Chapter Six
Kyo paced across the rooftop with his hands behind his back. His amber eyes were locked on the sliding double doors that Yuki had walked through thirty-seven minutes ago. Not that Kyo was counting or anything.
This can't be good, he thought for about the fifth time as he kicked a stray pebble off the roof with his shoe. I don't know what Akito is up to, but if I find out that he hurt Tohru in any way, he's gonna regret it.
He stopped dead in his tracks when at last he glimpsed movement out of the corner of his eye. His shoulders sagged in disappointment, however, when he realized that it was not Yuki, but a gray squirrel frolicking across one of the compound lawns. Kyo growled in frustration. He hated that he wasn't allowed inside the Main House, and though he was fully aware of the fact that Akito's invitation had been extended to include him this time, in the end, Kyo had decided it was best he stay outside. For centuries the cat had been forbidden to enter the zodiac god's dwelling place, and it was for this reason that Kyo had found himself doubting the sincerity of Akito's offer. "Better safe than sorry," he had grumbled before grudgingly telling Yuki to go on without him. As unhappy as he was with the current situation, though, and as much as he disliked Yuki, Kyo knew that he could count on him to defend Tohru, probably more than he could anyone else in the entire world.
That damn rat may be an asshole, but I know he cares about Tohru, and I know he'll get to the bottom of this.
Before he and Yuki had left school that afternoon, Haru had pulled them both aside and told them a horrible secret: Tohru had been summoned to Sohma House by Akito the day before. And what's more, she had actually gone. Isuzu had been the one to inform Haru of this, as she had seen Tohru herself when she'd stormed into Akito's chambers to request—or rather, demand—an audience with him. Both Kyo and Yuki had been shocked to hear of this.
I knew something was weird when she told us she had to work yesterday, Kyo thought, shaking his head. I shouldn't have just let it drop after that. I should've offered to walk her to work. Then she would've had to admit where she was really going, and then maybe none of this would've happened.
Kyo looked at his watch again. Yet another five minutes had passed. He groaned. He couldn't take this anymore. He had to know what was going on. Now.
Before he could descend from his perch up on the roof, however, he heard a shout from somewhere across the compound. Kyo's ears perked instantly at the sound, and with his cat-like hearing he was easily able to identify the owner of the voice.
"Akito, come back here this instant! You're going to overexert yourself."
Kyo arched an eyebrow. It was Hatori, and by the sounds of it, the dragon was nearly out of breath himself.
"This may be all fun and games to you right now," he was saying, "but I assure you that you won't be so amused later when-"
"Oh just let him go already." That voice was different. Sharp and abrasive, yet unmistakably female.
Isuzu? What the hell is she doing here?
"If he overexerts himself and dies of a heat stroke then he has no one to blame but himself, as far as I'm concerned."
Hatori was clearly scandalized by the horse's remark, though as usual he tried not to allow any emotion into his voice as he replied, "Rin, I don't think that is-"
"Oh come on, Hari, don't act as though you weren't thinking exactly the same thing..."
But Kyo didn't hear any more of what Isuzu had to say after that. He was far too distracted by the figure that had come into view on the path that was directly below the building he was standing on. He frowned as he took in the newcomer's features. It was a man in a white kimono. He had dark hair and very pale skin, and though he ran somewhat clumsily, Kyo found he couldn't help but admire his speed.
Is that...? Kyo tensed. No. There's no way in hell that that's him.
But it was. The moment Kyo had confirmed as much he leaped from the roof, landing just a few feet in front of the retreating man, blocking his path.
The heat was nearly killing Akito, but he forced himself to carry on. He would keep running until his legs gave out, if he had to. Because there was no way he was going to let those filthy animals catch up to him. Not now. Not when he'd managed to make it so far.
"Akito!" Distantly, he could hear Hatori and Yuki calling after him. Isuzu, however, seemed to have suddenly disappeared. Either she'd decided pursuing him wasn't worth the effort, or Hatori had wisely advised her to remove herself from the situation before she got hurt again. Likely the latter.
"Akito," Hatori shouted. "Stop right where you are!"
