Chapter 25: All things come to an...

Shigure stared out the window of his second story room, one hand holding back the curtains as he watched the Chinese man leave the area. He had reserved thoughts about that man, believing that there was a lot more to him than met the eye. Last night, he'd acted all aloof and silly, just as Shigure usually did, but his actions just now were calculated and sure. There was no hesitation or charade of indifference.

"Hmmm." He raised one hand to his chin, wondering what the man was up to. Below, he could hear the noises of Tohru preparing breakfast. Would he have enough time to go out and follow this strange man, or should he wait?

"Breakfast!" Tohru's voice echoed up the stairs as she called to all the house's inhabitants, quashing any notions of trying to sneak out before the most important meal of the day.

Shigure quickly slipped into his usual gray robe and headed down the stairs, knocking loudly on Yuki's door on the way, as added insurance that the younger Sohma would wake up in time for some sustenance before it was all gone.

Tohru greeting him with a smile that was a bit too bright as she carried a heaping bowl of rice to the table, Ran Mau behind her with a plate of diced vegetables. "I hope you got more sleep than I did, and that you're hungry."

The writer scrutinized the scene as casually as possible while he took his customary seat. It looked like the orphan girl had been crying, and judging from the almost paternal manner in which the Chinese woman was catering to her, she had likely been the one to comfort her. "Well, aren't all bright eyed and bushy tailed," he commented idly. "After all, it was rather a late night, wasn't it?"

Tohru blinked rapidly as she went after the teapot, checking her reflection on the metal surface, hoping her face didn't give away that she'd been crying. "Um… yes. Yes, it was, wasn't it." She brought the pot over and began to serve the morning's brew.

Ran Mau took her place across from the writer, giving him a quick once over, agreeing with Lau about his observations. He would be a most interesting adversary, or ally. She nodded as Tohru poured her tea, delicately lifting the cup to her lips.

Shigure looked around, noticing Yuki as he groggily entered the room, hair standing up at all angles as usual. "Where's your friend, Lau was it?" He indicated Ran Mau, and the empty spot next to her.

Tohru looked around wildly, even checking the front living area, just in case he was still asleep. She returned with a helpless shrug.

Ran Mau calmly put her cup down. "Big Brother out," she said.

Shigure blinked at that, not sure how to respond. "All right then." He noted that Yuki had taken his place, as well as Tohru. "Let's not let this food get cold, shall we?"

Hana knocked on the closed door, sensing that the two people she expected to be there were, in fact, not alone. She wasn't sure who the third aura belonged to, but she could tell that it was not someone she knew.

At the sound of knocking, the voices inside stopped abruptly. The next moment, Sebastian was opening the door and peering around the jam, just to make sure she was alone. "Miss Hanajima, do come in," he opened the door wide enough to admit her, then closed it abruptly behind her.

Hana nodded to the young earl, who appeared to be awake, then looked pointedly at the man in a tunzhuang robe next to his bed. "Good morning," she greeted. "I hope I wasn't interrupted anything." Ciel waved the notion aside. He still looked rather pale, and a bit odd, Hana thought, with breathing tubes and an IV. She somehow couldn't quite put the two images together, probably because such implements did not quite belong with the boy's time period, at least not in their modern incarnation.

Sebastian moved back into the circle, drawing another chair from some unknown location, and proffered it to the girl. "Not at all. We were just updating the earl on the recent events." He noticed her questioning glance at Lau Tau, who, despite having his eyes closed, seemed more than in control of the situation, unlike his usual laid back manner.

Hana raised a brow. "I don't seem to have met you before," she said, ignoring the chair for now, as she walked towards the Chinese man.

Lau stood and offered his hand. "Lau Tau of the British branch of the trading company, Kon Ron, at your service." He gently kissed her hand before releasing it.

"Also a member of the Shanghai Mafia, among other credentials," Ciel added dryly, waving a hand for him to desist. "Though I'm sure you don't make that public knowledge."

Lau shrugged, but returned to his seat. "A matter of personal preference," he said smoothly, waving an errant hand. "I never could really fool you, could I?" He smiled, not having to see the young boy's nod. "But since it seems that things are starting to get more interesting, it might be wise to put all our cards on the table, wouldn't you agree?"

Hana stepped back and took a seat. "If you are trying to tell me that there's more than meets the eye to all here, I already know, but since you do not know me, I feel it wise to tell you that I am often called a psychic witch by my peers, since I am able to feel and manipulate the electrical waves of people."

