A bit of a disclaimer-or warning:
In Momiji & Kira's portion, when it's just them, they speak to each other in German, & I did type their conversation in German.
With that said, for those who cannot read German, I do have (the English translation in bold & italics)
So, you can skip the German to read it in English.
Please don't ask why I did that, because I honestly don't know other than Momiji is half German & can speak in German. & I know it's not much in the manga or anime, but I wanted to do a part in German.
Also, it will only be in this chapter & very little in their chapter later on.
A Week Ago:
"Now, what do we do?" Kisa questioned, a little scared.
"We have no choice but to go to that house—to that party to meet whoever this Kurama character is." Akito spoke, annoyed.
For refusing Kurama's invitation to his place for a party, everyone who received a letter from Kurama received threats in the last week. And they weren't the only ones: the significant others of members not in the Sohma family were also threatened—except for Saki Hanajima; she agreed to go for the food.
"How are Neji and the girls?" Shigure questioned, watching Kagura, Hatori, Ayame, Kyo, Yuki, Momiji, Ritsu, and Kureno.
"Better." Ayame, Yuki, Momiji, and Kureno answered.
"Recovering." Hatori, Kagura, Kyo, and Ritsu answered.
"So, we're really going to this thing?" Hiro, Rin, Kyo, and Yuki dully questioned.
"Yes. It's clear whoever Kurama is, keeps his word. And the notes everyone received with their threats three or four days ago stated that if we continued to refuse, the next warning or threat would be worse. And if I remember correctly, some of the threats already received, were already bad enough. In other words, we have no choice but to go." Akito answered, reminding everyone of their threats.
Akito:
Akito received her threat five days ago—two days after receiving the invitations to Kurama's party.
She was sitting outside, minding her own business, watching the clouds roll by, when one of the maids disrupted her peace and quiet.
"Ma'am." The maid quietly spoke, getting Akito's attention.
"What is it?" Akito calmly questioned the maid.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but this letter came for you. It was in a larger envelope, sent to your mother. In it was this note, saying to give it to you immediately. She tried opening the letter, but Miss Nori stopped her and snatched the letter away from her. Miss Nori had something she had to attend to, so she sent me to you." The maid explained, handing Akito a letter along with the note.
"Thank you. You may be excused." Akito calmly sent her maid away.
"Yes, Ma'am." The maid bowed before leaving.
~For Akito Sohma's Eyes Only~
Dearest Akito,
How have you been?
In good spirits, I hope.
I was in good spirits until I learned that you and your family refused to attend my party. So, I've started becoming frustrated.
I thought I was pretty clear in my last letter:
You, your family, and significant others are to accept my invitation; you're not allowed to decline. You, your family, and significant others are to show up at my place for my party.
It could be because I forgot to mention that I have eyes and ears everywhere; there is nothing I do not see or hear.
I know everything about you and your family. I also know everything about the outside significant others belonging to Hatori, Ayame, Kureno, Ritsu, Kagura, Yuki, Kyo, and Momiji.
I am especially interested in Neji and Sakura Tomoe, Tohru Honda, Arisa Uotani, Machi Kuragi, Kira Webber, Mitsuru Saimori, and Mine Kuramae. There's just something about outside significant others entering into the Sohma family, isn't there?
Oh, Akito: I love your family. I have been working with the Sohma family for a long, long time now.
With that, I regret to inform you that for not listening to my earlier request, I will have to unleash punishment on those who refuse to appear at my humble abode.
I'm sorry for the upcoming punishments.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
"Ha. Just who the hell does this guy think he is?" Akito questioned after reading the letter sent, yet again, by Kurama.
"Maybe he's a sadomasochist." Shigure spoke in Akito's ear, popping in from out of nowhere.
"Whoever he is, he's messing with the wrong family." Akito replied, crumbling up the letter.
"This is true. But perhaps we should keep this letter just in case things do escalate. This can be undeniable proof that we were threatened if the police need to be called." Shigure insisted, taking the crumbled-up paper from Akito.
"You think so? You think we should be taking this seriously?" Akito questioned, narrowing her eyes at Shigure.
"I do. How else would he know we didn't accept his invitation without us replying?" Shigure replied.
"I suppose. I'm going to take a nap." Akito sighed, getting up.
"Would you like company?" Shigure questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"It would be nice, but it's up to you." Akito replied, walking away. Shigure followed along like a lost puppy.
Shigure:
Shigure's threat also came five days ago—way later in the day.
"Oh, what brings the good doctor out this late at night?" Shigure questioned Hatori, walking down the road.
"Shouldn't you be with Akito?" Hatori retorted.
"She's asleep. Your turn." Shigure replied as the two walked down the road.
"Kagura called. Neji had an attack and was out of his emergency medication." Hatori answered.
"How is sweet, young Sakura?" Shigure inquired, teasing Hatori.
"She's fine. Tired but fine." Hatori answered.
"Is she still in the hospital?" Shigure questioned, genuinely concerned.
"Yeah. And now that I've finished with Neji, I'm going to visit her after I get her the ice cream shake, she wanted—and maybe a stuffed animal. As long as she does well, she'll get to go home in the morning." Hatori answered.
"Well, I hope she gets better. But are you really going to let her go back to that place?" Shigure questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"No. All the arrangements have been made, and she'll be coming to stay with me. Not one word. But that's why Neji had his attack; he pushed himself to far packing and moving her stuff. Of course, Kagura and a few others helped, but still… But I have to go. Oh, and there's a large envelope on your door. See you later." Hatori answered before informing Shigure as he walked away.
