Chapter Thirteen: The Ball

Yuki patted down the soil carefully over the seeds he just planted. Smiling softly to himself, he said without turning his back, "Good morning, Honda- san."

The girl jumped in surprise. "H - how did you know I was here?"

"I always know when you're near," he responded.

She flushed and walked to him, chewing her lip nervously. He straightened up and brushed the dirt off his clothes. He frowned as he noticed her uneasiness. "Honda-san, is something wrong?"

"Yuki-kun, I've decided -" she trailed off.

"Yes?" he prompted.

"Yuki-kun, thank you so much for having us for these past few days. We really appreciate your hospitability . . . but it's probably time for us to head home. Once again, thank you," Tohru stuck out her hand for him to shake.

He stared down at her extended hand incredulously. "Didn't we go over this yesterday? I don't want you to leave . . . ever. Do I need to remind you again just how much I don't want you to go?"

She reddened but continued, "Yuki-kun, I think returning home is best for everyone."

He folded his arms and raised his eyebrow. He said warily, "Best for everyone or best for that baka neko?"

"Yuki-kun, please . . . you have to understand . . . Kyou-kun -"

A crash suddenly interrupted them and they looked up to see a blur plummeting down. A more careful scrutiny showed that the blur had orange hair.

"Speak of the devil," Yuki muttered underneath his breath. Then he looked more carefully at the route the boy was taking in his fall and yelled. "BAKA!! DON'T YOU DARE FALL -"

Too late. With a yelp, Kyou landed in one of Yuki's prized rose bushes, successfully crushing the poor plant.

"Kyou-kun!" Tohru ran toward the boy. "Are you alright?"

"Ow! Damn it! Stupid thorns. Ow!" Kyou struggled to extract his limbs carefully from the plant. Yuki flinched as he saw his beloved roses crushed into oblivion with each movement. He silently wished for more vindictive thorns.

"Are you dead yet?" Yuki asked impassionedly.

"No," Kyou grumbled as he tried to sit up. Tohru fluttered around him, trying to get the thorns out of his way.

"Good," the lavender haired boy snapped. "Gives me the pleasure of killing you myself."

"NANI?! WHAT DID I DO, MISTER ROYAL PAIN IN THE BUTT?" Kyou jumped up, wincing as several thorns imbedded themselves in his skin.

"In case you haven't noticed, the plant you just crushed in your tumble to the ground is a rare rose bush planted by yours truly. Not only have you not apologized yet, you little twerp, you have the nerve to insult me? But then again, I suppose your brain has trouble keeping up with your foolish actions. I forgive you," Yuki retorted.

The orange haired merprince flared, clenching his fists. "Oh, I'm sorry for not trying harder to avoid your precious flowers . . . I suppose in my neck breaking speed toward the ground, I should have mapped out where your gardens were and tried to fling myself in the opposite direction. Next time I fall, I'll try to get a blueprint to study before I crash."

Yuki shrugged disdainfully. "I doubt you'll be able to understand a map but I'll try to accommodate you next time. Funny how gravity applies to you too . . . since your head is so obviously full of hot air, I would have assumed you'll float up."

"Yeah? Well, I also wonder why you're not up in the sky as well . . . with your puny, sticklike figure, I would have a thought a light summery breeze would have sent you soaring into the air. How have you managed to keep to the ground? Did your parents have to implant a pound of metal into your brain??"

"KYOU-KUN!! OH MY GOD?! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" Kagura came flying out through the doors and the boy immediately blanched. The rest of the family followed the girl curiously.

Yuki raised an eyebrow and smiled mockingly. "Yes, baka neko, are you alright? Can you explain to all of us what exactly made you crash through the window? Did you trip over your own feet again? Or were you trying to fly?"

Kyou glowered at him before mumbling, "I, uh, ran into Kagura's fist."

Shigure grinned, "You mean our little princess knocked you out?"

"Hey, she's hardly little!" Kyou said defensively.

"I'm sorry, Kyou . . . demo . . ." Kagura sniffed. "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!" She began throttling the boy again. "WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT WE'RE A PERFECT COUPLE?! TOHRU CAN'T EVEN HUG YOU!! HOW CAN YOU LIKE HER?!"

Everyone turned to look at Tohru and she blushed; Yuki clenched his fists tightly.

