We're Going
(Third-person POV)
*A single house stood on the top of a mountain*
?:*off-screen* I'll hold another banquet. And another. *a person wearing long flowing robes sat in the middle of a circle of animals* I'll hold banquet after banquet. An eternal series of gatherings. Forever unchanging. *the person touched the rim of a bowl of white liquid* I may be lonely now, but I won't despair. *the person was shown, holding a cat in their arms* Because everyone is waiting for me. *a circle light appeared underneath the person & strings came out of it* On the other side of that promise. Words spoken in the long distant past. Lost in the years that followed. The original memory. Forgotten by everyone. The original promise.
*A single tear fell from the cat's eye*
(Fruits Basket - Opening Theme - Again)
(Third-person POV)
*A girl with brown hair, pale skin, brown eyes, & wearing yellow ribbons in her hair, a white short sleeved shirt with blue trim, a blue mini-skirt with pleats, ruffles at the hem, navy blue socks that go up to mid-shin & brown slip on shoes, holding a black bag, was standing outside a tent & looking up at the sky*
Tohru: Wow! Usually the days start to cool off in mid September. But it looks like we're in for another hot one! *she turned to the tent behind her* Kazuko, it's time to go!
*A boy with black hair, pale skin, black eyes, & wearing a white short sleeved sweater with blue trim over a yellow shirt, a blue necktie, black pants, & brown slip on shoes with a brown backpack (look up "Kazuko Honda" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt") stepped out of the tent*
(Kazuko's POV)
Kazuko: Ready when you are.
*We both peeked back into the tent & looked at two pictures. One was a picture of a woman with short strawberry blonde hair, pale skin, brown eyes, & wearing a yellow long sleeved shirt & black pants, flashing a bright smile & a peace sign at the camera. The other was man with black hair, fair skin, black eyes, & wearing a white button up shirt & black pants, simply smiling at the camera*
Tohru: Alright. You look after our things while we're gone. Kay, Mom. Dad.
Kazuko: See you later, Mom and Dad.
*I zipped up the tent*
Tohru: Bye!
Kazuko: We'll see you after school!
*We both ran off.
*Hello. My name is Kazuko Honda. The girl next to me is my twin sister, Tohru (she's younger by 12 minutes). In case you're wondering, no, we weren't raised in a tent. We lived with our Mom in the city. It was just the tree of us. Until . . . Well, you'll find out later*
*We walked across a bridge over a small river. Tohru took out her watch*
Tohru: We still have plenty of time before we need to get to class, so how about we explore the area a little bit?
Kazuko: Sounds like a plan. *we walked until we came to a ledge. we gazed at the view of the city in amazement* Life out here by be hard, but you can't completely hate it when you've got a view like this.
Tohru: Yep! The breeze feels so good. *suddenly, we heard the sound of a wind chime. we looked to the right & saw a small house in a clearing* Wow, a new discovery! I didn't know there was a house here.
Kazuko: I guess we must've walked right past it a few times. Anyway, we better head to - *I gasped in shock when I saw Tohru heading towards the house* Tohru! What are you doing!? *I ran after her* Tohru! *I grabbed her arm* We can't just walk on to other people's property! That's called trespassing!
Tohru: Just a quick look, I promise. *she ran off again. I sighed & went after her. I found her looking at something on the back porch. I looked & saw it was little figurines of the Chinese Zodiac animals* Look, Kazuko! Aren't they cute?
Kazuko: Yes, very cute. But I really think we should leave before -
?:*off-screen* Hello?
*We looked up & saw a man with black hair, pale skin, gray eyes, & wearing a green robe & holding a newspaper*
Kazuko: - We get caught.
Shigure: This is a surprise. We don't get a lot young people wandering around here.
*I face-palmed & my sister started to have a mini freak out*
Tohru: Good morning, sir! I'm so sorry! We shouldn't have looking around without permission!
Kazuko: Who's we?
Shigure: It's fine. I wouldn't imagine that teenagers like you two would find this place interesting.
Tohru: No! We really do though. Right, Kazuko?
Kazuko: Yeah.
Tohru: Especially these Zodiac figurines you've got. Adorable!
Shigure: Yes. They're a favorite of mine too actually.
Tohru: Except . . . It looks like another set without the cat.