"Let Sakura know we wish her well!" Shigure called to Hatori, who just waved in return.
~Shigure Sohma~
"Now, what is this? You must be from our new friend, Kurama. Let's see what you have for me." Shigure inquired, pulling the large envelope with his name off the front of his door.
Dear Shigure,
Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.
I was hoping the letter I sent to Akito would have got the message through to her—and you.
But as I've seen and heard, I was sadly mistaken.
So, here is your first warning. And trust me when I say that if you continue to deny my invitation, the warnings or threats, if you prefer, will continue. And they will only continue to intensify.
Oh, and feel free to call the police if you so desire; it won't do anything for you. It will, however, give me some great entertainment.
But to the main event, shall we?
All secrets come to light at some point, don't they?
How is your new book coming? Or should I say your short stories meant for your eyes only? You know, the ones to help you get off when Akito isn't in the mood?
What would the others say if they were to find out about your dirty little secret?
If you don't want any of them to find out, make sure you agree to come to my party.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
Along with the letter, the envelope contained several copies of short stories he had written. However, someone had used whiteout over the tiles and replaced them with new titles. All the stories are very sexually explicit:
Shigure Makes Akito His Sex Slave.
Hatori Deprives Sakura of Her Innocence.
Ayame and Mine's Sex Shop.
Arisa Makes Kureno Her Bitch.
Ritsu and Mitsuru's Apologetic Emotional Sex.
Isuzu and Hatsuharu's Sex Dungeon.
Kagura Helps Neji Reach His Potential.
Yuki and Machi's Garden Adventure.
Kyo Helps Tohru in the Kitchen.
Momiji Teaches Kira with Special Toys.
Kisa and Hiro Innocent Experimentation in Foreplay.
Haru & Rin:
Haru and Rin received their threats at the same time four days ago.
They had just finished having sex in some bushes in a park and were now walking hand-in-hand.
"What's the plan now?" Haru asked Rin as they walked to nowhere in particular.
"Well, what do you want to do?" Rin questioned in return.
"It doesn't matter to me. Do you want to go back to my place and make love instead of just fucking?" Haru suggested.
"That sounds nice. Fucking is fun, but I do prefer making love." Rin replied with a smile.
"Yes, I do agree. Making love to you is better than fucking you. Besides, Yuki is the one I enjoy fucking." Haru replied, getting a blank look from Rin.
"You're an ass." Rin told Haru, letting go of his hand to walk ahead of Haru.
"Oh, come on; I was kidding. You know you're the only one for me. Besides, Yuki and I broke up when he met Machi." Haru sincerely told Rin before teasing her again.
"You're lucky I love you." Rin muttered, walking ahead.
"I know." Haru responded with a smile.
"What is that?" Rin asked, noticing a box by Haru's front door.
"It looks like a box with an envelope on it." Haru casually noted.
"I know that! But what's in it and why is it in front of your house?" Rin exclaimed before asking again.
"I don't know. Maybe Mom's been on a shopping binge again." Haru replied, walking up to the door.
"It's addressed to you—and me." Rin noted, reading the front of the envelope.
~Hatsuharu Sohma & Isuzu Sohma~
"Let's take it inside. We don't need any extra onlookers." Haru insisted, noticing people walking by.
"Right." Rin agreed, following Haru inside.
"Is that my new rice steamer?" Haru's mother questioned, walking over to Haru.
"Sorry, Mom. This is addressed to me and Rin. We'll be in my room." Haru replied, walking away.
"Stay safe!" Haru's mother called down the hall.
"Yes, Mom; we always are!" Haru called back.
"Ok, let's see what this is." Haru sighed once he and Rin got situated in his bed.
Dear Hatsuharu and Rin,
I'm so glad that you received my second letter.
I do hope you enjoy the gift I sent you.
It's vital that you know that the gift is for refusing my party request. Please understand, if you deny me again, I will send you another present with something even better.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
"Kurama? Isn't that the person who sent us the last letter inviting us to his home for some party?" Haru and Rin asked at the same time.
"Yeah, I think so." Haru spoke again.
"Who sends a gift to someone who refuses to go to some party?" Rin questioned, confused.
"I don't know. Let's see what he sent." Haru insisted, removing some colored tissue paper.
"Is that a photo album?" Rin questioned, seeing a binder that looked like a photo album.
"I think so, but what does that mean?" Haru replied, looking at the front of the album.
Everyone knows you two are a couple—and sexually active.
But do they know how active you are or where you've been active?
"What the hell is all this?!" Rin shrieked after opening the album and flipping through the pages.
"It will be ok, Rin. I'll figure out who took these pictures." Haru insisted in a soothing tone, holding Rin close and rubbing her back.
"I don't want to make love right now. I think I'm going to be sick." Rin informed Haru before rushing to the bathroom.
"That's ok; we can just take a nap. We'll take this to Hatori or someone later." Haru insisted when Rin walked back in tears.
"Ok." Rin sniffled, going to lay next to Haru.
The pictures in question were of them making love, having sex, or fucking in several different places—including Shigure and Akito's room. Akito didn't know, but Shigure sure did.
Kisa:
Kisa received her warning four days ago in the afternoon after school. And being as sensitive as she is, Kurama decided to go easy on her.
"Kisa, Dear." Kisa's mother called Kisa over when she walked through the door.
"Yes, Mom?" Kisa softly questioned.
~Kisa Sohma~
"This came for you today." Kisa's mother handed her a baggy with her name on it.