Lau's brows rose at this new information. "An adept mortal! How delightful!" He turned absently to where Ran Mau would be if she'd been there, then caught himself and turned back to the main party. "Well, then, since we're all on the same page now, what do we do about this interesting…. Scenario we find ourselves in?"

Sebastian was about to point out the map he'd created of the warehouse district they knew was the witch's chosen domain, but Hana moved to intercept him. "I have had a vision that time is running out for us if we are to save Kyo. Tessa, as she calls herself, has set in motion the final destruction of his soul and likely plans on attacking us today, destroying all traces of anyone who is even passively connected to him who she cannot manipulate."

Ciel sat forward. "How do you know this?" He glanced at Sebastian for any possible confirmation.

Sebastian looked thoughtfully at the girl. "She has proved quite handy at such things," he admitted. "Her ability to pick up on such things is amazing for a mere mortal, and I am more than prepared to believe what she is telling us, in which case, our best course of action is to force her hand and at a place of our choosing."

Lau smiled at that. "Ah, I was growing rather bored. But how would we be able to make her go to whatever place we choose? And how do we know she'll bring the cat boy?"

Ciel glanced quickly at Hana, wondering if the Chinese nobleman had let out a secret the girl had not yet been made privy to, but he was only slightly disappointed by her lack of reaction. "If I were in her shoes, I would want to test out my new toy," he said almost bitterly. "And more the fun to make someone you have turned into a weapon kill those he once cared for."

Sebastian rubbed thoughtfully at his chin as he contemplated what his master had said. It was a very demon type of thing to do, and was probably right on the button as well, though it slightly disturbed him that the boy had even thought in such terms. "I think you're right, especially once she finds out about his inner nature, the beast within. His soul is more twisted than most and hers even more so. I would not put it past her at all."

"Nor would I," Hana added. "In fact, I quite expect it of her, which will make things all the more difficult for those involved." Her thoughts instantly went to Tohru, who she knew had to be there. "If we do want to draw her attention, we will have to do so on a large scale. It would not surprise me if she thought to take each of us out individually, and after last night, she will consider herself challenged. If I were in her shoes, I would feel the same."

Lau nodded in approval. "Very true. And I plan on being there, regardless, as will Ran Mau."

Ciel leaned back against the bed, suddenly feeling light headed. His head still hurt, as did his arm still encased in the sling. "Whoever is to be there, it would appear that I will not be one of them," he sighed, knowing full well that he would only endanger the mission if he were there, especially given his current state.

Sebastian nodded agreement. "You're quite right, my lord. It is better for you to stay here and recover as much as possible so that when the time comes for us to return to our own time, you will be ready for it."

Lau almost groaned, not even ready to consider the possibility of leaving any time soon. There were so many things to see and do, and he'd only barely scratched the surface. But there was a time and place to worry about such things, and now was not that time.

"Tohru must be there," Hana interjected. "It would also be wise for Yuki and myself to be there as well, and likely Shigure, as our school records have us linked. I might also suggest Kazuma, Kyo's foster father, but I think it would be better to exclude him from this, even if he would be willing to fight. He would not be prepared to deal with such a foe. Nor would I encourage their cousin, Momiji. He is too gentle hearted."

Sebastian nodded at the suggestions. He had no met Kazuma, but the others, he could agree on. And even though Tohru was also gentle hearted, he agreed that she needed to be there. "I will, of course, be there acting on behalf of the young master. The only other matter, then, is to decide when and where."

Ciel nodded. "The sooner the better, from what I understand," he glanced towards Hana's impassive face. "As to where, it would have to be somewhere that would not cause too much of a disturbance to the others in the vicinity. We want to keep as many casualties down, not to mention keeping the witnesses to as few a number as possible."

The butler got a wicked gleam in his eyes as he smiled. "Why don't we take it to her doorstep? It would be the last thing she'd expect, and it would be far enough away from prying eyes that it would fit the other requirements. As for when, as soon as we can gather the others. Is that agreeable to everyone?" The others nodded as he glanced in their direction. "Miss Hanajima, if you would be so kind as to call for a cab?"

Arisa Uotani had felt antsy all morning, just itching for a fight. She fingered the end of her lead pipe, carefully kept concealed in her clothing. She'd tried to find Hana, but had been told that her friend was out and that they didn't know where she was or when she'd return. Feeling that Tohru's place would be the next best location to search for her, she headed that way, giving anyone who gave her more than a passing glance a cold stare.