Shigure: The cat? Oh right. I see. You're thinking about the old Zodiac folk take aren't you?
Kazuko: Yeah. Our Mom would tell it to us over and over when we were little.
(Flashback - 11 Years Ago)
*Me & Tohru both lay in bed, with our Mom (longer hair) laying next to us*
Kyoko: Once upon a time, God made an invitation to the animals. God said, "I'm having a banquet tomorrow and all of you are invited to come." But the rat was mischievous and loved to play pranks. He lied to his neighbor, the cat. Telling him the banquet was actually the day after tomorrow. On the day of the banquet, the rat rode on the ox's back. Then leapt easily down to arrive first at their destination. After him came the ox, the tiger, and the rest of the animals. And they all feasted merrily until dawn. All of them that is, except the cat.
*Just then, Tohru started to cry*
Kazuko: Tohru? What's wrong? Why are you crying?
Tohru: The poor cat. How sad. Okay, that's it. *she stood up in between both me & Mom* From now on, I'm a cat, not a dog!
*Mom and I both sweat dropped*
(Present Time)
Shigure: Ah, if he heard that little story, I wonder how he'd feel.
*We both looked confused*
Tohru: Um, pardon?
Shigure: So then, Year of the Dog. That makes me feel so much closer to you both already.
Kazuko: In what way?
Shigure: Well you see, I'm a dog - *suddenly, he was smacked on the head with a brown backpack* My head . . .
?: Will you at least try to control your baser urges?
*Tohru & I looked up & saw a boy about our age with light grey hair, pale skin, dark grey eyes, & wearing the same uniform as me & holding the same backpack as me in one hand*
Yuki: Miss Honda. Kazuko. Hello. I hope my cousin here hasn't frightened you too badly.
*I was surprised to see the Yuki Sohma, the most popular boy in our high school, standing right in front of us*
Tohru: Wait, Sohma! Why are you here!? I mean, good morning!
Shigure: What do you have in there? A dictionary or something?
*Yuki put on his backpack*
Yuki: Two dictionaries actually. *he turned to us* Morning.
Kazuko: Morning.
Shigure: What's this? You all know each other?
Kazuko: We're all in the same class. I'm Kazuko Honda. This is my twin sister, Tohru.
Tohru:*bowing* It's nice to meet you.
Shigure: Same. I'm Shigure Sohma. Yuki's my little cousin.
Yuki: What brings you both to our house this morning?
Tohru: Um . . . We live around here, that's all. Right, Kazuko?
Kazuko: Uh . . . Yeah.
Shigure: Around here? Really?
Yuki: You do?
*We both got nervous*
Kazuko:*in his mind* I really hope this whole forest isn't Sohma family property.
Tohru: Well, we'll just be going!
Kazuko: Yeah! See you at school, Yuki!
*We were about to run out of the yard, but Yuki stopped us*
Yuki: Miss Honda. Kazuko.
*We turned to him*
Tohru: Yes?
Yuki: You're headed to school? Why don't we all walk together?
*We both were surprised at first, but I quickly got over it*
Kazuko: Sure.
*When we got to school, we all went our separate ways. I left Tohru for a little bit to check in on the school swim team (I'm sorta what you call a reserve member). When I found her again, I sighed in annoyance. She had been cornered by members of The Prince Yuki Fan Club. Or as I like to call them, the Stalker Club (cause that's pretty much all they do). There was a girl with long deep indigo blue hair with black bows in it, pale skin, & navy blue eyes, a girl with light brown hair styled in high pigtails with two pink elastics, peach skin, & light brown eyes, a girl with short greenish black hair, peach skin, & green eyes, & a girl with brown hair with a green ribbon in the back, peach skin, & brown eyes. All wearing the same uniform as Tohru*
Motoko: All right, Miss Honda! Explain! What is the meaning of this?
Tohru: I'm sorry . . .
Motoko: Don't you know me? You should. I'm Prince Yuki's representative. Motoko Minagawa.
Tohru: Oh, uh . . . Prince Yuki?
Motoko: Club core principles!
Rika: Never misappropriate Prince Yuki's personal effects!
Minami: Never enter Prince Yuki's home without permission!
Mai: Never speak to Prince Yuki without someone else present!
Motoko: Do you understand? We in the Prince Yuki Club are dedicated to worshipping the Prince, who has graced our school with his presence.
