Chapter Thirteen
Tohru closed her eyes and spread her arms, inhaling deeply as she breathed in the balmy ocean air.
It was the first week of summer break, and Shigure had wasted no time in fulfilling his promise to take her, Yuki, and Kyo to one of the Sohma family's summer homes. As if it weren't wonderful enough to be off school, she thought, I also get to spend an entire week vacationing with the people closest to me! Though they'd only just arrived, she was having the time of her life and, silly as it sounded, she'd had to pinch herself twice already to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
"Tohru! Tohru!"
Her eyes shot open at the sound of Momiji's voice. She turned to cast the rabbit a tiny smile. While her friend's interruption was not necessarily unwelcome, she had to admit it was nice to have a some time to herself every now and then.
"Come on!" Momiji said, grabbing her hand. "Let's race! Let's race!"
Tohru laughed as she and Momiji raced side by side across the sandy beach, not stopping until they'd reached the shoreline, where they stomped around playfully in the water, each of them declaring themselves the winner. Once, Momiji even kicked up some water and splashed her. Tohru giggled and splashed him right back.
"That was fun, Tohru!" Momiji said, still grinning ear to ear. "Now, what do you say we go for a swim?"
Tohru beamed back at him. But before she could agree, a head of orange hair appeared suddenly in her peripheral. Her heart skipped a beat, and she found herself automatically beginning to sidle closer to Momiji. She knew exactly who was standing beside her, and while there was a part of her that wanted so badly to turn and look at him, instead she chose to continue staring straight ahead. She still wasn't sure where exactly she stood with Kyo, though she couldn't deny that there was a sort of awkwardness between them that hadn't been there before.
"Hold it, lover boy," the cat said to Momiji. "Are you sure that's a good idea? The ocean is a dangerous place-"
"So are the mountains, but that never seemed to stop you from going," a quiet voice behind them was quick to point out.
That time Tohru did turn. Yuki. She barely had time to marvel at how amazing it was that he and Kyo had managed to trek across the beach without bringing attention to themselves. The cat snapped back at his cousin in the next instant. "That's different," he huffed. "My master trained me to survive up there. I knew what I was doing."
As usual, Yuki's reply was soft, but clipped. "Mm. Debatable."
Tohru could practically feel Kyo bristle behind her. "Hey! I'm still alive, aren't I?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Yuki sighed. "It would appear so."
Kyo groaned. Thankfully, though, Tohru thought he sounded more annoyed than angry as he said, "You know what? Fine. Sorry for being concerned. I just wanted to make sure they knew how to swim and stuff."
"Do you know how to swim?" Yuki prompted, which caused even Momiji to turn and stare at the cat in question.
Caught off guard, Kyo took a hurried step back. "That's...I mean, that's completely beside the point!" he sputtered. "They're the ones who want to swim in the damn ocean, not me!"
Tohru smiled kindly at him. "I appreciate your concern, Kyo," she said. "It makes me so happy to know that I have someone who cares enough to worry about me. Really, though, I'm fine. I actually do know how to swim. My mom taught me when I was little. I…" She felt her cheeks warm as she forced herself to look at him without faltering and say, "I could teach you. That is...if you'd like."
Kyo gaped at her, and Tohru thought he looked almost as embarrassed as she felt. "Hang on. Who said I even need teaching?"
Momiji was smirking to himself. "Aw, come on, Kyo," he said with a wink. "You basically just admitted that you don't know how to swim."
"What the…? I did not!"
"Then how come you didn't answer Yuki when he asked you?"
"I do know how to swim! I just..." Kyo threw his head back and sighed. "I just don't like water, all right? My master says his grandfather was the same way. He thinks it's probably a cat thing."
Yuki coughed into his arm, a deliberately indiscreet means of concealing his laughter. While Tohru prayed that the cat wouldn't rise to the bait, within seconds the two boys were yelling back and forth at each other yet again.
"You got somethin' to say, you damn rat?!"
"Why would I have anything to say to a stupid cat like you?"
"Shut up! And don't call me stupid."
"Don't you ever have anything new to say?"
"One more word and I'll punch you right in that girly face of yours!"
Tohru could feel her anxiety rising as she watched them. She was used to Yuki and Kyo arguing in this manner. Still, things were escalating a bit too quickly for her comfort level.