She wore the famous Red Butterfly riding jacket bequeathed to her by Tohru's mother, the long vented flaps flying out behind her as she strode purposefully towards her goal. Something was going down soon, her Yankee reflexes confirmed it, even though she'd given up that lifestyle years ago. Such instincts didn't just go away.

Up ahead, along the long road that led to Shigure Sohma's house, she saw someone else walking rather purposefully, also wearing a long coat, only white. She recognized him instantly from his duel colored hair, black and white, and she'd know that walk anywhere. "Hey! Wait up!"

Hatsuharu stopped, turning to see who had called out to him. He gave a faint nod as he recognized her. "What up?"

Arisa ran the distance between them, coming to a halt, her blonde hair swaying. "What're you doing here?"

Haru grinned. "Same thing you are; looking for a fight!"

Tohru was just about ready to do the dishes when she heard a knock on the door. "Coming!" She quickly dried off her hands with a dishtowel and ran for the door. She passed Yuki and Ran Mau, who were playing a game of Chinese checkers at the table.

She stepped back from the door in surprise as Sebastian, Lau, and Hana greeted. "Um… good morning." She moved aside so that they could enter, closing the door behind them.

Sebastian looked around the main room, assessing those visible. "I think it would be wise to assemble the members of this household, as we have some very important information to relay to everyone in residence here."

Tohru's eyes went wide, seeing the serious expressions on her friends' faces and immediately went to gather everyone to the main room. She was on her way back from quickly fixing her hair in her room, after calling for Shigure, when another set of knocking came from the door.

Tessa burrowed deeper and deeper, emerging herself in the many memories floating almost errantly around inside Kyo's scull. The passage, this time around, was so much easier, less restrained on both sides. She saw the faces of various members of the Sohma family, some of whom she'd already met, including that weakling rat boy, for she now saw that he had a similar ability, but to change into a meaningless rat.

Delving even further, she discovered a darker strain of essence and followed it to the source, all but crowing as she realized what she was seeing, and what it meant. She had been right. There was a whole lot more to this particular human than had initially met the eye, a darker, more sinister side that she would use to full advantage when she took out those sniveling humans who, as she'd seen through his eyes, had any kind of close attachment to him. It would all end soon.

But first, she had to dig deeper, untangling the mass of memories closest to the center of his core, navigating them like a vast labyrinth, except that she had the advantage. She could manipulate his mind like putty. Except, for whatever reason, there were certain parts that she could not enter, like some kind of barrier had been constructed, and not just recently, but over a course of some time. She pushed against them, battering relentlessly, only to find her efforts wasted.

In frustration, she pulled herself from his soul, far too abruptly, to the point that if he'd still been his conscious self, he would have cried out in agony. For no other reason than to express her frustration, she slapped the boy savagely, sending his body to the ground like a limp rag doll as she growled in rage. "Even now! You still deny me!"

Tessa flung sparks from her fingers, making Kyo's body levitate, then flung him against the wall. "I will have you! All of you!" She was about to fling his body once more when she felt a cold shiver run up her spine. She stopped as if in suspended animation, the boy's limp body floating inches from another wall.

What was it? What had caused that sensation? She reached out, eyes widening as she realized that her intrusion into the monster's mind had pulled all her focus towards a single point, with the result that she hadn't paid her warning webs any attention. She spun, seeking out the source of this overwhelming surge and let out a growl of rage. "So, you bring the fight to me, demon? But, wait…" she frowned thoughtfully, a frown that turned slowly into a smile. "You bring the very humans I would seek with you!"

With a snap of her fingers, Kyo's body was back on solid ground, standing at attention. "Now we will see just who is the superior, and finish my work here all in one fell swoop!" She cackled her delight, sensing the numbers of humans, seeing them in her mind, and passed off the mere trifling point that there were a few faces missing, though they were likely as weak minded as that rat boy out there, and would be just as easily crushed.

Tessa turned to Kyo, eyes gleaming. "Now is the time to test all!" She took the remaining steps to his side, grabbed his face and practically smashed her lips against his, now holding his head so that even if he'd been capable of trying to break free, he couldn't. Her lips bruised his as she imprinted into his mind the final link of the slave chain, linking his actions to her thoughts, effectively making his body an extension of herself. She finally pulled away, drawing in air hungrily, satisfaction deeply etched into every part of her face. "I told you, you'd be mine."

