To Win

Chapter 11

To Win

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket

Hello! Here we go! To Win, Chapter 10 (appropriately named To Win!) I feel like the story progressed well for the most part! It was a surprise… like I said. I hope you enjoy it! Please read and PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOO!

x-Bayley-x- Thankyou for your review!!! I will definitely keep writing more chapters! I'm writing this one until it's done! Please keep reading and keep reviewing! I'm glad you liked it!

The Fuzy Llama- Thankyou for another wonderful review! I had so much fun writing for Ayame and I'm glad you thought that's how it would be, wandering in his shop! And thankyou so much for picking up my mistake! Please keep reading and reviewing!

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!!! :

I made a mistake last chapter "I should have left, but I couldn't. You shouldn't have stayed away, but you did." That's something Kureno says to Mitani… it's not supposed to be that way. It's supposed to read: "I should have left, but I couldn't. You should have stayed away, but you didn't."It makes more sense that way, and it doesn't mess up my plot. I'm sorry for the inconvenience! I'll re-read like a thousand times next time! SORRY! (Thank you Fuzy Llama, I wouldn't have noticed if it wasn't for you!)


She felt the cold blade pressed against her skin. Her fingers shook as they wrapped themselves around the woman's arm, eyes wide, frightened. It was hard to see clearly through her panic. Her threatener spoke, a voice like venom. "I'll do it."

The girl winced at the hysteria in her voice. Her breath quickened and images blurred. A child at the other end of the room looked over in their direction. Holding something casually in his hands as the girl began to visibly tremble. "I don't care, kill her if you want." He said offhandedly.

The noises in the room seemed to grow louder as the girl's heart pounded. The pain didn't hurt on her neck, but she couldn't stop screaming as a maid ran in the room into a puddle of red. It stung on her shoulder, but why did her whole body hurt? She couldn't stop crying. Then the people came. "Get a doctor!" "Ren-san, get out, please" "Wings?!" "Stop crying!"

"Will she be alright?"

Mitani woke up in cold sweat. She sat up slowly, and got out of the bed, looking out of the window of her room to the morning light. It was quite early. She was more than likely one of the first up this day. On days like this, she would take her time getting ready; she was never in a rush to leave the room in the back of the mansion of the main house, as it was rare to get to bed early to begin with. And today was one of those mornings she had something other than getting prepared for the day to occupy herself with. A reoccurring dream of a memory from a long time ago, a turning point in her life…

It was strange to her. Although the memory was such a panic that at the time she couldn't tell what was going on, she was able to take bits and pieces and put them together enough that she could see what had happened. She knew who said what… for the most part… but what was confusing to her was the last person, the voice she couldn't place, the unfamiliar, faceless figure in the doorway who spoke "Will she be alright?" Everyone who wasn't supposed to have known about a girl with wings is said to have had their memory suppressed but still she was curious about that voice rang out more than the others.

The girl sat down on the corner of her bed with a sigh and looked up at her dresser, wondering if she could find something red to wear.


He wasn't behind Mitani, but he wasn't winning. He couldn't afford to be a step behind, and so far, his game wasn't as it should be. Yuki had excused himself from the table early the night Ayame had called and in the morning was off to his secrete base, so it was hard to try and speak with him. As for the other members of the Juunishi who had come in contact with Mitani, they had not come over to his house in a while, so they were no help.

This is what brought the Dog wandering in the direction toward the Sohma estate. To the very beginning where he could do the most damage. The blue sky was mixed with grey clouds as he passed Kazuma's dojo.

The martial arts master's assistant, Kunimitsu, glanced up as Shigure passed and the men exchanged friendly waves. As the author turned back toward his path, his eyes narrowed slightly, his mind feverishly at work, a smile playing on his lips.

Perhaps, Shigure thought, it was time for a visit with Akito.

He passed through the main gates and stopped to make friendly small talk with whoever approached him until he reached the mansion and opened the doors. "Is Akito in?" he asked a maid front hall. She nodded and he walked passed her down the hallway.

