Shichi sho ni kangei! But we aren't in Japan, right? Anyway, that meant 'welcome to chapter seven!' Well let me see… I start school on Monday (it's Saturday right now) and I'm pissed about that because I am SO not ready to back. I need to do more shopping… I'm now officially 14! WOO HOO! Oh and my parents found a house in Georgia so yeah I'm going to move there for good. Well I think that's all I have to say… It's better if I start the chapter besides babbling my mouth about something people don't even read XD.

Chapter 7 "Plateful Verve"

As soon as Yuki swept the door closed to the Princess's room, he immediately headed down the spiraling stairs at a fast pace; firm arms swinging back and forth as every couple of steps, the windows attached to the wall would shine the sun's raze against his pale face, causing Yuki to squint his eyes. All the torches that were built into the stone wall on the other side of him were all lit out, but by how he felt a strange cold sensation tingling around his body, Yuki wished that at least some kind of flame would emerged. But looking back into the past, the torches were only lit when nighttime struck.

The stairs passed by the violet eyes as he thought about all the hallways around the castle. Different turns throughout the corridors started to make his head spin. Even if the walkways were somewhat identical to his home, he couldn't help but think he had a headache. Maybe it was because so many things were crowding in the rat leader's mind. Finally stepping into Mortal Castle without being convicted by others or knowing that he was being watched twenty-four seven, Princess Tohru still in her room watched by the ox leader, not to mention that she was probably in the fact the only mortal in the castle, and more importantly if Yuki's 'plan'—he had no idea what his plan was in the first place—didn't succeed, he didn't want to think what the future would hold.

But that led back to the other problem. If Princess Tohru was the only mortal here, where were the rest? How did thousands and thousands of mortals escaped in a knick of time?

"There had to be some kind of escape route."

Different shades of eyes greeted Yuki, and being the noble gentleman he was, he made a quick small smile to everyone. But if everyone was going to greet him, it was just better to keep on a smiling face. However that didn't seem to suit his appearance at all. Each floor was being watched by one certain Zodiac group. It did appear somewhat awkward and unusual that there were twelve floors in the castle. Yuki never really noticed this until Lord Akito made out all the instructions. It did seem quite understandable that Lord Akito would make Yuki search the top flooring.

Hidden deep in the back of the rat leader's mind, he really wanted to send Zeknui to Hell. But that thought was surely safe inside his mind.

But what really damned him was that the cat leader had to be on the first floor. Probably because that was where he was locked up. But if Yuki were Lord Akito—he would never think of that thought again—he would have made Kyo search Yuki's floor as he himself searched Kyo's floor. It was very reasonable. Yuki didn't want to make himself seem all precious and significant, but he was pretty convinced that Lord Akito was keeping a sharp eye out on him and doubtlessly the cat leader as well. The weird occurrence with both the strong Zodiac leaders being held captive at Mortal Castle for almost four months straight had to be some kind of calamity.

But was the tragedy set for the Zodiacs, or was it mostly for the mortal's themselves? Look what happened because of Kyo's capture? If his imprisonment didn't even happen in the first place, Yuki wouldn't even be here; the same for the warrior Zodiacs. The disappearance of all the mortals wouldn't have happened nor would the Princess Tohru Honda be the only mortal here, making her a 'prisoner.' So many things wouldn't have happened if that cat didn't get himself locked up. Jekou's strange encouragement to finally speak his mind out, Yuki himself discovering more about mortals then what rumor explains, bringing Momiji—everyone at Zodiac Castle thought for sure that he was gone for good—back home.

Kyo's awkward contentment that was somehow appearing all the time.

"How did so much happen in such a short time?" Yuki's feet took control over his body.

Yuki was one of the few who thought of this strange war as something to waste time with. The only reason why this foolish conflict started was because the mortals were too stupid to take consideration in a simple difference by others who could transform into animals. Also adding that in the past, the only way for those 'unlucky ones' to transform was if they were hugged by the opposite sex or if the were weak. Nowadays, transformation was completely by their will. So what if they could transform into animals part of the Zodiacs? Is something like that so hard to cooperate that a war had to come in place just to handle a simple dilemma? It's not as though just because they can transform into animals, they are immediately a deadly threat and they will strike at anyone.