Kazuko:*in his mind* Oh please. More like stalk him and keep him from having any actual friends.
Motoko: Miss Honda! You and that brother of yours have publicly disregarded the regulations we painstakingly crafted for his protection! Now, we expect an extremely thorough explanation have why you two arrived to school with Yuki today!
*A couple of guys walked by*
Boy: Scary.
Motoko: Speak!
Tohru: I swear it was a coincidence, that's all.
*Apparently, because of Yuki's handsome face, he's already become the "Prince" of our school even though he's just a first year & quiet most of the time, at least according to the girls*
Motoko: If that were a good enough excuse, we wouldn't need the club, now would we!?
*The other girls started yelling in agreement*
Tohru: I'm sorry! I didn't -
*Having heard just about enough, I decided to step in*
Kazuko: Hey!
*They all turned to me*
Motoko, Minami, Mai, & Rika: What!?
*They all started to look a little nervous when they saw me. I stepped in front of my sister*
Kazuko: Who we, or Yuki for that matter, can hang out with us is none of your business! So buzz off!
Motoko: Not our - ! Of course it's our business! It's our job to protect the Prince of our beloved school from any and all threats!
*I started chuckling*
Minami: What's so funny!?
Kazuko: That you guys think you're protecting him, when in reality, you're just isolating him from everybody.
Minami: Why you little - !
*Motoko stopped her*
Motoko: Pay no attention to him. He's just jealous that he's only the second most popular boy in our school.
Rika: Yeah. He wishes he had devoted fans like us.
Kazuko: Oh please. I'm actually glad not to be the most popular. *they all looked at me, surprised* Because then I don't have to deal with you four stooges.
Motoko, Minami, Mai, & Rika: Why you!
*All five of us started to argue, with Tohru apologizing again. Just then, a girl with long blonde hair, peach skin, brown eyes, & wearing the same uniform as Tohru, but with a skirt that went down to her ankles & a girl with long black hair in a braid, pale skin, black eyes, & wearing the same uniform as Tohru, but with a skirt that went to her knees. It was our best friends. Arisa Uotani & Saki Hanajima. I blushed a little when I saw Saki.
Arisa: Hey! Don't pick a fight over something stupid just cause your ego got bruised.
*All four girls jumped back in fear*
Motoko: Like your one to talk! You delinquents think that making threats solves everything!
Saki: I'll use my waves *I swear I heard static for a second* So play nice.
*All four girls ran away, screaming*
Tohru: Thank you do much. Really.
Kazuko: Yeah. I was just about ready to rip them a new one. You saved me the trouble.
*Arisa hugged Tohru*
Arisa: You poor thing. Cornered by those mean girls. Hey, don't actually do the wave thing, Hanajima. *she turned to me* Nice job protecting Tohru, Tough Guy.
Kazuko: Just doing my job.
*Later that day, we were in Home Economics class. Tohru was making soup, I was cooking the vegetables, Saki was cutting the fish, & Arisa was just watching*
Arisa: I gotta admit, it is kinda weird, you two coming to school with the Prince like that.
Tohru: Yeah. I was so nervous. Sohma is almost too beautiful. Kazuko was the only one who actually talked to him the whole way to school.
Arisa: Really. *she looked at me* So, what did you and the Prince talk about?
Kazuko: Not much. Just about school and stuff.
Saki: You know, *we all looked at Saki* there's something about his waves that I find rather strange.
Arisa: Another installment of Hanajima's wave report.
Kazuko:*in his mind* I kinda like listening to her wave reports.
*I've had a crush on Saki since we first met in middle school*
Tohru: Strange in what way?
Saki: That's the thing. I'm not quite sure.
*We turned to look at the table Yuki was working at*
Arisa: He does kinda give off a mysterious vibe. I heard a second year confessed her love to him a while back and went in for a hug. He sent her flying. Scared the heck out of her.
Tohru: Really. I didn't know about that. I wonder why.
Kazuko: Well, can you really blame him? I probably would have done the same thing.
*Just then, the Home Economics teacher came up to us*
Sensei: All right, your four. Your hands should be moving, not your mouths. *she looked down & saw we were done* You're done?
Arisa: Yeah, it's not like it's rocket science.
Sensei: Don't you talk to me like that when I know full well that Mr. and Ms. Honda did all the work!