Hana stood ready, Arisa by her side. They were the furthest back, protecting the one they'd always sworn to protect, Tohru. Against a demon, Hana had the best chance of the two, being sensitive to the electrical pulses, but she'd gladly taken on the task of keeping her friend safe, especially now, with her in a somewhat shocked state. Learning that Kyo was being used by a witch woman, like a battery, was a bit more than the girl was ready to handle.

Sebastian stood near the front, in the middle of the group, with Hatsuharu and Yuki on either side. Off to Yuki's right, Ran May and Lau stood, ready for action, waiting with a calm serenity that was almost maddening. To Haru's left, Shigure stood, though he wasn't sure, exactly, just what exactly he could do to help, not being trained in martial arts, but he had a duty as the declared guardian of the younger Sohmas, and Miss Honda.

It had taken some time to explain the situation to everyone, once Haru and Arisa had crashed the party, but the Yankee would not hear of being left out, and, after seeing the determination of her soul and mind, Sebastian had agreed that she should be there. Not having a lot of time to plan, their strategy was simple, try and take out the demon witch without hurting Kyo, if at all possible, while keeping Tohru safe and close to hand. The demon butler hoped that what had worked on her back in Victorian England would also work in restoring Kyo, if only they weren't too late.

Everyone looked towards the sound of footsteps on the rough concrete that covered most of the industrial area, some eyes going wide at the sight of a lifeless doll version of Kyo stood easily at the no longer disguised witch facing them. Behind them, several other humans, probably homeless, sauntered before settling into a loose semi-circle around the two.

Sebastian raised a brow. "Using more humans, are you? And not by slave chain either. What did you promise them? Eternal youth? Immense power?"

Tessa smiled coldly. "Does it matter? They do my bidding for their reward, just as you have your own. I must thank you, however, for bringing my prey within easy grasp. You're making this far to easy, demon."

Shigure shifted uncomfortably where he stood. Even though everything had been explained to him, the very idea was not a friendly one, making his skin crawl. He looked behind him, even further than where Tohru stood with her two friends. Somewhere, out of the line of fire, Hatori was waiting, and his expert techniques would be more than called on at the end of this confrontation. He would gladly accept missing moments in exchange for the memories of this day; anything to erase the moment the demon had revealed his true nature, in private, because he'd been unwilling to believe things right off.

Sebastian smiled. "Easy words coming from you. Why not let the boy go and we can settle this between us?"

Tessa scoffed at the notion, shooting out a scathing look. "And abandon my most prized possession? You know better than that. Besides, can't you sense it, demon? The complete eradication of his being? He's nothing more than a puppet now." She tsked almost sadly. 'And who would want that? His soul is tied to me, as you are well aware."

Tohru shuddered, suppressing a sudden sob that wanted to break free. Hana and Arisa moved closer to her, touching her hands with theirs to try and reassure her. They would not abandon hope just yet.

All traces of good grace left the butler's face. "Very well, then. I will have to pry him back from your mutilated corpse."

Tessa didn't give him more than a moment to attack, sending her human lackeys in to take out the Sohmas as she forced Kyo into transformation, calling deep into his conquered psyche for the grotesque monster inside, the beads of subjugation flying to her as she forced the change, then sent him after the demon.

Haru smiled as he faced two grown men with far too many muscles for mere homeless men. He took off his jacket and threw it to one side. "Now this is more like it!" He swung out with a sweeping blow of the leg to try and knock them off their feet.

Yuki faced the one lackey who had singled him out, wondering if he'd be any more of a challenge than Kyo usually was. And, without Hana's mind cloud to "protect" him, he was more than up to the challenge as he lashed out with confidence, sending his opponent flying with a few bruises dealt by rapidly moving fists, followed by a swiftly executed kick.

Shigure dodged his attacker, putting out a foot to trip the man as he ducked, thanking his stars for the many times he'd danced the Limbo at various bars and unmentionable parties. He even took a book, literally, to the man's head as hard as he could, satisfied as his opponent went down with a loud crack.

Sebastian scowled as Kyo was sent to attack him, knowing full well that he had the power to incapacitate the boy, for good, if he'd truly wanted, but he could not do such, as he'd been charged to keep him alive, hoping that they could reverse this devastating condition. He countered blows of brute force augmented by the witch's magic.

