A/N: Hello! New chapter! Yay! It took me a little longer to update, considering I popped out 6 chapters in one weekend. I have to agree with the reader Vikertee who said they pity Akito-san. I feel so bad for her; no woman should have to pretend to be a man! Tohru is quite the lying seductress don't you think? Well, people always do nutty things when they are desperate.

Chapter 7: No Mercy

Tohru stood with her mouth slightly open. She looked at the picture in Kyo's hand, mentally slapping herself for not burning it. She desperately thought of a way to fix this, a way to undo what Kyo had discovered. She did not want to tell the whole truth; it was far too complicated.

Kyo pulled another picture out from under his arm and held it up; this one was of a younger Tohru, riding on her mom's back and smiling at the man as he ruffled her hair.

Tohru could no longer bear it, she turned and ran straight into the trees, and headed for the place she had hid the box. She found the hole open and began to desperately search through the remaining loose bark and wood. Kyo followed her and watched as she fell to her knees in front of the tree, burying her face in her hands and saying "No, no, no, no."

Kyo no longer knew what to believe. He walked over to where she sat and dropped the pictures in front of her. "Tohru…"

"I'm sorry, Kyo-kun." Tohru began, now looking at the pictures. "I should never have told you anything." She gathered the photos together in her hands and stood facing him. "It was a mistake."

Kyo stopped her before she could walk away. "It was a mistake to lie. If this guy was a part of your life, then why did you tell me that self-defense story?"

"Because it's complicated." Tohru said, looking through the pictures. "The whole thing is so complicated. I don't understand the whole story myself."

"What do you mean?" Kyo asked.

Tohru looked at him and dodged the question. "Yesterday, why were you with that man Angelo?"

"Angelo?" Kyo asked. "The man who you seen me with? That's his name?"

"Yes." Tohru said. "You didn't know it before?"

"No. He just came up to me and started saying all this stuff about you." Kyo said, finally telling her about the previous days encounter. "He had a gun, and he said he wants….to …"

"Kill me?" Tohru finished for him.

"Yeah… so he told me to shake his hand so you wouldn't suspect anything." Kyo explained the friendly hand shake.

Tohru would not voice her growing fear, but knew that Kyo's life was now very much in danger. If these people knew who she was, what she had done, and everyone in her life, then they could easily find her anywhere she may go. Receiving the package indicated that they knew her place of residence, and finding the envelope on her locker at school meant they knew that she was attending. Tohru knew that all these things would not be difficult for anyone to discover, but the fact that they seemed to know who she trusted most really sent her mind reeling.

"Are you going to tell me the truth?"

Tohru snapped out of her thoughts and shrugged. "I don't know if I should."

"You should." Kyo said, taking one of the photos and looking it over. "I need to know the truth."

Tohru nodded in agreement. "Okay I'll tell you, but I'm scared after I do that you will think differently of me."

Kyo knew that this was a possibility. But wanting desperately to know the truth he tried to tell her otherwise. "No, Tohru. I won't think of you any diff-"

"Tohru-kun, Kyo-kun! Please come here!"

Shigure was standing some ten to fifteen feet away at the door waving to them cheerfully.

The two walked over to him, not looking at each other in fear of what the other was thinking.

"Yes, Shigure-san?" Tohru asked respectfully.

"I have just been informed that Akito wishes to have a last minute meeting with the cursed zodiac," Shigure paused and suddenly looked uneasy. "But he wanted me to see that you two come along."

Kyo and Tohru wore matching expressions or confusion. They looked at each other awkwardly, wondering the same thing.

Does he know?

"Come now, he wants to meet within an hour." Shigure beckoned them inside to get ready.

Tohru headed up the stairs with her head hanging and not another word. Kyo however, as soon as Tohru's door was safely shut, rounded on the Dog.

"What the hell does he want with us?" Kyo demanded in a threatening manner.

"How should I know?" Shigure smirked. "I'm not his right hand man."

Kyo punched the wall in frustration of all the events as of late. "Yes you are!" He began to yell. "You always have an ulterior motive to everything you do!"

"That may be true," Shigure did not deny Kyo's words. "But I still don't know why Akito would want you two there. He's been acting strange lately."

Kyo glared at him, knowing that this summons would definitely turn out for the worst.

"This is going to be just like the summer house." He mumbled to himself before walking away.

"And so I moved here with hopes of starting over!"

After showing Catalyna around the school Yuki had somehow ended up walking home with her. He listened to her explanation of why she had moved to Japan with much interest. The two were close to the Sohma building Tohru worked in and Yuki was so fascinated by her story that he failed to notice. She had told him that her parents were shot and killed by a cop, who had been convicted of involuntary manslaughter. According to her tragedy she and her aunt had grown angry and moved, hoping the laws would be more forced as to not allow things to slip through the public's notice.