"Ok, thank you." Kisa replied, taking the baggy.
"You're welcome, Dear." Kisa's mother replied, getting her shoes on.
"Are you going somewhere?" Kisa inquired, watching her mom.
"We're running low on a few things, so I'm going to head to the grocery store. I'll be home in an hour or so." Kisa's mother answered her.
"Ok." Kisa replied before heading to her room.
Dear Kisa,
Like the rest of your family members, I see that you have decided to decline my party request.
That's not good. You and the others are being very ungrateful.
I am so disappointed in you, young lady.
I do hate being disrespected.
Now, I'm going to be nice with this warning. If you continue to deny me, the kid gloves are going to come off and you will receive a much more severe warning.
I wouldn't bother telling your mother or anyone else not involved in this; nobody will be able to help you. Because let me let you in on a little secret:
Try telling your mother, the police, or anyone else not involved—including the significant others of Hatori, Ayame, Kureno, Ritsu, Kagura, Yuki, Kyo, and Momiji. They won't be able to see anything I've sent you or the others. Telling anyone I tell you not to will result in them thinking you're crazy.
However, if I were to send your mother something, that would be an entirely different story.
Say I send her some pictures or videos of you and your boyfriend, Hiro, messing around. All the hand jobs, blowjobs, eating out, and the almost anal sex last week.
If you don't want your mother knowing—or a far worse punishment, come to my home and celebrate with me.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
After reading her letter—three times, Kisa cried herself to sleep.
Hiro:
Hiro received his threat at the same time as Kisa four days ago.
"Where are you going, Mom?" Hiro inquired, walking through the front door.
"Hinata has a doctor's appointment. And then I'm taking her to the mall to get her some new clothes. She's just getting so big." Hiro's mother cheerfully answered, gushing over Hinata.
"Yes, she is. It's hard to believe that she's already two." Hiro replied.
"I know. But the same can be said about you. Every day, I wonder where the time went; you're in high school now—and the same grade as Kisa. It's hard to believe she got held back. But at least you get to be in the same grade and class with her now. Oh, I got to get going, or we'll be late. Hiro, there is some mail for you on the table. See you in a few hours." Hiro's mother gushed over him before noticing the time.
"It wasn't her fault that Kisa got held back a year." Hiro muttered, walking to the table.
Happy Birthday, Hiro!
May all your wishes come true.
Love,
Grandma & Grandpa
"*Sigh…" I love Grandma and Grandpa, but this is the third birthday card from them in the last six months. The only time they didn't send me a birthday card was on or around my actual birthday. Oh, no." Hiro sighed after reading the birthday card from his grandparents. He then saw a sticky note from his mother on a phone bill.
Hiro Sohma!
Just what is this?
You went over your minutes by seven hours!
Do you know just how much extra that costs?!
I know you love Kisa and you worry about Isuzu,
but how late are you staying up talking to them or texting them?
You have three options here, Pal:
One: get a job so you can pay me back.
Two: get a job to start paying for your own minutes.
Three: you lose phone privileges for a month. Which is happening either way, mind you.
❤️Love always,
Mommy. ❤️
"Uh-oh. Mom's angry. And that's not easy to do. Maybe I'll hold off on asking for a credit card." Hiro spoke to himself some more as he went through the mail.
~Hiro Sohma~
"Is this another letter from that Kurama guy? Does he not get that we don't want to go?" Hiro questioned, annoyed.
Instead of just tossing the letter in the garbage, his curiosity got the better of Hiro, and he opened it to read it.
Dear Hiro,
Yes, I am very aware that you and your family do not wish to come to my humble abode for a party that I've done a lot of preparing for to make perfect for you and your family. That was made clear when you all decided not to accept my request.
So, now as punishments, everyone is getting a first warning. As I've explained to those who received their threats already, if you deny my request, the warnings will only worsen. Kisa just finished reading her letter from me and is now sleeping after crying herself to sleep. And her warning was pretty tame for me. I only told her that because she didn't comply, I knew what you two do when nobody else is around to chaperone you.
Oh, yes; I have eyes and ears everywhere.
I see and hear everything.
I know everything you and your family do.
Now, let's get this over with, shall we?
You may be a kid, but you're no pushover; you're not as sensitive as Kisa, so I can up your warning a little more.
You already know I know what you and Kisa do together, and I already used that against her. But you have something else I can use. Or rather, you have someone else I can use against you. You have a beautiful baby sister, Hinata.
I wonder what would happen if she were to disappear in the middle of the night? Or better yet when she's under your care?
As I've informed Kisa, there's no point in trying to tell anyone because they'll just think you're crazy.
So, as long as you show up at my home promptly at 5:00 PM (maybe a little early) on Halloween, nothing will happen to Hinata.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
"Damnit! Damn him! Who the hell does this mother fucker think he is?!" Hiro snapped as he started stomping around his house.
Yuki, Ayame, Kureno, Ritsu, and Momiji received their warnings or threats three days ago. Hatori, Kagura, and Kyo received theirs two days ago.
While Kurama doesn't believe that Machi, Mine, Arisa, Mitsuru, Kira, Tohru, Neji, or Sakura deserve to be warned, threatened, or punished because some of them only vaguely know what was going on, and the rest were not informed; Kurama was still going to use them against the ones who do need to be warned.
Using the girls and Neji was Kurama's means to an end to get what he wanted.
Yuki & Machi:
"What in the world?"
Yuki and Machi were making out in Machi's bed when his warning came flying through the window at them.
