I do not own Fruits Basket.

(A/N: Sorry the first chapter is kind of boring, but keep reading plz. I promise it will get better! Chapter 2 is gonna be rlly good soooo yeah keep reading! Give me feedback too, I'd appreciate it :)

Tohru slowly opened her eyes to the early morning light. She sat up and stretched, stifling a yawn. Sighing happily, she glanced at a painting on her wall. "Good morning mom. Did you sleep well? I know I did!" She chirped. A small pain throbbed in her chest as she took in her mother's portrait. Slowly, Tohru slipped out from underneath her covers and onto the cold stone floor. She crossed the room and trailed a finger gingerly down the painting. "Today's the day..." She whispered quietly. Tohru shook her head and smiled. "I can do this! Wish me luck though!"

Tohru tweedled her thumbs anxiously as Uo braided her hair. "Don't worry so much Tohru. You'll be fine." Uo said wryly. Tohru looked into her dark blue eyes and nodded. "I'm not worried, I'm just excited." Uo rolled her eyes and shook her head to get some of the hair out of her face. "Well, if that prick trys anything funny..." Uo trailed off. She grabbed an uneaten apple from a fruit bowl siting on a table next to them. "His ass is mine." Uo crushed the apple in the palm of her hand with a cruel smirk. Tohru gulped and smiled nervously. "D-Don't be so absurd! I've heard many great things about this Prince Yuki; Handsome, smart, and above all polite." There was a quiet knock at the door. "Yes?" Tohru peeped. To her relief, Hana stepped through the threshold. "I was looking for clothes for you to wear and saw this. I'm sure she would've wanted you to wear this..." Tohru's smile wavered slightly. She recognized the dress as the one her mother had worn the night she met her father. It was a soft, flowing blue fabric with a gold lace line on the waiste. The sleeves drapped from her shoulders, showing her neck and shoulder line. It also dipped, revealing slight cleavage, making Tohru slightly uncomfortable. The sleeves were slightly big, though it made no difference since they were designed that way. When Uo finished braiding and styling Tohru's hair, Hana took over with make-up and jewlery. Tohru had natural beauty, so Hana just brushed a small amount of gold specs on her eye lids. Then, to make the dress complete, Hana placed a simple gold necklace around Tohru's neck. When Hana and Uo finished, they took a step back to admire their work. Tohru blushed under their gazes and felt herself getting nervous. "Just take deep breathes and try to relax." Uo gave her a crooked smile. "Yes. Relax." Hana said nodding. A strange tingling sensation was bothering Tohru, however it was taking her mind off of meeting Prince Yuki. Tohru looked down at her clothes then back at Hana and Uo's. Uo and Hana were wearing similar dresses; Uo wore a plain short sleeved maroon colored dress with a black corset, and Hana wore a black short sleeved dress with a black corset. The only difference between them was that on Hana's dress, there was slight black lace designs, and on Uo's there were very noticable patches on the skirt of her dress. "Maybe I could put something else on that would be a little less extravagent?" She asked hopefully. Uo smirked and crossed her arms over her chest. "You're meeting the prince you're betrothed to for the first time, and you want to wear something 'less extravagent'? You're killing me Tohru." Once again stunned by reality, Tohru felt herself get dizzy. Uo and Hana were immedietly there steadying her. "Sorry. I forgot you're still getting used to that." Uo appalogized. "Its... Ok... I'm... Ok..." Tohru mumbled, though her world was spinning.
Her grandfather had announced that she was betrothed, and to be married within the week just a few days ago. When Tohru heard the news, she fainted, bringing down with her the cook, a few servants, and a pitcher of water. Uo and Hana were on high-alert constantly after that; Had they not been, Tohru would've had permanent brain damage by now.