So really the mortals were the bad guys. It wasn't even the Zodiacs' intentions to attack anyone. Who ever made up that silly myth that once the Zodiac 'curse' was discovered, the Zodiacs started to cause damage and actually killed others, was a complete fool. Damn Hell for taking that one person away. Yuki wouldn't mind strangling that one person in the palm of his hands; that one person probably didn't even care that because of his silly beliefs this ridiculous warfare was now in play. The Zodiacs were as innocent as a simple infant.

"Lord Yuki is there a problem?"

His mind was going through some kind of video recorder until he heard his name being called. Adjusting his eyes, a gorgeous hazel eye woman stared at him questionably, blinking her dark black lashes as her high bright camel/white hair was set up into a bun, revealing the soft curves of her carved face. She wore the similar uniform as to what Yuki was wearing, only the lady was wearing dark blue. Cat. And because she was a cat, her collar was flared out, revealing a simple faint line near her chest. Supposedly she didn't care about how much she revealed, even if she was too much of an 'average woman.'

Yuki didn't have a problem with her though. She was one of the cats who didn't mind the rats. Unlike some other cat Zodiacs who wouldn't stop slipping a glare or two at him.

Remembering her question, he composed his face into his usual 'I'm fine' expression. "I'm looking for Lord Kyo."

"I haven't been keeping my eye out on him," she replied. Her voice had that cat purr that Yuki just really couldn't put into words. "But I'll go look. Wait right here."

Her quick strides left the rat leader looking around, trying hard not to lay eyes upon anyone around him. His pale complexion and hair color was easily noticeable for someone to understand that he was a rat. He was a simple rat surrounded by cats. One against… He wasn't going to start counting everyone in this damn hallway. But that was only the inner spirit that was silently guarding itself. The rat always held some kind of fear when up against the cat, but it still had the mighty courage to sneak pass it and let itself fight. Yuki, and only Yuki, didn't give a care in the world about the others around him. There had to be some kind of pleasure with being around others who really didn't want to kill him. Harm…probably. But surely not kill.

Only the second spirit lying locked inside him made him different; nothing more. The hair, eyes, skin, mood swings; it was the rat's fault.

Now that was the first time he blamed the rat. That was usually the cat leader's job.

Going deeper into thoughts about Zodiacs wasn't necessarily Yuki's kind of thing, but today was completely different. The rat leader had been thinking more and more about the Zodiacs and understanding every little detail about it. He may be one, but he was surely not a true expert at knowing everything. Sure, he had another spirit inside of him; the rat. Everyone else was the same except for the cats. The cat Zodiacs possessed the spirit of the cat, and yet the cat possessed another spirit. That grotesque creature that God would never create. It had to be the devil's work or something; no doubt. Was it difficult for the cat Zodiacs to cooperate with controlling two souls? Or was it the same as the other twelve Zodiac spirits? Did they only have to control the cat's spirit as the cat had to control it's…other spirit?

Yuki was not going to ask that to anyone.

"You serious?"

Yuki's head was a recording tape once again. His eyes fell upon the cat leader's who was accompanied by the woman Yuki spoke to earlier. Yuki had to narrow his eyes at the person he wanted to meet. Kyo looked plain disgusted, but he didn't turn around and withdraw. The cat leader tucked his finger into his tight black turtle neck collar and stretched it a bit, cracking his neck. His lazy boredom expression was noticeable with his hands now jammed into his pockets, swaying back just a tad. And even if Yuki would never admit it to a living soul, he knew that Kyo was graceful. Well, graceful when he wasn't in some kind of combat with him, the rat leader. But overall…

"This place is controlling me," thought Yuki, releasing a heavy sigh.

"What the hell do you want?" Kyo stood exactly seven feet away from the rat leader, slouching as though something heavy was on his back. The female remained by Kyo's side, hands twined behind her back.

"Well, at least his greeting was more enthusiastic then I imagined." Ignoring all the cats that stopped their searching, the violet eyes approached Kyo as the cat leader raised a brow, keeping a small snarl on his face. "We need to talk. Privately."

"'Bout what?" Kyo asked charily. "Whatever you have to say you can say it in front of everyone here."

"No, I cannot."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere with you," rebounded the crimson eye, leaning backwards. "I'm the cat leader and I make my own decisions."

"And this time I'm making the decisions." Yuki swiftly snatched Kyo's wrist and hauled him towards him, glaring intensely into the bloody orbs. "I'm the rat leader."

