For the most part, the ritual was complete; there were only two more steps. But they're still going to be a while yet:
One had to happen while on vacation
The final part had to happen on the New Year
Arisa returned and now belongs Kureno; they had sex as soon as she arrived, locking her in as part of the family.
"How are you feeling today?" Kyo asked as he and Tohru sat at the table.
"A little sore, but I'm really happy Arisa is back." Tohru happily and honestly answered.
"Yeah. I'm glad you're happy. I just wish you weren't so sore. What were you thinking having sex with everyone like that?" Kyo asked, looking at Tohru.
"Well—it felt good at the time." Tohru answered, blushing.
"I bet it did… But you should really learn to take breaks in between." Kyo sighed.
"I know—I'm sorry." Tohru apologized, looking down.
"It's ok; it's not your fault. But if that should happen again; take breaks in between. You have to let your body rest, or you'll just end up in pain like this again." Kyo explained right away, feeling guilty for making Tohru feel bad.
"Yes, I know. I'm going to go shopping; do we need anything?" Tohru asked.
"I don't think so; just the things on the list." Kyo answered.
"Ok." Tohru responded with a smile as she got up.
"Are you going alone?" Kyo asked with a hint of jealousy in his voice.
"No; Kisa, Kagura, and Rin are coming with." Tohru happily answered, not noticing the jealous hint.
"Ok…" Kyo sighed in relief.
"Is something wrong?" Tohru asked, concerned.
"No, I'm fine. Go and have fun with the girls." Kyo answered with a smile, covering his ass.
"Ok. See you after a little while." Tohru replied, leaving to meet up with the girls.
"There she is! Tohru, over here!" Kagura happily called.
"Hi; have you been waiting long?" Tohru asked, looking at Kagura, Rin, and Kisa.
"Nope. Just a few minutes. How are you feeling today?" Rin asked, looking at Tohru.
"I'm good. A little sore, but good." Tohru admitted with a smile; she knew all, but Kisa knew what was going on.
"Why are you so sore?" Kisa asked, confused.
"Lots and lots of exercise." Rin spoke right away.
"Ok." Kisa replied, happy with the answer.
"So, what are you making for dinner tonight, Tohru?" Kagura asked, looking at Tohru.
"Stewed fish with potatoes.?" Tohru happily answered.
"Kyo will love that." Kagura stated.
"I know; he requested it this morning before I started making my grocery list." Tohru replied.
"So when are you going to do your major grocery shopping?" Rin asked as they started walking.
"Monday; Hatori's going to be taking me because he's the only one who drives." Tohru answered with a smile.
"That sounds nice." Rin replied, making a face.
"Why are you looking at Tohru like that?" Kisa asked, confused.
"No reason." Rin lied as they continued to walk.
With Hatori, Shigure, & Ayame:
"How was your time with our little flower?" Shigure asked, looking at Hatori.
"It was a good time." Hatori answered; he wasn't going to let them know he really enjoyed fucking Tohru like he did.
"We had a really fun time as well." Ayame happily announced, fondly remembering.
"What about Mine?" Hatori asked, looking at Ayame.
"She knows what's going on; she's happy for us." Ayame happily replied.
"Are you still dating her? And what of Jun?" Shigure asked, confused—for the first time with Ayame.
"Mina and I are dating, as are Jun and me. We're very happy with our open relationship. What about you two?" Ayame asked, looking at Hatori and Shigure.
"I only like Tohru." Hatori and Shigure responded right away.
"But she's with Kyo most of the time." Ayame spoke with a sigh.
"As long as she happy and I get to have her now and then; I'm happy." Hatori replied.
"And as for me; I'm the same as Hatori. Tohru is the only girl who matters; and she belongs to this family only." Shigure added in.
"Who all has more than just Tohru?" Ayame asked, confused.
"Well Hiro's still too young—and he's in love with Kisa. Haru and Rin are a couple as are Kureno and Arisa. I think Ritsu is with Mitsuru. And yes, all the girls are aware of Tohru belonging to this family. If they can't handle it, they're not meant to be with any of us. Tohru is our first concern." Hatori very sternly answered.
"Yes, I agree." Shigure wholeheartedly agreed.
"So, now what?" Ayame asked, looking at Hatori and Shigure.
"You wait for the final steps." Kazuma stated, walking in.
"Yes, of course." The three said right away; Kazuma was one of Jun's right-hand men. He knew every little detail about the ritual, but he wouldn't tell anyone anything.
"So, what is our dear Tohru up to now?" Kazuma asked.
"She's out shopping with the girls for her and Kyo's dinner tonight." Shigure answered.
"Ahh… I see." Kazuma said, looking around.
"Are you planning on having sex with Tohru as well?" Ayame asked, looking at Kazuma.
"Eventually. But I'm not part of the ritual; I will have my turn once it's completed." Kazuma replied before leaving.
"Ok…" The three replied, watching Kazuma leave like nothing was said…