AN: Thanks to Buyo123 for reviewing! I'm really glad you like it so far, here's chapter three! :O
Disclaimer: I do not own fruit baskets just the miniature panther Ankou Scythe.
I was barely able to scream before my legs gave out and my head was thrown under water. Seeing stars, I rolled onto my back kicking with my hands and legs I was able to push the dead weight off of me. I gasped at how painful it was to breath, I must have had the air knocked out of me.
I glimpsed a tuff of red hair as I was pulled out of the water. Coughing I thought I was going to loose a lung. Getting a grip I stumbled onto the shore before my vision was completely blurred by spots of black.
I woke up to the sound of a steady heartbeat. Scrunching my eyes I vaguely remembered passing out. My head throbbed with pain as I was bounced back and forth. "Eh my head," I groaned reaching toward my temple at the sudden headache. "Dammit, your alive," The bouncing stopped and with a sharp breath I opened up my eyes at the sigh of relief.
"Kyo?" I asked as his face took form. I blinked at the raindrops, which hit my face at a light drizzle. "What the hells going on?" I asked, I realized to my horror he was carrying me bridal style, my messenger bag hung casually on his shoulder. "You hit your head," He blurted, looking away I noticed in amusement the slight ever so there blush he tried to hide under a look of annoyance.
"Were you spying on me?" My eyes widened in surprise as I remembered him falling on top of me, "Like hell I was!" He scoffed, "So you were?" I asked, "Dammit! No I wasn't!" He hissed his cat ears showing; "I thought that only happened to me when I felt like it," I pointed at his cat ears, "Can you walk?" He asked lowering me back to the forest floor. "Yeah," I replied, not wanting to admit I felt like I was run over by a semi truck.
My sneakers hit the ground lightly, but my legs instantly felt like jelly and I braced myself for the fall. Instead I felt my self being once again lifted into his arms. "Honestly I can walk!" I cried hitting him in the chest, so he would put me down, "Yeah right what are you going to do crawl all the way home?" "If I have too," "Dammit you're an idiot," He started walking paying attention at the path not bothering to look at me. "You could at least say thank you," He grumbled, "Thanks for almost drowning me," I managed a small smile at his annoyance.
"You swear a lot," I commented, "No, it's the weather. I hate when it rains I don't feel strong, and your heavy. Wrap your arms around my neck," This time it was my turn to look at him as if he said it was raining cats and dogs, "Seriously we just met," Blinking Kyo blushed again, "Hell, I'm going to drop you," Slowly I reached around his neck to help pull myself forwards. I yelped as Kyo tossed me up to move his arms.
"Just let me walk," I laid back crossing my arms, "Your barely managing," I pointed out as he dragged his feet through the mud, "Shigures' never going to leave me alone if I let you walk," He gritted his teeth picking up his pace, "Baka!" I cried hitting his chest, "I'm a cat too you know! I know what your feeling right now. The rain affects me as much as it does to you. Just let me humiliate your inferior ego just until we reach the house then you can carry me in like the hero,"
"Fine, if it means that much to you," Stopping he slowly let me stand approving with a nod when my jelly legs didn't give out. "Fine, let me carry my bag," I called angrily when he just kept walking. "Kyo!" I yelled indignantly reaching for the strap, which he dodged easily. After a while I gave to my exhaustion and let him carry the bag.
"So why were you at the creak?" I asked after a while, I hadn't realized how far I had really walked but in the rain it felt like miles. Shivering I flicked my hood over my head which didn't help considering it was soaked from falling in the stream. He must have noticed me shiver because he shivered right after me like a chain reaction.
"Shigure wouldn't stop whining that you were taking so long and I couldn't take the stupid complaining so I went out to look for you myself," He grumbled, "Doesn't explain how you got into that tree," I retorted, "Whatever, it doesn't matter just shut up!" he yelled, looking away when I grimaced from my headache.