Different pitches of hissings filled the hallways as Yuki realized that all the cat Zodiacs were eyeing him heatedly, hands only inches away from their weapons. Even the hazel eye woman whom Yuki didn't mind was seconds away from unsheathing her stiletto.

Kyo tried to back himself away from Yuki. "What the hell—! Don't go ordering me around!"

But Yuki didn't take any moment to let himself be turned away as he hurled Kyo towards him once again. "Stop acting like a fool you stupid cat. I found Princess Honda-san," he whispered.

The hissings and shouts grew louder as Yuki's eyes caught the woman unsheathing her stiletto, grasping it tightly. Kyo didn't fight back the urge to get away from the rat leader. He only backed away leisurely until he could see Yuki's face. For the first time, Yuki could tell that the cat leader was finally in the stagger mode.

Still keeping his eyes on Yuki, Kyo ordered his clan strictly. "Go back to whatever you were doing!"

The room was still frozen.

Kyo turned on his heels and eyed everyone rigorously. "Go back to what you were doing or else none of you will get codfish tonight!"

Instantly the hallways were moving, whispers being heard from certain areas. The hazel eye woman sheathed her sword and gave a quick steady bow before rushing away from the two leaders in an elegant like manner. Doors were being opened and closed as the scurrying sliding feet against the carpet filled the room. The cat leader turned back around to face his arch nemesis, but Yuki knew that this time the enemy logo was out of the question. Not that it brought any happiness into the rat leader or anything. He just knew that it would be easier to speak with Lord Kyo then being shouted back for no reason except that he possessed the spirit of the rat.

"Where is she?" questioned Kyo, eyes a bit widened, but overall he appeared to be perfectly unemotional.

"She's—." He paused to make sure no one was listening. "She's in her room with Lord Haru."

"Him?" Kyo harshly bumped his shoulder against Yuki's as he started to storm towards the stairs, leading to the next floor. "Why the hell did you leave him with her? You must be crazy!"

"Kyo!" Yuki managed to grab the crimson eye's shoulder and twirled him around. Some heads turned, curious that the word 'Lord' wasn't added to Kyo's name. "She's fine. I reasoned it out with Lord Haru. He won't do anything. Besides, if you suddenly bolt towards her room someone might get curious."

Kyo glared at Yuki, but immediately he pulled his shoulder back into his own tenure. "Overall she's most likely in danger." He was being both sarcastic yet solemn.

Now that was something Yuki had to think about. Actually that was utterly out of the question. "She's with Lord Haru in her bedroom, so mostly she's protected." He noticed the quick flickering in Kyo's eyes when he said 'mostly.' "No one knows about her whereabouts except for Lord Haru and me. And until now, you know as well." Yuki was surely not going to tell him that some of the rat Zodiacs knew about Tohru.

Kyo firmly placed his hands against his hips. "So you're telling me that she's here, but you won't let me go see if she's okay?"

"He's not even bothering to hide the fact that he's so worried," thought Yuki, squinting his eyes by the sudden raze coming from the windows. "When I found her, I didn't know what to do. So I got Lord Haru to watch her. You know… We have to tell Lord Akito."

The long momentary pause. "…You're kidding?" Kyo's face was cynical, but his voice was lethal, ready to erupt any minute. He leaned towards Yuki. "If you tell him he'll order someone to kill her."

"And he doesn't even care that he's showing that he wants to protect her. Let me finish you stupid cat." Again he looked around the place. "We can't keep Princess Honda-san in her room forever. Someone is bound to discover her whereabouts and they will surely kill her. Keeping it a secret will only raise her chances of being caught."

"And carelessly telling him that a mortal is in this castle will surely get her killed faster!" snapped Kyo silently. Yuki had to give him props; the cat leader was controlling his behavior quite well. "Not mentioning that she's the damn princess of our enemies! At least if we keep it a secret we'll have more time to think about what to do."

Yuki was surprised that Kyo was actually taking this quite nicely. The rat leader was certain that Kyo would have started bellowing his head out. "Three against a couple of thousands; more time isn't even enough. But…" He eyed the cat leader. "Just follow me all right? I have an idea. You'll probably get into the act."

"Don't assume me you damn rat!" But that didn't stop Yuki from walking away. Kyo bolted straight towards him, but he still kept his distance at a certain length. "And don't ignore me!"

"It's amazing how his temper can easily rise." Yuki sighed with that thought. "It's also amazing that he's acting this way. I suspected something else from him."

