The Innocent Cat (Sequel To The Second Cat)

Farewells Of Happiness

Nikki's P.O.V.

We finally approached the Sohma Estate. It's only been a three or four days since I last been here, which actually isn't a lot, but I hope this will be my last time entering this place. But all the two of us have to focus on right now is, finding a way in. If we just use the front gates without having a actual reason to roam around the place, it would get us madly in trouble, especially Kyo.

"So, Kyo," I began to ask, hoping he would know a way in without getting caught. "how do we get in here without us being busted by the maids?"

Kyo was silent for a few moments, then he replied, "Well, I am allowed in, but only on the Outside. The Inside or well known as the Main House, I'm not allowed to trespass. But since Akito lives in the Inside, we'd have to find a way to sneak in and not be seen."

I glimpsed around, searching for a way to sneak in. "Hey, Kyo," I grabbed my boyfriend's attention. He escaped his dazed, then looked at me with a bit of concern. "...um, is there some secret way in that could possibly lead to Akito's room?"

"Actually, yes," Kyo answered immediately. "Although, it's a small hole in the walls surrounding the perimeter of the estate, so you have to be okay with getting dirt on your clothing a little, and insects on the ground." I cringed at the word insects, but in order to stop Akito's torment, I had to face a fear of mine.

"Alright, I'll do it," I respond with confidence and a little annoyance in my tone. Kyo nodded firmly then led me towards the secret passage.

Kyo and I walked over to a small hole—big enough for the two of us to fit in—then crawled into it. He then gave me a gesture from the other side as I peeked through the whole. Before entering through, I took a deep breath. Once I calmed myself down, I tucked my head under the broken wall and crawled under. As I lifted my head, I noticed Kyo smiling and reaching his hand out for me to grab ahold of it.

"See, it wasn't that bad?" Kyo said as he pulled me up from the ground. I began swiping off some dirt that was covered all over my skirt before answering.

"Oh shut up, let's just get to Akito's so we can get this day over with." Kyo nodded and grabbed my hand firmly.

We began to head deeper and deeper inside the estate. Along the way, Kyo and I spotted a few maids fixing up the gardens or sweeping the porches with a broom. In response, we hid in complete silence until they moved away, which allowed us to continue. There were many other obstacles we faced when we got closer to Akito's room like more maids popping out here and there, dead ends, and finally other Zodiac members that I wanted to introduce myself to, but Kyo said now was not the time.

After minutes of seeking for Akito's room, we finally reached it. It was directly in the center of the estate, which was kind of convenient. I began to head over their since the coast was clear, until I something tight pressed against my wrist, not letting me escape. I quickly turn around only to find Kyo grasping my wrist, pulling me back behind the tree. I was about to speak, until Kyo placed his index finger over my lips.

"Don't say anything," Kyo whispered softly. "because that old woman over there almost saw us."

I felt guilt well up inside of me. I was too stubborn. I almost got us caught. But that lady, who is she? Besides being a maid all she does is stand around Akito's room, bowing then leaving.

"Who is she?" I asked, my voice nearly coming out of my mouth.

"She's the head of all maids. The oldest actually. She believes in everything about the curse and how it should always be. There is a bond to it—I'll get to that later—and she thinks that everyone should follow Akito's orders. But most importantly, she is the maid who always spreads harmful rumors about the Zodiacs, especially me. And if we're seen, there's no doubt that we're dead meat." Kyo explained sternly.