Guess whose back to writing? Angie at your service ). Well…I suppose a lot of you are mad at me…hm. And I admit I really don't have any excuses this time as to why my absences have been SUCH an issue. Though I can't say that I will stay dedicated to writing, it's just that as of now I have a huge urge to just type some more. It's really call laziness that's developed into me. Actually the reason why I think I'm writing is because I found out my boyfriend writes too haha.

Also I've have been through a lot of difficulties as well. I just move to Georgia (all the way from California) and I just started high school. My boyfriend is still in California… Long distant relationship in fact. So yeah…

So I guess writing will release all my thoughts. I should stop blabbing and start writing huh? So sorry for wasting your time, and now here is chapter 8! I just hope my writing style hasn't changed too much…

And sorry if you all had to go back to chapter 7 to freshen up your memory. Haha…

Chapter 8 "Exodus"

Eyes pinned to the floor, the rat leader summarily walked through the hallways and up the stairs without becoming distracted by any of the warriors who, for some reason, kept eyeing him as though he were a huge prey for the world. The hallways were filled with chattering and a couple of shouts, but Lord Yuki was stuck in his own trance to block out everything in the world from his own.

His feet moved in a swift like motion up the final stair case that formed a spiral, descending higher and higher that lead into the uppermost tower; where the princess's room was located. Yuki remembered walking up these stairs during the three months he remained incarcerated in this fortress. Though he didn't always come up here, the sight was a familiar image to him and it was easy to envision every single feature in this room for him in his head. It almost seemed as though he had been living in this recognizable hallucination for his whole life.

Yuki couldn't deny it though. His heart was beating faster then it should have been and he couldn't do anything about it except prolong to hear its echoes throughout his whole entire body. Riding on the back of a dragon? Thousands of feet above the air and the only savior you really had was the dragon itself? Which dragon was he going to be partnered with? Lord Hatori was, of course, going. And as Lord Akito had requested—more likely ordered—two of the same Zodiacs must be accompanied as well to control the whole Zodiac Castle. How was it that Lord Yuki was fluky enough to convince Lord Akito such a privilege?

"Everything is still a mess," thought the rat leader.

Coming with a feeling that he was just doing a customary wanderlust, Yuki found himself on the princess's floor, but nothing related to being relieved swept across his fragile face this time. Approaching Tohru's bedroom door, he gave a single knock and without even waiting for an answer he opened the door.

Nothing seemed to be any different except that Tohru was awake, sitting inaudibly on the bed as the light creaking din of the chair Lord Hatsuharu remained sitting on squeaked continuously. Tohru's pale skin still somehow dazzled within the room as her posture remained far from sorrow. The shadows that once reflected against the clean wooden walls disappeared as now a bright sunlight shined into the room.

Tohru's bright sapphire eyes came piercing into Yuki as she gaped at him, her lips stuttering to find the exact words to say as she tried using her hands to engulf the terms.

"Lor-lord Yuki!" cried out Tohru blissfully, not having the slightest fear in her throat as her aura penetrated the room drastically.

Yuki couldn't help but break out a small smile as he slightly closed the door behind him. "It's nice to see you again Princess Honda-san."

How true those words were.

Tohru immediately dashed straight towards Yuki. Yuki's heart began to speed again, afraid that the princess would turn him into a rat, but instead Tohru only stood a few inches away from his body as her mouth became a fast tune song that didn't seem to have an ending, rambling on and on. How delighted Yuki felt, seeing that someone appeared so excited and grateful to see him. Being greeted this way wasn't something he was use to, but now that he thought about it, he enjoyed this. But it wasn't a really finicky feeling that whatever Tohru was saying was going through one ear; however it came out the other ear. All Yuki couldn't think was…

Yuki couldn't think of anything actually.

Yuki finally noticed Hatsuharu standing up from his chair, raising a brow, questioning silently, "What's going on?"

Yuki quickly nodded and looked back at the princess, settling her down as he placed his hands on her shoulder. "Hold on for one moment, all right?"

Tohru nodded her head rapidly, watching Yuki give her his last smile before sauntering over to Hatsuharu.

Hatsuharu purposely turned both of their backs to the princess. "Well?"

Yuki sighed. "We're heading back to Zodiac Castle." He whispered, though he held out his breath so that he could continue on. "Not all of us. Just the leaders. Plus the leaders need to choose two of their clans to come along with us as well." When Hatsuharu didn't bother to answer, Yuki cleared his throat. "Can you do me a favor?"

