The vision entered his head again as he slowly opened his eyes and heard her voice coming from the kitchen. Her voice? He blinked as he sat up.
"Who's voice is that?" he wondered.
"Tsukasa!" the girl called, " Are you awake yet? I've got breakfast ready."
"Breakfast?" he scratched his head as he slid out of bed and put on his tee shirt.
He walked into the kitchen and saw the pretty brunette smiling at him as she put his plate down onto the table.
"Well good morning sleepyhead" she replied teasingly, "I was beginning to think that you weren't waking up."
"Stephanie?" he said slowly.
"Well of course, who else would it be? I mean you did marry me."
"I what?" he gasped in astonishment as he sank into his seat.
"Are you feeling all right honey?" she felt his forehead, "You look really pale."
"I'm um, I'm fine" he moved away slightly, "But what about."
"What about what?"
"Nothing" he shook his head, "I uh, I think I am going to take a shower."
"Okay" she nodded, "Well don't be too long or your breakfast will get cold."
"All right" he nodded back nervously, "What's going on here?" he thought as he moved back to his room, "I thought I knew what I wanted to do. But I ended up doing something completely different? But why?" he scratched his head a second time as he sat on his bed, "I mean, we're married? It's not that I haven't thought or dreamed about how wonderful that really would be" he grinned slightly, "But this isn't right" he shook his head, "I couldn't have done this!" he shouted, "I just couldn't of!" he screamed even louder.
(The End)
…………
Just kidding!
(Next Scene)
Tsukasa woke with a start the sweat dripping off of his brow. He was breathing heavily as he thought.
"So it was just a dream" he said out loud, "It was only a dream" he said relieved, "Of course" he sighed, "I'm nearly done with it" he glanced over onto his nightstand where a medium sized navy blue book sat, "Only a few more pages and I'll be finished."
(Next Scene)
It had been two months. Two whole months since the Zodiac curse had been lifted and the Ushidas as well as the Nakagami's faded into obscurity. Tohru had recently given birth to her daughter, which kept Sakura, Kyo, and even Katsuya quite occupied so they didn't think much of the recent events in their lives. Much.
However despite the fact that Katsuya seemed all right his cousin Reiji couldn't bring himself to have the same relationship they once had and felt awkward whenever he was around. One cold Sunday morning he found himself sitting at his father's piano wondering if it was going to rain like they had forecast, when the doorbell rang. When he opened it he was surprised to see Sara standing on the doorstep.
"Hey" he replied with a slight smile.
"Hey there you" she grinned back as she embraced him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked as she walked into the front hall.
"I just came down to see how you're doing. Besides we haven't seen each other for awhile."
"That's true" he nodded, "We both have school to finish up" he added as she removed her shoes, "Well you couldn't have picked a more better time. My parents are out on a gig. I'm all by myself."
"And where is your sister?" she asked as she sat down.
"She's out with her boyfriend," he said with a sort of sour frown on his face as he once more sat by the piano.
"Her boyfriend?"
"Yea. Believe it or not, my little sister is going out with Yamato."
"Oh? How do you feel about that?"
"I was a little weirded out at first but to be honest compared to everything that has been happening lately, it wasn't that big of a deal" he ended sadly.
"Reiji?" she replied looking at his expression, "What's wrong?"
"I can't get over it" he shook his head, "I'm the one who's responsible for Kaye's unhappiness now."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm the reason he is sad. All because of that stupid curse of mine."
"Reiji."
"I can't even act normally around him anymore, knowing that."
"But you did the only thing that you could, besides I don't believe it's over for them yet."
"What do you mean?"
"If they're truly destined to be together, which I believe that they are, they will find each other again."
"Not this time" he shook his head, "It's impossible."
"If you believe hard enough they will. After all you and I found each other didn't we? And so will they" she replied determinedly.
"Our case was different."
"Mnm" she shook her head.
"How do you know? How can you be certain?"
"Let's just say it's a feeling. They won't be apart for much longer" she smiled, "I guarantee it."
