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

Author's Notes: Wow! Over 20 reviews! *^^* thanks tons to all who reviewed, especially DojoMistressBra and Mistress of Darkness for their constant reviews. I'm sorry that the last chapter was mainly fluff - I promise to pick up the pace and get on with the story. Please tell me if I'm going too slow/fast. ^_^ that means u have to r&r! hehe

Overview: Haru's plans in the Matrix. More training for Kyou. More fluff. ~_^

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Haru felt his right leg grow numb. His knees started to buckle and he finally collapsed. Anger and hatred had driven him forward into the Matrix. . . now he had no idea why he had left. All he had done was trapped himself inside a computer program where he could be found in a matter of mere seconds. They could unplug him from the computers back in the real world, which would bring death. Haru cursed over and over, feeling sorry for himself. Pain, depression, and regret swallowed him up as he crawled to his former apartment.

"Stop."

Haru paused and stood up. It was night, and he couldn't see. His clumsiness that derived from the cow that he was did not help. He trodded on his own feet and yelped in pain. He felt himself fall onto a male body, which pushed him roughly off, as Haru landed back onto the floor.

"Who are you?" Hatsuharu asked, confused.

"We're agents," they replied coolly.

Agents? Haru felt his blood boil. His knuckles turned damp as he balled his hand into a fist. This was his chance, to knock them all down, and seek revenge for his parents' deaths.

But it was also impossible to do so. Agents were far more powerful than any human, and Haru was in an injured state. All he could do was lie down on the cool pavement, listening, hoping. . .

"We're here for you." They said.

"What?" replied Haru.

"We know how much you hate us," they said. "But we're willing to team up with you, grant your wishes, and return your lost things. . ."

The mention of loss perked up Haru. "Everything?"

"Everything."

"Even my parents?"

"Yes."

"Power?"

"Yes."

"Tohru?"

"Definitely."

Haru smiled. So, revenge, through those I wanted to seek revenge on. It seemed interesting enough. Moreover, if he became the One, he could destroy these computer fools. No big deal. "What do you want from me?" Haru asked.

"We want you." They replied.

"What from me?" he asked quizzically.

"All of you."

This was nonsense. The agents wanted him? "So, does that mean. . . I have to become one of you?"

"Yes."

"No."

"You must," they threatened, "Otherwise, we'd have to kill you."

Haru was terrified. They walked towards him. He had to make a choice - stay a human, die, and never accomplish anything, or become a part of the computer program, gain ultimate everything, and win Tohru's love back.

"Stop!" Haru exclaimed, as the agents halted. "I'm. . . I'm ready."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It had been a glorious night. As soon as Kyou had transformed back into a human being, he and Tohru had immediately become close to each other. They shared a meaningful conversation, full of laughter and smiles. Kyou had, as usual, been himself, retaliating, commenting harshly, realizing the hurt he had caused, and blushing it away. But Tohru had stroked his arm, reassuring him, that she liked it that way. She liked his personality. She liked him. She loved him.

Then, they had kissed again. Hungrily, desperately, full of passion and love. Kyou couldn't stay away from Tohru, everything about her made him crazy. Her eyes, her scent, her smile. . . Thoughts of her flashed through his mind as he became intimately familiar with her lips.

Tohru thought the same as she let her lips dance with Kyou's, her fingers grasping his firm shoulders. How soft his hair was, and how charismatic his eyes were. Everything about him made her want him more than ever. Kyou by then had clutched her waist and they were slowly losing control.

Kyou broke apart from her delightful lips, afraid that he would be forcing Tohru to do something she would regret. After gathering in air, he leaned his forehead on Tohru's, whispering to his angel, "I'm sorry. . . but you're just too damn beautiful."

Tohru laughed, as she cupped his cheeks within her hands. She smiled as her eyes closed and Kyou felt another wave of desire overcome him. He wanted to protect her, stay by her side, and never let her go. She was the most important thing in his life.

They held hands and sat that way, drifting off to sleep within each other's arms. Kyou watched sleep take Tohru away from him, cradling her into a blissful world of dreams. He smiled as he thought of the moments that he never knew he would share with someone, that Tohru had brought him that night.

Then he remembered what he was supposed to be doing. He propped Tohru's head on many cushions, as he stripped his sweater, draping it around the sleeping girl. Smiling to himself, he whispered "sweet dreams" as he left the living room, heading for the computers.

Along the way, he encountered a rather bitter Yuki, sitting alone in the kitchen. Kyou's good mood vanished as he witnessed his partner, consuming large quantities of alcohol. Where did he get all that? Kyou wondered, as he knew that Tohru would not permit beverages like that in her kitchen.

