AN:
(Sashenka cries)
This is it then, this is the last chapter. I cant believe it. I've loved writing this story, I've loved every minute of it and I'm really happy that I got so many reviews and so many different readers. Many who have read this story since I began it. Well I hope your not disappointed with this chapter. I must admit, it was extremely hard to edit it because I diddn't want to finish this story, but I had to. (pouts) oh well. Thank you all for reading this and reviewing it. You made me so happy!!!
Sashenka
xxxxxx
P.S. Sorry if this is a bit confusing as well. Sentances that start with -'text' mean that Tohru is having a mental conversation with the cat inside of her.
Thanks again! Happy Reading.
The rain poured.
The wind howled.
The creaking of the trees joined the chorus of death.
It was an appropriate background for the subtle silence that seeped into every corner of the large concrete yard that was bordered by grass. To one side stood a giant tree that Shigure couldn't remember the name of, but it was no matter. His surroundings were of little consequence to him, all he could do was stand in the pouring rain and stare...
Stare, at the two figures that were still and un-moving staring at each other with a burning curiosity. Who would win? Who would loose, and which one would triumph and truly gain the name of Soma.
The cat looked almost primal in the eerie twilight, while the rat looked as cool as Hatori. Kyo had stuck one hand inside his pocket. The clothing he was wearing matched the occasion appropriately. The dark black t-shirt clung to his toned and muscled chest in a way that made even Tohru's head twitch in appreciation. Black combats completed the assembly and the Cat stared at Yuki's choice of clothing.
In short they were normal. A suit that he had seen the rat wear on a daily basis. Yuki was wearing his school uniform. Again the black matching the mood of the contest.
Akito stepped forward and in his hand he held a crimson scarf. Even through the rain Shigure could see it was made of high quality silk. He looked up suddenly as the rain stopped plastering his hair to his head. But instead of sky his eyes met black paper. He looked to the side and smiled in thanks at Momiji for the traditionally style umbrella. Momiji did not smile back. His rounded eyes were narrowed at Akito and an intense disliked seeped from the usually hyper-active boy.
Hatori was stood on the other side of Momiji holding his own umbrella and as Shigure watched, Kagura, Haru and Kisa stepped out into the rain. Their clothing heavy with their drink of water, and their faces pale and set.
"Where's Hiro?" Shigure asked Kisa quietly.
Kisa pointed to the tree nearby and Shigure soon spotted the young boy sitting comfortably in a tree. A small smile on his face. Shigure frowned slightly. Hiro really did dislike Tohru didn't he. But as he looked closer he could see that Hiro's smile was grim and forced.
Turning back he caught Akito tying a blindfold around Yuki's eyes. The official story was that Akito had demanded that Yuki be blindfolded to make the fight against Kyo fair. Of course everyone had laughed, knowing how easily Yuki would beat Kyo even if he was blindfolded. Yuki had looked worried and tense at the suggestion. But he could do nothing but obey.
"Still, this is best" Shigure said out loud "If Yuki knew who he was really fighting I fear he may actually turn against Akito"
"Maybe" Ayame said as he joined them. Standing next to Shigure and putting an arm up on his friends shoulder. "But I have to wonder if Yuki would do that, Akito is a source of great fear for my younger brother and even if the order was given against Tohru I fear he would obey it"
"Tohru has erased most of his fears" Hatori lit a cigarette "As she has done for all here"
"hmm, yes you are right about that" Ayame smiled.
Akito stepped back from Yuki smirking at Kyo and nodding in a small delicate way that belittled the true power he held over them all. Kyo stepped away from his mark and padded quietly over to Tohru. It took a long while for Kyo to talk to her, and words were said that left her deeply flushed. Tohru nodded, kissed him and then took her position. Sliding her foot back she dropped into most basic of defence stances. Yuki stood un-moving.
Shigure dropped his head into his hand. Covering his face wit his palm. Even at the sight of Tohru looking so determined, and Kyo looking so defeated he had to fight to hold back the tears that were making his eyes grow unbearable hot. He had to fight very hard. Where had it all gone so wrong? This morning had started out so well...
"Tohru we're going to be late"
"I know..." Tohru said calmly. Watching the dog with a strange expression. Shigure felt a shiver run up along his back and quickly looked away. "I'll go get changed"
Shigure looked down at her short skirt and t-shirt and nodded, she could hardly fight in that. Walking into the kitchen he looked at Kyo and then Yuki before recoiling in shock.
"No but that dance thing at school was way cheesy, if the school council does anything like that again you need to stop them-"
"Kyo, I'm not the school president its not my job to do that"
"no but everyone likes you so you can get thing you want right?"