He nodded lightly.

"Go inform all the leaders what I just told you. I…" He tried to gesture his eyes over to the princess without making it obvious. "…want to get her away from Lord Akito as much as possible. I'll explain everything later."

Before Yuki ended the conversation, he was drawn back by the ox. "Are you sure this isn't some kind of 'attraction' thing the rat leader is having? No feelings whatsoever for little miss princess over there?"

The rat leader pathetically looked away. "Trust me. A life for a life is all I'm thinking about." He opened the door and motioned Lord Hatsuharu to leave, keeping a sincere face. "Go on. We got to get going. Tell everyone to meet at the front corridor."

Hatsuharu merely waved himself off as he closed the door shut.

The door not fully shutting, Yuki closed it with his foot while groaning. "Everything is just a huge disarray."

With a final shudder in his eye, he placed up his usual content mask and turned around, seeing Tohru with her face as bright as the sun glistening at Yuki. How long has it been since he's seen her? Two to three whole months? It didn't exactly seem that long, but still to the rat leader, it seemed to be decades since laying eyes upon the girl who saved his life. Yes, a mortal girl as well.

Yuki could easily tell the eagerness in Tohru's eyes. With a gulp, he spoke quietly, "You want to hug me, don't you?"

Lord Yuki knew he read into Tohru's mind as she slightly blushed, but still she shook her head rapidly. "No-no it's okay! It's just—well to be here now I---Lord Yuki is here and…" She shrugged innocently.

The rat leader chuckled as he strolled towards Tohru's bed, sitting virtually on the edge. "Indeed Lord Yuki is here." He traveled his iris eyes over to Tohru and made a small, cheerless grin. "I need to talk to you about something Princess Honda-san."

"…Okay!"

Yuki watched as Tohru slowly yet eagerly sat next to him, her bundles of brown hair dangling all around her face. She must have been scared out of her mind, Yuki thought. Though the princess was probably trying her best to make him seem as though she were brave enough to keep everything inside, the rat leader could see through her. Her skin was whiter then the snow that always covered the whole entire training area back at Zodiac Castle like a warm snuggly blanket and her hands were faintly shivering, just like something kept incessantly poking her. But just seeing joy in her orbs; that really stabbed Yuki's heart. Was it that just taking sight of Yuki took away her fears?

No. That couldn't be the reason.

Now, how to report this little 'adjustment' to the princess… As the seconds went by, Yuki's heart continued to shatter piece by piece. How could such a simple girl like Tohru wind up in this kind of position? More importantly, why? What has she done to deserve this kind of punishment? Being stuck in this whole war that, to Yuki, didn't seem important anymore. Now that he thought about it, it would be better if Tohru's life would just be taken away from this whole mess; join the Heaven's and praise everyone on Earth for their health and protection and happiness. It wasn't right to have Tohru in this position. Death seemed like a suitable answer for her.

"But I need her," thought Yuki as he ran his fingers through his hair. He looked up at Tohru, her curious face piercing every nerve in his body. "I want you to listen carefully, okay?"

The princess nodded, a small nudge from her smile.

Yuki started fidgeting with his somewhat long nails, but then he shook his head and looked up at the princess. To be strong, one must look into the eyes of another. Only that will steady any nervousness.

"But how do I start… It's a little difficult to say really." But before he could let Tohru speak, he held up his hand to stop her. "It's just…" Something sped through his mind in an instant. "Princess Honda-san…where have all the mortals gone to?"

Tohru's face dropped a tab; however she continued to stare at Yuki as he waited patiently for an answer. Where have all the mortals gone to? In such a big castle, sure, there were possibly a few hiding places that would have taken awhile before any of the Zodiacs could point one out. But all of them gone? Impossible! How can thousands and thousands of mortals simply…vanish in less then an hour? An hour by God! Someone just performed a damn Houdini against all of them.

And yet Princess Tohru Honda had to be the one left behind? Why her? Out of all people…

Yuki noticed the uncertainty Tohru was struggling with as she constantly kept looking around the room, trying to find an answer.

"She doesn't want to answer…" thought Yuki. "Pretend I didn't ask that question."

Tohru swiftly looked back at Yuki, guilt shoved straight at her. The rat leader couldn't handle this anymore. He was only causing her more complicatedness and pain just by staying here.