Saki: The rice is done now too.
Sensei: Fine.
*She walked away & left us to eat our meal in peace*
Arisa: Anyway Tohru, Hanajima, and I are going shopping after school today. You wanna come?
Tohru: Sorry. I would, but I have to work.
Kazuko: Same here. They need me at the moving company tonight.
Arisa: Man, you got a raw deal. Having to work yourselves have to death cause you both promised to pay for your own tuition.
Saki: Still. You both work almost daily. That's kind of a lot just for tuition. Don't you think so? *she handed Arisa a bowl of rice* Here. Extra large.
Arisa: Oh boy.
Tohru: Well, we'd both like to together after we graduate and housing can be expensive.
Kazuko: Yep. So we decided to start saving up now.
Arisa: I don't wanna get all weepy so start eating and build up your strength! Both of you!
Tohru: Yes. Ma'am.
Kazuko: Whatever you say, "Mom".
Arisa: Watch it, Bub.
Saki: You're offering like you're the one who cooked the food.
Arisa: For now though, you're still staying at your Grandpa's place, aren't you?
*Saki was about to hand each of us a bowl of rice when Tohru jumped from nervousness*
Tohru: Yes!
Kazuko:*in his mind* Nice Tohru. Real subtle.
Arisa: That old geezer that better be feeding you guys well at least. And not squeezing all your wages out of you either.
*Saki took a bit of her rice & seemed to glow from the taste*
Saki: Exceptional.
Kazuko: Saki, it's just rice. *in his mind* If Arisa finds out that we're living in a tent, I just know she'd drive her motorcycle straight into Grandpa's house and start demanding answers.
*After school got out, Tohru & I rushed to the lockers to get our shoes. Just as we got there, we found Yuki getting his shoes*
Tohru: Sohma!
Kazuko: Hey, Yuki! What's up!? *Yuki turned to us* Hey, thanks for this morning.
Yuki: It's quite all right. I should be apologizing for Shigure.
*Soon, we were all walking down the same street from school*
Tohru: Oh no! Not at all! He's a very nice person!
Kazuko: A little weird. But nice.
Tohru: And he even let us look at his cute Zodiac figurines.
Yuki: That's right. I believe you were saying something about being a cat.
Tohru: Yeah. I was a kind of a strange little kid. Sorry.
*I patted her head*
Kazuko: I wouldn't say that. You just had a big imagination.
*Tohru smiled at me*
Yuki: Hmm, the cat is an idiot. Stubborn too. *we both looked at him in surprise* Did you know the Zodiac animals began as part of a system for telling time? They were first used as clock divisions. Later, yin and yang and elemental relationships were folded in. And they became fortune telling tools. The truth is, the math never left any room for the cat to begin with. But honestly, I think that's for the best anyway. I mean, being allowed to join the Zodiac? What's do great about that? Better to be alone. Stupid cat.
Tohru: Sorry, but I don't really understand. Are you trying to say you hate cats?
Kazuko: You could just say so instead of the big history lesson.
*Yuki stopped & turned to us. He just looked at us for a few seconds, until we heard Tohru's watch beeping*
Tohru: Oh no! I'm sorry! I have to hurry up and get to work!
Kazuko: Yeah, same here! See you tomorrow, Yuki!
*We about to ran ahead of Yuki, but he stopped us, again*
Yuki: Miss Honda?
Tohru: Yes?
*We turned to him. He then reached over to Tohru & took a leaf out of her hair*
Yuki: There hasn't been much color in your face today. And it's still do hot. *Tohru put a hand on her forehead* You should be careful not to push yourself too hard.
*He let the leaf drop & walked away. We both watched him walk away until he was gone. I then turned to my sister*
Kazuko: Tohru, are you feeling okay?
Tohru: Oh, don't worry. I feel fine.
*I put my hand to her forehead*
Kazuko: You do feel a little warm. Maybe you should take tonight off and rest.
Tohru: It's okay. I can handle it.
Kazuko: Well, okay. Just don't push yourself okay.
Tohru: Okay.
*we both ran together for a little bit & then went out separate ways*
Kazuko:*in his mind* I suppose I can't really blame her for pushing herself. I mean, we've both been through so much.