Mitani turned the corner as he did. He smiled brightly down into icy blue eyes that grew could when they locked with his. "Hello, Tani-chan" He said happily, shifting slightly to avoid knocking her shoulder as he passed her now frozen in place body.

She glanced over at him from in front of open doors leading to the gardens and he smiled back at her briefly as he moved down the open hallway, "Not the best plan to just stand in the hall, you might get trampled."

She stared after him until he was out of sight and put a hand to her forehead. How long before the headaches start?


Mitani didn't want to wander too far. With Shigure visiting Akito it wouldn't be long before she'd get called back. So she left through the front gate and wandered along the sidewalk, her hand trailing along the stone barrier.

"Hey,"

She froze at the sound of the voice and glanced slowly over her shoulder at the boy standing behind her with hair tipped white and ears pierced several times over. Haru's gaze was calm as he studied her, and she dropped her eyes, cursing inwardly to herself.

"Hello." was her polite reply.

She turned back and continued to pull her hand across the rough stone, walking at a slightly faster pace.

"You're that girl right?"

She paused again, letting her hand fall, and looked back at him. He hadn't moved to follow her; in fact, he had leaned his back up against the stone gate, his knee up, bottom of his foot resting against the wall comfortably. His vague expression didn't seem confrontational.

"Which one?" she asked casually.

"From the park," he said bluntly. "The one that helped me find school. I recognize your hair. Don't you recognize mine?" He asked distantly. His eyes feel on her once again.

Mitani smiled warmly, coming forward a bit. "Oh, that's right. You were lost, weren't you? And-"

"You said I helped you."

Mitani stopped and held fast to her smile. "You did."

Haru looked away "You knew a lot about me."

Her expression faded and she looked down briefly.

"And now you're here." He continued.

She nodded. "I'm not trying to hurt you."

He looked at her. "I know. But back then… I didn't run into you just by coincidence, did I?"

Mitani gave a tired smile and shook her head "No, I found you."

"Ah." He said as if he wasn't very surprised. Mitani watched him curiously as she tucked a lock of white hair behind her ear. Haru was silent for a long moment. His mind was on Shigure's conversation with Kisa. Then suddenly "Will you find Rin too?" He asked softly.

Mitani nodded once.

Haru tipped his head to the side "She won't listen, but when you do, tell her I'm waiting… I'm the persistent type." He smiled so slightly that Mitani wasn't sure he was actually smiling at all "And… she can take as long as she wants… as long as she finds me."

Mitani glanced up at him. He starred up at the cloudy blue sky.

"Or else… I'll have to go find her… and she's the resistant type." He added thoughtfully.

"Huh?"

He didn't respond, just stared up at the sky. Mitani looked off toward the direction he was gazing. He stayed silent for a very long moment. The girl shifted uncomfortably as the Cow seemed at ease, his mind somewhere else, and Mitani wondered if she could quietly excuse herself without seeming rude, or if she could just leave all together and perhaps he wouldn't notice at all.

"Hey."

Mitani jumped slightly as Haru's voice brought her back from losing herself in thought.

Haru scratched the back of his neck and looked down at Mitani. "You know Shigure right?"

Icy blue eyes darkened "I'll take that as a yes. He's been asking questions about you."

"What?"

Haru shrugged "I walked in as he was talking to Kisa." He clenched his fist and his knuckle cracked. Mitani took an automatic step back. "He was trying to get answers out of her. He described you to her. I don't know what's going on, but if you have him after you, you'd better be careful."

Mitani frowned. "Thanks."

Haru nodded and turned away, waving over his shoulder as he walked.

She watched the boy walk away from her with wide eyes, confused, and a bit troubled.


Akito sat on the porch, starring out to the gardens, his chin resting on his knees pulled up to his chest under his robes, a light blanket draped over his slim shoulders.

There was a creak in the floor board behind him.

