Warning: this story contains spoilers
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Long, long ago.. there lived a certain person in a certain place. This person had been all alone... for many, many years...
One day, they came down from their mountain.. and discovered humans had started living there.
But this person was still alone...
This person had lived a thousand lifetimes and possessed a thousand different powers. Their memories stretched back through a millennia.
They were not like the humans at all.
And so... this person came to fear the humans.
Feared getting hurt... but then, one day...
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Sunlight warmed my skin as I ran. Enjoying the high, the rush, the freedom the …
"Okay... Maybe this wasn't a good idea," I huffed as I tried to catch my breath, placing my hand on my heart. Willing it to calm down and bring it to a somewhat reasonable heart rate. I couldn't afford to pass out or something over a small jog because I'm sure then Dadaji would make me go back to the hospital for another month to make sure I didn't push myself.
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…..although….they might have a point…I feel like my heart wants to fly out of my chest cavity.
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But it was such a beautiful morning, and I was starting to get a little stir crazy inside the house. Although maybe I should've stuck to a brisk walk instead of a jog, but I wanted to move, I wanted to feel the wind, I wanted to run.
I leaned up against a wall and slid down it to sit on the ground, looking towards the heavens... The sky was still blue, but I could see dark grey clouds quickly moving in, the wind helping it along.
"Maybe that's enough movement one day..." I decided, then heard a sliding sound ending with a loud clack sound.
Black hair poked out of the window I was resting beside, her pale face turned my way. Pretty, deep purple eyes looking down at me with curiosity. She seemed to be maybe a few years older than me, but her eyes looked tired like she had an old soul.
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What a pretty girl! But there's something about her…. And I'm staring awkwardly… Alright Marley, time to introduce yourself
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"Good morning!" I greeted, slipping into my Japanese. She didn't say anything, just kept watching. I got up from the ground and walked over, so I was standing directly in front of her.
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Maybe she's shy?
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"Beautiful day, isn't it, great day for a run, but I'm totally out of shape...I hope I didn't bother you with my huffing and puffing." I joked as I smiled at her, dark eyes looking over me, a subtle glare as if my very presence was a bother.
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Or maybe that's just the way her face is...
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"What are you doing here?" She asked as she leaned a little further out the window to talk, resting her head on the on her arms.
"Oh, just catching my breath…. I'm sorry, is this your home? I didn't mean to bother you! I'm still getting used to the Estate, It's like a village in here." I explained, stretching my arms to the sky.
The girl let out a little smirk. "I wouldn't expect an outsider to know their way around," She commented, trying to hide her mouth behind her hand. I decided not to take her words too personally.
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... I mean... I am an outsider
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"Hahaha, well, if you have any tips, I'd be forever grateful. My sense of direction is…. Less than desirable," I laughed, poking fun at myself more, hoping it would help her lighten up a bit.
The girl smiled a bit and looked like she was about to say something else, but as she shifted, I caught sight of the deep purple fabric on her sleeve, catching an intricate design of white floral.
"Wow, your kimono looks beautiful on you," I exclaimed, gazing at the plum material decorated with floral stitching.
She blushed lightly and mumbled thanks, avoiding my eyes. I merely smile at her, felt like I had found a new friend.
" I almost thought Zuzu was the only one around my age around here, my name's Ma-"
Thunder roared, and a strong wind blew past me, interrupting my introduction. Thunder roared again, and rain began to pour down, forcing me to cut the introduction short. I felt the rain hit my skin and couldn't help but smile at the sensation.
"I should get back. I'll see you around!" I shouted, breaking into a light jog towards Dadaji's house, which was almost at the other side of the complex.
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She seemed... a little unsure...a little bit of loneliness in her eyes…. Hopefully, I'll see her again
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Stepping back into the house, I slipped off my sneakers and walked through the kitchen and drank straight from the tap, quenching my thirst. I listened to another boom and the constant sound of pitter-patter against the roof.
" We do have cups, we're not animals." Dadaji's gruff voice called from the kitchen door, I lifted my head and met his disapproving face and crossed arms. He stood tall in deep forest green kimono making him look very regal.