"I'm sorry," Tohru said with culpability.

"Princess Honda-san." He slightly fluttered his eyes, clearing his mind and putting together his thoughts correctly. "I need you to stay by my side the whole time. You're…going to come with me back to Zodiac Castle."

Yuki received the look he knew would come eventually. Perplexity from the princess filled the room. Tohru had a very small half open smile, her head cocked to the right as though something was pressuring her shoulder. Yuki continuously stroke his pale silver hair back, trying to distract himself with something besides waiting for Tohru to comprehend his orders. As of now, Tohru was in deep trouble, no matter what happened. If she remained here, she would be dead in less then twenty four hours. If Yuki continued to try and hide her, most likely her whereabouts would be discover since she had presented herself in front of some of Yuki's kind.

If she went with Yuki to Zodiac Castle, not only will her death might be cause from some random Zodiac, but her people would be in grave danger too.

"What have I done to be in this kind of situation?" Yuki thought sternly.

His whole entire body froze when he heard a few chattering from outside the door. He didn't have to take a glimpse at Tohru to see what she was doing. Yuki knew for a fact that Tohru was more frightened then he himself. The two of them eyed the door worriedly; anxious that someone would randomly open the door and see the human speaking with the rat leader. Yuki couldn't get up and just lock the door, for whoever was on the other side would be able to hear the door being locked. And that would only draw more awareness to the room.

Thankfully, the babbling and loud footsteps of worn out boots fainted as the rat leader's heart slowly settled, retaining its normal beat; a fast pace.

He looked back at Tohru at once. "Princess Honda-san we really need to go. I don't have time to explain."

"Zodiac Castle?"

Yuki was a bit taken back with Tohru's immediate answer. He nodded gravely. "Yes. I need you to come with me." He thought for a moment. "It's…the only way to keep you alive. You shouldn't have said that Yuki!"

Yuki wanted to rush out of here as soon as possible. The longer he remained here, though this was his belief, the more likely Lord Akito would simply modify his mind and command the death of the princess without delay. Yuki had already completed one of his tasks and that was to fully confirm that Tohru's life was in safe hands; Yuki's hands. Yuki was truly going to save Tohru's life. He was going to save a person's life. Just that notion… It made Yuki feel like he was the man of the world. Save…

"No. I didn't save her." Yuki studied the structure of Tohru's face. "I wasn't the one who did. It—."

"Ar-are you sure Lord Yuki?" asked Tohru a bit too quietly. She cleared her throat. "I mean, are you sure it's…okay if I went?"

Yuki made a sincere smile and nodded once again. "I'm sure. But we need to go out to the corridors now. You don't need to bring anything; there will be necessary supplies back at home…er, Zodiac Castle. Stupid Yuki. Don't make it seem like Princess Honda-san was going to live at Zodiac Castle forever."

Yuki stood up and offered his hand. "I'm not going to force you if you don't want to. But you have to. Please. I'll protect you." He smiled faintly.

Why did it seem like Tohru would rather die then go to Zodiac Castle?

The rat leader watched the princess waver as she took a last glimpse around the room. Of course this was such a thorny selection for her, so Yuki wasn't going to pressure her. But each and every second mattered in this kind of state of affairs.

Yuki felt the cold yet smooth skin of Tohru's hand against his own.

Holding Tohru's arm with a tight yet relaxed grip, Yuki tenderly pulled her through the castle, wanting to get out of this place as soon as possible. Every single living person in the fortress kept their unique eyes upon the princess and the rat leader, murmuring such tainted language in shock. Everybody froze from their jobs and watched Lord Yuki escort…a mortal throughout the castle. A plain modest mortal! So many of the Zodiacs just didn't have the urge to pull out their weapon nor could they just disregard the attendance of the princess and the rat.

Yuki composed his face as he directed his eyes to remain in control; only staring what was in front of him and making sure the sides of his eyes were blacked out. He knew many of the Zodiacs were gazing upon them, mostly the princess. Yuki didn't want to look around his surroundings; that would only trigger the Zodiacs to rapidly come up to them and ask meaningless questions and accusations. He heard a few snickering, but Yuki couldn't essentially detect where it was coming from.

"Just overlook them all." Yuki took a nippy glance at Tohru, making sure she was in good hands. Her eyes incessantly wandered all over the place, but mostly at the crimson rug.

