Fruits Basket

Darkness No More

Chapter Four: Hiro & Kisa Sohma

It was morning; the sun shined brightly over the vast country of Japan. While there, adults were heading to work and kids were in school. Kisa and Hiro were running late. Running as fast as their feet would carry them, Hiro and Kisa were trying to make it to school.

They had both woken up because of a strange pain that made them sick. But as it dulled, they felt better than they ever did. So, after a warm bath and breakfast they ran down street after street, turning many corners, but it always felt as if it wasn't enough.

Breathing heavily at the crosswalk, Hiro was still standing while Kisa found a bench to rest on.

"We're too far… away," Kisa said, trying to catch her breath.

"I know but we have to try." Hiro said between breaths.

Hiro finally sat down beside Kisa. His eyes stared at Kisa's hand he wanted to lay his hand over hers but the image of Akito pushing them remain bored into his mind. Right now, the two needed to rest in hopes to get to school on time.

Cruising down the street with her windows down, Akito stopped at a red light. She wasn't sure which Sohma she should visit next. While a pang of guilt washed her when she thought about Yuki or Izusu, she knew she would have visited them, eventually.

Yet as she continued to wait for the light, a pair of familiar voices caused her ears to perk up.

"We're going to be late," Kisa said.

"We have thirty minutes left... we have to try," Hiro pleaded.

Looking to her left, she noticed Hiro and Kisa, the tiger and the lamb, on a bench. They looked like they needed some help. She hoped they would take her up on the offer.

Hiro's and Kisa's head snapped up the moment a horn interrupted them. Hiro's eyes looked on in terror as he hopped off the bench and approached the familiar vehicle. All he could do was stand there and stare into the eyes of none other than the head of Sohma house.

"Akito..." Hiro uttered.

Kisa hopped off the bench and peaked out from behind Hiro.

"You two seem to be in a bind can I help?" Akito asked.

Hiro remained silent as he balled up his fist. Anger rolled off him like a wildfire, while Kisa couldn't stop shaking.

"Um, we are running late for school." Kisa finally said.

"Say no more hop in I'll take you there," Akito offered.

Hiro refused to move. He didn't trust Akito. How could he trust the person who hurt Kisa to help them at a time like this. No, there had to be an alternative motive behind this, he thought. Yet it was the gentle touch from Kisa who brought his mind back to the present.

"Hiro…." Kisa said, nudging her lamb.

"You won't try anything?" Hiro asked.

"I promise," Akito replied.

Hiro nodded. The doors were unlocked, and both children hopped into the back seat. The moment their door was closed and their belts buckled, the light turned green and they were off.

Silence rippled through the car as Akito turned the corner. Glancing through the rearview mirror, she noticed Hiro's eyes were looking right back at her while Kisa's were looking out the window, but she noticed Kisa's hand move a little closer to Hiro's.

Focusing on the road, a memory flashed across Akito's mind of her, Hiro and Kisa at Sohma house. Hiro was the one who told him he loved Kisa, and the rage she felt at the moment exploded. She knocked Kisa to the floor, then punched and kick her. Sighing, Akito shook her head. Her dark side truly caused them so much pain.

But the moment the car pulled into the school parking lot; a smile formed across Kisa's lips. Akito noticed a content smile across Hiro's lips.

"See, we made it with time to spare, too," Kisa said.

Hiro didn't say a word, as both he and Kisa hopped out of the car. Akito rolled down the passenger side window.

"Why did you do this for us?" Hiro asked.

"To apologize for all the turmoil, I caused the both of you."

Hiro's eyes widen for a moment, then he looked away for once he didn't see any hatred in Akito's eyes. All he could see was sorrow.

"You'll have to do more than just a car ride. When you hurt Kisa, I couldn't do anything to stop you. All I could do is watch as you punched and kicked her while she swarmed on the floor. I hate you for what you did to Kisa, but thank you for the ride. I don't think I can forgive you, not yet anyway."

"I understand." Akito said with a nod.

Before Akito could say another word, Hiro was already walking down toward the school doors. But not Kisa. She was still there. She bowed to Akito and looked at her with a smile.

"Thank you for the ride... um, while I forgive you, it might take Hiro a while to do the same," Kisa said.

"Why do you forgive me? I hurt you so much back then shouldn't you hate me as well?" Akito asked.

Kisa closed her eyes and took a deep breath before looking back at Akito.

"The world is too short to hate. While that moment still haunts me, I could understand why you did that back then. You saw our love as a threat and retaliated. Now that I have the chance, I can ask, do you still see our love as a threat?" Kisa asked.

Tears filled Akito's eyes. For a child, she is so mature. But she was right. Back then she wanted all the members of the zodiac members to see her and no one else. Any happiness they held she wanted to destroy it, for if she couldn't be happy, no one could. But not anymore. The time it was time to let them go, the warmth of life could give them. For the only darkness that should remain is her own.

"No, I don't see it as a threat anymore. In fact, congratulations, you both have my blessing. May your love strengthen over time," Akito said.

Kisa's eyes lit up as an overwhelming joy washed over her. To hear Akito say that made this into the best day ever. She couldn't wait to tell Hiro. Bowing, Kisa took off and caught up with Hiro. Taking a hold of his hand, Akito chuckled when she saw Kisa give Hiro a kiss on the cheek. Hiro blushed and ran away, with Kisa right on his tail. Now the tiger finally has the confidence to pursue her lamb.

Back on the road Akito let the wind of mother nature smack her face as the sun continued to hide itself among the clouds. It was time Akito knew where she had to go. Like it or not, she needed to do this. So, she turned the corner and drove on toward Kaibara Municipal High School. Where the one she hurt the most would be.