The head of the house tilted his head slightly to hear more movement… or an announcement of entrance. But there was only mocking silence.

His eyes narrowed. "Go away."

Shigure chuckled "But I only just got here." He leaned lazily against the doorframe. "You'll catch a cold if you sit out in the open like that, Akito-san."

Akito smirked bitterly "Would that make you happy, if I caught a cold and died, huh? You'd all be rid of me forever."

The Dog clucked his tongue "Now why would you say a thing like that, Akito-san? Everyone loves you." His voice was flat.

Akito turned to look him in the eye. Shigure met his gaze dead on and smiled. The head of the home shifted and pulled the blanket around his shoulders tighter, standing up "Don't look at me like that." He mumbled.

Shigure smiled again as Akito moved toward the end of the patio "I saw Mitani-kun in the hallway before I came here." He said.

"So?" Akito asked severely.

"So…" The Dog repeated playfully, folding his hands into his rob. There was a silence.

Akito glanced over at him "Go aw-"

"What sort of game are you playing, my dear Akito?" Shigure asked gently.

Akito glared and turned away. "I knew it. You're only interested in the game. You want in. You want to be rid of me too. I won't allow it."

Shigure chuckled. "How wrong you are. No, I just want to play to win. I don't need to be involved myself. I'm on your side. Really, Akito-san, do you think you have the upper hand?" Akito glared at the gardens, his nails digging into the blanket. "Mitani-kun isn't as simple as you think. She will cry, it will hurt her, but she'll still take out most treasured items. You need an Ace in the Hole. You need something she could never see coming."

He put his arm on the wooden beam over Akito's head, and the head of the house looked up at him "In short, you need me, Akito-san."

Akito smirked at the Dog. "Who needs someone who causes trouble?"

Shigure blinked "Well, as I just explained, you do. Do you want her to leave?"

The younger man scowled "You're not helping me, I know you. You do everything for yourself." Akito hissed.

Shigure smiled. "There is a reason."

Akito stared up at him, confused. "Well… to win… among others," Shigure said.

The God glared at him "You will not be excused from this game. She will still take an item from you."

"She can try." He smirked.

Akito looked away into the garden. "What do you want to know?"

Shigure shrugged, looking over the young man's head with a mischievous smile "Actually, I know about as much I need to, my dear, confirming information is what I've come for."

The younger man scoffed "Acting so smug. What do know then?" Akito challenged.

Shigure's eyes narrowed and he tipped his head down took look at the God. "I know Rin is up next, but I won't bother with such a small road block. I know your using the Juunishi's pattern, and I know what she took from Kisa… how she got past Hatori." Akito frowned as the Dog calmly listed his facts. "I know what she wins and where you stash the items-"

"You don't know what she loses?" Akito asked.

Shigure shrugged "In a matter of time. But I bet I can guess the Juzu bead bracelet will be involved as Kyo's item on this scavenger hunt."

Akito chuckled "You haven't got everything figured out, Dog. The Juzu beads will be involved, yes…" he stopped and looked up at the dark haired man.

"But not as Kyo's item." He smirked.

Shigure starred down at Akito and smiled. "Shall we continue the rest of this conversation in private?" He asked, leading Akito back into the warmth, his mind already at work.


Mitani starred up at the budding blossoms of a cherry tree a little further past the end of the estate, Haru's warning on her mind.

She rubbed her painless temple restlessly with a sigh. Why was their no calling?

She starred suspiciously at the distant landmark when a voice broke through her thoughts.

"Finally, spring is here."

She looked up at the man with long, grayish hair pulled into a ponytail smiling kindly at the cherry blossom buds.

"I've been waiting. It's been far too cold, wouldn't you say?"

"I'm sorry, am I on your property?" Mitani asked.

"The Dojo's property but its fine, I like visitors. Sometimes I have students who will do homework at the benches, others picnic, as long as there is no litter, I really don't mind. I'm not as strict as the other Sohmas." Something about his voice was reassuring.

"Sohma?" Mitani repeated.