~Yuki Sohma~
"What is it?" Machi questioned when Yuki picked up an envelope with his name on it.
"From the handwriting, I'm guessing it's from Kurama." Yuki sighed, flipping the envelope over and over again.
"Kurama? That's the strange guy who you don't know, who sent you that invitation to his home for a party in an area you don't know—an area you've never heard of?" Machi questioned, looking at the envelope.
"Yeah. I don't remember if he sent directions or if he's sending someone to take us there." Yuki answered, slowly opening the letter.
"Well, I'm not going. As far as we know, he could be some kind of ax murderer or something. Uh-uh. Nope. No way. Not gonna happen." Machi put her foot down and insisted.
"I know how you feel." Yuki sighed, removing the letter.
Dear Yuki—and Machi,
I am sad to hear that you don't wish to come to my home for a party that I'm working so hard on for you and your family.
I'm very disheartened that you think I'm an ax murderer. That is the furthest thing from what I am.
Besides, even if I were an ax murderer as you think I am, what could I possibly do to an entire group of people when it's just me?
Sure, I suppose I could off three or four of you if I were that lucky enough. However, that won't happen because I am not an ax murderer.
That being said, I am somewhat of a psychic:
I see and hear all, so I know all about you.
I am going to make this very simple for you:
Show up at my place at 5:00 PM on Halloween, and these embarrassing pictures won't get to Kakeru (I have plenty of copies).
If you decide to keep defying me, I will be forced to write Ayame and Mine a letter in your handwriting, Yuki. It will ask that you spend an entire week (7 full days) together in a remote place of my choosing with no way to escape. It will just be you, Ayame, Mine, and Machi. And for extra measures, Kakeru and Komaki will also be invited along.
So, by all means, keep refusing to come.
It won't end well for you.
And for each decline, the warnings or threats will get worse.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
"Now what? We can't let Kakeru see these!" Machi frantically cried.
"And being stuck with him and Ayame at the same time for a full seven days… I don't even want to imagine that. I guess we have no choice, right? I mean I don't know what can be worse than these, but I don't think I want to find out." Yuki replied, dejected. Figuratively speaking, those blue lines were running across his forehead.
The pictures used as blackmail were of Yuki and Machi, drunk at a party a few months ago. They were dancing, singing karaoke, riding a mechanical bull, and so much more that would get Kakeru going.
"To some stranger's place to possibly be murdered or humiliated by our brothers? I think I'll take the stranger's place." Machi replied, unhappy with either option. But with how far Kakeru takes things sometimes—being dead was better.
Ayame & Mine:
"What do you think of this one, Boss?" Mine inquired, popping in, wearing a technicolor maid outfit.
"Très bien, mon chéri! The customer will be thrilled! And you look très magnifique, my love!" Ayame boisterously praised Mine.
"Oh, I'm so glad." Mine cheerfully replied.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"We're closed!" Ayame and Mine called, looking toward the front.
"Package for a Mr. Ayame Sohma!" A muffled voice called.
"Package? Were you expecting something?" Mine questioned Ayame as they walked to the door.
"No. But I do love surprises." Ayame replied with a smile. But deep in the pit of his stomach, he had a bad feeling—and Mine could tell. No matter how hard he tried, Ayame could never keep anything from Mine.
"Ayame Sohma?" A delivery man inquired.
"Yes, that's me." Ayame calmly replied.
"Please, sign here." The delivery man instructed.
Ayame signed the clipboard and took the package.
"You have a nice day." The delivery man instructed before walking away.
"You as well." Ayame replied before shutting the door.
~Ayame Sohma~
"What do you suppose it is? Is it from that guy who sent you the last letter? The writing looks the same." Mine inquired, looking at the box.
"Yes, I believe it is from Mr. Kurama. I haven't the slightest what he would send me." Ayame cautiously replied.
"Are you alright, Ayame?" Mine questioned, concerned.
"I'm not sure." Ayame replied, peeling the note off the box.
Dearest Ayame,
I was most shocked when you, of all the people invited to my party, didn't accept.
As far as I was aware, you love a good party.
I was expecting extravagant costumes.
But no, you decided to be a sheep and follow along with what the rest of your family wanted.
Here's your first warning:
This warning is me foreclosing on your shop. And trust me, with what I can do, that will be your reality. And inside this box is what you and Mine will be forced to wear and sell on the streets like peddlers should you continue to deny my invitation. And let me warn you now that the punishments will be far worse than your worst nightmare—on this subject.
P.S.
Don't forget to bring Mine.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
"Oh, no. Ayame!" Mine gasped when Ayame opened the "gift" and removed the gray and white tissue paper. She then exclaimed, horrified when Ayame passed out at the horrible sight.
After reading the note, Ayame became a little woozy and had to sit down. The contents of the box were the last straw, and Ayame lost consciousness and fell to the floor.
There were some plain and simple gray and white dresses.
Kureno & Arisa:
Kureno and Arisa were enjoying a game of Poker when their threat showed up. Whoever lost their game had to give the other a massage and make whatever they wanted for dinner. So far, Kureno was winning.
"You're cheating somehow, I just know it." Arisa grumbled.
"I swear I'm not." Kureno insisted with a small smile.
"Uh-huh. Do you want to play Go Fish or something else. This game is sucking ass." Arisa requested, watching Kureno.
"You're only saying that because you're not winning. But whatever you want." Kureno replied with a smile.
"And as your reward, you can give me a massage—and you can pick whatever for dinner. That way, we both win." Arisa bargained with Kureno.
