Disclaimers: I own no part of Fruits Basket, or Ka Eul Dong Hwa (????)
A/N: Sorry about starting another fic before finishing my first! But I got SO motivated. This story is based on the skeletons of a famous Korean show, that aired a long while back. I thought the story line was INCREDIBLY heartwarming, therefore I took bits and pieces of that show. Wow. . . my second parody. Please r&r! And don't worry, I'll finish the Matrix soon!
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It was October 8th.
The baby room was filled with newborn babies, whimpering and begging for their mothers. Fathers peered through the glass, admiring a new addition to their family, sometimes carrying their first child.
Among these people was Sohma Kazuma. Carrying a small orange-haired boy in his wide arms, this man was intently looking through the glass.
"Look, Kyou. There's your new sister," he said, pointing at a small, pink, ball of flesh, flailing her arms in midair. Kyou looked at the one next to his new sister, and smiled. She was lying down calmly, breathing silently, seemingly in a deep and peaceful sleep. She certainly looked a lot better than the one that was supposed to be his sibling.
"I'd better go get the camera. You stay here, Kyou!" Kazuma said, excitedly, as he placed his son in front of the baby chamber. Kyou wanted to go in and have a closer look at his sister. He tried to pry open the door knob, but he was way too short. Right before Kyou gave up, a nurse stepped out from the room, and the door was open. Kyou happily strode in, taking miniscule steps. Dragging his jean overalls, Kyou made his way in the middle of the two newborn girls. Kyou examined them. They were so cute, he thought, little bundles of flesh. He looked towards the peaceful one, then the one that was causing a racket. As young as he was, he still didn't like the idea of having to live with her for the rest of his life.
Kyou sat down. He was exhausted. . . reaching for the doorknob was a hard task. He felt himself slip into sleep. Ah. . . no. . . he thought, as he grabbed the nearest thing for support. Unfortunately, he pulled off the nametag that read "Sohma Kazuma, Sohma Miyako". It dropped to the ground lifelessly. Kyou swayed again. His right hand reached out and this time, he pulled off the remaining name tag, "Honda Kazuya, Honda Kyoko". The two lay sprawled on the floor, as Kyou quickly joined them. The two-year old youth started to doze off, until a startled nurse stepped into the room.
"Ara? A baby?" She thought, as she aroused the orange-head. "Darling, it's not good to play in here. I'm sure your parents are waiting for you."
She picked Kyou up as he walked out of the room like a zombie, searching for somewhere to rest. She looked at the scattered name tags and placed them back on to their rightful owners.
A few minutes later, a very disgruntled mother made her way down towards the baby room. She was in a wheel chair, and her long, golden-brown hair hung loosely in front of her right eye. Looking lifeless and depressed, the woman made her way into the room. She stared blankly at the nametags, and approached the one with her name on it. She looked at the flailing baby, trying to get out of her little cage.
"Daijoubu. . . mother is here." Kyoko coaxed, placing her hand on the glass. She could feel her daughter thrashing about inside. Somehow, the feelings she acquired were a little different than she imagined, a little less, welcoming. "Poor thing. My child. . . how will I ever feed you? Your father died, I'm in a gang. . . that damn alcoholic left me two children and he. . . just disappears." She let her sweaty hand slide down the side, as her baby continued to bang against her temporary home. "You are now Rin. Honda Rin. Your father wanted that name. . . I don't know why I bother to listen to that bastard but . . . it was his last wish."
Throwing a glance at her new child, Kyoko abandoned the room silently.
Beside the energetic child, lay a peaceful, sleeping one. Her nametag dangled beside her glass, the word Sohma shining glamorously in gold letters. Oblivious to what was happening in the world, the little girl slept soundly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The autumn breeze mingled with the trees as red and yellow leaves drooped to the cold ground, in cascading waves. A pale orange one tore free of the tree's grasps as it danced with the wind, through an open window of Kaibara High School. It headed towards the art room, where a charismatic young boy sat, absorbed in his painting. His white school uniform had been unbuttoned, revealing a black t-shirt inside. His tan skin framed his lean skeleton, his skillful hand moving ever so delicately across the canvas, tracing contours of the art he was about to create. Palettes, paint, and different sketches occupied the space surrounding the handsome young man. Ginger eyes darted here and there, checking that all lines were just the way he wanted it. His fiery orange hair lay on his head, well-combed, but scattered in the most adorable way.
His lips twisted into a smile. He had successfully drawn a sketch of what he was about to paint. His adorable little sister.
Kyou dusted his hands free of charcoal. He reached over for his wet towel, as he continued to stare into his sketch. How her locks fell against her shoulders, billowing in the autumn breeze, how she sat cross-legged all the time, leaning against some sort of support. Her eyes would glaze when the sun would pass, and her smile would form for even the smallest pleasures. Kyou smiled. His optimistic, pretty sister. And he was going to hand her in for his art contest.