But Akito just turned and sneered at him and Yuki over one shoulder.
Fools. Who did they think they were dealing with? He was God—their god—and that meant that his word would always be the last. Surely deep down they were all keenly aware of this fact. Surely they all knew that it didn't matter what they wanted. Regardless of their hearts' deepest desires, in the end, the curse would always win out, forcing them to drop to their knees and obey him. And that, Akito knew, was why they hated him so. It was why they were determined to finish him off and get him out of the way for good. So that they could have control of their lives. So that they could be free. Akito growled. Ungrateful animals. That's what they were. He was beginning to imagine a variety of ways in which he could administer unique and fitting punishments for each of them when, suddenly, Kyo appeared in front of him.
Akito came to an instant halt, surprised by the movement, though his startled expression became a smirk the moment he recognized the cat. Perfect, he thought. Just the monster I was hoping to see.
"Hello, Kyo." Akito offered a slight dip of his head in acknowledgment. He was breathing heavily from all the running he'd just done, and though he could feel his body trying to fold inward on itself, he somehow managed to fight the fatigue and hold his ground. Because it was crucial that he have this conversation with the cat. Besides, he wasn't about to give Kyo or any of the others the satisfaction of seeing him sprawled on the ground unconscious—or worse, dead.
Kyo glowered back at Akito. He did not return the greeting. "You can stick your pleasantries up your ass, Akito. I know what you've been up to!"
"Oh, really?" Akito chuckled softly. "Well then by all means, do go on. You have me thoroughly engaged."
At that, Kyo hissed. "Cut the crap! Haru told me everything. I know you invited Tohru here yesterday."
"And? Am I not allowed to have guests in my own home?"
Kyo went completely still then, his eyes twitching furiously. He looked like he was ready to burst, and this amused Akito.
"Are you serious?" the cat yelled, incredulous. "Don't play coy...you hate Tohru! I know that, Yuki knows that, everyone in this family knows that!"
Akito did his best to look bored, though he supposed anyone with half a brain would've been able to see that he was enjoying himself. "What you say is true," he allowed. "But I still don't see your point. Tohru Honda and I had a lovely chat yesterday. In fact, I was just telling Hatori and Yuki," he glanced behind his back at the two men in question, both of which were now well within earshot, "that I believe she will prove herself useful to me after all."
Kyo's eyes flashed then as he fixed Akito with a look of pure, unadulterated rage. "Useful? The hell is that supposed to mean?" When Akito did not reply, Kyo quickly closed the space between them, grabbing Akito by the front of his kimono. The zodiac god yelped in surprise. He was still weakened from all the running he'd just done, and as a result he fell easily into Kyo's grasp, his knees buckling as the cat yanked him forward so that their faces were only inches apart. Akito mentally cursed himself for being so frail. If he were a man of ordinary strength, he wouldn't be at Kyo's mercy, arms flailing as the orange-haired boy glared hatefully into his eyes.
"What are you doing?" Akito demanded. He made a feeble attempt at clawing Kyo's arms. "Unhand me at once!"
"WHAT DID YOU DO?"
Akito's eyes widened at the sheer volume of Kyo's voice. It had been some time since anyone had dared yell at him so loudly. The sound was jarring to Akito's sensitive ears, and he found himself far too frazzled to answer, though Kyo took his silence for obstinance.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO TOHRU? ANSWER ME!" He shook Akito so violently that the zodiac god's vision started to blur.
"Kyo!" Hatori bellowed. "Stop!"
Footfalls sounded from behind. Hatori and Yuki had caught up to them now, and Akito found himself relaxing somewhat as Hatori released him from Kyo's vise-grip. The dragon shoved the orange-haired boy forcefully out of the way, and Yuki trailed behind them. He muttered something to Kyo, and the cat immediately bristled in defense, snapping back at the rat, and before long the three men had erupted into shouts, though Akito was too overcome by relief to register what they were saying. His ears were ringing, probably from all of Kyo's yelling, and his head felt like it was spinning out of control, to the point where he was afraid he might fall over.
