Disclaimers: I own no part of Fruits Basket OR the Matrix.

Author's Note: Okay okay. I know I didn't reach 10 but. . . hey! Its da weekends! I might as well be productive! And besides I got five, which was my original goal. they were so pleasant! Ureshi! Arigatou to everyone who reviewed : DojoMistressBra, Mistress of Darkness, and of course, capheine and BaKaBaBi. You guys all encouraged me to write~ *^^* thanks for making me feel all fuzzy inside! ^_^

Okie. Just outlining this chapter. . . more explaining of whats happening, then kyou meets the team! A lil long. . . A really mild bit of K x T. ~_^ enjoy!
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Kyou felt his hands grow numb as intense pain sneaked into the upper part of his throat. Kyou's vision started to cloud once again and his grip on Yuki's collar loosened significantly. He couldn't see, hear, or think - all that possessed him was unbearable aching in his neck and the wave of sadness that had overcome him with the news that this barren wasteland, the sad excuse of a world, was the reality which he, along with millions of other people, had slept through. He had chosen to be part of this truth, he knew it would be harsh judging by the expression on Yuki's face as he asked Kyou to make the choice . . . but he never expected this . . . never would he have thought. . .

Kyou continued to wheeze and Yuki looked on, tracing the lines of the pain clearly engraved on the boy's face. Poor Kyou, he thought, what a shock. . . for someone like him . . .

Clutching his neck, Kyou aroused from his sprawled position on the cold tile floor and raised his eyes to match Yuki's. "I. . . I . . ."

"I understand, Kyou," Yuki said, "You don't have to explain. I reacted the same way when I realized that this was all real. The human world is now dead. This must be terrible news - I did warn you however, that the truth would be harsh, cold, and most of all, unbearable." Yuki slowly avoided Kyou's fiery gaze as he stared out of the glass window, emotion swelling up in his chest, he spoke again, "It will never be the same, Kyou. . . Understand that. If you wish to return, you can - the wound on your neck hasn't mended fully yet - as long as blood spills from it, you can go back."

Kyou was confused and saddened beyond comprehension. He felt the aching inch its way out of his system, and something else replace it. Something that Kyou couldn't yet understand. Yet he felt that it had to be a mixture of new found strength and determination. He had to save this world. He had to restore life - singing birds, galloping horses, swimming fish. He wanted light back in the world, and somehow he felt that he could bring it back. He would do it.

Kyou recovered and straightened his back. Yuki continuously avoided looking at him, but he felt that something about Kyou had changed in very few moments that had passed in silence. Kyou continued his pain-filled gaze out the window, and Yuki let the minutes crawl by without noise. The two were so absorbed within their own thoughts that they were oblivious to the fact that Kyou was almost bleeding to death. It was only when Kyou coughed due to a sense of clogging in his chest that both came to their senses. He had coughed up blood.

Yuki watched, horrified, as he saw Kyou's fiery eyes lose life and the lean figure swayed. "Kyou!" he cried, as the youth fainted, lying on his back. "He needs medical attention!! Someone! Anyone! Help!!!"

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Kyou woke up in the white room again. The ache in his neck had somewhat subdued, but it was still inflicting significant pain. Kyou tried to sit up, but he couldn't - the pain was too much. He wondered how he hadn't noticed it before. He relaxed, believing that it will go away. Right then, It suddenly occurred to him that the injury had been caused by someone that had a chilly smile, and deep lavender eyes.

Yuki.

But why? Yuki had mentioned something about returning to the Matrix as long as the blood circulated through the wound. My blood must be the portal, Kyou thought, then, what happened to myself in the Matrix? After I died, what happened? Dammit, where are the answers when I need them?

His thoughts shattered as the white door creaked open, and a girl stepped in. He had seen her before - she was Tohru. His gaze wandered back to her elegant ocean blue eyes, the waves engulfing him in the angelic gaze. His soul reverted back to reality when a beam of light that was her smile shined down on him and coaxed his tense muscles. "How are you feeling, Kyou- kun?" she chimed.