"And you're so… lively." Yuki pointed out after she had stopped talking.

"Lively?" She asked with a very confused look that resembled Tohru's confused expression. "What do you mean?"

"Most people who suffer from tragedy tend to be distant." Yuki explained his opinion. "Except this person I know. She's very kind and she lost her parents too."

Catalyna's expression changed to one of deep sadness. "Oh my, is she alright?"

Yuki nodded speechless. He could not believe how similar to Tohru she was. With only a couple of morning hours and an afternoon of meeting and speaking with her Yuki felt like he had met Tohru's twin. Selfless, caring, sweet, happy, and worrisome over every one she cared about.

Catalyna blinked as he stared at her. "Um, did I say something wrong?" She asked.

Yuki shook his head. "No, you just remind me of my good friend. Perhaps you would like to meet her?"

Just as he was used to from Tohru, Catalyna's eyes widened and she smiled happily. "Yes! I'd love to meet her!"

"Great, I can introduce you two tomorrow at school, or maybe you can stop by today and-"

BEEP BEEP BEEP, BEEP BEEP BEEP, BEEP BEEP.

"Oh! Excuse me." Catalyna pulled out a black flip phone and answered. "Hello?"

Not wanting to eaves drop Yuki looked around and finally noticed the Sohma building. The two stood on the sidewalk a little ways past the building and Yuki glanced around. He stopped and stared across the street at a long black limousine.

Just as he noticed it the same woman he had seen before opened the door and stepped out, glaring at the spot where Yuki and Catalyna stood. She then began to walk across the street quickly, and Yuki grabbed hold of Catalyna's arm.

"Huh?" Catalyna exclaimed. "E-excuse me what are you-"

"Just walk okay." Yuki whispered as he pulled her along. "There's someone suspicious walking across the street and I'd rather avoid conflict."

She did not respond but followed him quickly with the same expression of confusion.

As soon as they reached the end of the street and were about to turn the corner Yuki looked back; the woman and the limousine were no where in sight.

Yuki finally let go of her arm. "Okay, all clear."

Catalyna looked back at the street. "Oh!" She said putting her still open cell phone to her ear. "Auntie? Sorry I dropped my phone. I'll be home soon. Bye." She flipped it shut and turned to Yuki. "My Auntie wants me home. May I meet her tomorrow?" She asked sincerely.

"Sure. She'll be happy when I tell her about you."

Catalyna smiled. "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow!" She turned and walked a different direction.

Yuki watched her walk away, dumbstruck at his luck of meeting someone so kind. The vibration of his pocketed cell phone brought him out of his thoughts as he pulled it out and answered it. "Hello?"

"Yuki-kun, where are you?" Shigure asked on the other line.

"Walking home, why? Did something happen?"

"No. Just don't bother coming home. Akito called for a last minute meeting and wants us all there within an hour. Just head over to the Estate."

"Okay." Yuki said closing his phone and staring at the smooth surface. What could be so important right now?

Yuki was so wrapped in his thoughts that he failed to notice the black limousine return and park far off down the street… The back window was rolled down half-way and a pair of binoculars could be seen pointed in Yuki's direction. The looker lowered the binoculars and narrowed his bright green eyes as the prince began to walk away with a sad expression.

"My my, our prince does not seem thrilled." Angelo hit a button on the arm rest and the window slid up. He turned to his cousin and smirked in gratitude. "What could possibly make him so unhappy?"

"Maybe he's been summoned to meet with Akito." Vanessa said casually. She pulled a black leather purse out from underneath her seat and began to dig through the contents. "Perhaps Akito has some news he must tell the family?" She pulled out a compact mirror and looked at her face.

"Mm." Angelo grunted in agreement. "My only concern now is of that Kyo."

"And why should he concern you?" Vanessa snapped, closing her compact and dropping it in her purse. "He's not going to believe a word that stupid girl says after today."

Angelo wore and expression of uncertainty. "This could go wrong if we fail to be present but hidden."

Vanessa cocked an eyebrow and turned her eyes out of the window. "We can't miss this; Tohru Honda may need some consoling afterwards."

"What's going on Hatori?"

The Sohmas at the Sohma estate were now gathered waiting in Akito's room. Ten confused and curious cursed Sohmas were present and accounted for. Momiji was so curious he had been bugging the adults to tell him what the summons was about.

"I don't know, Momiji." Hatori's calm voice replied. He looked over at Ayame and seen the same worried expression that everyone seemed to be wearing. "We should all be as kind as possible when he gets here."