Kyo kept his hand on his sword as he passed through the tall iron wrought gateway into the castle courtyard. Two guards in black armor escorted him through the main double doors of the gothic styled castle. They walked down a narrow corridor, making a few turns here and there until they were in a large open room. The room was lit dimly by few candles on the walls. The entire castle was dark, and uninviting. A faded red carpet led them straight to the throne. There, siting with a creepy smile was, who Kyo asumed to be, was Lord Akido. He looked sickly from how thin and pale he was, but the glimmer in his eyes gave a crazed look about him. Kyo kneeled respectfully, and swallowed his pride. This guy was paying him a hefty sum for whatever job it was he was doing. "Ah! You must be Kyo. I've been expecting you for some time." Akido's voice was calm, but it had a silent undertone that made the hairs on the back of Kyo's neck stand up. "Yes my Lord. You're paying an aweful lot of gold. May I ask exactly why I've been summoned?"
"Patients." Akido snapped. Kyo shut his mouth immedietly. "In a kindom due west from here, about three days travel, a Princess Tohru is to be married." Akido began. Kyo recognized the princess's name slightly, few people spoke of her at bars and taverns. They all said she was a real beauty, or more commonly "A sight for sore eyes". Bleh... No girls that pretty. Kyo thought stubbernly. "Are you listening?" Akido asked annoyed. Kyo snapped back into the conversation. "Yes my Lord. Please coninue."
"As I said," Akido began once again."she is to be married to Prince Yuki in five days time. My job for you Kyo, is to capture her and bring Tohru to me." Kyo raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure if you've been told, but kidnapping isn't exactly in my reputoire..." Akido smiled. "And why is that?"
"I kill people for a living. I don't know exactly how to handle a live hostage, let alone a princess." Akido pursed his lips in thought and made a signal to his guards. Three sacks of gold were dropped before Kyo, and by the thud they made when they hit the floor, they were loaded. "This is only half of what I'll be paying you. If you successfully bring Princess Tohru back to me, I will pay you the other half." Kyo felt a loss of words as he took in the sight of all the gold. "Do we have a deal?" Akido asked smiling. Kyo smirked and nodded. "I'm yours."

"Remember; Breathe, smile, and act like you have a brain." Uo teased. Tohru nodded. "Right!" Uo and Hana embraced her one last time before leaving her on her own. "I can do this... I can do this." Tohru chanted under her breath. She pushed open the door slowly, and silenly crossed the threshold. Music was being played quietly in the backround as Tohru's extended family mingled with their guests. When Tohru's grandfather spotted her a wide grin spread acrossed his face. "Tohru, come take a seat my dear." Toruh smiled politely and took a seat next to him. "Prince Yuki hasn't arrived quite yet, but he should be here any-" The door Tohru had come through opened once again, and a tall boy with dark grey shoulder length hair stepped in. Tohru's grandfather stood up and shook the boys hand warmly. "Welcome, welcome! Please come sit down and enjoy the feast." Up until that moment, Tohru didn't even notice the large spread set before her. There were foods of every kind and variety. Tohru hadn't seen such a spread in her entire life. Tohru's grandfather signaled her to come over with an encouraging smile. Toruh took a deep breath, and glued a smile to her face as she walked over to them. She was very careful to not trip over anything, and sucessfuly made it to them both without losing her balance. The boy was wearing a white longsleeve top with a brown leather overvest that went down to his mid thigh. At his side was a sword in a sheath with a gold encrested handle. He also wore black pantaloons and knee high leather boots. As Tohru took in his appearence, their eyes locked. He had the most gorgeous eyes she had ever seen; they were dark purple and seemed as warm and friendly as his exterior. "Tohru, this is Prince Yuki Sohma." Tohru curtsied and bowed her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you." She said grinning. Yuki grabbed her hand gently and kissed it. He bowed, keeping her hand in his. "The pleasure is all mine Princess Tohru." Not once did his voice waver, nor did he break eye contact. Tohru could feel her cheeks burning and she broke her gaze sheepishly. Tohru's gradfather chuckled. "Now that we are acquainted with one another, lets feast!"

"Can't we stop to eat?" Shigure had been complaining for the past two days straight, and Kyo was getting really agitated. "WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP!? CAN YOU NOT KEEP QUIET FOR MORE THAN TWO MINUTES?!"
A Minute And A Half Of Silence Later...
"Kyoooooo I'mmm huuuungrrrry." Kyo's eye twitched slightly as he pulled back on his horse's reigns. "If I let you eat, will you shut up?" Shigure nodded quickly, a huge smile on his face. "Alright, fine. We'll stop to eat, then get going again. We're nearly there, and only have 'till tomorrow to bag the princess."

Kyo sighed in relief. The two of them had reached the village outside the castle around noon. Children splashed in the shallows of the river that seperated them from the village. It was a very lush plot of land with wheat and corn fields scattered about it. Farmers busied themselves working in the fields harvesting, and irrigating. Kyo and Shigure dismouned their horses as they crossed over the cobble stone bridge. The villagers were silent as the two passed by. Hushed whispers and giggles could be heard over the horses hooves. "Well look a that. We're early. Ha! And you were worrying that we would be late." Shigure broke the silence. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Go get some sleep. We snatch her tonight." Kyo whispered the last part. Shigure nodded.

