Fruits Basket

Darkness No More

Chapter Nine: Kagura Sohma

A few days have passed and the gray sky remained, followed with a low rumble and a cool breeze. Many people were carrying umbrellas or wearing raincoats, but not Kagura Sohma. She merely smiled and continued on her way.

Humming, cook or walk to the sound of her own beat. She would stop by clothing shop after clothing shop, glancing at what they had on display in the windows. She was thinking of what to get everyone when she visited should gray again in a few days.

So many choices, Kagura said amusingly.

Smiling, Kagura was about to move on to the next shop when a strange sensation washed over her body. Breathing hard, Kagura clutched her chest as she dropped to her knees. She bit her lip as the pain ravaged her body.

What was this? Kagura thought it could have been something she ate. The rice balls from a vendor or soup from that shady shop she went to. I know this wasn't a stomach ache. She thought this was something more serious.

Focusing on the pain, Kagura opened her eyes and realized she had moved. Before she was on her knees by a clothing store but nowhere, she was sitting on a bench looking into the eyes of none other than Akito Sohma, the head of Sohma house.

"It will be over soon," Akito

Akita was right. The intense pain dulled, and after a few moments it disappeared completely. Taking a deep breath and sitting up straight, Kagura looked at Akito again.

"Better?" Akito asked.

"Yes, um, but this is a shock to see you so far away from Sohma's house," Kagura said.

"I know, but don't worry, I haven't come to harm or yell at you."

"Then why?"

"What you felt was the curse breaking. You are free Kagura to live the way you see fit."

Kagura's eyes widen and her mouth hangs open. Free a word many others use but never regarded a Sohma. Akito had been known to lie before, but his calm demeanor told her otherwise. No, this was not a lie, it was real. As she looked into those eyes, fields of despair, she could see how serious he was. Kagura shook her head. It was strange she wanted to hug Akito but quickly decided against it because it might make him mad.

A smile spread across Kagura's lips. She could travel the world without being scared. She could go to college, pursue boys and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. The world has been open to her, but as she looks at Akito, a pang of sadness flickers in her heart. She may be free, but not everyone was. Kagura never saw it before, but the darkness that the others would talk about that permeated around Akito, she could see it now.

"Thank you. What about Kyo and Yuki?" Kagura asked.

"Their curses have been lifted too. I am visiting each Zodiac member and telling them the news."

A smirk crossed her lips over Kagura's lips. She couldn't wait to pester Kyo. Thinking about Akito's words, one person came to mind.

"Even Isuzu?"

"Yes, I will visit her soon."

"Alone? that is not wise,"

"It will be fine. I deserve what I get, Yuki, while he couldn't forgive, told he could one day. When I face Izumi I will just have to brace myself for whatever she throws at me." Akito said before standing up. "I must go. I have others to see. I hope we can meet again."

"Like wise,"

Akito nodded and walked away while Kagura watched him leave. A mixture of emotions still filled Kagura's heart as she continued to watch Akito leave. What he did to Yuki angered her, and the bet he made with Kyo caused her heart to ache. But tt was when she saw Akito's lonely eyes that truly caused her to wipe away a few tears. While she happy she won't see him for a long time, she also felt bad for him for the task he was doing was a dangerous one.

The moment Akito was out of sight, Kagura looked up at the dark gray sky and sighed.

"Now I know why the sun won't come out, for the storm that is coming will be a cruel one indeed."