"I'm okay, I guess," he replied in a gruff tone. He was startled when she sat down by his bed. So startled, that he automatically sat up, ignoring the lingering pain in his neck and sitting up. Tohru's laughter merrily rang through his ears, the most wonderful sound he had ever heard. He breathed in her presence as he continued to stare at her. Her cheeks turned a rosy colour as she reached out for his hand. Colour immediately filled Kyou's face, as she held his rough tan hand in her soft and miniscule one. "That's great news. It only took you an hour and twenty minutes to recover - what an amazing record, ne?"

He let Tohru ramble on and on about previous patients, all the while holding his hand. Tohru never realized, and Kyou felt guilty about not telling her. He wanted this to last forever - for some reason, this girl felt so much like a part of him, so familiar . . . something in those eyes of hers, those blue, blue, blue eyes. . .

Tohru paused to take her hand from his, then closed her eyes as she cupped her hands together. "It's truly amazing, talking to the One like this." She turned her eyes on him again, captivating him in her gaze, trapping him within her forever. "I haven't been watching you for as long as Yuki-kun or the others, but I have seen enough to know that you are truly an incredible person."

Tohru's words sank in along with pleasure as he got lost within her eyes. Red and blue eyes locked, and colour restored in the sweet girl's face, as she stood up and graced Kyou with another smile of hers. "I'll bring you something to drink - you should get some rest. . . and Yuki-kun also wants to see you."

She left Kyou alone, and suddenly the room seemed so much darker. Her presence lifted Kyou up - up into heaven, it seemed. He touched his face - it was burning up with embarrassment. Why? Why was he like this? She's just another girl. . . but a beautiful, sweet, perfect girl. . .

"Kyou."

Yuki's voice interrupted Kyou's thoughts. He looked up into the feminine purple eyes. "Yuki."

Yuki sat down, taking Tohru's seat. "I'm sorry I didn't notice sooner. That side effect could have caused extreme complications."

Kyou simply nodded. "Tell me, why did you slit my neck? And what did you mean by returning to the Matrix? I want to know more about what happened to . . . the world . . ."

Yuki nodded, then after a small break, he gave an answer. "No more explaining today, you have taken enough of it. You need a big rest - tomorrow is a big day for you. I will give you a tour around the headquarters, you can meet the others, and also. . ." Yuki smiled. "I have a surprise for you."

Kyou's curiosity wasn't helping. His fiery temper took hold and he yelled, "I want answers! I want them now! Why does it hurt so much? Why did you kill me?" regaining his composure, Kyou looked away in embarrassment. "Sorry. I. . . didn't mean to. . ."

"I slit your neck in order to get you here," Yuki simply stated. "By killing your body in the Matrix, it restored your soul to the one in the real world. We pinpointed your location and dug you out - you were in your cat form. That's how we found you, and Tohru was quick to bandage your wounds. It wasn't enough to do severe damage, unlike the damage that had been done to you in the Matrix. Remember, what happens in the Matrix directly affects you here, just not as strongly. Your blood is the portal to this world for you - if you wish to return, it has to be within a week, in which the wound will heal. You will forget all about what you have learned upto this point about the Matrix, and will resume your dream." Yuki paused. "Of course, you may return after the portal is sealed, but you cannot live in it. The computer detects an intruder, and agents will chase you, and may kill you within the Matrix."

Kyou finally understood. He had a week to fully decide. But he had his decision in mind. No way in hell was he going back - he hated the fact that for the past eighteen years, he had been imagining, sleeping away his life - he wanted to right this disaster which he had slept through. Yuki, as if reading his mind, resumed talking. "We will begin your training tomorrow."

"Training?" Kyou was puzzled.

"Yes, training," Yuki replied calmly, "To fulfill your duties as the One, you must know how to be One. Don't worry, everything will be taking place in a computer program, similar to the Matrix, so no real damage will be done to you."

Yuki slowly got up and strode out of the white room. Kyou sat in his bed, deep in thought. Duties. . . the One . . . The full blast of the events of the day finally planted themselves within his body. Feeling weary, Kyou had no control of his body as he flopped onto his white pillows, his eyelids complaining that they could not stay open any longer. Kyou witnessed angelic Tohru step into the room with herbal tea before getting knocked out cold, and he felt her warm smile caress his dreams.

It had been a long day.

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"Wake up, Kyou."

An icy voice aroused Kyou from his slumber. Crimson eyes blinked open and he suddenly sat up in his bed. "Huh? Wha? Huh? I mean. . ." he stammered.

