Author's Note: Hello wonderful reader! Welcome to chapter 2 of One Becomes Two! First off I would like to give a great big shout out to my friend who took a lot of time to help me edit the first 2 chapters of this story. (I seriously don't deserve a friend like her.) We worked hard on this chapter together so I hope you enjoy it!
I stared at the man leaning in the door way of the house.
Just my luck.
"Oh! Hello there, what brings you to my home today?" The man asked. I felt my instinct to run kick in but I force myself to stay in place.
Calm down, there's nothing to worry about as long as he stays in the doorway.
"O-oh I m-must ha-have the wr-wrong h-house" I stammered, taking a step back. I felt like I was going to bolt at any second.
Calm down!
"What's wrong? You don't have to be scared." The man said, leaning towards me a little bit. I took another backwards step as I saw the way he eyed me from top to bottom. "But you are a very cute high school gir…" he was leaning really close and I reacted without thinking.
"Don't come any closer to me you pervert!" I yelled, and without thinking my arm reacted.
*Slap*
Damn it! Why do I do these things?
"I-I am so sorry" I apologized bowing a little to the man even though it was partially his fault.
"Apology accepted. I'm not going to eat you, you know," The man said to me rubbing his cheek.
"You were leaning too close to me so I had to defend myself" I pointed out with a huff. He backed off, but I didn't step any closer. I looked off to the side and spotted a little two-tiered display with rocks painted to represent the 12 zodiac animals.
As always there's no cat present. I felt a sense of longing bubble up inside me. I don't know where that came from.
"You like them? I painted them myself," I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of his voice.
"They're very nice, but I notice the cat is not included," that feeling of longingness unsettles me.
Where did that come from?
I force my eyes away from the little display and meet the man's grey eyes. A wave of déjà vu flooded my mind for a second because it seemed I've seen those same eyes before…but who's?
"Ah, you know about the cat from the legend! Then you should know that the cat is not a part of the zodiacs; therefore I didn't represent it here,"
I felt a tinge of anger mingle with the sense of longing after the man finished his explanation.
Where is this coming from? Could it be from talking about the zodiacs? I ignored the feeling, and shook my head to dispel those thoughts for now.
"My friend's mom used to tell us the story when we were little. I think it was unfair to the cat; how was he supposed to know that the rat had lied to him? Weren't they supposed to be friends?" I explained as I felt a surge in the previous anger stir in my chest. The man raised his eyebrows at me, then burst out laughing.
"I wonder what they would say if they heard this." He mumbled to himself with mirth.
"Who are you talking about?" My curiosity getting peeked. His gaze refocused on me.
"So you feel that the rat is to blame for what happened to the cat? Why?" He seemed to take an interest in my opinion.
He didn't answer my question. I don't understand why he cares what I think of an old legend.
"Of course! The rat was the one who told the cat the wrong date on purpose. The only thing the cat did wrong was trust the rat. It says he was a trickster but that was just cruel. Then he was the first one to the banquet, while the cat, none the wiser, was at home looking forward to a feast he would never attend." I defended then countered with. "Why do you care what I think of an old legend?"
"Ah, forgive me! It's not often that I meet young people who have such strong opinions regarding the legend of the zodiacs," He chuckled, smacking his palm on his forehead. "And where are my manners? I haven't even introduced myself! My name is Shigure Sohma and you are?" He introduced himself holding his right hand out in an invitation for a handshake.
Sohma? I wonder if he's related to Yuki.
"My name is Liisa" I introduced myself, grudgingly stepping forward and shaking his hand briefly. We stood in awkward silence for a minute or two. I just wanted to leave and be done with this.
"So what brought you to my house? I assume it wasn't to talk about old legends," My mind blanked for a second on the initial reason I was there.
"Oh right! My friend and I were walking through the woods a few days ago and saw your house. We thought maybe an old lady lived here and needed some help or was lonely," I said finally. "My friend really wanted to come today, but she had work so I came alone instead She says 'hi' though."
There's no need to tell him about living in a tent.
Shigure didn't respond and after a few moments I decided it was time to go.
"Well, I just came to say 'hi' so I'll be going now." I quickly turned to leave and had taken a couple of steps when I heard Shigure make a noise of recognition and inwardly sighed.
"Oh wait! That school uniform, do you go to school with someone named Yuki Sohma?" Shigure asked before I could make my escape. I slowly turned to face him again.
So he's related to Yuki? Now I remember where I had seen eyes like his before. Yuki also has grey eyes though they are a darker shade. I remembered Tohru saying she saw Yuki walking with an older man a few nights ago.