"Yes. Sohma Kazuma. I'm the instructor of this Dojo." He blinked. "I'm a little surprised you don't know who I am. Most kids you're age know someone who has taken lessons here, if they have not done so themselves."

Mitani smiled "I'm sorry. I don't really pay attention to that sort of thing. I've never been able to follow it. I wouldn't be very good at martial arts; I'm not very strong…"

Kazuma's eyes were kind as he spoke, his voice soothing "Not all strength is in muscle. You endure a lot." He patted her once on the head and turned, wandering back up the path up into the dojo.

Mitani starred after him, confused. Her mind was stretching, fighting to pull back a memory. Her stomach twisted as the door closed behind Kazuma and she stared at the door. What was so familiar about him? What was so comforting about his voice?

I don't care, kill her if you want. The memory of the dream before crashed down on her, but the one voice that stood out most of all, that had always stood out previously was louder than before, and this time, was not so comforting.

"Will she be alright?" Her breath caught in her throat as the voice rang over the memory of the chaotic scene in her mind she could hardly remember. Was that him?

Mitani sprinted up the pathway to the dojo and threw open the door.

"What does that mean!?" She shouted.

A young man starred at her with wide eyes, "Can I help you?" Kunimitsu asked as she blushed.

"Kazuma-san?" She asked.

He pointed down a hallway. She bowed and muttered an apology and a thanks to him softly before she spun around, hurrying down the hallway.

She stopped in front of a set of paper doors at the very end of the hall and glanced back at the young man, who nodded to her.

Looking back at the paper screens, she slowly slid open the door, and peaked in at Kazuma, who glanced over at her from his spot at a polished wood table set with a tea pot and a few cups.

The girl threw the door open the rest of the way "What does that mean?" She asked, less aggressively than before.

"Hmm?" He tipped his head, confused, as he lifted the pot from the center of the table.

"I endure a lot?" She pressed, entering the room. "How would you know?"

"Who doesn't endure their share of burdens?" Kazuma replied calmly, pouring some tea. "Would you like some?"

Mitani blushed "You would have said it to anyone?"

"Probably. Everyone needs encouragement." Kazuma said, filling the teacup for her without a reply. He gestured for her to sit down.

She sighed and dropped to the ground. Maybe this wasn't him…

"Thank you…" She said, straightening up to take the cup. But his voice is just like it…

"It's fine." He chuckled. "Most people would have just left it alone, you know. Did it really bother you?"

Mitani blew on top of the cup gently and shrugged.

"If that's the case, then you really are strong… you don't want help, you don't want encouragement."

Mitani didn't answer.

"But, at the same time, you may be the one who needs it most of all, Mitani-san."

Mitani froze mid-sip. She lowered her cup and looked at him through the strands of white hair that fell into her eyes, dangerous.

He sipped his tea, at ease.

"Do not mess around with me."

"I didn't mean to insult you by using your name." Kazuma said.

"You lied to me." She accused, standing up.

He looked up at her "When?"

"You said you didn't know I endured a lot and that you'd say it anyone. But you lied. You know who I am."

"I said," He began calmly "That I didn't know a person who hasn't endured their share of burdens."

"What else do you know about me? How much do you know?" She asked. The same feeling of uneasiness that she had from outside the dojo returned to her.

Kazuma blinked "Simply knowing someone's name implies that they know their whole history?" He asked.

"No one knows my name." She said coldly.

He smiled sadly "That must be very sad."

"How do you know who I am?" She demanded. Her mind was thinking of other possibilities. Accusing Shigure, what was he doing telling strangers about her?

Kazuma set his cup on the table "Well, I've met you before… I was visiting the main house. And you were very young… I can understand why you don't remember."

"I remember a lot from back then." She interrupted.

He smiled at her sadly. "But… that day you were bleeding a lot." Her eyes widened slightly and she sat down. "You were in hysterics, screaming for help. You didn't know what was going on. They told me you were terrified because-"He stopped, his face serious and sad "you had never seen your own blood. They had to hold you down."

