Disclaimer: Yea, same as the last thousand chapters…

Author's Note: I haven't updated in a long time… and here are my excuses: AP Exams (Ah!), Karate Test, and preparing for my Confirmation. Yes, I know, I'm horrible… Oh well!

Book of the Cat

Chapter 25

Kyo sat in his room, shaking, as he replayed every moment of the fight in his head. The creature had been merciless and used Kyo's body to its complete potential. Normally when he fought Haru, Kyo held back a little to prevent him from causing any serious injuries to the ox. But the creature had used Kyo's body like a weapon. It probably even added a bit more strength than Kyo was naturally capable of.

The creature threw Haru into windows so that glass shards scattered and pierced his skin. It delivered blow by blow until Black Haru snapped and white Haru came forth again. Kyo could still see Haru's confused, disappointed face, and his beaten, bleeding, unconscious body.

Haru had thought Kyo was attacking him. He thought Kyo was betraying him. He couldn't possibly have believed the Cat when he said that he had possessed Kyo. Kyo shook his head. He did betray Haru. He could've tried harder to stop the monster. And when the beating was done, and the bathroom destroyed, the Cat merely smiled and to Kyo said, "Don't worry, I'll let you take over from here." Then the creature withdrew himself into the recesses of Kyo's mind and Kyo once again regained control over his body.

At first, Kyo had stayed and waited by Haru's side. Then he realized what would happen. He'd be blamed. So, Kyo ran, leaving the bathroom door slightly ajar so someone would see Haru and help him. Then he fled to his room, closed the door, and curled up into a ball, where he was tortured by images of the fight the entire time.

The Sohma's had originally sat down in Hatori's wing while they waited for him to tend to Haru. While they sat, their thoughts all strayed to Kyo. They all wished that when Haru woke up and was asked who did this, his answer would not be their red-haired cousin.

It wasn't until after an hour of waiting that Kagura spoke.

"Shouldn't someone tell Kyo what's happening?" She asked softly.

Akito's glare narrowed on her face. "As if he doesn't already know! The next time we see him should be the day we lock him up forever! Right after Haru's confession!"

Everyone in the room shifted uncomfortably. Hatori entered from the back.

"He's still out of it. He probably won't be awake for a while."

"What can we do to help?" Ritsu asked timidly.

"Nothing really, how about you all just go home and get some sleep. Tomorrow is a new day."

Although none of the group really wanted to go to bed, they were all extremely tired. Grudgingly they stood up and made their way to their rooms. Akito walked to his corridor, passing Kyo's room. He stopped and leaned over, sliding a key in the door and locking it tight.

"Good night, my little monster." He said, eerily, then went to his room and settled down for a peaceful night's sleep.

Saturday Morning

Tohru cleaned the house from top to bottom after her friends left. Not like the house was dirty, but… Tohru just needed to keep busy. She continued to sweep, wash, straighten, and reorganize until about noon. Then she stepped off onto the spotless porch and looked out. In the distance, a few bodies could be seen walking towards Shigure's house. Tohru squinted and recognized Yuki and Shigure.

She froze. They were not supposed to be home for another few days. She can't face them now. Not without Uo and Hana. What if she blurted the secret? While Tohru panicked, Yuki and Shigure drew closer.

"My little flower! You've come to greet us!" Shigure cheered.

"Shut up." Yuki muttered to Shigure, to tired to make a better comeback.

Tohru put a smile on her face. "Yuki? Shigure? What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be home for another few days, I thought."

"Well… it's a long story," Yuki answered, trudging up to the doors and sliding it open. "I think you should sit down for it."

Tohru looked concerned and followed Yuki to the table, where she sat down. Shigure also entered the room.

"Last night… during the celebrations," Yuki said slowly and clearly, "Haru was attacked."

Tohru gasped. "Is he okay?"

Shigure jumped in, "Well, he had some pretty bad gashes and a twisted ankle and was knocked out pretty good, but Hatori said he'll be fine once he wakes up. In the meantime, it was decided that everyone would be sent home… just to be safe. And to be honest, Akito wasn't really in a partying mood anymore."

Tohru was pale. "Who did this?" She squeaked.

