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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Welcome everyone to our annual showcase. We have a wonderful line up this year brimmed to the top with talent."
" This year, we are happy to celebrate that with profits made from tickets will be donated to the Shine On! Kids, we thank them for their work in making life better for kids with cancer and other serious illnesses and their families. If you wish to make a donation, there is an information desk in the lobby."
" My wife and I have been hosting this event for a few years now, and we are always thrilled to see all the hardworking young people who help make this show possible. Now, for our first act, please welcome Hamada Sayuri and -"
Isuzu ignored the stage as soon as some stranger's name was uttered and turned to Haru, gesturing to the 5 empty seats in the row in front of them.
"Where are they?" She whispered, and Haru just shrugged his shoulders, but she could tell he wasn't very impressed. H
" I called Kyo when we were on our way, and he just yelled and said that they were coming, then he hung as he just started yelling at people in the house to get going..." Haru explained, but then he brought out his cell phone discreetly, he figured he could give Shigure a few calls.
"How long ago was that?" Isuzu whispered, still not impressed with the other Zodiac's tardiness.
" Probably forty minutes or so."
"They should be here then," Isuzu muttered, and no one picked up at Shigure's to which made Haru think that they must be on their way.
" Maybe they'll sneak in soon. Kisa, when is Marley up?"
" Marley-Onee-Chan is near the end..." Kisa whispered back, disappointed that Tohru was late but was eager to see Marley perform
Someone behind them shushed them and they stopped talking amongst themselves to watch the showcase.
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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
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Kazuma stood out in the rain with the prayer beads that he had torn off Kyo in his hands. Tohru's pink umbrella was still open and laying on the ground, along with a bouquet of colourful flowers that were sitting in the mud.
It hadn't been that long since Tohru had run into the woods after Kyo, who had been quick to run away the moment he had finished transforming. What surprised the Karate master was how long Kyo had stared at Tohru as if really taking in the look of fear she was giving him before leaping away in the woods.
Shards of his torn shirt and shoes were littered across the garden, and there were large monstrous footprints in the mud.
"Haa-Kun keeps calling... I finally had to disconnect the line. " Shigure's voice rang out as he came outside to look at the scene. He stepped out and picked up the umbrella as well as the bouquet of flowers.
"Kyo really did pick out some nice flowers, we'll have to make sure Marley-Chan gets them... You should come inside Kazuma. At least sit under the roof." Shigure tried to invite the man inside, but he just stayed still, letting the rain pound down on him.
"I'll wait here... till they're back." Was all the Karate master said as he continued looking out into the woods. Shigure smiled sadly and didn't push it any further and returned inside to the eerily quiet house.
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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
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I was doing yoga in the open space of the dressing room with a few other girls. The show was only a little past its halfway point, and most of the girls were just waiting for curtain call so they could change and quickly get ready for the after-party.
"Sohma! You're on deck!' A show assistant with a headset knocked and peeked through the door, her brown eyes connecting with mine to make sure I had heard her.
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Oh right, that's me
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"Thank you, I'll follow you up," I said as I rose up out of the lunge I was in. I quickly checked myself in the mirror, patting my bun and putting in one extra pin, just in case. I had been debated saving the little gemstone bindi I had brought just for the after-party but decided to stick it on now, placing it between my brows.
I looked at the locket sitting at my dressing table and opened it, looking at the pictures of my parents. Their beautiful smiles comforted me and made my heart squeeze all in a single moment.
" Good luck Marley-Chan." A few girls called out as they relaxed in the corner.
"Yeah! Don't break your neck." Two voiced called out in synchronization.
"Why would you say that?!" The girls began scolding the twins who were just trying to look innocent as they batted their long eyelashes, but the people in the room knew not to buy it.
I waved as to them as I followed the stagehand out of the dressing room.
We walked down the hallway, and I was going over the routine again in my head.
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Mama... please watch over me
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" Now, we were lucky to have an exceptional young lady join our program this year. Our beautiful Indian princess-"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the introduction, but small smile escaped
" Who had once worried that she would never dance again is taking to the air and showing off the beauty her mother gave her, ladies and gentlemen, Sohma Marley."
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Well, that's not embarrassing at all...
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The stage went dark, and the MC ran off, giving me a small pat on the back as we crossed paths. Through the low-light, I made my way to the centre of the stage to the hanging silks. I took a breath as I took a seat on the ground, slightly arched my back as I grabbed a fistful of the silk and waited for the music to start.
I've been hearing symphonies
Before all I heard was silence
A rhapsody for you and me
And every melody is timeless
I started slowly climbing up the silk with practiced ease and then when I was at a proper height, I used my core to gracefully bring my legs to the ceiling, and I was upside down. Carefully wrapping one silk around my thigh and brought my knees in close.
Taking a breath, I then smiled and let my body drop earning a small gasp from the audience. I had only dropped a few feet but the speed had made it look dramatic. I again brought my body up the silks. Wrapping the silks around my feet.
Life was stringing me along
Then you came and you cut me loose
Was solo singing on my own
Now I can't find the key without you
I stood straight with my feet wrapped up and lowered my body into a balanced split, the audience clapped as I continued the move. I stood up straight once more and then flipped backwards, bringing my feet above me and then resting upside down. Grabbing the silks hanging from my legs, I then made my legs stretch behind and arched my back, reaching back to touch my toes as I was secure in a knee hold.
I peeked into the audience, and even though I couldn't see anyone due to the bright lights, I smiled at the section I knew my loved ones were sitting in. I lifted myself back out and unwrapped myself from all the silks and held on with my hands as the rest of my body was free hanging.
