They're all Animals!
(Kazuko's POV)
*I heard the doorbell ring downstairs as Tohru gathered the animal forms of Kyo, Yuki, & Shigure into her arms*
Delivery Man:*off-screen* Hello! Package delivery!
*Tohru then started running downstairs, holding on to the animals & then opened the door. I ran after her, hoping to stop her before thing got out of control*
Tohru: They're . . . They're all animals!
Kazuko: Tohru, calm down! Panicking isn't helping the situation right now!
Delivery Man: Yeah. Those are some cute pets you got there. Now, if you could please sign here.
*Tohru dropped the animals*
Tohru: No! You don't understand -
*Just then, Shigure took the stamp & stamped the package*
Delivery Man:*laugh* Aren't you a smart little poochie? *he then left* Thanks a lot, kids! Have a good day!
*As soon as he was gone, Tohru sank her knees in disbelief & I just stood where I was, stunned*
Kazuko: What . . . The heck . . . Is going on here?
Kyo:*off-screen* AGH! *we turned to the side & saw that the orange cat was talking**on-screen* We could've covered if you jerks hadn't transformed too!
Yuki: You're the one who screwed up first, Stupid Cat.
*Now, Tohru & I were really shocked*
Kazuko:*in his mind* They . . . Can talk to . . .
Kyo: Oh yeah!?
Yuki: Clumsy feline.
*Shigure barked*
Shigure: We can either tell them the truth or make up a story they won't believe anyway. *he turned to us* As you both can see, I'm the Dog. Yuki is the Rat. And Kyo Sohma over here is the Cat. We're all possessed by animal spirits. Ten others in the Sohma Family are similarly possessed by the different Zodiac animals. It's been this way for generations. Unfortunately, doesn't give us any especially cool powers to speak of. Pretty much all we can do is communicate with our respective animals and we transform when our bodies are weakened or when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. We automatically turn human again after a while. *puffs of orange, blue, & green smoke appeared* Completely naked, I'm afraid.
*Tohru freaked out & I quickly covered her eyes*
Kazuko: Geeze! You could've told us that sooner!
(Fruits Basket - Opening Theme - Again)
*Shigure, Yuki, & Kyo (who was my age with orange hair, orange eyes, & peach skin & wearing a red t-shirt, green pants, & barefoot) put their clothes back on when we went back inside. Kyo sat on the porch with his back facing us*
Shigure: Sorry about that. I know it must have come as quite a shock to you two. *to Tohru* Now then, are you feeling a bit calmer?
Tohru: I think so. But it's kind of a lot to take in.
Kazuko:*in his mind* It is, but it does explain quite a few things. Especially why Yuki pushed that girl away when she tried to hug him.
*Shigure sat down in front of us*
Shigure: I have to say, that was a pretty pathetic showing, Kyo. I mean, you are a trained martial artist. Shouldn't be a little harder for a girl to sneak up on you? You really have for no one but Yuki, don't you?
*Kyo then turned back to us, angry*
Kyo: Don't make it sound like that! It's not my fault! You're the ones who let a girl into this house! *he pointed at Tohru* Why are she and this guy even here!?
Kazuko: Excuse me?
Yuki: Calm yourself. You have absolutely no say in who we allow to come in the house. You're an outsider.
Kazuko:*in his mind* Yikes. Who knew Prince Yuki could be so savage?
Kyo: Shut up! *suddenly, he stood up & karate chopped the table in half. I managed to dodge it in time, it hit Tohru in the forehead* Oh crap.
*Blood soon came trickling down her forehead*
Shigure: Is that . . . Blood!?
Kazuko: Tohru!
Tohru: Huh!? I'm bleeding!?
*While Shigure & I tended to Tohru, Yuki then backhanded Kyo across the face*
Yuki: I knew you were a moron, but I didn't think you were this stupid. *he unbuttoned some of his shirt* How of respect for the seer depth of your idiocy, I'll do you a favor and fight you for real. So, please try not to bore me.
Kyo: Give all you got, you little girly boy!
*Kyo charged at him with a high kick. Yuki dodged & they both started fighting*
Tohru: Are . . . They . . .