Akito pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose as he took in long, deep breaths. He had always known the cat was a monster, but never in all his life had Akito imagined that he would try to cause him serious harm. That boy is a menace to all of society and must be dealt with accordingly...
But Hatori interrupted Akito's thoughts by taking one of his wrists, checking his pulse. As he did, Akito shot him what he hoped was a grateful look. Perhaps, he thought, I am too hard on Hatori sometimes. He was the only one of the zodiac members who had consistently shown Akito loyalty, after all, and surely the doctor's acts of service were enough to make him worthy of at least some small recognition.
As Akito's vision began to clear and his ears ceased ringing, he was gradually brought back to the present moment, where Hatori and Kyo were now arguing heatedly back and forth.
"...could have killed him."
"Oh, come on. I wasn't gonna kill him!"
"You clearly don't know your own strength, Kyo."
"You clearly don't understand that I wasn't gonna hurt him! What kind of person do you think I am?"
Yuki's smooth, yet deliberate voice shot back a bitter reply: "Yes, Hatori, I don't think you need to worry about Kyo hurting Akito―or anyone, for that matter. I've seen him fight, and he couldn't land a decent punch to save his life."
"YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU'VE GOT SOME REAL NERVE TALKING TO ME LIKE THAT, ASSHOLE-"
"Shut up."
The three men immediately turned their heads toward Akito. They looked surprised that he had intervened―that he had even spoken at all―and Akito made sure to take full advantage of their befuddled state.
"I grow weary of hearing you two bicker," he snapped, glancing back and forth between the two boys, his gaze ultimately landing on Kyo as he continued, "Did I not make the terms of my deal perfectly clear? You have to beat Yuki once―just once―at anything, anything at all, and as a reward I will grant you the gift of ultimate freedom. That means that I will never confine you. Ever." He crossed his arms across his chest, smiling cruelly at Kyo's gradually slumping figure. "Tell me, how is that faring for you? Have you managed to defeat him yet?"
Kyo's gaze dropped to the ground. He refused to meet Akito's eyes.
"No," Yuki said when it became apparent that the cat wasn't going to reply. "He hasn't."
"Of course he hasn't," Akito said, wholly unsurprised. "He never will either. It is the destiny of the cat to be a loser. To be an outcast. To be condemned." He sneered at Kyo. "It's not Yuki's fault that you have continuously failed to outshine him. Therefore, as far as I can tell, you have no right whatsoever to hold a grudge against him. As the cat, you also have no right to lay a hand on me. The next time you do, I'll make you wish you had never been born. Do you understand?"
Kyo only snorted, though it was obvious by the way he kept his gaze cast downward that he understood perfectly well.
Clearly he has forgotten how unforgiving I am, Akito thought, lowering himself slightly in an attempt to catch Kyo's eye. In fact, just for that, I will see to it that he is confined regardless of whether or not he beats Yuki. For surely I cannot in good conscience allow a monster like him to-
Wings fluttered overhead, and at once Akito stopped to glance up as four white finches flew by. The zodiac god's harsh expression softened somewhat as he stared after the creatures. They had likely stopped by his bedroom window in the hopes of acquiring an evening meal. But he had not been there to administer it to them. Akito found himself releasing a silent sigh as the birds disappeared from view.
It isn't right, he found himself thinking suddenly, what is done to the cat. It's the way things are, though. It's the way they have always been, and it is how they will continue to be.
A thought entered his mind then, a question that had been nagging him incessantly for the last several days, and though he tried to ignore it, it still came to him in the form of a tiny whisper: "But why? Why does it have to be like that? Who said?"
Akito suppressed a snarl. That woman. Even when she was miles from him, her words still somehow managed to linger in his mind. Her thoughts, her ideas...they were like a poison. It was yet another reason why Akito hated her so immensely. In the short time that she had been a part of the Sohma family, she had somehow managed to disrupt the entirety of their way of life, to a point where nearly everyone had begun to question why things were done the way they were within the zodiac. Akito would have never admitted it aloud, but privately even he acknowledged that she had caused him to have doubts about some of the Sohma family traditions, particularly those concerning the cat's confinement.