"Dammit," thought Yuki. He didn't want so much awareness at Tohru.

"I heard that there was a mortal in here." Yuki's eyes flickered, but he didn't dare to turn around and see who spoke those words. He shook his head while grabbing the railing of the diminutive staircase, waiting for Tohru to stand by his side as they both scampered down the steps, Tohru walking more leisurely.

Yuki leaned towards Tohru slowly. "It's all right Princess Honda-san. We just need to hurry, okay?" He loosened his grip against Tohru, trying to show her that he was no harm to her at all. "But I'm a Zodiac. Can she believe me?"

Mortals. Zodiacs. Such a misunderstanding.

Taking a little swallow, Tohru nodded and tried to crack a smile. "Okay."

It took Lord Yuki a moment before he could detach his violet orbs away from the princess's as he turned a corner, leading to the next and first hallway where tons of more Zodiacs came into the view of both he and the girl he wanted to protect oh so dearly. Yuki felt Tohru stiffen a bit, but her pace didn't steady as this gave Yuki permission to proceed on. It was so odd; this kind of state of affairs. In the beginning, Lord Yuki, the rat leader, was the one who was known as an outsider in Mortal Castle. But now… Princess Tohru Honda was the one being neglected; shunned. In her own home as well. Their role of positions altered.

Right away a few bored colorful eyes took a quick glimpse at Yuki, but right when they went back to their business, they stared back at the two of them once again, noticing that Lord Yuki wasn't unaided. However, they didn't seem disclosure like the other Zodiacs back upstairs. That was probably because they have heard of the news by passing by Zodiacs. Yuki noticed a few huddled in a group, whispering things that were probably nonsense as they kept pointing at the princess who was close to grasping Yuki's whole entire arm.

He felt Tohru stumble a bit as she almost brought him down with her, but gratefully she still regained her step. "We're almost outside."

She just nodded.

Thankfully, Yuki spotted a familiar black and white haired person strolling over towards them, hands jammed easily into his pockets as he swept some of his bangs away from his smoky eyes. Yuki made a relieve smile as Lord Hatsuharu gave a sluggish nod to the princess. The rat leader didn't sneak a peak to see how Princess Tohru responded to Haru's greeting, but one thing he knew for sure; Yuki didn't have to worry about the liaison between Haru and Tohru. Things would probably be tolerable for them.

"How's the situation?" Yuki asked, feeling dozens of eyes gawking at him.

"It's pretty swell I guess." Haru shrugged and looked behind himself. "Almost all of the leaders are outside with their two chosen kind. I haven't seen Lord Hatori or Lord Kyo yet."

Yuki's body jumped when he felt a huge sudden movement from Tohru. He adverted his eyes onto the princess as he saw her gazing off into the middle of no where, not even taking the slightest blink. She appeared to be like a statue. A statue…

"Is it one of her visions again?"

He saw Hatsuharu's gloved a hand on the princess's shoulder as he slightly shook her. Tohru started blinking rapidly as she stared at the ox leader.

"Are you all right Princess?" questioned Hatsuharu kindly yet jadedly.

Tohru nodded slowly, however she was still looking off into the aloofness. Yuki's orbs were still roaming around her features, seeing that she was whiter then ever. Dear lord, how did her skin become so pale and cold all of the sudden?

"Lord Kyo… We should get going now—."

"Kyo-kun is here?" questioned Tohru out of the blue, eyes so mystified yet electrifying.

"Yeah, I just don't know where he is really…" Hatsuharu raised a curious brow. "But you'll probably see him later on today or something."

Yuki wanted to laugh. "I knew it."

Lord Hatsuharu remained by the rat leader's side as they started heading towards the open front doors, the outside light peering straight into them as Yuki felt a good sensation wandering around his body; the warmness hugging him deeply. It was much warmer down here then upstairs; it seemed like Yuki hadn't been in the sun in such a long time. The only thing that was ruining his moment was the numerous eyes around the place who just didn't know how to mind their own business. Yuki started to wonder how many blindfolds he needed to cover all of these damn eyes.

Everything outside didn't seem to be dissimilar. Yuki imagined a little shuffle between all the Zodiacs since the departure of some few would be taking off. Looking towards his left, he did see huge piles of weapons being stacked upon one another; numerous daggers and other short length spheres such as juttes and wakizashis. There were even a few strange shape items that weren't familiar with the rat leader either. Lord Yuki had been a 'prisoner' in this castle for around three months and yet he didn't even think about the weapons the mortals kept. Where were all these artilleries hidden?

