[merylsilverburg]

Originally Posted by Hylas

am I wrong or we don't get to see two animals, horse and rooster? are there hints or clues about characters in the series who could be either of them?

If you're watching the TV, the Horse and Rooster do not show up at all. If you're reading the manga, the Horse and Rooster characters do eventually show up...but very, very later on in the story. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just leave it at that unless you would like to know more about them.

Originally Posted by Hylas

are those two animals present in the manga?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Hylas

is Akito one of them or is he just the "curse bearer" for all the juunishi?

Akito's role, honestly, is still a mystery to me and I've have every volume currently...he's still somewhat a "prick" but for his own reason...he has a secret of his own which is, honestly, pretty bad and if I were him, I'd be pretty damn bitter too...but not to the extent where I act like a complete a-hole. I think that Akito is the head and he governs the other Jyuunishi because of the curse he has himself. As for being the "curse bearer" or "curse bringer" I'm not sure if that's his role.

Originally Posted by Hylas

if so, what is Akito's role? can anybody explain in a clear way?

No, I'm afraid I have no idea...unless you want to check up on translated versions of the manga online...I'm sure they might have some kind of clue.

Originally Posted by Hylas

why other Sohma people never object Akito's actions? why do they let him act as he does in any case without argueing?

Unfortunately, I think it's because he is in the higher position than all of the other Jyuunishi...it's a form of respect to your superiors, at least that's what I think. Either that or it's one of those "fate" type things...where, the Jyuunishi and Akito must carry out their roles (Akito torments them, they must suffer) in order for their curses to be broken once and for all.

Originally Posted by Hylas

why can't Akito erase memories himself? why does he need help from Hatori all the time?

I think Akito only talks big, acts big, acts smug, etc. but has no real powers himself...his only power is being intimidating and being manipulative.

Originally Posted by Hylas

why is he so cruel to Yuki in particular? just a random pick or are there precise reasons? why he seems to second the rivalry Yuki/Kyo so much?

Yuki resembles or is the closest to Akito, I think in family relations...basically, Akito and Yuki grew up together nearly. Yuki's parents were

Spoiler: show

not exactly loving to their own "deformed" child and Akito was basically his friend...but being that he's a manipulative and evil little thing, Akito causes mental harm and pain for him...to the point where Yuki had to get out which is how he met the young Tohru.

Originally Posted by Hylas

why does the cat has a double curse? what's the point in that?

As you may already know from the beginning, the Cat was not a part of the members who made it for the God's/Heaven's feast. So, as a result, he is considered an outcast...being a cat which is so common among the animal world, but not included among "Heaven's animals" so he is not worthy. As for the real or truthful reason why the Cat is not included in the Chinese Zodiac is a real mystery. But, what do you mean by "double curse"? Is it because of

Spoiler: show

Kyo's alter form? That is just part of the manga story, but has nothing to do with the actual Chinese zodiac...I think Natsuya wanted to make the story more interesting and make the Cat/Kyo the sufferer.

Originally Posted by Hylas

why is Hatori a seahorse instead of a dragon?

The mangaka, Natsuya, tried to think of a way to make Hatori in his dragon form without him actually being a full-fledged dragon (because he'll just be too big). The seahorse is actually somewhat a descendant or a smaller form/alter form of the dragon (I think in Asian beliefs) so Natsuya decided on that for Hatori's transformation (plus, I think she wanted to go for the unexpected and kawaii appeal. ^_^)

Originally Posted by Hylas

what's the "Black" form of Hatsuharu? can't see much difference between normal and black form...

There is quite a difference between the two. "Black Haru" is the more aggressive and easily angered version of Hatsuharu while "White Haru" (his normal form) is more docile and very "ohmmmmm"-like. "Black" Haru only appears whenever he gets provoked or something. It's merely a funny play/split-personality on his transformation, the

Spoiler: show

Cow, since a Cow is black and white.

I hope this helps answers some of your questions a little. I haven't really caught up much with the manga; I do have all the current volumes, but the story is dragging on just a bit much and I'm just losing interest/patience. It's still a wonderful manga though once she quits with the "Tohru-Yuki, Tohru-Kyo, Tohru-Yuki, Tohru-Kyo" love triangle problem.