Wrapping only one foot in the silk, I let go and gently hung upside down, bringing my other foot to my head to complete another split. Any move involving a split was always a crowd-pleaser. That was Mama had said at least.
And now your song is on repeat
And I'm dancin' on to your heartbeat
And when you're gone, I feel incomplete
So if you want the truth
Freeing myself again from the hold, I travelled up the silks towards the ceiling, twirling my body upwards and wrapping myself up in the silks. The fabric secured itself around my torso and my right leg, posing my arms dramatically now and then as I climbed, matching the music as it built.
Once near the top, I made the silks spin and sat in them as it twirled me around before leaning my body foreword and windmilling towards the ground before the silk stopped. I posed upside down with an arched back, my hand barely inches towards the mat that honestly wouldn't do me much good if I actually fell from a high distance. The audience clapped, and I just started climbing again.
I just wanna be part of your symphony
Will you hold me tight and not let go?
Symphony
Like a love song on the radio
Will you hold me tight and not let go?
High up in the silks, I wrapped my legs up and set them in an 'L' position as I leaned back, relaxing my body into the silks and taking a moment as the silks slightly spun me around.
I'm sorry if it's all too much
Every day you're here, I'm healing
And I was runnin' out of luck
I never thought I'd find this feeling
'Cause I've been hearing symphonies
Before all I heard was silence
A rhapsody for you and me
(A rhapsody for you and me)
And every melody is timeless
I was upside down, and I brought my feet straight up, wrapping them around the silk and then wrapping more silk behind my back as I hung before I let the silks hang down the front of my body. The angel drop sequence was always tough for me cause I somehow managed to wrap myself once to many times, but I reminded myself not to fret too much.
I dropped my feet and bent my knees as I leaned my body upwards and was upright before falling back and pushing my legs out before leaning forward and then bringing my legs towards, and silk gripped my hips as I flipped towards the ground. I flipped upright again, making sure to catch and drape the silk fabric over my arms and pointed my feet as I posed, giving the appearance of an angel with draped silk pearl-grey silk as wings. Mama always loved that move, she said it looked... mystical somehow. The crowd must have liked it as well as there was loud applause.
I had one more drop to do, and it was one that I was a little unsure of, but it was now or never. I held onto the silks as I lifted my legs up and over, resting them in a split before straightening them and hooking them into the fabric, tying the silks behind my back twice. Lifting my body up, I sat in the silks as if it were a swing seat and swung my legs slowly before tying the silk again around my thighs and straightening out my legs as I smiled at the audience. I flipped out backwards and let the silks drop me a bit, posing for moments between each catch as I unravelled myself more and more. While I posed upside down, I made the fabric twirl, spinning me around. I ascended up the silks again, wrapping it around my body and making sure to wrap my ankle, securing it for the drop. My hands let go, and my body spun towards the ground and stopped at a halt, my hand inches above the ground as my locked ankle stopped my fall. There were a few gasps, and I couldn't help but smile. It was fun making the audience jump a little now and then.
And now your song is on repeat
And I'm dancin' on to your heartbeat
And when you're gone, I feel incomplete
So if you want the truth
I just wanna be part of your symphony
Will you hold me tight and not let go?
Symphony
Like a love song on the radio
I wrapped the silks so I could rest in it like a hammock with the silk securely between my shoulder blades, curling my body slightly, I reached an open hand to the audience before closing it and bringing it my heart as if I had caught something and was holding it close. Finishing off the routine with my hand over my heart.
Will you hold me tight and not let go?
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.-.-.-.-.-.-.
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A giant beast stood in the middle of the forest, huffing and growling as the rain pelted around him. The trees around him had been littered with scratch marks from his own claws, the forest was being used to get out his frustrations. His pain. His heartache. He wasn't even sure how long he had been in the woods, but it was dark out, the sun had disappeared long ago.
Kyo still hadn't turned back as much as he tried to by sheer will alone. He stayed in the monstrous form. Stuck. Trapped.
Memory's playing on a loop.
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"Is this Kyo's true form? His body's all ugly and twisted." A younger Akito stared at Kyo's bare true from with Shigure not standing far behind, covering up his face with the sleeve of his kimono.
Shame coursed through Kyo's soul as he was crouched on the hard pebble ground in front of his God. Akito's words hit him like lashes from a whip.
"And what's that? That terrible stench... it smells like something's rotting... is this... the cat spirit's..true form."
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The disgusted look on Akito's face... and now there was the look of horror on Tohru's as she tried to call out his name... Kyo would never forget it, it would be forever engrained in his mind.
"Repulsive"
Kyo was confident of one thing. If the kind and all-loving Honda girl couldn't stand to look at him and his own mother couldn't do it... Then what chance did he have of Marley ever truly accepting him?
Would Tohru tell Marley? Would she tell her to keep her safe from the monster that Kyo is? Or maybe Tohru would be too terrified to even speak, even beg to have her memories erased.
Kyo brought his hands to head, hiding his face. His mind racing with the possibilities.
The Cat of the Zodiac held onto a small hope. That Marley would never have to know. It wasn't over. It couldn't be over. She would still smile at him and laugh and have dinners together, make him watch movies with her. His mother had never wanted him to watch TV, but it brought Marley such simple joy so he would do it.
The cursed teenager couldn't help but think of the first time Marley expressed her love for movies. And how excited she was over him watching with her.
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"The what now?" Asked Kyo, coming out of his slump and looking at the girl like she was crazy.
"You know 'The Karate Kid'? Wax on, wax off?" She tried to explain, not believing that Kyo didn't know the classic movie.