Yuki and Shigure looked at each other. Shigure nodded to Yuki to continue. Yuki turned back to Tohru and exhaled. "We're not sure… and we won't be until Haru wakes up… but… well… right now, all the evidence points to Kyo."

Tohru shook her head. "No! That's not right! Kyo wouldn't try to kill Haru!"

Yuki shook his head. "I know but…"

"But Uo and Hana said--" Tohru cut herself off. Yuki jumped at their names.

"Did they say anything else to you about the curse?"

Shigure looked back and forth, worry etched into his face.

"No," Tohru quickly lied. "They said that after New Year's we were all going to hang out together."

Yuki nodded, "Well, I'm sure Haru will be up and around soon, so don't worry too much…. And as for Kyo…" Yuki trailed off and shook his head, then stood up. He walked to the door, and then turned back with a look of disappointment on his face. "Innocent until proven guilty." He muttered, than walked to the stairs.

Shigure flailed dramatically, "Oh I don't know if I could take any more bad news!" He sang.

Tohru gulped. The next few days were going to be hard.

Yuki hardly spoke much the rest of the day. He mainly sat in his room and thought.

'Kyo, how could you do this? We al trusted you and forgave you.' Yuki bit his lip, remembering the blue plaster shards around the bathroom. 'Your fingerprints are all over this Kyo… why?'

Kagura finished hanging her kimono in her closet, than collapsed on her bed. She hugged her kitty cat backpack close to her.

'There has to be a way to prove Kyo's innocence. Someone must know something.' She shook her head, trying to remember anything special from that night. Nothing came to mind. The only thing she really remembered was how thin Kyo was.

Kagura softly began to cry.

Uo unpacked her clothes and toothbrush once she arrived back home from Tohru's house. She cleaned up her room and then cleaned it again. She sighed, running her fingers through her long blonde hair.

'Was telling Tohru the right thing to do?' She growled. 'Of course it was. Kyo needs help from all of his friends right now.'

Uo sighed again and continued to sort the few possessions she had. The Book came into view. Uo shuddered, but reached out to open it. The Book fell to one of the last few chapters. She read it.

Uo's eyes widened. She grabbed the book, and then ran fromher apartment.

Hatori was putting away some bandages when a groan caught his attention. He placed the items in their cabinets and turned around to face Haru. Haru shook his head from side to side until finally he woke up. His eyes scanned the room, resting on Hatori.

"Hmm, so I guess New Year's was a bust," Haru joked, his voice scratchy.

Hatori shook his head. "What happened, Haru?"

Haru looked pensive. "I think… after Akito told us to go back to the feast, I went to find Kyo… yes I remember stopping in front of the bathroom."

Hatori patiently waited.

"But, I don't remember anything that happened after that."

"I guess that's normal. You did hit your head. It's common to forget certain details after a head injury."

"No… that's not it… I didn't forget because of my head… I don't know what happened because I went Black." Haru revealed.

Hatori stared at him as he continued.

"Yes… I remember getting angry… there was something that pissed me off… something that I heard before I went black."

"And what was that?"

Haru shook his head. He had a migraine and couldn't remember much. All of a sudden the door bust opened, and Akito angrily entered the room. Blood dripped down from the side of his head and there was a bruise circling his throat.

"Akito, what happened?" Hatori rushed to the head of the house.

"He escaped! The little monster broke the door down and hit me! When you catch that little beast I'll kill him! I'll skin him alive!"

"Akito, please calm down!" Hatori urged, quickly grabbing a bandage.

The phone rang.

Kazuma's name flashed on the caller ID.

"Hello?" Hatori answered, putting Kazuma on speakerphone.

"What's going on over there?" Kazuma asked, clear and direct.

"Kazuma, I'm glad you called. Kyo's run away."

Silence overtook the phone. Hatori knew at that moment that Kazuma was torn. He was happy that Kyo was free, but Kazuma also was fearful of what would happen if Kyo were to get caught.

"Well, how long ago did he leave?" Kazuma finally responded.

"I don't know," Akito answered coldly directing his voice into the speaker. "That brat knocked me unconscious. He nearly killed me!"

