Author Notes: Hello. Here is Chapter Two of Akito's Heir. First a quick reply to my reviewers.
Cleara: I'm guessing from your tone that you're not a Thru fan? I could be wrong, but that's my guess/. If so, then I think you'll like where this story goes. Remember Akito doesn't do anything that won't benefit him. And also keep in mind I am using ANIME Akito for this story.
Luna-Starr: Thank you for reviewing another one of my stories. I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
I should also say that I had tried to do this chapter earlier today but got so into the writing I forgot to save and lost everything when Windows crashed. So this is somewhat different than it was originally, but hopefully will still enjoyable.
Yuki N Shuichi 4Eva :Thanks for reading. Yeah I know she's not a Sohma, but I figure since there haven't been any real rules established on how head succession works, I figure I got freedom to sue some artistic license. And anyway, as I said in my response to Cleara, Akito isn't doing this to be nice. He carries a particularly nasty thing inside of him, and he would love to see Tohru be burdened by the same thing he is. So keep reading and I'm sure everything will make sense (I hope)
Ok, now that's done, let's get the show started. We pick up our tale as the Junisshi (no idea how to spell that so please bear with me) are begin to gather at Akito's house. And curtain up…….
Chapter 2:
The members of the Zodiac slowly started to arrive around 6:30 that evening, just as instructed. Akito smirked, and thought they despise me, but come at my beck and call. That is true power. Of course some were able to come quicker than others. The first to arrive was Kureno, simply because the bird served Akito and was always at his beck and call. The Hatori came in, deciding to give the family head his weekly check-up early before the gathering. Akito didn't mind, he had nothing else to do. Afterwards, the ones who lived on the Main House grounds began to slowly scuttle in. Momiji, Hatsaharu, Rin, Kisa and Hiro Sohma arrived early, simply because they knew it was best to try not to anger Akito. Then some of the Sohmas who lived off the main grounds started to arrive. Ritsu Sohma and Kagura Sohma were first. Ayame was the next to arrive, chattering away with Hatori while the Doctor tried to get some paperwork done. And lastly, almost close to starting time, was Shigure's group. It was obvious they had waited until the latest possible moment to leave, but not to leave to late as to arrive after 6:30, lest they attract Akito's anger. At last everyone was gathered outside the entrance to Akito's house, the largest house ion the grounds. After a few minutes a servant opened the doors and beckoned the group to arrive. They slowly walked in, suspicion obvious on their faces and the way they walked. They knew that Akito didn't call the entire Zodiac family together very often, and the cat practically never. But this was a big event. It was rare that a new head of house was selected by the current head, as opposed to it being given to a newborn after the old heads death. It had to be done quickly to ensure fast transfer of the core, lest it remain outside a host to long and everyone in the curse died.
When they entered the room Akito used for gatherings, they saw that he had everything set up. There were 13 chairs lined up facing the back of the room. About 10 feet away was a large rather ornate throne, decorated with carvings of the 12 animals of the Zodiac. The throne was old, and dated back to the first Scion of the Shoma family, Shichiai Shoma. The throne was obviously a symbol of Akito's power and prestige. That is the only reason he would bother moving it from it's storage place in one of the secure storage facilities.
Now the group had completely arrived. Tohru sat in the middle, with Shigure and Yuki on either side. The monster stood in the back. The others were spread out, but he couldn't help but notice that Haru had sat next to Yuki, while Ayame had sat next to Shigure. Perhaps they want to make sure Tohru has enough protection should I decide to attack. Glad to know that if nothing else, they respect my physical prowess. Deciding that he had waited long enough began
"Welcome, my beloved family, thank you coming. As you are aware, my purpose for summoning you all here is simple. I have decided to step down as head and pass the torch to another. Unusual perhaps but not uncalled for in our clan. The person I select will become head of the Sohma family, and caretaker of all it's properties and holdings. They will be the person to make sure that the Zodiac Curse remains a secret. Moreover, they will also become the holder of the Core, the pure focused energy of the Zodiac Curse, that which keeps the rest of you alive. Now I suppose your wondering, why now? What could he be planning? He's got a scheme!"
He stopped, and sure enough he could detect some quiet muttering amongst the cursed. He continued.
"Now before I make my announcement, I do have something I would like answered for me. I rarely get all of you here together so this would be a perfect time. Mind you, it doesn't matter much now anyway. Even if I remove the core, my death is eminent, perhaps only days away. Is that not so Hatori" He looked at the dragon, who's only response was a nod of affirmation. Good, perhaps now I'll get honesty from them. If they know the end is truly near, the fear may not be there in their replies.
"My question to all of you is a simple one. And you may answer however you see fit. However I wish that only one person give an answer that the rest can agree on. So Yuki, my dear friend. I select you. Please answer this question for me. What is it about Miss Honda that the rest of you find so attractive, so exhilarating, so desirable?"
Akito could see Yuki squirming for a minute. He knew that the rat was trying to compose an answer to satisfy Akito, and knowing Akito, any answer might be right or it might or wrong. Though much to his surprise. Yuki seemed to come up with an answer rather quickly.
"She makes us feel like we are normal people Akito. If only for a little while."
Akito couldn't help but notice small nods of approval coming from some of the others. Good my young fool. You are close to her, all of you. This makes it even more delicious
"Normal you say? Oh me oh my, you truly are deluded my boy. Normal people , they despise you. What you are, my boy, is a freak. An inhuman beast. Miss Honda here may see you as normal. But do not for one second believe that the rest of the world does. And while you are running around, pretending not the be cursed, you seem to have forgotten something. That there are some of us not so lucky. You seem to have forgotten your leader, for whom you are sworn to obey and respect. I have seen little of either since she arrived. No indeed, what I've seen is some forgetting that I cannot simply pretend to be normal. Do you not think that I would love to have this disgusting thing removed from me! Do you think I enjoy seeing you all out there, having fun, pretending that you aren't a bunch of cursed bastards! I was told that I would die before I reached the age of 21. But that I would have control over the entire family. I kept my end of the bargain, and kept this thing inside me. But you have not. You found another to replace me. And so I sit here, alone, except for occasional visits from a Doctor, who would like nothing more than to accidentally slip while holding a scalpel near my neck. Well it matters not. For I will die soon. And another will take my place. In fact I suppose now's the time to get to the point of the matter"
He took a good long look around at his little family. They were quiet, most not looking at him. Miss Honda appeared to be crying, as if she actually cared about him.
The girl is truly an idiot. They want her so badly,. Well I will give them what they want. And whatever happens then will be their fault.
"It's obvious that you all have chosen Tohru Honda over me. That's fine. You want to be near her as much as possible. That's fine. You can be near Miss Honda for al long as you like now. Because after I die, she will take possession of the Zodiac Core, and will be your new leader. Tohru Honda, I am choosing you as my heir to lead the Sohma Family."