"That sounds fair." Kureno replied, putting the playing cards away while Arisa looked for a different deck.
"So, do you want to tell me what's been bugging you these past few days?" Arisa questioned, shuffling the cards.
"Hmm?" Kureno hummed, playing dumb.
"Oh, come off it. I know something's going on—we all. Even Tohru and Sakura know something's going on—and that's saying something because they're not the quickest snails in the race. So, what is going on?" Arisa responded before demanding answers, narrowing her eyes at Kureno.
"*Sigh…* A few days ago, the family received an invitation to a Halloween party." Kureno answered, caving under Arisa's stare.
"That sounds like fun. What's the problem with that?" Arisa questioned, confused.
"We don't know the person or the area where his house is. Right now, all we know is that his name is Kurama." Kureno answered.
"Kurama, you say?" Arisa questioned, dealing cards.
"Yeah. Why?" Kureno questioned.
"My friend, Saki Hanajima, received an invitation to some guy named Kurama's house for a party as well." Arisa answered.
"Is she planning on going?" Kureno inquired.
"Yeah. The guy mentioned there'd be a lot of food. And Saki—she loves food. You should totally go. I'll find a way to stowaway to keep an eye on things." Arisa determinedly declared.
"That won't be necessary. The letter said that I was supposed to bring you as well. We're all supposed to bring our partners." Kureno answered.
"Awesome. We should totally guy. I'll fuck this guy up if he tries anything." Arisa determinedly declared.
"I suppose… But I don't know about this." Kureno replied.
"You'll be fine. Saki and I will be there." Arisa insisted.
"Ok." Kureno gave in and agreed to go with Arisa. But it was more or less because he didn't want anything to happen to her best friend—no matter how scary he thought she was.
~Kureno Sohma~
"What is this?" Arisa questioned when a letter with Kureno's name landed on the table between them.
"It's a letter from someone. But how did it get here? I didn't see anyone come in." Kureno replied, picking up the letter.
"Oh, hell no! Now, we're definitely going. This guy doesn't know who he's messing with! All he needs to know is that he's fucking messing with wrong fucking person!" Arisa angrily yelled, immediately standing up after reading the letter.
Dear Kureno,
Well, this is certainly unexpected. Like the rest of your family, you had denied my request to show up at my home for a simple Halloween party.
Like the rest of your family, I was planning on giving you a warning using Arisa Uotani if I had to. But after learning about Arisa, I planned on using Tohru Honda or Sakura Tomoe if I had to, seeing as she seems most protective of them. I can't use Saki Hanajima because she's agreed to come on her own. I have plenty I can use.
But seeing as Arisa convinced you to come to my home, threats aren't needed.
Good day.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
Ritsu & Mitsuru:
Ritsu and Mitsuru were some of the easiest—and most annoying to accept the second invite to Kurama's home.
Ritsu and Mitsuru were enjoying tea at the hot springs when a man arrived with Ritsu's letter.
"I hope the tea is to your liking." Ritsu's mother gently spoke to Mitsuru.
"Oh, yes. It's lovely and some of the best tea I've had in a long time." Mitsuru politely replied.
"I'm glad. Enjoy the rest of your relaxation time." Ritsu's mother insisted before going back inside.
"Did you hear? Shigure's going back to writing again." Ritsu calmly told Mitsuru.
"Oh, no. He's not looking for an editor, is he?" Mitsuru questioned, trying not to panic.
"I don't know. I haven't heard anything about him looking for one. But I think I heard Hatori and Akito say that he's not to bug or torment you." Ritsu calmly answered.
"Ok. I love these bracelets Sakura gave us; they really help us stay calmer than we used to be before." Mitsuru insisted with a smile.
"Yes, I agree. I'm glad she came into Hatori's life." Ritsu spoke with a smile.
"Yes. Until he met her, he was so depressed, wasn't he?" Mitsuru inquired.
"Yes. Mayuko's death was so sudden." Ritsu solemnly replied.
"But what about Sakura? She and her brother have that strange illness, don't they?" Mitsuru inquired, concerned.
"Message for Ritsu Sohma." A mail person spoke, walking over to Ritsu and Mitsuru before he could answer her.
~Ritsu Sohma~
"Thank you." Ritsu thanked the mail person.
"You're welcome." The mail person replied, slowly backing away.
"AHHHH! I'M SORRY! I AM SOO SORRY! I AM A FAILUER AS A HUMAN BEING! I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW DISRESPECTFUL I WAS BEING! I'M SORRY! I APOLOGIZE NOT ONLY TO MR. KURAMA BUT THE ENTIRE FAMILY FOR NOT STANDING UP FOR MYSELF! AND TO THE ENTIRE WORLD FOR BEING A FAILUER! I DESERVE WHATEVER PUNISHMENT I AM GIVEN! I'M SORRY! I WILL MAKE SURE TO SHOW UP TO MR. KURAMA'S PARTY ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT IN ORDER TO BE PROPERLY FORGIVEN!" Ritsu frantically yelled, which got Mitsuru going. He didn't even get through the entire letter. I think he only read a line or two.
"I'm so sorry! I don't know why I'm apologizing and for that I'm so sorry!" Mitsuru frantically cried.
'So much for those bracelets working.' The mail person thought to himself, walking away with a headache.
Dear Ritsu,
I'm highly disappointed in you for not standing up to your family and not coming to my Halloween party on Halloween at 5:00 PM sharp.