Kyo and Shigure walked their horses to the stables, where an old man hobbled about, spreading fresh hay around. When the two approached him the old man gave them a puzzled look. "I haven't seen you two before. What buisness do you have here might I ask." The man asked suspiciously. Kyo crossed his arms over his chest and opened his mouth to speak when Shigure inerrupted him. "Why, we heard the lovely Princess was to be wed tomorrow. I hear she's a lovely on'!" The old man nodded and smiled. "That she is. Her beauty reflects her kindness as well. She comes into town every few days to bring gifts to the children." Shigure pursed his lips. "When's the last time she came into town? I'd much like to get a glimpse of her myself." The man tilted his head in thought. "Last time was... I think the day before yesterday? She should be com'n into town today if yer lucky. She will be too busy tomorrow, of course." He chuckled. Shigure nodded and laughed as well. "Marraige sort of takes up your whole scheduel."

After talking for a few minutes, the three parted ways. "So, what do we do now?" Shigure asked quietly. He reclined against the apple tree Kyo was in. Kyo sat on one of the higher up branches munching on an apple. "Wait and see if the princess comes to town." Shigure sat up. "How will we know it's her?" Kyo shrugged. "She'll be the one on the fanciest horse, dressed in expensive clothes, with twenty or so body guards." Shigure made an 'O' with his mouth and went back to reclining against the tree.

A few hours passed and Shigure was getting bored. "Well, I don't think she's going to show up. Guess we'll have to find something to entertain us until tonight-" Shigure looked up to see Kyo fast asleep in his tree. "I think I'll just sneak off for a little bit then." Shigure said as he tiptoed away, a mischivious smile spreading acrossed his face.

Kyo awoke slowly and looked around. "Dammit! Shigure, how long was I asleep?" He jumped down from the tree to find Shigure missing. "That idiot! Where the hell did he go?" Kyo growled and stalked back towards the village. As he walked, he noticed all the children following three girls; One had long blonde hair that covered half her face, and dark blue eyes, he second had long black curly hair and purple, almost black eyes. The third was the most beautiful out of all three. She had long brown hair, and baby blue eyes. She wore a white dress with silver threads weaved in, that hugged her body nicely. The blonde was wearing a straight, dark blue dress, and the other girl was wearing a black dress of a similar fashion. The brunette in the white dress sat down in the middle of the grassy field they were standing in. The girls all laughed and danced around her chanting folk songs, making the girl laugh. A few of the children started braiding the girls hair, and weaved flowers into the braid. All the while, the blonde and black haired girl stood close by constantly gazing around. Kyo stood there staring until the girl siting down caught his gaze, and stared back.

Tohru absolutely adored the village children, and they adored her back. She always made sure to bring them sweet pastries from the castle everytime she visited. The children lead her to their usual spot in the field to pick flowers and dance. Uo and Hana stood watch for any trouble, though Tohru knew the villagers would never do anything to harm her. She sat down in the tall grass and began weaving a crown of daisies for Kisa, the littlest village girl. Tohru would never admit it to anyone, but it was obvious; Kisa was one of the only reasons why she visited the village. She was a very quiet little girl with brilliant strawberry blonde/auburn colored hair, and dark brown eyes. Kisa's expressions spoke more than she ever could. She always wore her favorite blue dress everytime Tohru visited. It was a gift from Tohru to her when they first met. Kisa sat silently acrossed from Tohru in the field smiling a broad smile. Tohru smiled half heartedly back. Her mind was still on last night's dinner.

