.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
The world looked grey, dark and lonely. The rain had kept pouring, and the small amount of moonlight peeking through a few clouds did little to illuminate the night.
The pond had become a small lake with all the rain, and it was were Kyo found himself. Waiting. Waiting to turn back. Waiting for the rain to stop. All this time alone with his own thoughts and memories. It was killing him. He felt like his heart couldn't take much more. A haunting voice tried to comfort him.
"What wrong? Did something happen again?" A brunette woman slid open a door and looked at Kyo with sad eyes. He couldn't see her face as he was huddled away from her, but he could imagine it, it was all over her voice.
Kyo just held his small body closer, not responding to his mother's question.
The cursed boy was so caught up in his memories; he didn't hear the sound of his name being called out through the forest.
"Kyo... Did Akito say something to you? It's all right... Because." The woman tried to comfort as she kneeled behind her young son and started to lightly wrap her arms around him.
"Stop..." Kyo begged but was ignored.
" I love you," she whispered softly.
" Stop!" Kyo let out a roar as he used his fist to slam the wall of earth behind him. His anger and strength made the earth move and slide, vibrating throughout the forest.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
Running through the forest while keeping my skirt lifted, I called out till my throat felt raw.
"Kyo!"
I raced through puddles and over fallen branches, pausing now and then to look around.
"Kyo! Where are you?!" I yelled, my eyes glanced around the forest for a flash of orange or anything but found nothing. Just trees.
"Ky- Huh." I felt a round, smooth edge beneath my foot and stepped off the object. My eyes were getting more adjusted to the dark light, and I leaned down to inspect the rectangular object.
" A phone? " I asked myself as I picked up the broken object.
The cracked screen remained black when I tried to turn it on. Completely dead. It was a similar model to mine and had a simple orange case.
.
Kyo's phone?!
.
"KYO!" I called out again. If the phone was here, it had to mean Kyo couldn't be too far.
I started looking at the area around me, it was a small clearing in the forest, but there didn't seem to be anything strange, but it was dark, so it was hard to see.
"But how is his phone so cracked?" I asked as I stared at the phone in hand, I walked around to see if I could find any more clues. I approached the trees and found large claw marks embedded deep in the bark. I brought up my free hand and lightly traced the marks with my nails.
.
What?
.
My heart started racing as I stepped back from the tree, my foot slipped into a hole, and I tripped, falling down to the wet ground.
" Ish... what was-" I looked back to see what I tripped on it looked like a paw print of some sort, a large paw print indented in the ground.
"What... made these?" I asked myself as I felt my blood stop cold as my imagination started to run wild. Giant claw marks on the trees around me, broken branches littered the ground. Whatever was in the woods was strong and possibly dangerous. And it was in the woods with Kyo.
.
Did whatever it was smash Kyo's phone?
.
"KYO!" I cried.
But no one answered I was just sitting on the ground in the rain, staring at the damage left behind. My mind started to wonder if this was a nightmare. One that I couldn't wake up from.
.
How... Why is this happening...how did it end up like this... I wanna go home.. but
.
My body was shaking as I sat in the centre of the clearing in the rain, my long hair was sticking to my skin, and I felt my lip trembling as I continued to look at Kyo's cracked phone.
" Mama... Bapu... tell me what to do.." I pleaded and waited for anything, a sound, a sign, an answer as I subconsciously held my locket in my free hand, hoping to hear their voices.
They didn't answer. But something else did.
A loud roar broke through the silence, and I almost felt the earth tremble, the sound the of the ground moving made me gasp as I let go of the locket and looked to where the sound had come from. It didn't seem far.
.
What if whatever made these... comes back?
.
I started stepping backwards as I looked at all the claw marks on the trees. I gripped the broken phone in my hand tighter, really wishing I had brought my own so I could at least call for help.
Not paying attention to how hard I was clenching the phone, I heard it crack, even more tears running down my cheeks. Scared... frustrated... alone.
Kyo's soft gaze flashed through my mind, he was fighting a smile, that was clear, but his smile came through none the less. The face I had looked up at only a few hours ago when he forced me back into the car, saying that he would see me later tonight.
" Go away already, weirdo..." Kyo tried to glare down at me, but instead, he smiled lightly, shaking his head, and I couldn't help but smile back, a warm feeling spreading through my chest before I finally closed the car door and left. Feeling giddy about the night ahead.
I took a deep breath and laid my free hand over my heart, trying to get it calm down a bit. Hoping the roar was maybe just the wind, and perhaps the claw marks and prints were very old. Or maybe a figment of my imagination...
"Come on, Marley... you're bringing Kyo home. Even if it means... possibly finding some sort of bear... you're bringing him home." I tried to calm myself as I tried to think of my next move. The phone seemed to be broken beyond repair, but I was sure that the sim card should still be okay, so I got it out and left the rest of the phone on the ground while I tucked the Simcard into my bra to keep it safe.
I looked towards where the noise had come from and made my decisions as I picked my skirt up and started running.
As I went through the forest, I ran my hand along the trees, tracing more and more claw marks, some deeper than others. I became more nervous and aware of the jingling of my bangles and tried to hold them still, which made for some awkward running, but I didn't want to be heard by whatever had made those marks. I even tried to move quietly as I made my feet hit the ground lightly. Years of dance training actually becoming a little useful.