Could this be the guy she saw? He seems to be too young to be his father… maybe an uncle? Then again, looks can be deceiving.
"Uh, y-yeah I do. Why? Are you worried about your son?" Some of the color drained from Shigure's face. That's not the reaction I was expecting- I knew I shouldn't have assumed.
"Son!? Yuki's not my son! I'm not that old Liisa-San! He's my cousin," Shigure said incredulously with a forced laugh.
So they ARE related! That would explain why he has the same weird presence as Yuki. But why only them? I don't think I should tell Tohru; she may get the wrong idea again.
"I'm sorry. It's just that you acted like you were worried for him like a father would," I quickly covered my mistake.
I just want to get out here; better wrap this up quickly!
"Well thank you for being so polite with me Shigure-san, but I must go now. Goodbye!" With that said, I abruptly turned and ran off before he could say anything. Just as I fled from the scene, I felt Yuki's presence from somewhere in the woods.
Oh God, why is Yuki here? To see his cousin? I didn't stick around to find out and kept running.
I slowed to a walk when I was almost at the tent. My hands were shaking with adrenaline. I took a deep breath to calm down before crawling into the tent to wait for Tohru to return. I must have fell asleep because I opened my eyes to Tohru nudging me awake. "Huh…wha?" I asked groggily sitting up as the smell of take-out greets my nose, my stomach growled loudly.
"Had a nice cat nap?" Tohru's voice is laced with amusement as she hands me one of the boxes of food. I gave a small laugh as I took it. We said grace and took the first bite.
"By the way" I began getting her attention. "I went to that house today. Apparently, it belongs to a man named Shigure Sohma. He might've been the guy you saw with Yuki-san yesterday. They're actually cousins." I took several more bites of food then added. "I'll pay you back for this."
"You don't have to; I was happy to do it! Anyway, getting back on topic that would make sense! I did think that Shigure-san was a little young to be Sohma-san's father. Did you remember to say 'hi' from me?" Tohru asked me smiling as she ate her own take-out meal.
"Of course I did. Though since he doesn't know who you are, he probably thought it was weird," I shifted uncomfortably.
I shouldn't mention that I ran off abruptly. Thinking back on it made me cringe; I bet I looked rude.
"So how was work today?" I asked to change the subject. She finished her own food and I gathered up the garbage into the bag it came in, tying the it closed.
"Fine, nothing special happened today." Tohru replied absently, reaching over to pick up her mother's picture. I absentmindedly started twirling the multi-colored beaded bracelet around my left wrist, touching each bead. I know every groove and scratch that mar each bead, having worn it for as long as I can remember. As the silence stretched on, I got the impression that she was going to bring up the accident and made an excuse to leave before she could say anything.
"I think I'll go to the stream and freshen up a bit." I told her grabbing my wash cloth. I slipped out of the tent to go to the stream. I get the sense sometimes that she wants to talk about it but I find that I can't talk about it yet.
I'm pathetic. If she's ready to talk, then why aren't I?
I tried to shake off the wave of sadness that washed over me as I reached the stream. I only said that as an excuse to have a chat with the wild dogs because they owe me an explanation.
Once I got my emotions under control, I could hear them on the other side of the stream. I made a low bark to get their attention. They came slinking out of the long grass on the other side of the stream. I spotted the alpha female and didn't even bother waiting for her to finish crossing before locking eyes with her.
Why didn't you tell me there was a house here in the woods? I demanded of her. She took her time exiting the stream and shaking the water from her fur before answering. I sat on the ground to wait, dimly aware that some of the pack had come up to me.
You ask if anyone would find you in this part of the forest. I told truth, pup. The man and young male in the house would not find you here - they have never come to this part of the forest. The rest of the pack surrounded me at this point, pushing their furry bodies against me in greeting. Some pushed their muzzles against my hands wanting me to pat them. I absently scratched behind their ears. My eyes still locked on the alpha female.
What do you mean by young male? I thought the man lives in the house alone? I asked her sternly.
Is this young male Yuki?
I was almost knocked over as the other dogs started fighting over who got their ears scratched next. "Will you guys stop pushing? I'll give everyone ear scratches. Wait your turn!" They calmed down and stopped pushing each other. The alpha female let out a bark of amusement.
The pack likes you, Pup, if things don't work with your mate you could live with us in our pack. I let out an exasperated sigh as she sat down, mirth twinkling in her eyes.
For the last time Tohru is my friend; she's like a sister to me, not a mate. I responded for the millionth time. I'll keep your offer in mind though, might come in handy to have somewhere to go. But could you answer my question first? She snorted. The rest of the pack briefly looked at her then back to me for more ear scratches.