It seems an exceptionally cruel custom, he had caught himself thinking once in passing just a few days ago. After all, I may know better than anyone what it's like to be sentenced to a life in a cage...
He had quickly shaken the thought, however, revolted by the realization that he was feeling sympathy for the cat. The cat was a monster―Akito had just seen living proof of that fact―and was not in the least bit deserving of sympathy, nor was he in any way suited to live even the faintest imitation of a normal life. None of the zodiac animals were, frankly. But the cat was the most cursed of them all. And why? Because it was the way things were. Because it was the way they had always been.
"But why? Who said?"
Again Tohru's words echoed in Akito's head, and while there was a part of the zodiac god that felt compelled to press his hands to his ears in order to block out the sound, he resisted the urge to do so. Because of course such efforts would be pointless. For it was not from the outside from which the voice came. It was from within himself. Akito shook his head, not caring to ponder the implications of this truth as he turned to address the three men standing before him. He would deal with Tohru Honda later. For now, he had to make sure that these wretched animals knew their place.
"Now then," he said, his voice low and calm as he strove to keep any animosity he was still feeling toward them from seeping through. "I suppose we ought to get to the matter at hand, yes? Yuki, Kyo, I invited you both to Sohma House today for a very specific purpose. As you know, yesterday I had Tohru Honda over for a visit."
Both boys tensed at the mention of Tohru's name, though Akito pressed on before either of them could interrupt.
"You can spare me your hollow threats," he told them. "There's no need to worry. I didn't harm your precious Tohru Honda, nor do I intend to. In fact, quite the opposite is true.
"As I am sure Yuki will later relate to you, Kyo, after her visit yesterday I noticed a dramatic change in my capabilities; I now appear stronger than before, and can only conclude that her presence is somehow responsible for this." He glanced at Hatori, who looked like he was about to express his doubts on the matter. "As a result," he resumed before the dragon could object, "I am going to make it a point to invite her to Sohma House more frequently. To put my theory to the test, if you will. These will be friendly visits, of course, and I can assure you both that so long as she is under my roof and in the care of my attendants-"
"I'm afraid I cannot allow that."
All eyes were on Hatori as he swiftly cut Akito off in mid-sentence. Yuki and Kyo looked relieved by his intervention, whereas Akito was putting a great deal of effort into masking the immense irritation he felt toward the doctor. Who does this half-wit think he is, questioning me? I ought to blind him in his other eye for this act of insubordination.
"Oh?" Akito made certain his voice was calm, though he knew full well that Hatori could sense the storm that was steadily brewing just beneath the surface as he asked, "And why, pray tell, can you not allow it?"
Hatori cleared his throat as he carefully considered his answer. "Because, Akito," he replied, "Miss Honda is very busy. On top of her school work, her job, and her chores at Shigure's house, I am sure she scarcely has the opportunity to partake in activities she enjoys. It would be both rude and inconsiderate to take up any more of what little leisure time she already has, do you not agree?"
Akito could feel himself scowling. Hatori was ever the bullshitter when it came to providing reasons for why the zodiac god should or shouldn't do something. And, annoyingly enough, the doctor also had the uncanny ability to make those reasons sound like good ones.
"In addition to that," the dragon quickly continued, "I still believe you are incorrect when you say that Miss Honda is responsible for these changes you claim to be experiencing. Personally, I am convinced that it is an effect of your new medication. Nevertheless, I am pleased by your progress and want to see you continue improving. As a result, I am going to insist that you not have any visitors for the next several days. Too much excitement can be detrimental to your health, and the last thing I want is for you to fall ill again when we could have easily prevented it. Doesn't that sound reasonable?"
The zodiac god blinked expressionlessly at Hatori. The doctor's ramblings never ceased to exhaust Akito, and this time proved to be no exception. His desire to toy with Yuki and Kyo's emotions had almost completely evaporated by the time Hatori was done speaking. Akito found himself mentally congratulating the doctor on his success, for surely that is precisely what he had been intending to do: to tranquilize him.