For your disobedience, you will need to be punished.
…
Ok.
Yep.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
Momiji & Kira:
Momiji and Kira were difficult to warn simply because they were all over the place. By the time a messenger got to where they were, Momiji and Kira bounced off to their next destination.
It wasn't until the messenger had enough that Momiji was given his warning.
"Wohin möchtest du jetzt gehen, mein Schatz?" (Where would you like to go now, my darling?) Momiji asked Kira with a smile.
Kira, like Momiji, is half Japanese and half German. She is sixteen (like Momiji) with waist-length, lightly waved strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes.
Momiji was ecstatic when they met because he now had someone he could speak with in Japanese and German.
"Ich bin mir nicht sicher. Wo waren wir noch nicht?" (I'm not sure. Where haven't we been yet?) Kira replied, watching Momiji with a smile.
"Hmm... Mal sehen. Wir waren schon im Park. Wir waren vorhin auf der Messe. Wir haben vor etwa zwei Stunden zu Mittag gegessen. Wir haben diesen lustigen Film im Kino gesehen. Hmm... Willst du Inlineskaten gehen?" (Hmm... Let's see. We've been to the park already. We went to the fair earlier. We had lunch about two hours ago. We saw that funny movie at the movie theater. Hmm... Do you wanna go rollerblading?) Momiji went over what they had done so far before suggesting.
"Oh ja. Das klingt nach einer lustigen Idee. Aber ich habe ein bisschen Angst, hinzufallen, weil ich noch nie Rollschuh gefahren bin." (Oh, yeah. That sounds like a fun idea. But I'm a little afraid of falling down because I've never rollerblading before.) Kira cheerfully replied before nervously adding.
"Hab keine Angst, mein Lieber. Ich, Momiji Sohma, werde dich niemals fallen lassen." (Have no fear, my dear. I, Momiji Sohma, will never let you fall.) Momiji determinedly insisted.
"Oh, Momiji... ich liebe dich auch. Vielleicht können wir später zu dir gehen und wieder miteinander schlafen." (Oh, Momiji... I love you too. Maybe later, we can go to your place and make love again.) Kira lovingly replied, giving Momiji a kiss on his cheek before becoming coy.
"Oh ja. Ich denke, das wird der beste Teil des Tages sein. Möchten Sie auf das Inlineskaten verzichten?" (Oh, yeah. I think that will be the best part of the day. Do you want to skip going rollerblading?) Momiji replied, now wanting to just go home.
"Oh, Momiji. Haben Sie Geduld und ich werde dafür sorgen, dass es sich später für Sie lohnt. Ich möchte Inlineskaten ausprobieren." (Oh, Momiji. Have patience and I will make it worth your while later. I want to try rollerblading.) Kira playfully told Momiji.
"Aww! Ok." Momiji replied, trying to be sad.
"Will you two hold still for five fucking minutes?!" A man yelled, rushing over to Momiji and Kira.
"Hey, that's no way to speak in front of a lady." Momiji immediately went on the defense.
~Momiji Sohma~
"Whatever. Here. For you." The man spoke, annoyed, handing Momiji a letter addressed to him. And just like that, the man was taking off.
"Ein Brief? Wenn er wusste, dass es Ihnen zugestellt werden musste, warum schickte er es dann nicht einfach zu Ihnen nach Hause?" (A letter? If he knew it had to be delivered to you, why didn't he just send it to your house?) Kira questioned, perplexed and annoyed.
"Ich weiß nicht. Aber ich wette, ich weiß, dass es von dort ist." (I don't know. But I bet I know it's from.) Momiji replied, recognizing the handwriting.
Dear Momiji,
I'm glad you're having fun with your new "Freundin." (Girlfriend).
But the time for fun and games is over; it's time to get to an important issue I am having with you and your family. You see, I don't like being disrespected—especially not in the way you and your family have scorned me.
All I asked was that you and your family attend my Halloween party, and you all turned me down.
Now, how do you think that made me feel?
Now, here's what's going to happen if you continue to refuse my invitation:
I will call someone and tell them that Kira is here illegally and have her deported back to Germany. And you, Momiji, I will ensure you cannot set foot in Germany.
Do I make myself clear?
Come to my party, and I won't do any of that.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
Momiji and Kira stood there, unmoving, too shocked to say anything, as tears flowed down their cheeks.
Kyo & Tohru:
"What's going on here?" Hatori questioned, walking in on Kyo having a tantrum, throwing things on the ground, kicking things, and he punched a hole in the wall.
Tohru was standing in the hall, away from the chaos, in shock.
Tohru was cleaning the house, and Kyo was in the kitchen, making lunch, when Kyo got his warning.
"If you're not feeling well, you should be resting." Kyo firmly told Tohru, watching her sweep the kitchen floor.
"I'm fine, Kyo. I feel much better today; I promise." Tohru cheerfully insisted.
"Ok. But I'm warning you now, if you collapse, don't come crying to me." Kyo warned Tohru. Though, he didn't mean that; he never did—and Tohru knew that.
"Ok." Tohru replied with a smile.
"Do you want soup and rice?" Kyo questioned, watching Tohru.
"That sounds delicious." Tohru replied with that same smile.
"I'll get that taken care of." Kyo insisted, heading to the kitchen.
While Kyo was getting things around for prepping the soup, Tohru finished sweeping. While he got everything prepped and put in the pot, she started and finished vacuuming and dusting.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"I'll get it." Tohru insisted, walking to the door.
