Chapter 16: The Panther's tale

Mateo's P.O.V

"But is the panther even a proper member of the zodiac? Or is it like the cat?" Curiosity burned in me. I wasn't repelled by the Sohma's secret, I was saddened for them. To be suffering under a curse like that for so long and not be able to tell anyone…it must be horrible.

"The story of the panther is very old. So old in fact, that it's often lost in retellings and very few people alive today even know the tale." Hatori stated calmly.

"Can you tell me the story?" I turned to Rei expectantly. "Can you?"

Rei's P.O.V

'Alright.' I was going to tell someone about the panther. How strange. Ever since I'd been born and found out that I was…different than normal kids, I never thought anyone would ever find out about our secret, much less want to know more. Taking a deep breath, I began.

"On the day of the banquet, the cat had already been tricked by the rat into staying home. But the panther's story is different. The panther was already with God when he invited all the animals to the feast. It had been sitting on his lap. God had said that all the animals and he would be friends forever and he reincarnated them every life cycle into human forms, so that they would never be alone. God really had fulfilled his promise. They would be together forever. But the panther had been sad. It noticed the cat was missing, and didn't want him to miss out. But God said that only those present at the banquet would be reincarnated forever together. The panther decided it didn't want the cat to feel excluded and alone. So it (the panther) asked God:
"Please don't reincarnate me. I do wish to be with all of you forever. But I don't want the Cat to be alone." So God made a bargain with the panther. He would reincarnate both the Cat and the Panther along with the other animals. In return, the Cat and the Panther must agree not to attend the formal dinners that the other Zodiac animals are invited too."

When I'd finished the story, Kyo was sitting next to me. I clambered into his lap and sat there smiling slightly. He stroked my hair a softly and Kisa who had moved beside me, squeezed my hand.

Mateo's P.O.V

"But that still doesn't explain the whole Akito thing. Why are you afraid of him? He isn't a member of the Zodiac is he?"

"That's not quite how it works. And now Mateo I think that maybe you should go." Shigure had popped up behind me.

"Oh, but it's fun having a new boy around!" Ayame protested loudly. "He's so naïve and confused. It's adorable!" I raised an eyebrow at Rei. Adorable?

"Aya, I'm sorry but he needs to go home before it gets too late. I'm sure his parents are looking for him."

Well, that was certainly an abrupt way of saying get out. Rei grimaced at me in apology. She stood up and walked over to me.

'C'mon. I'll walk you out.' She signed. Before I left, I turned and looked back at the slightly shabby house that held the people who had just trusted me with an amazing secret. Blinking once more, I smiled, waved at Rei, and began to walk home.

Author's note: Hey everyone! So...I know its been a while...
Momiji: *Starts screaming* YOU ARE SO LATE RI!
Ri: Ok...yeah i know I haven't updated in like FOREVER. Trying to figure out where I want the story to go now that Mateo knows. If y'all have any ideas please message them to me k? I'd really appreciate it, and thanks so much for your patience!