Kingdom of Animals
Story by: Sohma Star (Star-chan)
Tohru gingerly opened her eyes, dim light flooded her vision, and sharp pain hit then, faded quickly as she adjusted to her surroundings. She found herself on a stiff straw mat, under a thin cotton blanket. The last streams of light from the setting sun crept through a tiny window casting a red-orange glow around the room. Hatori noticed she was now conscious, and calmly walked over to the bed. After a quick examination he allowed her to sit up,
"Now that you're awake, I'll explain the rules. There are only two rules in the Sohma castle... one, you are to do everything asked of you without hesitation, and two, you are to dress appropriately, wearing the servant garb at all times. Any questions you have are to be brought to my attention immediately." He gave her a cold look before beckoning her to follow him, and disappearing out of the room.
Tohru stood, after a few shaky steps regained her balance, and began trailing Hatori. They walked down the twisting stone corridors, following the brightly burning torches that lined the walls until finally they came to the servant's quarters. Hatori opened the warped wooden door to a small poorly furnished room. The room had a dirty straw mat covered with a tattered blanket in one corner, a worn-looking wooden chest sat against the wall amongst dust, and debris, and a small broken window that overlooked the dreary castle courtyard. "This will be your room, all the clothing, and necessities should be inside. Now hurry, and change so I can escort you to the kitchens."
Tohru quietly stepped into the filthy room, and Hatori pulled the ancient wooden door shut behind her. A cold breeze from the shattered window whipped through the room as she slowly crept over to the chest, and lifted the top. Inside the chest there were three sets of clean, neatly folded clothes, a hair brush, and a pair of knee-high leather boots. Tohru carefully lifted out an outfit, it consisted of a fluffy low-cut white blouse, and a short wine colored skirt. She studied it closely before sighing, and putting it on. She would rather not wear something, so... revealing, but for her mother... she'd make do. Tohru tugged on the boots, and drug the brush through her hair a few times, then set it back inside the chest, and closed it carefully. With some effort she managed to pull the heavy door back open, and now stood before Hatori again. He quickly looked her over, and nodded in approval.
He began leading her down the hallway once again, this time the destination was the kitchens. They hadn't gotten far when they were approached by a boy who appeared to be slightly younger than Hatori. His long white hair, and entrancing yellow eyes managed to present a sense of nobility, even though his clothes were ragged, and face was covered with grime. Hatori however, seemed less than impressed... "Ayame, get back to your chores!" he barked suddenly. Tohru jumped at the tone of his voice, what had the white-haired boy done to make the usually calm Hatori so angry... She was about to ask, but Hatori had started walking again leaving her to catch up. She glanced one last time at the white-haired boy, who smiled and winked at her, then jogged after Hatori.
* Yo Yo - Well, there you go more to read, glad you like it so
far ^_^
* Becki - *Chokes* Ack! *Coughs* deathly ill... need...
more... reviews... j/k, and to answer your questions... Yes, everyone is
still cursed, but the rules of the curse are going to be a little different
in my story... as for Yuki and Ayame still being brothers... that's all
still somewhere in my evil plan, and you'll have to wait and see ^_~
* Clow Angel - Wow, you're reading both of them? Cool ^_^ *many
hugs for you* You want a cookie? I have chocolate chip, peanut butter,
or oreos take your pick! I hope to hear for you again. Thanks for the reviews!