He just continued to stare at her. Which then made Marley try to explain the plot, which led to more confusion.
"Have you never seen it!?" She asked in shock as she copied the movements of wax on, wax off with her own hands. Moving her hands in circular motions in the air. The sight looked ridiculous, and Kyo couldn't figure out what she was trying to do.
"Pfft, what are you doing?" He chuckled as he gestured to her movements.
"Wax On... Wax Off." Marley demonstrated again, which in turn just made him laugh.
"Whatever you say, Weirdo." He said as he shook his head and kept walking.
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Marley would never have to know his true form. Right. They could still have those moments, right?
Because if Marley ever saw him... then it truly would be over.
She would forgive him for not showing up. He imagined Marley would only give him a sad look, and it would make him feel guilty, but Kyo promised to make it up to her. He would pick her up something from the bakery and hopefully, the flowers would still be okay. If they weren't, then he would buy new flowers. Anything. Whatever she wanted of him, he would do it. As long as she didn't turn him away.
It was easy for Marley to turn Kyo's day around and help him forget all the ugliness in his life. Even the day when he had visited Tohru's Mother's grave, and he had just been racked with guilt. Marley simply asked him to dance with her, to spend time with her and was able to wipe away all the bad feelings.
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"Kyo, do you wanna dance?" She asked, smiling gently at him. The boy flushed and turned away.
"No way... I don't dance." He stated, scoffing at the idea. Marley looked over at him, and although she was disappointed, she didn't push him away or whine. She only smiled as she held his arm.
"Then promise you'll at least stay. I'll be done right after one last dance." She requested, looking at him with her large sparkling eyes.
"I -" Kyo started to say but was cut off.
"Please. I'd really love to hang out after." She asked, moving to hold both his hands in hers, her soft hands comforting him with a simple squeeze. Her large eyes looking at him as she pleaded him to stay.
"... Fine..." He was finding it harder and harder to say no to the cheerful girl who always looked happy to see him, he might have even danced with her if he wasn't terrified of transforming, and terrified of making a fool of himself in general.
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Kyo started imagining Marley dancing and what it might look like to the song she had sent him. Trying to distract himself from the pain he felt deep in his heart. The disappointment of things he would never be able to do. The things he might never be free to see, to feel, to love.
Couldn't he just pretend a little longer?
And now your song is on repeat
And I'm dancin' on to your heartbeat
And when you're gone, I feel incomplete
So if you want the truth
I just wanna be part of your symphony
Will you hold me tight and not let go?
Symphony
Like a love song on the radio
Will you hold me tight and not let go?
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.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
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My aerial routine had ended up being the last act, and I was smiling as I stood with the rest of the performers and took and bow onstage as everyone applauded. My heart was beating so fast, still filled with the adrenaline of performing.
" Thank you, everyone, for coming to support, get home safely!" The host announced as he ended the show.
The curtains closed, and everyone headed back to the dressing room. I had raced back first so I could grab my phone and make a quick call. I wanted to tell Mama how it went, I'd nailed the drops without squealing for the first time.
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I'll leave a voicemail... or maybe Mama's taking a quick break in-between sets...
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I punched in her number, knowing it off by heart and waited for it ring. What answered the phone was an automated recording, void of any emotion.
"Sorry, the number you are trying to reach does not exist or has been disconnect-" I pulled the phone away, my eyes glancing down at the locket on the vanity table.
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Right... I was so excited... I forgot... she's gone... they're both... they left me...
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I clicked the phone off and bit the inside of my cheek as I sat at the vanity. Tears started to burn in the corner of my eyes, and I waved my face with hands, attempting to stop the tears before they fell. The rest of the girls came back and hurried to take off their show costumes and makeup. A few girls complimented me and I smiled and thanked them but I couldn't place their names and just hoped that they wouldn't try to hold a conversation with me.
A huge part of me was thankful that everyone was so happy and excited for the after-party that they didn't notice how quiet I had become. It was a blessing, I didn't want to ruin anyone's good mood with my problems... but also felt a little lonely.
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It's okay. It's okay, just, get ready and have fun at the after-party, my friends are waiting
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An image of the Sohma family came to my mind and started imagining what they thought of the show or what they were wearing. What other acts had interested them? What biker-Goth look had Haru and Zuzu chosen to wear? Was Tohru feeling a little better after being stressed over her exam?
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If Kyo wears those cargo pants, I'm going to see how many party snacks I can sneak in them, maybe get Momiji involved
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All the girls in the dressing room were practically done and were heading out. They spoke of their loved ones who attended, for some, it was parents and others it was boyfriends.
I was still in my bodysuit as I removed my make-up, taking off the heavy stage make-up and fake lashes, carefully placing the shiny gemstone from my forehead so I could reuse for the party. When I finally had a clean face, I patted on some moisturizer and was quick to apply just a little make-up, finishing off with some eyeliner and clear lip-gloss.
" Marley-Chan! Your boyfriend's looking for you!" Called a voice from the hallway as I re-placed the bindi back on.
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Boyfriend?
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I turned to see who they could have been talking about. Sayuri, a wonderful trapeze artist but terrible gossip, was standing at the door and giving me a cheeky smile while wiggling her eyebrows.
"You can come in. She's decent." Sayuri said as she waved to someone out the door in came my ebony-haired friend carrying a bouquet of red flowers.
"Akito!" I cheered as I rushed up and wrapped her up in a hug. She held the flowers away, so I didn't crush them and awkwardly patted my back with her free hand.
" You look so gorgeous in a suit! Like you just walked off a photoshoot." I complimented her on her black suit with a burgundy dress shirt, and she blushed lightly.