*Shigure started bandaging Tohru's forehead*
Shigure: Oh, this is normal. Get them in a room together and their bound to go off. You know, like fire and gasoline.
Kazuko: Okay . . . But shouldn't we be stopping them or something?
*Shigure put a bandaid on her forehead*
Shigure: Let them spare. I assure you, they'll be done soon. Yuki will win. Like he always does*
*Yuki then got close to Kyo & then sent him flying with a roundhouse kick through the doors & into the pond outside. Tohru & I were both speechless at what we just saw*
Yuki: Just as I feared, you were a bore.
Tohru: Whoa . . . H
Kazuko: He went flying . . .
Shigure: It's like the two of you are trying to trash my house.
*Yuki then came up to Tohru*
Yuki: How badly are you hurt?
Tohru: Oh, I'm totally fine, really. Don't worry. It was just a bump.
*I looked at the pond. Shigure had tears in his eyes*
Kazuko: But . . . Is he okay?
Yuki: Probably. Yes, in sure he'll be fine. *Kyo then came out of the water* There you see.
*Tohru & I looked at Yuki
Kazuko:*on his mind* I never would've imagined that the "Prince" had a tough side. He always seems so down to earth at school.
*Just then, Tohru & I both realized something*
Tohru: Oh my gosh! We have to hurry our we'll be late to class!
*We bowed to Yuki & Shigure*
Kazuko: Sorry to run off like this, but we promised our Mom that we'd go to school everyday. Please understand.
Shigure: Yes. You did promise your late Mother. Don't apologize. Though I should let you know, I will have to report that you both witnessed our transformation to Akito. The Family Head.
Tohru & Kazuko: Family Head?
Tohru: Wow, that sounds important. Kay, we understand.
*I took Tohru by the arm & started to pull her*
Kazuko: Come on! We gotta change or we'll deal be late!
Tohru: Oh, right!
*We both headed upstairs*
(Third-Person POV)
Yuki: That explains why you were so quick to tell our secret. *Shigure turned to him* They'll have their memories altered. Like those others did before.
Shigure: No. This is much different. Back then, there were so many people involved, that we didn't have a choice.
Yuki: I should get going too. Hey, Stupid Cat, you better fix the room in her room!
*He left*
Shigure: Kyo, look after the place, will you? Don't you dare think about running off again while I'm gone either. Apologize to Tohru whenever you see her too.
*Kyo didn't say a word as he sat in the pond with a frog on his head. A Koi Fish splashed behind him*
(Kazuko's POV)
*We made it to school just before the bell*
Arisa: Tohru, Kazuko, it's not like you two to be late. You oversleep.
Tohru: Oh, that's right.
Minami:*off-screen* So, you two admit you're super lazy. *I internally groaned when I heard that annoying voice. we turned to the door & saw Minami & Mai standing there with mocking faces**on-screen* You should have stayed home and got more beauty rest.
*Saki then chased them away with her presence, which I chuckled at. Watching that never gets old*
Arisa: The Prince was late too, so they're extra on edge. And suspicious.
Kazuko:*in his mind* We definitely can't tell them we stayed at his house.
Arisa: What a bunch of airheads. Must be nice to be so dumb.
Kazuko: I hear ya, sister.
*Later that day, after school got out, Tohru & I were walking down the hallway when we heard a voice*
Yuki:*off-screen* Miss Honda? Kazuko?
Tohru: Is that you, Sohma?
*We went into an empty classroom & found Yuki leaning against a wall*
Yuki: What did you tell your friends? Our secret? Is it safe?
Tohru: We . . . We didn't tell them anything.
Kazuko: It's not our secret to tell.
Tohru: Oh no! We're you worried that we'd would go and blab to everybody?
Kazuko: I promise, you don't have to worry about us. Mom always told us never to tell a person's most important secrets. Especially one as big as this.
Yuki: No. I'm concerned . . .
Tohru: Look, I'll swear you an oath! We could even seal it with fire or blood if you wanted too!
Kazuko:*in his mind* When did Mom put that idea into her head?
Yuki: No. Listen.
Tohru: Mom apparently used to do stuff like that all the time -
Yuki: That's not the issue here!