"Sorry." I chirped before I wiped my mouth and gave him a sheepish smile. Thunder boomed again, and the rain started pelting down harder, and I could hear it pounding on the roof.
" Dadaji! The rain!" I cheered as I slid past him and went to the porch and taking insight.
My hand reached out to feel the drops against my skin, rain sliding off the back of my hand down to fingers, sliding down to my dark manicured nails.
"You're much too excited about the rain." He mumbled as he shook his head, his short dark grey hair slightly moving with him. The elder kneeled at the table, taking a long sip from his tea.
"I can't help it Dadaji, this is the first time I've seen rain since I've been out." I laughed as I took in the Sohma property, the beautiful garden now under a blanket of heavy rain.
Mornin', I'm Marley Kaur Bakshi. I've been living in the hospital in Tokyo for the past few months, and just last week, I was given the okay to go home. Only, home isn't really an option, my parents passed away in March, and there's no family left for me in Nevada, so here I am living at my Bapu's father's home is the Sohma estate in Japan till' I get sent back to the states.
It's definitely a whole new world for me, and I stick out like a sore thumb. I think I might be the first brown person a lot of these people have seen. It's kind of entertaining, but it's gonna get old soon. At least I've met some friendly, curious people, well…most are friendly... I'm trying not to get too comfortable, I'll be out of Dadaji's hair soon enough. It'll be hard to say goodbye...
I set up the yoga mat outside on the porch, still undercover from the rain, and started with my morning set. The music of the rain dropping to the surface filling me with gratefulness I couldn't really describe.
"Dry yourself off before you make yourself sick." Scolded Dadaji as he eyed my slightly damp hair.
" Let me do some yoga first, then I'll hop in the shower," I promised as I settled into a simple toe-touch stretch, feeling my muscles getting pulled as my fingers wrapped around the arch of my foot.
I only heard him grumble and the crinkle of a newspaper, choosing to just let me be as I took a deep breath and did a gentle stretch.
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Letting out a long exhale and came out of downward dog and into a cobra pose, stretching my back out as much as I could.
"Hatori is going to drop by to check on you." I heard Dadaji's mumble through the newspaper, sounding less than enthused.
"Don't get too excited." I teased as I finished up stretching and joined him at the table. I wasn't sure what Dadaji had against the handsome doctor, but Dadaji didn't seem to get along with many people. I recalled the walk we took the evening before where every time someone would see him, it seemed to be a forced greeting and Dadaji would just grumble back.
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Or they just seemed to be terrified of him
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He just let out a hmph sound and folded his newspaper, taking off his reading glasses. He was about to say something else when a rumbling sound coming from his stomach interrupted him
Dadaji went a little red, and I could only laugh.
"Let me take a quick shower and then I'll get started on some lunch." Patting his shoulder, I got up and went upstairs.
I scrubbed my body with my lavender-scented body wash, washing away the small sweat I had built up and enjoyed the warm water, successfully steaming up the bathroom while I got clean.
Feeling refreshed, I wrapped my long wet hair up in a towel turban, threw on a casual black cotton dress, and headed to the kitchen to get started on some lunch.
"What to make, what to make…."
As I thought out loud, I walked into the kitchen, and I scrolled through my phone to play my recently played song list. Pressing shuffle, and it automatically connected to the Bluetooth speaker in the kitchen, reggae music filled the space as I opened the large refrigerator.
"No, woman, no cry..." I sang along to myself as I took out some vegetables. I settled to make simmered tofu and chopped veggies. There was some minced chicken left in the fridge, so I decided to use the rest and make some chicken meatballs. I may be a vegetarian, but Tetsuo Sohma is definitely a carnivore. Can't let him starve.
I hummed along to the music as I chopped some chives, hoping the handsome doctor would make it for lunch.
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Dark eyes stared out the window and looked over the rain covered Estate. The woman was still slightly confused by the girl she had seen earlier. The stranger hadn't used any respectful terms and had spoken to her so casually. As if she had been genuinely happy to talk to her, bright amethyst purple eyes staring into her soul, unafraid.
"Akito, would you like some lunch?" the voice of her secretary asked from inside the room.