A somewhat small tiger quickly pranced by his side as he heard a light squeak from the princess, feeling her fingers clenching the tight wrap sleeve on Yuki's arm. The rat leader looked behind himself and frowned when he saw a fairly large tiger baring its teeth just for the princess. It closed its chops swiftly once noticing Yuki's severe glare as it then gave Yuki a cold shoulder, gradually striding away without a show of guilt. The princess was, after all, a mortal.

"It's okay Princess Honda-san," thought Yuki as he noticed Lord Hatsuharu rushing his steps. Yuki looked ahead, noticing a certain group that stood out from the rest.

Before Yuki could even take a step, a figure with jet black hair started to dash away from the group until he slipped himself through the tough, thick forest green bushes. Many of the Zodiacs paid no heed towards what was happening between all of the Zodiac leaders. Yuki spotted his brother merely laughing along with the dog leader, Lord Shigure. Dear Lord. Yuki did not want Princess Tohru Honda to know the presence of his brother. Heavens no. And then he noticed the horse leader merely tapping her foot with impatience, ignoring her hair flowing in front of her delicate face.

Immediately a penetrating glow erupted outside of the inner 'use-to-be' Mortal Castle as Yuki remained standing away from the rest of the group, concentrating on the comfort of the princess. Yuki was practically her body guard now. The glow beyond the huge bushes surrounding the castle flashed different colors of ice blue and the snowy white clouds until a massive beast erupted from the ground, floating into the sky leisurely. The rat leader lingered his vision over to the princess as he watched the different emotions running around her face. He went back to looking around his surroundings, noticing that all the Zodiacs didn't even care about what was happening. It was normal to him, after all.

The icy dragon carefully landed back onto the ground, giving the impression that he was ready to go.

Lord Akito's voice caught Yuki's attention as he gave Tohru a light tug, indicating her to follow. "All right." Akito's eyes studied the leaders who were present. "Dog, tiger, snake, boar and horse. Go with Lord Nukardo." He took a last study before raising his brows. "Hurry up."

Yuki was finally with the group as he watched the chosen Zodiacs leaving with their two companions into the bushes, making their way through to the outside layer. The rat leader felt thankful when he saw his brother walking away with Shigure cheerfully, not knowing the whereabouts of Yuki. At least Yuki didn't have to deal with him while coming home. Now that would cause such a huge headache.

He noticed the remaining Zodiacs taking fast glances at Tohru, not wanting to be obvious that they were accompanied by a mortal who just happened to be the princess of their enemies. Sure, she was just a princess to someone. But she's part of the kind that killed Zodiacs. Even if she never harmed a Zodiac in her life, she was still part of the ones who did. The Zodiacs saw all mortals as monstrous creature who just couldn't accept the fact that maybe they—as in the mortals—weren't the normal ones.

A dagger stung into Yuki's chest as he noticed Akito grinning at Tohru. "So this is the infamous princess I have heard so much about."

Tohru looked into the eyes of Lord Akito rapidly, her face dead as she tried to crack a brave smile. "It-it's nice to-to meet you…um…"

Akito studied Tohru lazily, ignoring everyone around him. Yuki didn't like Akito's eyes on her at all. No, it wasn't because of jealousy. Nobody ever knew what was running through Akito's head, and who knew what was running through his head now? Lord Yuki had no idea how Akito thought of her. He never really showed any emotions whenever Tohru's name was mentioned. But one thing Yuki did know; to Akito, Tohru was trouble towards his kind. That was why Yuki was still stunned by Lord Akito's decision to let Tohru leave the castle. To leave and be protected!

Lord Akito was planning something.

Akito gave a surprising calm smile. "Such a beauty for a princess."

Tohru gaped for a moment until a massive blush overwhelmed her delicate face. "I-I'm um…"

"And so endearing as well," Akito added with a chuckle.

Right away a huge shadow covered everyone as they all looked up to see the aqua dragon, Nukardo, departing from the Mortal Land. Yuki could see the Zodiacs on top of it, clenching onto the soft dark bluish hair for support. Just watching the Zodiacs hanging on gave a little fright to the rat leader. Was it safe for them to ride on a dragon? Of course not! But it was the only way to get back to Zodiac Castle in such a short amount of time. But the more he thought about being hundreds of feet from the air and flying through the skies at a massive speed; someone kill him.

