Disclaimer: see first chapter
Scattered Papers ch. 3
Initially, Shigure's words were a comfort to me; Shigure said Akito often did abrupt things such as this, but would usually retire his case just as quickly. However, as time went on, I became more and more unsure; I was unendingly afraid of being expelled from the Sohma household. I had done nothing, but that meant nothing to Akito.
One day, Shigure recieved a phone call from Hatori.
"Hari, what's wrong?" Shigure said immediately upon answering. "He does? Now? I- I'll be right there." Setting down the phone, Shigure called Yuki and Kyo. "Akito has called a meeting. Get ready!"
"Shigure, what's going on?" I asked.
"Akito has called a family meeting. We have to be there. You understand, don't you Tohru?" he said. My forced smile gave him answer enough.
Within minutes, Shigure, Kyo, and Yuki were out of house. I was alone again. Slumping down to the floor, I felt helpless. Naturally I had always been a presence of concern to the family, but it still felt strange to know the whole zodiac was currently discussing my fate, and I had nothing to say about it. They could argue all they wanted, but Akito's word was still supreme. I knew there must be some goodness in Akito, but I always became afraid of his decisions anyway.
Night fell, and the others weren't back. I wasn't worried, as I knew this could take some time, but I felt anxious for verdict to know if I should cry or rejoice. Just as I decided to go to bed, Shigure, Yuki, and Kyo came through the door, solemn expression on all their faces. Shigure was in his study before I could say a word, and Kyo had immediately gone to his room. I stood alone with Yuki.
"Yuki, what's wrong? What happened?" I asked, nervousness and uncertainty evident in my voice. Yuki looked at me and paused before speaking.
"You would've found out anyway, so there's no point in keeping this from you. The debate became heated today. Akito wants you out; he is fervent in his decision. We...we thought Akito would go through with it, but...Shigure stood up in the middle of the meeting and he...he told Akito he would never let him do this to you. He would never let Akito take you out of this house and away from us...or he would leave the family and expose every one of us." Yuki finished with a sigh, and broke his gaze from me. I was speechless.
"Yuki, how..." I faded, realizing my words were superfluous.
"Do you know what this means, Tohru?" Yuki said. "No one has ever dared to speak against Akito. It's unheard of. Akito rules us with a will stronger than any god; Shigure has...endangered himself for you. I am sorry to say it, but as much as Kyo and I care about you also, it is something we would hesitate to do." Yuki went to his room then, and I was alone. Standing alone in the hallway, I cried softly.