.
Hopefully, I'll see it before it sees me
.
The trees became thinner and thinner, and I finally came to what seemed to be the end of the forest and looked over a small lake. My eyes scanned the area and caught a hunched figure on a small hill overlooking the water.
Squinting to get a better look, I felt my heart stop, and my body froze.
A beast of some sort was huddled over, dark fur and large limbs, it seemed to be growling.. or groaning. I couldn't hear all that well from a distance, but when it appeared to move, I jumped behind a tree. Holding my arms firmly around me, begging myself not to let out a sound.
I hadn't found Kyo. I hadn't found his orange locks or a gentle smile. I had found ... something else. A beast I had never seen before. It was huge and seemed misshapen somehow. Like a monster out of a horror story that could keep one up at night.
The creature seemed to let out a roar of some kind, but it somehow sounded... agonizing.
.
Is it... in pain?
.
More sound came from the beast that had been sitting on the hill, and I couldn't help but try and peek around the tree to try and get a better look.
It looked like it could tower over me and had long limbs that looked like they ended with impressive claws. I could even see it's intimidating set of teeth as it seemed to be growling at the ground, baring its fangs. The monster moved and held their head in their claws.
.
It spoke...
.
"... Enough... is enough...I've had enough..." The creature whimpered and the voice... it was distorted but... I recognized it.
I came out of hiding tentatively to try and get a better look, and my eyes caught the fabric around the creature's legs. Dark pants, with a longer than necessary belt and too many pockets.
.
How...Can it be?
.
I came out further and dropped my hand, causing the bangles to clink and let out a sharp jingle sound causing glowing orange eyes to snap in my direction.
Kyo?
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
Kyo heard a light musical jingle, and he turned to look into the woods where it came from, his large feline eyes easily able to cut through the darkness. A figure in a striking pale gold dress and flowing white-blonde locks stood there, and amethyst eyes stared back at him. He prayed it was just a figment of his imagination, but it seemed he never got what he wanted.
No...No..No no no ...NO!
"..Kyo..." Marley called out while taking a small step forward, she seemed to be drenched from the rain and muddy from running through the forest, but Kyo could only think of her eyes as she stared him. They were wide with surprise, but there was something else. Hope...Relief... And Kyo couldn't understand how she could look at him like that.
.
No... She's seen me... How is this happening?!... It's over... it's all over isn't it
.
" What ..? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOIN' HERE!" Kyo screamed at her, he thought that there must be something wrong with her because she only continued making her way forward.
"GET BACK! What are ... what are you doin' following me here...How did you... WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT!" He continued screaming at her, rising to his full height, and it made her pause, but then she just took a breath and walked closer.
She wasn't supposed to be here. She was supposed to be at some party or even at her own home, not here. Anywhere but here.
"Kyo ... I-" In only a few steps, Marley had gotten close enough that the rotting stench that emitted from Kyo hit her nose, and she had to cover her face and then looked at Kyo. Realizing the smell must be coming from him. The cursed boy was sure that would be the final straw.
.
Go away... please... turn back
.
But she merely removed her hand from her face and stepped forward again, and Kyo felt his own body convulse.
"I SAID TO GET AWAY FROM ME! What's wrong with you! Can't you see?! Don't I disgust you?!" Kyo roared as he smashed his paws in the stone beside him, causing it to crack.
Marley only continued moving forward towards him, her long full skirt brushing against the ground, her bare feet poking out with each step forward.
"I'm disgusting, right?! Repulsive, right?! How can you stand to look at me... I don't want your pity! Why can't you just leave me alone?!" He begged as he stared at the ground, unable to look at her any more. Any hope that he had before of being able to stay by her side was gone. There was no way Marley would accept him, not in this... not like this.
.
Please...don't.. don't make me feel...
.
"Kyo... I.. don't understand what's going on, but please..." Marley tried to get out as she climbed up the small mud hill that Kyo rested on. She couldn't understand what she was seeing, but Marley knew it was Kyo and couldn't help but feel relieved she had found him... even though it was in this strange form.
" I-" Marley was speaking, but Kyo's mind was trapped in memories long past.
.
..don't make me feel more miserable than I already am...
"I love you..." Kyo heard his mother's words
.
Marley reached out for Kyo's arm, hoping to comfort him, but Kyo, blinded by his rage and heartache, took his paw and pushed at Marley to keep her away, claws ripping through fabric, skin and a delicate silver chain.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" Kyo screamed, baring his fangs at the struck girl. Marley stumbled back from him, her body falling backwards, and she rolled down the hill and into the murky water below.
She laid face down in the shallow water and Kyo watched as she struggled to get up, her body shaking as she coughed up some water and brought a hand to her right shoulder. The sleeve of her blouse had been completely ripped off, and three scratches bled from her collarbone, shoulder and arm.
Kyo watched as Marley winced as she tried to stand up before falling to her knees again, and her eyes looked back up to Kyo. Large tears streaming down her face as she looked up him, shaking as she held her hand over her wounds, blood staining her blouse and long skirt.