~Kyo Sohma~
When she got there, there was nobody at the door, but there was a small box addressed to Kyo.
"Kyo, this package came for you." Tohru informed Kyo, bringing him his package.
"What is it?" Kyo questioned, not turning to look at her.
"I don't know. It's for you; it's not mine to open." Tohru replied.
"Ok, let me turn the stove top down." Kyo sighed, turning the stovetop to low before going to the living area with Tohru and the box.
When Kyo opened the box, he stared, horrified at what was in the box. There were two beaded bracelets like the one he used to have to wear all the time. But why were there two?
Dear Kyo—and Tohru,
I know the secret of the Zodiac curse and why the Sohmas were the ones inflicted with said curse. I also know you were cursed as the cat of the Zodiac.
I also know that thanks to Tohru, the curse was broken.
What would you say if I told you I knew how to return the curse on you and your family—times two?
I do know how to return the curse. And I will do so whether you want me to or not. And not only you and your family. That is where the times two comes into play. I will curse you, your family, and the significant others outside the Sohma family.
If you haven't realized, that includes Tohru as well. And I will ensure she's cursed with the cat just like you.
Why would I do that, you ask?
I would do that because you refused my invitation to my Halloween Party at my home next week on Halloween.
And let me tell you, I will do that should you continue to deny my request.
Show up at my home with the rest of your family and their significant others, and I will take no further action.
Don't show up, and you will all be cursed again.
I will see you next week.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
Needless to say, Kyo went ballistic after reading that letter. It wasn't so much that this guy was threatening him, but because he was threatening Tohru.
"Did you just get this today?" Hatori questioned after reading the letter—after Tohru gave it to him.
"Yes. It just arrived forty minutes ago." Tohru softly answered.
"Ok. I don't know what any of the others said, but I'm pretty sure all the others received a letter like this. That means it's only a matter of time before I get one as well." Hatori sighed, handing Tohru the letter.
"Hatori, thank God!" Kagura cried, running to Hatori and Tohru.
Kagura & Neji:
"What is it, Kagura?" Hatori inquired, watching the frantic girl.
"It's Neji; he's having an attack. But it's not like any of the other attacks he had!" Kagura cried.
"Kyo, Tohru, I have to go. As for you, slow down. What do you mean it's not like the other attacks?" Hatori told Kagura before asking as they left for Kagura's place.
"I don't know. He got this weird package with his name on it, and I got a letter. I didn't have time to read it because when Neji opened his package, some kind of weird pink powder flew into his face, and he went down. Haru and Rin are with her now, so he's not alone." Kagura frantically explained.
"Ok, calm down before you have a heart attack. You need to stay strong for Neji; you're no good to him down and out." Hatori firmly told Kagura, trying to get her to calm down.
"Sorry. I'm just scared; I don't know what's wrong." Kagura replied with tears running down her cheeks.
"This is a rare sight for you; you rarely ever cry like this. I think Neji has been good for you." Hatori insisted after noting.
"Thank you. And Sakura has been great for you. It's good to see you smiling again." Kagura replied.
"Just keep thinking that way and everything will be just fine." Hatori sincerely told Kagura, walking up to her front door.
"How is he?" Kagura immediately questioned, rushing over to Neji, Haru, and Rin.
"His breathing has calmed down and he's asleep now, but his pulse is still fast." Rin answered.
"Ok. Let me see." Hatori instructed, walking to where they had left Neji. They were afraid to move him, fearing doing more damage than good.
"How are you feeling?" Hatori asked Neji when he started waking up.
"Wh-what happened?" Neji asked, trying to sit up.
Neji is twenty-one with shoulder-length auburn hair, a short auburn beard, hazel eyes with glasses, and was on the thin side.
"Easy. I'm not sure what happened. Kagura said you opened a package and was shot in the face with some kind of powder. Do you remember anything?" Hatori calmly spoke to Neji, helping him slowly sit up.
"There was a knock on the door. There was a package and an envelope. The package had my name on it and the envelope had Kagura's name. I opened the box and there was a pink puff before I couldn't breathe, and I felt my head hit the floor. Eventually, everything went black." Neji answered, taking a few deep breaths.
"Ok. Where's the box? And Kagura, find me your letter. You read it first, because from what I've heard from some of the others, some of their letters were strange. Earlier this morning, Yuki told me that the letter included Machi's name along with something had said. We don't know who Kurama is or what he's capable of. Typically, I don't believe in supernatural stuff, but at this point, I'm not sure what to believe anymore." Hatori instructed before explaining.
"Ok." Kagura quickly went to get her letter—and the box.
~Kagura Sohma~
Dear Kagura,
I heard you don't want to come to my home.
Do you know how frustrating that is?
I don't plan on making this very long.
If you want to know the entire spiel, speak to the others. It's clear Hatori already has. Though, I believe I knew that was going to happen anyway.
But as you saw, Neji paid for your disobedience.
But there's no need to fret:
All that was in that pink powder was a mixture of chloroform, a tiny amount of ketamine, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, silver glitter, and pink food coloring for the color.
I made sure it was just enough to knock him out. That being said, I can and will make something stronger to put him in a more serious condition if you continue to refuse to come to my home.
The choice is yours.
And remember to bring Neji along.
P.S.
Neji will be fine in just a few minutes. But do let Hatori know that Sakura got the same treatment, and due to his continued resilience, her recovery time will take a little longer.
Also, as he already knows the entire gist of things, he shouldn't need a letter; he's already read a few of them.
Yours truly,
Kurama.
"What?!" Hatori hollered.