Now Yuki was not happy about being on the first floor because now he was close to the entrance of Mortal Castle. The dragons were probably still circling around the castle, making the last adjustment that the barrier produced by Kaxa Mori was completely destroyed; that no speck of 'magic' was left in the atmosphere. But more importantly, Lord Akito was outside of the doors. Even under his poor state, he forced himself to come out. But tossing that aside that meant that Lord Akito was only minutes away from Yuki. Yuki still needed some time to think about what he was going to say. He partially had everything ordered out, but things were still a blur. Yuki would think it over inside his head, and yet every time he did something would change in his idea.

And with Kyo behind him making unimportant comments, it was entirely difficult to concentrate.

A cluster of Zodiacs were by the front entrance. And once seeing this, Yuki immediately came into a sudden halt, completely throwing Kyo off balance as he bumped into Yuki. No one noticed the two leaders, but Yuki was grateful for that. If someone were to look at them, questions would surely be held and someone would have probably gone and fetched Lord Akito, figuring that one of the leaders discovered something. Lord Akito was only outside of those large oak doors; they were only halfway open. And thinking of that thought just made Yuki feel a little bit bumpy. It was up to him to protect Princess Tohru Honda. She saved his life. Now he had to return it, even if he was an enemy to her.

"You could have warned me when you were going to stop!" Kyo folded his arms. He stared disgusted at his own chest. "Now I have your germs all over me."

"And I have your stupidity all over me. Disgusting." Before Kyo could have any time to shout one of his customary quotes, Yuki managed to continue. "Listen, we're going to speak with Lord Akito. I—."

"You think telling him will do any good?" interrupted Kyo with an I-can't-believe-you expression.

"Would you just let me finish?" snapped Yuki, his eyes as cold as ice. He didn't bother to recompose his face. "I want you to act casually. Don't make the lightest flinch if Lord Akito makes a remark about Princess Honda-san or anything related to her matter. One slip from you and you'll ruin the whole thing, got it?"

Yuki figured that Kyo was going to say something like, "Of course I know!" or "I'm not stupid to do something like that!" But an understanding nod from the cat leader was good enough.

Yuki took the lead, but over his shoulder he spoke softly, "Don't say anything either."

Making it through the crowd was somewhat an accomplishment, but others just didn't know how to mind their own business. With every step the two leaders were trampled with questions about if they discovered any possibility about the disappearance of the mortals or other such things. In the beginning Yuki did reply, saying that nothing was in need of reporting. But after receiving the same damn question over and over again, Yuki didn't have any trouble shunning everyone off his shoulders. The cat leader seemed to take Yuki's comment literally, for the whole entire time he didn't even launch a rude remark. People crowding Kyo, Yuki thought, was a pain in the ass to him.

Once they were outside, scattered Zodiacs were around; all the Juunishi were dispersed around the green field. Broken weapons were lying on the floor, but none of the Zodiacs bothered to pick them up. It did seem kind of awkward, but standing out in the sun somehow soothed Yuki. It didn't seem like there was some kind of war happening. More importantly it didn't seem like they have taken over Mortal Castle. But the castle was in fact under Zodiac's control. There was no doubt about it. Even with a single move they were able to run out the mortals out of their own home. Now that was something to cheer about.

Yuki was not in the mood for cheering.

Yuki noticed that there were no dragons circling the castle. "The barrier is down."

There he was. Lord Akito. Yuki peered out of the corner of his eyes, trying to see if he could catch Kyo's expression. The cat leader appeared fine, but still a bit fretful by the twitching near the corner of his eye. Lord Akito was accompanied by two men; a spiky black hair and a dark shaved crimson head. The black hair man seemed to be in well shape as he stood in a well mannered position; however the other one was slightly leaning forward, resting his hands against his knees for support. They're clothes were the uniform of the dragons, but they didn't appear clean and well taken care of. It seemed as though they hadn't washed it for weeks or possibly they threw it around all the time.

"Nukardo-kun and Hoto-kun," thought Yuki. It was all right to address dragon Zodiacs who were eligible of transforming into a dragon by their name besides their given number and such, but Yuki was one of the few who spoke the Ice Dragon's name. Yuki didn't exactly know them to consider them as 'good acquaintances' but one thing he knew for sure; Kyo hated them.