Kyou heard a crash and an opening of the door to the art room. He swerved, just in time to witness a girl charging in, drenched in tears, clutching a wet letter. "Stupid, Stupid Kyou . . . that mean jackass. . ." she cried, as if the whole world had fallen on top of her.
Kyou stood up. He had to tell her now.
"Oi. . . Mizuko-san?" he said.
The girl stood up, flushed, angry, and embarrassed. She soon regained her composure, and faced Kyou. "Kyou-kun . . . did you . . . is this your reply to my love?"
"Yeah," Kyou said, confident. "I'm sorry. I have nothing against you, but your loveletter was surprising. I'm not ready for a relationship. Goodbye."
He felt a cold, wet hand strike his cheek. Mizuko stood, crying even harder. "Jackass," she muttered, before storming out the room.
Kyou sighed, then turned around to find another girl standing before him. Her blue eyes seemed surprised, and her small limbs seemed to slump. He glared. She was holding a present. She reached out her hand as she tried to reach out to him. His crimson red eyes flared. Forcefully, he knocked the present out of her hands. "Not you too! Who sent you? Get away from me!" he boomed, as he marched strictly out the door.
The small girl's head drooped, her honey-brown hair glistening in the sun. Her blue ribbons seemed to sag as well, as she dragged her feet out of the art room. "So, how did it go? Huh? Huh?" two girls questioned.
"I'm sorry, sempai, I don't think nii-san is interested in a relationship at the moment," she whispered, before running after her brother.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou continued to march furiously, down his little road. Kuso. . . why are those damn girls stalking me?? I can't be in a relationship, the damn curse. . .
Kyou's little dust road led straight to his family's home. It was surrounded by high grass, and therefore was a wonderful place to play. He used to always frolick, while riding back from school, with his little playmate. They used to chase butterflies, play tag, and Kyou would tease his sibling all throughout. But she didn't mind. She would always pretend to be mad, then smile again. As he thought about his sister, he grew more mad. They were using her, too. To get to him. Why can't these girls just get the point?
Kyou heard a loud screech of wheels behind him. Someone was coming. He quickly turned around, ready to mount his bike if it was another girl. It was, but Kyou ignored her and got off his bike. He slowed his paces, as she approached him, panting with her bike beside her.
He felt her eyes bore into his, begging, pleading. But he didn't glance her way. He just kept going.
Finally, she spoke up. "*Sigh* Kami-sama, I made him mad again. I wonder what I did wrong? My brother, my best friend, is now mad at me, because he is the most popular guy in school, and all the sempais want to go out with him, and want to give him presents. Kami-sama, what should I do?"
Kyou couldn't help but smirk. This was Tohru's way of apologizing, talking to her God, which was supposed to be him.
"Aha!" she exclaimed, startling Kyou, "I should apologize to him!"
This time, Kyou looked at her. He didn't want her to apologize. She had done nothing wrong. "Oi. . ." he began.
Tohru stared. "Ara? Kami-sama! He was right here!"
Kyou laughed. He ruffled Tohru's hair. Tohru pouted. "Ne, Kyou-kun, what did you do that for? Now my hair is all ruffled."
She reached out to mess up Kyou's orange hair as well. The two giggled, and continued their walk back home.
Kyou finally spoke up. "You klutz. You could have just told me what happened."
"Hmm. I could've. . . if you hadn't hared off so quickly out of the room, silly kitty."
Kyou rolled his eyes. "I'm two years older than you. I told you not to call me that."
Tohru's laughter reached his ears, ringing merrily. "I know. But I love calling you that. How come you don't mind me calling you Kyou-kun, and yet, you seem to hate me calling you a cat?"
"Because Kyou is my name. Kitty is not." He replied curtly.
"Silly kitty," Tohru repeated, making Kyou's temper flare. "Damn you, onigiri!"
"Wai! Don't call me that, Kyou-kun!" Tohru scolded. "Okaa-san told you it's not right to tease such a beautiful girl!"
"Oh yeah? Well, let's play!" Kyou stated, as they halted in the middle of their little road. It was their ritual, to stop dead in the middle of the road, exactly in front of their neighbouring barn, and to play rock paper scissors. This was because arguments usually happened around this area. "If I win, you can't call me silly kitty anymore. If you win, out goes the onigiri."
"Fine." Tohru agreed cheerfully. "Just one sec." She twisted her arms together, peering through the hole it made. This always made Kyou laugh. It was her "tradition". How superstitious this little rascal was.
"Okay! Done! I will win for sure!" Tohru chimed triumphantly. "Okay. . . Rock, paper, SCISSORS!"
Tohru sent a rock flying, as Kyou enveloped it with paper. Tohru stared down at her fist. "Aw, darn. I lost. Again."
She picked up her bike and continued down the road, muttering to herself. "How come I always lose? Why can't he lose? Aww. . . maybe my tradition isn't good enough. . ."
Kyou chuckled. Tohru only played the rock, no matter what happened. It was easy to merge victorious.