Hatori interrupted, "It is of the utmost importance that we find him, Kazuma. Is Kyo there?"

"No." Kazuma's voice was quick and cold.

"Do you know where he could be?"

"No."

Akito was frustrated with Kazuma's lack of information. "Kazuma," Akito's voice was icy, "You realize that when I get my hands on him, I'll kill him. There won't be anything left." Akito reached a finger out and pressed it on the receiver, ending the call.

Hatori stared at him.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Get the bastard!" Akito yelled.

The phone rang again.

Yuki threw a shovel over his shoulder and picked up the new packet of seeds in his right hand.

"Yuki, are you going to your secret base?" Tohru called hesitantly from the porch. Yuki turned from the path he had already started walking on.

"Oh, Ms. Honda, I didn't notice you were there. Yes, I'm going, but I'll be back in an hour. I just want to plant these seeds quickly," he said, holding up the packet for her to see.

Tohru smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll make some lunch for you when you get back."

Yuki smiled at her, and turned back to his path. His body was so used to these woods, he didn't have to pay any attention to them. His mind could wander while his feet led him to the secret base. His thoughts strayed to New Year's.

'Why had Kyo attacked Haru? What had Haru done? Why did Kyo break his own cast? What did Akito really know about all of this?' Yuki shivered. This whole affair was twisted. Something was happening and Yuki couldn't stand that he didn't know what was going on.

As Yuki continued to his garden, he felt different. The air felt different. It was as if each crunch of the leaves below him, or the whistle of the wind through the trees was really whispering, "Go back. Go back…" Yuki sped his pace up a bit to get to his garden as a cold wind blew through his hair.

He rounded the last turn and smiled. His garden, were everything was as it should be.

No, wait, something was out of place.

Yuki stopped and stared.

Kneeling by a rock, with his head bent low and his back to Yuki, sat a very bloody, confused, Kyo Sohma.

2 Hours Earlier

Kyo stared at his hands. Light continued to filter through the narrow widow into Kyo's dark prison. It illuminated the blood on his hands.

It had been worse at night, when the eerie moonlight shone through and made the blood look black. But during the day, he still saw it. Bright red this time.

Haru's blood.

Although, Kyo wasn't entirely sure. It could be his blood, too. He knew he had gotten a gash on his shoulder from the broken mirrors. The wound hadn't closed. It needed stitches.

Whose blood it was didn't matter.

What mattered was there was blood on his hands.

Blood does not belong on one's hands.

Kyo had tried rubbing his hands on his clothes, floor, and walls. He even tried spitting on his hands. The blood wouldn't go away.

Kyo wanted to throw up. He wanted to scream. He wanted to cry. Did he kill Haru? Do the others know what happened? Is the Cat still inside of him?

Yes he was. Kyo felt him. The Cat enjoyed playing with Kyo's mind. It had brought forth all of Kyo's troubling memories just to torment him. From being called a monster, to every fight with Yuki, to his mother's suicide. He relieved a lifetime of shame and sorrow that he had blocked out within the period of one night.

Sometimes, the Cat even spoke to him, taking delight in Kyo's distress.

"Did you see the way his eye's widened when you threw him through that mirror?" It giggled. It had a sick sense of humor, like Akito. "Or when he went 'white'? His face was priceless!" The creature chortled, replaying the images in Kyo's mind.

"STOP! STOP!" Kyo pleaded, putting his bloody hands over his face.

"Aw, little Kitten… Are you sad? Do not cry… I will get us out of here. The time is right. We will kill the rat today."

"No!" Kyo screamed, but it was too late. Already he felt possession of his body shift to the Cat. He was flung to the back of his own mind and the creature took Kyo's body and stood up. Then he held Kyo's dirty hands to his face.

"Mmm, the smell of blood is intoxicating, do you not agree, little cat?" He leaned his head forward and licked his hands. "Haru tastes good," he murmured.

Kyo watched in horror. "You can't do this! Stop!"

"Shh… I think… Akito is walking down the hall now." The creature said, tilting his ear towards the door. "Yes, it is… let's give him a nice shock now, shall we?"