"Yes it does it means you were spying on me," I retorted stepping in front of him, "Damn Lady don't you ever just stop?" He asked walking around me, "Too stubborn to care," I shrugged walking ahead of him. Dang, he still didn't answer my question. I fumed silently as the house came into view. Ignoring the deal I made with Kyo I stomped into the house shaking off the rain in the entrance. Doesn't it ever stop raining? Like honestly, it was such a gorgeous day out.
"We're home!" I shouted, "Looks like Kyo found our little princess," Shigure stated happily noticing my mood, "Don't call me that," I snapped kicking off my shoes, I wondered if they were ever going to be dry again for more then an hour.
"Now that that's settled, I'm going out for the rest of the day!" Shigure smiled, walking off as the rain dispersed. "Have fun!" I called waving back. Shaking my head I made my way back into the house to search for food. Noting that Kyo had already dissapeared,
"I'm back!" "Were home from school!" Looking around the door I casually placed my novel spine up. Kyo had come back an hour ago claiming he wanted to fix the roof before it rained again. The weather had turned back to its sunny head stroke as if the drizzle had never happened.
"Welcome back," I called, "Shigure went out to visit Akito," Yuki nodded his head and set his school bag beside me before taking a seat right next to me, "I'm going to go put my bag away," Tohru called walking up stairs, "I hope Akito agrees," I whispered, "He's hiding something," Yuki turned his head deep in thought.
"Yuki, Tohru, Ankou. I'm home and Kyo I hope your not doing something stupid!" Shigure called through the house, I watched as Kyo stormed out the house again. "Wait don't go!" Tohru called loosing hope as he ignored her when she had followed him down the stairs, duct tape in hand. She must have found him fixing the roof, "He'll be back," Shigure reassured her, "Its not like he has anywhere else to go. But never mind him can you come here for a second,"
Shigure waved from his spot in the doorway. I stole a look at Yuki who had brought out his homework to work on but instead was staring intensely at his scribbled notes brows furrowed. I shifted from my spot on the couch so Tohru could sit in between Yuki and I.
"I had a talk with Akito today," The room fell deathly silent, you could here a pin drop. I bird chirped in the distance and I went to sit on the edge of the porch. I stared dumbly at the bird picking at the ground, probably looking for worms. "And he decided to let you stay," I let out the breath I didn't realize I had been holding, "Oh good," Tohru sighed also, "So there's no punishment?" She asked, "Punishment?" Shigure seemed surprised, "Eh- no," Tohru closed her eyes grateful.
"Welcome to the family!" I cried jumping her in a hug. Yuki and Shigure shrunk off into the shadows. "Oh thank you!" Tohru cried, hesitantly hugging me back. "What's for supper?" I asked, "I don't know, um what would you like?" She asked curiously, "Pike!" I cried my cat ears popping out at the mention of fish, "Is that all you think of?" Tohru sweat drooped.
Grabbing a bunch of blankets I made my way back to the living room couch. Curling up in a ball I wondered what it would mean if Tohru lived with the zodiac. Everything would be different now that Akito knows. Would he come to meet her? What was he planning? Shivering I curled up further.
Once I was successfully dowsing off the nightmares began. I was standing in the middle of a field all around me were wooden posts sealing me into a circle. I heard a distant howling in the distance. Skipping into a jog I pressed my eye against one of the cracks in the solid wood fencing.
I fell backward with a yelp, as a slobbering dog appeared barking. Suddenly it was like the dogs surrounded me, barking and throwing themselves against the wood. I scurried backwards on my butt. Shivering I stared up at the red sky the moon seemed to smile down evilly at me. Curling into a ball I tensed up every time a dog through itself at the wood. I knew the wall would break any second. I ducked my head as the wood finally splintered waiting, as the sound of paws against dirt grew closer.
Bolting in a sitting position I threw my legs off the couch and dropped my face into my hands. It was the second nightmare within three days, they were getting worse. Sitting on my spot on the porch I watched the sun rise before going to get dressed.