"I'll leave you two alone. But I want details later!" The fellow acrobat told me as she walked out the door, and I could only shake my head at the antics.
" That was really beautiful, Marley. I had no idea that something like that was possible. I even think you made my heart stop when you twirled from the ceiling to the floor. Here, these are for you." Akito complimented as she handed me the flowers.
"Thank you, Akito! These are beautiful. I'm so happy you enjoyed it." I thanked her, and I gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
" Are you ready to head over, or if you want, we can go somewhere else for food." She offered.
" No, no, the after-party will have food, it's being catered. Plus, everyone is waiting. I just need to change, can you close the door please?" I asked as I started to slip off the bodysuit. She hurried and closed the door. My bareback was facing her as I removed the bodysuit and then slipped on some underwear.
I grabbed my clothes from my duffle bag. It was a bit heavy, but I had been looking forward to wearing the set all day. I hardly had any opportunities to wear things like it, and I know it would make me stick out more than I already did, but my want to wear it was stronger than my fear of sticking out.
I hoisted up the heavy pale-gold skirt and tied it around my waist. The silk material barely brushed the floor. I then slipped the matching top over my head, the cropped blouse and skirt combo showed off only a small bit of my mid-section.
"That's beautiful... is that from-" Akito started to ask as I checked myself in the mirror to make sure everything looked right.
"India, yes. My great-grandmother made this actually, like most of Mama's suits." I explained as I tried to tie the string on my back for the top.
Akito must have noticed my struggle as she came up behind me and tied it herself. I thanked her and then slipped on the locket with my parent's pictures, hiding the pendent beneath my blouse.
" Just let me fix my hair, and we'll head out. Thanks for waiting." I said as I sat back down at the vanity and took my hair out of the top bun, picking out the various bobbin pins. I brushed my hair out and parted it in the middle. I was about to do more, but Akito insisted I leave it as is.
Stuffing all my belongings back into my duffle, I then placed on my the finishing touch of the matching scarf, wrapping it as sash over my left shoulder and slipping on multiple pale gold bangles. I grabbed the bouquet that Akito had brought for me while she grabbed my bag.
" Shall we?" She asked as she offered her arm and I only giggled at her antics, Akito seemed to be in a good mood tonight, and U was enjoying it, linking arms with her as we walked.
We met up with Kureno, who had been waiting by the door outside with a large umbrella in hand. Where ever Akito went, Kureno was never far.
I'm so excited to spend the evening with my loved ones. Too bad Dadaji is still travelling, maybe I'll get him on Face time.
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.-.-.-.-.-.-
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As they walked into the large restaurant that been cleared out for the event, Marley immediately started looking for the Zodiac members, hoping that they found the place okay.
She had walked over with Akito and Kureno had trailed behind them, keeping the two girls covered with a large umbrella. She had tried to start the conversation with the man, but as usual, he just gave her a kind smile and hadn't said much.
Kureno had offered to take the bag from Akito and Akito had told him to put in Hatori's car, along with the flowers Akito had brought for Marley.
" Before you go, Kureno, take a picture of Marley and me," Akito instructed as she brought out her smartphone.
"Should we find the others first? We could take a group picture." Marley offered as she looked around for the other Sohmas, eager to see them.
"We can do that later, but why not get a photo of the two of us." Akito insisted as she smiled over at Marley, and she didn't see the harm, the party was just getting started, lots of time for fun.
"Here, right here should be good. And hold these." Akito instructed as the two stood by a few decorative plants, and Marley was handed back the bouquet of beautiful red camellias.
Kureno held up the phone to take a picture. Marley smiled at the camera while Akito looked at her. The head of the Sohma family saw her Zodiac members in the corner, watching. The black-haired beauty smirked and then leaned over to Marley, placing a kiss on her cheek.
Akito figured that Marley could be 'friends' with her Zodiac members all she wanted, but God knew in her heart that the white-blonde beauty was her dear friend, Akito cared more for Akito then any of the Zodiacs ever could. Marley was just entertaining them, she was still only an outsider. The foreigner should consider herself lucky to be so close to God.
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Marley only giggled at Akito's affectionate gesture as she pressed her lips to her cheeks, and Kureno took the picture. The white-blonde girl thanked Kureno for the photo and then looked around the room for her friends.
" Let's go, I see them over by the window." Marley insisted as she tried to drag Akito to the Sohma family. Akito pulled her arm away and decided to hang back, mentioning that she needed a glass of water.
Marley only smiled and asked her to maybe grab her a drink if she could before heading over to the large group. The whole room seemed to look at her when she crossed the space, completely taken in by her looks and pale golden outfit, a small jingle coming from her bangles as she moved. But Marley didn't even notice as she only had eyes for her family.
Kisa ran up to Marley, who leaned down and wrapped her arms around her little Honey Bee, placing a kiss on both of her cheeks.
" That was amazing Marley-Onee-Chan." Kisa complimented in her soft voice as she had arms wrapped around Marley's neck.
"Aww, thank you, Honey Bee! I'm so happy you made it. Maybe I'll see up on the stage next time." Marley cooed as she lovingly patted Kisa's hair. The white-blonde had been hoping to set up Kisa with a ballet school, but the Tiger's mother was still being overprotective. To Marley, it just meant she would keep trying.
"Marley-Chan! You looked like a beautiful goddess or a fairy!" Momiji cheered as he jumped up and down, trying to get the girl's attention. Marley thanked him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"And now you look like a princess or a queen!" Momiji gushed over Marley's outfit, feeling the skirts material and the embroidery.