(Flashback - 2 years ago)
*Tohru & I sat together at the table in our small apartment, going over the account books. Behind us was the memorial to our late Dad*
Kazuko:*off-screen* Our Dad died of an illness when we were three years old. After that, Mom worked really hard to support all three of us. And Tohru and I helped out whenever we could.
*Mom then came over & hugged us*
Kyoko: Sweet Tohru! Strong Kazuko! Your Mama is hungry for sukiyaki today!
*Later, the table was set with dinner. Which was . . .*
Kyoko: Sukiyaki!
Kazuko: Mom was always there for us whenever we needed her. She was always so cheerful and strong. We never thought that someone like her . . .
(Third-person POV)
*The screeching of tires was heard & the image of blood pouring into a storm drain was seen*
(Kazuko's POV)
Kazuko: . . . Would be killed in an accident like that . . . So suddenly. After she died, I made a promise to myself. That no matter what happens, I would protect Tohru and never abandon her.
*At the funeral, we sat in front of our arguing relatives, Tohru holding a picture of Mom on her lap*
Kazuko: Our relatives argued over who should take us in. Thankfully, our Grandpa was the one to do it. Which I was glad for. He was the only relative who didn't treat us like trash, just because of our Mom's . . . Questionable . . . Past.
Tohru: Dinner's ready, Grandpa.
Grandpa: Wonderful. Thank you, Kyoko.
Tohru: I'm Tohru, Grandpa.
Grandpa: Katsuya, what yummy dish have you and Kyoko made tonight?
Kazuko: We're having hot pot. Also, We're Tohru and Kazuko.
Kazuko: But he's living on a pension now. We didn't want to be a burden, so we both promised him we'd pay for our own tuition and living expenses. That all happened four months ago.
*We both sat in front of Grandpa in the living room*
Grandpa: Kyoto, Katsuya, my daughter and her family are going to be moving in here. But first, I'm having some renovations, so I plan to stay with them for a bit. I suppose we could all live a their place until the construction is finished. But it's just so small. If either of you have a good friend you could stay with instead, that might be more comfortable for you both.
Kazuko: Arisa lives in a tiny apartment with her Dad and the Hanajimas are a family of five. I knew we'd be asking a lot we'd be asking a lot of them, but I didn't think we had any other options.
*Tohru suddenly jumped up from her seat*
Tohru: That's fine, Grandpa!
Kazuko: Tohru later told me her brainstorm. We'd just live by ourselves. That way, everyone's happy. I was a little unsure about this plan. But Tohru seemed determined, so I went along with it. Unfortunately, the only place we could afford was a tent that we bought on sale. It's already been a week since then. It's been hard, but we've managed. Along with the occasional slugs & ants, we've also had to deal with typhoons, like the one a few days ago. But we've both kept going strong.
(Present Time)
*That evening, I was at one of my jobs, which was working at a moving company (look up "Kazuko- Moving Company Uniform" by "SwanGirl24" on "DeviantArt") (I have a second job as a waiter at a cafe)*
Coworker: Hey, Kazuko! Come help me with this!
Kazuko: Coming!
*I helped him lift a couch on to a truck*
Coworker #2: Hey! Could someone move these boxes!?
Kazuko: I'm on it!
*I moved a few boxes into a different truck*
CRASH!
Coworker #3: Aaagh! Someone get the broom!
Kazuko: Right away!
*I swept up a mess of shattered glass while the person who dropped it was getting scolded by a senior member*
Coworker #4: Kazuko! Take out the trash!
Kazuko: I'm coming!
(Third-person POV)
*The manager (look up "Principal" on "Pretty Cure Wiki"), his wife (look up "Shinada An" on "Pretty Cure Wiki"), & their daughter (look up "Akehoshi Karin" on "Pretty Cure Wiki") were watching Kazuko from an elevated office*
Manager: Kazuko is one hard working kid. Sure wish we had a son like him.
Manager's Wife: His parents must be so proud.
*Their daughter just silently watched Kazuko with a blush on her cheeks*
(Kazuko's POV)
*I got home two hours later & finished my homework (I did some of it during my break). As soon as I was done, Tohru came home, looking exhausted*
Tohru: Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad. Hey, Kazuko, I'm finally back.
Kazuko: Are you okay?
Tohru: I'll be okay. I'm really sleepy, but I still have some homework to finish before tomorrow.
Kazuko: Don't worry. I'll help.