Kyo clenched his jaw, fighting every instinct to go down and apologize. He wanted to go to her to make sure she was okay. His large glowing eyes staring at her scared and hurt form. She seemed to be paralyzed in fear.
He had done this. It's too late. And he figured he might as well make it worse since he's already lost her.
"Get lost!" He roared as he stood up tall, making himself larger and more intimidating.
"You're pathetic! You're such an eyesore! Next time I'll slash that face of yours to ribbons!" Kyo threatened, his lips curling to further show off his sharp teeth.
.
I'll make it... so she'll never worry about me again... so she won't seek me out. She'll never even be able to look at me again...I'll hurt her so bad she'll never forgive me
.
" Now, piss off you... YOU FOREIGN BITCH! " He warned once again before turning his back to the water. He heard movement behind him in the water and Marley's soft voice carried to his ears.
".. I... I'm sorry..." Kyo felt his heartbreak even more as the sound of her walking through the water. He didn't need to look to know she was walking away from him. It was for the best he told himself.
I can't do this... I hate this... I hate this
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
The doctor stood on the porch, looking out into the dark woods. He had heard a landslide of some sort in the woods, and it only made him worry more than he already was.
"Haa-san, sit down, why don't I pour you a cup of tea." Shigure offered as he looked up from the book he was barely reading.
He didn't answer and continued staring out at the woods. Waiting
"She's been gone for too long," Hatori stated, glaring into the night.
"Don't you have faith in Marley-Chan?" Shigure asked, but the glare he received from Hatori told him to maybe cut down on any teasing. He didn't want to feel the Dragon's wrath again.
"This is asking too much, and you know it. Marley went out looking for Kyo, she's going to find a monster, and you expect her to have an idea what's going on." He scolded, not only Shigure but also Kazuma, who was his elder, but at this moment he didn't care.
Hatori understood that the Karate Master was thinking of Kyo's well-being, but who was thinking of Marley and what was best for her? Had anyone taken her well-being into consideration, or Tohru's for that matter?
"Did you even explain to her about the Cat's true form?" Hatori asked the Karate Master, who was still standing out in the rain.
"How's Tohru-San?" Asked Kazuma as he met the doctor's eyes.
" She'll be fine, just a small fever. I gave her a shot, but she really needs her rest." The Doctor sighed, annoyed by the mess and the fact that it involved two innocent girls that had no business being caught up in the Sohma's dark mess.
"Hatori-San..." Kazuma asked as he continued to hold Kyo's beads tenderly in his hand.
"Yes."
"What is Kyo to Marley-San?" Asked the Karate master as he looked to the Zodiac Member who was glaring into the woods.
Hatori thought about the question, and he wasn't sure he even wanted to know the answer because he feared any sort of relationship Marley had with the Cat of the Zodiac would only end in heartbreak. At the very least.
But Marley knew almost nothing about the Zodiac's and their curse, she knew what was on the surface, but nothing of its true ugliness.
Yet the young girl had gotten undeniably close with the most cursed member of them all. Even going as far as to invite him into the inside of the Estate, which he doubted had ever happened before.
.
"Marley, Kyo is the Cat, and the Cat is not supposed to be inside." Hatori scolded, he could even feel his Zodiac spirits distraught at someone who wasn't part of the Zodiac fighting against the rules that had been followed for thousands of years.
But Marley only kept holding onto Kyo's wrist to keep him there.
"Kyo is always welcome here; this is my home, isn't it? and he is my friend." Marley argued, frustrated that she had to even voice this because, to her, it was ludicrous in the first place.
.
The fiery look in her intense eyes was one Hatori would not forget
" ... If Marley can't bring him back... then no one can." Was all he said, and his answer caused Kazuma to hold Kyo's beads closer to his heart. The two said a silent prayer for the two teenagers, wishing they would come home safely and soon.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
.
Marley walked through the water and onto the solid ground. Her body felt so heavy as she tried to walk in a straight line as she held her aching shoulder. The rain pouring down only made the cuts sting and ache more than it already did.
.
I don't know what to do... I can't... I'm so scared
.
She reached the edge of the forest and leaned on a tree, feeling pathetic. Useless. Her eyes caught a silver glint in the corner of her eye. The locket with her parents' picture was sitting on the ground next to her. It was open, and their smiling faces were looking at her.
"Mama...Bapu..." She whispered as she gritted her teeth and slid down the tree to the ground. Bowing her head in shame. She really felt pathetic.
Marley was just confused. It was Kyo, but it was something she had never seen before. There had been a stench.. like something rotting... She had never smelled anything so terrible or seen anything like that in her life. Her mind brought up the image of Kyo's strange form that had stood feet over her and had cut her.
.
It hurts...
.
"... I'm sorry... I'm not... I can't..." Marley couldn't even form words. She had let Tohru down... she couldn't get Kyo to come back. It was one thing to turn into animals, Marley could have never imagined that the Sohma's had been hiding this part of the curse from her. She felt unprepared and confused. In the dark. Marley felt the weight of her failure to even help Kyo, and the pain in her shoulder was nothing compared to the shame she felt.
.
What am I supposed to do... what should I... I don't... I can't...
