-1Disclaimer: I don't own Fruba or any of the characters. I just like to play around with them

Here's the gist: I like feudal Japan, something like the Heian Period, roughly 794-1191 A.D. It'll be the zodiac characters, but with a small twist. It might resemble a bit of Inuyasha, but not quite so long and inappropriate (don't get me wrong, I love Inuyasha--my first favorite anime). Not sure on the pairings just yet, but we'll see! (I definitely want to do some yaoi...a writer's challenge)

Chapter 1:

"Tohru!" A girl with dark, springy curls yelled down the hall.

"Hana, what's up?" replied Tohru.

Darkly, she stated, "It's your mother...something has happened." The expression of dread crept up on Torhu's soft features. What could it be? she thought, running though the halls and down the stairs. I forgot to tell her to be safe. The sickness in her stomach churned as she took in the potential fear of her mother's disposition.

Tohru woke with a start. That's right, it's been so long since she died. The words Hana spoke to me still ring in my ears.

She pushed her covers down and stood up from her futon. Her tent held together for another night. Grabbing a bag of her morning toiletries, she headed down to the local pond and began washing up. Something has happened... She shook her head. Slowly, she trudged back up the hill to her "home" and changed for school.

I need something new to happen in my life, she thought. I'll take a different path to school today, just to keep things interesting.

Heading south, instead out southeast, she quickly came upon a clearing where an old house sat. It was completely in ruin. She couldn't contain her curiosity, so she investigated the remains. A foreboding feeling was associated with place, sending shivers up her spine. Yet, at the same time, she felt a sense of life within the decay. Scattered on what remained of the floor where small stones painted with animal shapes. Ha, these are the Chinese zodiac animals. They're so cute! She picked up a few of them, relishing the their cool touch. Where's the cat? Right, he was never part of the zodiac. She picked up the rest of them and placed them in her bag.

As she turned to leave, she caught the glint of something in the near distance. She stooped and picked up the pebble that had the cat painted on it. This stone, however, was fiery hot. She dropped it instantly, but not before a gust of wind came howling upon her. You could see fear in her eyes. What's happening? She covered her eyes and sunk to the ground, cradling her soft underside.

Abruptly, the wind stopped. Everything became quiet. She looked up. Well, everything looks the same. She stood and looked down at her feet. The cat stone was gone. Bewildered, she looked around her and encountered an astonishing sight. The old house sat perfectly anew, with manicured gardens on the left side.

What's going on here? What just happened? She took a step towards the front of the house. A door slid open and a young, tall and slender man stepped out. He was wearing a traditional Japanese haori, the under one was green and the over one was blue. His grey tresses hung limply around his handsomely defined face.

Torhu blushed at this sight and swallowed. "Well hello, miss," he said casually, smiling brightly and causing Torhu to blush deeper.

"Hello...uh, my name is Torhu Honda," she stated while bowing slightly. When she looked up again, he was standing a few feet from her. She blushed harder.

"It is very nice to meet you, Miss Honda. My name is Yuki Sohma. I see that you have arrived, finally." Arrived? Finally? she thought. How is this possible? He looks like something out of feudal Japan --and he was expecting me? "Are you hungry?"

"Uh, well...I don't really know what just happened," she said, scratching the back of her head. He tilted his head at her and smiled.

"Come inside and I shall explain."

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"So you see, Miss Honda, we've been waiting for you to pick up that stone," Yuki explained, alternating conversation and sipping tea. "The head of our family has been told a prophecy, stating that the Sohma curse will be broken by one girl alone. I don't know the details, but the stone has decidedly chosen you to be the One."

Tohru nodded, taking every word in. This doesn't really make sense, but it does at the same time. How was it possible for me to transport time? What is the curse he speaks of? She turned her attention to the mug that was sitting on the short table. "What is the curse?" She looked up into Yuki's longing gaze. Her cheeks flushed and she fiddled with her skirt. "I mean, what does it have to do with me?"

"Those cursed with the vengeful zodiac spirits turn into those animals when we either hug someone of the opposite sex or if our bodies become weak. But, you are different. Right now, those spirits seemed to have waned upon your arrival. Here, let me demonstrate." Before Tohru realized it, she was in the arms of the slender Yuki.

"Oh..." she gasped as he squeezed her gently. He was so warm and smelled so manly. He looked down at her and smiled.

"I would have changed just now if it weren't for you. Something about you fulfills that prophecy." Yuki rose, leaving a slack jawed Tohru looking up.

"It's getting late, I should make dinner." Yuki thought, and then doubled back. "Do you like onigiri? It's about all I can make without burning," he chuckled in a princely manner.

After dinner, Yuki set out a futon on the tatami mats. "This should suit you for tonight. I hope you don't mind sleeping in my room. It retains the warmth a bit more than down here."

"Oh no really, I'll be fine. You don't have to go through so much trouble," Tohru pleaded. "Please don't make such exceptions for me."

Yuki smiled. His proximity to Tohru was just enough so she could hear his steady breathing. "Please, it would honor me if you slept here. If you are afraid of anything, I will be close by." He bowed to her as he exited the room. Tohru assessed the room. Very simple. It reminds me of my tent, the closest thing I have to "home." She put on a kimono and snuggled under the covers. He says it's warm up here, but I'm still freezing. Her heavy lids sank and she was dozing before long.

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Yuki sat, listening outside of his bedroom door. The One to break the curse. I didn't imagine that she'd be so cute. A draft flew up the stairs. He pulled his haori up further on his shoulders. Perhaps she might be too cold.

Standing, Yuki pulled open his bedroom door slowly. He crept over to Tohru and lifted her hand. Her hand is so cold. Yuki felt her soft cheeks, and he blushed. They too, were cold. He slid off his top haori and settled onto the futon. This is just to keep her warm tonight, he thought. His cheeks burned red as he shifted under the covers. Tohru rolled towards him and he froze. His purple eyes snapped wide open. His heart beat quickened and hammered in his chest. She made a soft, sleepy groan and snuggled into the pillow. Yuki loosened the grip he had on his muscles and relaxed. I should take advantage of things I couldn't normally do.

A/N: Sorry for taking so long to get into it. I just wanted to set the mood, get the characters started, etc. Please review if you want ch2. There should be some fun stuff starting. As of now, no known pairings...I can do requests!