Tohru: Thanks. *she fell to her knees* I'm feeling a little weak and light headed. I'll wash my face. That should wake me up.
Kazuko: Okay. Just don't be gone too long. *she nodded, grabbed a towel & started to head out. she was halfway out of the tent when she stopped* What's -
*I was interrupted by crazy laughter*
Yuki:*off-screen* It isn't that funny.
*I poked my head out of the tent to see Yuki & Shigure standing in front of the tent. Shigure laughed even harder when he saw me*
*We all went back to Yuki's house & sat at the table in the dining room. Shigure was still giggling*
Yuki: I thought something was strange. The Sohmas own all the land in this area.
Kazuko:*in his mind* Of course they do.
Tohru: Um . . . Would it be okay if we lived there just a little longer? We'll leave as soon as the renovations are over, I swear. Please, we don't have a lot of extra money, but we'll pay.
Kazuko: We'll only be here for a few weeks, I promise.
Shigure: That's a dangerous spot. The cliffs aren't too stable . . .
Yuki: Oh, you're finally done laughing.
Shigure: And there are creeps around. Not to mention two teenagers can't spend months living alone in a tent.
*Tohru jumped up from her seat*
Tohru: No! It's alright! We're even used to the slugs!
Kazuko: I don't think the slugs are the issue here.
Tohru: I promise! We've both got the strength and will power to see this through! So please, just let . . .
*Her face suddenly turned red & she fainted*
Kazuko: Tohru!
*I grabbed her as she fell to her knees & leaned her on me*
Yuki: Miss Honda! *he ran over to us & felt her forehead* She's got a fever.
Shigure: I'll go grab some ice to help cool her down a little. *he opened the door to the kitchen, only to find it filled with garbage bags* Though getting to it could take a while.
Tohru: It's the toxic jungle . . .
Kazuko: And you guys call the woods unsafe?
Shigure: Nice analogy. *suddenly, we all heard a wolf howling* There see? What did I just tell you? Part of the cliff has crumbled.
Tohru: What? It did?
Kazuko: How do you know that?
*Yuki got up & went to the cabinet under the TV*
Shigure: Hmm? Oh, I like to call it my animal instinct.
Kazuko: You're kidding, right?
*Yuki pulled out the first aid kit*
Yuki: Enough joking. Do you know exactly what part of the cliff collapsed?
Tohru: How awful . . . Surely it was no where near our tent though.
Shigure: Surely not.
*They both started laughing*
Yuki: Well . . . Where is it then?
*I jumped up from my seat & ran towards the tent*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Please don't let be near the tent! Please! *I stopped when I got there. our tent had gotten completely buried under dirt & rocks. I fell to my knees in shock & relief* Oh God . . . If we had been in there . . .
*I then heard footsteps behind me. I turned around & saw Tohru, Yuki, & Shigure. They stopped next to me when they saw the mess*
Tohru: Wait a sec! Mom and Dad's pictures are still inside! *she ran towards the dirt & started digging* Mom! Dad!
*I stood up, ran towards her, & pulled her away*
Kazuko: Tohru, stop! You'll only make your fever worse!
*Yuki then came up*
Yuki: You need to calm down!
Tohru: But . . . They're still in there! They're trapped . . . I have to get them out . . . They . . . They can't breathe . . .
*I understood why she was so scared. I was also worried about the pictures of Mom and Dad in the tent. The picture of Dad was the only one we had of him. Shigure came over & put a hand on her shoulder*
Shigure: Why don't we all come back in the morning, when there's more light. What if something happened to you or your brother? I doubt your Mom would want either of you to get hurt. Right?
*We went back to Shigure house. Tohru & I each wore some borrowed pajamas. She lay down on one futon & I sat seiza style in another. Shigure sat next to Tohru, who was near the doors leading outside*
Tohru: I'm sorry. *she turned to me* It looks like we've lost our home again.
Kazuko: Yeah.
Shigure: That must be tough.
Tohru: No. I mean, I wish it hadn't happened. But we've been through worse.
Kazuko: Much worse.
Shigure: Even worse than this! Like what?
Tohru: Like missing the chance to say "See you when you get back". It was the morning of the day our Mom died. We'd both stayed up almost all night studying for a quiz. I was usually the one who said it, but this time, I didn't. She was leaving for work. But I couldn't wake up. That's the only morning I didn't say it. I always said it. Except for that one time.