Kyou pushed away and screamed back, "SHE CAN HUG ME! WE EVEN KISSED YESTERDAY AND I DIDN'T TRANSFORM SO HA!"

Everyone turned silent and stared at him now. It was Kyou's turn to turn red. Yuki's nails dug into the palm of his hand.

Hatori said quietly, "Yuki, the same goes for you too, right?"

The boy nodded in response. Ritsu spoke up, surprised. "Yuki too? B - but - that's impossible! H - how?"

Kagura had turned silent. She stared at Tohru and the other girl shifted uneasily. Hatori spoke up again, "So, Tohru, you told everyone you're leaving yet?"

"WHAT?" Everyone started talking, clamoring away. Momiji pouted to Kisa while Hiro and Haru stood in stunned silence next to the girl. Shigure and Ayame sobbed, clinging to each other. Uotani and Hanajima rolled their eyes. Ritsu stared back and forth from Yuki to Tohru then to the rest of the merpeople. Kagura ran after Kyou again. Hatori sighed and patted Tohru on her back.

"Will everyone stop this incessant chatter? It's giving me a headache," a quiet, low voice cut through the noise, halting everyone in their step. Hatori stiffened and tension crackled through the air. Furrowing her eyebrows, Tohru turned to see a slender, dark-haired boy. Although he looked very young, just a few years older than herself, he carried himself with a dignified, arrogant air. She suddenly didn't know whether to describe him as a boy or a man. His dark gaze suddenly fell on her and she shivered under the intensity.

"Y - your highness," Ritsu stammered, drawing her attention. Her gaze immediately snapped back to the stranger. She finally met Akito.

* * *

Akito yawned, raising a hand to cover his mouth. His sharp eyes continued to hold the emerald orbs of the brunette. For some reason, she looked familiar. His eyes shifted over the rest of the group. His cursory glance was more than enough for him to discern all the details; his position as the king required such skills. His family was still afraid of him . . . he smirked inwardly. But then again, there was a slight difference . . . Yuki, his new heir . . . he appears to be taking a protective stance over the girl . . . in fact, most of his family appears to have taken to the guests in these past few days. Hiro, Haru and Momiji standing next to a little girl, gritting their teeth. Shigure and Ayame standing grimly next to a blonde and another impassive girl. Kagura clinging to a golden haired boy who's pushing the green eyed brunette behind him, whom both his former and new heirs, Hatori and Yuki, are posting themselves around . . . forming a little triangular barricade around the girl. Only Ritsu was standing alone, his nervous eyes darting around like a jumpy rat. Akito laughed silently. This was too much. They're acting like it's time for war.

He smiled coldly and walked purposefully toward the brown haired girl. The three males around her immediately tightened their positions. She peered fearfully around the orange haired boy. Reaching their little group, he stared coolly into the glaring red eyes of the boy and said, "Please remove yourself from my view. I wish to see the young lady you're blocking from me . . . not you."

The boy clenched his jaw and refused to move, no matter how hard Kagura tugged on his arms. Shrugging, Akito pushed the boy away not so gently. Kyou stumbled to his left in surprise at the king's strength and holding back the urge to throw a fist into Akito's nose, stood protectively near Tohru.

Akito put out his hand, "I am King Akito, ruler of Hanako and the Sohma family. And you are?"

Tohru placed her trembling hand into the king's and said hesitantly, "I'm Honda Tohru."

His hand immediately tightened and she winced. Hatori, Yuki and Kyou took a step forward. His dark eyes searched hers thoroughly as if looking for answers and she froze in fear, staring back timidly. Finally relaxing his grip and narrowing his eyes, he bent and pressed a kiss to her hand. Sighing in relief, Tohru prepared to pull away but Akito didn't release.

"Honda Tohru . . ." he said musingly. "The name sounds so familiar . . . could you perhaps be related to a certain Honda Kana?"

Everyone stiffened in reaction and Tohru stammered, "Uh . . . ah . . . I . . ." She caught the eye of Hatori and he shook his head slightly. "No. I - I'm not related . . . no. Never heard of her before. Sorry." She finished weakly.

He raised his eyebrow and nodded skeptically. "I see." He knew she knew he didn't believe her. "I heard something about you leaving today."

She nodded timidly.

"Well, you can't."