*He turned around & slammed his hand next her head, trapping her against the wall*
Kazuko: Hey! What are you -
Yuki: I'm sorry, but even though you're both doing your best not to tell, we might end up erasing your memories. *we were both surprised to hear that* We'll, not literally. It's more like a strong form of hypnotism. A long time ago, the truth about me came out. Just like it did this morning. I was playing around with some friends and a girl hugged me. It was a giant mess. And in the end, everyone who saw it happen had their memories suppressed.
*I was speechless when I heard that. Yuki went quiet for a minute*
Tohru: Are you okay?
*He took his hand off the wall*
Yuki: I'm sorry. *he turned to leave* But I can't go against whatever Akito says is right for us. No matter what's decided, I must go along with it. *he started to leave* That's just how it is.
*Tohru then went towards him before I could stop her*
Tohru: Wait! Hold on! I - *she got too close to him & he transformed. I quickly closed the doors before anyone noticed. Tohru was kneeling against the wall, kicking herself* I'm so sorry! It was an accident, I swear! I - I'd never do that on purpose!
Yuki: It's okay. Just as long as no one saw.
*She then turned to him
Tohru: What I wanted to say was I appreciate you being concerned about us. It makes me happy. So thanks.
*I kneeled down next to her*
Kazuko: Yeah. I'm glad to know that someone's got our backs right now.
Tohru: And we get what you said. This is an important secret we accidentally found out. Something that could have a huge affect on you.
Kazuko: All we want is for you to do whatever's right for you and your family.
Tohru: Sure, the idea of forgetting does make me sad, but if that's what we have to do, we'll grin and bare it. Right, Kazuko?
Kazuko: Right.
Tohru: I do have one thing to ask you. If we forget you, please befriend us again.
Kazuko: Yeah. I'd like that too.
*Suddenly,. Yuki turned back. I quickly covered Tohru's eyes & we turned away while he got dressed*
Yuki: The amount of time we stay as animals varies. There we go. *I uncovered her eyes & we turned back to him* All done.
*I then noticed his tie & I held in a snicker*
Kazuko: You're tie's crooked, dude.
*He noticed & his face turned a little red*
Yuki: I'm not great when I comes to that.
*Tohru stepped up to him & fixed it*
Tohru: No sweat. It's lucky for you I'm here to help.
*Yuki looked surprised at her actions*
Yuki: Miss Honda? Kazuko? You don't feel sickened?
Tohru: Oh no! I'm all better!
*I sweat dropped at that*
Yuki: No. That isn't what I meant.
*Tohru started humming as she worked. I then noticed Yuki's cheeks turning a little red. He looked at me & I smirked at him. His face turned more red & he looked away*
Yuki: Shall we go?
Tohru: Yeah. Good idea.
Kazuko: Let's head home.
*We all started heading down the hallway together*
Yuki: Thanks for that.
Tohru: No problem! I've got a nack for neckties.
*I chuckled at that. My sister can be so clueless sometimes. I leaned in close to Yuki*
Kazuko:*whispering* By the way. I wasn't sickened by your rat form at all. *Yuki turned to me in surprise* I thought it was kinda cute.
*His face turned completely red & I laughed. Tohru looked confused at what was going on*
*We soon arrived at our temporary home. Shigure wasn't home. Tohru went into her room to put her bag away. I was about to go into my room next door when I saw something in her room that made me stop in my tracks. It was Kyo standing on a ladder, fixing the hole in the ceiling with a tarp & duct tape*
Kyo: Call a pro to really fix it. For now, you just need to keep the rain out, right?
Tohru: Oh, thank you.
*We were both quiet for minute, not sure what else to say*
Kyo: Hey!
Kazuko: Yeah?
*He started gripping the tape really hard*
Kyo: I, uhh . . . Can get kind of a one track mind when I'm upset. So . . . About this morning. I wanted to . . . Say I'm so -
*Just then, we heard Shigure downstairs*
Shigure: Yuki! Tohru! Kazuko! I'm home! Is that clumsy kitten who lost another fight still here?
*Kyo quickly folded up the ladder & ran out of Tohru's room, looking flustered*
Kyo: Forget it!
