for you."
"Sir?"
"If you noticed I haven't been feeling very well as of late. In fact I missed two days of school last week and it was my first week of school. The task I am asking of you would be much more simple for you to do then I."
"What would you like for me to do?"
"I want you to keep an eye on Miss Kamiya. Follow her around for a while. Report to me any new piece of information. Do you understand?"
"You want me to spy on her?" Akito's eyebrows rose a little.
"To put it bluntly. Yes. Do you have a problem following this task Akito?"
"No sir. I will do as you ask."
"Good" Yamato smiled, "Starting Monday."
"Yes sir" Akito bowed his head, "As you wish."
"Wonderful. Now go away. I'm tired."
Akito bowed his head once more, stood up, and walked out of the room closing the door softly behind him.
(Next Scene)
The sun was starting to set as Akito leaned against the large tree in the courtyard once more reading his book. As he read Hitomi and Krysta came running by and she stopped when she spotted him.
"Hi Akito" she grinned happily her sky blue eyes shining.
"Krysta?" he looked up surprised but a gentle look in his eyes, "What are you doing out here? It's almost dinnertime."
"I was playing tag with Hitomi. What about you? Reading again?" she asked with her hands behind her back and a huge grin on her face.
"Yea."
"Must be a good book."
"It is" he nodded, "Hurry along now or Uncle Momiji will worry about you."
"No he won't. I'm almost eleven years old. I can take care of myself."
"Just the same, you better go."
"Okay. But thanks for worrying about me Akito. Oh yea" she stopped, "There was something I wanted to tell you before I left."
"Hmm? What's that?" he looked at her curiously.
"Never change Akito."
"Huh?"
"I like you just the way you are. Bye!" she giggled and waved as she ran off.
Akito watched her for a moment and then closed his eyes peacefully with a smile.
"Hmm. I'm glad that somebody does."
(Next Scene)
Per Yamato's request the next Monday, Akito watched Stephanie the entire day at school. And even as she departed he followed her at a distance as she arrived at her house. He saw as he waited at the gate, that she came back a few minutes later dressed out of her uniform and carrying a different bag, so he took up following her again till they came to the park, in which she had known he was watching her and confronted him.
"You know," she said as he ducked behind a tree, "If you wanted to talk to me you could have just come up to me."
"Huh?"
"Come on out from behind there Akito" she called, "There's no need to hide from me."
"I'd rather not" he replied loud enough for her to hear him.
"If Yamato put you up to this then wouldn't it be better if you brought back more information about me or would you rather continue being my shadow? It's really your choice. You can continue to follow me if you want to. But I much rather if you came out and talked to me."
"Well" he thought and then sighed, "Uh. What could it hurt?" he pulled out from behind the tree and faced her.
"That's better" she smiled, "Come on let's go to the park."
He nodded and followed her over to the patch of grass she always sat on. She sat down and pulled her sketchbook from out of her bag.
"Hope you don't mind if I draw while we talk?"
"No" he shook his head, "Do what you want?"
"The same thing goes for you Mr. Sohma. Why don't you take out that book that you're always reading."
"You really don't miss anything do you?" he said surprised.
"Hmm?"
"You knew I was following you. You knew I was following you all day didn't you?"
"Mhm" she nodded with a wistful smile.
"Why didn't you say something before now?"
"If I had wouldn't you have just run away?" she replied drawing a little.
"Probably. You know, you're not as dumb as I thought you were."
"Huh?"
"Sorry. But I sort of had you pegged to be just like my Aunt Tohru. Real naïve and not really aware of what's going on around you. But, you're actually quite bright."
"Thanks. I think. But are you basing your opinion of me by what Yamato thinks or on how you feel?"
"What do you mean?" he asked a bit indignant.
"Never mind" she shook her head, "It's not important. Go ahead and finish your book. This is the perfect place to read. It's nice and quiet."
He paused for a moment and then took out the small blue hardback novel. Stephanie glanced over and read the title curiously, becoming happy all at once.
"It's a fantasy novel."
"Huh?" he looked at her.
"You're reading a fantasy novel" she restated excitedly her eyes shining.
"Yea? So?"
"I love fantasy. It's my favorite genre. No offense but I never imagined that you would like that sort of thing. I kind of always thought it was a math or science book."
"Why?" he eyed her.
"I just always thought of you as the studious type."
"Shows what you know" he snorted, "I hate school. I get good grades but I still hate it. I don't care at all for much in life."
"Oh I see. That's why you read those types of books?" she nodded sadly.
"Huh? What are you assuming now?" he asked getting very defensive.
"I'm not assuming anything. It's the same reason that I like to read them. Those books give you the chance to escape reality for a while. When you can be anybody or do anything and most important of all, for a brief time, you can leave the world of pain and suffering."
Akito's eyes became wide at the accuracy of her prediction.
"That is why you read them isn't it? To escape, ultimately."
"I guess," he nodded, "Maybe a little. I also like them because like you said. I can be anybody. Instead of myself" he lowered his head and then thought, "What am I doing? Get back to the goal stupid!" he hissed in his head, "Uh" he stammered trying to get back on track.
"Yes?"
"I have to ask. It's been bothering me for a while. What do you see in Katsuya?"
"Hmm?"
"Or any of the Zodiac members for that matter? Any normal person would have taken off the minute they found out about our situation. Why are you still here?"
"I'm not a normal person," she said seriously.
"Huh?" he replied back surprised again.
"I guess the best way to explain this is to simply say this" she smiled, "I like the fantasy genre right? The idea of magic, spells, even curses. I've always been one who would like to see the unimaginable come to life. Much like the stories I read. And now it has."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm in my own story now Akito. Where I am an actual character involved with people who are suffering a curse. Involved with someone I could ultimately save, just like a heroin in a fantasy novel. That would be my second reason for sticking around."
"What would be your first?"
"The first" she looked straight ahead as the wind blew her hair slightly, "Is the most important of all. I love Katsuya. I stay for him."
"Love? But you've only known him a year. How can it be love?"
"You can't put a time limit on love Akito" she shook her head, "Love happens at any given moment. For me. Katsuya is the one person I have been waiting for all my life. I would give my life for him."
Akito's eyes became sad and he lowered his head once more.
"What am I doing? I can't do this," he thought as he stood up, "I got to go" he replied out loud shoving his book back into the bag.
"Huh?"
"I'm sorry for following you or disturbing you in any way."
"You didn't" she shook her head again, "But next time you want to talk Akito, you can come up to me anytime."
"Maybe" he nodded and turned his back, "See ya."
She waved and he departed as another breeze blew and she went back to her drawing. As he arrived at the main gate of the Sohma estate he heard some footsteps running towards the gate.
"Hi Akito!" Krysta replied with a grin opening the gate, "Welcome home!"
"Thanks" he smiled one of the first genuine smiles he ever had, "It's good to be back."
The two of them walked back to the courtyard hand in hand enjoying each other's company, and Akito was certain that he couldn't remember a time when he was so happy.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Okay one more chapter to write and you guys will get that one tomorrow. After tomorrow's chapter it's only four more to go till this series is done. So keep reading!
Next Chapter: One Person's Opinion
Yamato is asked to head up a project dealing with new students and volunteers Akito, Reiji and most importantly Stephanie to assist him. It's time for her second encounter with the head and she is in for a few surprises herself this time. Find out what happens!