Everyone stared in shock and Tohru trembled. Was he planning to hold them captive?

"You can't leave before I thank you all properly for rescuing my family. Tonight, I will hold a ball. You are all expected to attend. I look forward to seeing you all," his eyes lingered on each person before releasing Tohru's hand and walking away.

Everyone sagged in relief before beginning to worry about the unexpected delay in the mermaids' departure.

* * *

Tohru's palms were sweating profusely; she quickly wiped her hands on the beautiful cerulean gown she wore. Her long brown hair was pulled up into a knot today, fastened by delicate ornate pins. Several strands escaped to curl loosely around her neck.

Uotani clasped her hands around the back of her neck, complaining loudly, "I don't know why we have to take off our mermaid dresses yet again!! I feel so uncomfortable!!"

"Relax, Uo-chan, you look great in that yellow dress," Tohru smiled at the merprincess who shrugged in return.

Kisa walked up to them in a cute little scarlet dress with white laces adorning the sleeves and the hemline. Hanajima followed closely in a dark forest green dress. Trickles of the lilting music floated up the stairs to them as they descended. The graceful sweeps of violins and cellos embraced them and Tohru began to feel nervous again. "I've never been to any type of social like this, Uo-chan. I'm going to make a fool of myself . . . and in front of Akito too!"

Uotani grinned at her and winked, "Don't worry about a thing. I'm sure carrot top won't leave you alone the whole night . . . and if he does, I'm also quite confident that a certain human prince would be quick to take my brother's spot."

Kisa giggled as Tohru blushed hotly. "Uo-chan!! That's not true -" She trailed off because she suddenly noticed what was awaiting them at the bottom of the steps.

Yuki stood there, decked out in a creamy white suit that accentuated his pale, elegant features. His lavender hair framed his face closely and he tucked a few strands behind his ears so it wouldn't fall into his eyes. In the chest pocket, a single red budding rose peeped out. Tucking his hands into his pockets, he was currently glaring at Kyou. Tohru's eyes drifted to the other boy and her eyes widened. Kyou had chosen to lose his blue pants for a midnight black tux that fitted closely to his broad shoulders. His orange hair was combed back in an attempt to put some order to the normally unruly locks but some strands still fell over his forehead, curling softly over his blazing eyes. In his hand clutched a bunch of blue violets.

Shigure whistled up at them, startling the boys out of their silent battle. They looked up and their jaws dropped. Ayame bounced up and down cheerfully. He crowed, "The dresses I made for them are superb, aren't they? Aren't they?" Neither Yuki nor Kyou paid him any attention; their minds were busy focusing on something else. Tohru turned pink and walked down carefully, avoiding their eyes.

Uotani laughed and clapped her brother on his back. "Well, well. Once you take the time to doll yourself up, you do look semi-cute, orange top!!"

Kyou coughed, sputtering, and turned to glare at his sister. "Wish I could say the same about you!"

Uotani's eyes turned dark and she loomed dangerously over him. "NANI?!"

Shigure quickly popped his head in and cheered, "Well, I think you're cute!"

Hatori coughed, "You think anything with a skirt on is cute."

The dog pouted and ignored him. Sticking his arm out, he waggled his eyebrows at the merprincess. "Shall I escort you in, milady?"

Shrugging, she rolled her eyes and took his arm. Hanajima did the same with Ayame. Momiji and Hiro were both tugging on Kisa's arms until Haru stepped in and pushed his two shorter cousins aside. Kisa turned red as she accepted Haru's arms while Hiro glowered close by and Momiji pouted with tears in his eyes. Ritsu fluttered around in the background. Hatori escorted Kagura, who sighed wistfully at a certain orange haired boy.

That boy was currently snapping at her purple haired cousin. Glowering fiercely, he roared, "Kuso nezumi!! Scram!! Get your own human girl to bother!!"

Yuki raised his eyebrow and electricity crackled in the air between the boys. "I'm afraid I can't trust Honda-san with you. With your coordination, you'll probably lead her straight into a wall."

"NANI??!!"

"You heard me, baka neko."

"That's it!! I'm going to take you right here! Smash your pretty nose into the nice marble walls you have!!"

"Not here."

"HA! You afraid??"

"No, I just don't want to get my carpets stained with your blood."

"You cocky little sh -"

"Kyou-kun!! Yuki-kun!!"