Lau and Ran Mau seemed to almost dance as they fought their opponents, the Chinese girl running lithely to club several with her specialized weapons made from materials found in the Sohma house, since she'd been unable to bring her usual ones with her. She spun gracefully on the balls of her feet to knock yet another lackey in the head, sending him flying as she did so.

Lau and pulled a very thin, yet long needle from his sleeves, usually used for other purposes, it was more than adequate as a weapon, piercing like a wasp's stinger, with even greater accuracy and precision than most surgical tools, disabling his foes. How this woman had managed to seduce so many was beyond him. He didn't even think the witch, Tessa, was pretty, just vain.

Arisa had to call her metal pipe into action, adding more blood to the stains already on it as she beat back an attacker bent on breaking through to Tohru. She swung with all the force of someone well practiced in the pipe's use, breaking bones in arms and legs as two more jumped in to help their comrade.

Hana practically glowed with energy, partially wishing she could cast curses like her brother, but she managed to zap several enemies who tried to pass her guard, wrapping her friend in a cocoon of energy to help keep her safe from the electrical pulses she let fly.

Sebastian managed to throw Kyo, but the boy was back like an enraged bull, thrashing with claws, slicing the tailored suit coat like butter, but not ever quite able to break through the demon's skin.

Seeing that her lackeys were loosing, Tessa screamed in rage, sending her several inches into the air as she began to draw symbols in the air with the eerie green light of witchcraft. She sent a spell towards the stupid mortal girl who had somehow managed to thwart her all this time, more than recognizing the scent of her spiritual energy as the one who had not only encased that stupid rat boy, but who had followed her to this lair.

"Hana!" Tohru yelled out as she saw the witch sending the dark energy in her friend's direction, cowering as she saw that the energy would hit her as well.

Hana turned with a cold stare and put out her hands, sending as much energy out as she could, to act as a shield. The energy pushed against her own, trying to force its way in. Hana's feet slid a few inches from the effort as the energy pushed her back. With supreme effort, she pushed harder, sending the energy ricocheting away. It hit into one of the lackeys, sending him into an oblivion of pain.

Tessa growled, sending Kyo towards the three girls, forcing him to ignore the demon, using her own magic to give him added speed, as he broke free from the demon's grappling hands to obey.

Shigure stared in horror as he saw Kyo hurtle towards the one person who could save him from the curse, save everyone from the curse. "Tohru!"

Tohru looked up at the frantic call, eyes wide. In her mind, she flashed back through the memories of the first time she'd seen Kyo in this form, of running into the forest, sick and afraid. She saw herself crawling in fear, wanting to be with him, but repulsed at the same time, knowing that somehow, inside that monster, was the man she loved. She found she couldn't move.

Yuki turned almost as if in slow motion, the man he'd been fighting lying on the ground. "No!" He started to run, feeling as if his legs were jello, knowing he could not beat the speed of the creature.

Arisa ran towards Kyo, her pipe raised like a bat as she swung at him, only causing some minor damage. She was thrown aside for her efforts, landing with a loud grunt of pain, as she lay there, stunned.

Haru bashed together the heads of his opponents and went to join Yuki, trying to protect Tohru, his black side coming to the surface as anger infused through his system. "Come back here!"

Ran Mau and Lau ran to intercept the lumbering boy in his stench inducing form, covering mouths as they ran.

Sebastian sped forward, taking a few precious moments to realize what was happening. He plowed forward like a runaway locomotive, barreling into the boy before he could quite reach Tohru and Hana, sending him skidding to the ground.

Kyo lashed out at the demon with his raking claws, trying to tear him to pieces. He gave a mighty growl of rage, trying to fling the butler away, but he would not budge. His rage was intensified as Haru latched on to one leg, and Yuki onto the other. Arisa tried to get up and swing at him again, but was flung aside like trash by the free arm.

Lau and Ran Mau jumped into the fray, Lau grabbing the other arm, all struggling to keep the massively muscled creature from breaking free of their hold. They were flung every which way, but refused to let go as they managed to get the transformed Kyo onto his back.

Tessa screamed in fury and prepared to send another curse to incinerate every last stupid human trying to keep her new toy from doing its job. She looked up to aim and suddenly found her eyes meeting those of another. Her incantations stopped in surprised shock, eyes going wide at the sheer audacity of the human witch staring her down.

Hana moved away from her friend, eyes locked with the demon witch, refusing to let her go. She called upon every dark moment of her life, every memory, every shred of power within her, every part of her that she'd struggled to keep hidden all these years, and focused them on Tessa.