".. you really do look beautiful, Marley-Onee-Chan." Complimented Kisa as she held onto the portion of the skirt, gluing herself to Marley's side.
" You guys are going to give me an ego." Marley laughed as her face went a little red at all the praise she was receiving.
" You really are quite flexible, and you acted as if it was nothing," Haru commented as he approached and then leaned into Marley's ear.
" What are you able to teach Rin?" Haru whispered, and it made Marley laugh and whisper back.
" You are so much more perverted than I ever could imagine." And Haru laughed and then told her it took one to know one, making Marley giggle and wink at her slightly perverse friend.
" That was pretty cool," Hiro said as he stuffed his hands into his pocket and looked away, trying to hide his blush, but Marley only leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, causing him to light up like a Christmas tree.
Marley spotted her dear friend standing a little bit away from everyone and quickly approached her and brought her into a hug, happy that she was here.
"Zuzu! I heard they had delicious tiramisu here, we could split a piece." Marley wrapped her arms around her best friend and continued to talk about the food until the Horse of the Zodiac finally got a word in.
" Your... Your mom and dad would have been really proud.." Isuzu said softly as Marley had her arms around her in the loving hug. When Marley heard those words, she just held on a little tighter while Isuzu gently rubbed her back.
.
Akito watched from the bar as Marley happily conversed and gave the Zodiac members affection, hugging and kissing them. Akito could only glare at the interaction, her stomach felt slightly sick at the sight.
She especially couldn't stand Isuzu's long black hair as it almost mixed with Marley's long white-blond locks as they hugged. Akito hated that slithering black hair.
The God of the Zodiac simply couldn't wrap her head around why her dear friend would waste time on the Zodiac members. She could only assume that Marley felt pity for them. That was the only thing that Akito could justify in her mind.
.
A tap on Marley's shoulder brought her out of Isuzu's arms, and Hatori stood there with a large bouquet white dahlias with a few stems of pink sweet peas.
"Your grandfather wanted to make sure you got these," Hatori said as he gave her the large bouquet and a small genuine smile.
"Awww, you guys, this is too much. Akito also gave me a beautiful bouquet, the house is going to smell like a garden." Marley said and then looked around the room, trying to find someone.
"Everything okay, Marley?" Hatori asked as she watched Marley's eyes scan the room thoroughly.
" Oh, I was just wondering where Kyo and the others where. They didn't go home yet, did they?" Marley asked as she continued to look around and hadn't even noticed how the Zodiac members all of a sudden went very quiet.
"I know Tohru was pretty tired, though, so I guess I can't be too mad if they couldn't stay, but I would have liked to at least thank them for coming," Marley commented as got on her tiptoes to help her look better.
" They never showed up." Hiro broke the news as he crossed his arms, Marley swiftly turned around and looked down at him.
"What do you mean?" Marley asked, her mood dropping to the floor. The look on Marley's face made Isuzu want to punch Kyo in the face. She had no idea why the Cat hadn't shown up, but whatever the reason, it wasn't good enough in her book.
"Did...did they call? Or text?" Marley asked, mostly looking at Haru and Momiji as they seemed to be closest with Shigure's household. The Zodiac members looked at Hatori, who stood behind Marley and he shook his head at them, he knew something they didn't, and the look in his eyes told them to zip it.
None of them answered, and Marley felt her heart drop and panic set it in, already thinking the worst.
"Kisa, do you mind holding these? I'm just gonna make a call." Marley asked the small girl as she handed over the bouquet and then fumbled for her phone and dialled a number. There was no answer. She re-dialled and walked away to find a quiet place so she would be able to hear the phone properly.
.
Isuzu watched as Marley walked away, a panicked look on her face as she kept dialling the phone in the corner, looking disheartened more and more as she kept re-dialling and fidgeting with her pale-golden silk scarf.
"I'm going to punch him in the face." Isuzu promised to Haru as the others had walked away from them and started conversing amongst themselves. All of them were wondering what was happening and why they weren't allowed to ask any questions.
Haru looked at her and took her hands in his, trying to calm her down.
"I'm sure.. there's a good reason." Haru comforted, he knew Isuzu packed a punch and didn't want her to send Kyo to the hospital over a misunderstanding. It must be something serious if Hatori had told them to stop calling Shigure's house, and he hadn't seem confused about their whereabouts.
The Dragon was now approaching Marley, who still trying to get someone to answer the phone. The two talked, and the look on Marley's face made Isuzu's stomach churn. She didn't want this for her friend. She was supposed to be happy and enjoying herself, not caught up in the Zodiac's mess.
Isuzu continued to glare at the corner Marley was standing in, and Haru made another attempt to comfort her as he gently placed his lips on her bare shoulder. The act made Isuzu blush and softly glare at him, frustrated that he had such a power of her.
.
They had been so lost in the moment that they didn't notice the death glare they were receiving from their God. The glass in Akito's hand-cracked and shattered, but the music and conversation were so loud barely anyone noticed.
Akito couldn't even feel the pain in her hand as she was so engulfed with the disgust she felt over what she had just witnessed. The blatant act of intimacy between the Ox and the Horse. It disgusted her.
"That... devious... witch... She's trying to take him away from me... How dare she put her hands on what's mine." Akito thought to herself and felt her mind stretch and strain over the betrayal she felt.
In her mind, she had already successfully broken the Cat's spirit and any foolish idea he had of some outsider accepting him. The Honda girl was most likely screaming in terror over the Cat's true form. That was dealt with. Now she needed to remind the Zodiac who she was.