Both boys turned automatically to Tohru who blushed and stammered, "Why don't both of you escort me in? I'll really appreciate it."

Yuki stared warily at Kyou before nodding softly at the girl. She smiled as she took his extended arm before entwining her other arm through Kyou's. They smiled down at her beaming face before shooting daggers at each other over her head.

Yuki pulled the red rose from his pocket and Tohru now saw that it was a corsage. He smiled as he held her hand loosely, wrapping the pink ribbon around her wrist. She flushed as he said, "A red rose for your beauty and grace."

Kyou growled and tugged on Tohru's other hand to get her to turn to him. He blushed a little and cleared his throat, pulling on the collar of his shirt. "Um, here, blue violets. Unlike some thorny flower, it represents true loyalty and faithfulness . . . and it's the color of the ocean . . . and it, uh, matches your dress too." He lifted the flowers to her hair and she blinked as he fumbled a little before weaving it around her knot. "There, you look perfect." He smiled warmly down at her.

"True loyalty . . . you mean, like a dog?" Yuki said coolly, raising his eyebrow.

"No, loyalty like I'll disembowel anyone who hurts her," Kyou snapped.

Entering the grand ballroom, Tohru gasped as she took in the golden walls. She twisted her head up to look at the high ceiling, where paintings of angels smiled lovingly down at her. The harmonious music surrounded the room and she looked around at all the people mingling and laughing in their conversations. Graceful ladies, adorned in fancy colorful gowns, smiled coquettishly and flirted lightly with the chuckling gentlemen. Waiters darted through the crowd carefully, holding trays of snacks and refreshment. Tohru turned starry eyed, "Suigoi!! Everything's so beautiful!!"

Yuki smiled softly, "I'm glad you like it, Honda-san."

Kyou snorted, "Che! The palace back home is hundred times more beautiful! Everything home is natural and welcoming, with a soft yet grand appearance. The blue waters making the light dilute and hazy . . . a constant dreamlike environment surrounding the humongous coral reef palace. Luminescent pearls winking at you with each step, plants billowing gently, colors of every kind before you. Here? Everything has a fake, superficial feel . . . but then again, I suppose humans can't do any better . . ." His eyes drifted pointedly to Yuki. "Tohru, you should be careful. You really can't trust any human . . . no matter how sweet and charming their words can be."

Yuki clenched his fist and his eyes flashed dangerously. Tohru laughed nervously and then Yuki smirked before dragging the surprised girl off with him. "Let's dance, Honda-san!!"

Kyou started to give chase but found himself anchored to the ground as Kagura clung to him. "Ne, Kyou-kun, let's dance too!!" She didn't give him a choice in the matter.

* * *

Kyou craned his neck around, trying to catch a glimpse of Tohru and Yuki. Once he did, he wished he hadn't. Tohru laughed as Yuki swung the girl around in his arms. The prince grinned back and then catching Kyou's eyes, he smirked smugly again. Kyou tightened his grip and Kagura winced a little before staring sadly up at her dancing partner. She knew without looking who he was staring at.

"Ne, Kyou-kun?"

"Hmmm?" He said without looking at her.

"Kyou-kun!!" She twisted his hand and he flinched before turning back to her warily.

"Yes?"

"You really have to leave?"

He nodded. "Yeah, we've been staying too long already."

"I - I don't want you to go," she whispered softly.

He furrowed his eyebrows and sighed softly. "Kagura, honestly, haven't we gone over this before -"

She threw himself forward and buried her face in his chest. His first impulse was to throw her two feet away but he groaned inwardly when he realized she was crying. Reaching his hand up awkwardly, he patted her back. He glared at the other guests, who were staring at them curiously; they quickly turned away. "Kagura, please don't cry -"

"Too late," she mumbled into his suit.

"Kagura -"

"You know, it's not fair. How come you won't even show me the slightest interest when I love you so much? Tohru doesn't even show you half of what I feel for you. Heck, she's just playing you and Yuki along all . . . even now! And yet . . . and yet, you still love her so much. It's - not - fair!" She pounded each word into his chest with her fist.

He coughed weakly before grabbing her hands in case she made any other hostile motion, "Kagura, you know what? You're right. It isn't fair."

"Huh?" She lifted her tearstained face to him.