Kazuko: Tohru, I've told you a million times. What happened to Mom wasn't your fault.
*She seemed to ignore me*
Tohru: Lately, we'd both been thinking about quitting school and getting jobs instead. *it's true. we had been* But . . . Mom told us . . .
(Flashback - Two years ago - Third-person POV)
*Kyoko & the twins were walking together*
Kyoko: I only made it as far as middle school, you know. But I always wished I'd gotten to try the high school girl thing! So you both go out there and have those experiences I didn't get to have.
(Present Time - Kazuko's POV)
Tohru: She was the best Mom.
Kazuko: It's true. She was always there for us.
Tohru: And I didn't say goodbye. *I looked down. I wished I had gotten a chance to say goodbye too* That morning . . . I didn't even open my eyes to watch her leave. I'm an idiot.
*Tears started forming in my eyes*
Kazuko: Tohru . . . Stop . . . Please . . .
*Again, she ignored me*
Tohru: Making a bad grade. Getting a job. Those things aren't what should have mattered. Mom was. The least we both can do now . . . Is graduate from high school like she wanted us too. We have to make that dream come true. I can't just lie here and do nothing because of some fever . . .
*She fell asleep*
Kazuko:*whispering* Dummy . . . I'm here too you know?
*I yawned*
Shigure: You better get some sleep too. It's been a long day.
Kazuko: Okay . . . Thanks, again . . . For all your help . . .
*I soon blacked out*
(Third-person POV)
*Shigure watched them sleep for a few seconds*
Yuki:*off-screen* Surprising. *Shigure looked up & saw Yuki, holding an ice pack**on-screen* They're always so cheerful and upbeat at school. Always. I wouldn't have guessed they'd been through so much. It's amazing.
Shigure: Amazing? How so?
Yuki: Well? Take me and the Sohmas. I thought I'd broken free of them, or I haven't really. Or I would've bought a tent like them. And gone off someplace where they couldn't find me. I'm realizing that I'm spoiled.
Shigure: That's actually pretty rude, you know. Calling their suffering amazing.
*Yuki handed him the ice pack*
Yuki: True. *he then went to the door behind Shigure* Can you take things from here?
Shigure: Don't tell me your planning to go dig up the landslide. That's a lot to manage alone. Want me to come along?
Yuki: Alone? I'll have plenty of help. Don't worry about me*
*He turned around & the doors opened behind him, revealing a swarm of rats*
Shigure: See you when you get back.
*The doors slammed shut*
(Dream - Tohru's POV)
Kyoko:*off-screen* Tohru . . . Tohru . . . *I could see myself kneeling on the floor with my head on Mom's lap & Kazuko next to me rubbing my back**on-screen* You've got a fever again. You and Kazuko don't have to burn yourselves out helping with the housework, you know. Just be you, Tohru. You too, Kazuko. Just be yourselves. And live life at your own pace.
*I then saw the boy who saved me putting his cap on my head*
Kyoko: Eventually, you'll catch up.
Tohru: I miss you . . . *I woke up with a jolt & went to Kazuko, shaking him awake* Kazuko! Wake up! We don't have time to sleep!
(Kazuko's POV)
Kazuko: Uh . . . *I opened my eyes & Tohru was hovering over me, looking worried* Tohru, good morning.
Tohru: Oh. *she stopped looking worried & smiled* Good morning. *she looked worried again* We don't have time for that! We have to go dig Mom out!
*She ran towards the door & threw it open*
Yuki:*off-screen* Good morning. *I went to the door & found Yuki standing in front of us, holding four bags & two pictures**on-screen* Are you feeling better?
Tohru: Oh - I - Um - Yes - I mean - Good morning!
Kazuko: Morning.
*Yuki handed us the pictures Mom and Dad*
Yuki: Here. Your photos. *Tohru took the picture of Mom & I took the picture of Dad* I think I got all the rest of your things too. *he put the bags in front of us* But could you check and see?
Tohru: No way! You mean you moved all that dirt by yourself!?
Yuki:*laughing* No, of course not. I couldn't.
Kazuko: Then, how did you . . .
Yuki: I can't tell you. *he then stepped on to the porch & took the bags* Well, I'll just bring your things upstairs. I know the house is a mess, but we have some spare rooms on the second floor. You can stay here until the renovations at your Grandfather's are done.