Before Kyo could fathom what was happening, the creature pounced at the door and with immortal strength, he kicked the heavy door down. Akito, who had been passing, was hit with the corner of the door. He screamed as he saw a triumphant Kyo staring at him.

"You monster!" He screamed, clutching his head. "What are you doing?"

Kyo approached him with an odd smirk. "Stay out of this, you whiny brat. Kyo is mine now." Then, Kyo threw his hand around Akito's throat and squeezed. "And I will never give him back…just as we agreed."

Akito struggled to breath, and Kyo release him.

"But you should know," the creature said, as Akito felt himself losing consciousness, "I plan on taking Yuki, too." Akito slumped to the ground unconscious. The Cat smiled and walked out of the house and into the forest… eager to find the Rat.

"Kyo?" Yuki asked hesitantly. He stepped a little closer. Kyo was mumbling to himself and rocking back and forth. "Kyo?" He called again, a little louder. Kyo spun around suddenly. Yuki was surprised to see blood all over him. There was flesh blood on his chest and fingers.

"Kyo, what happened? Are you okay?" Yuki said, dropping his shovel and seeds and running to his cousin's side. Kyo shook his head and met Yuki's purple eyes with his crimson ones. They had a strange, crazed look to them that made Yuki shudder.

"No, no…no…no…not okay…not okay…" He rocked back and forth.

Yuki stared at him, instantly understanding there was something terribly wrong with Kyo.

"I… I have to get it out, Yuki!" He screamed, clawing at his chest again. Blood welled out of new cuts and Yuki quickly grabbed Kyo's wrists to stop him.

"Kyo, stop!" Yuki ordered.

"No, no! Yuki, I have to get it out!"

Yuki pulled Kyo to his feet. "Let's go back to Shigure's house…okay? We can call Hatori and he'll help you get… it… okay?" Yuki said trying to let Kyo know he was on his side.

"Yes…yes…" Kyo continued to mumble, "Hatori can cut it out."

Yuki stared at Kyo, and then began to guide him through the paths back to the house. Occasionally, Kyo would mumble something to himself. "I'll get rid of you. You can't stay in me."

Yuki tried to keep a strong face, but there was no denying it. Kyo had snapped and Yuki had no idea what to do. They emerged from the forest and saw the house about thirty yards away. Tohru was outside doing the laundry. Yuki screamed to her.

"Tohru, call Hatori!"

She looked up. "Kyo?" She called back in surprise.

"Call Hatori!" Yuki yelled again, and Tohru ran inside.

Shigure was sitting at the table when Tohru stormed in. He saw her flushed, frightened face and immediately stood up.

"Tohru, what's wrong?"

"Shigure, call Hatori! Yuki found Kyo and he's hurt!"

Shigure jumped to the phone and quickly dialed Hatori's number. In seconds, his best friend picked up.

"Hatori!" Shigure yelled.

"Not now, Shigure… I can't take your loud voice right now." Hatori answered. He had the largest of headaches. Shigure could tell he was on speakerphone, as Hatori's voice seemed far away, and he heard several voices in the background.

"Hatori, you need to come here right now!"

"I can't Shigure, we have a major problem… Kyo's missing."

"He's here!" Shigure said energetically. "And he's hurt!"

Akito's voice broke through angrily. "I'll kill him!"

Hatori interrupted. "What happened?"

"I don't really know. Yuki's with him, bringing him inside right now."

A loud gasp filtered through the phone.

"Haru?" Hatori asked, whirling around.

All of a sudden, Shigure heard Haru yelling into the phone. "Shigure! I remember! It was Kyo! And Kyo, he said he was going to kill Yuki! Don't let him! Hurry! Keep him away! It wasn't the real Kyo!"

A loud noise blurred out Shigure's next words, and the line went dead.

Hatori ran to his car.

"A few more steps, Kyo," Yuki said soothingly, ushering Kyo inside the house. He helped Kyo steady himself in the living room.

Shigure was on the phone in the next room.

"Kyo, Hatori's on his way," Yuki promised.

Kyo nodded, then shook his head. "Yuki, you have to… go away… far, far away."

"Kyo, I'll wait until Hatori comes." Yuki answered.