"Um, excuse me," she tried in a timid voice. "Kyo, I don't think you should..."
She trailed off when she felt a hand come to rest gently on her shoulder. She whirled just in time to see Hatsuharu join them.
"I'll handle this," the ox murmured in her ear. "You and I both know that they'll be at it for a while before they finally start to calm down. You just run along and enjoy a little time to yourself, yeah? You deserve it."
Tohru hesitated, glancing first at Yuki and Kyo, then over at Momiji, who was standing near the shoreline, waving his arms wildly and shouting. "Hey guys!" he was saying. "Who's up for a swim? Yuki? Kyo? We can even make it a race if you wanna!" Tohru smiled at the rabbit's feeble yet heartfelt attempt to diffuse the situation.
I suppose it wouldn't do any harm if I stepped away for a bit. A quiet walk along the beach does sound nice.
"Better hurry if you're gonna go," Haru told her. "I don't know how much longer they're gonna stay distracted."
Not knowing what to say, Tohru bowed her head gratefully at her friend. Hatsuharu is so kind, she thought. Even despite his recent heartbreak, he still finds it in himself to think of others.
The ox had actually been acting very much like his calm, level-headed self throughout the entire trip so far. Tohru had to confess that she was surprised by this, considering how upset he'd been that day at school during finals week.
She still had not officially met Isuzu, save for that one time during her visit with Akito at Sohma House. The feisty long-haired girl had stormed off before Tohru had had the chance to properly introduce herself, though.
I'd still like to meet her someday. She waved a hand in thanks to Haru before taking off at a brisk pace down the beach, heading in the opposite direction of her friends. I wonder if she'll come up this weekend. Shigure said that everyone in the zodiac was invited. I wonder...I wonder if Akito will come.
The possibility was enough to make her heart skip a beat. It was a familiar feeling, though she had to confess that in this particular instance she could not tell whether it was from anticipation, or from dread.
Isuzu kept her head down as she trudged across the busy street. Her legs ached from the pain of walking so long. How many hours had it been since she'd rested? Two? Three? She had no way of knowing, as the only thing she'd brought with her were the clothes on her back.
Once she'd reached the other side she came upon a blue sign that read Kaigara Beach, 2 miles. She breathed a small sigh of relief. At last, she thought. I knew it couldn't be much farther.
Though it had been many years since she last visited her family's summer home, she knew for a fact that she would find it somewhere along the shoreline near Kaigara Beach. She remembered passing this exact street sign the last time she'd vacationed here. She'd been a young girl then, happy, with parents who she'd been certain had loved her more than anything else in the world.
"Isn't this fun?" her mother had said from the front seat of the car, turning to cast her daughter a goofy grin. "A whole weekend at the beach, just the three of us. I can't think of anything more exciting!"
Isuzu scoffed in disgust at the memory. Was any of it ever real? she wondered. Did they ever love me or truly enjoy spending time with me? Or was it all just an act, an attempt to try and convince themselves that the lies they were spewing could one day become reality?
She shook her head before grunting and forcing herself to continue on. Now was not the time to think of events long passed. She had to get to Akito, to try and find a way to convince him to set Haru free.
Because maybe it truly was that simple. Maybe Akito did have the power to release zodiac members from the curse. Kureno had been released, after all. Isuzu doubted that act had been intentional, and even if it had, she knew that it would be no easy feat to persuade Akito to do it again. But she didn't care. She would do anything, even fall to her knees and beg, if she had to.
I will find a way to free you, Haru. Whatever it takes.
"Could you possibly drive any slower, Hatori? I daresay I'm starting to get a headache from all of these foul chemicals." Akito grimaced, waiting for a reaction, though he received none. "Honestly," he went on, "were you not thinking of me at all when you purchased a vehicle with leather interior? I'm quite sensitive to this sort of thing, you know."
Finally, the doctor glanced at Akito in the rear-view mirror. His annoyance was evident in his voice as he replied, "There's no need for me to go any faster than I already am. We're nearly there. And if you truly do have a headache, there's plenty of medicine in my bag. It's sitting on the seat beside you."
Akito rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. I see he is no mood for my antics today. Which was just as well. The less time he spent talking to Hatori, the more time he had to think about his plans for the week ahead.
What exactly do I intend to do once we arrive? If he were being honest, he still wasn't sure why he'd agreed to go on this trip in the first place. To throw water on their festivities. To remind them that I am—and forever will be—the master of their souls.