He strode over to the boy, as he placed a hand on the fragile shoulder, Yuki shoved it off. "Hey!" Kyou retorted, knocking the empty bottle out of Yuki's hands. Yuki glared.

"What do you think you're doing at this time of the night, drinking like that!?" Kyou yelled.

"Shut up and leave me alone, baka neko." The grey head muttered, reaching for yet another bottle, but to his dismay, they were all empty.

"Kuso nezumi, get a grip!" Kyou shouted. "What the hell is wrong with you, fool!?"

Yuki chuckled dangerously. "None of your business."

"I have a right to know!" Kyou spat, "I'm your partner! And. . . I'm your friend."

Yuki seemed surprised at Kyou's reaction. "Fool. . . because of you. . . and your indecency. . ."

"Who's indecent?" Kyou growled, "Are you mad at me because I like someone? Is that it? The One isn't allowed to have feelings or something? Tell me you damn rat!"

"Urusei," Yuki replied, while unstably standing up.

"What's wrong with you!?" Kyou asked again.

"It's not just you. . ." Yuki said, looking up into his partner's crimson eyes. "It's not just you. Me. . . I'm infected with it, too."

"Yuki. . ." Kyou said, puzzled.

The two stared hard at each other, until the alcohol from Yuki's consumptions took over, and the boy slumped on the floor, snoring lightly. Kyou sighed, as he picked up the boy and placed him on his chair. He had no sweaters to strip, so instead, he decided to run over to the computers, fetch his other sweater and come back.

He resumed his paces down the corridor until he arrived at his destination. He was surprised to find Kagura there. Her usual energetic self had vanished, a suffering one sat before Haru, staring aimlessly. Something about this scene didn't seem right. . . at all.

He inched his feet towards the pair. He saw tears staining Kagura's cheeks. The adorable girl seemed as if she was ready to die. What he didn't realize was that Kagura had been torn between the two most valuable people in her life - Kyou and Tohru. And, she had now just lost another friend, and the pain and shock was getting to her. Her mind was a thunderstorm, raging and frolicking menacingly. A barrier had been built around, repelling anyone that had dared to get too near her. She didn't move from her position that she maintained, beside Haru, staring into nothing.

"Kagura?" Kyou called. Her head turned ever so slightly. Kyou then walked over to the girl, sitting in devastation. He turned in the direction that she was in, and almost screamed. Haru's body had been mutated into such a form that his skin clung onto his bones, revealing all veins, holes, and joints that had been in Haru's body. Blood oozed on the chair, and a rotting smell occupied the carcass. All that remained in tact was Haru's once fashionable clothes, and his unique white and black hair.

"He's dead." Was all that Kyou could say.

Suddenly, Kagura couldn't hold herself anymore. She collapsed into Kyou's arms, weeping. Kyou didn't know what to do. He briefly put his arms around Kagura before they transformed, a messy mob of Jyunishi animals. Who could've done such a thing to Haru in the Matrix? How could someone kill another one that way? Didn't Haru know anything about self defence?

Then, a terrible feeling grew inside Kyou. I killed him. I injured him, then helped him into the Matrix. Then I left the computers. I let Haru die.

I killed him.

But what had really happened?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Panic overtook the team. Kyou had aroused them all, explaining quietly what had happened. Instantly, the colony snapped into action. Tohru cooked Yuki a concoction that awakened him from the alcohol. Yuki had immediately set the place to order, being the leader. "Everyone," he had started, as soon as they were all gathered in the kitchen table. "This is an incredibly serious matter. There have been no records in ancient books of a body just rotting like the way Haru's did. Does anyone have any thoughts?"

"My young, naïve Yuki-kun," Shigure said, "Poor Haru-kun's body didn't rot. . . it decomposed. Which means, something ate him up in the Matrix."

"However, if Haru died, we would've been able to pinpoint his exact death location through the computers, which we couldn't," Hatori said, "it's not a matter of a system failing, it's a matter of how the system was deterred."

"Hari is right," Momiji piped in. "The only way the Matrix is deterred so that there is a glitch in the program, is if a new addition arrives. So, after Haru's death, someone must have been born within the Matrix."

"Which, again, isn't possible," commented Ayame, "Because if Haru died, then his Matrix would be over. So there possibly couldn't be a birth after Haru died, because Haru wouldn't be able to imagine it, because he would be dead."

"Does that mean. . ." Tohru voiced, "something within the program was born? Like. . . a new chip may be?"