It seemed that the rat leader knew a lot about the cat leader.

Yuki thought that he just awoken for the first time as he noticed the two pair of ice eyes staring into his irises. Ice Dragon was truly a fact for Nukardo. But his unemotional face with a thin line across his face didn't bring any satisfaction into Yuki as then his Lord looked at the rat leader. Hoto peered over his shoulder and immediately glared at Kyo. Lord Akito slowly made a wicked grin, though it wasn't necessarily evil surprisingly. His grin appeared as though some kind of satisfactory had landed upon his very nose. Whatever it was, Yuki didn't need to think about it.

"Yuki," called Akito soothingly, ignoring both the dragon Zodiacs besides him. "Already finished searching your hall, hm?"

Yuki licked his lips but kept his composure in good hands. "Not necessarily. Lord Akito, we both have something to report—."

"Privately," shot Kyo quickly, and as his orbs transferred back and forth between the dragons, it was obvious that the cat leader was referring to them.

Hoto's eye twitched. "Surely nothing could be private for all of us, Lord Kyo. Who would ever abanded our kind to join those mortals?"

Hoto made a light chuckle and gave his last glare at Kyo before he adverted his vision at Lord Akito; however his lord was giving him his usual cold frown. It's such a shame that just by giving 'the look,' one could immediately drown to death. No one was able to overlook Akito's glower and yet no one every tried to disregard it, for if someone did… Well, that wasn't really essential.

Lord Akito cocked a head. "Are you making orders for me?"

"…No," choked Hoto inaudibly, biting his lip. Nukardo merely stood by his side, not showing any signs of enjoyment. Yuki was the same, but the hot headed Kyo would never miss a chance to laugh at his other nemesis.

The rat leader stared stupidly at the orange head. "It's like he forgot all about why we're here."

"Yes Lord Akito."

There he goes again; Yuki just kept switching back to the real world and his own little imagination where all secrets could be hidden, even by the Lord Akito himself. He watched as Nukardo and Hoto both bowed to Akito, and at their own pace they walked away towards other crowds that Yuki didn't exactly know what they were appointed to do. Hoto still seemed to be a bit caught up with Akito's deadly bickering, but Nukardo was keeping his poise as normal as possible. Yuki didn't want to admit it, but both he and Nukardo shared a gift. The gift that they could control what emotions they held. Now Hoto and Kyo on the other hand… Both hot heads.

And yet they hated each other.

Actually Kyo was the one who hated others. He hated everyone.

"Stupid cat."

"Disappointing that even my favorite Zodiacs would act like a smartass to me from time to time," spoke Akito, a tint of dissatisfaction in his vocal. But surely he didn't look disappointed. "Suppose people have to change."

"Lord Akito…"

Akito slipped a grin. "Ah, you said you wanted to speak in private?" His eyes darkened as he cast a look at the cat leader. "Or was the cat fooling with me?"

Kyo clenched his fist, but Yuki didn't wait any longer as he stepped in front of the cat leader. "We found a mortal."

No emotions swept away the Lord of Zodiacs as he still kept his eyes on Kyo. But moments later, as Akito glanced at Yuki, his eyes widened with amusement. Yuki never really appreciated the emotions Akito gave out. They were always so depraved and uncomfortable to see; they were scratchy to picture as well. Lord Akito could alter from angry and thunderous to becoming curious and content. No, Yuki could never recall seeing Akito as 'happy' or 'cheerful.' But he made his face appeared that way to get his way. He always had some kind of trick to get things his way.

And Yuki didn't want to think of it, but it was true. Akito always got his way. He always got what he wanted. That was why Yuki had to be careful.

"A mortal?" Akito questioned peculiarly, rubbing his chin as though he were trying to solve an impossible math equation. "There's a mortal in my castle? My, I'm terrified of such a thing." He leaned towards Yuki. "You didn't happen to find any others?"

Kyo was the one who budged in. "No."

Yuki wanted to punch the cat leader straight in the face. Maybe get a black eye out of him possibly. "Stupid cat I told him not to say anything!"

Akito still held his interest mode in place. "I see… You and Yuki both saw this mortal? Is the mortal still running free Kyo? And why were you two both in the same hall, hm? Did you not hear my orders clearly, cat leader?

