Fruits Basket

Darkness No More

Chapter Seven: Yuki Sohma

Sitting in math class, Yuki Sohma finished his assignments with ease. While math wasn't his favorite subject, the formulas were easy to follow. He looked to the back, expecting Kyo to be struggling with his problems like usual, but his seat was empty.

"Where is that stupid cat?"

Before Yuki could ponder about it anymore, a strange sensation washed over his body. It was as if something was tearing away from inside his body. As the pain increased, sweat poured off his brow. Soon all eyes were on him, including the teacher.

"May I be excused?" Yuki asked his teacher.

"Yes," the teacher said.

Without hesitation, Yuki stood up and made his way into the hall. Wobbling down the hall, Yuki finally stopped and leaned on the edge of a window frame for support. As the pain subsided, a wave of relief washed over him, along with a mixture of confusion. But that would have to wait, for his ears perked up, for someone was coming. Within moments, the footsteps stop and there stood Saki Hanajima looking back at him.

"Miss Hanajima," Yuki said breathlessly.

"You need to go outside," Hana said sternly.

Before Yuki could say another word, the two of them were already walking down the hall to the double doors.

"I don't understand. Why do I need to go outside?" Yuki asked.

"I am not sure, but what I can tell you is that beyond those doors you will experience fear along with peace."

Another one of Hana's riddles, Yuki thought. But his eyes stared at the double doors. Fear and peace. What a strange combination. When Yuki turned around, Hana was nowhere in sight. That always creeped him out. Sighing, Yuki looked back at the door as he placed his hand on the handle. He couldn't turn back now, so with a deep breath he pushed the door open and walked outside.

As the door closed behind him, Yuki's body frozen up as he locked eyes on the last person he expected to see today.

"Hello Yuki," Akito said, taking a step towards him.

"Stop, don't come any closer," Yuki pushed out his mouth.

Akito backed up until she was a few feet away.

"Is this better?" Akito asked.

Yuki nodded. He felt more relaxed with Akito not so close to him. But it was strange Akito listened to him, something Akito never did. But with him here Yuki's mind wandered he looked to Akito, who simply looked back at him.

"Did you talk to Kyo?" Yuki asked.

"Yes, and I spoke wit Momiji as well," Akito said.

Yuki's eyes widen as his mind kept on pondering Akito's words. Perhaps he hurt Momiji, but he was told he left happy. But Kyo, could he have hurt him? Yuki looked to Akito once more, who simply shook his head, as if knowing what he was thinking.

"No, I didn't hurt Kyo either." Akito said.

"Then why are you here?" Yuki asked, very curious about the answer.

Akito put her hands up. "Before you come to anymore conclusions, answer me this: did you feel a searing pain as if your body was tearing apart?"

"Yes, a few moments ago."

"How did you feel after?"

"Calm, peaceful…. and normal." Yuki's eyes widen when a thought crossed his mind.

Akito simply nodded when Yuki realized what was going on.

"The curse is broken," Yuki said.

Akito watched Yuki sit down on the steps. Her mind wandered back to the countless beatings and tears she caused Yuki. Any smiles he held. She made sure they were only for her and no one else. He would always reach out to her, pleading for her to stop, but that only made her hit him more. All while making him believe no one loved him and only she could take care of him.

Akito looked away, wiping her tears. As she pushed those dark thought away from the surface. Akito wanted to say something, but she kept her mouth shut, for she knew Yuki wouldn't forgive her for what she had done. Looking back at Yuki taking, she cleared her throat, which got Yuki's attention.

"What I did to you is unforgiveable, but I still want to say how sorry I am," Akito said, getting down on her knees and bowing, with her nose touching the cement.

Yuri stood up; this was truly a sight to behold. Seeking Akito would always bring back the dark nightmare he had to endure it was thanks to Tohru that he was able to stand here and face the darkness instead of running and hiding in the back of his mind. If this was true, he could finally move on from the darkness and enjoy the light, maybe even ask Machi Kuragi out on a date.

Yuki looked down at Akito's apology. He sighed as he walked over to Akito, who looked up at Yuki. He extends his hand out to him, which Akito gladly took.

"I can't say I forgive you, but I might be able to say it to you one day."

"I understand I hope we can have tea together one day."

"I would like that very much."

Akito and Yuki shook hands and nodded.

"I should get back to class."

Nodding, Akito watched Yuki walk back into the school. Sighing, Akito's heartfelt a little light after that conversation. In fact, she noticed that after every zodiac member of she visited, her heart seemed to hurt less and less. Smiling as she looked up at the gray sky, she took a deep breath, smelling the rain that threatens to fall. For the sun still refused to come out and greet her. No matter how much she wanted it to, she knew it would shine for her. Such things never to her, but that means she couldn't stop wanting it.

Sitting on the bench, Akito continued to look up at the sky while she had met all the Sohma's at the school she wondered if she could finally talk to the one that brought warmth and happen to all the Zodiac members, Tohru Honda.