Lord Yuki clenched his fists as he watched Akito muttering something to the buzz cut crimson head, Hoto. Was he going to be coming back to Zodiac Castle as well? Yuki understood the relationship between Hoto and Kyo. It was, however, a bit complicated to actually describe everything that occurred during their years together. If Yuki didn't know better, he would have assumed that their relationship was much worst then he and Kyo. Now that…

Haru nudged Yuki on the rib. "The princess looks as though she's going to collapse."

Yuki raised a brow as he looked down at Tohru, noticing her still gazing at the blue dragon floating away; the sharp, penetrating sparkles surrounding it glittering in the bright sky blue sky. Why in Heaven's name do they have to go back on the back of a dragon? As of now, Yuki really wished that they could have walked. Yet again, that wouldn't be such a superior idea. Having Zodiacs, who knew more combat then hundred's of Tohru's put together, free to be in contact with the princess for possibly a day or two, Yuki would not take the chance.

A thought hit Yuki's head. "Did you choose anybody from the rat clan to come with us?" Yuki looked around, not being familiar with any of the Zodiacs around him.

Hatsuharu merely ignored Yuki as the rat leader glared thunderous daggers at the ox. He looked around quickly, hoping to find any rat Zodiacs in sight. Goddamn that Lord Haru. Yuki could never know when Hatsuharu was serious about his decisions or thoughts. That was something he could always remember Haru by. "Rat 108, 222!"

Two wondrous heads by the tower of mortal weapons spotted Yuki and rushed over to him, both of them asking 'what?' "You're coming back with me to Zodiac Castle." This would have to do, thanks to the all mighty Lord Hatsuharu.

Both of the men rat Zodiacs nodded quite rapidly, both looking at each other with a hidden expression.

The bright flash, similar to the blue one Nukardo, the dragon Zodiac, created, glistened a dark red shade as it peered through the openings of the green bushes, reflecting against Yuki's face. He looked behind himself, taking in the familiar sights of Mortal Castle. A colossal dragon raised its head above the bushes, its chocolate eyes glaring at Tohru with a playful twinkle. Everyone was teasing the princess so much it was starting to make Lord Yuki want to attack his own kind.

Akito didn't keep his eyes away from Yuki. "Rat, ram, ox, monkey, rabbit; go with Lord Hoto."

A strange gut feeling overwhelmed Yuki unexpectedly as he watched the rabbit and the monkey leader lead the way, the ox about to make his way with the ram leader. Yuki looked around hesitantly, his eyes wandering around to each person that he saw, but they somehow kept landing on Akito. Right away, he grasped Haru's arm and incidentally pulled Tohru at the ox leader.

"Um…" He looked behind himself at Akito, seeing him walking away. "Take Princess Honda-san with you. And tell Lord Hoto I'll be there in a second."

Without asking the reason as to why, Haru merely shrugged as he started walking away, assuming Tohru would follow without command too. Yuki took a quick glance at the princess before saying hurriedly, "I'll be right there Princess Honda-san."

Still unsure about her decisions, she slowly nodded her head, taking small steps backwards as her eyes wouldn't leave the sight of Yuki. He didn't want to tear his orbs away from her, but instead he forcefully turned around and rushed over to Akito's side who was muttering something quietly to himself, giving off the impression that he didn't want to be bothered.

"Lord Akito, what—?"

Akito eyed the rat leader dead on, however he still had a small grin. "Rat leader?"

Yuki fumbled with his hands, gathering his words together in his head. "Where's Lord Hatori? Lord Kyo?"

Akito cocked a head and patted Yuki on the shoulder a little too roughly. "And why has someone, such as Lord Yuki, paid heed to two Zodiacs such as them? Mostly, such as the cat?"

Yuki lowered his hands to his side. "I was just curious, Lord Akito…"

Akito brushed him off with his shoulder as he started walking away again. "They'll be at Zodiac Castle later."

Yuki wanted to ask more, but the cold aura Lord Akito gave off kept Yuki away. He watched him strolling around the place, hands folded behind his back. Yuki didn't like the feeling of leaving Akito here. No, it wasn't because of consideration over the fortification or compulsory needs for such a man as him, but the thought of leaving Akito at Mortal Castle was…darkly frightening. He, Lord Yuki, knew for sure that there was more then just taking the princess away from the castle and instead protecting her at Zodiac Castle. Akito would never ever take upon 'protecting' an enemy.