Akito was so distracted by her new discovery that she didn't notice Marley quickly speaking with the other Zodiac members before grabbing Hatori by the arm and dragging him out the door.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-
.
Kyo groaned as the rain continued pelting against his skin. He had been lost in his mind, reminiscing about the past and those who had claimed to love him.
A sharp ring from his pants pocket brought him out of his trance. He stared down at the pocket, a soft light glowing from it. He waited for it to stop, and it eventually did. Till it started ringing again. And again. And again.
A growl erupted from his throat as he tried to open the pocket, but his misshapen claws made it impossible, and he ended up just ripping the pocket open, and his phone fell to the ground.
It rang again, and the screen lit up.
-+Incoming call... Marley+-
Her contact picture took up the screen. Smiling while throwing up a peace sign. In the picture, she had cartoon glittering gold cat ears and whiskers provided by some sort of photo app. It was a very cute picture. Not that he had told her that.
Kyo clearly remembered the lunch hour she was showing him all the different filters and had even taken a few of him before he threatened to throw the phone out the window. Marley had only laughed at his threat and apologized before promising just one last selfie.
That picture was staring at him in the face as if teasing him. The phone stopped ringing, and the screen went dark, and Kyo found himself looking at his reflection. A monster.
He screamed at the phone, and it came out as a roar as he brought down a fist on it, smashing the screen. Kyo ran deeper into the forest, scratching trees as he ran. He didn't know where to go. He had nowhere to go.
No one was coming for him.
The phone he left behind faintly glowed and rang a few times before finally dying, it's bright light fading into the dark.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.
.
I felt tricked, I had gotten into the car with Hatori hoping he would drive me to Shigure's, but now he was telling me to drop it.
.
As if I could
.
"It'll only take a minute, it's on the way!" I tried to debate from the passenger seat as Hatori drove. I couldn't stop the guilt that seemed to build up the more I thought of Shigure's household and what could be wrong.
"No." He simply put, not budging at all.
"Hatori, please, I just want to drop by and make sure everything's okay." I begged as he kept his eyes on the road.
"I'm taking you straight home, and that's final." I could only clench my fists, feeling my nails digging into my palms. I didn't know what else to do. I remembered the last time I couldn't reach someone.
.
No... I'm just being paranoid... I know I am... but... what if...
.
I just had a terrible feeling building in my chest. The worst-case scenarios playing in my mind every time I called, and no one answered. Kyo's phone even stopped going ringing and just went straight to voicemail. While I had been enjoying myself on the stage and looking forward to friends and food...something had happened with Shigure's household... I just knew it.
I started out the car window, the dark night seemed solemn with the rain continuously pounding, massive drops hitting the window.
"Fine..." I muttered, I knew that I could be in trouble over this, but... what option was anyone really leaving me. If Hatori wasn't going to drive me over, then I would have to go on my own.
.
Hopefully, I'll be in and out.. because nothing will be wrong and I'll quickly make sure they're fine, which they probably are and then run home and apologize to Hatori... great plan Marley
.
"I'm sorry, Marley, but .. this... it's complicated." Hatori's voice was soft as he apologized, but I looked away from him and stared out the window.
Hatori came to a red light, and I figured it was now or never.
"I'm sorry to Hatori," I uttered, and before Hatori could respond and I made my move.
I quickly opened the car door and rushed out, holding up my massive skirt as I ran across the street, narrowly missing a car that speeding through the intersection.
I could barely hear Hatori call out my name as I ran.
Please... be okay
.
.-.-.-.-
.
The doctor was in complete shock as he put the car in park and stepped out of the vehicle, calling to Marley, ordering her to get back in the car. Marley just ignored him and kept running, picking up the front of her long skirt as she ran away from him. Not even looking back.
The light turned green, and cars honked behind him. Hatori glared at the ground and got back in the car, driving off. Hoping he might be able to at least beat her to Shigure's house if traffic was light. He had had yet to hear any good news and assumed the household was in chaos.
Akito had ordered him not to let Marley near Shigure's house on this night. God had not wanted to subject her dear friend to the hideous and revolting creature that was the Cat's true form.
Hatori couldn't fight against Akito's orders, as much as a part of him might have wanted to. The bond kept him loyal to her whims. But Marley had been given no orders, and God had no power over her, even if Akito had asked her not to go to Shigure's house, he doubted she would listen.
Marley was stubborn and determined, and Hatori worried that one day that might not work in her favour when it came to the Sohma's and their curse.
.
.-.-.-.
.
"They're still not back." Shigure noted as he again stepped out to check on Kazuma, who had diligently been waiting outside. The karate master was now soaked to the bone, his hair sticking to his forehead.
"Maybe... you should go after Kyo?" Shigure suggested. It had been hours, and neither Kyo or Tohru had returned. Things were not looking good.
"... No... I'm sure I'm the last person he wants to see right now... and I don't blame him." Kazuma explained, staring into the forest, searching for any sign of their return.
"Then who-"
Shigure was cut off by a loud knocking and the doorbell ringing all at once.
"Who could that be at this hour?" Shigure asked as he headed to the door, sliding it open and was met with a slightly damp Marley who was looking at him her large eyes, a look of slight relief crossed her face when she saw him answer the door.
.
She was quite the sight to Shigure in her extravagant ensemble, and beautiful jewelry, even the stone on her forehead was glittering in the dull light of the porch light.
"Shigure! Your home! I've been worried sick! Is everything okay? Did something happen?" Marley was asking question after question as she held his hands in hers and Shigure was still in shock at seeing her.