That was what he told himself. But if that were true, then why had the idea of a vacation struck him as utterly unappealing until the moment Kureno had mentioned that Tohru Honda would be in attendance? Akito shook the thought from his mind. Speaking of Kureno.
Akito sneered up at the ex-rooster, who was sitting quietly in the passenger seat next to Hatori. "I imagine this will be a rather awkward event for you, Kureno," the zodiac god remarked. "I wonder how Shigure and the others will react to being reunited with the cousin who abandoned them for the sake of his own selfish pursuits. Not favorably, I would wager."
Much to his disappointment, Kureno appeared to take the comment in stride. "I imagine you're probably right," he answered. "And I will understand completely if my presence at the summer home is unwelcome. As I've already said, I only wish to make things right by myself and by my family. If they choose not to forgive me, however, then that is their decision, and I must respect it."
Akito rolled his eyes again. Such a diplomatic response. How very Hatori-like of you, Kureno. "Hm. Yes, I suppose you must," was all he deigned reply.
They rode the rest of the way in silence, and Akito stared out the window with a bored, vacant-eyed expression. He tried to stop himself from thinking of Tohru Honda, though as usual, that was a feat that proved far easier said than done.
He found himself pondering where he might look for her upon arriving at the estate. By the ocean, probably. He could easily picture her standing at the water's edge, gazing out at the orange and red sunset with that wide, contented smile of hers. Yes, she seemed to him the type of person who would find joy in such a thing. "Isn't it beautiful?" he could almost hear her asking.
Akito sighed to himself. The sound was almost forlorn. If only he could look at the world with such wonder. If only he could learn to appreciate the beauty in simple, everyday things.
If only I had enough time left remaining in my life to do so.
The thought seemed to materialize entirely of its own accord, and the abruptness of it was enough to jar Akito. Before he could begin to more closely examine it, however, the car came to a halt.
"We're here," Hatori announced, and the zodiac god immediately directed his attention back toward the window. A massive two-story house stood before them, almost large enough to be a mansion. Even so...
It's smaller than I remember, he thought, frowning. Then again, he supposed that made sense. After all, he'd been several inches shorter the last time he was here.
"Akito?" Hatori was watching him with a look of mild concern from the driver's seat. "Are you all right?"
In response, the zodiac god shoved open his door. Hot, suffocating summer air rushed into the vehicle, and Akito hesitated. The change in temperature was jarring, like a punch to the face, and he instantly broke out in a sweat. He scowled at the way his hair and clothing had already begun to cling to his skin. Perhaps black was not the best choice of attire for this outing.
"Fine," he grumbled, ignoring his discomfort as he forced himself to put one foot in front of the other. "Come then, Hatori. Kureno. I'll not waste another minute dawdling out here in this wretched heat."
"...and if you can believe it, the awful man still wasn't satisfied with my work!"
Ayame Sohma was in the middle of one of his boisterous rants when the front door to the summer home slowly creaked open. Shigure was sitting across from Aya on a couch in the living room, smoking a cigarette as he listened to his cousin recall his latest calamity in great detail.
"I was quite put-out," the long-haired man went on as Shigure spared a glance at the newcomers. Ayame, however, was far too wrapped up in his story to take notice of any such thing. "As a matter of fact," he was saying, "I likely would have driven him out of my shop, had it not been for Mine. She took me by the hand and led me away before I could begin to lose my temper. She said, 'Aya, I know how you feel, but getting upset isn't going to do us any good. Remember that your mission is for everyone to leave your store feeling satisfied.'"
Ayame put a hand to his chest in order to convey how deeply those words had affected him. "I was speechless, Gure, if you can believe it. Because she was so right! In my anger I had forgotten the very purpose for which I first established my humble business: to bring all fantasies to life as accurately as possible, no matter the time they may take to perfect!" He leaned back in his chair then, sighing dreamily. "Mine truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I simply don't know what I would do without her."
"Yes, she is quite an asset," Shigure remarked, leaning his head back so as to avoid blowing smoke directly into Ayame's face. "In fact, it is my greatest hope, dear cousin, that in time you will endeavor to deserve her."
Ayame's jaw dropped at the implication of the dog's words. "Why Shigure," he gasped, "you act as though I am so unworthy of Mine's affections! Surely I can't be all that bad!"