Lord Akito would never accuse Yuki over Kyo, so Yuki wasn't really surprised. But it wasn't his intentions to let Kyo explain anything; doing that would surely destroy everything. Yuki had to help someone at least. Others were always helping him, at least if he could recall giving him food and a roof. He never really knew when he helped someone before. He would always assure a person or at least give them comfort that he would somehow aid their issues or assist them in some kind of way, but no matter what he could never really remember doing anything for anyone. Yuki didn't like that feeling. Everyone in the world had to facilitate someone in someway. He was the only one who had never helped a living soul in his life. It made him feel…useless.

But Kyo was smart enough to stay quiet, or it was that he didn't want to answer at all. Whatever the reason, it gave Yuki the perfect chance to answer. "The mortal is in Lord Haru's care. No one knows about the mortal except for a few rat Zodiacs, Lord Haru, Lord Kyo and I."

Kyo cast a livid yet shaken glare at Yuki.

"Don't slip up now Kyo," thought Yuki, slowly gritting his fist. He somewhat forgotten the fact that Kyo didn't know that some other Zodiacs knew of Tohru's existence in the castle.

"Why does he know?" queried Akito questionably, staring at the cat leader once again. "Was it necessary to report this discovery to the likes of him?"

Yuki was expecting a backfire from Kyo, but he remained under control. Surprising. Yuki cleared his throat. "The mortal… She's—."

"A girl?" Akito's eyes widened even more. "Very interesting. We have a female mortal under our noses." He closed his eyes for a moment, but once opening them he appeared as though he needed a twenty-four hour sleep. "Well, one mortal is just a mortal." He sighed, rolling his neck around as a sudden 'pop' echoed in Yuki's ears. "Not that it would make a difference, right?" He gestured his hand as though he were swatting a fly away. "Kill the girl."

Yuki didn't have to look at Kyo to know that his eyes were now on fire. It was now or never. "Lord Akito, the girl is the princess of Mortal Castle." He paused once seeing the Lord's reaction. "I remember seeing her with Yishanu and he would always refer to her as his daughter or princess. The same with some of her friends that sometimes walked pass my penitentiary." Now that was stupid to say. Lord Akito surely knew that Yuki wasn't treated as a 'hostage.'

Lord Akito continued to eye the rat leader. In return, Yuki waited for the Lord to answer. It was so hard keeping a straight face in front of the Lord. There were things in the past that Yuki didn't want to think about; things involving the Lord and he himself. That was too much to comprehend with a situation such as this. Too many things were being thrown at Yuki all too soon. He was just one man after all; what more could he possibly get himself in? But what about the cat leader? He was probably having it tougher then anyone else. But that was just an assumption.

"The Princess of Mortal Castle…" mumbled Akito to himself. The twinkle in Akito's eyes started to stab Yuki's back, but he continued to keep his shoulder squared. Kyo looked as though he were going to pounce on the Lord. It was just amazing how Kyo controlled his temper. He wasn't the type who would usually compose himself as the mature man.

"Kill her."

"BUT SHE'S THE—!"

"Lord Akito she's the Princess of Mortal Castle," interrupted Yuki, raising his voice so that he could overtake Kyo's tone. Yuki seemed to be expecting too many things from Kyo, but now Kyo didn't fight back to say what was on his mind. He was seriously dedicated with saving Tohru Honda's life.

"Exactly," said Akito. "By killing her, the King will be outraged and he would immediately come back here. It's the easiest way to lure him and his army here."

Now that was a tough fact to fight against. "How does he think of these things?"

"My, why are the two of you so down all of the sudden?" asked Akito, doing his usual 'cock the head' move again. He then made a wicked grin. "Do you not want me to kill the Princess of Mortal Castle?"

Again, it was now or never. "She saved my life, and for that I have to repay her somehow."

Yuki was looking at the ground, not able to collect himself. The rat leader didn't want to know what Akito was thinking at the moment. He didn't want to know what Lord Akito was going to say nor did he want to see the expression on his face. What other reasons could he say for keeping Tohru Honda alive? He didn't know anything that would make Akito change his mind; making Lord Akito change his orders was pretty difficult.

"You believe that Zodiacs have to keep their dying word and pay back?"

Did Yuki fail to help another? More importantly, save another?

"She has Jin's bracelet."