Mitani starred down into her tea. Kazuma's eyes were on her, kind. "A girl with wings is hard to forget. Thankfully Hatori-kun didn't erase my memories. Or else I'm sure I'd have some sort of vague flashback. I'd much prefer remembering the whole ordeal than seeing strange glimpses. Your voice crying to leave… Akito's yelling about a promise. Both so young but these are memories you can never forget."

"I can't remember details of that part. I only remember events leading up to it and what happened after." Mitani said softly.

"I'm not surprised. There was a lot of activity around you and you were panicking."

"I thought I was going to die."

Kazuma looked over at her. There were tears pooled in icy blue eyes that refused to meet his patient, kind-hearted ones.

She set her empty tea cup on the table and began to stand up but the martial arts instructor filled it with more scalding liquid. "Whatever you say in this dojo is private. To me, or to Kunimistu." He said honestly. "Whether it is about how you don't appreciate big corporations or your dreams for the future or anything in between. Everyone needs someone to talk to over tea."

Kazuma didn't look up at her. Mitani was thankful for that moment to glance warily at door before sitting down again.

She didn't even let out a breath before she spoke. "The first time Akito hit me… was the first time I ever felt pain." Her head was bent as she confessed hesitantly her first memory of the boy and the black handprint her left on her cheek from her paint. "It was so foreign to me; I didn't even know I was hurting. I was more in awe at the sensation." She paused briefly.

He made no reaction and she continued. She explained to Kazuma her promise to Akito and the feather. "I planned on making a promise to always be with Akito. But… promises break… so when I appeared I made a bind like the one in the zodiac. I knew all about it, the original promise that is. I don't remember much before then, I know all about the-"she froze and glanced up.

"It's okay I know too. I know Hatori, remember." Kazuma assured.

She relaxed and continued "I know all about the bind because of what I am… or was… I don't know anymore."

"What's that?"

"The Juunishi's God's Angel, Akito's Guardian angel… I didn't need to appear until he broke. Until the spirit inside him called me. If Akito is miserable or troubled, then so is the spirit as they are one in the same now. Before then I was able to just watch over and stay out of sight. But then Kureno was released and he snapped in front of Yuki."

Mitani took a deep breath "I didn't regret it for awhile. Until that day you mentioned. I did everything he asked. He cried and I sat next to him and listened. I took the verbal torment whenever he was frustrated dutifully, I stayed quiet and watched as he tormented others and didn't protest as he justified himself to me. He misused my bond to get me to steal from Ren… I obeyed without a thought. And every time he cried I would be there. I'm so sick of the sounds of crying, they are the hardest to turn from, even now."

"That day, when you saw me, I felt a different pain for the first time. Along with being hurt that I saw blood, Akito willingly risked me on a chance so he wouldn't have to back down from a challenge. Maybe it was pride but-"

I don't care, kill her if you want.

The young voice of a childish Akito rang in her ears.

The young girl knelt in front of Akito, her shoulder wrapper in layers of bandage. "Akito-san…"

"Well, you're not dead, are you? Stop acting like it was such a big deal." The boy snapped at her.

"Sh-She… had it to my throat."

"She didn't kill you. She was bluffing, that woman."

Tears dripped down her cheeks, hurt by his words. "She could have…"

Akito was up on his feet and in front of her in an instant. He slapped her. "How was I supposed to know that you could die? It's not my fault. You're an angel aren't you?" The young boy shouted.

Mitani stared up at him "You'd risk it?"

"Risk what?"

"My…" She didn't want to finish the sentence.

"Or loose to that woman? Stop acting like it was such a big deal. You came here for me. I can do what I want with you."

Mitani wiped her eyes. "I don't want to be here anymore." She whispered.

Akito clenched his teeth and slapped her once more "That isn't your decision, Mitani." He hissed and stormed out of the room.