"Go help my sister. I'll be fine." Neji insisted, leaning against Kagura.
"Go. We'll be ok here." Kagura pressed, watching Hatori.
"We'll stay with them." Rin and Haru promised.
Hatori & Sakura:
Hatori took off like a bat out of Hell, and he ran. He ran like the wind to get to his place.
'She just got out of the hospital; she can't go back now.' Hatori thought as he ran.
"Hold on, Sakura; I'm coming!" Hatori exclaimed, out of breath.
"Hatori? What's going on? Is everything ok? Is it Sakura?" People questioned when he ran past them. Hatori knew they were concerned but didn't reply; he just kept going.
By the time he got to his place, Hatori was so out of breath that he had to lean against his door for a minute or two.
"Wh-what the he-hell is this? I thought I wasn't getting a written warning." When he had enough strength to pull away from the door and look up, he saw an envelope taped to his door.
~Hatori Sohma~
Dear Hatori,
This message isn't a treat or a warning. You already know the consequences of your actions.
While I commend you for wanting to make it to Sakura as fast as possible, you didn't need to run all that. Don't bother looking around; you'll never find or see me.
The girl will be just fine after a little bit; she got the same treatment as her brother—just at a higher dose—and a different color because I ran out of pink. If I remember correctly, the color of powder that blew up in her face was a shade of purple.
Right now, she's only unconscious—and will be for a little while. Don't worry; I wouldn't do any permanent damage to her. She has enough unknown health issues as is, right? She and her brother.
I know all about her health issues. And because I'm such a nice guy, I'll tell you that I'm the only one who can help Sakura and Neji. So, think of that when you make your next decision.
What would you do to save the girl you love?
What will you do to save the girl you love?
Yours truly,
Kurama.
"Damn him. Sakura!" Hatori growled before opening the door and rushing into the house, desperately calling for Sakura as he did so.
"Hatori?" Kureno questioned, walking over with Arisa.
"What's going on?" Arisa questioned, concerned—especially when Hatori yelled for Sakura the way he did.
"Where are you going?" Kureno questioned, watching Arisa run up to the house.
"Seeing what's going on. He left the door wide open. Have you ever known Hatori to just leave his door wide open if something wasn't wrong? Come on." Arisa answered before ordering.
They were horrified at what they saw when they found Hatori and Sakura.
Hatori was just getting Sakura onto her back with her head in his lap. She wasn't conscious, but she was steadily breathing. She also had a cut on her eyelid from her glasses breaking when she fell.
Sakura just turned seventeen, had long auburn hair reaching her mid-back, was thin, and though her eyes weren't open, they were light green.
"What
the fuck happened?" Arisa demanded, rushing over with a wet cloth.
"Kurama." Hatori answered, holding Sakira's face and allowing Arisa to dab the cut above Sakura's eye lightly.
"It doesn't look like there's any glass shards stuck in her eyes. However, there is a piece stuck in the side of her wrist. Where do you keep the bandages and antiseptic?" Kureno noted before asking Hatori.
"The bathroom." Hatori answered, holding Sakura close.
"How are Neji and the girls doing now?" Akito inquired, watching her family.
"Neji is doing much better; he's with Sakura now. But he has been pretty angry for the past few days." Kagura answered first.
"Sakura is either scared, shocked, or both, and hasn't left her bed since then except to use the bathroom. But she is eating again." Hatori answered, frustrated.
"Tohru isn't scared, but she sure as hell is in shock. Just like Sakura, she only leaves her bed to use the bathroom or to get food." Kyo answered, pissed off.
"Machi is good—frantic and pissed off, but good. She doesn't want to go to some house belonging to some guy she doesn't know could be an ax murderer, but she doesn't want our threat to come true." Yuki answered, trying to stay calm.
"Kira is very sad and cries a lot. Her parents say that I'm the only one who can get her to smile and be happy enough to eat and leave the house." Momiji sadly answered.
"Mitsuru is ok; she's not blaming herself for us not wanting to go to the party anymore. We visited Hatori and Sakura a few days ago, and she gave Mitsuru and me some more bracelets to keep us calm." Ritsu carefully answered.
"Mine and I are doing great! We've decided to not let any of this get to us and bring us down. And if we must go to this man's house for a Halloween party, we'll make the most decadent Halloween costumes Kurama has ever seen." Ayame enthusiastically declared. Though everyone could tell, he wasn't his usual eccentric self.
"Kureno? How is Arisa?" Akito inquired when Kureno didn't speak up.
"Scary. She is intensely scary right now. She's been smashing pumpkins, watermelons, and any other gourd she can find with a baseball bat in the backyard. And something about a red butterfly on a motorcycle." Kureno answered, getting blank looks from everyone in the room.
"She's talking about Tohru's mom, Kyoko. Kyoko used to be in a gang before meeting her husband, Tohru's father, Katsuya. She was known as the "Red Butterfly" because at night, the taillights on her motorcycle looked like a red butterfly. Or something along those lines. Here's some free advice. Unless you can do it at a safe distance, stay away from Arisa and let her calm down. Because if you try to get her to calm down when she's not ready, you must have a death wish." Kyo informed Kureno.
"He's not wrong." Shigure added, rubbing the back of his head.
"Ehem. Anyway, as we've figured out, we have no choice but to go to Kurama's home on Halloween night—unless we want to keep getting warnings. So—that's what we'll do." Akito informed everyone after clearing her throat.
"Agreed." Everyone gloomily responded before going their separate ways…