"Get up. It's already five in the morning."

"Five!? You've gotta be kidding me!" screeched Kyou. "I know I get up early and all, but five o clock? The sun's not even up!"

Then Kyou realized it. There was no sun.

"Kyou. You have to get used to this lifestyle soon. Four thirty in the morning, until Midnight. There is barely time for sleep in this world"

"Fine! I'm getting up, you girly boy. . . don't be persistent," Kyou grumbled as he got up to get dressed. His black t-shirt had been drenched in blood the night before - today he fashioned himself with a simple white one.

The two boys stepped outside to a colony on the verge of exploding with life. Kyou blinked and looked again - it seemed like an army, but in truth, there were only six others, excluding Kyou and Yuki.

"I promised you a tour, and you're getting one." Yuki said, adding a smile. "Let's go - I'll show you the team."

Kyou strode behind Yuki, careful to not lose sight of the grey headed boy. Machinery took up majority of the headquarters. Big to small, fat to thin, everything seemed to be mechanic. Kyou was dazed by the intricate designs carved into the walls of the dome - what wonderful architecture, he thought. He snapped back to reality when the angelic voice of Tohru once again occupied his senses. "Ohayo, Kyou-kun!"

He stared at her, dumbfounded and flushed, as she greeted Yuki as well. Then she hop-skipped back into what seemed like the kitchen - an appetizing aroma rose and fell, playing with Kyou's nose. Yuki prodded him to make him continue marching through the machines.

The next member that Kyou encountered looked very much like a cow, therefore, he automatically assumed that his animal was. the cow! He had black and white hair, droopy eyes, and fashioned himself in black and white clothing. A silver cross necklace dangled from his pale skin, contrasting his black shirt drastically. "Kyou, meet Hatsuharu. Chief engineer of the team. Haru. . . tends to get a bit crazy sometimes, but you just have to avoid him during those periods."

Kyou curtly shook hands with Haru. Something told him that Haru was going to be trouble. It was just a hunch, and he took no note of it. "Nice to meet you, neko. I've been watching you for a short while. . . your character seems to be in place."

"Haru is seventeen. He absolutely adores computers and martial arts." Yuki added.

"Oh." Kyou said. There was nothing else for him to say - he didn't like the feel of Haru - those droopy, passive eyes, boring a sense of uncertainty into the flesh of Kyou. He quickened his pace, trying to get away from Haru's eyes - something about them made him uneasy.

"Ah! Yun-chan! Hurry!" squealed a girl in delight. Kyou snapped his head back in surprise. Something about that clingy voice seemed so familiar. . . he could almost grasp it . . .

"What is it, Kagura?" Yuki strode quickly to the screaming girl.

"It. . . It's hatching Yun-chan! It's . . . It's . . ." the girl called Kagura replied.

Kyou peered into the incubator which the girl was peering into. A small chicken egg had been placed in it. It seemed to move from time to time . . . there was a monitor attached to it. Yuki and Kagura seemed to bait their breaths in excitement - Kyou watched intently as well. However, a beep sounded from the life monitor, as a slow green line crept by. Kagura's miniscule shoulders slumped, her face starting to be engulfed by hot tears. Yuki placed an arm around Kagura. "It's okay, It's okay . . ." he comforted.

"But. . . Yun- chan. . . We were so close . . . So close. . ." she sobbed.

Kyou felt terrible. The egg hadn't hatched. He had seen Kagura's expression - the excitement, the anticipation . . . He had to do something. "Oi, don't worry yourself over it. You can . . . er . . . try again next time."

The gruff voice caught her attention. "Kyou?" she squealed in delight. "Kyou-kun! You're here! You're finally. . . ! Kyou-kun!"

Surprised, Kyou took a step back. What was this girl doing? Wearing a green dress and semi-high heel shoes, the girl took a leap and landed within Kyou's arms. He felt transformation take place, and he came face to face with a smiling boar. "Welcome to the team, Kyou-kun! I'm Sohma Kagura . . . I've been watching you for so long! I was waiting to meet you and finally, after eight years, you're finally here!"

Kyou didn't know what to do. Something about her seemed so familiar. . . yes. . . eight years ago . . . he caught a glimpse, but he couldn't grasp it . . . A puff of orange smoke crowded the room and Kagura turned away as Kyou quickly dressed back. "Kagura is two years older than you - she has been watching you for a while. I think you'll remember her in time."