The two had a meaningful conversation, Kyou now owning the right to pound his sister on the head if she called him kitty again. She did, forgetting their bet, but after the first time, Kyou apologized. She then placed her hand on his soft hair, and said, in a serious tone, "I forgive your sin." This caused more laughter, as they repeated their rituals together. This happened every day, and this drew the two closer. They were inseparable siblings.
Two drops of water marked their way down Tohru and Kyou's faces. "Ara?" Tohru looked up. The sky had opened up and it had begun to rain. She grabbed Kyou's hand. "Kyou-kun! It's going to rain! Let's hurry!"
"Uh? Huh? Un." Kyou replied, as he mounted his bike. The two laughed as they rode through the rain. Even though Kyou was tired, as this weather made him sick, he was happy to see his sister riding beside him, laughing and joking. His sister. It was hard to imagine that she had been the vicious one, fourteen years back, knocking at her cage. At that time, he dreaded being with her, in the same family, now, he wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The rain had cleared the next day, as Rin made her way out of her shabby house. Her socks had holes beneath her dark black shoes, as she tried to cover up her second-hand uniform. Thankfully, her long, black hair covered it. She shielded her face from light, as she marched out of her shabby shack, not even bothering to throw her mother a quick goodbye. School was her sanctuary, where she could stand out proudly with her outstanding grades.
On her way, she encountered a very happy couple. Damn those Sohmas, she thought, always laughing together, rolling in riches, most popular kids in the school. How do they smile like that? She looked at Kyou. His shy smile, his lean body, his harsh but cute personality. Something about him turned her on.
But she avoided him. The damn Tohru was there. Always in front of her, blocking the spotlight. Everyone in the class liked her. She was brave, she was outgoing, she was sweet. Rin clenched her teeth. If only I can get my hands on her. . .
But Kyou was way too protective of his precious little sister. Tohru was sick constantly, and this drove Kyou to protect her with every ounce of strength. If only MY brother was like that. He's like my father. . . a total disaster.
Rin continued her stout march. She met up with her two friends. "Hey Rin, sup?"
"Yo." She said, before sitting down in class. "I have an idea today."
"An idea?" chimed her two followers, "Oooh, please grace us with your idea!"
"Alright," Rin stated, "Let's embarrass that Sohma girl today."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Student Council elections today!" Tohru sang. "I hope I can make it!"
"Why do you want that position so badly?," Kyou questioned. "You've never wanted it that much before."
"Because I want respect. . . I want her respect." Replied Tohru, more to herself than to her brother.
"Her? Who's her?"
"Honda Rin. She's the top student in the class. She is also really pretty. I tried to be friends with her, but she hates me."
Kyou paused. Rin. Maybe. . . Tohru was being bullied by this girl? "Look, Tohru, if she does anything bad to you. . ."
"IIe, it's nothing like that, Kyou-kun!" Tohru assured. "I just want to be friends. And besides what are you going to do kitty? Get yourself hugged and claw at her?"
"Why, you. . ." Kyou said, tapping her on the head. Tohru faked a faint, but Kyou believed it, bending to catch her. Tohru steadied herself, but unfortunately into her brother's arms. A puff of orange smoke clouded her vision, as she stood, holding a bundle of clothes and an orange cat. "AHH!! NO!" she cried, running into the bushes. Fortunately, it seemed as if no one saw the transformation. Once within the shelter of the bushes, Kyou spoke up. "YOU KLUTZ! WHY DID YOU FAKE SOMETHING? I THOUGHT YOU WERE REALLY SICK! Just because you don't have the curse. . ."
"Sorry, nii-san. . ." she said, returning to formality. Her eyes seemed sad.
"Oi. Don't do that. You scare me. You know how your health. . . isn't very. . ." Kyou trailed off.
A smile lit up Tohru's face. "It's okay, Kyou-kun."
Kyou transformed back, just as the school bell rang. "I gotta go. See you after school, Kyou-kun!"
"Alright. And don't let that Pin girl hurt you!" Kyou screamed after her.
"It's Rin!" she yelled, before waving a final good-bye.
Kyou sighed. The sound of her name brought a wave of uncertainty. He just hoped that his little imoto would be safe.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Student Council Elections today!" Announced Yukari-sensei, their homeroom teacher. "The two finalists for Class Rep were Sohma Tohru and Honda Rin! Applause please!"
The classroom erupted into applause as Tohru beamed in her seat. Rin sulked. This election's lost.
"The vote was very close. It was 16 to 18. However, unfortunately, we can only have one rep. Your class representative for this semester is. . ."
"Sohma Tohru!"
The room wowed, whooed, and whoaed. Tohru's friends collapsed on top of her, congratulating her. Rin's two followers glared at her. "Pathetic Sohma," they said, echoing Rin's thoughts.
The excitement subsided as the class purged into math. Later, for physical education, Tohru had a trail of friends following her, as she laughed, joked, and giggled. Rin tagged along, even though she had acquired the position of vice class-rep, it just wasn't good enough for her. Rin wanted revenge.