"No, not everything"
"yes you do"
"Not all the time...how's Tohru?" Yuki asked.
"She's ok now she not worrying about you. By the way whose picking her up from work on Monday? Me or you?"
As they continued to talk Shigure put a hand to his mouth. They were talking in a civilised manner, they were actually having a conversation where they weren't trying to kill each other. This couldn't be happening, carefully he rubbed his eyes with his hands, blinking, rubbing them and blinking again. Still the images would not disappear. When the stark realisation hit home that he wasn't dreaming he laughed uncontrollably and clung to the door frame for support.
"Shigure?"
"What the hell?"
The two boys looked at him with barely concealed fear. "Oh boy, he's finally cracked" Kyo ran a hand through his fiery orange hair and leant against the side as he folded his arms across his chest. Yuki was looking at Shigure with a meek expression.
"Shigure what's wrong?" Yuki asked.
"Oh nothing!" he waved them off airily. "Say Yuki, we should start walking to the main house. Didn't Hatori say he wanted to give you a check up before...well before everything happened?"
"Yes he did"
"ha-ha, busted" Kyo smirked evilly. "That's what you get for not getting your ass in gear and going to the docs"
"Kyo, shut up"
Kyo just grinned wildly. Shigure gracefully slipped into his shoes and pranced out of the doorway a huge grin still plastered onto his face and his hummed underneath his breath. Yuki was still pulling on a coat as he walked out of the house to meet his older cousin. The walk was somewhat quiet and the sky was rapidly beginning to darken, heavy rain clouds loomed over head and Shigure was still humming.
"Shigure. Would you mind stopping humming?"
"Yes, actually I would" Shigure grinned holding his chin between two fingers, full of feigned thought "why, does it bother you?"
"How can you be in such a good mood today"
"Easily." he grinned again. "Actually I wasn't until I walked into the kitchen. Am I right in thinking that was the very first conversation that you and Kyo have ever had?"
"yes" Yuki said quietly through narrowed eyes.
"So why did you?"
"Cause I met Kyo..." Yuki said slowly
"eh?"
"When Akito cursed Tohru-" Yuki began, not sure where to start exactly. "- I didn't hate her for bearing the curse of the cat. I didn't instantly want to fight her..."
"And so you finally realised that about Kyo too?" Shigure asked seriously. "I'm very surprised Yuki. I had given up hope of you and him ever becoming friends. It will be a great comfort to Tohru knowing that...especially today"
"No, it will only cause her pain...especially seen as me and Kyo have to fight"
"You could refuse?" Shigure offered. "But no...of course you wouldn't. Akito did order it after all"
Yuki's eyes narrowed and he remained silent.
---------------------------
Kyo trudged carefully up the stairs. Tohru had been avoiding him all morning and now he was determined to find out why. He needed her today, he needed to feel her fingers grasping his hand, and to see her smile at him like she always did. With that big goofy smile of hers. Instead he had received the cold shoulder, was she mad at him for putting her in this position? Good he thought solemnly she should be. I'm mad at myself.
Gently he knocked on her door and slid it open. Tohru paused in her hair tying and turned to face him, the long brown ponytail whipped across her shoulder and her eyes widened fractionally as she stared at him.
- 'Let me talk to him!'
- 'No, I'm in charge of your body now.'
- 'Please, I said you could take over my body but I have to speak to him! Seen as you have been ignoring him all day.'
- 'It has to be done. He'll recognise me for who I am.'
- 'But I love him...'
- 'Your point is?'
Inner Tohru lost her battle and the presence that had invaded her body won over all body movements. Tohru couldn't believe this, it was like she was inside of her body but she wasn't in control of anything! It was useless she had tried in vain to speak to Kyo that morning, but the man inside of her had harshly turned Kyo away.
Tohru pushed against the boundaries that were keeping her in place. She wasn't aware of anything except those boundaries, it was as though she was a spirit floating inside of her own body. A powerless bystander who could see and hear all, but could do nothing to prevent it. Oh mom, what have I done!
"Kyo..." she heard herself saying, "what are you doing here?"
"Tohru, what's wrong with you?" Kyo asked stepping into the room. Tohru was well aware of the pain in his eyes and she wanted to run to him, kiss him and tell him it would be all right but he wouldn't let her.
"Nothing, just nervous..."
"you don't even sound like you...what's wrong. Are you mad at me. Go ahead, you can shout at me if you want. You don't have to fight today"
"I'm fighting!" she snapped.
"Tohru, I don't understand" he begged. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing..."