"Marley I-.." The older man wasn't sure how to respond to the unexpected guest who was looking at him with such care. Shigure was usually good at being a few steps ahead, but Marley's appearance on this night had flustered him. He assumed that she would be too wrapped up in the party with the other members and Akito to bother with his household's disappearance.
One of the reasons this night was happening in the first place was that Akito had wanted to keep Marley to herself, but here she was, looking on the verge of tears but still a small smile of relief on her lips. The Dog really hadn't planned on the girl showing up and wasn't sure what to do. Shigure was under the impression that Akito wouldn't have let her out of her sight in an effort to keep her away, but perhaps Akito had gotten distracted by something.
" Where is everyone? All the lights are out? Why? Did you guys have a power outage? No.. the lights work...Oh, I didn't wake you up, did I? I guess it is pretty late, but I just wanted to stop by real quick-" Marley rambled as Shigure moved aside, and she walked into the house.
"Marley-San..." Yuki called out as he came down the stairs, surprised to see her. He had come down to see who had been banging on the door and repeatedly ringing the doorbell.
"Yuki! Your alright! I've been calling, but something's wrong with your house phone." Marley was relieved to see him looking well as she took his face in her hands and smiled. The two were not that close, only speaking a handful of times, but she cared for the boy, he was family.
Yuki's eyes widened at the comforting touch. Her hands were a little wet from the rain, but they were warm and gentle.
Marley seemed to look over him as if checking if he was injured in any way, and when she was satisfied, she continued looking around corners, searching for her friends.
"Where's Kyo? He's ignoring all my calls.." It was clear at the mention of Kyo's name, something changed. Both Yuki and Shigure looked at the floor and dread-filled Marley's heart.
"Where's Kyo? And Tohru?" Marley asked the two Zodiac members who seemed to know something.
"Marley... Maybe you should leave." Shigure simply said, and this only made alarms go off in Marley's head. She ignored Shigure's suggestion and began running around the house, calling out for her friends, but no one answered. The distress in Marley's voice only made the members feel guilty as she called out to the missing people. She returned to where she left Yuki and took his hands in hers.
" Where are they?" She asked again, and Yuki looked at her briefly before looking past her into the woods behind the house.
"They're out there?" Marley asked, not even looking at Yuki anymore but out into dark woods.
The Zodiac members didn't answer and Marley was only felt more confused. She couldn't understand why was everyone so quiet. And Marley hated it. She hated not knowing.
When no one had anything to say to her, Marley grabbed her sandals and slipped them back on to head out. Determined to find her friends. Her mind still flooded with terrible possibilities.
.
Despite it being June, the rain was cold hitting her skin, the ground was muddy, and Marley slipped now and then, her shoes were not meant for running in the forest. Especially in the dark, the only light provided by the dull moonlight peeking through the clouds.
She had been running around for a bit till she came across a women's sandal of some sort.
"... is this Tohru's?" Marley asked herself as she picked up the lone shoe and continued to move forward.
Marley's eyes widened when she saw a figured on the ground, slumped against the tree, their long brown hair sticking to their skin.
"TOHRU!" Marley called as she raced over and took the girl in her arms. The brunette was soaked to the bone and was burning up. Marley's amethyst eyes looked around, but Tohru was the only one there. Kyo was nowhere to be seen.
The smaller girl barley struggled in Marley's arms, her hands gripping the fabric of Marley's scarf. Tohru was trembling, and Marley could only look at her, trying to figure out what she was doing out here alone and wondering how long she had been lying on the ground, alone.
"Mom..?" A small voice escaped Tohru's mouth as she struggled to open her eyes.
Marley looked over the girl and tried to see if she could stand, but the poor brunette was entirely out of it.
"Alright. Tohru, do you think you can hop on my back?" Marley asked, and Tohru simply passed out. The white-blonde then picked Tohru up who weighed very little, and it was a rare moment that Marley was happy she was so much taller than the girl, it would make carrying her back to the house easier.
Tohru woke up and passed out a few times as Marley carried her. Mumbling and not making very much sense. The poor girl would mumble apologies and then call out for her mother, breaking Marley's heart.
She reached Shigure's house and was surprised to see the man she had met earlier that same day standing out in the rain.
.
"Kazuma? What are you doing- never mind, can you help me? I think she's got a fever." Marley explained as she carried Tohru to the porch.
The man didn't seem to hear her, or maybe he was ignoring her as he just looked at Tohru, saddened and then looked back into the forest, clutching something in his hand.
"Please!" Marley called out, and it seemed to shake Kazuma, and he took Tohru from her arms, lifting her into the house.
"Honda-San!" Yuki called as they entered the house. Marley simply asked where Tohru's room was, and Yuki led the way up the stairs.
"What was Tohru doing out in the forest? I called you to make sure she didn't push herself. I told you that she was stressed... right? I could have sworn that I did... how long has she been out there..." Marley asked Yuki as they stepped into Tohru's room and had Kazuma lay her down onto the bed.
Yuki looked at Marley, and she wasn't angry or even sad, she just seemed... astonished. Or even disappointed. Yuki felt like he was under a bright spotlight and couldn't even form a sentence. He had no explanation. Marley couldn't understand why Tohru would even be out there in the first place and waited for an answer from her classmate. Movement by the window surprised Marley, and she took her eyes off of Yuki.
"Kagura?" Marley asked, feeling more lost. The look on Kagura's face was one she had never seen on the girl before. A glimpse of deep sadness and regret rested in Kagura's large brown eyes as her hand was clutching on the drapes.
"Marley-Chan..." Kagura uttered as she looked at the white-blonde who was wet from running around in the rain. Marley just took a breath and tried to make a plan.