She quietly slipped out of the changeroom, stealing Tohru's underskirt along the way. I'll show her, what happens when someone tries to trample Honda Rin.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Volleyball is exhausting," Hasegawa panted, Tohru's best friend.
"Really? It was fun!" Tohru replied. She wetted her towel as she began to dry off her sweaty forehead.
The girls piled into the changeroom, where they changed back to their daily school uniforms. But Tohru hadn't yet changed - she was looking for something.
"Hey, Tohru-chan, what is it?" Hasegawa asked, surprised at the frustrated Tohru.
"Ara? My underskirt. . . I know it was right here. . ."
"You lost it?" Hasegawa thought in disbelief. "How do you lose your undergarments?"
"Wai! Look! Look!" A girl screamed, outside of the changeroom.
Tohru and Hasegawa ran outside, and looked out the window. The girls screamed. Some went for a closer look. Tohru stood, dumbfounded, as Hasegawa clung on to her. "Oh. . . dear god. . ."
On a high branch was Tohru's underskirt, billowing in the wind. In bold, red ink, the words "Sohma Tohru - New Class Rep" was written, clearly enough for people miles away to see.
Tohru's friends approached the girl, firing questions. Hasegawa screamed above the rest, "What are you going to do, Tohru-chan?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey! Nekozuki! Come over here!" a student yelled, using Kyou's nickname.
"Shut up, fool, before I -" Kyou started, freezing. He had looked out the window. He had seen the crisis. "Holy shit. . . Tohru . . ."
Teachers halted classes, and students all piled to their nearest window, looking out the window. A small girl with dazzling brown hair, still in her gym uniform, had climbed the tree, extending her arm towards the red undergarment. They all baited their breaths, spare some, who were either cheering her on, or, unless you were Kyou, screaming with all your might precautions for his little sister. "OI! ONIGIRI! Get down NOW or else I'll pummel you!" he threatened, hoping that his words were loud enough for her to hear. After all, he was halfway across the school. "OI! ONIGIRI! GET DOWN NOW!!!"
But Tohru persisted. She climbed, inch by inch, and was on the branch. She wasn't sure if the tree would support her weight, but she concluded that she wasn't THAT heavy yet. Inch by inch, sweatdrop by drop, Tohru made her way across the branch. The whole school was silent by then, as Tohru reached out her hand, hoping it would extend further. Rin watched from the school yard, taken aback by Tohru's reaction. This girl was embarrassed of nothing.
And she did it. She snatched her underskirt from the branch, as she sat, triumphantly, facing her friends. A roar emitted from the Kaibara High citizens, from sophomores to seniors. Tohru waved her skirt in the air, gaining the respect she so richly deserved. Rin spat out her gum, trampling it with all her might. She charged into the school, slamming the front door.
Kyou was dumbfounded. As proud as he was of his little sister, anger was boiling within him. Whoever did this to her, I will kill her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So who WAS it!?" Kyou questioned for the millionth time as the two walked home, Hasegawa trailing behind them.
"It was no one, Kyou-kun. . ." Tohru replied shakily, trying to calm her crazily angered brother.
"No, it was Rin!" piped in Hasegawa. "It was her! She probably got mad because she lost the election to Tohru!"
"Segawa-san. . ." Tohru shushed.
So, it was Rin. That bitch. "What does she look like?"
"Oh, a total and complete bitch. Long black hair, slitty eyes, and she smokes." Hasegawa said, before Tohru pinched her. "Ow! What! He needs to know the truth! Besides, it's not like we're going to meet her in the streets or anything."
Tohru froze. She looked ahead. Just ahead of the first crossing was Rin, smoking with her two followers. Kyou clenched his fists. He mounted his bikes as he began to cycle towards his newfound enemy.
"Wait! Kyou-kun! Nii-san!" Tohru called, before shakily climbing onto her bike. Tohru was no good at cycling, in fact, she had just begun, with the insisting of her brother. She slowly cycled, wobbily, shakily, constantly calling her hot-headed sibling's name. "Kyou-kun! Nii-san!"
But Kyou didn't look back. He just continued. He had to wring that Pin's neck, or whatever her name was. She was so near. . . he just wished he could run her over.
Suddenly, a piercing screech echoed in the air, as he saw Rin's face turn white, staring towards Kyou. Was she that scared of me? He thought. But his theory proved to be wrong. Hasegawa screamed in terror. Citizens mumbled fearfully. And everyone passing him froze, staring behind him.
Kyou turned around abruptly. A yellow bike was trashed, jammed underneath a truck. He looked on. Locks of brown hair was entangled within the gears, as a pale hand lay limp beside an equally lifeless body. The autumn breeze no longer tangled her locks, and there were no smiles greeting it.
He witnessed two blue ribbons flutter to the ground.
"TOHRU!!!!"
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WHEW! Long. I wanted to get their childhood over with fast. So I can get on with the real story! PLEASE R&R! PLEASE PLEASE PLEAS! *begs* o and Imoto is LITTLE SISTER. PLEASE REVIEW MY OTHER STORY THE MATRIX! GO REVIEW! REVIEW THIS ONE TOO! Lol.