The dog shook his head, chuckling as he slowly exhaled yet another puff of smoke. "Not at all, Aya, not at all. I would gladly explain to you what I mean, but...well, it looks like we have company."
Ayame turned then, his expression becoming guarded as he realized that he and Shigure were no longer the only ones in the room.
"Hari!"
He sprang from his seat when he saw the doctor. The wariness he had felt creeping up on him just moments before was instantly forgone as he held his arms wide, green eyes gleaming with childish joy. "You're here," he exclaimed as he rushed toward his lifelong friend. "What a marvelous surprise! I was worried you weren't going to show! I know how busy you are these days, but—oh, I do believe this is simply the perfect time for you to join in our conversation! You see, Shigure and I were just discussing our love lives—well, my love life—and while I'm fairly certain that you have nothing new to share in that regard, it has been some time since I've seen-"
"Aya, please."
The dragon held up a hand, though there was the tiniest hint of a smile on his face as he said, "There will be plenty of time for us to chat later. In the meantime, there's someone here who would very much like to speak with you." He gestured behind him, to where a man in all black clothing was standing in the doorway. Ayame's eyes widened, his face filling with recognition as he swiftly dropped into a low, reverent bow.
"Akito...what a joy it is to have you here with us! I would express my surprise, though I suppose that doing so would be rather silly. For surely even God cannot resist the temptation of a weekend beach getaway!"
Ayame giggled nervously when Akito didn't reply. He never really knew just what to say to the zodiac god. In truth, the two of them had very little in common, perhaps less so than any other pair in the entire Sohma family. Nevertheless, that had never stopped the snake from at least trying to remain in Akito's good graces. He approached the zodiac god with outstretched arms, though Akito quickly stepped back, as if recoiling.
"Don't touch me, hedonist!" he hissed, and Ayame faltered, blinking in bewilderment. The zodiac god typically took no issue with embracing any of his family members, even the ones he most begrudged.
Akito seemed to take note of Aya's wounded expression. Though his cold blue eyes did not soften, he appeared to realize that perhaps he'd been too harsh. "The weather this time of year is abhorrent," he said by means of explanation. "As it stands, I am currently far too warm to even consider welcoming human contact in any form." He offered Ayame a smile, though the snake knew good and well that it was far from genuine. "Besides, there's no need for such outward displays of affection. You know that I love you all."
Ironically, Akito turned his gaze on Shigure then, eyes narrowing. "It's been some time since I've seen you," he remarked. "Likely because it's been several weeks since you've bothered to pay me a visit."
Shigure lowered his head. "Apologies, Akito. I've been very busy with my work as of late."
The zodiac god cast him a dubious glare, though he chose not to comment. "So tell me, then: How have things been faring in my absence? I assume you brought the girl with you."
Ayame carefully studied Akito's face as he said this, though the zodiac god's expression betrayed absolutely nothing. It had been brought to the snake's attention some time ago that Akito may, in fact, have taken a special interest in the latest addition to Shigure's household. This news had surprised Aya at first, though upon further reflection, he realized that it made perfect sense.
He'd met Tohru, after all, and he'd been able to tell from the few serious conversations he'd had with her that she was a person who was very easy to like. To fall in love with, even. Ayame had thought for some time that his own little brother, Yuki, had had his eyes set on her. In fact, Ayame had been sure of it, and he hadn't blamed Yuki for his feelings one bit.
She knew just what to say to make me feel better, Ayame thought, recalling the day he'd taken Tohru out to a café for lunch. To make me feel hopeful for the future. And, you know... I don't believe she was being dishonest. I believe that she really felt that the things she was saying were true. Or rather, that they could be true. And that was enough to make me believe it as well.
Ayame shared a conspiratorial grin with Shigure, and the snake knew without even having to ask that his cousin was prompting him to test the waters. "Why, of course," he said. "How could Gure not bring Tohru with him? She is more than deserving of a vacation, what with all the hard work she does around his house! Why, I would think that by now she'd have earned a full expense paid trip to Paris!"
Shigure grimaced, and though Ayame was certain that his cousin knew this whole exchange was just for show, he couldn't help thinking that the dog had taken his comment to heart somewhat.
