Akito is God: everyone knows this.
They also know that while she was kinder, Akito was still manipulative; she still felt the need to be in constant control.
What none of them (except for Shigure) knew was that Akito made a deal with an unknown entity in exchange for immortality—for all of them.
Flashback:
Akito was kneeling in the middle of a particular star pentagram on the floor with Shigure standing in the background.
"Oh, Great Asama: I call upon you with a request." Akito spoke, patiently waiting—as she had been since she was sixteen years of age.
"So, we finally meet—Akito. It's about time. I see your curses have been broken." The voice of a mysterious male spoke. He appeared as a blue and green cloud of smoke.
"Yes. It was broken by…" "Ms. Tohru Honda. Yes, I know already. As expected." Akito started only to be interrupted by Asama.
"You knew the curse was going to be broken—and by who? For how long?" Akito asked, becoming annoyed.
"Lose the attitude, Akito. I do not have to be here, you know?" Asama scolded, just as annoyed.
"Of course. My apologies." Akito sincerely apologized—but only because she wanted her promised wish.
However, she would only get her wish if she behaved, did everything she was told and didn't back sass Asama.
"Yes, I knew. I know everything there is to do with the Zodiac Curse and the Sohma family. I also know of your and Shigure's wish. You wish to be together for the rest of your lives—or rather, for the rest of eternity. You wish to be immortal. Am I correct in saying that?" Asama replied before asking, already knowing the answer.
"Yes, your greatness." Akito replied, bowing a little.
"I guess having Fate send Ms. Honda to you was the right thing to do. You've grown tremendously. What I mean is you have great respect for others aside yourself now. You used to be such a little bitch; I wasn't sure I wanted to grant your wish. However, you've proven yourself worthy of a wish. So, yes; I will grant your wish. However, you know there's a price to be paid, do you not?" Asama stated before agreeing to grant Akito and Shigure's wish.
"Yes, I am aware. I also know you do not require money, but something greater. Can I ask what that is?" Akito asked, watching the cloud of smoke.
"Of course, you can. Like I said before: I knew Tohru Honda was going to be involved—and there's more including her. Yes, I'll grant your wish for the price of giving your family and their families immortality as well. But that's not all. This is a big wish. And a big wish requires a substantial payment. The other part of the payment is that the curse will return to everyone who was previously cursed: that includes you two. You will all respire your roles you were once before. Akito, you must be kind and respect all of them—equally. If any of these rules are broken, you and Shigure, as the ones requesting my services, will lose all immortality while the others go on living with immortality. Do you understand me?" Asama sternly told Akito.
"Yes, of course." Akito quickly replied.
Shigure, meanwhile, stood behind them, shaking his head; he didn't want the curse to return.
"Do not fret, Shigure; you will be able to hug anyone in your family including the other members' families. Which reminds me: Tohru will always be part of your family—as will several others. Tohru will be the start. After her part's done, I will send in a girl or guy who is meant to be with one of the members. Am I making sense to you?" Asama explained and then asked.
"I think so." "You're going to choose who we're all supposed to be with." Shigure interrupted Akito.
"Yes. But again, don't worry; you and Akito will still be together. Tohru will be with one of the other men in the family. No, it will not be with Kyo. But you will figure that out in a few weeks when it starts. Hatsuharu and Isuzu will still be together as will Kisa and Hiro. All the others will be with someone else." Asama explained.
"What of Kureno and that Arisa girl?" Shigure asked, watching the cloud of smoke.
"Kureno will be with Arisa, yes. Sorry. I forgot to mention them. But that's all the information I can give you. Follow all the rules, and you'll be golden. And Akito: you and you alone will know who the people I send for the others. You will feel a strong bond with them. Some of them will feel it right away, but some will not: it will take them some time. You will know what to do. Also, instructions will be sent to you a few days before everything officially starts. And don't worry about Shigure; he'll soon come around. Goodbye for now. I'll be watching." Asama answered before telling Akito. He then bid farewell and was gone.
"What the hell was that all about, Shigure?" Akito snapped at Shigure after a few minutes—once she was sure Asama was gone.
"Whatever do you mean?" Shigure asked, watching Akito.
"Stop playing your stupid games! This isn't about you or me; it's about the entire family!" Akito yelled.
"Since when?" Shigure challenged.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Akito demanded, not having any of Shigure's crap.
"It means, that up until now; the others weren't supposed to be part of this. It was supposed to be you and me getting immortality. Don't get me wrong: I'm thrilled the rest of the family get to become immortal as well. But to have the curse return? You can't seriously tell me you want to have that back, can you?" Shigure replied, annoyed.
"Maybe I can't, yet maybe I can. I miss having the bond we used to have before. Not just you, but with everyone." Akito calmly replied, shocking Shigure.
"What about Tohru and several other innocent outsiders? Do you really think they're going to just accept that?" Shigure demanded, putting his foot down, making a point.
"Tohru and some others will just have to deal with it. This is for us, Shigure. You can help me rule among all the others." Akito carelessly replied before sweetly telling Shigure, catering to his ego.
And it worked:
"That sounds fun. Maybe this will be fun." Shigure replied with a sly smile.
"That's what I want to hear. Come, let's go. We have a lot to celebrate." Akito told Shigure, taking his hand to lead him to their room.