(Next Scene)
Stephanie fingered the pages of the mysterious book. She had received the book out of nowhere three weeks ago along with a letter. The letter said:
Dear Miss Kamiya,
Just a little note to say thank you for all of your help. At the moment you probably don't know what I mean, but if you read the gift I have sent you, you will eventually understand. Also to help you along I just have one question I want you to keep in mind. Do you ever feel like part of you is missing? If I'm right please read my gift and then you will find the answer to your question.
Signed,
A Friend
After reading the letter over and over and wondering whom it was from, she had read the medium sized navy blue book diligently every night. None of her siblings knew about the book and she simply couldn't tell them because she knew they would think she was crazy, due to the fact that she had been drawn to it's contents by some unexplained force.
At the moment her older brother Stephen had remained in Kyoto, and he and his other two siblings were doing all they could for the past two months to carry on that things were perfectly all right knowing perfectly well they really weren't. They even had her transferred to another school so she wouldn't have to remember anything and she went about her life as if nothing had changed. But the truth was and she kept this to herself that she knew something was wrong. She could feel it in her heart that something was missing, although she couldn't quite pinpoint what. She had made lots of new friends and was quite popular in her new school but still there was an emptiness in her that she couldn't describe. Maybe, she thought through the pages of the mysterious book she could find the reason why.
On this particular day she had poured through its contents for the tenth time. As she reached the last page, the skies outside became dark and the rain began to fall. She read the last sentence and felt a tear slide down her cheek.
"What is this?" she felt her cheek, "Why am I sad? I don't understand. But I feel" she stood up from the floor, "That I should be somewhere right now. Yes. And I think I know where that is" she walked over to her bedroom door, her eyes focused as if she was in a trance and then walked out of the room.
She moved slowly down the stairs and then walked to the front door.
"Steph?" Sophie appeared from the sitting room as he sister took the doorknob, "Where are you going?"
"I don't know" she shook her head, "But I have to go."
"But it's pouring out there" she said back in concern.
"I know. But if I don't go now, I'll miss my chance" she exited the house and headed out into the rain that was falling faster.
"Oh boy" Sophie thought, "What a time for Stephen and Sam to be out."
(Next Scene)
Meanwhile at the Sohmas residence Katsuya moved through the sitting room as his sister and Takara sat together reading a story. Since the incident it was true that he had been quite attentive to his mother and his new baby sister, however his cheerful disposition had totally altered and he walked around most of the time like he was in a daze. He moved over towards the door that led out to the backyard and took the handle.
"Kaye" Sakura replied, "You do realize that it's raining out there?" she said knowing fully well that he intended to walk outside.
But he didn't say anything. He just opened up the door and walked out as he had done so many times recently.
He stared up at the sky darkened with many clouds, which was exactly how he felt, his own heart surrounded in darkness.
"I can't stand feeling like this anymore" he said aloud as the rain dripped off of his bangs, "I wish. I only wish there was something" he lowered his head and then lifted it slowly as he felt a strong urge to do something he hadn't done in a long time, "I only wish you could hear me" he thought bitterly.
He cleared his throat and began as the rain pelted his entire body.
Empty spaces fill me up with holes/Distant faces with no place left to go/Without you within me I can't find no rest/Where I'm going is anybody's guess/I've tried to go on like I never knew you/I'm awake but my world is half asleep/I pray for this heart to be unbroken/But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete/
Meanwhile Stephanie was running down the sidewalk, her feet hitting the wet and cold pavement as her heart pounded in her chest and her hair becoming even more soaked.
Voices tell me I should carry on/But I am swimming in an ocean all alone/Baby my baby it's written on your face/You still wonder if we made a big mistake/
He moved around the yard singing more passionately.
I've tried to go on like I never knew you/I'm awake but my world is half asleep/I pray for this heart to be unbroken/But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete/
She glanced around her and then began to run faster.
I don't want to drag it on/But I can't seem to let you go/ I don't want to make you face this world alone/I want to let you go/She stopped in front of the gate and she walked in out of breath, stopping at his front door.