Sebastian continued to struggle with restraining Kyo's flailing limbs, the others experiencing the same difficulty as the boy tried to right himself. "Miss Tohru! Now!"

Tohru's knees quaked as she realized that this was the part where she came in, risking everything in the vain hope that something similar to what Kyo had once done for her would, somehow, do the same for him. Just as she had who knew how long ago, she walked on unsteady legs towards the flailing Kyo, trembling from head to toe.

Yuki grimaced as one claw raked his arm. He had to redouble his efforts to hold on while Haru had similar trouble with his side, trying to keep from being thrown into his older cousin.

Tohru reached striking distance and looked into the creature's eyes, quelled by the realization that she didn't see one spark of Kyo in those muddy eyes. Tears began coursing down her cheeks, afraid to hope, afraid that it was too late.

Ran Mau was lifted off the ground, along with Lau, as the arm they tried to restrain flew up. "Now, Little Sister!" She held tightly to the slimy flesh, digging her nails in for extra purchase.

Tohru swallowed, taking a deep breath as he knees buckled, trying not to imagine the various men either unconscious or dead near her. Instead, she willed herself to focus on only one thing, Kyo, every wonderful memory of Kyo. She took the last few steps towards his thrashing body and flung herself onto his chest, arms wrapped around his neck as tears streamed down her face.

Kyo's body convulsed, as if repelled by Tohru's touch, and she had to hold on for dear life as those around her were doing. He let out a growl of rage, trying to break free with even greater ferocity, managing to fling everyone free of his limps, sending them flying while Tohru clung on for all she was worth.

He stood abruptly, ready to tear her from his body, but his abrupt movements had forced her to swing around to his back so that now she had him in a choke hold, her weight working against him, constricting his breathing.

Tohru sobbed, half screaming as she tried to hold on, scrabbling at his slippery back, her shoes falling from her feet as she tried to keep from falling. She felt a searing heat coming from a small part of his back, between his shoulder blades, though she didn't dare look.

Haru stood shakily from where he'd landed, looking up to see Kyo trying to tear Tohru from his back. "Hey! We have to distract him!" He grabbed the closest thing to hand, a concrete chunk, and threw it, hitting just below the throat.

Kyo roared angrily and looked for the new threat as Tohru had to grab wildly for a better hold, managing to find one of his long ears, which she took full advantage of, finding herself rolled to one side so that she could see the segment of his skin that had felt so warm against her. It was a tattoo looking imprint of a glowing red snake.

Sebastian looked up from his attempts to distract the boy, seeing the snake design and realizing what it was. "Miss Tohru! You must break the connection! That tattoo is the point!"

Tohru's eyes went wide as she realized the significance of what he'd just told her, not really sure what to do about it, but she was going to try. Calling back up every memory of Kyo, every happy fragment with him, she let go with one hand and pressed it firmly against the burning snake, having to clench her teeth to keep from screaming from the searing pain, imagining her love as a piercing needle of light flying down the gullet of the writhing mass she felt under her hand.

Kyo and Tessa both screamed in sudden agony, heads going up in agony at their shared experience through the slave chain. Intense light pierced through like a surgical needle, sterilizing the dark matter with an intensity unlike any the demon witch had ever felt. She suddenly felt as though her body was being disintegrated by the pureness of that light.

Inside, the black snake arched his hooded head and lashed out, trying to attack the onslaught of purifying light that threatened to destroy it and its mistress along with it. Somewhere, deep inside, in the smallest corners of his mind, Kyo stirred, pain searing through him, as the needles of dark energy had seared through him, but this pain was a good pain, a healthy pain, and he reached out to embrace it.

Sebastian nodded to himself as he realized what was happening. The witch had spent so much time creating the binding chain that she'd put more of her energy into Kyo than she probably should have, and it was now eating her up as the pure energy of love was eating up the chains and spells she'd used to snare his soul. He took a step back, glad to see that the mortals were doing so as well. After all, both Tohru and Kyo were glowing with such a radiance that it was almost painful to look at as the light the girl held inside purged the darkness the witch had intensified inside Kyo.

Shigure watched in fascination, wondering if it would be better or not to have such a memory erased. He suddenly realized that the intensity was getting a lot more than he, at the very least, could bear. "Everyone! Run for cover!" He turned away from the glowing pair and ran for all he was worth, the others doing the same.