Kisa sat next to Hiro, grasping his hand in fear and looking close to tears. "Hiro-chan, do you think Akito is angry with us?"

Hiro looked at her and his heart just about melted. "No, Kisa. As far as I know, we haven't done anything wrong." He squeezed her hand affectionately.

"I hope you're right." She said barely above a whisper. She pulled her hand away as the door slid open and every head turned to see who it was.

The three nervous looking forms of Shigure, Kyo and Tohru walked in and took a seat behind the rest of the already seated Sohmas.

"Onee-chan!" Kisa cried out in joy. She leapt up and dashed over to a zoned out Tohru and threw her arms around her neck.

"Oh! Kisa-san!" Tohru cried out in surprise. She looked at the fearful expression of the Tiger, and then looked around at the other Sohmas. Each face she had come to know and love, no matter how happy they normally were, now held the fearful and worried expression matching Kisa's.

Kyo sat beside her and wondered if he should try and comfort Kisa. He reached his hand out and gently patted the Tiger's head, deciding doing something would be better than doing nothing at all.

Kisa turned and looked at him in surprise. "Kyo-chan?" She asked in confusion. "Why are you and Onee-chan here?"

Kyo shrugged. "I don't know. Akito wanted to see us too." He couldn't keep the worry from creeping onto his face as he looked at her large orange eyes. Even though he never really spoke to the young girl, he would rather not have her start crying. He gave her a weak smile. "I'm sure everything should be okay."

Kisa looked unconvinced, but turned and smiled at Tohru. "I've missed you Onee-chan, why have you been so sad lately?"

At that moment Tohru was spared of answering her question as the door slid open and the angry form of Akito stepped in. He stood fully clothed in a suit and tie, wearing the angriest expression Tohru had ever seen. Every person watched as Akito's eyes narrowed suspiciously and scanned across the room.

"Where's the Rat?" He asked in a very calm tone.

Tohru looked around, realizing for the first time that Yuki was not there. Where is Yuki-kun?

Akito walked over to Shigure and placed a shaky hand on his shoulder. "Where is my Yuki?"

"I don't know." Shigure responded, his resembling look of fear gone to be replaced by a smug smile. "I called him and told him to be here."

Kyo watched the stupid Dog. I bet he's in on this, I just know he is. The bastard.

Akito glared at Shigure and his eye twitched as she tried to hold back the anger that was boiling up. "I suppose we can start without him."

Tohru snuck a glance at Kyo out of the corner of her eye. He looked ready to start yelling; she wondered how to calm him down. Please don't start a fight Kyo-kun, please. She begged in her mind. She reached her hand out toward his, hoping he wouldn't pull away. She closed her eyes and gripped the top of his hand.

Kyo felt the soft squeeze and looked down. His face immediately turned a deep scarlet and he tried to hide his sudden blush by looking away from her.

"I can assume," Akito began, standing before everyone. "You are wondering why I called for this meeting."

Tohru was only half listening as the Sohmas around her nodded awkwardly towards the god. She watched Kyo turn away and felt as though her heart would fall apart. The tightening of her throat and the falling feeling in the pit of her stomach caused her to pull her hand away more aggressively than she intended to.

"Maybe someone has an idea why I called this meeting?" Akito suggested to the Sohmas. "Does anyone? Maybe… Kyo?"

Kyo heard his name and stared at Akito in surprise. He definitely had a suspicion, but was not about to voice it for all to hear. He shook his head slowly, hoping his inner battle would not present itself in his expression.

"You have no …. Thought or idea?" Akito pressed on. "Come now, my little monster, you may speak. Do not be shy." She smirked at her own evilness.

Kyo lowered his eyes to the floor as he felt himself begin to shake in anger. Damn! He's trying to piss me off! He knows that I'll blow up. Just calm down you idiot. Don't wuss out and start an argument. Kyo tried to convince himself and calm his rising temper by taking quiet deep breaths.

Tohru felt something erupt in her, a strange rush of restlessness and she wanted to yell. It was anger at how Akito was speaking to poor Kyo. She looked the orange haired defenseless teen beside her; he was trying with all his might to suppress his anger and hurt by looking at the floor. She felt the rare feeling of anger rise and she turned to glare at Akito.

Akito seen the reaction she was looking for in Tohru. "Maybe you have an idea, Tohru Honda?"

Her anger melted away as quick as it had come to be replaced by panic. "N-no, Akito-san." She stuttered respectfully. I can't get angry! It's not right for me to be angry. She scolded herself for the feeling.

"Wow. I am quite disappointed." She shook her head in disapproval. "I suppose I shall explain myself." She folded her arms across her chest and looked at all the worried faces. "I met someone today."