I've tried to go on like I never knew you/I'm awake but my world is half asleep/I pray for this heart to be unbroken/But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete/
Incomplete/
He opened the back gate as he finished and his jaw about dropped in surprise as he saw her standing at his door with a longing look in her eyes.
"Why am I here?" she thought, "Why am I here of all places?"
He took one step forward and cleared his throat slightly.
"Excuse me?"
She turned her head slowly and looked back at him.
"Hello" she replied softly.
"Hello" he bowed back.
"I'm sorry if I am intruding here, but I felt compelled to be here for some reason."
"Oh?" he took another step forward wondering if he was dreaming.
"Yes. I'm sorry please forgive me for staring at you but do I know you?"
"What?"
"I feel like you're someone I should know. Isn't that strange?" she chuckled lightly, "You must think I'm crazy."
"No" he shook his head as he stood two feet in front of her.
"So do I" she focused her eyes, "Know you?"
The feeling was overwhelming and suddenly Katsuya reached a hand down and placed it lovingly on her cheek, rubbing it gently. She closed her eyes as if she had been expecting it.
"That feels good" she opened her eyes, "I don't know why, but I'm not scared when you touch me so gently and you're supposed to be a stranger."
It was too much for Katsuya for all at once he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips as he had been aching to do for the past two months. When he pulled away she opened her eyes once again and glanced up at him.
"Stephanie" he said softly.
Her mouth formed the words as her heart began to beat.
"Katsuya?" she replied slowly.
"What did you say?" his eyes became wide.
"Kaye" she placed a hand onto his cheek this time and he placed his own hand over hers, closing his eyes as she stroked his face.
"You know me?" the tears were falling down his face as he reopened his eyes, "You remember me?"
"Of course I remember you" she nodded the tears in her own eyes, although she wasn't sure why, "How could I forget someone I love as much as you?"
"Oh thank God!" he embraced her tightly, "You came back to me. I've been praying for it and you did. I missed you so much" he cried on her shoulder.
"Kaye" she said as she held onto him tightly, "I missed you too."
Suddenly the front door swung open and Kyo stared back at them confused.
"Um, Katsuya? Miss Kamiya?" he said even more surprised.
"Hello there Mr. Sohma" she replied sweetly.
"Uh, but I thought that, what's going on here?" he asked scratching his head.
"I don't know pop" Kaye grinned, "But it's an absolute miracle" he embraced her tightly once more.
"Well why don't you two come inside. It's pouring out there" he insisted.
Kaye and Stephanie looked at each other and then chuckled at the sight of them dripping wet.
"Good idea" they agreed as they entered the house still holding onto one another.
(Next Scene)
It was a bright sunny afternoon as Mikado and Mitao ran by chasing after Daisuke in a game of tag. The Sohmas had all gathered with their special someone's for a celebration of the Zodiac curse being lifted. Everyone had been invited. Stephen who was relieved at the turning of events with his sister and Kaye, was sitting with Sakura, Akito jr., Yamato, and Rika as they talked about their future plans. Raiu, Sophie, Krysta, and Takara were all playing tag with Motoko's sons Hajime and Kenta. Kagura was sitting with her new boyfriend Yosu along with Kyo and Tohru who had their baby daughter close by. On the other side of the yard, Yuki, Motoko, Hatsuharu, Momiji, Hiro, and Rin were all talking about their jobs, while Aoko, Kandis, Mayuko, Kisa, Mine, Arisa, Hana who had shown up for a surprise visit, Andie, and Rebecca prepared setting the table for everyone. Akito, Hatori, and Ritsu, and Ayame all sat together under the tree sipping tea as Shigure was running around snapping pictures of everyone that he could. Kanako sat close by to her mother holding onto baby Tora while Takuto played in the dirt next to his teddy bear. Hitomi was teaching Naoko and Angel a new game and was quite enjoying herself. Reiji and Sara sat next to each other in comfortable chairs as Shigure took another picture of them.
"Okay Uncle Shigure" Reiji said finally, "I think you have enough of us."
