Hello, here's the next chapter.
Yuki the Rat: Thanks for reading, glad you like the premise of the story.
Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.
Chapter 2: A Plan
From that evening on, my mind is filled with thoughts of the fortune to be had within the Kami's mountains. I am no fool, however, I know that achieving something such as this will require careful planning, time, and cunning. I decided in the beginning that I should leave in the spring, in expectation of finding the mountains before the onset of fall. Money, clothing, and a means of escape are also essential elements. The wide variety of chores that required me to move about and outside the Lord's palace once so hated and cursed by me now seem to be an invaluable opportunity. I purposefully but subtly observe the actions and patterns of the other servants, and, when possible, those of the Lord and his family. I know that the Lord has vast amounts of clothing for all seasons, and, more importantly, hides some of his riches in secret and hidden places throughout the castle.
In the midst of the frozen winter, I find myself resting for a fleeting moment, watching the stars of the sky that I envy so much. It is difficult to contain my excitement, but I know that such emotion and behavior would be questionable and would arouse great suspicion. The movement of the stars let me know that spring will soon be returning once more.
As I rotate through the rooms, endlessly tending the fires meant to keep the Lord and his family warmed from the billowing winds that fill the halls of the palace, I feel a slap to my back.
Angered, I turn around, not afraid to express my resentment in my face.
I see one of the other servants from my quarters. Either not noticing my expression or not caring, he merely motions for me to follow him, and, after some wavering thought, I decide to go along. When we reach a hidden alcove, he turns to me.
Quietly, he says, "Sohma, I have heard that the Lord will be gone during much of the spring. He must take a tour of his lands and meet with others of the nobility."
Despite my internal acknowledgment of the significance of this news, I merely shrug and say, "There will be another to take his place in his absence."
His voice a soft hiss, he says, "Sohma, surely you jest. Of all, I am sure you know that this means that his lazy eldest son will be the one to take his place."
"Unless another relative takes power at the Young Master's virtual absence."
He laughs and says, "Of course, once again, it is shown that Sohma thinks one leap ahead of the rest of us. While others celebrate and rejoice, Sohma quickly deduces the most likely outcome."
Yet another fool, how easy to deceive them all into believing that the sliver of hope of freedom does not really exist. Disgusted by their idiocy, I leave him to his laughter. What none have realized is that one can be slothful and ruthless at the same time; wanting not to accept the responsibility, but doing everything to thwart abdication. The impending power struggle will perforate holes in the iron wall that entraps us. With this knowledge, I return to my work, repressing my newfound energy.
Holding a filled tray as an excuse, I hide myself, leaning against the wall and listening to their conversation as the sakura blossom petals flutter and land near my feet.
"Otou-sama, I swear on my honor that I shall do as I should."
"You are the Master of my palace when I depart."
"I understand, sir."
"I expect that, when I return, this house will be as it was left."
"You have my promise, Otou-sama."
"And so it shall be."
I hear footsteps as they walk away. My grip tightens on the tray and I find myself unable to prevent a satisfied smile from creeping upon my face. Soon the battle will begin, I as it's only victor.
It commences within a few days, as do I. Disorder reigns as contradicting orders intermingle. Between sequesterings by the shifting and multiple Masters and Mistresses, I perform my own deeds, confiscating from the stashes of riches, the mountains of fine clothing, lasting foods, and essentials for my journey. I hide them all in a rotting box in a dilapidated shed in the woods, my collection growing. The struggles escalate and organization has almost ceased. Knowing that it will not continue this way, I decide as I watch the sakura trees sway that tomorrow will be the day. To my surprise, I notice a figure amongst the trees, the sakura petals encircling her as she quietly approaches me.
Realizing her identity, in that moment, all thoughts of my freedom dissolve and are immediately replaced with her visage.
She stops before me and I hear her voice say, "Sohma-san."
