-1I am shocked and appalled at how long I have left you guys hanging! Please forgive me! I am not worthy of you wonderful readers. This chapter is a little shorter than what you are used to, but the next chapter is when everything comes together! Hopefully I will have that done before Christmas break . Anyways, for those of you who have been faithful to the story, thank you and here is the next chapter!

GONE…?

Chapter 21- It Begins

At first, the small group in Hana's room would have none of Tohru's plan. Of course it was logical, the girl had done her research. Yuki marveled that the girl have her intelligence so little credit. However, it was far too risky. She had told them everything, including what happened to the last girl who had tried to complete the ritual. Kyo wouldn't have it. "If we fail, Akito won't hesitate in killing you," he informed her, shaking her by the shoulders forcibly. Uo and Hana also agreed that Tohru's role in this ritual was far too involved. However, in the end, Tohru earnestly explained that this was the only way. "I want you all to be happy! I want you to be free! I promise I'll be careful!"

They knew after she spoke that there was no stopping her. Tohru was going to break this curse even if it killed her. Once they realized this was really happening, once they knew that there was no turning back, Yuki and Kyo along with the girls, got to work planning their last stand against the great and powerful Akito.

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Despite the gloom that hung over the Sohma Estate after the meeting with Akito, the house was in a flurry of cheerful motion. In three days time, the New Year's banquet would take place. The servants and several of the Juunishi were running about the place putting up decorations, dusting off special robes for the annual ceremony, starting preparations for the feast that would take place, making lists and ordering what they did not yet have. Shigure had even been running around helping, an unusual sight to behold. When Haru had asked him what he was doing, Shigure merely put a finger to his lips and moved away. Hatsuharu had been careful to avoid much activity and even more careful to avoid others of the Juunishi. He had hardly even spoken to Rin. He just needed to think and he couldn't do that in the hustle and bustle of the Estate.

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When Shigure was sure his young cousin had left, Shigure turned to the young serving girl he had been speaking to. It was the same girl who had come running to his aid only this morning. "Can you do this for me?" he asked her quietly, his eyes locked on hers. His voice was even, non-threatening, but his eyes told another story.

"You… you want me to spy?" the girl asked softly, rather confused by his request.

"Yes. A very important guest is coming tonight. One who would otherwise be unable to enter this Estate. I think you know of whom I speak. I hear you maids gossiping as you work," Shigure slapped her behind softly, making their little meeting seem like nothing suspicious to passersby. "I want you to keep an eye out for her and as soon as you see her enter the complex, I want you to find me at once and inform me that she has arrived. The code you will be using is, "Master Shigure would you like some green tea?" in case I am with company." The girl just looked at him wide-eyed. "The only entrances are near the front gate, it shouldn't be hard. Now, can you do this for me?" This time the look in his eyes said that he would not hesitate to tell Akito who had let the Cat escape.

She lowered her eyes and wrung her hands as she whispered, "Yes Master Shigure."

"Good girl," he replied cheerfully. He kissed her lightly on the cheek and said, "Until later then" before strolling casually away.

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Hatsuharu was sitting in one of the many gardens of the Sohma estate when his phone began to vibrate. At first glance, Haru didn't recognize the number, but when the name "Yuki" flashed across the screen, he froze. For a moment there was indecision. If he opened his phone to talk he could be endangering himself and the rest of the Sohmas. Just speaking to Yuki was now considered a high crime against the family and after the look Akito had given them… that haunting stare that made Haru's heart race and his throat feel like it was closing in on itself… Haru was quite sure that Akito would kill anyone who made contact with Yuki or the others. Haru had no doubt that Yuki had gone to her. He had more strength than Haru himself ever did.

The phone continued to vibrate and Haru had a decision to make. Would he defy God? Would he let his curiosity and his worry for his older cousin outweigh his fear of death? He flipped open the phone and whispered quietly, "Yuki?"

-Haru! Great! I'm so glad you answered! Is it safe to talk on your end?- Yuki's voice sounded to overjoyed for the current situation.

Haru glanced around and found himself completely alone. He then checked again for cameras. He casually threw his fur coat over a tree branch, obscuring the only camera facing him. "Yeah. Where are you? Did you find her?"

-Yeah, I'm with Honda-san and Kyo too.- There was a pause and then, -Haru, we're going to end this. Tonight.-

"End what? What are you talking about Yuki?" Haru had been relaxing against the base of the tree, but he straightened up at the suspense in Yuki's voice. His hand gripped his phone tightly as Yuki replied.

-We're going to break the Curse. Haru, I need your help.-

And the Rat rode on the Ox's back and entered the banquet before him.

Please stay tuned for the next chapter! I promise there are only three more chapters! Bear with me! And please, if you liked it, if you hated it, write me a review! (You can also review if you must just to tell me that I am a terrible person for having kept you waiting so long, if it makes you feel better.)