Tessa found her mouth opened, arms stretched out from her sides, feet pointing outward as the painful energy shot through her. She tried, in vain, to sever the chains, withdrawing her energy back towards her self, but was unable to do so, her body somehow immobilized, her blackened soul frozen in place. She managed to look down at the human witch who seemed to hold her spellbound, with eyes as intensely black as any demon's she'd ever seen. "No!'

Tohru continued to pour in her feelings of love, willing Kyo back to her, unaware that her whole body was engulfed in light, and that Kyo's was rapidly filling up with the same glow, spreading to his limbs, and flushing back towards his heart like a giant electrical circuit that kept the current circulating. The energy became too great as it collided with his heart and suddenly exploded outward.

Shigure, Yuki, Haru, Ran Mau, Lau, Arisa, and even Sebastian, felt themselves being flung to the ground like a bomb had gone off, buildings cracking and breaking around them from the intensity. It was all Hana could do to remain standing as she focused on holding Tessa in check, the witch's body filling with cleansing light and suddenly incandescing as Kyo's and Tohru's did, filling the while void with intense light so powerful it purged every dark corner for a mile in all directions.

After what felt like a lifetime, but was actually only a matter of minutes, everyone began to stir, coming to elbows and knees, and, eventually, feet. Many blinked, unsure if they were seeing correctly.

Sebastian was the first to his feet, looking around for the demon witch, but found that he was unable to even so much as sense her presence. He moved to the person closest to him and found it was the writer, Shigure. He helped the man to his feet, brushing off dust from his clothes.

Shigure turned to see where his younger cousins had ended up, glad to see Haru struggling to his feet, and Yuki already back on his, though both looked a little worse for wear. He was sure he looked no better. Another glance around showed Arisa getting to her feet, a bit shaky, but looking determined.

Lau and Ran Mau were content to stay on the ground, lounging against each other as Ran Mau fussed over the few visible scratches on the Chinese nobleman. He turned his closed eyes towards Hana, who was in a crouching position; head down as if praying, her long hair fanned out around her, instead of in the usual braid.

Yuki's head jerked up as he looked around for Tohru, heart beating a million miles a minute when he couldn't locate her right off. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he saw her, laying on top of Kyo's now human back, though he couldn't tell if she was alive or not. Neither of them were moving, eyes closed.

Sebastian moved faster than lightning to stand by the downed couple, drawing a deep breathe to take in all senses. He frowned slightly, but that frown cleared as he sensed both souls, a bit battered, but still intact. He knelt to feel their skin and assess any damage, more than able to hear the pulsing of their two hearts, beating as if one.

Shigure moved forward like a man triple his age. "Are they…?" He left the question hanging, not sure if he wanted to know, or finish asking.

The butler looked up and smiled. "No, they're both alive, as are we all." His smile turned slightly malicious as he looked towards where Tessa had last stood. "Almost all of use," he amended.

Arisa ran to Hana's side, glad when her dark haired friend responded to her tentative calls. She thought the psychic looked more pale than usual, but she seemed otherwise unharmed.

From back in the section of warehouses that were still intact, Hatori came slowly, doctor's bag in hand, assessing the situation. His skills would certainly be put to the test, he surmised with a grim face, but it was good to know that his young cousin, and everyone else, for that matter, would be all right, or so he assumed from the stances of everyone involved.

Haru moved forward to help the doctor in whatever capacity was needed, but paused when he accidentally kicked something. Bending down, he recognized the beads that Kyo always wore. Pocketing them, he headed towards the unconscious couple, waiting to see what he could to do help.

Ciel groaned as he was finally allowed to leave the hospital, feeling more than a bit weak, but happy to have his butler by his side. It was a great relief to be done with all this modern medicine, for all that it had cured his ills, at least for now. The attending physician had given Sebastian strict orders to follow for continued treatment, but didn't realize he would not return for a follow up as had been advised.

Several days had passed since the incident, and though the boy was glad everyone was recovering, he felt left out, despite having been filled in on all the details. Admittedly, there was a small part of him that was glad to not have been there, but to see such a sight… that would have made all strains almost worth it.

Sebastian helped him back into his modern clothes, then into a taxi. They were headed, once more, for the home of Shigure Sohma. "It is, perhaps, fortuitous that the locals believe the disturbance was caused by some kind of manufacturing accident," he noted as they rode to their destination, careful to keep his voice low so that the driver need not hear.