Yuki's eyes landed straight at the cat leader who was glaring intensely at Lord Akito. The Lord didn't bother to look at the rat leader anymore as he exchanged his dark violet eyes to Kyo. They were both connected in their own visions now. Did Yuki hear correctly? Jin? That Jin? Yuki was no expert, but just like everyone else in Zodiac Castle everyone knew what the word 'Jin' meant. No on in Zodiac Castle named a child Jin because of the mysteries of Jin that very few people know in real life. More surprisingly this Jin thing only started at least seventeen years ago. Well, after two more months it would be eighteen years. But so much has gone around lately…

"Are you trying to fool with me again, monster?" queried Akito. Irritation yet a huge desire of answers were easily seen through his face.

Kyo narrowed his brows. "No."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah… Yes."

Akito folded his arms and leaned more pressure against his right leg, sticking his hip out almost as if he were a pissed off girl who's boyfriend just said something rude—that was a weird analogy for the Lord. Yuki was somewhat out of the conversation, but he took the moment to peer behind himself, curious about what was going on outside of the 'little conversation.' Hoto was no where to be seen, but Nukardo was still in the same group. Yuki felt exactly like ice when the Ice Dragon's eyes scanned Yuki. But still, nothing really changed for the past ten…fifteen… How long was it since he and Kyo came out here anyway? How was Tohru doing at the moment? Was Hatsuharu keeping his word about watching her? He could have a bad temper, but he was a reasonable guy who would never disobey his friends. How could Yuki think of such a disgraceful thing about his friend? He could rely on Hatsuharu.

"She stays alive," ordered Akito. He glared at the ground for a moment before looking up at Yuki. "Does she have Jin's bracelet."

Even if he didn't know, Yuki didn't waste anytime to think. "Yes, she does."

"I see." Akito looked behind himself, seeing the closed entrance gate that led to the wasteland. Then he looked at Yuki once again. "The girl will go to Zodiac Castle, away from here. The Zodiacs are going to set up traps and other necessary things for this castle. Even without killing the girl, they'll come back eventually. One of them is bound to find out that their beloved princess is gone."

Stay at Zodiac Castle? Was this supposed to be some kind of joke? She's a mortal for God's sake! Though Yuki couldn't exactly fight back the fact that Princess Tohru Honda was already in a castle filled with people who could change into animals that were part of the Chinese Zodiac; the Juunishi. But it almost seemed as though Akito was trying to protect Tohru, but that was far from what Lord Akito was thinking. Bragging that the Princess was held captive at Zodiac Castle would have brought uproar to all the mortals, making it easier to drawing them all into their own castle. And whatever Akito had mentioned about setting up traps and other things for the castle would then be used once they came. How in the world did Akito think of such an idea in so little time?

"Are you sure?" questioned Yuki, but he almost choked when he noticed Kyo's gaping mouth. Heeling him on the foot shot up his mouth.

"Are you questioning my orders?"

"No, but…" Yuki felt ridiculous. "How will we get here there? Who's going?"

"That was what I was thinking," mumbled Akito, looking at his fingers. "There are no Zodiac warriors at Zodiac Castle; they are all here." He cracked his fingers while looking up at the two teenage boys, ignoring his long black bangs. "The leaders would be the best choice for going back to the castle."

"All the twelve leaders?"

"I have all I need, unless you don't want her to live."

Yuki cleared his throat. "I understand. But why the leaders?" Now he wanted to gag. He shouldn't have asked that!

"The mortals might be planning on traveling to our side by sea…" Akito shrugged his shoulder. "Though then they have to pass through all the other simple daily Zodiacs before arriving at the castle, but it would be safe. More importantly, since the leaders are there they will be able to control the other Zodiac servants."

That's right. Only Yuki could control the rats. Only Kyo could control the cats. The rest; same. "I see. Do we walk there?"

Akito made a simple smile. "It would be good if Jekou could go back there too, eh? I suppose he can give you a lift."

Kyo's eyes were now gaping. "…He's going to fly us there?" Was it just Yuki, or did that sound like some kind of ridiculous joke?

"Unless you feel like walking." He didn't bother to hide his disgusted face. "Yuki, go tell all the leaders about their departure." He paused. "Tell them to bring two warriors of the same Zodiac sign. I'm thinking that it'll bring them more security and comfort."

Yuki felt as though he was going to bow down straight at Lord Akito's feet, but he wasn't crazy to do something like that. More significantly it felt as though Lord Akito had just turned into the nice guy. Sure, it was a tough battle to convince Akito this odd request, but nevertheless he took it. If Akito was just prying about the girl possessing the bracelet or that his plan about luring the mortals into their own home, whatever convinced him to agree with Yuki must have been some kind of blessing from God.