"…. Did we start hiring foreigners or something?" asked the girl as she continued to look out the window. The musical sound of the mystery girl's strange accent in her head.
"excuse me?" The woman's personal secretary was genuinely confused by the question.
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The woman sluggishly walked away from the window and draped herself over the tall, handsome man. Running her hands through his deep auburn hair.
" That girl, from earlier… Who was she…" she asked, her secretary looked confused, only annoying the girl causing her to push him away.
"Someone has to know, she sticks out like a nail." She hissed, annoyed for one reason or another. The curious man titled his head, thinking of new additions to the Sohma Estate.
"Do you mean…. Yuuto-san's daughter?" he asked tentatively, his eyes watching Akito's small frame as she walked back to the window. The woman only shook her head.
"She didn't look like a Sohma, I said foreigner. " she snapped at him, growing more and more frustrated that he wasn't properly listening to her.
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"From what I understand, Yuuto-san was her stepfather, I can't remember what her name was." He clarified, now knowing who Akito was talking about.
"she wasn't at the funeral …" Akito pointed out, thinking back at the small funeral service that she had been basically forced to attend.
"Hatori-Nii mentioned it at the funeral that Yuuto-San's daughter was in the hospital and couldn't attend." He explained, the man remembered thinking that Yuuto's daughter must have been pretty sick if she couldn't even attend her own parent's funeral.
"Apparently, she's only staying for a little bit till she has to go home to America." Akito's shoulder slightly slumped, and the auburn-haired man watched curiously as he had known the woman all her life, and it had been a long time he'd seen her interested in someone other than a Zodiac member.
"….."
"Akito…"
"I'm not hungry… leave me Kureno..but don't go far." Akito ordered as she laid down, already exhausted by the events of the day, a sense of disappointment flooding her chest.
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"Tremble for yourself, my man,
You know that you have seen this all before
Tremble little lion man,
You'll never settle any of your scor-"
A chime at the door stopped me in my sing-along of Little Lion Man, and I turned the stove off, removing the tofu from the pot and moving the contents into a large bowl. I wiped my hands on a dishtowel, threw it over my shoulder, and walked over to the main living room.
" Ah Hatori, how are you, can you stay for lunch?" I greeted the tall, handsome doctor, happy to see a familiar face. He nodded and said he was doing well and gave me a small smile, his dark purple eyes looking into my lighter pair.
" I'd like that, thank you. I actually brought someone who-"
Then a small yellow blur jumped in front of me, interrupting Hatori.
"Du bist wundershoen!" The yellow blob exclaimed as they latched onto my hands and jumped up and down. It took me a moment to figure out what was going on. Once the blob stopped jumping up and down, I started into large, kind chocolate eyes.
"Marley, right, you're Marley!" Said the blonde boy. His bright blond hair matching his bright smile. He looked to be only 11 or 12, a young, innocent aura surrounding him.
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What a cute little boy...
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"Uh... Yes, that's me," I said, smiling. He was so cute, whoever he is.
He spoke some more... German, I think... I couldn't understand, but he sounded adorable and friendly.
He placed a kiss on my cheek and was about to say something until Dadaji grabbed him by his ear and pulled him back.
"Watch it, kid, not so touchy," Dadaji scolded while shaking the poor boy.
"Ah, Dadaji! It's okay!" I yelled while waving my hands, trying to lessen the poor boys...punishment. The young boy wriggled in Dadaji's hands, looking to escape.
"Momiji, you promised you would behave today." Sighed Hatori, bringing his hand to the bridge of his nose, looking exhausted.
"But she's so pretty! NO ONE TOLD ME THAT! I couldn't help it!" Whined the young boy as he continued to try and get away from Dadaji's clutches.
"Tetsuo-Sama! I'm sorry," He cried, and Dadaji finally let go, grumbling about making the boy into a rabbit stew. Which, in turn, made me raise an eyebrow.
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That's a very specific threat….
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"Ummmm, we were about to have lunch if you two would like to join." I offered to try to de-escalate the situation.
"Yay! I'll help" Cheered the boy as he got away from Dadaji and grabbed my hands, dragging me into the kitchen.
