Hello, here's the next chapter.

Yuki the Rat: Thanks again for reading and your comments!

Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and its characters are the property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 4: A Purchase

After sprinting from the Lord's property, I slow my pace as I approach the path.  Having studied the pilfered maps contained in one of my sacks, I set forth.  Because of its rumored harsh climate, I had decided to go first to Tohoku in Honshu, while the spring remains.  Amidst my careful planning, I had decided one of my first purchases would be a horse.  Despite its cost, I deduced that it would be of great value for distance and, when possible, the mountainous climbs.  I however, also concluded that it would be prudent to pass through a few towns before making such a purchase, as the peoples would be less likely to recognize me, and, hopefully, to have their curiosity aroused. 

During the days, I follow paths where they exist, referring to my maps when no people are in the vicinity.  I sleep in shelters or underneath the starlight, eating some of the rations by fire.  As necessary, I bathe in bodies of water or hot springs.

I approach a town of a suitable distance in an early morning, amidst the bustle of daily life.  Mindful of my appearance, I am particular in deciding to whom I should speak.  When I discern a well-dressed gentleman of middle years, I move towards him.  He notices me and stops, waiting for me.

I stand before him and he says, "My sir, may I be of help?"

"Indeed, you may.  I am in search of a quality horse for I have a journey."

"Sir, down this path and to the left, you shall find a man who can be of service to you."

I bow, to which he responds in kind.

"My gratitude."

"I am glad to be of service, sir, have a pleasant day."

With that, I depart, following his directions.  I come upon a building and see a man standing before it, feeding a horse tied to a post.  I halt and, perceiving my presence, he stops what he is doing and looks to me.

"I was informed by a gentleman in the town of a man who may help me in acquiring a horse."

"I would be that man."

I glance at the horse near the man and answer, "I seek one with strength and endurance.  Speed is of less importance."

"Hmm," he merely responds.

He gives me a look of wariness, which unsettles me, though I am sure not to express it.

"Staking out on your own, I presume, away from the burdens of your father and the duties of a young lord."

I remain unresponsive.

"Though, I reckon it's not my business to presume."

Perturbed, I respond, with my voice slightly raised, "Would you have such a specimen for purchase?"

He grins and responds, "Indeed, sir, I would.  I own a pasture away from the town but not too distant."

I nod my head in answer.

"If you're in a hurry, we can go together and you can make your purchase there."

Deciding that that would be wise, I say, "That will be suitable."

He steps towards the door of the building, takes out a key, and locks the door before placing the key back in his pocket.  Without returning to where I stand, he moves towards the path and walks along it once he has reached it.  With as much composure as I can muster, I walk so that we are parallel, not wanting to have others witness me behind him.  As we make our way, he is thankfully silent.  Curious, I scan the scenery and watch the people who pass by and those working in the town and, later, in the fields.  A feeling of satisfaction possesses me as I consternate how I shall not be like these peasants, toiling away simply for subsistence.

We approach a fenced in area and the man quickens his pace slightly.  Eventually, we reach a group of horses, and he opens the gate door and walks inside, I following.  He pets and talks quietly with the horses for a few moments, but then looks to me and moves towards one. 

"Is this the one of which you spoke?"

"Yes, sir, what's your opinion?"

Its appearance is strikingly similar to one from my past…

"Chichuae, will you teach me to ride your horse today?"

"Most certainly, Sohma, you are adult enough to learn."

"Are you pleased with my progress, Chichuae?"

"Definitely, Sohma, Chichuae knows that you will be of great help with your skills and knowledge."

Pushing aside these thoughts, I move closer to the horse to inspect it.

Breaking the silence, he says, "I'll include a used, but still good, saddle, in the deal."

Satisfied, I turn to him and answer, "This will suffice."

The man grins and says, "Let's make the sale, then."

I bargain with him for a short time, believing that either extreme could arose suspicion.  The transaction completed, I attach the saddle.  We bow silently before I mount the horse and return to the path to resume my journey.