Two hours later Tohru, Yuki and I stood in the entrance to the kitchen staring at the giant mess. "Well its not going to clean itself!" Tohru cried with enthusiasm, "Just tell me what to do and I'll help in any way I can," Yuki promised, "You'd better not the closest thing Yukis' seen to a mop is that hair cut of his. I think he'd just get in the way,"
Shigure through open the door across the hallway as an entrance. "That's okay I can do it myself. We did make a deal that I would do all the housework for the rent of the room. I wouldn't be earning my keep if I let you guys help me," Tohru pointed out. "Brave girl," I teased,
"I see were in good hands. I'm going to go find Kyo and I'll be out with him for a while, we should be back before lunch time," Shigure promised crossing his heart. "Sure you can leave it to me!" Tohru grinned, "In that case I'll go out too," Yuki said, nodding my head I followed Shigure, "Can I tag along? Just until we reach the city?" I asked, Shigure nodded and I picked out my flip-flops instead of my wet runners and ran after Shigure to keep up.
We walked in silence up the path towards the city. "Ah there's Kyo," Shigure sighed pointing up the road to a figure walking towards us. Speed walking to catch up to him I watched as Shigure grabbed Kyo in a headlock followed by a string of curses. I watched with a sweat drop as Kyo's face turned purple his sneakers dragged into the dirt as he reached out for help. Shigure never looked back once, waving over his shoulder while laughing like a maniac. "See ya!" I called waving as they Shigure walked away with Kyo crying calling my name.
Once again I found my way back to the strip malls to find the bookstore I had looked at before. I read the print out poster of a part time job. "Screw this," I growled at my butterflies in my stomach and went inside. A tiny bell rang as I entered the shop. A fan blew into my face just as I escaped the heat from the screaming sun. I met up with a short stubby woman with a toss of brown-pinned back hair.
She was reading an old worn magazine on fashion, which she set down and introduced herself as Miss. Harriet. Handing in my resume I was able to set up an interview for next week. When I stepped back outside with a brand new enthusiasm and paperback novel I was hit once again in the heat wave.
I weaved between people; my stomach turned at all the different smells of sunscreen, sweat and perfume. Stopping in the general store on the corner I quickly bought a bottle of water. As I gulped down I closed my eyes, wiping my brow I caught the sight of dark hair and grey eyes. Akito. My heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here?
Panic seeped through me. Maybe he didn't see me? Tossing the now empty water bottle I apologized as I pushed my way through the crowd. I stumbled out of the crowd, looking around I realized I had made my way to the river. Sitting on the open grass I tried to regain my breath again. I looked up as a pair of leather boots stood in front of me. I stared at the grey orbs as they stared back at me. The silence seemed to stretch before us.
"Hatsuharu-kun?" I blurted, then looked away embarrassed. "Are you lost or something?" I mumbled looking at my hands anywhere but his eyes. Smooth Ankou, smooth. Was he who I thought was Akito? He did have the same eye and hair color. Shaking my head, I contradicted myself; definitely not they're nothing alike.
Hatsuharu still didn't say anything just stared in curiosity as I kept my thoughts to myself. "I got lost again," he mused looking down the river, "Your right," Shuffling my feet around I felt tongue-tied. What the heck was I supposed to say? Sticking out his hand I stared at it dumbly before realizing he probably meant to help me off my feet.
Grabbing his hand he lifted me off my feet. I mumbled my thanks before shuffling from foot to foot again in awkward silence. "Can I help?" I asked he looked back towards me blankly. "You said you were lost," I poked him in his side. "Are you always this blank?" "I was supposed to meet Momoji," he said, I was caught up in his eyes again. Why is it I always act like an idiot around him?
"Where?" I asked blinking, "Ice cream shop," I nodded grabbing his head I tugged him behind me as I was once again swept into the crowd. Feeling feint from all the smells I stumbled through the crowd with Haru in tow. Fifteen minutes later we stood outside of the small ice cream parlor on the other side of the strip malls.