Tohru: No, please! *she put her bag down & closed the door to room* What were you saying!?
*I quickly went to my room, put my bag down & went after her. We found him sitting on the porch. We then met with Shigure in the dining room*
Shigure: It's good news. Tohru and Kazuko are allowed to live with us. So long as they continue to keep our secret.
Tohru: Does that mean . . . We won't be punished?
Shigure: As long as you both say quiet, you won't have done anything wrong.
Tohru: We will!
*I sighed in relief*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Thank God. We get to keep our memories.
(Third-Person POV)
Yuki: To be honest. That plan almost sounds too good to be true. Like you two might be scheming and mixing up Miss Honda and Kazuko in some plot or other.
Shigure: Oh come on. Would I do that?
(Flashback)
*A bird landed on a pale finger*
Akito: I'll trust this Tohru and Kazuko people for the time being. This might be a good opportunity. For Yuki and Kyo as well as me.
*The bird flew away*
(Present Time - Kazuko's POV)
*Shigure looked nervous as we stepped up to him & Yuki*
Tohru: Excuse me. *he looked at us* Um . . . It's probably a little late to be saying this, but . . . *we bowed* In go glad we've gotten to meet you.
Kazuko: Me too. And thank you for everything.
Shigure: The feelings mutual.
*Yuki looked away as his cheeks turned a little red*
Yuki: Um . . . Yes. I do agree.
*Tohru & I then stepped up to Kyo*
Tohru: And . . . It's a . . . *she bowed* Pleasure to meet you to, uh Kyo.
*Kyo just turned around, looking angry*
Kyo: You can leave me out of this! I've got nothing to do - *suddenly, Yuki kicked him. sending flying into the pond again* What the heck was that for!?
Yuki: Go away, outsider.
Kyo: Say what!?
Kazuko:*in his mind* Well, I guess this going to be our home for a while.
*The next day, Tohru & I spent the whole morning cleaning that mess of a kitchen & then we cooked lunch. When Yuki saw how it looked when we were done, he was completely shocked*
Yuki: This is amazing. I can't believe you two managed to clean such a disgusting kitchen.
Tohru: We'll, we gave it our best.
*Yuki picked up the rise cooker we found while cleaning*
Yuki: I didn't even know that Shigure owned a rice cooker.
Kazuko: Yeah, we really had to dig that out.
*Soon, all three of us were sitting at the table, eating the lunch Tohru & I made. We wrapped the plates for Kyo & Shigure in plastic wrap. Yuki took a bite*
Tohru: How does it taste? I hope all the flavors are coming through.
Yuki: Delicious. I haven't had a meal like this in a while.
Kazuko: That's good. Glad you like it.
Yuki: Where is Shigure? He and that stupid cat have been gone for quite a long time.
Tohru: And you went out for a little bit earlier to, didn't you?
Yuki: Yeah. To me secret base in the backyard.
*Tohru then got really excited*
Tohru: What!? A secret base! Is it like some private fortress!?
Yuki: It's probably not as interesting as you imagine. But I can show it to you both sometime if you like.
Kazuko: Cool. Sounds like fun.
*Sparkles appeared in Tohru's eyes*
Tohru: Wait!? Seriously!? That's so exciting! I saw one once when we were kids, but no girls were allowed inside! Kazuko and I tried making one of our own out of pillows & a blanket, but it quickly fell apart -
*Suddenly, Kyo burst in, looking even angrier than yesterday. Shigure was right behind him. Wearing a suit*
Kyo: SHUT UP!
Shigure: Will you listen to me for one second, Kyo!?
*They both started walk around the room, Shigure chasing Kyo. Tohru & I watched them go, Tohru a bit more nervous than me*
Kyo: I'm so pissed! Is this what makes you happy, manipulating innocent people me!?
Shigure: Slow down! Sure, I'm enjoying thoroughly. But it is what's best for you.
Kyo: I don't believe you!
Tohru: Welcome home. Would you like something to eat?
Kyo: Hell no!
*He stomped away. I glared in his direction. Shigure took his shoes off*
Shigure: Don't take your anger out on her! And no shoes inside!
Yuki: Says the man who did laps around the room in his.