"You make it sound like I'm ungrateful for all that she does for us, Aya, and that simply isn't true! I would give Tohru far more than room and board for all of her efforts—that is, if only she would allow me to do so-"
Akito cut him off with a growl. "Enough. Since she is here, I will be sure to make time to seek her out later and say hello. In the meantime, there is one more person that I would like you all to see. I made him wait outside so as to not cause a scene, although…in hindsight, I suppose that was rather unnecessary. After all, there are only three of you here right now." He paused to glance about the room, frowning as he asked, "Where are the others? Surely they wish to greet their god upon his arrival."
Shigure cleared his throat. "The others are outside," he replied. "Frolicking on the beach, one can only presume. So far it's Yuki, Momiji, and Hatsuharu who are here. Oh, and Kyo and Tohru, of course."
Ayame turned to Akito with a look of interest. He was curious to know who, exactly, the zodiac god had deemed important enough to bring with him. "Pray tell, who is this mysterious guest of yours?" he asked. "My dear Akito, I'm afraid I simply cannot stand the suspense a moment longer!"
The zodiac god breathed a small sigh. "Very well," he grumbled. "I suppose there's no sense in making him stand outside in this heat any longer." He turned his head toward the door. "Kureno," he called. "You can come in now."
Tohru had been walking for all of ten minutes when she came upon a rather startling sight.
"Oh my goodness!" she cried before rushing forward, to where a sleek black horse lay resting in a patch of wispy grass near the seaside. Her mind raced as she dropped to her knees near the creature's head. Is it hurt, she wondered, or just tired? Oh, Mom...what do I do? There's no one around to help me!
The horse snorted when Tohru reached out and tried to stroke its mane. The noise was so loud and abrupt that she immediately withdrew her hand and shot to her feet. "Um, okay," she told it. "I won't touch you if...if you don't want me to."
The horse glared at her before turning away to rest its head back down on the sand. It was such a human-like response that Tohru dared take a step closer, studying the animal carefully. Then she gasped. That long, beautiful black hair...I know I've seen it before. And that fiery look in her eyes...
"Isuzu?" Tohru murmured, hoping she was right. "Isuzu Sohma? Is...is that you?"
The horse chuffed in response, and Tohru flinched and took another step back. "Right. Um...you're probably hungry. Or thirsty? I can go get Hatsuharu-"
The horse neighed at the mention of Hatsuharu's name and lurched forward, grabbing onto the hem of Tohru's shirt with its teeth. The message was more than clear: Don't you dare go anywhere.
"It is you, then!" Tohru said, grinning triumphantly. I knew that if it was her, she would react when I brought up Hatsuharu. "It's wonderful to finally meet you," she continued. "I'm not sure what exactly happened to make you turn into a horse, but...you're clearly in distress of some kind, and I want you to know that I'd like to help. So whatever it is you need, please just tell me and I'll-"
"Be quiet."
Tohru blanched, partially because she was surprised by the horse's harsh, commanding voice, and partially because she'd forgotten that the zodiac members could talk while they were in animal form.
"I don't know how you figured out who I am," Isuzu said when Tohru only continued to stare in shock, "but if you think I'm going to jump and squeal and prattle on about how I'm so happy to finally meet you, too...well, prepare to be disappointed."
Tohru only blinked. She didn't have the faintest idea what to say to that.
"In fact," Isuzu was quick to go on, "I'm not happy to meet you. Not at all."
Tohru nodded, trying not to look nearly as crestfallen as she felt. "I'm sorry," she said, though she knew good and well that she had nothing to be sorry for. "I guess...I guess I should have picked up on that the first time I met you." She thought back to that day at Sohma House, remembering how Isuzu had glowered at her. At the time she'd thought most of her anger had been directed at Akito, though now she was beginning to think she might have been mistaken on that front.
"If you don't like me," Tohru went on, eyes still downcast, "then...well, that's perfectly within your rights. But if it's not too much trouble, I...I would like to know why."
The horse seemed surprised by her boldness, so much so that it took several seconds for her to form a response. "I...you...you shouldn't be here!" she finally bit out.
Tohru tilted her head to one side. Apparently, the gesture was more than enough to convey her confusion.
"You shouldn't be here," Isuzu said again. "At this house, on this beach...with us. You shouldn't be with us!"
Finally understanding, Tohru acknowledged her words with a slow, solemn nod. She didn't know why, but for some reason, she found herself feeling rather comfortable with this sharp-tongued, dark-eyed stranger. Could it be that she found her less intimidating in animal form? Or was it that she felt she had nothing to lose in being open with her, given that she knew she hated her already?