"It isn't fair . . . but then, who said love was fair? Hell, who said life was fair?"

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

He sighed and smiled down at her sadly. "Kagura, you're a true princess . . . I'm sure one day some great guy will happen along and you can turn on your, uh, charm on him and he'll be able to, um, appreciate you for what you are. That guy just isn't me . . . but believe me, that doesn't make you any less desirable."

She smiled weakly and he grinned back, "Of course I'm not sure he'll be able to live up to me since I'm so hopelessly handsome and smart and suave and cool and -"

"And modest," she laughed tearfully and punched him on his arm.

He grimaced and smiled painfully back. "So . . . everything's okay with us?"

She shrugged, "Yeah, guess so. You're right about what you said before."

"About what?"

"You're not such a great catch," she smiled teasingly.

He scowled and she laughed.

* * *

Tohru smiled softly at the laughing couple. "Kagura seems happy with Kyou- kun."

Yuki nodded distractedly before turning to her, "Honda-san, are you really going to leave?"

She turned quiet and nodded. He tightened his hold around her and continued, "You don't have to go back if you don't want to. You're always welcomed here." He turned slightly pink and said hesitantly, "I'll need a queen . . . and I can't think of anyone more perfect for the role than you, Honda-san."

Her head jerked up and she bit her lip nervously. "Yuki-kun -"

"I know this is too fast," he added quickly. "But I really do like you, Honda-san. I just want you to keep this option in mind . . ."

"Keep what option in mind?"

They turned to see Akito raising his eyebrow at them. He looked down haughtily at Tohru and she wanted to shrink into a ball and hide. He spoke coldly, "Yuki, may I cut in?"

Before the boy could answer, Akito already had his arms around her and was leading her into the center of the dance floor away from Yuki. As they twirled around, she stared helplessly at Kyou, Kagura, Hatori, Ayame, Hanajima, Shigure, Uotani, Momiji, Kisa, Hiro, Haru, and back to Yuki. [Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. What do I -]

"I heard you saved Yuki and the rest from drowning."

She nodded flimsily in response.

"I suppose I should thank you."

She shook her head.

"Are you afraid of me?"

She blinked and shook her head furiously.

"Then why haven't I heard a peep from you yet?"

She bit her lip and opened her mouth but the chilling smile he gave her froze her on the spot.

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Why don't you go retrieve it from what's his name - Kyou?" His eyes darkened. "I know you're not serious about Yuki if you're still tromping around with that crude boy . . . or are you playing hard to get? I'd appreciate it if you and your little friends stop your little act and stop messing around with my family. They're all very naive and I definitely abhor anyone trying to take advantage of them." He tightened his grip and she gasped in pain.

"I'm not -"

"I know you're Kana's sister."

She sucked in her breath.

"I'm not stupid. Why can't you and your family members leave mine alone? First your sister, now you and to make matters worse, you've brought groupies. Are you deliberately provoking my wrath?" he hissed. "I didn't want to see Hatori get hurt . . . but he was despite all my efforts . . . I don't want to see the same thing happen to Yuki . . . and if that means I'll have to -"

Shigure popped in cheerfully and excused himself as he dragged Tohru away. Akito glared at him before turning away and disappearing through the crowd.

Tohru was shivering uncontrollably and Yuki and Kyou stood protectively over her as she sipped some water Kisa handed her. For the remainder of the night, she just sat there dumbfounded while everyone stared at her worriedly. Finally, the ball ended and Uotani lead the girl back to their room. But before they could open the door, a maid burst out of the room and nearly ran them over, holding her head dizzily.

She stammered, "I'm so sorry . . . but someone broke into the ladies' room and knocked me out before I could see who it was. I think it was a burglar . . . but I'm not sure what has been taken."

Realization hit the four girls at once and they tore through the doorway with Kyou and the Sohmas at their heels.

Uotani pushed into their room first and cursed. The wardrobe was open, hanging a jar. Clothes littered the floor as if the person had been rummaging for something. Hanajima said quietly, "Our dresses are gone."

Tohru sank to the floor in disbelief. There hadn't been any point for her worries and Yuki's pleadings. They couldn't go back home after all. They were stranded.

~ ~ ~

Whew! That was a long chapter but I figured I owed you guys for not updating a lot these days . . . please read and review!!

~ Maeven ~ ^_^