Shigure: How nice. Is that good for us?
Kazuko: Geeze. Who put a bee in his bonnet?
*Shigure took off his coat & sat down*
Shigure: It's his nature. Also, I might have tricked him into a school transfer exam.
*Tohru handed him a bowl of rice*
Tohru: Transfer?
Shigure: Yep. It's official and everything. Tomorrow our Kyo will be walking the same school hallways as the three of you. Thanks for the foo -
*Yuki stood up, looking really angry. The room felt really cold all of a sudden*
Yuki: You're done. Put that down and get out.
Shigure: I knew you'd be mad. Here's the thing. *Yuki sat back down* This is good for him. He should be going to the boys school near his place. But he hasn't shown up to class in over four months now. Apparently, he's been training in the mountains.
Kazuko: Why training?
Shigure: All that he wants is to beat Yuki in a real fight. They've been rivals ever since they were kids.
*Yuki stood up & left the room*
Yuki: He's an idiot. Thanks for the food.
Tohru: Um . . . Of course.
Kazuko:*in his mind* Why would Kyo want to beat Yuki so badly? Does it have something to do with the Zodiac legend? *Tohru & I cleaned the table* But . . . Even if that is true, it happened centuries ago. So why is he trying so hard now? But it's probably not our business. Especially since it looks like he doesn't like us. *I sighed* Oh man. Tohru is finally meeting the Zodiac cat . . . And things are going downhill.
*The next day, most of the girls in class had gathered around Kyo. Some girls were watching from the door. Poor guy looked like he was about to panic*
Girl #1: Where is he?
Girl #2: Look over there! The boy with the orange hair!
Girl #3: Think it's his nature color?
Girl #4: He's super cute.
Girl #5: So you're related to Sohma?
Girl #6: I bet your crazy close.
Girl #7: Tell us everything.
*Me, Tohru, & Arisa watched the whole thing. Saki was curling Tohru's hair*
Tohru: He's terrified.
Kazuko: Can't say I really blame him.
*Just then, Yuki came into the room*
Girl #8: Hey, Yuki. *we looked in that direction* I hear the newbies your cousin.
Girl #9: Why haven't you introduced us already?
Yuki: Sorry, senpai. It's true that we're technology cousins, but I've never spoken to him before.
Kazuko:*in his mind* What's with him?
Arisa: I'm digging his carrot top. Maybe because it kinda reminds me of the blazing hair your Mom used to have, Tohru, Kazuko.
Tohru: Yeah. Now that you say that, I see it.
Saki: I feel them. His strong waves are exactly the same as Yuki Sohma's. They're odd. What am I sensing? *Tohru & I started to get nervous* It's almost as if the waves aren't human.
Kazuko:*in his mind* Oh boy. Looks like we'll have to be extra careful around Saki from now on.
*Suddenly, Kyo stood up*
Girl: #10: Something wrong? *he headed towards the door* Hey, where are you going? *she suddenly got up & grabbed his arm* We were talk - *just then, he turned around, pulled her to the ground, & put her in an arm lock* OW! That hurts! Let go of me!
Kazuko: Kyo, stop!
Girl #11: Oh my gosh! What is your issue!?
Girl #12: Get your hands off of her!
*Suddenly, Kyo ran towards the window, opened it, & jumped out*
Kyo: Everybody leave me alone!
*He did a few front flips & fell to the ground, landing like cat would. He then ran off*
Girl #13: No way.
Girl #10: That creep! I could he be so mean to a girl like me!
Arisa: Looks like he'll be fun to have in class.
*Tohru & I went looking for him & saw that Yuki had gotten to him first behind the school*
Kyo: Course you don't! You'd never understand! In gonna win! I'll beat you and become a full fledged member of the Sohma Clan! *he then grabbed Yuki by the collar* I won't let them ostracize me anymore, you hear me!?
*I was to rush in & stop them, but Tohru got to them first*
Tohru: Please don't! *she hugged him & he transformed* I'm - I'm so sorry. But you shouldn't. If you fight at school, you . . . You could've get in trouble*
*Just then, Kyo snapped at her*
Kyo: WILL YOU SHUT UP ALREADY! This isn't any of your business! What's your deal, anyway!