"Yes...Hatori said that, too," she murmured. "When he first met me, I mean. He said that I should return to my own family and never look back."
"Then why didn't you?"
Tohru tried not to wince at her biting tone. "Yuki told me that Hatori has the ability to erase people's memories. And I was afraid of Hatori at first because of that. I thought...I thought he was going to try to erase my memories. But..." Her face relaxed into an easy smile as she recalled her first true heart-to-heart conversation with Hatori. "But it turned out that he was only trying to be kind. When he told me to leave...it wasn't a threat, but a warning. He was trying to warn me, so that I wouldn't suffer later." She forced herself to meet Isuzu's eyes unflinchingly. "And forgive me if it sounds presumptuous, but somehow...somehow, Isuzu, I have a feeling that that's exactly what you're trying to do now. Only, in a different way."
For several moments the horse said nothing. Then finally she breathed a long, exasperated sigh. "Haru told me all about you, you know," she muttered. "He said that you were the type of person he'd like me to be friends with someday." She turned her gaze pointedly on Tohru. "Don't get your hopes up. I've absolutely no intention of being your friend whatsoever. Although..." She paused, her expression suddenly turning thoughtful. "Although, I guess I could use your help with something."
Tohru perked up at that, though Isuzu barreled on before she could say anything. "I came here with the sole purpose of helping Haru. And since you seem so eager to suffer at the hands of this family..."
"What is it that you need me to do?" Tohru asked when Isuzu trailed off. "Please. I have no idea what happened between you and Hatsuharu, but...I know you still care about him. And I care about him, too. I care about all of you. So please, whatever I can do to help-"
Isuzu scowled, cutting her off with a snort that made Tohru jump a little. "It's no secret that Akito has taken a liking to you. I still don't know how the hell you did it, but-"
"Akito? I...what?" Tohru felt like more of an airhead than ever as she stuttered and stumbled her way through her disbelief. "Akito doesn't...I mean, there's no way that he would ever-"
"Oh, but he does. Or at least, that's what Shigure told me."
"Shigure?"
"Yeah. He's convinced that Akito has developed a soft spot for you. I didn't think such a thing was possible, but...apparently, somehow you won him over. In fact, I'm pretty sure you're the only reason he even agreed to come here today."
Now Tohru's head was spinning. She drifted back several steps from the horse, eyes wide, shaking her head over and over as she asked herself: It can't be true, can it?
No. There was no way that Akito had changed his mind about her. He'd made his feelings very clear last month: "You're treating me with kindness because you think that one day I will treat you similarly. Well, I won't."
In other words, he would never like her. That was more or less exactly what he'd said, and Tohru had believed him. She still did, too. "That's impossible," she told Isuzu softly. "Akito hates me. He said as much the last time I saw him."
The horse turned away from her, though Tohru didn't miss the slight roll of her eyes as she said, "Then I don't know what the hell Shigure has been on about. Regardless, it seems that Akito at least enjoys your company. More so than any of us, anyway. And that's why I want you to ask him how to break the zodiac curse."
He'd been visiting with his relatives for no more than an hour, and already Akito was beginning to grow weary of their ceaseless chatter.
Especially the snake's.
"Kureno, my dear fellow, I'm afraid I simply cannot believe it. You've been free of the curse for all of two years, and somehow you expect me to believe that in that time you've not managed to find a single woman you've fancied long enough to pursue?" He tossed a strand of glossy white hair over one shoulder, his hand flicking with a sort of theatrical flare that made Akito grit his teeth in irritation. "I know you've always been on the more serious and practical side—much like our Hari here—but surely you've had at least a dalliance or two in your time away?" He giggled heartily. "Come now, there's no shame in admitting it!"
Akito glanced at Kureno. Much to the ex-rooster's credit, he had been handling Ayame's annoying and meddlesome questions rather well, and this time proved to be no exception.
"Be that as it may," Kureno said with a slight dip of his head, "I'm afraid dalliances aren't really what I'm looking for, Aya. No, as time goes on, I find I am much more interested in the prospect of meeting someone I have things in common with. Someone who understands me. Someone I can share my life with."
"And?" the snake prompted. "Have you any leads?"