A/N: Sorry about starting another fic before finishing my first! But I got SO motivated. This story is based on the skeletons of a famous Korean show, that aired a long while back. I thought the story line was INCREDIBLY heartwarming, therefore I took bits and pieces of that show. Wow. . . my second parody. Please r&r! And don't worry, I'll finish the Matrix soon!
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It was October 8th.
The baby room was filled with newborn babies, whimpering and begging for their mothers. Fathers peered through the glass, admiring a new addition to their family, sometimes carrying their first child.
Among these people was Sohma Kazuma. Carrying a small orange-haired boy in his wide arms, this man was intently looking through the glass.
"Look, Kyou. There's your new sister," he said, pointing at a small, pink, ball of flesh, flailing her arms in midair. Kyou looked at the one next to his new sister, and smiled. She was lying down calmly, breathing silently, seemingly in a deep and peaceful sleep. She certainly looked a lot better than the one that was supposed to be his sibling.
"I'd better go get the camera. You stay here, Kyou!" Kazuma said, excitedly, as he placed his son in front of the baby chamber. Kyou wanted to go in and have a closer look at his sister. He tried to pry open the door knob, but he was way too short. Right before Kyou gave up, a nurse stepped out from the room, and the door was open. Kyou happily strode in, taking miniscule steps. Dragging his jean overalls, Kyou made his way in the middle of the two newborn girls. Kyou examined them. They were so cute, he thought, little bundles of flesh. He looked towards the peaceful one, then the one that was causing a racket. As young as he was, he still didn't like the idea of having to live with her for the rest of his life.
Kyou sat down. He was exhausted. . . reaching for the doorknob was a hard task. He felt himself slip into sleep. Ah. . . no. . . he thought, as he grabbed the nearest thing for support. Unfortunately, he pulled off the nametag that read "Sohma Kazuma, Sohma Miyako". It dropped to the ground lifelessly. Kyou swayed again. His right hand reached out and this time, he pulled off the remaining name tag, "Honda Kazuya, Honda Kyoko". The two lay sprawled on the floor, as Kyou quickly joined them. The two-year old youth started to doze off, until a startled nurse stepped into the room.
"Ara? A baby?" She thought, as she aroused the orange-head. "Darling, it's not good to play in here. I'm sure your parents are waiting for you."
She picked Kyou up as he walked out of the room like a zombie, searching for somewhere to rest. She looked at the scattered name tags and placed them back on to their rightful owners.
A few minutes later, a very disgruntled mother made her way down towards the baby room. She was in a wheel chair, and her long, golden-brown hair hung loosely in front of her right eye. Looking lifeless and depressed, the woman made her way into the room. She stared blankly at the nametags, and approached the one with her name on it. She looked at the flailing baby, trying to get out of her little cage.
"Daijoubu. . . mother is here." Kyoko coaxed, placing her hand on the glass. She could feel her daughter thrashing about inside. Somehow, the feelings she acquired were a little different than she imagined, a little less, welcoming. "Poor thing. My child. . . how will I ever feed you? Your father died, I'm in a gang. . . that damn alcoholic left me two children and he. . . just disappears." She let her sweaty hand slide down the side, as her baby continued to bang against her temporary home. "You are now Rin. Honda Rin. Your father wanted that name. . . I don't know why I bother to listen to that bastard but . . . it was his last wish."
Throwing a glance at her new child, Kyoko abandoned the room silently.
Beside the energetic child, lay a peaceful, sleeping one. Her nametag dangled beside her glass, the word Sohma shining glamorously in gold letters. Oblivious to what was happening in the world, the little girl slept soundly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The autumn breeze mingled with the trees as red and yellow leaves drooped to the cold ground, in cascading waves. A pale orange one tore free of the tree's grasps as it danced with the wind, through an open window of Kaibara High School. It headed towards the art room, where a charismatic young boy sat, absorbed in his painting. His white school uniform had been unbuttoned, revealing a black t-shirt inside. His tan skin framed his lean skeleton, his skillful hand moving ever so delicately across the canvas, tracing contours of the art he was about to create. Palettes, paint, and different sketches occupied the space surrounding the handsome young man. Ginger eyes darted here and there, checking that all lines were just the way he wanted it. His fiery orange hair lay on his head, well-combed, but scattered in the most adorable way.
His lips twisted into a smile. He had successfully drawn a sketch of what he was about to paint. His adorable little sister.
Kyou dusted his hands free of charcoal. He reached over for his wet towel, as he continued to stare into his sketch. How her locks fell against her shoulders, billowing in the autumn breeze, how she sat cross-legged all the time, leaning against some sort of support. Her eyes would glaze when the sun would pass, and her smile would form for even the smallest pleasures. Kyou smiled. His optimistic, pretty sister. And he was going to hand her in for his art contest.
Kyou heard a crash and an opening of the door to the art room. He swerved, just in time to witness a girl charging in, drenched in tears, clutching a wet letter. "Stupid, Stupid Kyou . . . that mean jackass. . ." she cried, as if the whole world had fallen on top of her.