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The blonde boy who Hatori called Momiji dragged me into the kitchen, bouncing all the way. His energy was undoubtedly infectious, and I couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm to help me get lunch ready.
He turned to me, big chocolate eyes gazing up at me.
"How can I help?! Oh, I'm Momiji! Sohma Momiji," He finally introduced himself, giving me another cheerful smile.
"It's nice to meet you Momiji, I'm Bakshi Marley, here, we just need to set up the table." I Introduced myself and started putting piling dishes into his hands.
"Are you hafu?" He asked, looking up at me, his big, beautiful eyes brimming with curiosity.
"Hafu?" I asked, trying to rack my brain for what he meant.
"I am! My Mutti's from Germany and Papa is a Sohma." He explained. So it must have been German he was speaking earlier.
"I don't know, can I be hafu if I'm not half Japanese? But I am mixed. Mama was from India, and my father was European, but my Bapu was a Sohma." I explained, loading a tray with cups and a teapot. I used to be a little unsure of my mixed ethnicity because it caused me a little grief, but it was nice seeing someone else who was a mix. And he was possibly the cutest young boy I had ever seen.
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He's gonna grow into a handsome man, a heartbreaker, that's for sure
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"Ah, so we're both half and half. We should start a club." He decided, proud of his mixed heritage, and he seemed eager to start this club with me. Not only is he cute, but he's the friendliest Sohma by a long shot.
"I've never been in a club before, but I'm happy to be in one with you Momiji, we'll have to come up with some group field trips" I suggested, smiling down at him. He let out a giggle, and a small blush appeared on his cheeks as we headed into the living room to set the table.
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"You really had to bring the boy?" Sighed Tetsuo, rolling his shoulders, trying to get rid of the tension in his back.
"Apologies, I made the mistake of mentioning Marley, and he's been excited to meet her ever since. The Estate, in general, is very curious about the newcomer, she's only been out of the hospital for a little bit, but Marley's become a hot topic." Explained Hatori, the doctor placing his bag by the tatami mat and taking a seat at the table, across from the elder.
"Are you afraid of how she'll react, maybe we should tell her before she accidentally finds out? Or have you changed your mind about telling her at all." Questioned the doctor, knowing that Momiji wasn't as cautious as the other Zodiac members when it came to being around the opposite sex... But Tetsuo couldn't help but wonder how his granddaughter would react to the strange curse.
"No, that boy just annoys me, he's too touchy and should keep his paws to himself... openly kissing Marley like that..." The Sohma Elder looked like he was plotting for ways to get rid of the young boy and Hatori couldn't help but let out a sigh at the protective man.
" It was just a kiss on the cheek... Marley herself has been known to be affectionate when she's excited or happy." Hatori pointed out, trying to give Momiji a little slack.
"Hmph... anyway... There's only one Zodiac member I don't want her meeting….. Plus, if they keep popping up around her, she would find out eventually. My Granddaughter can handle it, Hatori, she knows how to hold her own." Confirmed Tetsuo, knowing well he has the upper hand in this discussion. The elder knew even the 'God' of Zodiac couldn't touch him.
Hatori stayed silent, not knowing what else he could say on the matter. No one knew what to make of the new guest on the Sohma property. Would she be staying in Japan, or would she go back home to America? What did Marley want to do? Hatori kind of knew what Tetsuo wanted from his Granddaughter, but it was a lot to ask of someone who was essentially an outsider.
"Have you asked her yet? She is still just a child, should you be so ready to throw away her future." He answered, making a good point.
Before Tetsuo could respond, the door from the kitchen opened with Momiji and Marley carrying dishes and tea to set up. Disappearing again quickly to grab the food. Laying everything out with care. Marley sat to Tetsuo's right, and Momiji sat across from her.
The smell of the hot food filled the room, and everyone found themselves salivating at the home-cooked meal.
"Itadakimas!" Cheered Momiji as everyone dug in, Marley was none the wiser that the two adults had been talking about her.
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Rain was still pounding down on the Sohma estate as Hatori checked my breathing. The cold metal of the stethoscope pressed against the bare skin on my back.