Kyo felt Tohru flinch next to her. He wanted to take her by the hand and run out of there, never looking back. But knowing that there would be serious consequences, he stayed put and watched as Akito enjoyed the situation.

"It seems that someone in this room," She looked Tohru dead in the eye. "Has been hiding something."

No one noticed this as they all began to nervously look around. Tohru pulled her gaze away from Akito and watched as Isuzu glanced at Hatsuharu across the room with a guilty face. Hiro side glanced at Kisa while Kagura looked around at everyone. Tohru noticed as Momiji's eyes shifted over to her. He stared at her for a moment before turning red and looking away.

"I suppose no one wants to fess up to anything before I reveal the secret I've discovered." Akito watched each person shift awkwardly, as though thinking they should say something. "Does anyone have anything to say before I continue?"

No one said anything and Akito continued.

"I was told today, that someone in this room has done something terrible. Something that is unforgivable and definitely disgusting." She spat the last word. "They've lived with this secret for quite a while and recently came clean to a dear friend."

Tohru began to panic. Oh no, does Akito-san know? Please don't let him have met Angelo and Vanessa! I don't want the rest of the Sohmas to know about this! She felt her stomach begin to gurgle as she felt as though she may be sick from the anxiety. She subconsciously grabbed onto Kyo's sleeve as she held back the sick that was threatening to come out.

Kyo looked at her and seen she was sweating and shaking. She gripped his sleeve tightly and looked like she was producing a fever. Her bottom lip began to quiver and she held her abdomen with her other hand.

"Onee-chan, what's wrong?" Kisa whispered from beside her.

"What is wrong, Tohru?" Akito asked and every head turned to the back of the room. "Is something wrong? Do you need to say something?"

Tohru shook her head frantically as Kisa grabbed the hem of her skirt and pulled lightly.

"Are you going to be sick, Onee-chan?" She asked as she looked around for a trash can. "Do you need to throw up?"

"Of course she does. I would be sick if I did what she did." Akito slowly walked over to where they sat. "Is it true, Tohru? Did you really do that to that innocent man?"

"Akito, stop!" Kyo begged. "Don't do this to her, please!"

"What's going on?" Momiji stood up bravely. "What did Tohru do?"

Tohru couldn't take it anymore, she stood up and made to run for the door, but Akito grabbed her arm and held her back.

Kyo began to panic, racking his brain for something to keep Akito from upsetting her further.

"No you don't, Tohru. You know what you did was wrong!" Akito yelled, gripping her arm tightly.

The door slid open and Yuki stepped in, he stopped and watched the scene before him in confusion.

Akito seen Yuki step in and smiled. "Yuki, you've come! Now you can hear Tohru's dirty little secret!"

Yuki looked at Tohru's miserable state and seen her eyes wide in panic.

Akito turned his head to look at everyone. "The innocent, sweet, good natured, kind and understanding girl you all care so much for committed a crime. A crime that will send her soul to the depths of hell!"

Every head was turned to Tohru as she tried to hold back the vomit. She braced herself for her secret to be exposed.

"Tohru Honda," Akito smirked evilly. "Is a cold blooded murderer, who killed her mother's boyfriend."

Every mouth fell open as they looked at Tohru.

Tohru tore her arm away and ran out the door, pushing Yuki out of the way. She made it a few yards from the house when she threw up in an outdoor trash can. She wiped her mouth and looked around, eager to get away. She ran full speed to the exit and didn't stop as she accidentally ran into several people.

Kyo quickly got to his feet and made to chase after her, but Akito stopped him.

"Kyo, you really should just give her up." She wore the same smirk. "Come back to us and we can all be a happy family."

Kyo glared at the satisfied expression plastered on Akito's face. He turned away and grabbed Yuki by the shirt. "Come on, Rat. We need to find her."

Yuki nodded and followed Kyo out of the door. He had no idea what was going on or why Akito had accused Tohru of murder, but he had to find out, even if it meant chasing her along side the stupid Cat.

Akito watched from the door way as Yuki and Kyo set off at a run, completely satisfied at how smooth the meeting had gone. She stepped back inside as Momiji walked up to her.

"Akito, what are you talking about? Tohru would never kill someone!" Momiji stated bravely.

SMACK!

"Don't defy my words!" Akito yelled at the now crying Momiji. She looked at the others and challenged them to stand up to her. "Come now, all who believe I'm lying!"

No one moved and Akito smirked again.

She's completely ruined now. All of my zodiac shall return to me, the one who loves them most. …

A/N: Gasp! Dun dun dun! Poor poor Tohru she doesn't need this abuse! I wonder what will happen next time? Please review, it inspires me to hear your positive feedback. Thank you for all the encouragement!