" You two out. Kagura, help me get Tohru out of these wet clothes and into something dry." Marley ordered, and everyone listened, and soon Tohru was tucked in and dry. Marley was about to leave to grab something, but Tohru woke up just for an instant and latched onto Marley's arm, keeping her there.
"Kagura, can you grab a cold cloth?" Marley asked as she felt Tohru's forehead.
"Tohru? What were you doing out there? Where's Kyo?"Marley asked, hoping that she could get some kind of answer now that the girl had woken up, and it seemed everyone else was keeping their mouths shut. Tohru might be her last hope in this situation.
"Kyo-Kyo-Kun.." She whimpered, holding onto Marley tightly, trembling still. Marley wasn't sure if she was shaking due to the fever or from something else.
"... Is Kyo out there? In the woods?" Marley asked, looking for clues, anything to help her find him.
"... Come home...he ...please.. bring Kyo-Kun back...I'm... sorry.." Tohru barely made out and then passed out again, her grip loosening on Marley's arm.
Marley looked out the window at the still falling rain, the dark sky. Could Kyo really be out there... was he okay? Was he hurt?
There was only one thing that Marley was sure of. She needed to find Kyo. Marley didn't know how she was going to do it, but she needed to try.
.
As she ran downstairs, she was met again with the eyes of Yuki and Shigure and Marley was beside herself. All the frustration she felt, gripping her heart tightly.
" I don't know what's going on right now but I do know that whatever that is happening is wrong! How could you! You knew she was out there and ... you... you didn't... " Marley couldn't even come up with proper sentences and her accent was coming off stronger than it usually did.
The two Sohma members just let Marley scold them, even Shigure felt a small bit of what he supposed was shame.
"Mainu samaj nahi laggi... I-" Marley was interrupted by a raging Dragon storming through the front door.
"Marley! What were you thinking running into the stre-" Hatori started to scold, but Marley was just happy to see him, she needed the doctor, Marley could trust him.
"Hatori! Please, look after Tohru!" Marley called as she raced through the house and out the door, not even bothering to put her sandals back on in-case anyone tried to stop her as she leapt from the porch onto the ground.
.
"Wait-" A hand gripped onto Marley's wrist, stopping her from entering the woods. She turned back to see Kazuma, holding her firmly.
"You..you can't." Kazuma was not even looking at her at first, but into the woods, she was trying to get to, his brown eyes seemed to be sad, filled with a guilt that only made Marley more nervous than she already was. Kazuma appeared to be a completely different person from the man she had met this morning. His eyes then turned to her, pleading.
" I have to... I have to find him... " She firmly said, not even realizing she was glaring at the man who was trying to stop her. All Marley knew that she needed to go. The look surprised Kazuma, the determination and fire in those large amethyst eyes that were lined in black kohl, only making them more intimidating. Kazuma felt lost at what to do and only gripped her wrist tighter, which made Marley wince, but she only stared harder into his eyes.
Kazuma opened his mouth to say something else but only closed it again as he continued to stare into those eyes until he finally unlatched his hand from her wrist and stepped back. The young woman only turned away and ran into the woods.
The jingle of her bracelets disappearing further and further into the forest till Kazuma could only hear the rain pelting into the ground and the roof behind him.
Marley was carrying her heavy skirt over fallen branches and dirt, her bare feet running through the mud as the cold rain continued to fall. Her eyes searching for the bright orange locks that she loved. The saffron colour reminded her of the marigolds that use to grow back home, it was warm and comforting. The opposite of what she felt now as she continued to worry for him.
She had only known Kyo for a short while but found her mind occupied entirely with him, wishing with everything she had that he was okay. Marley didn't know why she was drawn to him, but she wanted to know him more and more. While their first meeting hadn't been ideal, she was grateful to have him in her life at all... Marley always found herself looking for his bright orange hair.
I need to see him... please... be okay... please... don't leave me
.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Notes:
Song: Symphony by clean bandit
Looked up various aerial acts on youtube to try and figure out some sort of routine, please forgive me if it was hard to read.
Other songs I considered using for the routine included Sia's Elastic Heart and P!nk's What about us, there was probably a few more that I can't think of right now.
Shine on! Kids is an actual charity in Tokyo dedicated to making sick kid's lives better.
Mainu samaj nahi laggi = I don't understand ( roughly... my punjabi is not all that good...so apologies)
Marley is wearing a lehenga choli, please look up a few pictures on google, you won't regret it :D
gemstone bindis or stone bindis come in all shapes and sizes. They're considered simple, elegant and fashionable.
Helloo! Peachie here!
My goodness, what have I done...
Me: I don't want to touch the true form arc with a 10 foot pole
nobody:...
Me: * Writes basically three chapters around it *
Honestly... someone just take my keyboard away from me...
Thank you to everyone for reading this story :) and thank you to 13rini, Demona Evernight, Littlecosma001, TwilightNewMoonEclipseMidnight for your reviews on the last chapter.
I'm sending out lots of love and gratitude vibes to those who have submitted reviews on this story, it really does help to keep me motivated and reminds me that people are out there reading.
The holidays are in full swing and I'm working through a lot of stuff ( which might be why this chapter was a tad on the ... sappy side... maybe) but I'll try to update as soon as I can. If you can take a moment to review or message me about something you're enjoying or maybe you have some critiques, please feel free to let me know, I would be very grateful. I'm still very new to writing, clearly, and I know I probably will have a lot to fix when I go through and re-edit this at some point. Thank you for your support and for hanging in there with me.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas
Love,
Duchess Peachie