Kyo swiftly ran, hid, and ran again, trying his hardest not to let her see him…
Tohru had headed off toward Akito's without a word to anyone, and Kyo decided to follow, knowing exactly who she was going to see.
"I'm going to see Akito." Her words replayed in his head, leaving an awful aftertaste. He spat bitterly and continued to duck behind tree after tree, not losing sight of Tohru…
Precious Tohru…
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"Ah, so you didn't back out of our deal, little wench…" Akito hissed, his words foul and filled with slight disappointment and annoyance. "And to think I spent all afternoon sharpening my knife… pity, isn't it?"
Tohru drew in a sharp breath, and bowed her head in silence. "You can… You can take them now." She whispered, her voice obviously quivering.
Akito smirked. "Yes, yes… What are you in such a hurry for?" He asked with a wicked smile.
Tohru looked up at him. "I came here for that reason and that reason only," She began, "If I wanted to wait any longer, I'd be at Shigure's place right now…"
Kyo, who was listening to every word silently behind one of the doors, jolted slightly at her words. I never knew she could be so bold… He thought to himself and let out a soft sigh, trying to relieve his surprise without being caught.
"Fine then. Hatori! Get over here, this stupid girl is practically begging for them to be erased!"
Kyo stared, wide eyed, as he watched Hatori enter the room. No… He thought to himself, the sensation of burning tears building in his eyes. No, no... "NO!" He screamed and burst through the door.
"K-Kyo!" Tohru cried out with pure surprise and sat up, her voice cracking.
Akito snarled. "You were supposed to come alone!" He yelled.
"But… I…" She began.
"I followed her." Kyo declared. "I was worried, so I followed."
Akito glared, first at Tohru, then he locked his steely gaze on Kyo. "Why do you have to meddle with our plans?" He questioned harshly. "Why!"
Kyo stood there for a moment, then looked over at Tohru who was staring at him, her teal eyes wide. She shook her head furiously and mouthed the words "Leave Kyo… please," but no way was that about to stop him.
"You bastard, Akito," Kyo gritted, even though something deep inside him was trying to make him stop. "You can't, hear me, can't erase her memories!" He hollered.
"Oh really?" Akito scoffed. "Tell me why. And it better be good."
Kyo glared at him. "You BASTARD!" He yelled and lunged at him, his fists raised.
"Kyo, don't!" Tohru sobbed, tears freely steaming down her flushed face.
Kyo turned his head to look at her. "Why…?" He asked softly and turned to fully face her. "Why do you want to get them erased?"
Tohru sat there and clenched her fists because of the pressure. "I don't." She finally said, leaving Kyo even more bewildered than before. "But… I made a deal. I said if Akito helped you get better, and lifted your curse, that I'd give up my memories…"
Kyo stared at her; everything seemed to leave his mind. He forgot how to speak, how to move, how to breathe. He fell to his knees, continuing to stare. "Tohru…" He finally breathed. "Tohru, you can't do this. Not for me…"
Tohru looked up at Kyo, then toward Akito who was staring at them with disgust. "Kyo," She said and looked back at him. "I had to… I truly had to." She said, tears continuing to flow down her rosy cheeks.
Kyo bit back his own tears. Seeing her like this was just too much to bear. And to think, it was his fault she was so distraught…
He turned back to look at Akito. "Can't you take something a little more reasonable?" He asked slowly, knowing that he wouldn't get a straight answer.
"The only thing that would be equal payment would be her life, and I know that you don't want that too happen, right?" He asked with a grin. "You monster."
Kyo stood up and turned back around to look at Tohru. Slowly, he put out his hand for her. She stared at it for a moment before she grasped it and allowed Kyo to pull her up. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his crimson eyes filled with emotions Tohru never believed he had.
Quickly, Tohru wrapped her arms around him and began to sob into his chest. Kyo hesitantly rested his head on hers and wrapped his arms around her as well. Hatori stared at this scene, then looked away, his eyes downcast.
"Thank you, Tohru." He whispered gently. A little too gently. Tohru began to cry even harder. He had changed so much over the years they spent together. So much…
"Your welcome." She whispered back. She then looked up, taking her last good look at him…
"Tell the others," She began without averting her gaze, "Tell them that I said goodbye…"
Kyo nodded, one lone tear managing to sneak it's way out. He quickly wiped it away, causing Tohru to smile.
"Are you two done?" Akito snapped. "My patience is wearing thin…"
Tohru nodded and slowly walked over to where he was. "You can... erase them now."
Akito smirked. "Actually," He started, "This is turning out better than planned. I mean, Kyo… poor, monstrous Kyo, gets to watch his little Tohru fall at his feet."
Kyo wanted to lash out at him, to swipe that crude smile off his bitter lips, but he couldn't… He just couldn't bring himself to.
"And even better than that," Akito continued, "I gave you a little something more… in exchange for the curse." Akito laughed. "When your curse was lifted, it was filled with the undying love to serve me. This meaning, you're still possessed with the animal's vengeful spirit, only now it's even stronger than before."
Kyo froze. "Bastard…" He said quietly. "Bastard!"
"Stop trying to defy me." Akito demanded. "You don't know what will happen if you do." He whispered.
"I think I do…" Kyo snarled.
"Hatori!" Akito yelled, his patience finally wasted. "What the hell are you doing just standing there! Erase her memory! Now! Erase it!"
Tohru looked up at the approaching Hatori, her eyes somber. "I'm sorry, Kyo," Tohru whispered as she felt Hatori's hand rest on her forehead. "Please… Please continue to stay by my side."
With those last words, Tohru fell backward in a bright flash of light. Kyo only stared at her unconscious form, knowing what this meant. Everything was over… it was truly over.