Was he doing the same thing as King Yishanu did? Does Akito want information from Tohru? That must have been the reason. Putting Lord Akito and Princess Tohru in the same room to discuss certain issues; that wouldn't work out at all. Akito wouldn't have the patience to understand Tohru and if Akito didn't get the things he wanted, the only thing that would slowly erupt from him was devastation, antagonism, and cruelty. Or does he want the rat leader to retrieve information from the princess? Or possibly that's why Lord Kyo stayed behind. Was he trying to convince—or possibly bribe—the cat leader to steal information from the princess for, say, protection? But then why leave Hatori behind? To keep an eye out on him incase Kyo tried to do anything…suspicious like?

"What does Akito want?" Yuki bit his lip as he scrambled his way through the bushes, seeing a huge, sparkling red scale leg, its smoky black claws playing with the ground.

He saw everyone aboard on the scarlet dragon, all looking around and a few spotting the rat leader. Yuki felt a bit uncomfortable. Finally, it was time. Yuki looked around hurriedly, not wanting to make himself seem like a confused little boy who didn't know how to do anything. Mercifully he spotted the tail of the dragon lying on the ground, forming a lengthy trail leading to the dragon's back. Pulling himself together and catching a swift glance from a pair of sapphire eyes, the rat leader rushed over to the tail and carefully stepped onto it, grasping the dragon's hair for support. The scales felt like stoned rocks that had been polished twenty four-seven.

Out of no where he felt the gravity pressing down on him as he looked behind himself, seeing the dragon raise its tail slowly. Once it formed a straight line with its whole body, Yuki controlled his balance as he hastily ran over to the body, joining everybody else who sat on the dragon like a regular kind of mammal. Yuki found the princess sitting near Lord Hatsuharu as he made a content smile, approaching them and taking a seat gradually.

Really. This was utterly insane, awkward, gauche, new…

"Lord Hoto we're ready," shouted the rabbit leader, Weive, as Yuki looked behind himself, noticing everybody with unsure hesitation of leaving on the back of a dragon.

Yuki, sitting behind Tohru, looked at the princess. He couldn't see her face, but he knew for sure that she was nervous, scared, confused, but most importantly, lost. Leaning towards her, he whispered, "I'm sorry Princess Honda-san."

Tohru turned around, eyes shaking, but she managed a guilty smile. "Nn…Lord Yuki, its okay. Really." She looked in front of herself where Lord Hatsuharu sat. Yuki heard a shaky giggle. "I…um, I never rode a…"

Yuki chuckled, slowing rubbing her shoulder to soothe her. "Neither have I, princess."

She looked at Yuki again shocked. "Rea—really?"

"We all haven't, so we're as scared as you are." Yuki tightened his grip on Tohru's shoulder as he felt the gravity weighing down on him again, Tohru shrieking as her muscles tightened. He noticed Mortal Castle slowly becoming under his feet as Tohru kept shifting in her seat, not being able to restrain herself.

Even though he almost lost his balance, he reached around Tohru and grasped one of her hands, stroking it with his thumb. A cliché move, but most likely, a comforting move. "Princess Honda-san, look at Mortal Castle."

She was already taking everything from her home with her eyes, watching all the strange hair colored people roaming around her home. The green barrier she created with Kaxa was out of sight now as the infamous 'Guard Graveyard' caught her attention. Tohru knew that Yuki was the creator of that, but she just couldn't find the urge to not forgive him. She forgave him the minute he confided in her. The reason; she had no clue.

Yuki continue to try his best and settle down Tohru. Softly, he said, "You'll see this place again Princess Honda-san. I promise."

Tohru made a quick glance at Yuki, giving him a small, content smile. The rat leader noticed her eyes becoming watery, but he didn't want to make it noticeable to her. Mostly, this was the time where she needed to recollect her thoughts. To accept what has happened. To understand that she was now held captive by the Zodiacs. To learn that things wouldn't necessarily be the same. To completely comprehend the truth that for now, Tohru's surroundings would be his life; Yuki's life; the Zodiac's life.

"There's my balcony!" Though others might have thought that Tohru was excited, Lord Yuki knew she was trying to create that excitement. Not only for others sakes, but for hers as well.

He tried to help Tohru pull off her 'a okay' stunt. "Yes it is."