.
"... I can't do this.." She whispered to the rain. Marley wished that she was stronger. Braver. But all she felt at this moment was pathetic. Kyo was right.
" I'm scared..." She whimpered into the ground.
"Well, that's okay." A warm voice consoled.
"Naniji?" I asked as I looked around as if expecting to see her, but no one was there. Just a memory...
"Look at me, dearest one, everyone gets scared." The voice continued, and Marley was brought back to a time when she was a young girl, living in her rural village with her great-grandmother.
Her stringy, silver hair was glimmering in the candlelit house as she stood in front of Marley, her hand holding firmly onto her cane. Thunder roared, and fast winds beat against the concrete house. A large black dog was shaking in Marley's arms as he too feared the thunder's loud roar.
"Even you, Naniji?" The young Marley asked as she continued to hug the dog, her little hands gripping down on the black fur. The dog that was cowering in Marley's arms was easily as big as her if not bigger but was still trying to hide in the little girl's embrace.
"Yes." The old woman admitted, chuckling a little at her great- granddaughter's disbelieving face.
"No." Little Marley was astonished that someone as big and strong as her caretaker could be scared of anything. Her great-grandmother only nodded and tucked a piece of hair behind Marley's ear.
"What do you do?" Marley asked, her large amethyst eyes staring up at her elder, hoping for an easy answer.
"Well...I take a deep breath and think of something that makes me happy. Something that will help me through." The old woman explained.
"What do you think of, Naniji?" Little Marley asked.
" I think of you, of course." She said softly as she patted Marley's head, and the little girl gave her a big smile, happy that she made her Naniji happy.
"Then I'll think of you too! And Bhaalu!" The girl decided as she gave the dog in her arms a kiss, and her great-grandmother only laughed as she watched the dog's tail shake even though he was still scared.
"Beta, sometimes scary things will happen, you just have to make sure you that fear doesn't keep you from what's really important." Her Naniji spoke slowly, love in her old brown eyes as she smiled at her little Marley before asking her to help with making some roti's and maybe some mango lassi.
.
Marley took a deep breath and tried to think of something that made her happy. Cooking for with her Naniji, Mama watching over Bollywood movies with her in bed, her Bapu playing guitar and Marley singing along.
These had been things that had made her happy, but thinking of them now only brought pain because now...
.
"I love you, goofball, we'll sneak out to a movie when I get back" He said as he let go and stepped away.
"Promise?" Marley asked, getting excited at the idea of stepping out of this hospital.
"Promise." He replied as he gave her a big grin.
"We'll call you when we land. I love you." Mama promised as she slipped into her native language as she held onto Marley's hands.
"I love you too, now go." Marley insisted to Bapu, and Mama smiled, giving them a big smile.
"Sat Sri akaal." Said Mama as she let go of her hand and folded her hands in front of her before heading out the door.
"Sat sri akaal." Marley answered back while folding her own hands, copying Mama's motions and then waved as they both exited. Gone forever.
.
No... no, no, no..don't go...
.
Tears only continued to flow from her face and down into the ground. She cursed herself for being such a crybaby.
.
Think of something that makes you happy...
.
A voice rang out in her head. It wasn't something she was expecting.
"You're pretty emotional, aren't you..." Muttered Kyo as rested his head on his hand as he leaned on the table, watching Marley struggle to stop the tears caused by the simple movie they had been watching.
"I know... I'm a mess." Marley admitted, drying her tears the best she could with her hands and trying to get a hold of herself.
"Na...I'm sure I'll get used to it." He chuckled as he reached out and caught a stray tear trailing down her cheek with his uniform sleeve. The gesture made Marley freeze slightly, surprised at the gentle move, but it barely lasted a second before she smiled gently at him.
Even if my crying might have made him uncomfortable, as it would anyone... he had stayed right by her side till she was fine. A comforting warm feeling spread through Marley's heart and reached to the tips of her fingers.
Now Kyo needed someone to stay by him. She tried to stand up and pain shot from her shoulder. She reminded of the wound done to her shoulder, Kyo's large claw marks...
.
I can barely breathe... and I'm still scared...but
.
Marley heard a whining sound behind, like a cry.
.
Kyo...
.
She didn't want to leave him... she couldn't. Even if Marley couldn't understand what was happening right now, even if she was still scared. She wasn't going to let fear stop her. Marley had to try. Kyo was alive, he was right there.
Marley used the tree beside her to get up off the ground. The pain in her shoulder was forgotten as she looked back at Kyo. Alone on the hill.
The white-blonde girl still couldn't understand what was going on or why this was happening, but more than anything, Marley couldn't stand the thought of him suffering alone.
.
I won't let you push me aside..maybe it's selfish, but... I need you... I can't lose anyone else.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
Kyo held his face in his hands, this body couldn't cry, but he wanted to, that's all he wanted to do right now.
.
I can't take it anymore... I hate this... losing her, being pitied.. feeling so miserable..I'm sick of having things forced upon me.
" That's wrong. You're every bit as human as I am." His mother tried to console him while holding up his wrist that bore his beads.