Kyou stood up. He had to tell her now.
"Oi. . . Mizuko-san?" he said.
The girl stood up, flushed, angry, and embarrassed. She soon regained her composure, and faced Kyou. "Kyou-kun . . . did you . . . is this your reply to my love?"
"Yeah," Kyou said, confident. "I'm sorry. I have nothing against you, but your loveletter was surprising. I'm not ready for a relationship. Goodbye."
He felt a cold, wet hand strike his cheek. Mizuko stood, crying even harder. "Jackass," she muttered, before storming out the room.
Kyou sighed, then turned around to find another girl standing before him. Her blue eyes seemed surprised, and her small limbs seemed to slump. He glared. She was holding a present. She reached out her hand as she tried to reach out to him. His crimson red eyes flared. Forcefully, he knocked the present out of her hands. "Not you too! Who sent you? Get away from me!" he boomed, as he marched strictly out the door.
The small girl's head drooped, her honey-brown hair glistening in the sun. Her blue ribbons seemed to sag as well, as she dragged her feet out of the art room. "So, how did it go? Huh? Huh?" two girls questioned.
"I'm sorry, sempai, I don't think nii-san is interested in a relationship at the moment," she whispered, before running after her brother.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kyou continued to march furiously, down his little road. Kuso. . . why are those damn girls stalking me?? I can't be in a relationship, the damn curse. . .
Kyou's little dust road led straight to his family's home. It was surrounded by high grass, and therefore was a wonderful place to play. He used to always frolick, while riding back from school, with his little playmate. They used to chase butterflies, play tag, and Kyou would tease his sibling all throughout. But she didn't mind. She would always pretend to be mad, then smile again. As he thought about his sister, he grew more mad. They were using her, too. To get to him. Why can't these girls just get the point?
Kyou heard a loud screech of wheels behind him. Someone was coming. He quickly turned around, ready to mount his bike if it was another girl. It was, but Kyou ignored her and got off his bike. He slowed his paces, as she approached him, panting with her bike beside her.
He felt her eyes bore into his, begging, pleading. But he didn't glance her way. He just kept going.
Finally, she spoke up. "*Sigh* Kami-sama, I made him mad again. I wonder what I did wrong? My brother, my best friend, is now mad at me, because he is the most popular guy in school, and all the sempais want to go out with him, and want to give him presents. Kami-sama, what should I do?"
Kyou couldn't help but smirk. This was Tohru's way of apologizing, talking to her God, which was supposed to be him.
"Aha!" she exclaimed, startling Kyou, "I should apologize to him!"
This time, Kyou looked at her. He didn't want her to apologize. She had done nothing wrong. "Oi. . ." he began.
Tohru stared. "Ara? Kami-sama! He was right here!"
Kyou laughed. He ruffled Tohru's hair. Tohru pouted. "Ne, Kyou-kun, what did you do that for? Now my hair is all ruffled."
She reached out to mess up Kyou's orange hair as well. The two giggled, and continued their walk back home.
Kyou finally spoke up. "You klutz. You could have just told me what happened."
"Hmm. I could've. . . if you hadn't hared off so quickly out of the room, silly kitty."
Kyou rolled his eyes. "I'm two years older than you. I told you not to call me that."
Tohru's laughter reached his ears, ringing merrily. "I know. But I love calling you that. How come you don't mind me calling you Kyou-kun, and yet, you seem to hate me calling you a cat?"
"Because Kyou is my name. Kitty is not." He replied curtly.
"Silly kitty," Tohru repeated, making Kyou's temper flare. "Damn you, onigiri!"
"Wai! Don't call me that, Kyou-kun!" Tohru scolded. "Okaa-san told you it's not right to tease such a beautiful girl!"
"Oh yeah? Well, let's play!" Kyou stated, as they halted in the middle of their little road. It was their ritual, to stop dead in the middle of the road, exactly in front of their neighbouring barn, and to play rock paper scissors. This was because arguments usually happened around this area. "If I win, you can't call me silly kitty anymore. If you win, out goes the onigiri."
"Fine." Tohru agreed cheerfully. "Just one sec." She twisted her arms together, peering through the hole it made. This always made Kyou laugh. It was her "tradition". How superstitious this little rascal was.
"Okay! Done! I will win for sure!" Tohru chimed triumphantly. "Okay. . . Rock, paper, SCISSORS!"
Tohru sent a rock flying, as Kyou enveloped it with paper. Tohru stared down at her fist. "Aw, darn. I lost. Again."
She picked up her bike and continued down the road, muttering to herself. "How come I always lose? Why can't he lose? Aww. . . maybe my tradition isn't good enough. . ."
Kyou chuckled. Tohru only played the rock, no matter what happened. It was easy to merge victorious.