- 'He knows!'
- 'How can he know? I didn't do anything, I swear I didn't, besides how could I do anything...well I couldn't that's a dumb question, but I-'
- 'Shut up let me think...its hard being you...'
- 'Not really I'm quite simple. Kyo's always saying I'm too kind and trusting and that I should show my feelings more. Of course, now that your doing that for me he thinks there's something wrong but that-'
"I'm sorry Kyo...I just...if I fail you today I didn't want you to hate me"
Tohru smiled to herself. The Cat was playing her now. Somehow that didn't make her feel too great and she wasn't smiling any more. Tohru's body was steered slowly over to Kyo and hesitantly she wrapped her arms around Kyo's waist, her eyes growing hot. Kyo pulled her against him , cradling her against his chest. Looking down he saw her eyes, so beautiful in this morning light, but so full of pain and tears.
"I shouldn't make you do this..." Kyo said softly. How could he do this to her? How did he manage to get himself into this mess, and bring her along with him. He loved her goddamit! "I wont let you, please Tohru..."
"No," she said quietly. Raising her head slightly so she could see it. "I want to do it. Mom always told me to keep my promises and to help those in need. That's what I'm doing. If I broke that promise how would I be able to speak to you again? Mom wouldn't like it if she knew Id done that..."
"Tohru...Yuki has years of experience...you have weeks of it"
"But...I could...still...win..." she said haltingly.
"Tohru's you cant win...your going to get thrashed!" Kyo stepped away from her. "how could you possibly think you could win..."
"your right..." she sniffed. "I guess I cant win. But I've had so much help and I would let everyone down if I didn't even try..."
"Kazuma has-"
"I don't mean Kazuma." Tohru shook her head slowly. "I cant tell you just yet Kyo...but I will...I've had help...I can do this, I really can"
"Tohru I don't want to ever see you hurt, ever again..."
"Kyo, trust me...please?"
Her hands were so soft against his face and all fight drained out of him. Dropping his head he nodded silently, tears pooling in his eyes and pouring down his face. Tohru just tenderly wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. The tears that ran down her face could not be halted by anyone. Not even the cat. Tohru's grief welled up inside of her like an angry beast and she felt her heart quiver and shudder as pain racked it, and sadness mingled with the pain. Slowly her heart was breaking. For Kyo...and for Yuki.
Shigure looked at the girl now. No hint of remorse, nor sadness could be seen in her face and Kyo was crying for the both of them. Akito smiled wickedly as he stepped out of the rain and onto the small wooden pavilion that had been erected near the courtyard. The crimson blindfold fluttered in the wind and he rose a hand. A servant stood next to him holding a gong and a strike, his arms tensed waiting to strike. Akito's hand flew downward, the attended moved to ring the gong.
"WAIT!"
Shigure turned around. Kazuma was walking towards them calmly. "Your late Kazuma!" Akito sneered. "Are you ready to see your precious Kyo fall?"
Kazuma stood next to his adopted son in the rain. Holding his brolley of their orange man's head and whispering things quietly into his ear. Kyo turned away from his sensei, sticking his hands in his pockets and refusing to watch the fight.
Tohru could feel her heart beating rapidly against her chest, it seemed as though the fragile bones would break, but through the constant thumping she could hear a deep purr...was that coming from her own throat? The cat stirred within her and she winced as it brought a slight twinge of pain. The gong suddenly struck and Yuki was speeding towards her with his impossible speed. Tohru wanted to scream, she wanted to cry and run away. But The cat stood firm.
Quickly she span, ducking at the same time she evaded his charge and flicked out her hand. Her fingers jabbed him underneath his arm and he stumbled slightly in shock. Again she span her leg flying out in a perfect kick and sending Yuki flying into the wet concrete.
Yuki scrambled up, his head spinning. Kyo had hit him! But how! He had never managed to do that before! Turning around he sensed Kyo's presence and immediately flew at him, his fist struck Kyo's shoulder and he staggered. Through the blindfold Yuki couldn't see Tohru as she grasped her shoulder and quickly moved out of his next punchline.
Dropping down she span and shot out her leg. Yuki easily jumped over her leg sweep and moved expertly over her and kicking her back. Tohru rolled out of the way just in time and leaned back, kicking out with furious speed. Yuki stumbled back coughing at the impact to his chest, but Tohru was upon him in an instant. She threw out a left hook and Yuki's nose crunched underneath her fist.
