Disclaimer: Neither Fruits Basket nor the Fruits Basket characters belong to me. They are the property of Natsuki Takaya.

Author's Notes: And last but not least, the Epilogue. I hope as this story comes to a close I have not left any loose ends. Legacy of the Red Butterfly has been both a joy to write and a challenge. Please read and review.

Epilogue

A lone figure stood by the graveside. Cherry blossoms drifted from the surrounding trees and danced in the gentle breeze. His thoughts floated on the same breeze.

"As I look back on these final years it saddens me; yet there is a measure of happiness to be found. For most of his life Akito was miserable and afraid of dying. He made sure those of us also cursed were just as miserable. However, on one stormy night a young woman came into our lives and everything began to change from there. I have written this story and believe it to be true. Some of it is told from my perspective as I experienced it first hand. Other parts are written as other people told them to me. I'm sure their perspectives color these events as well. Especially Tohru-kun, I'm quite sure that Akito could not have been as wonderful as she depicts him, but she is telling the truth as seen through her eyes.

Akito-san was happy at the end. Ha-san has reassured me this was so. Hatori and Tohru-kun were there for Akito's final moments. This somehow seems appropriate since they are the ones he cared for the most. Kyo-kun and Yuki-kun attend Tokyo University, as was his desire. Even now, he is still controlling our lives to a certain extent. I know his intentions were not benevolent when he first devised his plan. Kureno has confessed to me Akito-san's true intention, but I believe he (Akito-san) got caught in his own trap. During his life I both loved and hated him, but in the end, I did love him. Soon the others will arrive and we will remember Akito, both his life and his death.

Shigure stood by Akito's resting-place for just a few moments longer, his brown hair being tossed about by the errant breeze. A slight smile graced his face as he remembered.

Akito-san, rest in peace. I think even you would smile if you could see the events that have come about in this last year.

A cluster of figures approached his solitary one. Tohru ran up to Shigure and gave him a hug. "Shigure-san, I am sorry we are late. It was difficult getting everyone together to meet here."

"No fear Tohru-kun. You are not late, I arrived early."

Tohru looked at him with compassionate eyes. "Shigure-san, perhaps you loved him more than anyone else."

A year had passed since Akito's death. At his gravesite Hatori stood off to the side, his arm around Sakura, smiles on both of their faces. Yuki stood with his arm around Tohru. He had finally gathered his courage and confessed his feelings to Tohru. Much to his surprise she returned them.

Kyo watched the two couples as he held Kagura's hand. Kyoko-san, he thought to himself, I kept my promise to you, Tohru is still well and she is happy with Yuki. I'm happy too Kyoko-san. You were so right when you said happiness for one's self comes from the happiness of others.

Shigure stood back away from the group and looked on, tears warring with laughter as he watched his family. Akito's death had left an opening for the head of the family, and somehow, Shigure had found himself in that role. He still didn't quite know how that had happened. Ayame and Hatori, with a little help from Kazuma, had steam-rolled him into the position before he had even realized he was being set-up.

A red butterfly drifted past and Shigure smiled. Funny how one woman has affected each and every one of us Sohmas through the legacy that is her daughter; Tohru's love and compassion has encouraged each of us to the point that even I believe I am also deserving of love and happiness.

Tohru looked at all of the Sohmas who had become her dear family and smiled. Mom, Akito is gone, but I think he was happy there at the end. And Mom, I am happy too!

Author's Notes: The pairings in this epilogue may seem sudden, but truly they aren't. Legacy of the Red Butterfly was going to be my final fanfic using the theme begun with "When the Cat met Mom". My daughter pointed out to me that I needed to do at least one more to explain how Yuki ended up with Tohru. let me know if you agree with her sentiments. I didn't plan on doing a Yukiru but perhaps that is called for at this time.