So there was another God.

"Okay."

Yuki had to grab Kyo's arm and turn him around since he was just too surprised to make a single movement. Yuki was shocked as well, but wasting time by gaping at the Lord wasn't going to improve anything. The faster things went the better. Only after the first five minutes when Tohru was discovered, she was almost killed by a snake Zodiac. That was completely outrageous!

"Kyo," interrupted Akito's voice. Both the teens turned their heads. "Kyo, you stay here for a moment. I want to speak with you first. Yuki, inform the leaders."

It took Yuki a moment to compose himself before he gave a nod, and after giving Kyo a final stare, he left his side and went into the castle, ignoring all the different shades of eyes that couldn't help but question the rat leader's strange 'secret conversation.' But Yuki didn't care about that at all. He actually saved a life. Well, not without the help of Kyo and he couldn't be positively sure, but he knew that he made progress with completing his goal. For the first time, he had actually helped someone. More importantly, he rescued a soul that didn't deserve to be killed. If it weren't for him, Tohru Honda wouldn't be alive. He saved a life.

But why did he still feel so useless?

Front Entrance

Kyo lingered over to Akito, irritated that Akito was still using his cunning grin to hide all of his emotions behind his faced mask. Kyo hated Lord Akito with all of his guts. Even if he agreed about letting the Princess of Mortal Castle live, that wouldn't change anything about Kyo's 'relationship' with his Lord. He was still the same man Kyo knew ever since he met his dark violet eyes. Those dark violet eyes hid more then just something to stare at. Just by looking at them could send you physical pain.

And Kyo had surely experienced those pains.

Approaching Akito, but making sure that his distance was far apart, Kyo crossed his arms. He had to make his guess as minor as possible. "You don't want me to go."

"Oh, of course you're still going back," assured Akito. "You are the cat leader after all. But still…" His grin disappeared. "I've heard plenty of things about you and the Princess of Mortal Castle. Where I received my information, well, you should know better."

Kyo narrowed his eyes. "What are you telling me?"

Akito sauntered closer to Kyo and wrapped his skinny arm over Kyo's shoulders. Anyone who would have committed a move such as that would have been sent to Hell, but Kyo remained still as Akito's breath tickled Kyo's ear.

Kyo knew that his Lord was grinning. "Kyo, meet me here in ten minutes. I need to get some things arranged."

Kyo wanted to question Akito about what he meant, but the Lord released Kyo from his grasp as he left his side. Kyo didn't bother to turn around. He just wanted to jump into some kind of pool or a bathtub and get all the germs of Akito off of him. It felt so repulsing to have Akito's touch on him, almost as if some kind of electric shock was sizzling all over his body. He didn't like it at all. But still, what was Lord Akito going to do? Was he going to inform all the other Zodiacs about their leader's departure? It was probably Jekou. Jekou was the one taking him and everyone else back to Zodiac Castle.

"I never rode on a dragon's back before," thought Kyo to himself.

He decided to turn around and go back inside the castle. Maybe it would be good to go into Tohru's room to make sure that she was all right. But then Kyo wouldn't have time to run back downstairs and go out into the front to see what Akito wanted with Kyo. He was desperate to see her; yes he had to admit that. He missed her smile, her laughter, her beautiful eyes that would always glittered whenever she stared at him. He missed everything about her, about his stay at Mortal Castle…

Kyo narrowed his brows. What was Akito doing talking to Hatori?

DONE! DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE! AND DON'T SHOUT AT ME BECAUSE KYO IS ACTUALLY IN HERE! ALL RIGHT! takes a deep breath Okay… Well I only have 2 more months of school before I graduate and become a pure freshman and go to high school! Maybe about 2 or 3 more months until I move to GA all the way! 2 or 3 more months until I get my braces off! 2 more months until going to Great America! Damn so many things are happening to me… But then I have to leave my friends behind, go somewhere where I'm not even familiar with, leave my bf… Things are difficult yet exciting. I'm just hoping that I'll make the promotion speech thing. Well I have to go now I MUST listen to my MP3 I love music. BYE and see all of you later in the next chapter! (And you know me… You can go on a 2 month vacation for all I care but chapter 8 will probably not be updated ha ha).

DarkKyo