Author's Intro:

Wow, I've been typing really fast lately.
A bunch of people were mad at me for not telling them that I was going to Japan. x)

Ah, well. I think that my life is finally becoming a bit better. Some more relationships are being patched up. So that's great.

Sorry for just blabbing about my personal problems…. xD

On to chapter 8!

"Honda-san, can I ask you something?"

"O-of course, Yuki-kun! What is i-it?" Tohru smiled nervously. 'What could Yuki-kun possible want to ask me? Ack! I'm so nervous! I-I hope it's not anything bad!"

"Did you stop to think of the consequences of trading places with Kyo?"

"I-I think so…but what do you mean?"

"Well, what about the rest of the Juunishi? We will miss you! And what about your family? Your grandfather? How will they react? How can we tell them that you will be gone forever?"

'Grandpa……' Tohru thought, remembering her Grandfather's loving smile and warm spiritas he allowed her to live at Shigure's house, and how he had been so compassionate and understanding. The Cat began to cry.

"I-I don't know! I just wanted to help…and try to break the curse….and I thought that I was out of time. I'm sorry.." Tohru sobbed into her hands.'Why can't I ever see the bad things? Why am I so clueless?'

"I'm sorry, Honda-san. I'm sorry for making you think about these things….but you need to realize Akito's plan. He's just using you for his own advantages."

"H-how? I'm s-so sorry, I-I don't s-see it." Yuki shook his head. 'Why this? Why HER?' But he continued.

"By locking you up, he will accomplish the two things that he very possibly wants most at this point. One, to get rid of you, the one thing in his way of him and his "precious Juunishi", and two, to make the Zodiac suffer. He doesn't want us to lead happy lives. That's how he must figure that he keeps us bound to him; by forcing it and leaving scars to keep us in check. Don't you see it? And I don't even want to imagine what he will do to you…" Yuki trailed, head in his hands. "What will we tell all the others?" he finished, muttering softly to himself. "Why can't this all end?"

Tohru stared at her feet. 'Why am I so stupid? I didn't even sense any of that! Why does everyone know these things but me?'

Tohru Honda knew that she couldn't do that to everyone, Sohma or not. What would happen to her family, her friends? Akito WAS doing all this just to make others hurt. And it was all her fault that this happened. Akito probably wouldn't even keep his promise. He wouldn't let Kyo leave without some catch. The girl was finally beginning to notice everything that she had originally looked over.

She would cause pain and suffering in her own ignorance.

AND IT WAS ALL HER FAULT.

Tohru turned and started to run. Not really to avoid the Rat specifically, but just to get away. She couldn't be around anyone. She was afraid to hurt them even more.

She wouldn't run forever; she would come back. But just to keep her promise to her God.

As the girl raced, an image of Kyo flashed into her brain. She blinked back tears; she would miss him so much. As well as everyone else.

The Cat ran through the woods, dodging trees and branches as much as she could. The girl looked back, and saw that Yuki was about two feet away from her. She wouldn't be able to get away.

Tohru Honda looked down at her bone-made bracelet, and made up her mind. She stopped in her tracks, and looked up at the Rat.

"I'm so sorry, Yuki-kun."

Akito slipped on a suit. He was going to Shigure's house.

'Just to…check up on the Cat's health. We'll put it that way for now,' Akito smirked, eyes locked on the car out the window that was to take him to her. The God stepped into his shoes oncehe arrived at his front door; the tatami mats wouldn't be able to take the pressure of footwear.

As he was about to approach the car, the Head heard his name being called. Akito turned.

Hatori.

The doctor was walking swiftly towards him, his dark hair flying. He then stood in front of the man.

"Akito, where are you going?"theLord blinked twice. What kind of question was that? The doctor had never seemed so concerned about his wereabouts before. It was just something he left alone.

"Why do you ask?" the Head replied, looking up at the Dragon. Hatori took a deep breath.

'I need courage right about now, Kami-sama.'

"I-I was just curious if it had something to do with…Tohru Honda."

"I see. Well, it does. Now, get in the car. You may be useful to me," Akito commanded, gesturing towards the vehicle in front of the pair.

"Of course, Akito," Hatori bowed, and slid into the car, followed by the God. 'How will I be of use? What will Akito do? More importantly, what will I do?' Hatori pondered nervously, staring out the window.

It was the start of a quiet ride to the Dog's house.

Author's Closing:

Whoo! Another chapter complete.

I think this one might be a bit short, too. But I won't know until I try to upload it, will I?

Hope you enjoyed it. Everything's starting to happen, now.

I feel sorry for Tohru. An author's cruelness.

'Til the next chapter!

E.