The two had a meaningful conversation, Kyou now owning the right to pound his sister on the head if she called him kitty again. She did, forgetting their bet, but after the first time, Kyou apologized. She then placed her hand on his soft hair, and said, in a serious tone, "I forgive your sin." This caused more laughter, as they repeated their rituals together. This happened every day, and this drew the two closer. They were inseparable siblings.
Two drops of water marked their way down Tohru and Kyou's faces. "Ara?" Tohru looked up. The sky had opened up and it had begun to rain. She grabbed Kyou's hand. "Kyou-kun! It's going to rain! Let's hurry!"
"Uh? Huh? Un." Kyou replied, as he mounted his bike. The two laughed as they rode through the rain. Even though Kyou was tired, as this weather made him sick, he was happy to see his sister riding beside him, laughing and joking. His sister. It was hard to imagine that she had been the vicious one, fourteen years back, knocking at her cage. At that time, he dreaded being with her, in the same family, now, he wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The rain had cleared the next day, as Rin made her way out of her shabby house. Her socks had holes beneath her dark black shoes, as she tried to cover up her second-hand uniform. Thankfully, her long, black hair covered it. She shielded her face from light, as she marched out of her shabby shack, not even bothering to throw her mother a quick goodbye. School was her sanctuary, where she could stand out proudly with her outstanding grades.
On her way, she encountered a very happy couple. Damn those Sohmas, she thought, always laughing together, rolling in riches, most popular kids in the school. How do they smile like that? She looked at Kyou. His shy smile, his lean body, his harsh but cute personality. Something about him turned her on.
But she avoided him. The damn Tohru was there. Always in front of her, blocking the spotlight. Everyone in the class liked her. She was brave, she was outgoing, she was sweet. Rin clenched her teeth. If only I can get my hands on her. . .
But Kyou was way too protective of his precious little sister. Tohru was sick constantly, and this drove Kyou to protect her with every ounce of strength. If only MY brother was like that. He's like my father. . . a total disaster.
Rin continued her stout march. She met up with her two friends. "Hey Rin, sup?"
"Yo." She said, before sitting down in class. "I have an idea today."
"An idea?" chimed her two followers, "Oooh, please grace us with your idea!"
"Alright," Rin stated, "Let's embarrass that Sohma girl today."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Student Council elections today!" Tohru sang. "I hope I can make it!"
"Why do you want that position so badly?," Kyou questioned. "You've never wanted it that much before."
"Because I want respect. . . I want her respect." Replied Tohru, more to herself than to her brother.
"Her? Who's her?"
"Honda Rin. She's the top student in the class. She is also really pretty. I tried to be friends with her, but she hates me."
Kyou paused. Rin. Maybe. . . Tohru was being bullied by this girl? "Look, Tohru, if she does anything bad to you. . ."
"IIe, it's nothing like that, Kyou-kun!" Tohru assured. "I just want to be friends. And besides what are you going to do kitty? Get yourself hugged and claw at her?"
"Why, you. . ." Kyou said, tapping her on the head. Tohru faked a faint, but Kyou believed it, bending to catch her. Tohru steadied herself, but unfortunately into her brother's arms. A puff of orange smoke clouded her vision, as she stood, holding a bundle of clothes and an orange cat. "AHH!! NO!" she cried, running into the bushes. Fortunately, it seemed as if no one saw the transformation. Once within the shelter of the bushes, Kyou spoke up. "YOU KLUTZ! WHY DID YOU FAKE SOMETHING? I THOUGHT YOU WERE REALLY SICK! Just because you don't have the curse. . ."
"Sorry, nii-san. . ." she said, returning to formality. Her eyes seemed sad.
"Oi. Don't do that. You scare me. You know how your health. . . isn't very. . ." Kyou trailed off.
A smile lit up Tohru's face. "It's okay, Kyou-kun."
Kyou transformed back, just as the school bell rang. "I gotta go. See you after school, Kyou-kun!"
"Alright. And don't let that Pin girl hurt you!" Kyou screamed after her.
"It's Rin!" she yelled, before waving a final good-bye.
Kyou sighed. The sound of her name brought a wave of uncertainty. He just hoped that his little imoto would be safe.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Student Council Elections today!" Announced Yukari-sensei, their homeroom teacher. "The two finalists for Class Rep were Sohma Tohru and Honda Rin! Applause please!"
The classroom erupted into applause as Tohru beamed in her seat. Rin sulked. This election's lost.
"The vote was very close. It was 16 to 18. However, unfortunately, we can only have one rep. Your class representative for this semester is. . ."
"Sohma Tohru!"
The room wowed, whooed, and whoaed. Tohru's friends collapsed on top of her, congratulating her. Rin's two followers glared at her. "Pathetic Sohma," they said, echoing Rin's thoughts.
The excitement subsided as the class purged into math. Later, for physical education, Tohru had a trail of friends following her, as she laughed, joked, and giggled. Rin tagged along, even though she had acquired the position of vice class-rep, it just wasn't good enough for her. Rin wanted revenge.
She quietly slipped out of the changeroom, stealing Tohru's underskirt along the way. I'll show her, what happens when someone tries to trample Honda Rin.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Volleyball is exhausting," Hasegawa panted, Tohru's best friend.