The man in the house has a younger male that lives with him. The young male about your age, they wouldn't be bad mates either. They look like they would make nice strong offspring, Pup. Dear God, I wish she would stop trying to pair me with anyone she seems fit to make children.
Dear Lord, is that all you look for? If they would make a good mate? The lead female looked at me confused.
Is there anything else? You humans have easy life, out here it's all about having a lot of strong offspring so your lineage lives on. You are still young Pup, I see you as baby that needs teaching. If you join our pack I teach you all the ways of us wild dogs. She isn't wrong, I guess. Sometimes I forget that she's still a wild animal with different values than humans.
Thank you for coming and answering my questions. You guys have been a life saver with the information you have. The rest of the pack whined as I stood up and dusted off my clothes. I shook my hands and arms as they are tired from scratching their ears.
"Sorry guys, I'll give you more next time." I addressed the pack out loud. I laughed at their child-like disappointment. It seems I'm not the only pup around here. I nodded to the alpha female. She nodded back and gave a short bark, meaning 'let's go.' Before she left, the Alpha female turned back to me.
Be careful pup, the wind carries the scent of danger. She turned to follow the pack through the long grass before I could respond. I'm left standing alone next to the stream a sense of foreboding heavy on my chest.
Tohru was already asleep by the time I returned to the tent her mother's photo tucked under her arms. In the light cast by our lamp I could see tear drops glistening on the glass of the photo. With a heavy heart I turned the light off. "Good night Tohru, Kyoko and Mom." I whisper as I settled into my sleeping bag and let my eye lids slide close.
THE NEXT DAY, AFTER SCHOOL
Tohru and I walked back to our tent before we headed out to work, exchanging laughter about the events that occurred that day. By the time we were close to home, I mentioned a particular fan club. "Remember a few days ago when I talked to Yuki-san before class? The Prince Yuki Fan Club found out and questioned me about it. I was looking for an escape when Uo and Hana appeared and saved me from them."
We paused just outside our tent.
"Oh, they questioned me too! Luckily Hana-Chan and Uo-Chan came and helped me get away. They're really good friends" She said with a smile. "You know we should tell them…"
I stopped listening as I felt a strange presence nearby, one that's strongly pushing me away.
Definitely not Yuki or Shigure.
I went on high alert, looking around for the source.
I heard the snap of a tree branch above the tent. I looked up in time to see an orange-haired guy fall out of the tree and land on our tent, flattening it. Tohru and I leaped back when he fell.
Where the hell did this guy come from? He was so silent I didn't even hear him!
"Damn! I thought that branch would have held my weight," He complained as he looked up at the tree from where he fell. He looks over at us at the sound of a twig snapping under Tohru's shoe. "What the hell…?" When he saw us staring at him, he froze and we all stood there looking at each other. Tohru finally broke the silence.
"Oh my gosh! Are you alright?" she asked rushing forward to help the guy. I stepped in front of her with my arms raised, blocking her from getting closer. I didn't like having my back turned to him but I need to protect Tohru. He's the source of the strange presence and it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. The guy still looked confused on what was happening.
"Tohru, this guy is suspicious. He fell out of a freaking tree in the middle of a forest!" I warned her, keeping myself between her and him.
Not only that but his presence feels like something is being shoved into my chest.
"Liisa, I know you're concerned for me but he could be hurt!" She said trying to step around me. I mirrored her movements to continue blocking her while my eyes remained locked on her face. She pushed me back towards the guy, then in an attempt to duck around me she tripped and fell pushing me backwards.
"Nooo!" I cried out as I fall, unable to regain my balance. I closed my eyes and I thought I heard him curse something when our bodies made contact. There were two popping sounds as I transformed into my cat form. My cat form is the same size as a house cat, it's also my only abnormally colored form: a rainbow of colors start at the tip of my nose and end at the tip of my tail. The outline of my new body is blurry like the light of a spirit. I look down to see what the guy is going to do - all I saw was an orange cat instead.
What the hell is going on? Tohru was laying onto of both of us. The orange cat wasn't moving at all under me. Did he get knocked out?
"Tohru, you're crushing me!" I wheezed from underneath my friend.
"I'm sorry," My friend apologizes as she sits up, then gasps. I could see the panic rise in her face as she took in our situation. "You turned into cats? But you were humans a second ago… Is this because of me?" She shakes her head with a new look of determination. "We'll worry about that later! First, we need to get you some help," She picked us up and started running for help. I was just in shock that she was taking it better than I thought she would. I totally expected her to faint. I glanced at the orange cat squashed in Tohru's other arm. Everything was happening to fast for my brain to keep up.