"Evil magic has given you that form, but it won't last long, I promise. You turn back to normal right away, don't you? That proves it." She said softly as she brought Kyo's small hands to her forehead as if saying a prayer.
"I'm not scared. Not at all." But she was lying, Kyo knew that much.
Kyo recalled all the memories of her constantly checking his wrists to make sure the prayer beads were on securely, like a slideshow, the images rushed through his head.
.
You were scared, weren't you...
Isn't that why you checked dozens of times every day to make sure the rosary was still on?
"I'm proud to have you as my son." His mother insisted as she gave him a smile.
Yeah, right. Why didn't you let me outside, then?
" I won't let anyone see you, because you're so adorable." She was blocking the door, keeping him in the house.
You were ashamed of me! Weren't you?!
"No, I love you." She said as she again checked his wrist for the rosary and then held his hands to her forehead, closing her eyes and a small smile on her face.
" I would die for you."
Why is that all you ever said? You never acknowledged the real me, so why were you always proclaiming how much you loved me?!
"Your mother loved you more than anything else, you know." His father's voice broke through, Kyo could remember the hate in the man's eyes as he stared down at him, blaming him.
" STOP IT! Don't force that 'love' on me! I don't need it. Don't need it..." Kyo pleaded as he got down on all fours and faced his head towards the ground.
She should have been scared of me...it would have been okay... In the end... I just...wanna be together
The heartbroken boy was so caught up in his own head, he didn't hear the rustling of bangles or the hurried footsteps in the mud that raced towards him.
.
Bare arms wrapped around one of his long arms, and all he saw was long white-blonde hair as Marley hid her face in his skin.
Kyo felt his body freeze in shock as he stared down at the girl who had come back. Holding his arm tight to her chest.
" Kyo... let's go back... okay. we'll go back to the house, and everything will be fine." Marley tried to plead, unable to think of the right words to say at this moment.
Kyo let out a growl.
"Let go..."
"No..." She whispered quietly, her face still buried in his arm.
"LET GO!" Kyo used his strength to swing his arm with her on it, but Marley just latched on even harder as Kyo tried to shake her loose, her body dragged on the ground as she held on, her nails digging in.
"NO! I WON'T LET GO!" She yelled back and even managed to lift her face and stared at Kyo directly. The determined look in her large amethyst eyes made Kyo pause, tears were rushing down her face, and her body was shaking.
She was clearly terrified, but she only held the tighter and stared at him, as if daring him to try and push her away again.
"Please... stop it... try... don't you understand dammit.." He begged her as he turned away from her intense eyes, and she only tugged harder to his arm to try and make him listen to her.
" Mainu samaj nahi laggi!" She yelled at him, not backing down.
"Mainnu maaf karo... samaj nahi laggi... main.." She started mumbling, but it was something Kyo couldn't understand.
"I'm scared Kyo...right now..but... I'm also relieved... I thought... I thought.. you had gone away... but I found you... I hear your voice. I know it's you even if... even if your voice is coming from this form I've never seen before... I know you're in there.. and you're alive... I'm so thankful," Marley admitted as she dug her face back into Kyo's arm, he could feel her warm tears through his skin.
.
She's crying... she's been running through the rain... looking for me... because she was worried. This is what she's found, and she's thankful?
.
"I'm so pathetic... your right... I'm.. just an outsider who doesn't know what's going on or what this means, and it scares me... but not as much as ... not as much as the thought of never seeing you again. So please! Please help me understand..." She begged as cried into Kyo's skin, the boy could feel her entire body shaking as she held on. Marley was terrified, he could tell, but she wasn't letting Kyo go.
In Marley's mind, the boy had been nothing but good to her... with maybe a few rough spots, but he was still a genuinely kind person, even if it was sometimes under a rough exterior. Kyo always managed to make her smile and was there when she needed help. Even if their first meeting had been... less than ideal. Kyo had quickly apologized. She thought of their first real conversation.
"Oi."
Marley lifted her head from the ground and was at eye level with Kyo's cat form. She tried to wipe away the tears that had escaped.
"You don't need to apologize... and please stop crying... The brat told me what went down at New Year's..." He had his cat ears folded down and was looking away from Marley, looking embarrassed.
"I... I'm still working on... stuff. So sometimes I lose control and I just... I dunno, look I need more training and .. I shouldn't have said those things." He tried to explain.
He took a deep breath as if getting ready to jump off a cliff ."I'm sorry."
"And look... if you don't wanna see my face anymore or whatever, I can take a few books to the face. I deserve it... you're not... I'm sorry I said those things" He huffed, tail swishing back and forth, his gaze switching back and forth between the ground and Marley.
She was in awe of his shyness and complete awkwardness that seemed to really move something in her. Marley had only known him for a couple hours and yet she felt like she had seen so many different sides.
A giggle left her lips, then the giggle erupted into a laugh. Laughing off all the stress and sadness that Kyo had caused earlier in the day. The bath was relaxing, but this is what she needed.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Sorry- - its - just-" He could barely understand her through her laughter.
"You're a weird one, aren't you" He muttered, not sure if that was meant for Marley's ears or not.
They had come so far from their first meeting, and yet Marley felt like it still wasn't enough.