"Or a new database might have been created," thought Kagura, "to store information on a new program, or a virus."

"Hell, how is that going to happen?" Kyou said, furious, "what, do programs move around like humans, killing people, then turning them into more programs, so more of them walk around, killing humans, turning them into programs?"

Everyone fell silent. Kyou had made an intelligent notion - Haru had been turned into a program.

By walking, talking, moving programs.

"Agents." Yuki concluded, Kyou's thoughtless speech proving to be fruitful.

"I'm going in." Kyou announced, as he jogged out of the small, people- packed room.

"Kyou." Yuki yelled, clutching the wrist of his partner, "you're not going ANYWHERE without me."

"Stay out of this, girly boy," Kyou growled, "I got us into this mess. . . I can get us out of it."

"We have to work together."

"I don't want to."

"Kyou!"

Kyou looked sincerely into the eyes of his partner. "It's all my fault from the start. If I hadn't shown up, if I hadn't left the computers, if I hadn't existed. . . Haru could've been the One, and none of this would have happened."

Yuki stared at the orange-head in disbelief. "Kyou. . . you've saved us. You brought hope. You've brought love. . ." with this, he stole a glance at Tohru and Kagura. "Stay. We'll think this through . . . together."

"There's nothing to think about!" Kyou retaliated. "Haru wants me, and me only! If I go alone, I can finish this!"

"Then what about the rest of us? The human race!?" retorted Yuki, losing his princey composure. "You are the One to save us all. The One we all respect. The One we ALL need. If you go, we're all gone."

Yuki knelt before Kyou, surprising everyone. "Please. . . stay. . ."

Kyou couldn't take it anymore. He fled out of the kitchen, heading for the white room. Everything was in danger now. It was all his fault. He needed to fix it. He couldn't endanger everyone else anymore.

Especially Tohru.

No. Not anymore.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Welcome," they echoed, as Haru quickliy aroused.

"That was intriguing," Haru said, dusting his suit. He looked at himself. Nothing seemed to have changed, except for the fact that he was wearing a black and white suit, and wearing a black pair of shades. "What an experience," he said, hollowly.

"You are now Agent Hatsuharu, #AQS759003231. Welcome to the team."

Haru straightened his back proudly. He was now officially an agent. He had ultimate power now. To punch the day lights out of people, to wreck any building, and to win the love of anything or anyone within the Matrix. He flexed his tight muscles. Wow, his body had been built too. His face twisted into a smile, as he walked away from the bunch of agents. "Good luck, Agent Hatsuharu," was all he heard.

Now, revenge was at hand. Haru snickered. I'll ready for you all . . .

Come and get me.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"So. . . do you understand the situation we are in?" Yuki questioned.

"Yeah, okay. We have to work together." Kyou replied.

"Good." Yuki said. "You are so determined, Kyou, and so brave. I'm glad I have you as a partner."

Kyou nodded. "I'm glad you're my partner, too."

"We'll be emerged in hard core training starting tomorrow afternoon. We will not be able to come back to the real world for an extended period of time. This will be very dangerous, because the maximum number of time I can pack is 12 hrs. But returning, then going, is more dangerous, because then computers will recognize us better and better, then our entrance to the Matrix will be blocked off for a while. Hardcore training takes three days to complete. You will be facing a near death experience, as agents will be all over us after 12 hours. You. . . better say your good-byes tonight."

Good bye?

". . . It's like a safety thing."

Safety?

"And. . . I know how much you love her."

"Really?" Kyou asked, amazed.

"Really." Yuki replied, before turning his back on the youth. He closed the door of the white room behind him. A stray tear marked a path down Yuki's pale cheek. "Because I feel the same way."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kyou paced around the room nervously. What he had to do now was laid out right in front of him, presented on a silver platter, and Kyou was more than ready to face it.

Except for the one obstacle that possessed him more than anything.

Tohru.

Kyou felt his heart tear into two as he thought of her again. The previous conversation he had with Yuki wouldn't leave him alone. Say his good-byes? To Tohru? Even though he knew he would be back for her, no matter what, it hurt him so just imagining her face. He couldn't do that to her. . . he loved her too much. And he had just realized it that night.

But he didn't have much time left. They would be leaving that afternoon.

"Chikuso. . ." Kyou muttered, just as soon as the door opened again. He met Tohru, her face clearly showing grief, longing, and need. "Tohru. . ."

"Kyou-kun. . ."

The two stared at each other, as they had so many times before. Kyou walked up to the love of his life, and held her hand, a little too hard. "Tohru. . ."