I will invite Yuki and Kyo back another time, he thought as he turned so that his back was facing all three of them, his hands folded neatly beneath the sleeves of his kimono as he mentally prepared his parting words to them. I will dismiss them for now, but in the meantime, I must think of a way to meet with Tohru Honda without these imbeciles suspecting me of anything.
The thought ended there as Akito was struck with a brilliant idea. His blue eyes flickered deviously. It was a good thing he had his back to Hatori, or else the dragon no doubt would've noticed the change in his mood and immediately become suspicious.
That damn doctor is too perceptive for his own good. Well, this time I will take extra care to outwit him. For the rest of the day I will go on acting as though nothing is out of the ordinary. I will get plenty of rest this evening, and then, tonight, when the entire house is asleep…
"Of course you are right, Hatori, as usual," he muttered dully. He took several steps forward, turning to glance back at the doctor when he realized that he wasn't following. "Well? Aren't you coming? I'd like to see about that pain medicine you were going on about earlier."
Hatori seemed taken aback by Akito's sudden compliance.
"Err. Pain medicine? May I ask what for?"
"For my headache, of course," Akito replied smoothly. "You said you had something in mind right before our visitors arrived." He tilted his head at Hatori, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Or have you forgotten already?"
Hatori's face filled with recognition. "Of course." He nodded. "Yes, I had quite forgotten that you said you had a headache. I will see to fetching you your medicine straight away." He cleared his throat. "Well then, Akito, if that is all the business you had here, then I suppose we ought to take our leave. Yuki. Kyo." He nodded respectfully at the two boys, then turned back toward Akito. "Come to my office. I'll get your medicine, and in the meantime, we can discuss these recent matters."
Akito rolled his eyes and followed Hatori back into the house, though not without turning to cast Yuki and Kyo one last triumphant smirk.
Tohru was in Shigure's kitchen preparing the evening meal, humming a tune softly to herself. She had just put a pot of water on the stove to boil when Shigure stuck his head in the kitchen. He beamed as he took in the sweet aroma of the seasoned vegetables that were sauteing in a skillet atop one of the other burners. He sighed contentedly.
"Did I ever tell you how pleased I am that someone is using this kitchen again?"
Tohru laughed. Shigure and the others always made it a point to compliment her cooking, and as a result, she usually went out of her way to prepare things she knew they liked so that she could continue to make them happy. Because that was what Tohru Honda did best, after all. She made people happy. Tohru wrinkled her nose. While somewhere deep down she realized that pleasing others was a foolish ambition, when it came to Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure, she knew that her efforts were always appreciated and never taken for granted.
I am truly blessed to have found such a wonderful family, Mom, she thought. From the very beginning they did everything they could to make me feel welcome, almost as if I was one of their own blood relatives. Sometimes I'm just so overcome with gratefulness that I can hardly bear it. What did I ever do to deserve such kindness, to be part of a family that is filled with such caring and thoughtful people…
She paused, doubt creeping into her mind as she realized that that last thought was really only partially true. While the majority of the Sohma's she had met were kind, caring, and thoughtful, she could no longer deny that there was at least one Sohma to whom none of those qualities applied, and that person was Akito. Tohru bit her lip as she used a spatula to stir the sauteing vegetables. What, she wondered, has happened to Akito in his life that has made him so bitter, angry, and cruel? She considered. Perhaps if she suffered from an illness that was as chronic and life-threatening as his, she would feel bitter toward the world, too. She imagined for a moment what it must be like to be Akito. Every day he had to watch young, healthy people his own age go about their daily lives, doing things that he could never hope to do and being things that he could never hope to be. It must be maddening, Tohru thought, to endure such an existence, to live each day without actually living it. He was almost, she realized, like a caged bird, watching life pass him by without ever being able to actually partake in any of it. Her heart ached with sympathy for the zodiac god.
Oh Mom, no wonder he holds so much resentment toward his family, she thought. They may all be cursed, but none of them are cursed in the same way that he is. Well, none except for Kyo…
She gasped as suddenly it dawned on her why it was that Akito was especially spiteful toward Kyo.