Kureno paused, long enough that the zodiac god cast him a questioning look. What's this? he thought. Is there a woman in his life who he has been neglecting to tell me about all this time?
But a split-second later, Kureno shook his head. "I...no. Regrettably, I do not."
Akito narrowed his eyes. He didn't believe Kureno for one minute, though at present the zodiac god found he had no interest in delving further into the topic. The conversation of the last hour had exhausted him, so much so that he knew that asking Hatori to escort him to his rooms would not appear strange or out of character.
That said, the zodiac god had little intention of remaining in his rooms once he was there.
"I can't say I feel particularly sorry for you," Shigure said after allowing for several moments of blessed silence. "I don't mean to be insensitive, of course," he backtracked when he noticed the startled look on Hatori's face, "but take Aya, for example. He can't even so much as hold Mine in his arms without giving away our secret. Every day he is forced to keep his true feelings for her locked away in his heart. And for how long? Who knows, but we mustn't act as though 'forever' is not a very likely answer." He reached over to grab another cigarette from the box on the end table. "Better yet," he continued calmly as he lit the cigarette between his teeth, "look at what happened to Hari. Kana is gone, all memory of the relationship they once had erased completely from her mind. And as if that weren't bad enough, it was recently brought to our attention that Kana has found love again. She was married early in the spring of this year." He paused for a moment to level his gaze with Kureno's before promptly plucking the cigarette from his mouth in order to ask the question, "Do you have any idea how devastating that was for Hari to hear?"
"Shigure," Hatori said, lifting a hand in warning, but the dog kept talking as though he hadn't heard.
"So forgive me, Kureno, if I find your current predicament to be...unworthy of my pity. Most of us have been suffering far longer than you have, after all."
Akito's ears were ringing when long at last the dog finally fell silent. Was he hallucinating, or had Shigure just dared complain about the plight of the zodiac in God's presence?
Akito stood abruptly, his eyes wild with fury. "You forget yourself, dog," he snarled, pointing an accusatory finger at Shigure, who only stared back at him blankly. "I see now that I was right to object to you leaving Sohma House two years ago. You have become arrogant and assuming, and I find that my patience for such behavior is wearing thinner with each passing day!"
Shigure bowed his head, though to Akito it looked more like a gesture of mockery than of reverence. "Forgive me, Akito. I meant no disrespect-"
"I'll not hear another word of your lies," Akito spat, slashing one of his hands violently through the air in an arcing motion. "I'll not hear another word from any of you today! You have vexed me beyond limit. Hatori..." He turned to the dragon with a weary-eyed look that wasn't entirely faked. "I wish to be taken to my rooms and remain undisturbed for the rest of the evening." He paused, making eye contact with all four animals individually. "The house had better be engulfed in flames before any one of you even so much as steps one toe near the threshold outside my doorway. Have I made myself quite clear?"
They all nodded and voiced their understanding, though Akito could have sworn that, when he gazed at Hatori out of the corner of his eye, he saw the doctor regarding him with a suspicious look. Or rather...a look that indicated that he suspected the zodiac god was up to something. Which, of course, he was, but really, what business was that Hatori's? All his life Akito had felt as though he was living under the doctor's microscope; he'd never been permitted to go anywhere or do anything without the approval of the man in the white coat.
Of course, the reasoning Hatori always gave for keeping such a close eye on Akito was that he needed to "ensure that his health remained intact." But Akito knew the real reason was that Hatori didn't trust him. He remembered overhearing Hatori telling Shigure once several years ago that Akito was "not fit to mingle in polite society," and this statement had annoyed Akito to no end.
The more Akito thought about it, the more it started to make sense, why he'd allowed Tohru Honda to keep her memories after she'd discovered the truth about the Sohmas. The idea of meeting someone who wasn't involved in all this zodiac business had been like a breath of fresh air to him. Perhaps the prospect of a stranger being in on their secret had been a welcome distraction from the bleakness of his family's fate. And from his own wretched fate. Perhaps having someone new to channel his hatred toward had also been refreshing. Whatever his reasons for agreeing to let Tohru Honda stay, Akito would not deny that he was very glad he had.
And that he no longer hated her.
After escorting Akito to his room, Hatori did exactly as the zodiac god had instructed and stopped just outside the doorway.
"If there's anything you need," he said, "don't hesitate to call for me."
