Be surprised… I live. I apologise if the writing style has changed too much for you guys… or if you just left me… BUT I WILL DO MY BEST! Hopefully, I can still keep them in character…

So Fruits Basket and their characters belong to the author of the story, not me, but the modified Zodiac tale is my creation, as well as all OCs. Enjoy :)

Yukiko woke early, barely taking the time to run her fingers through her hair and neaten herself up a bit. By the time she had left the warm home the sun was just barely touching the horizon. Frowning to herself, she let out a sigh, turning to take one final glance at her friend's home. Hopefully it wouldn't be the last.

Although she was upset by the prospect of appearing before Akito without clothing, she knew that she couldn't get anywhere near the Sohma estate in her human form without getting caught; getting in and seeing Akito without interruption was worth more than her prideful dignity. If she was caught, then Akito would be told and he would have time to plan something.

Her paws made no sound as she flew through the forest; she had staked out the Sohma estates several times before, and she could find it easily now by smell and just by instinct. As much as Yukiko wished to deny her bond with 'God' she knew it was there, it was simply more twisted than the bond God had with the other Zodiac members. She managed to squeeze in through a hole in the wall which was just big enough for a small child to fit through, she was surprised it was even still there, before she leapt into the bushes and began to make her way towards the house.

She had realized along the way that it would be quite easy to appear as a servant before Akito, and then she could be clothed too; all the female workers wore the same yukata, and she could hide her hair under a shawl so that she wasn't recognized by her unusual hair colour. Quickly jumping through a window she was overjoyed to find that she had landed right in the laundry room. Although it smelt bad, several of the simple yukata of dulled bluish-purple were set out to dry. After making sure there was nobody around Yukiko changed back into her human form and struggled to quickly pull on the driest yukata that she could find, mumbling obscenities under her breath when she quickly realized it was quite heavy and damp still.

Finding some ribbon she tied her hair into a low bun that would be easier to hide under a cloth, then went through the laundry until she found a relatively large piece of black material; it would do. Taking a moment to hang it over her head, being sure to leave only the lower proportions of her face showing, she exited the room slowly, keeping her eyes on the ground as she shuffled around like the other workers. After some trouble Yukiko managed to get her hands on Akito's tea for the morning, and got her directions to his current room.

"This is really stupid." She mumbled to herself imagining how she looked in her damp yukata and wrinkled 'veil', which she had only managed to keep through lies of how her father had just died, while she continued her balanced trek towards what was certain to be a very bad situation. It seemed like forever before she found herself in front of Akito's sliding doors, but at the same time she begged mentally for more time. She definitely wasn't ready.

Dropping silently to her knees she bowed her head to the ground respectfully, mimicking the actions of the others which had approached his room before her. Quickly explaining that she was there with tea she almost yelped out when a bark to 'hurry and get on with it' flew at her from the room. Slowly sliding the door open she grabbed the tray and slid into the room, keeping crouched down respectfully as she closed the door behind her before she slid quickly into the room. Placing the tea in front of Akito she took three steps back then bowed, touching her face to the ground.

Oh my god, I can't do this. This is stupid, I'll make Hatori come with me some other time… she thought, going to stand and exit before a cool voice rang out.

"Who said you could dress differently from the others, wretch."

Yukiko tensed, pressing her face into her hands as she closed her eyes tightly.

"I asked you a question."

"W-well… My father has just passed away and…" Yukiko stuttered out in a high tone, finding the lie much more difficult to use now when she was facing Akito.

"And?" he asked. She could hear him turn to face her, and she tensed further, "I do not recall saying that anybody could wear something so disgusting in my presence." She practically bit her tongue off when she felt his hand slide down the back of her head, moving towards the hem of the dirty cloth.

"I-I'm sorry. I'll leave immediately!" Yukiko once again went to move, but found a hand forcing her face back into the ground.

"Did I say you could go?" Akito asked simply, going back to playing with the cloth. "It seems like simple things are really too hard for idiots like you people." He murmured, before clenching the cloth and pulling away violently, then lacing his fingers in her hair and forcing her head up to meet his eyes.

The anger which his face held was terrifying, and Yukiko's eyes widened slightly, before she realized Akito was hit by some state of shock. Soon his face contorted into a terrifying smiled and he threw her across the room, laughing as he got up and strode towards her.

"If it isn't my darling Yukiko." He stated, his voice holding a fondness which only sparked fear into the Fox-girl's heart. "I knew you wouldn't be able to stay away from me forever; I knew that you loved me too much." He sat down on his futon, getting comfortable and smiling at her, before gesturing for her to move closer. Shakily she complied.

"You see," he continued, his voice arrogant and haughty, "I knew that you were too weak to defy the bond which has been set into your heart since birth, just because your bitch of a mother-" Yukiko's eyes widened and she clenched her hands into tight fists.

"My mother was not a bitch, and I am not weak." She stated firmly, her eyes burning with anger at his insults. They were met with calm, almost questioning expression. She repeated herself, her voice once again firm as she defied Akito.

"Is that so…" he murmured, his voice retreating to its fonder tones as he reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand. The calm smile, however, was quickly twisted and he clawed sideways, scratching her cheek and sending her flying sideways. "How dare you speak to me that way? I am God." He growled before standing and kicking her hard in the side. Immediately she curled in on the injury, gasping out in pain. He once again laced his fingers through her hair, grasping it in a tight fist and lifting her slightly off the ground. "Oh how I missed you Yukiko, but you won't be leaving me again. I'll invite everybody to dinner tonight, and they can see that you are back, and if you behave maybe I won't have to punish you for too long."

The way Akito spoke, it sounded like an eternal mercy, but Yukiko's eyes widened in fear as tears began to overflow.

It hurts… she thought, going limp in his grip as he kneeled down and embraced her in what would appear to be a comforting manner, It hurts!

"Lay down, and later I'll call somebody to get you ready for the party…" Akito murmured, his voice returning to its calm state, "Somebody call Hatori!" He ordered, and it wasn't long before the man arrived.

Hatori tried to contain his shock, but found it to be too difficult; Akito sitting back casually with Yukiko's head in his lap as he stroked her hair, which had been released from its ribbon, blood slowly dripping down Yukiko's cheek with a nasty bruise forming behind it. All the fight from the girl was gone. The Dragon's eyes turned to meet Akito's and the boy broke out in maniacal laughter; once again he had won.

So yes! What is to happen to Yukiko! Has my word count just jumped drastically? Why am I questioning like an announcer?

In all seriousness; I'll do my best to be more active and please please please! Don't be angry with me for being such a horrible updater ;~; I know I previously said 'every day' but I was stupid! Don't hate me!

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and I hope to see you soon!