He must see Kyo as his equal! Well, perhaps not so much as his equal, but as someone on similar footing to him. And that, I'm sure, is why he's so cruel to him. It's why he does everything he can to make him feel like an outcast. He's trying to convince himself that someone is worse off than he is. Poor Kyo…
"Is everything all right, Tohru?"
Tohru jumped, startled. She hadn't realized that Shigure was still standing in the kitchen doorway, watching her. "Oh! Yes, I'm fine. No need to worry." She giggled nervously. "I'm sorry. I was just so deep in thought, I'd forgotten you were still there!"
She put on the brightest smile she could manage, but for once, Shigure did not return it. Instead, he studied her very closely, and for the longest time, he didn't say anything.
It's a good thing I got home before Yuki and Kyo left the house last night, she thought. Because if they'd shown up at my work building, only to find that I wasn't there... She almost winced as a new possibility suddenly occurred to her. I'm pretty sure Yuki and Kyo don't know where I went yesterday, but I wonder...does Shigure know? Oh, I hope not! It would upset him so much if he knew I lied to him. I know he cares about me. Is that what he's thinking right now? It must be. Ugh! How could I be so inconsiderate of his feelings?
"Tohru," Shigure said at last. "I'm not quite sure how to say this, but...well, I've been a bit concerned about you lately. So have Yuki and Kyo. They said that you've been acting strangely. Is something troubling you? You know that you can always tell me anything."
Tohru's eyes widened in surprise. He was worried about her? It took nearly all of her willpower not to burst into tears of joy. Oh, Mom. They truly are my family now, aren't they?
She opened her mouth. She was about to tell Shigure everything that had happened yesterday, but before she could even say one word, the front door burst open. Thundering footsteps immediately followed, accompanied by two loud voices arguing back and forth.
"Let me talk to her!"
"No, I'm the one who ought to speak with her. I know more about the situation than you do."
"Only because you're allowed in that damn house and I'm not!"
"You were allowed in this time. You were just too scared to do it, you coward."
"Why don't you come on over here and say that to my face?!"
Shigure exchanged a knowing look with Tohru before turning to face the two boys who were both stomping determinedly toward the kitchen. "Now, now, let's not lose our heads here," he said, holding his hands out in front of him. "Yuki, Kyo, just what exactly is this-"
"Is she in there?" Kyo demanded, ignoring the dog's attempt at defusing the situation.
Shigure feigned confusion. "Who? You mean Tohru? Why yes, but she's making dinner, and I hardly think that now is the time for-"
Kyo and Yuki both swept right past him and crossed the threshold into the kitchen, where Tohru was still standing at the stove cooking. They were both panting, their hands curled into fists at their sides. They looked like they had ran the entire way home. Tohru blinked back at them in bewilderment.
"Err...welcome home," she said quietly, unsure of how to proceed. What was going on? What had they been arguing about? And why were they looking at her with such grave expressions? Her heart sank as instantly she realized that they knew about her visit to Sohma House yesterday. About her lie.
Her head drooped. "Dinner will be ready soon," she said, her voice just barely above a whisper. "You can start setting the table, if you'd like-"
"Miss Honda."
Her head shot up at the sound of Yuki's soft, gentle voice. He met her gaze directly, his eyes holding nothing but genuine kindness and concern. Could it be that maybe they aren't angry with me after all?
"Y-yes?"
"I..." Yuki sighed, looking to Kyo for support. "We know what happened yesterday at Sohma House. Between you and Akito."
"Sohma House?" Shigure breathed. "Akito?" He frowned, glancing curiously back and forth between Tohru and the boys. "Tohru? You were at Sohma House yesterday? For what reason?"
"I...I…" Tohru sighed, defeated. There was no reason to hold anything back now. "Akito called a few nights ago and asked for me to come to the Main House. I didn't mean to cause any trouble-"
"Akito called here?" Shigure was shocked. "On this house phone?"
"Yes. He called and asked me to pay him a visit. He made me swear not to tell any of you that I had spoken to him, though, and so...I didn't." She hung her head. "I am so sorry! Really, I didn't mean to worry any of you! It's just that...well, Akito is very important to all of you, and I knew that he might punish me if I disobeyed him, and so I-"
"It's all right," Kyo said as he took Tohru's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Tohru turned her gaze upward, her shame instantly forgotten. Kyo looked concerned, maybe even a little bit angry, but when her blue eyes met his she saw his lips curve into a faint smile. And it was directed only at her. Tohru automatically felt herself beginning to smile back. "It's all right," he said again. "We get it. We're just worried is all."