Akito waved him off dismissively, one hand pressed to his head, pretending to look exhausted. "I doubt such a need will arise, but thank you, Hatori, as usual. You may shut the door when you leave."
Much to Isuzu's annoyance, Tohru Honda was so surprised by her request that she started stammering again. "I...you want me to...I mean, I would never presume that I could-"
Isuzu cut her off, already having had enough. "Look, if you don't want to help, fine. I can do it myself-"
"No, I'll do it! I'll...I'll ask him!" The girl's soft blue eyes were narrowed with what Isuzu could only describe as steadfast determination. It was a different look for her, though Isuzu found that she liked her much better when she didn't look so timid and insecure.
"In fact," Tohru continued, "I have to confess I...well, I've sort of been wondering the same thing recently. About breaking the curse, I mean. That is...I've been wondering if it's even possible. Because if it is..."
Isuzu was still glaring at the girl, though there wasn't a doubt in her mind that some of her shock was starting to bleed through as Tohru looked her right in the eye and said, "If it is, I want to break it, too. Soon. Because if we wait too much longer, Kyo will..." She grimaced, averting her gaze, looking as though she might cry.
Isuzu's head shot up then, eyes wide as she gaped at the girl in astonishment. "Kyo?" was all she could manage to say.
Of all people, this meek, subservient little girl...has fallen for the cat?
Not long after Hatori left, Akito set out to find Tohru Honda.
He'd climbed through one of his bedroom windows so as to not risk running into Hatori or one of the others on his way out. Luckily, the room the doctor had chosen for him was on the main floor of the house. Akito wasn't sure what he would have done if Hatori had tried to put him upstairs.
Everything is going perfectly according to plan.
The summer home had been built in a densely wooded area that eventually opened onto an almost picture-perfect stretch of white sandy beach. But in order to get there Akito would first have to venture through the wretched forest, which would inevitably result in him coming into contact with dirt and various forms of flora, not to mention blood sucking insects. Naturally, he wasn't too keen on doing so. But if enduring all that would grant him the opportunity to speak alone with Tohru Honda, if only for a few moments...well, then it would be worth it to Akito.
By then it was early evening. It was still terribly hot and muggy, though he found he wasn't nearly as bothered by this fact as he had been earlier. He had a mission, after all, and he supposed that was as good a distraction as any.
Much to Akito's surprise, the trek to the beach was rather short, and not anywhere near as awful as he had been anticipating. When at last he exited the woods, he found he had to squint against the brightness of the blazing sun in the distance. Right away he was able to make out two figures on the beach, one of which was unquestionably Tohru Honda. Akito could tell by the way her long brown hair billowed in the wind. The other figure, however...wasn't quite human.
Isuzu. Akito sucked in an angry breath at the sight of the horse. Shigure had made no mention of her being here. Had he intentionally omitted that detail to be deceptive, or had Isuzu arrived without announcing herself? More importantly, though...
What is she talking to Tohru Honda about?
Determined to discover the answer, Akito set off in their direction. He stepped away from the familiar earthy terrain of the forest and began to tread across the beach. Walking on sand proved more difficult than he'd imagined, and Akito found he had to stop frequently in order to keep himself steady. Thankfully, both Tohru Honda and Isuzu seemed to be absorbed in their conversation, and Akito was easily able to approach them without being noticed. He edged as close as he dared, hoping to overhear at least some of what they were saying before they inevitably turned and saw him.
"...unbelievable." Even from a distance, Isuzu's voice betrayed nothing but pure and utter disgust. "You mean to tell me that the main reason you want to break the zodiac curse...is to save him?"
Akito froze, his eyes locking on Tohru Honda's back as he eagerly awaited her response.
"Yes," she breathed, and Akito was so shocked that he nearly gasped. She's talking about lifting the curse, he realized. She truly wishes to. But why? For whom?
Isuzu, still in her animal form, gave a sharp shake of her head. "He's the reason for all of this, you know. If it weren't for him, there wouldn't even be a curse. It's why we hate him so much."
"I know," Tohru said, her voice still just barely above a whisper, to a point where Akito had to strain to hear. "But I can't help it. I...I care about him. Very much. And I want him to be happy. I...I want to save him. If I can."
Akito sucked in a silent breath, placing a hand gently on his chest as long at last he understood. Me. She wishes to lift the zodiac curse...for me.