Shigure and the others watched in amazement. Kazuma's hand relaxed and his brolley slid from his grip, fluttering to the floor uselessly. Kyo stared open mouthed at Tohru, in a way that would have been comical. Shigure however was scratching his chin, watching the fight with a quiet intensity. He scannedTohru up and down, something had definitely changed about it...it was as though he could sense her. That was impossible. Members of the zodiac could only sense each other, he glanced at Kyo and back again. Tohru's aura was stronger. Like how Kyo's used to be, before Tohru's curse was placed upon her.
The minutes trickled by and Tohru skidded across the floor as Yuki sent her flying, she was on her feet in an instant. Reaching for Yuki with a frightening glance. Those eyes, they were so...dark...
Shigure clicked his fingers finally grasping what it all meant. Momiji looked at him expectantly, waiting for the older man to say something. Shigure's eyes narrowed as he looked at Akito and he nodded to himself.
"Hatori..." Shigure said quietly. "Can you sense it?"
"Yes..."
"What's happened?" Ayame asked.
"I don't know" Hatori answered. "Maybe its just her curse..."
"No" Shigure shook his head "It was never that strong. I don't see how its possible..."
"What is it?" Ayame asked.
"Tohru appears to have the full strength, speed, agility and resilience of the cat. This is reflected in her presence, her aura" Hatori explained. "But like Shigure said...its impossible. She and Kyo share the burden"
"Maybe she prayed to the Cats spirit?" Momiji said quietly and innocently below them. All three men stared at him. Realisation dawned on their faces and Shigure smiled grimly.
"What has she done?" he shook his head.
"poor girl..."
"The spirit will not harm her." Hatori said with more conviction than he felt. Glancing at Akito he saw the dark anger in their leader's face. "But Akito might. He knows, just as we do"
"Isn't it cheating?" Momiji asked.
"How can it be?" Kagura asked who had been eavesdropping.
"It is a fight between the rat and the cat" Haru added. Only Kisa remained silent. Tears were mingling with the rain on her face and she kept muttering something that sounded suspiciously like 'sissy'. Shigure struggled to look away from the moment of despair and back to the fight.
Tohru panted heavily against a grazed hand. Yuki had stopped for a breath and she had attacked, he evaded and she had stopped too. They both regarded each other (Yuki through the blindfold). The cat swore using Tohru's mouth and attacked again Yuki span and she crashed into his back, he grabbed her arms and quickly pulled her over his head.
Tohru's back hit the ground with a sickening crunch and Yuki stamped down quickly. Ribs gave way underneath his foot and her head snapped backwards into the concrete due to the impact.
Blood began to ooze into her hair and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, showing internal injuries. She whimpered against the pain. Yuki grabbed her arms and dragged her upwards, still unaware of his victim, he stood her up and kicked out hard.
Kyo watched as Tohru flew through the air, her limp body falling heavily to the ground in a sodden heap. A gasp of pain escaped her lips as her head smacked painfully into the concrete of the floor, leaving a dark smear of blood.
"STOP IT!" he yelled.
Yuki reached off and tore off the blindfold, the scarlet ribbon fluttering to the floor and laying abandoned as his eyes adjusted to the scene. Weakly he collapsed to his knees...his heart shattering into thousands of tiny shards as Tohru filled his mind.
It had been her, all along...he had fought her...but how had she...
Through his grief he recognised the presence within her. The presence of the cat. He couldn't understand it but tears were pouring forth from him like someone had turned a switch. Footsteps splashed towards him and rough hands were pulling him upwards, Pushing him forwards urging him on.
"Finish it" Akito breathed into his ear "You must finish it, Finish her once and for all we don't need her! You only need me!"
Yuki stood stunned, silent and in pain. Lightning streaked the sky and he ran forwards, his footsteps making little noise as thunder began to sing. He knelt and turned her over, cradling against her knee. His hands dared all over her body madly, what had he done! What had he done! He needed to help her but where would he start!
"Kyo help me!" he pleaded.
"I...I don't know...what to do!" Kyo choked out, his face marred by rippling water of tears and rain. "Why did I let her! WHY!"
"you knew!" Yuki yelled furiously. "Tohru, I'm so sorry...Tohru..."
"Yuki?"
"Your awake..."
"I...I'm sorry I..."
"Its ok, stay quiet" Yuki said "We'll get Hatori..."
"Yuki what are you doing! Destroy her! We don't need her!" Akito was stood tearing at his hair wildly, his eyes popping out of his head. He pointed at Tohru with a look of intense hate on his face "Who is she to think she can break this curse! Destroy her! Yuki! I command you!"