"And furious," Yuki added. When he noticed Tohru's grim expression he quickly assured her, "Not at you, Miss Honda! At Akito." He turned to Shigure, who was leaning against one of the kitchen counters with a finger pressed to his chin, looking thoughtful. "What a sneaky stunt for him to try and pull behind our backs. What's gotten into him lately? It seems as though ever since last week..."
The rat trailed off, exchanging a look with Kyo, whose face immediately hardened into a scowl. Tohru gave his hand a comforting squeeze. She knew exactly what incident Yuki had been referring to when he said "last week." He had been speaking of the day in which Kyo had revealed to Tohru his true form―the day in which she had learned once and for all why it was that the cat was ostracized from the rest of the family. Out of the corner of her eye, Tohru glanced down at the beaded rosary that Kyo wore around his left wrist.
Without these beads, she thought, he takes the form of a monster. A hideous monster―big, brutish, and vile. Even so…
Tohru was hyper aware of the feeling of Kyo's hand within her own, and she felt herself starting to blush at the realization that they had been standing this way for several minutes. Somehow, though, she couldn't help but think that she was glad that he didn't seem to want to let go any more than she did.
Even so, she resumed, I can't bring myself to think of Kyo as a monster. Not at all.
Because he wasn't. While undoubtedly the cat could prove himself to be a real hothead―particularly when he happened to be in the same room as Yuki―Tohru knew that he had reasons for lashing out, and that, in his heart, he was a good person. In fact, Tohru would go as far as to say that Kyo was one of the most good-hearted people she had ever known. Living in the same house as him was a daily testament to this fact, and yes, she had had to warm up to him in the beginning―as he had had to warm up to her―but over time she had come to realize that Kyo was not the angry, loud-mouthed jerk that so many people seemed to believe he was. He was the opposite, actually, and it was this knowledge that had recently made Tohru begin to think that her feelings for him might extend far beyond those of mere friendship.
"Hmm. Yes," Shigure said, abruptly tearing Tohru from her thoughts. "It does seem as though Tohru's acceptance of Kyo's true form has intrigued him. I'm not sure why―at least, not entirely―but from now on, Tohru, you need to be extra careful around Akito. If he ever invites you to Sohma House again, I want you to inform us immediately. And if you happen to run into him elsewhere, do your best to keep your distance. Akito may be weak, but as you have seen he can be rather dangerous when he's upset, and I don't want you to fall victim to another one of his outbursts. Now." He eyed Tohru with scrutiny. "I am rather curious to know why he summoned you to the Main House in the first place. Will you be so kind as to share with us what happened?"
Tohru took a deep breath. All eyes were on her, and her heart pounded wildly with this realization. Being the center of attention always made her feel nervous. Still, despite her discomfort, she promised herself that she was going to tell them everything without holding back. She owed them at least that much, especially after she had lied to them.
They're probably thinking the worst happened, she thought. And I should clear that up for them right away, because honestly, it wasn't so bad. I mean, Akito could have harmed me, like he did last week...but he didn't. If anything, he was kinder to me this time. Well, maybe not kind, she thought when she remembered some of the hateful things he had said to her. He was certainly much calmer, though. Either way, maybe that will be the last time I have to see him for a while.
But even Tohru Honda, ever the optimist, knew in her heart that some things were simply too foolish to even hope for.
Akito crept noiselessly down the deserted hallway.
It was nearly 3 o'clock in the morning, and though he knew that everyone in the house had been asleep for hours he made sure to step as quietly as he could across the hardwood floor. He had even gone as far as to change out of his kimono and into a regular set of street clothes so that he would blend in better with his surroundings―a tight black sweater and a pair of neatly pressed black slacks. Akito nodded approvingly to himself at this decision, finding that the apparel, uncomfortable as it was, concealed him quite well as he stealthily made his way toward Hatori's office.