"Very," Ciel said dryly. He was very intrigued to learn that not all involved had had their memories erased by the good Doctor Sohma, though he could understand why some of them had to be erased, such as those not familiar with the curse beforehand, and those who were less able to handle Sebastian's true nature. It was just as well that the demon had been able to fill in the pieces with not completely accurate details so that those who had lost memories of the events didn't question things too much.

He was a bit surprised to learn that Hana had not had her memories erased, and that Kyo and Tohru had both chosen not to have theirs erased either. He didn't blame the writer for his choice to not remember, and for the alterations of Haru's memories, though he didn't really know who the boy was.

"And so it ends," he sighed. "Another job done, which means this little jaunt is just bout to its end." The boy earl looked down at his modern shoes, regretting that he wouldn't be able to take them with him, though he rather thought it would improve some situations if he did.

Sebastian smiled knowingly at him, prepared to make sure they did, in fact, make it back with them, and sent to the appropriate places to be analyzed, in hopes that they might lead to future production.

The taxi pulled up to Shigure's house and the butler paid the fair. Seeing the two arrive, Tohru ran from the house, giving the earl a big hug. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear, but broke away before he could respond, not sure why she was thanking him.

Arisa came from the house, walking carefully down the stairs. She was still more than a bit stiff from being thrown around, though she seemed to recall what had happened a lot differently than what had actually happened. "Man, you missed out on a great gang brawl. Should have been there," she punched the boy lightly on the shoulder. "So sad you'll be returning to England soon."

They all went inside after that, to meet up with everyone that Ciel and Sebastian had met while traversing in the modern world. The party that resulted was more uncontrolled and chaotic than anything the earl had ever experienced, but he couldn't recall ever having had more fu. The party went on well into the night, until Sebastian finally insisted that everyone go home. Tomorrow, they would return to England.

Seven people stood in the forest, almost hesitant for the moment to finally come. Lau stood to one side, Ran Mau close beside him. The past few days had been very educational and enlightening. They had both enjoyed them immensely, and a few modern items had somehow made their way into his sleeves, well, that was just as well.

Tohru tried not to cry as Kyo scuffed his feet on the dirt floor. Hana, who had more than earned the right to be there, kept watch, a few feet back. Ciel looked uncomfortable, back in his Victorian clothes, cane in hand.

The air began to shimmer near the fallen log that had started this journey seemingly so long ago. The tear in space and time became more visible as the eleventh hour reached fruition, on this, the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Ciel bowed slightly to his Japanese friends. "Thank you, for helping me fulfill my mission."

Not wanting to be as stiff and formal as the boy felt this occasion should be, she went up to him and gave him a big embrace. "Thank you," she told him once more before turning to hug the others in turn.

Kyo awkwardly went and shook each of their hands, not sure how else to react to the situation. The past few days had been filled with a lot of soul searching as he tried to come to terms with the events of the past week. He was more than glad to be back in control of his own body, and was already planning a new set of methods to get him even further along in physical training.

Lau perked his head to one side, feeling something akin to static electricity run down his spine. "Looks like it's time to go," he observed, and took Ran Mau by the arm. "Shall we?" The two turned and headed towards the shimmering air, Lau waving almost absently before they disappeared from sight.

Ciel turned to face Hana. "I have never met anyone like you before," he confessed, "but Tohru and Kyo are lucky to have you as a friend." He took the remaining steps between them to clasp her hand for only a moment, before turning towards the tear.

Sebastian inclined a slight bow to Hana. "Indeed, as my young master has said, never have I met another human quite like you. Look after your friends, else I might be back under less friendly terms." He smiled so that she knew he was at least partially joking, though the original order from his master still stood, to watch over those two for as long as they both lived.

Hana nodded in understanding. "I will."

Sebastian gently kissed Tohru's hand, and firmly shook Kyo's, before joining his master.

Ciel smiled slightly, eyes twinkling. "Sebastian, let's go home."

Sebastian grinned. "As you wish." He took the young earl's hand and both stepped into the void, then were gone.

Tohru let out a soft sigh, holding Kyo's hand as she waited. Gradually, the shimmer of energy in the air settled down, leaving no trace of a tear in space and time. The clock read eleven minutes past the hour.

With somewhat heavy hearts, the three friends turned to leave, Kyo and Tohru hand in hand, with Hana taking the lead, back to the house, where everyone was waiting.