"No! Go now!" Kyo yelled. "He doesn't like you!"

"Who, Hatori?" Yuki asked, surprised.

"No! The Cat… he…the Cat!"

Yuki shook his head. "Kyo, I know you don't like me. It's okay, just relax."

"No Yuki! He'll hurt you! He's… he's-" All of a sudden, Kyo's body went rigid. He leaned forward, clutching his stomach. "Yuki…he's going to…" Kyo let out a scream of pain, but still tried to continue talking. "Yuki, he's going to-," Kyo let out another cry and Yuki panicked, unsure of what to do.

Suddenly, Kyo stopped and straightened up. There was something different about him now. He still had that crazed look in his eye, but it was a calm, calculated insanity. An evil, tense one. Kyo licked his lips and smiled at Yuki.

"He's going to kill you."

Author's Note: I hope that's satisfied all of you! I also want to thank everyone who checked up on me and motivated me to update while I was on my little hiatus. This is dedicated to all of my loyal readers! The next update should be up soon!

Thanks to all of my reviewers!

Kyorocks: Thank you!

Kai-Seiyen: I'm glad you like the flow of my story! I try to make my story appeal to as many people as possible and include all different genres in it.

Angela-Marie: Ha, I'm a stingy reviewer, too! I appreciate you coming out and reviewing though! It means a lot! I'm glad you liked how I've manipulated Kyo… I try my hardest to write this as interesting, and suspense fully as possible. I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Melting snowflake: Ha, with the rate I'm updating at, I'll probably 67 when I finish this trilogy!

Kenya: lol, I updated… but it took a bit longer than expected…

Fruits Basket Fan: Yea, the reason I didn't have Rin say much is because I really don't know a lot about her character. I try to remain relatively spoiler free, and I only own up to the 13th manga, or whichever one's they release in English. Hopefully, I'll know more about Rin soon though, and then I could put her in my story more!

d.masher: Haru and Kyo covered in blood does sound pretty awesome… I mean… horrible… yea, that's wrong… cough.

Star: Yea, that Cat is evil!

She who must not be named: Sorry I took so long to update!

Hyper-writer14: Ha, you don't have to apologize for a long review! And thanks for putting me in your favorites! That's so sweet! And yes, the Cat does deserve to be beaten up for what he's done to Kyo and Haru!

SakuraWolf11: I do like Harry Potter, but unfortunately, I never wrote any real fanfics for it. If you need help, I can try to help, but I really suggest going to my favorite Harry Potter fanfiction site. That site is beyond amazing, and they have a lot of tips there and some excellent authors. The stories and people there are the reasons that I actually started to write fanfiction.

Japanesenut: Yes, I don't want Kyo to become a murderer… we'll just have to wait and see though…

Eclipsedlight: Thanks!

Kyo'slittlekittenkisa: Hopefully have more updates up sooner!

Tailfeather: Yea, stay away from mirrors for a while… you never know when your reflection might pop out and try to posses you.

Shizmoo: Actually, this isn't my first fanfic… it's my first Fruits Basket fanfic… I actually wrote two Smallville fanfics… if you want to read them, you can check them out… but I wouldn't recommend it. Haha… And don't worry, I love making Kyo get beat up too… we're all just… sick people… Haha, just kidding.

Bouncing Shii-chan: Haha, thanks.

Dark Inu Fan: Yup, Possessed… I thought that would be a fun twist. Poor Kyo is all I have to say.

Dark-wolf-soulx: I hope your house-move went smoothly and everything is up and running now. And now that things are ending here, I should have a few more updates. After June, I'm all for the updates.

Shadow7272: Ha, yes, I suppose I am slightly evil… but just wait, things will get a lot worse for poor Kyo before they get better… if they get better….

Shadowalker: Sorry it took so long to update! You were on the edge of your seat for over a month! Boy must your bottom hurt!

Starship Gazer: The Cat does leave Kyo every now and then… he lets Kyo regain possession… but Kyo's really … well, insane. Ha… and Akito might be mad… or he might not be… Hmm….

FurubaFreak22: Of course I dedicated the last chapter to you! You deserved it! Sorry this update took so long!