"Okay, okay' Shigure nodded, "I'll go see if I can find Katsuya and Miss Kamiya. That ought to make a good shot."
"Good idea. Or better yet why don't you go find Aunt Tohru and take a shot of her and the baby?"
"What an inspired idea" Shigure agreed with a grin taking off.
"What a goof ball" Reiji shook his head.
"But he's interesting" Sara said with a smile.
"Yea. I guess so. I wonder where Kaye is?" he glanced around.
"How are you guys getting along now?"
"Oh, we're doing great" Reiji smiled, "I mean I still feel a little guilty for what happened but I am so glad that they found each other. Incidentally" he took her arm playfully, "How did you know they would?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out," she said back teasingly.
"Oh come on" he urged as Kaye and Stephanie came over, "Hey you guys!"
"Hey Reij" Kaye smiled, "Miss Takawa."
"Sara, Katsuya. Sara" she replied firmly.
"I didn't know that you were going to be here?" Stephanie said happily.
"Of course" Sara nodded, "I wouldn't miss a party like this."
"Well I am glad that you are because there was something I wanted to talk to you about. That's okay right Kaye?" she asked turning to him.
"Just hurry back" he nodded as the two girls left the two boys and they began to talk about the end of school.
(Next Scene)
"So what's up?" Sara asked as they walked over close to the main gate
"I was wondering have you heard from Tsukasa lately? He's back in California isn't he?"
"Oh yes" Sara nodded glancing over Stephanie's shoulder slightly.
"Well I need you to send something to him from me."
"What is it?"
"This" Stephanie replied placing the object in her hand.
"I see" she nodded understand, "I'll make sure he gets it."
"And tell him thank you. For everything."
"No problem" Sara nodded again with a smile, "You better get back to that boyfriend of yours. I don't think he ever wants you to leave his side again."
Stephanie laughed and then ran back over to Katsuya as Sara silently slipped out of the gate, unnoticed by anyone.
(Next Scene)
She walked over to where a boy stood, his carry on bag at his side.
"You're still here?" she replied, "I thought you left this morning."
"I wanted to say goodbye before I took off" Tsukasa said with a smile.
"I'm glad" she nodded, "Oh by the way, Miss Kamiya wanted me to give this to you" she placed his grandmother's locket into the palm of his hand.
"She remembered" he said his eyes going soft.
"Mhm. And all because of you. You really were her shadow protector till the very end Tsukasa. Just like you wanted to be."
"And I will continue to be from afar" he agreed, "Well" he said, "Time to go home" he shouldered his bag, "Goodbye Sara" he embraced her tightly.
"Goodbye Tsukasa" she hugged him back and then pulled away, "Keep in touch."
"I will" he nodded, "Got to get going if I want to make my train" he turned his back to her and started to walk away as the sun began to set.
"Have a safe trip!" Sara called and he waved his hand back in response.
She walked back inside the main gates as he glanced back over his shoulder briefly, sighed, and then looked up into the sky contently as he continued to walk towards the train station.
(Next Scene)
Sara walked back over to where Katsuya, Stephanie, and Reiji were enjoying their meal and sat down. Reiji put his plate down.
"Hey" he replied wrapping his left arm around her waist "Is everything okay?"
"Yea" she nodded; "Everything is fine" she smiled as Kaye and Stephanie also put down their plates.
"More than fine" Kaye said with a happy grin, "Everything is spectacular!" he shouted scooping Stephanie up into his arms and spinning around with her.
"Kaye" she giggled as the other two watched on astonishment.
"I can't help it" he replied putting her down and taking a small object, "Everything is perfect. Especially now that this" he slipped the ring onto her left ring finger, "Is back where it belongs."
She smiled softly at the promised ring and kissed him lightly on the lips as everyone came over because Shigure was insisting on taking a group photo. They all lined up in front of the main house as he placed the camera down on a stool, set it up, and took his position next to his wife and daughter.
"Now everyone say cheese," he said.
"Cheese!" everyone exclaimed as the camera took their first ever family photo.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Hey everyone! You thought it was over? Not quite! There's still the epilogue! See you all at the end!