"... I want... I want you to tell me when you need help... Just like you've stuck by me through my tears and whining, and everything I've put you through... I want you to share your worries with me! Even if it's hard to open up...even if it's scary... I want you to tell me when you feel weak.. or when you're sad. Let me worry about you! I want..." She started hiccupping slightly but continued on, her voice started to sound a little hoarse. Marley thought all of the times Kyo had been there, more memories flashing through her head. Making bright orange ladoos together in her living room.
Marley passed Hiro and Kyo a ladoo before grabbing one for herself.
"Banzai!" She cheered as she held out the little dessert and then took a bite, Hiro showed no reserve as he happily took a bite while Kyo had to inspect it a bit longer before taking a small bite.
He didn't say whether he liked it or not, but Marley watched his reaction, and a small blush was on his cheeks and as he enjoyed the sweet foreign treat.
"Look, it's the same colour as your hair." Marley giggled as she held up her half-eaten ladoo to his hair, happy that she had made the comparison. She truly did love the colour and didn't mean for it come out in a teasing way. It had just been a coincidence.
Kyo shoved her hand away from him as his ears went pink.
Learning about his love for martial arts and her sharing her little knowledge of his sport through a movie. Even if it made her look like a fool...
"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.
"I can't believe you've never seen it? I bet you would like it." She mentioned as she quickly caught up to him with her long legs.
Kyo making sure she was safe, taking her by the hand...
The two came to a street, and Marley realized they would have to part ways.
"I'll see you to-" She started to say goodnight but was cut off.
"I might as well walk you... that snake might be there, and I don't want to risk going home too soon." Huffed Kyo as he started walking in the direction Marley was about to go in.
"Kyo, it'll be such a long walk, I don't min-" She tried to insist, not wanting to trouble him.
"Let's go already. There are a lot of creeps, and you shouldn't be walking alone at night." Interrupted Kyo as he grabbed her hand to pull her along. Marley's cheeks burned lightly as this was the first time he had caught her hand in his grip. Marley was usually the one grabbing his hand, which he would seem to just go along with it, but if he was holding her hand, then that must mean that he at least considered a friend.
He cared about her safety...And she cared about his
Marley wanted to say by his side, hand in hand.
" I want to learn more about you, you're fears, the things you love, the things you hate, your martial arts training, your favourite foods... anything... everything. I want to spend time with you... I want to eat together, drink tea together, watch movies or the stars, anything. As long as you let me stay by your side! Because...I want to be with you!" Marley cried, letting her feelings out in the open for him to see.
"Just, please! Please! Let's go through life together!" Marley yelled, hoping that her words could reach him. Praying that he wouldn't push her away.
.
Kyo felt a warm, almost hot feeling flood his chest, and his heart felt like it had stopped for a moment as he took in her words. Washing over him like waves in the ocean, and he was ready to drown in them.
The rain had stopped, and clouds had parted, letting the full moon shining brightly down onto the clearing.
" Sh... she didn't.." Kyo spoke, his voice no longer distorted, and Marley opened her eyes only to find herself staring at Kyo's slightly tanned skin instead of the dark course fur it had been moments ago, and she released her hands from Kyo's arms, small nail indents in his skin.
" She didn't have to love everything... about me.." Kyo admitted as he looked up at the sky.
.
Being scared... would've been proof that she really was looking at my ugly self... but mom... covered it up with love, trying not to look at it... she wouldn't even think about it...
Did she really think that pity was all I needed? Mom used love to avoid looking at me...she avoided thinking about it
.
"It was okay with me... if she was scared..." Kyo turned towards Marley, trailing his hand down her arm and Marley had to hold herself back from throwing her entire body around him. She didn't know who he was talking about, but she was just happy he was really there with her. Maybe one day, he would share with her. Marley just watched, her eyes gazing into his as tears from his eyes.
" .. dhannvaad..." Marley couldn't help but let out a soft whisper as she held his face in her hands, running a few fingers through his orange locks before resting her forehead against his. Kyo could still see tears trailing down her face but couldn't help but smile at the gentle affection, how warm her soft hands were as they cradled his face.
" I wanted her... to really think about it... to worry with me..." He spoke, and she leaned back, giving him some space, her hands trailed down to his arms to his hands, holding them lightly. Marley noted how he gently squeezed her hand in his, how warm and gentle he was.
.
She could've been scared.. she didn't have to love that ugly form... I just wanted her to say...
.
"... Let's go through life..together.." Kyo's eyes looked over at Marley, and she felt her heart flutter as she took in Kyo's saffron eyes and the soft look he was giving her. Kyo took his hands from Marley's and began to lean in towards her body.
.
I feel like an idiot.. 'cos I thought nobody.. would ever really... say anything like that...
.
Kyo's hand wrapped gently around Marley's elbow as his other arm came from behind, fingers lightly brushing against the bare skin on her lower back and then trailed up, so it was holding the back of her head, his fingers tangling up in her long loose curls as he brought her closer to him.
That's what... I thought... but now... you're here
Tears softly fell from Kyo's eyes as he brought his face close to Marley, his breath almost tickling Marley's ear and his lips lightly brushing against her hair as he softly whispered out her name, as if testing out.