"Feeling a little strained today, Marley?" asked Hatori as he took away the stethoscope, and I pulled my shirt down.
"I did go for a little jog, but I promised I stopped when I started to struggle." I pleaded, looking up at him, giving him my best puppy dog eyes, hoping he wouldn't scold me too harshly.
The family doctor let out a massive sigh, already exhausted by my stubborn nature. I know I probably shouldn't have gone for the small jog, but I had been so excited to be able to. To be free of the hospital room that I had been basically imprisoned to for months.
"You're still pretty fresh of surgery, your scar is healing nicely, but that doesn't mean you should push yourself." He reprimanded, lightly flicking my forehead.
"Ish, okay, I'll stick to just yoga for the next little while, but a girl in a window was totally judging me for my ... out of shapeness... so as soon as I can, I'm taking up jogging again." I reasoned, rubbing my forehead.
"Girl in a window?" Questioned Hatori as he put away his supplies into his bag.
"Ya, she thought it was funny I was huffing and puffing for breath." I laughed, thinking of the strange ebony haired girl I had come across this morning.
"Well... just take it easy, doctor's orders." He said, giving the final word. I gave a small nod, I understood his concern.
"Sooo, when do you think I'll be able to go back to dance?" I asked, slightly just wanting to push Hatori a bit, but I was hopeful for a good answer. Hatori just shook his head and told me to be patient.
"Thank you so much for coming out to check on me Hatori, I think Dadaji worries too much, but I know he's thankful that you came over." I expressed my gratitude and bowed down a bit to him. Hatori had been by my side since the early winter, helping me through some of my darker moments.
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I don't know how I'll ever repay his kindness
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As I was bowing, Momiji popped in and kneeled below me, looking up at me with those eyes that would put my puppy dog eyes to shame.
"Ne, ne! Marley-Chan, let's watch TV together." He cheered, not even giving me a chance to answer and dragging me to the TV in the living room that was playing cartoons. I didn't recognize the show, but I had seen the strange mascot of the show everywhere.
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Sort of looks like a Pikachu knock off... it's kinda cute
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The rain didn't let up till it was late afternoon, and Hatori mentioned that they should head out. Momiji whined for a little bit, but we exchanged numbers, and I encouraged him to text or call me anytime.
"Marley-Chan! Let's go cherry picking soon! They're finally in season!" Momiji was practically bouncing up and down as he held my hands. All his movements reminded me of a cute little cartoon bunny. I could even picture little bunny ears on top of his head.
"That sounds like so much fun, I love cherries." I agreed to the plans, we quickly discussed what day would be best. I was looking forward to making a few delicious cherry pies, making a list to pick up a few things from the supermarket.
"Thank you for lunch, Marley. As usual, it was delicious." Praised Hatori in that kind of deadpan voice that I've learned not to take seriously. He had a rare small smile on his face, and I couldn't help but blush at the compliment.
My chest felt warm when I thought of the idea of Hatori and Momiji coming over again in the future and enjoying meals together.
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I wonder what Momiji's favourite food is?
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"Thank you for saying so, I've been trying to cook more Japanese meals, I think Dadaji might have an ulcer from all the spicy Indian meals I've been cooking lately." I joked as they put on their shoes, the area still slightly wet from the rain the boys brought in earlier.
"Here, let me grab the door, you've got stuff to the carry-" In stepping down, I slipped on the step in the genkan and fell towards Momiji. I felt small arms wrap around me and then— nothing…. but a sharp popping noise rang in the air.
Sparkly yellow smoke was everywhere, and I was holding something soft. I coughed a few times and looked down into soft chocolate eyes.
"Huh?"
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~To be continued ~
notes
Bapu - Punjabi - father
Dadaji - Punjabi term= grandfather, only referring to one's own grandfather
Du bist wundershoen - german - You are beautiful
Hafu - refers to somebody who is Half Japanese
Genkan - traditional Japanese entry way area of the house where people leave their shoes.
Itadakimas - said before eating a meal
Mutti - german - mother
Bold writing- English
* I Do not own Fruits Basket or any of its characters, they belong to Natsuki Takaya
*Story Image belongs to Kaoru Mori