Yuki stood slowly his eyes narrowed and intense as he looked at his former clan leader. Akito stepped back at the look on Yuki's face, Yuki launched forward his fist reaching out pummelling every bit of Akito he could reach. Hatori, Aya and Shigure rushed forward grabbing Yuki's fists and pulling him away from the bleeding Akito. Their leader's lip was bleeding, the blood trickling down his chin in a thin strip was contorted and changed by the rain that was splattering against his face.
"Hatori! Wipe her memory!" Akito pointed at Tohru, his eye wide with the fury he felt. "HATORI!". Shigure looked around, Hatori wasn't moving, he was looking at Akito i a way that he had never looked at him before. Making a small noise of disgust he turned around and walked to Tohru. Kneeling beside her calmly he helped her to sit up.
"Is she ok?" Kyo asked desperately.
"I'm...I'm fine..." she muttered softly. "Kyo I'm sorry...I failed...you...your never going to be free...I couldnt help it, he told me Id win...he told me he'd help me"
"who?" Kyo asked desperately. "Tohru, please, dont leave me...I...I love you..."
Hatori glanced up at Kyo his eyes widening fractionally at the cats confession. Tohru smiled a soft sad smile and reached up to trace his jaw with a single finger. The fight had weakened her, and it has also weakened the cat within her. Using what strength she had left she has pushed against the barriers that barred her from governing her own actions. Talking to Kyo like this...made her smile. Finally she could apologise and speak to him.
"Tohru, you need to keep your eyes open. Tohru!" Hatori shook her shoulders as her eyelids fluttered closed. "Tohru!" he shook her shoulders again. "Its no use, she's un-concious..."
"HATORI!" Akito shouted again, his voice pleading and desperate. "Obey me!! I am your God..obey me! HATORI!!"
Hatori picked Tohru up, cradling her in his arms as though she was a delicate flower. Shigure and Ayame released Yuki who had finally given up his struggled against them, and was staring daggers at Akito.
"I will never forgive you!" Yuki snapped.
Akito's eyes widened and he stumbled away, his robe slipped over one shoulder and he stared at all present. Tears mingled with the rain that was washing over him and he looked away.Hatori walked quickly away with Kyo trailing behind him. One by one the members of the Zodiac followed the Doctor. Turning their back on Akito for one final time.
Kyo surveyed the girl on the bed. Hatori was tending to her injuries with a strange gleam in his eye. Kyo saw how tense he was and sighed. Hatori had dis-obeyed Akito, he had turned traitor. That was something that would cause the Doctor strive.
Tohru he thought silently. Stroking hair back from her face you did it all for me...and you got hurt. Why did I let you do it? I don't deserve you. I'm sorry Tohru, I am so sorry.
"Don't worry Kyo, she's going to be fine" Hatori said as though reading his memory. "the last injury caused her to hit her head against the concrete of the courtyard. There will be no lasting damage, the blood makes it seems worse than it is."
"will she wake up soon?" Kyo asked taking her hand in his.
"I cant be sure of that" Hatori said calmly. "But I have no doubt that she will"
"and him!?" Kyo asked.
"We will deal with Akito" Yuki said from the doorway, his eyes were narrowed at the cat with a renewed dislike. Shigure sighed from beside Yuki, and they had been getting on so well that morning. It was a shame. "We all will..."
"But-" Kyo began.
"I officially submit to defeat" Yuki sighed and averted his eyes from Kyo. "you win...I loose..."
"but you didn't loose..." Kyo grit his teeth "What good is that when I don't get to beat you!"
"Stupid cat!"
"What the hell was that for! You damn rat! I'm gunna smack your face in!"
"Cut it out you two!" Shigure snapped. "Or have you forgotten why were here?"
Hatori raised an eyebrow at Shigure's harsh tone. The Dog was staring at Tohru with a pained expression. Both boys instantly drew back and looked at her as well. Silence filled the room.
"He's still there..." Shigure finally said.
"Yes..." Hatori nodded.
"What? Who?" Kyo asked.
"Shigure?" Yuki enquired.
"There's something you both need to know..." Shigure said seriously. "Tohru gained help in the fight against Yuki...somehow, some way she called upon the Cat"
"Eh? I didn't do anything!" Kyo jumped up defending himself heatedly. "don't start blaming me!"
"Kyo, calm down" Hatori said coolly. "you don't understand. Tohru has been possessed, by the spirit of the cat. Tohru now has the strength and speed of that spirit. I believe it is the originally spirit. The very first cat in existence...and there's another thing...we have no idea how to release her"
"WHAT!" Yuki and Kyo yelled together.
"Tohru is lost to us..." Shigure said sadly. "...she's lost to us forever"