Kyou puzzled over this statement. Remember her? Does that mean he knew this girl previously?

It was Kyou's turn to be embarrassed as Kagura's transformation took place. The two shook hands and Kyou turned away from Kagura as she went back to her incubator. Yuki smiled as he led Kyou through the headquarters.

Kyou encountered many other people, just not as interesting. He met a little blonde brat named Momiji, and his whiny voice had irritated Kyou so much that his temper locked with Kyou's anger and he had flown Momiji halfway across the room. Tohru's disappointed gaze met Kyou's crimson eyes and he felt as if he was drowning. He later apologized to Momiji and even helped out with his work as utility manager, hauling water from one tank to another. Momiji seemed entertained, and provoked Kyou's anger once again, causing him to push the little boy against Tohru, allowing himself to be tortured by Tohru's disapproval and many lectures by a small yellow rabbit.

Next, he was met by an icy stare, double the coldness in Yuki's. Yuki actually had a somewhat friendly aura around his lavender eyes, while this man's yellow eyes pierced deep into his heart. It felt like holding dry ice. Hatori was his name, and his animals was the dragon - or the seahorse. Kyou shook hands with him for a brief second, and Hatori resumed his work. No other word was passed between the two, and agitated by the mysterious and scary aura that emitted around Hatori, Kyou stormed off in uncertainty and ended up in front of the large glass window.

Yuki quickly joined Kyou at his side. "Wow. . . The day is almost halfway over. It's already nine o-clock." He commented. "Tohru's breakfast will be ready soon. I hope you can stand it - it's leek porridge today."

"What!?" he screeched. Leek, was Kyou's most hated food.

"But you're lucky," Yuki smiled, "Tohru has prepared something else for you. She understands your hatred for leeks.

Kyou let out a sigh of relief. His thoughts flew back to Tohru. Her angelic voice, her beautiful face . . . DAMMIT! Why couldn't he stop thinking about her?

"Kyou-kun! Yuki-kun! Breakfast is ready!" came her song from the kitchen.

Wordlessly, Kyou and Yuki chased the smell into the kitchen. They were joined by all that Kyou had been introduced to, along with two others, Shigure and Ayame. The two were very noisy, fluttering around the room, sampling everything Tohru had made, criticizing everyone, and giving a "thumbs up" sign every once in a while. They irritated Kyou indescribably, and it took great self control and millions of glances at Tohru to calm him down.

"Breakfast was wonderful, Honda-san," Yuki complimented. Colour filled Tohru's cheeks as she strolled off to the sink, carrying a mountain of dishes. "I know you're not up to it, Kyou, after eating so much, but we've seriously gotta start your training."

Yuki handed the satiated Kyou a red pill. "Take this pill, and join me in front of the main computers in ten minutes."

Kyou obeyed, and went back to the white room for a short break. He felt something happen inside him, and he was quickly led out of the room by the sickening feeling in the stomach. However, his search didn't lead him to the bathroom, it brought him face to face with Yuki, in front of the main computers.

"It feels a little weird at first, but I know you'll be used to it in a while." Yuki said. He pressed a glowing green button, and Kyou felt himself being lured into a chair. Yuki sat down across from him. A machine started to beep annoyingly at his side, and Kyou felt something clasp itself around his chest and head. Kyou began to sweat - what was happening?

"Sit still, Kyou. We're going in," was the last thing Kyou heard before he felt himself sink. Down. . . down . . . down . . .

Kyou was going somewhere. He didn't know where, it didn't feel safe. Thoughts raced through his mind as his body plummeted down . . . down . . . down . . .

The last thought he had was Tohru's smile. . .

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That's it for now! *sigh* so tired from writing so much! -.-;; Again thanks for all the reviews! Sorry I make Kyou blackout so much. It had more K x T than I expected. . . oh wellz! ( I would like to apologize to Yuki fans about what happened in the last chapter. Sorry I portrayed him as a girl! It'll never happen again! I'll update soon. really aiming for 10 reviews now! Thanks a lot! Please r&r! Also, in reply to capheine's question - Tomo just kinda negotiated with Kyou. . . since he is a hacker. . . to get a program. More later. Arigatou! ^_^