Yuki: That's enough.
Kyo: Stop causing problems and out of here!
*Just then, he realized what he said. I came up behind Tohru & helped her stand up, glaring at Kyo all the while*
Kazuko: Fine. Give us a call when you grow up and learn to control that temper of yours.
*We the left. Tohru muttering to herself the whole way*
Tohru: Maximum . . . Anger. He already hated me. And this made things even worse.
(Third-Person POV)
*The sun was going down as Kyo lay on the porch. Shigure was at the table, reading a newspaper*
Shigure: Your very first day and you skip class?
Kyo: Listen. I wanna leave this house.
Shigure: It's only your third night here. Think of it as training. That'll help you toughen it out.
Kyo: I always end up saying mean things to her. Every time. And it's making her brother hate me.
Shigure: Wait, who? Oh, you must mean Tohru and Kazuko.
Kyo: I can't do this, okay. I'm not cut out for living so close to other people.
Shigure: Nah. It's just that you don't have much experience yet. Think of it this way, you can break a table in half with one punch, we're well aware of that. But you're also capable of stopping that punch right before it lands. *Kyo turned to him* That's because you've trained. And getting along with people takes practice too. If you interact with strangers, you might hurt them or you might end up hurt by them. But that's how you learn. About other people and about yourself. If you don't do that, you'll never be capable of connecting. So keep training and resist the urge to run away. Then one day, when you meet girl who says she loves you or someone who wants to be friends with you, you'll be able to treasure them completely.
*Kyo turned away from him*
Kyo: Like such people exist.
Shigure: And what would you do if they do?
Kyo: That's a pretty easy question. I'll start by asking them if they're crazy.
Shigure: Is that so?
*Just then, the door opened & Yuki came in*
Yuki: I'm home.
Shigure: But where are Tohru and Kazuko? Still at school?
Yuki: At work. They won't be done until late, so I'm thinking of walking Miss Honda home.
Shigure: Yeah. That's a smart idea. Perverts sometimes creep around here.
(Kazuko's POV)
*I came home from work late that night. As soon as I stepped into the house, Kyo was surprisingly waiting for me*
Kazuko: Hey. What's up?
Kyo: Um . . . Listen, about what I said to your sister today . . . Well . . . What I'm trying to say is . . . What I mean is . . .
*He looked away, looking embarrassed*
Kazuko: Are you . . . Trying to apologize?
Kyo: Uh . . . Yeah. So what? *he still looked embarrassed. I chuckled a little a his red face* Wh - What are you laughing at!?
Kazuko: Nothing. You're a bit weird, but a good guy. I hope we can be friends.
*I left to go help Tohru make dinner, leaving Kyo a bit stunned*
*While we were fixing dinner, Tohru told me what happened when she was coming home from work. She got a pretty scare from Kyo in the woods. She thought he was a pervert & hit him in the face with her bag. Kyo tried to apologize for what happened today. She also apologized for hitting him. She then told him that she wanted to be friends with him. He got embarrassed & walked her home. Soon, we were all sitting down to eat dinner*
Shigure: Why Kyo, you lecherous little deviant.
Kyo: What gives you the right to call me that!?
Shigure: You know, Tohru, you personally offered to walk you back from work so you'd get home safe and sound.
Kyo: That was a one time thing! It won't happen again!
Tohru: Okay.
Kazuko: Sure. But thank you anyway.
Tohru: But I'm glad you're here. It's really nice to see you eating a proper meal with us. So how is it? Up to your standards?
*He went speechless for a minute. He then noticed Yuki looking at him*
Kyo: What do you want?
Yuki: Nothing.
Kyo: You were looking at me!
Yuki: You're in front of me.
Kyo: Sure, like you'd give me that look for no reason!
Tohru: Is the food that bad?
Kyo: It is!?
*We all went quiet. I knew he wasn't talking about the food*
Tohru: Then, I'll try harder next time.
Kyo: I mean . . . No.
*He looked away with a red face*
Kazuko:*in his mind* Well Mom. As you can plainly see, Tohru and I have made things right with Kyo. And I have a feeling things are going to get a lot more interesting from now on.