"Marley..."
The girl's own eyes widened as her face became slightly pink with Kyo's soft embrace. His face nestling into her neck. Her heart was beating like a drum as she subconsciously wrapped her arms around him and felt his bare skin under her fingertips.
" Marley!" He choked out, fighting the tears that just wanted to flow harder. Her name was still so strange to him was hard to say, but it really was a beautiful name.
.
... just like that...you melt the ugly emotions inside me... and the dark thoughts... bit by bit.
.
The embrace didn't last long, and Kyo was lying on Marley's pale gold-covered lap in his small feline form, tears still falling from his eyes.
"Kyo...?" Marley softly said his name, and it only made more tears fall down his little cat face as her hand gently caressed his back.
.
Why... would somebody like you... be with me... why would you comfort me?
A nightmare crept it's way into his head, reminding him of the terrible things he had done... things he should've done.
"I'll never forgive you.."
Why do you want me to by your side... someone like me...who is just... a monster...the things I've done... they can never be forgiven... I wasn't strong enough to ...
.
An image of a young white-blonde teenager lying in a hospital bed with tubes and an oxygen mask passed through Kyo's mind. She had been alone. A small lion plush doll was resting on her lap, and her hand seemed to be barely holding on to it. The girl looked like she was on the edge between life and death. Her wheezing breath was noticeable even from the hallway, It scared him. Her hand that had been resting on the doll fell to her side like a dead weight and machines began beeping, and chaos followed.
.
... I find myself thinking... I wanna take care of you... I don't wanna leave you... why can't I help.. wanting to treasure you...
.
Marley picked up Kyo into her arms and began walking through the woods back to the house, Kyo listened to the rhythm of her heart as he laid his head on Marley's chest.
I'm wishing for it... to never leave you
Kazuma and Hatori heard a small jingling sound and looked to where it was coming from in the woods. Soon Marley's tall figure came carefully stepping into the yard, one hand holding up a portion of her skirt and the other holding Kyo's cat form carefully in her arm. Once out of the woods, she released the hold she had on her long skirt and used it hold Kyo securely in her arms. Marley didn't even look at the two but just smiled gently down at the cat in her arms, holding him carefully, and Kyo small face reached for hers, and the two lightly bumped noses. The bright full moon shining down on them, catching the light of Marley's gemstone and Kyo's tears.
I'll fight for it.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
Marley sat at the kitchen table, getting her cuts cleaned out by Hatori. The Doctor had been mostly quiet since she had gotten back.
"I'm sorry that I ran out of the car..." She tried to apologize. She didn't regret running out of the car, but she did regret making Hatori worry about her. He only sighed and shook his head.
"Next time you're sitting in the back, and I'm putting the child-locks on." He told her in a deadpanned voice, but when he raised his eyebrow slightly, Marley knew he was only kidding, and she laughed.
"They shouldn't scar, and you don't need stitches. Just a few bandages. Maybe be careful with your shoulder for the next few days." He explained as he dressed the wound.
" How's Tohru?" Marley asked, hoping to hear good news.
"She'll be fine with some good rest and liquids." Hatori comforted, he figured she'd be worried about the brunette.
"Here's your phone, you've been getting phone calls all night." Hatori reached into his pocket and handed over the small device.
" Oh, I-"
"I answered and let them know that you were busy... but fine." Hatori explained, and Marley thanked him as she took her phone and quickly looked through the notification.
"Now, let's get going." He said as he closed up his bag.
"Actually, I was hoping if it was okay if I stayed the night. I just.. With Tohru not feeling all that well, it's late and-" Marley rambled, looking for excuses to stay, and Hatori just patted her head.
"Fine.. do you need me to bring you anything?" He asked, he had figured that she would want to stay the night and didn't have the energy to disagree.
"I'll just grab my bag from the car, I've got some leggings and a sweatshirt in there." She said as she rose up from the chair, but he stopped her.
"Stay here, I'll grab it for you..."
.
Hatori left her and she waited in the kitchen. The house was quiet, a futon was laid out in the living room but no one was in it. She went over the evening again in her head. Still not believing the night's events. When they had gotten back, Kyo had fallen asleep in her arms, Kazuma had tried to take Kyo from her, and at first, she had denied him, only hugging Kyo tighter. It had taken Hatori and Shigure telling her to trust him that she had finally handed him over. The Karate master had thanked her and carried Kyo up the stairs, she assumed to his room to put him to bed. Marley reminded herself to try and talk Kazuma in the morning, hoping he could give her some answers.
Moments later, Hatori returned with her bag in hand, and he asked if she needed anything else.
"No, I'm good, Hatori. Thank you for everything. And again... I'm really sorry if I worried you." She apologized again.
"Just.. give me a call tomorrow, if you need a ride or if something hurts. I'm heading out. It's been a long night."
"Thank you, Hatori. Please get some rest." Hatori just smiled and patted her head again.
"Just... try and stay out of trouble for the rest of the weekend. " He tried to scold and then walked down the hall and out of the house.
It had been a long night, and Marley was ready for bed. She climbed the stairs and found a bathroom.
.