Mitani looked back up at Kazuma "I willingly gave up my freedom to Akito. It was my prized possession and he destroyed it that day. From that day on I silently resented him, gradually becoming more outspoken. And now I have my opportunity to leave and I will not miss it. I will do anything, I don't care how much it hurts, how much I hurt other people."

"Why are you doing all of this?" Kazuma asked.

"To win" Mitani said automatically and felt a sudden wave of nausea. Is this just a game? Was she just trying to beat Akito? "… It's for my freedom…" She added.

"Ah. And if you lose?"

Mitani was quite for a moment. "He already has it… I have nothing to lose." she replied, her eyes lowered.

"Do you mean that?" Kazuma asked.

Mitani didn't respond, only stared into her cup. Kazuma didn't press the subject.

"It's hard sometimes. I did feel sad for him once. And even now I feel guilty leaving. The Juunishi God is easy to serve but Akito is so different. When I feel the bind I made through the feather, it is out of obligation toward him… Akito. But there were times I really started feeling sympathy for him. And it wasn't the bond, or the spirit… I felt like I had played a part in his undoing. When he cries he's so human. He used to tell me everything. But then it changes so quickly and he seems himself as superior. I'm suddenly not worthy. No one is. I've been beginning to hate him. And I know he doesn't trust me anymore. He's waiting for me to prove myself worthy, or beg for forgiveness."

"Would you?"

Mitani shook her head and she felt very childish.

Kazuma smiled kindly. "Whatever you do, Mitani-san, whatever it is for your freedom, do not lose yourself on your journey. Be able to look yourself in the mirror." He advised wisely. "You endure a lot, you're a good person, don't worry." His voice was reassuring again.

Mitani wouldn't meet his eyes. "Thank you…" She said and swallowed hard "for the tea." She added quickly.

"Any time, Mitani-san. Don't hesitate to visit." He said as the girl got to her feet and walked to the door.

She looked back as she moved through the threshold and he waved at her "Have a nice day."

She smiled slightly and left down the hallway.

Mitani exited through the front and put her hand to her still pain free forehead. And for once instead of worrying she took advantage of this opportunity and walked in the direction of town while she still could freely.


The girl with white hair passed the budding cherry blossom tree, her mind occupied, didn't see a man with dark hair watching her from behind its many branches. He tapped his fan against his chin and looked toward the dojo.

"Hello, Kunimitsu, is Kazuma-san in?" Shigure asked, stepping through the doorway.

"I'm having so many visitors today." Kazuma said, walking in. Kunimitsu excused himself.

"Hmm? Who else? I saw Mitani-kun outside, did she visit to?" the Dog asked.

Kazuma watched Shigure look out the window briefly and back at him. "Yes, for awhile."

"I'm shocked you'd want to talk to her, knowing what she's been up to."

Kazuma didn't respond.

"Putting the Juunishi in front of her selfishly," Shigure looked back at Kazuma, his face serious, mouth set in a grim line. "She's been taking our prized possessions, Kazuma-san."

"For her freedom."

"You two have been talking?"

"Everyone needs someone to talk to,"

"Even you. It may be best to tell me what she told you. …Or help me… I can stop her." Shigure said.

Kazuma looked out the window. "I can't. I couldn't do that."

The Dog tipped his head to the side, his eyes narrowing.

He wouldn't lie to Kazuma.

"Did you know Akito has included Kyo in part of Mitani's quest?"

Kazuma looked at him.

He just wouldn't tell the truth. Shigure's eyes were dark. His lips were still set in a line, but it seemed like a challenge. "What do you think his item will be? What Akito has pointed as his prized possession?"

Kazuma's face was grim. His mind was on the Juzu beads.

Shigure's lip turned up slightly. "Come on. Whose side are you really on?"


THERE YOU HAVE IT!!!!

Chapter 11! Chapter 12 will be up soon!!!

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Thank you for reading! Next time is RIN! :) Aren't you excited??? See you soon! PLEASE REVIEW!

SACHI-CHANNNN!