"Were here," I turned to face Hatsuharu, smiling. "I'd better be going, Shigures probably whining about my absence," The corners of his mouth twitched into a smile. Sniffing the air I smelt Tuna fish I felt my cat ears coming out. Realizing I was in public for a second before sniffing out the food source.
Grabbing me by the ears Hatsuharu yanked me back against him. I stood in stupor slowly I pulled back my ears as I tuned out the smell. My heart pounded in my chest as I turned to face Hatusharu who still had his hands on my head. We stood inches apart I held my breath as he stared at me; I dared him to make the first move. Stepping back it probably looked like he was trying to worship me. Giggling at the thought I saw his surprised expression and burst out laughing.
This time I got a real smile from Hatsuharu. "Thanks!" I cried smiling through my laughter. "I didn't mean to show my true form," I apologized, "Ankou-chan!" I involuntarily stepped closer to Haru as Momoji hugged me from behind. "Did Haru-san get lost?" "Mhm, he asked for directions," I replied smiling at his enthusiasm, "I have to go though I promised Tohru I'd be back for lunch,"
"Tohru?" Momoji asked, "Yeah she's staying with us at Shigures' until her grandpa is done renovations," I replied with a smile, "Oh I see, awe do you have to go?" Momoji cried, "Sorry," I saddened at his expression and waved good-bye as I made my way back to the path.
Feeling eyes on the back of my head I saw Momoji talking rapidly to Haru as he looked my way. I picked up my pace as I ventured to the house towards the house.
"Shame on them letting a meal this good go to waste," Yuki shunned as I walked into the living room. "Food!" I cried joining him and Tohru at the table, "Sorry I'm late I ran into Hatsuharu and Momoji-kun," Yuki looked surprised but before he could answer Tohru interrupted, "Didn't you go out too Yuki?" She asked, "Oh I just went to visit my secret base," he replied which started a whole set of questions from her.
I listened into her theories before Kyo and Shigure rudely interrupted us. "Stop! Kyo just listen to me!" Shigure yelled as Kyo threw open the door storming through the room, "I don't want to here it! You think its fun jerking me around!" He retorted speed walking faster, "It was okay it was just a little fun but it was Akitos' decision," Shigure pointed out, "Shut up! I don't give a damn about Akito!" He shouted looking Shigure in the eye before storming out of the room.
"I've made you lunch if your hungry," Tohru ventured happily ignoring the aroma of annoyance. "Shut up!" Kyo shouted from the other room. "Don't take this out on Tohru! For once use the front door and take off your shoes!" Shigure shouted back taking off his shoes in the process, "You're setting a fine example," Yuki commented, "I've never seen you in a suit before, it looks really good on you!" Tohru complemented Shigure, "You think so?" He gushed, "You look like a butler," Yuki laughed, "You combed your hair!" I burst out laughing at the sight.
"Oh lunch is ready and I borrowed your brush," I smacked Shigure over the head, "Shouldn't we look for Kyo?" Tohru asked, "Oh don't worry about him, he's just angry because I made him take the entrance exam," "An entrance exam?" "Funny you may ask, as of today Kyo is officially the newest student at your school and now will be living with us," "Don't you dare take a single bite," Yuki threatened I stood behind him, "Get out," I pointed at the door,
"Haha, I had a feeling you guys be upset," Shigure chuckled nervously, "You see Kyo did a disappearing act, he just up and left for four months. You know where he ran off to? He ran off to train in the mountains," "To train? For what?" Tohru asked curiously, "Let me guess he's been meditating under water falls and fighting bears?" Yuki said sarcastically, "Well I'm not sure about that," Shigure rubbed the back of his neck, "But the point is Kyo really wants to defeat Yuki," Shigure sighed,
"Stupid cat," Yuki scoffed, "Shut up!" I yelled, "You don't know what it's like being the cat!" I hated myself for defending the moron but the more I convinced my self it was for me. Or was it?
AN: Don't hurt me! I apologize it wasn't one of my bestest chapters… -_- You're right it was horrible, review please! Thanks if you have alerted/favorite this story, you guys are amazing!