Did I turn him into a cat? And why did I turn into the cat and not the zodiac sign that he was born under? And how in the hell am I going to explain this mess to my Head of House? OH GOD WHAT'S HE GOING TO DO TO TOHRU!?
Tohru ran on the path until Shigure's house came into view. "Maybe he will help me." She panted sounding desperate. She must not be thinking clearly; a normal person would say she's insane if she told them she turned us into cats. This whole time the orange cat didn't say anything. He hung limply on Tohru's arm with a depressed look on his face. As she approached the house she squashed us together in one arm, then banged on the door praying under her breath for someone to be home. The door finally opened and there stood Shigure, dressed much the same as when I came here last time.
"Well, who do we have here?" He let out a small laugh when he took in the sight of us.
That's not the reaction I was expecting.
"Kyo, is that you?" he asked, grabbing the orange cat out of Tohru's arms and holding him up to look into his eyes. I was surprised and just looked on in silence.
They know each other? Don't tell me they're also related?
"Maybe, what of it?" Kyo snapped to Shigure. He struggled free of Shigure's grip and jumped to the floor. I felt Tohru stiffen in shock when Kyo spoke. I didn't have time to dwell on it when I saw Shigure looking at me.
Oh hell no! He better not try unless he wants to be scratched!
"Oh, what kind of cat is this?" Shigure asked as he reached out and grabbed me. Tohru let him take me out of her arms without a fight.
Thanks for the help Tohru. I struggled in his grip but he held me tightly.
"You put me down right now or I will claw your face to shreds" I spat in his face still struggling for freedom.
"My, you sound like that young lady who was here yesterday" Shigure taunted with a smirk.
"Yeah I am! Now let me go!" I finally wiggled out of his grip and jumped to the floor, walking away a little and shaking out my rumpled fur. I looked over to see Shigure pull Tohru inside and shut the door behind her. She moved without resisting. I moved closer to Tohru wanting to comfort her but not knowing how.
"Tohru? Are you ok?" I asked, stopping at her feet. She looked down at me and I was startled to see tears in her eyes. She dropped to her knees and scooped me up, hugging my tightly.
"I don't know what to feel. What if you two are stuck like that?" Tohru whispered into my ear. I felt my heart crack at the sadness in her voice.
"I won't be stuck like this forever it'll wear off soon, I don't know exactly how long. After I'm human again I'll tell you what happened, if you're willing to listen," Tohru held me at arms-length, looking me in the eyes.
"Promise?" She looked very stern. I dipped my head.
"Promise," I responded, then I heard Shigure or Kyo clear their throat behind us.
I forgot they were there. How embarrassing!
"So, Kyo, how did this young lady change into a cat with you?" Shigure asked addressing the orange cat who had his back facing towards us. Tohru set me back on the floor.
"Hell if I should know!" Kyo snapped to Shigure.
Is he the same as me then? I decided to try and find out.
"Does this always happen when you hug someone of the opposite gender?" I asked him as I padded over to where he sat. Shigure answered my question instead.
"I guess there is no hiding it now that you've seen. Yes, this is what happens every time, with a few exceptions. But what I don't get is why you turned into this rainbow spirit cat thing." Shigure asked, waving a hand at me. He paused thinking. "Actually, we should get you two into private rooms before you turn back. Then we can talk more"
Shit! My clothes are still back at the tent!
"Why? What happens when they turn back?" Tohru asked getting to her feet, dusting off her knees. Seeing this I looked around at the floor.
There's dust everywhere! Do they ever dust this place? I shook my head. This is no time to think about that I just need to get into a room alone before I change back.
"When they turn back to humans, they'll be completely naked. Right, Liisa-San?" Shigure explained as he started walking down the hall. "You can use the bathroom that's down the hall and Kyo can go in my room, as long as he doesn't destroy anything."
"Right," I meowed in response as I followed behind him, eager to get away before I revert back.
I really want to hear about Kyo. I thought I was the only one cursed like this.
We walked around a corner down the hallway when we heard the front door open; a soft voice announces "I'm home."
This presence…is that Yuki? I didn't notice it with Shigure and Kyo's presences so close.
I look to Shigure and Kyo, who seemed to have stiffened. My eyes narrow, suspecting those two already know the owner of the voice.
The sound of footsteps heads in our direction. I hear Tohru gasp when the newcomer rounds the corner to reveal Yuki.