~Flash Back~

Tohru could feel Yuki's eyes on her while she ate. She stared at her food the entire time, and used monosyllibic words when Yuki asked her things. Tohru knew she was probably being rude, but she was still in shock, and wasn't sure how to act.
Towards the end of the meal, Yuki excused himself, and went for a walk. Shortly after, Tohru finished her food and decided to go to bed early. I'm suposed to marry Yuki in two days... But he's a total stranger! Tohru felt tears welling up in her eyes. She knew Uo and Hana would be waiting back at her room, so she decided to take a walk around the courtyard.
The air was warm and humid, and the sky was clear. Few stars twinkled that night. As soon as she was sure she was alone, a sob ripped through her. She walked over to the small pond in the far back corner of the courtyard, and leaned against the tall willow for support. The sobs increased as Tohru cried harder. She sinked to the ground and held her face in her hands. Her sobs turned to sniffles as she took deep breaths and began to calm down. Doves cooed in the willow she leaned against, and crickets chirped in the bushes. Tohru wiped away her tears and knelt over the pond. She cupped some of the cool water in her hands and splashed her face. When the water settled she stared at her reflection; Red puffy eyes, nose, and cheeks. Her bottom lip stuck out slightly in a pout. Tohru shook her head and splashed more water on her face over, and over. She sighed and looked up at the sky. "If you're listening mom, I need some advice..." Tohru began explaining everything thats happened, and all her concerns. She felt the tears pouring over once again. "I don't know what to do..." Tohru's voice cracked as she spoke. A twig snapped and Tohru whipped around. "W-Who's there?" Tohru wiped away all her tears and walked towards the noise. Yuki leaned against the willow with an appalogetic expression. "Please forgive me for intruding. I heard someone crying and then found you here by the pond..." He trailed off. Tohru blushed a bright scarlet red and bit her bottom lip. "Listen," Yuki stepped forward, and Tohru took a step back. "you can talk to me... I understand what you're going through... Maybe even more than you think since I knew long before you did... I'm sorry you're being forced to marry a stranger..." Yuki's eyes softened even more, and seemed a little sad. "It's unfair..." Tohru whispered. Yuki nodded and stepped forward once more, closer than the last time. Startled, Tohru jumped back, and slipped. The pond wasn't very deep, but Tohru had no idea how to swim. She felt herself sinking and flailed helplessly in the water. A split second later, Yuki dove in after her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to the surface. Toruh coughed and sputtered. Yuki sat next to her gasping. "Are you... Alright?" he asked quietly. Tohru nodded, but she was shaking violently. "Let's get inside before you catch a cold hm?" Yuki suggested. He stood up and offered her a hand. Tohru hesitantly grabbed it, and Yuki pulled her to her feet.
Uo and Hana were out looking for Tohru when they spotted her with Yuki and asessed their clothes. "What happened?! Are you OK?" Uo hurried her inside. "I'm ok... I just slipped and fell in the pond... But Yuki saved me so I'm fine." Tohru said smiling lightly. Uo eyed Yuki suspiciously. "I see." Hana brought towels for Yuki and Tohru. Uo sighed and shook her head. "Can't take my eye off you for more than a minute can I?" she laughed. Tohru laughed once in agreement. "Come on. Lets get you dressed in some dry clothes." Hana said smiling. Tohru turned to say thanks to Yuki but he was already gone. She frowned slightly confused while Uo and Hana pulled her away.

Kisa pulling on Tohru's arm brought her out of her flashback. A look of concern and question played out on Kisa's face. Tohru smiled appalogeticly. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking..." She felt a sudden pair of eyes watching her and looked around. At the far end of the field by an apple tree was a boy with bright orange hair string straight at her. He wore black pants, and boots. He also wore a white buccaneer shirt that hung on him loosely, showing part of his chest. The boy looked to be about 17 or 18, but Tohru couldn't be sure because of how far away he was. She also couldn't be certain but it looked like he had red eyes. Their eyes locked, and Tohru couldn't look away. He blinked a few times before breaking eye contact, then continued walking towards the village. "Strange..." Hana whispered. Tohru looked up to see Uo and Hana both watching the boy as he walked away. "What?" Tohru questioned. "I attempted to send him electric signals, but he was unaffected. That's never happened before..." Hana whispered. Uo shifted her weight nervously. "I don't like 'em. He's a stranger here. I have an uneasy feeling about this guy." The boy stopped and looked back once before continuing on.

Kyo's arm hairs stood up slightly, but Kyo paid no attention to the strange sensation. The girl still hadn't looked away. There was something about her that Kyo found interesting. He blinked a few times and decided to keep walking. It was getting late and he still had no idea where Shigure was. He looked back one last time at the girl before seting off to find Shigure.

It wasn't too long before Kyo found Shigure. He was where Kyo normally found him: At a tavern flirting with the women of he village. When Shigure saw Kyo approaching him he laughed awkwardly. "H-Hey Kyo." Anger rolled off Kyo in waves as he rolled up his sleeve. "You moron. I had no idea where you were. Do you have any idea what time it is?!" Kyo smacked him on the head. "Come on we have to get going. We've got a job to do."

(A/N: Sorry the first chapter is kind of boring! But keep reading plz. I promise it will get better! Chapter 2 is gonna be rlly good soooo 8D yeah keep reading!)