Marley stood in the bathroom, looking at her reflection. Her hair was now dry and was messy with waves and loose curls. The cuts on her neck, collarbone and arm all had beige bandages and were obvious on her brown skin.
Her eyeliner and mascara were slightly smudged, but her gemstone bindi was still in place. Marley carefully peeled it off and placed it onto the counter, and she started running the tap, using the simple bar of soap to clean her face. With clean hands, she took out her contacts that had been in for far too long and threw them in the trash bin.
She wasn't blind without her contacts, but she wouldn't be watching TV or reading any street signs until she put in new contacts or even got her glasses.
Marley slipped off the ruined top and untied the string around her waist, letting the heavy skirt drop to the floor and stepped out of it. A small card fell from her bra, and she made a side note to get Kyo another phone as she placed his Simcard in her side-pocket of the bag.
Holding slightly ruined top in her hands, examining the damage and looked over the long skirt. There would have to be some significant work done to the garments with all the rips and tears in the delicate fabric, but it would be worth saving. It might be out of her skill level, but maybe Ayame would be able to help.
Slipping on the comfy clothes was a relief, and she put the rest of the clothes in a bundle and stuffed them in the bag. Marley stepped out of the small bathroom with her bag in hand and headed into Tohru's room. She just wanted to check on her for herself.
The only light was from the hallway as Marley slowly opened the door into the dark room. Kagura was asleep on the floor in a futon, and Tohru looked to be sleeping soundly, so Marley tried to gently close the door.
.
"Mar- Marley-Chan?" Tohru's soft voice called out, and Marley looked back into the room to see Tohru's head turned towards her.
Marley stepped into the room, leaving the door slightly ajar and approached Tohru.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" Marley softly asked as she sat on the bed and felt her friend's forehead, which still felt a little warm.
"Kyo-Kun?" Tohru asked as she gripped Marley's hand. Marley smiled and laid her hand on top of Tohru's and lightly squeezed it.
"He's home. Safe and sound." Marley promised, and Tohru looked like a huge weight had been lifted.
"Thank you..." She softly let out, tears pouring from her eyes.
"No, thank you for telling me he was out there." Marley comforted as she wiped away the girl's tears with the sleeve of her sweatshirt. Once she stopped crying, Marley made a move to leave the room, wishing her goodnight. She would have to find somewhere to sleep.
"Wait.. don't go.." Tohru softly begged as she held on to Marley's hand with the little strength she had left.
"Tohru, you need to get your rest." Marley reminded her, wishing she would fade back into sleep.
"Please... don't go." Tohru moved over in the bed and flipped over the blanket.
"Tohru, I don't -"
"Please..." Her big brown eyes working on Marley.
" Alright, move over, and I apologize if I try to steal the blanket." Marley teased as she gave in to Tohru's wishes.
Marley slipped in beside Tohru in the large bed and made herself comfortable while Tohru continued to hold Marley's hand, and the two girls fell into a soundless sleep. Both exhausted by the long night.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
Kazuma walked down the hall and noticed Tohru's door was slightly open. He peeked in to make sure everything was okay and only saw the two girls sleeping peacefully in the bed.
The Karate master smiled at the sight and whispered softly into the quiet air.
"Thank you..." and with that, he closed the door, letting the girl's sleep. He hoped that their dreams were sweet and without pain.
Kazuma had a good feeling about the future and what it would bring. Things might get messy, but he hoped that the kids would see each other through and stay strong against a system that would undoubtedly be against them.
And he vowed to help in any way he could, for the boy he came to love as his son and the girl who brought him home.
.
.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Notes:
Naniji- Grandmother (Maternal side)
Beta- Used by parents and grandparents for children in the Punjab region. It's an affectionate way to address someone younger.
mango lassi - cold drink made from milk, yogurt and mango pulp.
Mainu samaj nahi laggi- I don't understand
Mainnu maaf karo- I'm sorry
dhannvaad- thank you
... sooo Happy New Year? XD
Hello! Peachie here!
Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed me trying to tackle the true form arc, it kicked my butt lol
Btw I decided to start a tumblr, I know.. I am very late to the party lol but it's under the same name and I can see myself in the future trying to do requests and what not and will probably post a lot around this story and other stories I plan to start in the new year( Including a BNHA and KNY fanfic) and photo inspo, stuff like that.
Thank you so much to Demona Evernight, Littlecosma001, TwilightNewMoonEclipseMidnight, KyokoHonda49 and Guest for leaving reviews.
To Demona Evernight : I don't know about other people but I always find it super hard to see the audience if I'm on stage because of the bright stage lights, unless they are in the front row so Marley would have no idea that Kyo wasn't there til after.
To Littlecosma001:... there might be a good reason to worry about Rin and Haru.. can't say I'm looking forward to what awaits them :(
To the Guest: Thank you for your kind words :) Marley calling up her mama was actually something from my own life because I'm guilty of getting excited about things and wanting to tell certain people who are no longer here.
To KyokoHonda49: I've been a fruits basket fan for a long time too! The reason I started writing was actually because I was having a hard time finding Fruits Basket fanfiction with an OC so now you're all stuck with this mess lol I hope you enjoyed Marley tackling Kyo's true form the best way she could.