"Really? It was fun!" Tohru replied. She wetted her towel as she began to dry off her sweaty forehead.
The girls piled into the changeroom, where they changed back to their daily school uniforms. But Tohru hadn't yet changed - she was looking for something.
"Hey, Tohru-chan, what is it?" Hasegawa asked, surprised at the frustrated Tohru.
"Ara? My underskirt. . . I know it was right here. . ."
"You lost it?" Hasegawa thought in disbelief. "How do you lose your undergarments?"
"Wai! Look! Look!" A girl screamed, outside of the changeroom.
Tohru and Hasegawa ran outside, and looked out the window. The girls screamed. Some went for a closer look. Tohru stood, dumbfounded, as Hasegawa clung on to her. "Oh. . . dear god. . ."
On a high branch was Tohru's underskirt, billowing in the wind. In bold, red ink, the words "Sohma Tohru - New Class Rep" was written, clearly enough for people miles away to see.
Tohru's friends approached the girl, firing questions. Hasegawa screamed above the rest, "What are you going to do, Tohru-chan?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey! Nekozuki! Come over here!" a student yelled, using Kyou's nickname.
"Shut up, fool, before I -" Kyou started, freezing. He had looked out the window. He had seen the crisis. "Holy shit. . . Tohru . . ."
Teachers halted classes, and students all piled to their nearest window, looking out the window. A small girl with dazzling brown hair, still in her gym uniform, had climbed the tree, extending her arm towards the red undergarment. They all baited their breaths, spare some, who were either cheering her on, or, unless you were Kyou, screaming with all your might precautions for his little sister. "OI! ONIGIRI! Get down NOW or else I'll pummel you!" he threatened, hoping that his words were loud enough for her to hear. After all, he was halfway across the school. "OI! ONIGIRI! GET DOWN NOW!!!"
But Tohru persisted. She climbed, inch by inch, and was on the branch. She wasn't sure if the tree would support her weight, but she concluded that she wasn't THAT heavy yet. Inch by inch, sweatdrop by drop, Tohru made her way across the branch. The whole school was silent by then, as Tohru reached out her hand, hoping it would extend further. Rin watched from the school yard, taken aback by Tohru's reaction. This girl was embarrassed of nothing.
And she did it. She snatched her underskirt from the branch, as she sat, triumphantly, facing her friends. A roar emitted from the Kaibara High citizens, from sophomores to seniors. Tohru waved her skirt in the air, gaining the respect she so richly deserved. Rin spat out her gum, trampling it with all her might. She charged into the school, slamming the front door.
Kyou was dumbfounded. As proud as he was of his little sister, anger was boiling within him. Whoever did this to her, I will kill her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So who WAS it!?" Kyou questioned for the millionth time as the two walked home, Hasegawa trailing behind them.
"It was no one, Kyou-kun. . ." Tohru replied shakily, trying to calm her crazily angered brother.
"No, it was Rin!" piped in Hasegawa. "It was her! She probably got mad because she lost the election to Tohru!"
"Segawa-san. . ." Tohru shushed.
So, it was Rin. That bitch. "What does she look like?"
"Oh, a total and complete bitch. Long black hair, slitty eyes, and she smokes." Hasegawa said, before Tohru pinched her. "Ow! What! He needs to know the truth! Besides, it's not like we're going to meet her in the streets or anything."
Tohru froze. She looked ahead. Just ahead of the first crossing was Rin, smoking with her two followers. Kyou clenched his fists. He mounted his bikes as he began to cycle towards his newfound enemy.
"Wait! Kyou-kun! Nii-san!" Tohru called, before shakily climbing onto her bike. Tohru was no good at cycling, in fact, she had just begun, with the insisting of her brother. She slowly cycled, wobbily, shakily, constantly calling her hot-headed sibling's name. "Kyou-kun! Nii-san!"
But Kyou didn't look back. He just continued. He had to wring that Pin's neck, or whatever her name was. She was so near. . . he just wished he could run her over.
Suddenly, a piercing screech echoed in the air, as he saw Rin's face turn white, staring towards Kyou. Was she that scared of me? He thought. But his theory proved to be wrong. Hasegawa screamed in terror. Citizens mumbled fearfully. And everyone passing him froze, staring behind him.
Kyou turned around abruptly. A yellow bike was trashed, jammed underneath a truck. He looked on. Locks of brown hair was entangled within the gears, as a pale hand lay limp beside an equally lifeless body. The autumn breeze no longer tangled her locks, and there were no smiles greeting it.
He witnessed two blue ribbons flutter to the ground.
"TOHRU!!!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WHEW! Long. I wanted to get their childhood over with fast. So I can get on with the real story! PLEASE R&R! PLEASE PLEASE PLEAS! *begs* o and Imoto is LITTLE SISTER. PLEASE REVIEW MY OTHER STORY THE MATRIX! GO REVIEW! REVIEW THIS ONE TOO! Lol.