AN: You guys are lucky. Why, you ask? Well, silly readers, your silly author did something rather silly. You see, I managed to convince myself that I hadn't typed this chapter, but had typed the next one. Of course, I also thought that I left this chapter in my locker at school over Spring Break (which I have, this next week), so I was off typing a "sorry I can't update for two weeks" note, and then was inspired to check my folder where the story is. Let be just say that I felt rather silly when I realized that I simply hadn't uploaded it yet. -sigh of relief- The end of the fight scene! (Tell me how I did, I've never attempted to write a fight scene...)

Also, Kyou is a potty mouth. (I warned you!)

Chapter Twenty-Seven- Loyalties

Akito just stood there, grinning as, punch after punch, the former Neko beat him.

Kazuma fought Shigure with the will, more than ever before, to make his adoptive son happy.

The receiving end of Shishou's blows continued to make movements toward Akito, hardly sparing a thought to his own fate, only having the will to protect the one he loved. (AN: before you all have fits, this will be elaborated!)

Yuki stood in front of Tohru, ever ready for a missed attack to come their way, protecting the one he loved with his live.

None came.

Shigure broke away from Kazuma long enough to attack and distract Kyou.

Ever malicious, Akito smiled, saying, "If you kill me, you will die... If you kill me, you will die..."

As Kyou, in maddened fury, began to retaliate toward the Inu, Kazuma took the opportunity to listen in on Akito's chanting.

"Kyou!" he called, "Listen to what Akito is saying! Does this sound like part of the curse!"

"Yes," said Yuki in the former Neko's stead, "I heard somewhere that if the God dies... all others in the Juunishi will die, as well..."

"No," said another voice, "that's incorrect."

"Ha'ri!" Shigure looked away from the former Neko for a moment, another punch landing square on his jaw as the name left his lips.

"My," said the Tatsu, "Ayame, this is more carnage than you reported..."

Ayaa apologized, "Sorry, 'Tori-san. It wasn't this bad when I left them..."

And it was bad. By now, Tohru has fainted at the sight of the small pools of blood forming on the stone-paved foot-street.

The God was losing bodily fluids- blood, sweat, tears- at a dangerous rate as Kyou returned to him, leaving the Inu to look hopefully at Hatori.

"It's alright..." said the Doctor, "However, it's questionable as to who I should be treating, here..."

"Kyou," called out Shishou again, "Stop... I don't think he's of any threat, anymore..."

"No," said Kyou though clenched teeth, "I'm not done, yet... let me finish..." (AN: CSI-LV Lady Heather moment...)

"Kyou," said Yuki, "If you beat him any more, he'll die."

"I don't care!" shrieked the former Neko in an almost inhuman voice. He hit the God again, "He deserves it! For all that he's done to make ours, and Tohru's, life living hell! He. Fucking. Deserves it!"

"No..." murmured Tohru, "Kyou... don't..."

"Why not!"

"Don't be... a murderer... for... my... sake..." she drifted back into unconsciousness.

Kyou slumped to the ground, allowing Akito to fall beside him.

"As long as she's happy," Kyou and Yuki said ruefully in unison.

AN: See? Ayaa isn't a wimp. Really. He was just getting help. Yeah.

Also, I'd like to point something out: I didn't, and haven't, killed anybody in the fight.

Yet... (Hehe... Will I, won't I...? Choices...)

This is important: You guys get a say in the story! In your review, please put whether or not you want Shigure to redeem himself! Chapter twenty-nine depends on it!

Thanks to Klove511 for being my 100th reviewer! YOU GUYS ROCK!