When at last he had reached his destination he slowly slid the door open, taking extra care not to make any noise as he tip-toed into the room. He shut the door behind him then, and when he turned around he was instantly blinded by a blanket of darkness.
Akito muttered a curse under his breath. Of course Hatori would keep the lights off in his office at night. The dragon wasn't one to do something so impractical as waste electricity. Akito mentally berated himself for his lack of foresight. While it was true that he had stolen Hatori's car before―multiple times, actually―he had never done so in the dead of night.
Akito glanced back at the door, quietly considering his options. Naturally, the simple solution would be to just turn on a lamp, but Hatori's bedroom was adjoined to his office, and Akito knew that it would be far too risky to illuminate even the smallest corner of the room. The doctor was an infuriatingly light sleeper, able to be awoken by even the slightest disturbance. Akito knew as much from experience. The zodiac god suppressed a growl. How was he supposed to find that stupid dragon's car keys in a pitch black room? After much deliberation, Akito decided to simply leave the door on the opposite end of the office slightly ajar, the door leading to the small patio outside. The moonlight creeping in through the crack provided him with just enough light to conduct his search. While it wasn't exactly an ideal solution, Akito supposed that it would have to do.
He began by rummaging through Hatori's desk―quietly, of course, so as to not risk rousing him from his sleep. Just as Akito had suspected, though, he didn't find the keys there. Hatori had hidden them in his desk the last time Akito had stolen the car, under a stack of patient folders in the bottom left drawer. It had been too easy― like child's play―and so naturally Akito was not the least bit surprised to find that the doctor had upped his game.
If I were a dragon, where would I hide my gold?
Akito glanced about the room. It was still very dim, to the point where he was only able to make out mostly shapes, but there was one thing that almost instantly caught his eye, and that was the small end table next to Hatori's couch. Sitting atop the table was something Akito had never noticed before―a photograph, it appeared, though of whom or what he could not decipher. The zodiac god edged closer to get a better look. He picked up the frame and studied it, squinting...
...and almost threw it down on the floor when he realized who was pictured in it.
He cringed, gingerly placing the frame back on the table. It had been almost instinctual for him to cast the object aside, to fling it from his sight so that he wouldn't have to see or even think about the petite woman smiling back at him in the photo. Kana. Hatori's first love.
How dare Hatori spoil this escapade for me by leaving a reminder of that...of that...
He stopped in mid-thought, eyes narrowing as he was struck with a new idea.
Could it really be that easy?
He stepped closer to the couch, lifted one of the seat cushions...and sure enough, there was the gold.
Akito pocketed the jingling keys as quietly as he could manage, casting Hatori's bedroom door a quick look over his shoulder before replacing the cushion. He found that he had to bite his tongue in order to keep from laughing at the dragon's predictability.
He was probably sitting right here, gazing at this photo, remembering her. Pathetic man. He likely realized after some time that his keys were still in his pocket, and as an afterthought, stuffed them beneath the cushion, hoping I would never think to look there. The zodiac god snorted. He really does think he's so clever, doesn't he?
A thought prickled at the back of his mind then, a thought that suggested that perhaps it was his fault the poor doctor was left with nothing but memories of his beloved Kana. It was an intrusive thought, one that began to feel more and more like guilt with every passing moment, and so naturally, Akito was quick to shove it aside.
After taking one last look around to make sure he had put everything back where it belonged, Akito exited through the door he had left open, the one leading out onto the patio that overlooked the courtyard. Once outside, he kept to the shadows, trying to make himself as invisible as possible as he crept across the compound lawns. When at last he had reached the small wooden overhang that Hatori's car was parked beneath, he climbed into the driver's seat and buckled his safety belt, all the while doing his best to ignore the bout of dizziness that swept over him immediately upon sitting down. He leaned forward, allowing his forehead to rest against the steering wheel as he waited for the feeling to pass, and when it finally did, he put the key in the ignition and turned it, the engine roaring to life. Akito grinned, relishing the sound.
I hope you've slept well tonight, Tohru Honda, because I'm coming for you.