Fruits Basket

Darkness No More

Chapter Ten: Ritsu Sohma

A chill sailed through the air of the dark gray sky. Akito drove to the Sohma onsen to speak to another curse member and his family.

As she pulled up into the parking space, as she emerged from the car, she ran into the head of the onsen Okami Sohma. The manger bowed to her, but the moment her eyes laid upon Akito they widen as she continued to bow.

"Hello Okami, it's been a while." Akito said followed with a smile.

"Yes, it has I'm sorry you had to park the car, I could have done that for you," Okami said in her normal apologetic manner.

Akito couldn't help but shake her head a bit the family was still apologizing like always. She should be the one apologizing to them.

"It's alright, is Ritsu in I would like to speak with him in fact, I would like to speak to the entire family if that is okay," Akito finished.

Okami's eyes widen before bowing and nodding at the same time. The two of them finally walked inside. The whiff of an herbal fragrance welcomed them as the warmth of the of onsen tingled up and down her skin. Akito truly loved coming to this place. She could always relax here, but now he hoped he could bring happiness to this family that he had caused so much pain to.

"Ritsu! Lord Akito wishes to speak to you!" Okami shouted.

Turning around, Okami bowed profusely, noticed the discomfort her yelling has caused.

"I am sorry please forgive me I shouldn't have yelled like that," Okami said, still bowing.

"It's alright," Akito repeated.

Soon both Akito and Okami finally reached the dining room, where an older man bowed, welcoming Akito. Looking down at the table, Akito couldn't believe her eyes. From a fully cooked boar stuffed with an apple in its mouth to various salads and cakes with a bottle of expensive red wine that was only brought on special occasions.

Akito smiles word travels fast in this onsen she thought but she was glad just the same. Smiling still, Akito welcomed Okami's husband and brother, who also sat down at the table, bowing a few times as they waited. With everyone here, the only thing left to do now was to wait for Ritsu.

Upstairs, running back and forth, Ritsu was picking out his clothes. Soon he settled on a simple top with a pair of blue jeans. Yet as he finished slipping on his clothes, a searing pain welcomed him, almost brining down to his knees.

"Oh dear me what is this... wait this feels different," Ritsu whispered.

While the pain continues to tear thought him, he took a deep break and after a few moments, the pain subsided. With no time to dwell on it, Ritsu put on his slippers and ran downstairs.

Moments later, Ritsu joined his mother and uncle. His eyes widen when even saw his father in the dinning room as well. Sitting in the room with a plate of food in front of him, along with a glass of wine. The four of them eyes widen as Akito smiled something rare for anyone to see.

"Such an enormous meal. Please eat with me, for a celebration is in order," Akito said.

"Oh?" Ritsu asked,

Not wanting to disobey, the four of them grab a glass and held it up to the sky, as did Akito.

"To freedom!" Akito shouted.

"To freedom!" Everyone shouted.

As everyone took a sip from their glasses Ritsu didn't A thought invaded his mind. Why did Akito say that, and why was he even here? Tiling his head, Ritsu was so lost in his thoughts he jumped when a hand touched his shoulder. He looked up into the Akito's calm purple eyes.

"You are free Ritsu, our curse is no more," Akito said.

Ritsu eyes wide as tears flooded his vision. Soon his mother, Father and uncle hugged him, crying with joy as they sang. Joy, sadness, and washed over Ritsu as his family kept singing. But his eyes watched as Akito slowly backed out of the dinning room. Curious, Ritsu pried his family members off him and followed while they continued singing.

Outside, night had come, but the stars were barely visible as a low rumble still echoed through the sky. But the full moon was out, much to Akito's delight. While she couldn't see the sun, at least the heavens let her see the moon.

"A full moon, such a peaceful sight," a voice said.

Akito glanced to her right and smiled as Ritsu looked up at the full moon.

"Yes, it truly is," Akito said.

The two stood there for a few moments, enjoying the view.

"Thank you for letting go. I know it must have been hard for you."

"Your welcome and while yes it was hard, I knew I couldn't keep you all close to me forever,"

Ritsu nodded. He then turned to Akito and took a hold of his hands. Taken back by this gesture, she looked into Ritsu's eyes.

"I know you never thought much of me due to how I dressed, but I truly want to thank you. Now I can work on my confidence and who knows maybe I can be a confident as Ayame one day."

Akito had to fight back a sigh. While she was glad Ritsu was happy, she truly hopes he doesn't become another Ayame.

"Are you tired why don't you stay the night?" Ritsu asked.

At first Akito wanted to say no, she was used to resting in her car on the hard leather seats but sleeping in a nice warm bed and enjoying a dip in the onsen is too good of an offer to pass up.

"Thank you, I will."

Smiling, both Akito and Ritsu walked back inside, joining everyone on this night of celebration. As the moon continued to bathe the onsen on this wonderful night.