Yuki's heart skipped a beat when he felt Tohru twine her fingers with his, clenching his tightly. "I'm glad Lord Yuki is here with me."

"The same with me." Yuki felt the dragon turn its course, finally getting itself adjusted to having people on his back.

As it started leaving, Yuki's eyes spotted Lord Akito, accompanied by his son Jekou and…Lord Kyo?

The rat leader didn't have to tell Tohru of Kyo's whereabouts, for right when he studied Tohru, he knew for sure that she was staring directly at him. Her face appeared to be some kind of figurine; unable to even make the slightest twitch out of any face muscle. However, her face wasn't white anymore.

Yuki looked back at the cat leader, seeing him exchanging words with Lord Akito and Jekou on and off as he stood in his usual lazy yet graceful stance. Jekou made a bow directed at Kyo as he looked away annoyingly, only to make his crimson orbs stare directly in Lord Yuki's direction suddenly. Yuki immediately felt anger circulating his bloodstream, imagining steam escaping his skin, though a soft spot inside of him destroyed the steam. However Kyo's eyes crept over to Tohru Honda as Yuki felt her hand lessen it's grip. He secretly looked at her, noticing her gaping her mouth only a bit.

Looking out of the corner of his eyes, Yuki watched as Kyo continued to keep his eyes on the princess, watching her leaving with the dragon off into the sky. Soon enough, it was impossible to even notice anybody at Mortal Castle since the building was as small as a mere rat.

"What is Akito doing…" Yuki looked behind himself, seeing the ram leader, Takeshi, and the monkey leader, Takuto.

Again, I deeply deeply apologize with every strength I have about not updating. Like I said before, it's due to laziness, adjusting to living in Georgia, mostly life I suppose. Things have changed here lately and I'm trying my best to adjust to them. I have to be content if I want to write. As of now, I'm not exactly content, but I'm forcing myself to write since I keep getting reviews questioning me, "What the hell where are you?" It does make me sad. (By the way, I know my writing wasn't very…grand, in this chapter) Mostly, from my point of view, I don't understand why this story, as some of you say, is great. To me, the more I think about it, the more I start to dislike it. That doesn't mean I'm going to delete it. I told one of my reviewers that I would complete this story no matter what and I'm not going to throw that off. So please, if you don't review, I understand. I'm just going to try my best to update as often as possible. I know not updating will affect me with readers and such, but that's my fault of course. What else… Mm… Have a happy New Years everybody! I'm extremely excited for 2007 because I get to visit California again in the summer. That is…only if I passed my biology exams. I don't know if I passed it...but I'll find out on January 10. I guess that's pretty much it. Oh. I'm not that fanatic with Furuba anymore, but still expect me to still write. I'll continue; promise. . Read, review, repeat.

By the way! This is optional, but when I write/read a story, I tend to listen to music that puts a strange mood into me. So when reading my stories (again, my opinion) you can possibly listen to these songs so that you can get a nice mood when reading/writing.

A Beautiful Lie—30 Seconds To Mars (I love this song)

The Kill—30 Seconds To Mars

From Yesterday—30 Seconds To Mars

(Anything from 30 Seconds to Mars. They're my 2nd favorite).

Far Away—Nickleback

Hurt—Christina Aguilera

Ice Box—Omarion

Let Love In—Goo Goo Dolls

Lips of an Angel—Hinder

Your Guardian Angel—The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

I Need A Hero (Forgot actual singer)

Simple Man—Shinedown

(Anything by Stained, but mostly the song "It's Been A While")

Stop Crying Your Heart Out—Oasis

Wherever You Will—The Calling

The Reason—Hoobastank

These Walls—Johnny Orr

You—Switchfoot

All My Life—KCI and JoJo

Crazy—KCI and JoJo

Cannonball—Damien Rice

Chasing Cars—Snow Patrol

Don't Cry—Guns N Roses

This Ain't a Scene, its an Arm's Race—Fall Out Boy (very good song).

Yes, to me, those songs usually soothe me and keep me writing/reading stories haha. Of course, sometimes it would throw me off…but… Anyway, just give those songs a try, especially "A Beautiful Lie." I listen to other songs besides these. The band Avenged Sevenfold? They're my favorite band . M. Shadow is so hot. All right I'll try my best to update more. If you want you can talk to me on myspace and see if I'm writing or not haha. Bye .