DISCLAIMER: I naturally do not own any of the characters from Fruits Basket, nor do I own the Zodiac legend (excluding the parts I fabricated for the sake of my story).

A messenger from God came to the animals and delivered a message: "I'm inviting you all to my banquet tomorrow. Don't be late."

Hearing that, the mischievous Rat lied to his neighbor, the Cat, and told him the banquet would be the day after tomorrow.

The next day, the Rat rode on the back of the Ox, and nimbly landed before the banquet hall. After him followed the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Boar. All except for the Cat, who had been tricked.

And God's messenger, the Immortal One, watched this all with her own twisted amusement.

I paused in front of the school gate, looking again at the name on my sheet. Yep, this was it. Kaibara High. My new high school. I was a little worried. It had taken Hatori a lot of pleading with Akito to allow me to come to this school. I didn't want to think about how I was going to be punished when I got back home tonight…

Considering the first bell had already rung, I proceeded to the main office, where the secretary greeted me.

"Rara…Mui," I said, remembering just in time to use the fake last name Akito had given me, "I'm new, starting here today…" As I nervously ran my fingers through my hair, the wooden cedar beads on my bracelet clacked together. The bracelet…I had had it for as long as I can remember. I don't know where I got it from, but it was the most precious possession I had.

The secretary's eyes scrutinized me, no doubt taking in my appearance. My flaming red hair that fell to my waist. My large grey eyes so pale that it was difficult to see the color unless one took a second look. My small, way-too-skinny frame and my lack of curves. My doll-like features. "Ah, Rara…It's a pleasure. Here, let me take you to your class…"

The secretary led me to a class that was already in session. A history class, it looked like. I sighed.

She knocked, opened the door, then spoke quietly to the teacher. He beckoned me in with a welcoming smile. I didn't bother to smile back.

"Class," the teacher said once I walked up to stand beside him. "This is Rara Mui. She'll be joining our class from now on." He turned back to me. "If you could just take that seat in front of Yuki Sohma, please."

I blinked in surprise. Sohma? There was a Sohma here? That must've been why Akito hadn't wanted me to use my real last name. I walked to the seat the teacher had indicated, without taking my eyes off of Yuki. He was extremely skinny, with dark-grey hair and eyes the exact same color. His features were so delicate that I almost mistook him for a girl. I didn't recognize him. But that was hardly a surprise. I didn't know who any of the other Sohmas were except for Akito, Hatori, Kureno, and Hatori's friend, Shigure.

History class passed by without an incident. Then when it was time for our next class, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see Yuki behind me, with a charming smile.

"Do you want me to help you get to your next class?" He asked. His voice was very pleasant.

I didn't want to accept his help, but still, I didn't exactly know the way to my arithmetic class. I nodded, completely expressionless.

Yuki took a look at my schedule, before smiling at me again. "Looks like we have our next class together. Convenient."

"Glad I can be so convenient." I noticed that although Yuki kept smiling that same, pleasant smile, it never seemed completely sincere. It held a hidden sorrow. I could understand that. Sohmas knew almost nothing but pain and misery, thanks to Akito.

Yuki gave me a short tour as we walked to our next class. He seemed nice, at least, but I didn't know if this was just a persona that he was adopting for school, or if this was who he really was. It was intriguing.

Finally, we reached the class. Yuki escorted me inside, and introduced me to the teacher. Before he could say anymore, he was assaulted from behind.

"Hey, already hitting on the new girl? You sure work fast, Prince Charming!" A boy from our class shouted. I backed up, watching the spectacle with complete boredom.

"No!" Yuki shouted back. "Be quiet!"

I ignored them, and then turned back to the teacher, as she handed me a book, and showed me to my seat. A minute later, a cute girl sat next to me. She smiled brightly at me. I was a bit surprised. It seemed like she was so happy to be here at school.

"I'm Tohru," she introduced herself. "It's my pleasure to meet you."

So polite speech. I blinked. "I'm Rara. Pleasure's mine." This Tohru girl threw me completely off guard.

I nearly dozed off during math. I had always disliked arithmetic, even though I was rather good at it.

Finally, the school day was over. It was typical of any typical school day. I didn't think my stay here was going to be very exciting. But, it was far preferable than being back in the 'inside' of the Sohma estate. With Akito. I was not looking forward to going home…

On the way outside of the building, I passed Yuki, who was standing next to Tohru. He looked like he wanted to say something to me, but I lowered my eyes, walking right past him. It was better if I didn't get close to anyone, especially not another Sohma. I didn't allow myself that kind of luxury. And I knew Akito wouldn't either. He'd beat the friendship right out of me.

I tried to be as sneaky as possible as I entered the Sohma estate. I snuck to Hatori's small house, pausing by the door to listen before cautiously walking inside.

Hatori was sitting in a chair, reading a newspaper. He looked up at me.

"How was your first day?" He asked.

I shrugged noncommittally. "It's okay. Better than being around here."

"Healthier for you, as well." Hatori said, clearing his throat uncomfortably. "Speaking of which, Akito demanded your presence as soon as you come home…"

Ugh. This was what I was expecting, yet desperately hoping would not happen. I set down my bag next to the wall, and took off my jacket. I stretched, enjoying the last few minutes of pain-free movement that I would experience for several days. As I did so, the raised scars on my wrists caught my eye. I sighed, hoping this latest punishment would not encourage me to add another scar to my collection.

Thank you for taking the time to read the first chapter of my story. I hope you liked it enough to keep reading. Anyways, thanks again, and all I ask is that you be civil in your review!