*I was surprised to hear that. We'd actually get to sleep with blankets & a roof over our heads. Well, we did tell Grandpa that we would be staying at a friend's house until the renovations were done. Plus, I can protect Tohru if they get any funny ideas. It's perfect. I was about to say that we'd be happy to accept, but Tohru, being the innocent girl that she was, had a mini panic attack*
Tohru: We couldn't do that!
Kazuko:*in his mind* Tohru, sometimes you're too nice.
Yuki: The bedroom doors all have locks on them.
Tohru: No! That's not what I meant at all!
*Just then, Shigure appeared on the scene*
Shigure: Do you both enjoy doing chores? Housework? You know, like cooking and cleaning?
Tohru: Uh, Yeah.
Kazuko: We both do.
Tohru: I mean . . . It's kind of calming.
*He was quiet for a few seconds, then he smiled*
Shigure: Wonderful! Welcome home! You're rooms aren't aired out, so you should open a window and I'll get you each a copy of the house key too.
Tohru: We can't! If we moved in here, we'd only be a burden on you!
Kazuko: Tohru, let me have a say in this, please?
Yuki: Miss Honda, we don't consider it a burden, so please, just accept. Besides, where else do you have to go?
Kazuko: He does have a good point.
*Tohru knew we were both right*
Tohru: Okay. But please. If we're going to impose on you on living here, at least I should know if there are any special rules to follow.
Yuki: There are none. You both should just be you, Miss Honda. And live your life at your own pace. It's that simple.
*We were both surprised to hear him say that*
Kazuko:*in his mind* That sounded like something Mom would say.
(Third-person POV)
*Yuki began to follow Shigure up the stairs*
Shigure: Are you sure about this? One of them is a girl.
Yuki: You wait until now to ask. It'll be fine. Just as long as she doesn't hug me.
*No one noticed the boy standing on the branch outside the window*
(Kazuko's POV)
*We followed Yuki & Shigure to the room where Tohru would be staying*
Shigure: Like I thought, it us a little stuffy in here. Yuki, can you open a window? *he then walked right past us* I'll go get the vacuum.
Tohru: Ok.
Kazuko: I'll help you. *I followed him back downstairs. he opened a closet at the bottom of the stairs* Listen, thank you for helping us and for offering us a place to stay.
Shigure: No need to thank us. We're just happy to help. Now, let's get that vacuum so we can . .
*Suddenly, we both heard a loud crash coming from upstairs*
Kazuko: What was that!?
*Shigure sighed & went back upstairs. I followed him. Just then, I heard an unfamiliar voice*
?:*off-screen* Think so, huh? Well, too bad for you, I'm not the same fighter I was before! I'll show ya!
Tohru:*off-screen* Wait! I'm sure we can settle this without -
*A second later, I heard a loud "Poof!". We then looked in the bedroom. Tohru was laying face-first on the floor in the middle of a pile of broken wood. I looked up & saw a hole in the ceiling*
Shigure: Hey, Yuki. Was that Kyo's voice I heard?
Kazuko: Who?
*Tohru got up*
Tohru: I'm so sorry! Are you okay?
*I then saw she was holding an orange cat with orange eyes*
Shigure: Yeah, that's him.
Kazuko: I didn't know you guys had a cat.
Tohru: He was a boy . . .
Yuki: Stupid jerk.
Tohru:. . . . And now he's a cat . . . I landed on him wrong and something turned him into a cat, I guess! This is all my fault!
Shigure: Well, this is awkward.
Kazuko: Whoa! Whoa! Tohru! Calm down. Did you hit your head when you fell down?
Shigure: Okay. So, here's the thing . . .
Tohru: Kazuko! I'm serious! I fell on him and he turned into a cat! He needs a doctor quick! We have to hurry!
Kazuko: Tohru, slow down a little before you - *suddenly, a piece of the roof hit her on the head* Tohru!
Yuki: Miss Honda!
*She fell on Yuki & Shigure chest & then I heard two more poofs, with green & blue colored smoke appearing. When then dust settled, I saw that Yuki & Shigure had both changed into a gray rat & a black dog. I could feel the color draining from my face*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Am I seeing thing? Or did I just see people turn into animals?