She cried. She cried in fear of losing him. No matter what he said, Tohru begged for him to not go. She knew she was being selfish. But she had never felt this before. She loved Kyou more than anything. She had just realized that tonight. Now she had to let him go. She didn't want to. She wanted him to stay by her side, protecting her. She loved everything about him - his fiery hair, his crimson eyes, his lean body. The way he blushed, the way he held her, the way that he would awkwardly smile, the way he would shyly squeeze a compliment. The way he would snap at her, but then apologize in the most lovable way.

The way he would be himself.

"Tohru. . ." Kyou said, gazing into her worried eyes. "I'll never leave you."

"Don't. . . please. . ." she said, weakly.

"I won't."

"No. . ."

"I'll always be here. I'll be back."

"I can't let go."

"Because I love you."

"Kyou-kun. . ."

"I love you too damn much."

"Me too. . ."

"I'll be back."

"I'll be waiting. . ."

"Trust me."

Their lips locked furiously, tasting every inch of each other. Afraid they never will again, afraid to lose each other, afraid that their love will fade away. However, as soon as they did, all fear and doubt washed away, as their love strengthened. As soon as they broke apart, Tohru lunged into Kyou's chest, and they held each other in a tight embrace, the curse soon taking its toll. Tohru weeped uncontrollably, with an orange cat lying in her arms, tear marks down his face.

"Please return safely," Tohru breathed, stroking the smooth fur of her love.

"I will." Kyou finalized, looking up into Tohru's eyes, bringing peace to the girl, "I promise."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The afternoon came all too soon. Kyou and Yuki prepared to face the dangers of staying overnight in the Matrix, and sat down in the chairs. Momiji was at the computers, with an optimistic yet scared expression on his face. Everyone was present, to bid the two a final goodbye.

Kagura and Kyou were sharing the last minutes together. "Be careful in there, Kyou. . ." Kagura said, weakly.

"Thanks, Kagura." Kyou said, smiling. "Don't worry about me, and take care of yourself." He paused, then thought of something. "Can you. . . do me a favour?"

"Sure thing," Kagura replied.

"While I'm gone. . . could you. . . take care of that klutz for me?" Kyou said, his eyes pointing directly at Tohru.

Even though Kagura felt her heart shattering into a million dead pieces, she still pulled her stunt and planted a smile. "Of course. She is a really special person to me too."

"Thanks. . ." Kyou said, before closing his eyes. "I won't forget it."

Tohru knelt by Yuki, holding his hand tightly. "Yuki-kun. . . please take care of yourself."

"Honda-san. . . you too." Yuki said. "It's alright. . . we're only gone in the Matrix for three days."

Tears swelled up in Tohru's eyes again. "But. . . this is so dangerous. Do you need to do this?"

"Yes." Yuki replied. "I would do anything for you, Honda-san."

Tohru held back her tears. Yuki smiled. "Please, smile for me. Smile for me, Honda-san. I want to see you smile. . ."

And she did. Rays of warmth filled Yuki, even though his heart could be melted no more. She was Kyou's. . . He had seen them kiss. He hadn't meant on eavesdropping, but he couldn't help it. Still he wished that she would love him back, to return his long love, to hold him dear in her heart.

"Yuki-kun. . ." Tohru's voice echoed through him. "Please take care of Kyou- kun. . ."

"I will," Yuki said, before closing his eyes. "Don't worry."

"All ready?" Momiji said, as he brought the machines. "Good luck, you two."

"No." Kyou murmured, before shooting his eyes open. He hadn't said goodbye to her yet. No. Wait.

"Kyou-kun. . ." Tohru whispered, holding his hand.

"Tohru. . ." Kyou responded, as he felt the machines clasp his body. "I don't want to leave you."

"I'll be here, Kyou-kun. Please return home safely."

"Tohru. . ."

"Kyou-kun. . ."

Then he felt himself plunge. He was going into the Matrix. Into the training. This would be the end if they weren't careful. But he had promised Tohru he would return. And he was planning to keep that promise.

"I love you, Tohru," Kyou screamed, hoping that she would catch it. Then he felt total darkness envelope him. And then. . . nothing more.

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Sorry for the longest, corniest chapter in the world! I was trying to squeeze in lots of plot. . . gomen it turned out so bad! But please r&r anyway. I'm really eager to hear what you guys have to say! PLEASE R&R! *desperately begs*

BTW. . . please check out Capheine's BLUE MOON and ONE MORE TIME! They are great fics. Written by a great person ^_^ Well, until the next chapter, bibi!