(Chapter Four: Asking a Favor)

Kyo scraped the scuffs of his sneakers as he walked to Sohma house Thursday afternoon. He told Tohru that he was going to the dojo again so not to make her worry. The night before Haru had informed him that he had arranged the next afternoon for him to meet with Kagura and discuss about what he and Kyo had discussed at the dojo earlier that week. He sighed as he slid open Sohma house and headed for the beautiful house that stood just behind the main house. He rang the doorbell cautiously and slightly winced as he heard the pounding as she neared the door. She opened the door with a huge grin on her face.

"Hello Kyo!" she replied enthusiastically, "Come on in!"

"Uh thanks" he frowned as he eased his way in and followed her over to the sitting room where some tea and snacks were waiting for him.

He slid his backpack off his back and sat down. She sat on the opposite couch and picked up the teakettle.

"Would you like some tea Kyo? Or refreshments?"

"Oh no thanks" he said putting up his hand and glancing nervously around him, "I kind of wanted to get right to the point. Is anyone at home?"

"Huh? Oh no" she shook her head, "All except Rin. She's in her room packing some more. So tell me Kyo" she replied playfully, "What's on your mind?"

"Well" he started to say a bit unsettled, "It all has to do with" he hesiatated.

"Yes?" she urged him.

"Okay. It's like this. You know how I am being locked up after high school unless I can beat Yuki right?"

"Yes" she nodded sadly, "I know about that."

"Well" he sighed, "You also know that it is my father who wants this arrangement and that his reason for doing it was the suicide of my mother?"

"Uh huh" she frowned a bit, "That seems so unfair to me."

"Oh just wait" he stopped her, "It gets better. I have something I want you to read over" he reached into his backpack and pulled out an envelope, "It will prove that I wasn't the reason and not only that why he doesn't have a just alibi" he handed the envelope to Kagura.

"What is this Kyo?" she asked.

"It was a letter written. No wait let me back up. Come to find out. Before Tohru and I starting dating we discovered that our mothers knew each other when they were younger. Not only that they were best friends. Tohru met my mother once and I met Tohru's mother several times. In fact she was the only person who my mother let me associate with when I was younger. Any way that letter was written to Tohru's mother from mine the day before she committed suicide. The same day in fact when Tohru met my mother."

"Oh wow" Kagura said slowly opening it, "Okay. Here it goes."

As she read the contents of the letter she made several small outbursts of reactions. Kyo remained patient as she continued.

"Oh. Huh. Wow. Oh my. Goodness."

Finally she folded the letter and placed it back into the envelope. She placed it on the table in front of her and sighed.

"Well Kyo" she said sadly, "I have to say this proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you really did have nothing to do with your mother's suicide. And that Uncle Rei lied about not knowing why."

"I know" he nodded as Rin came out of her room and stopped in the hallway when she heard his voice, "He knew everything and yet still to this day he blames me."

"Oh my Kyo" Kagura shook her head, "You must have been so upset when you saw this letter for the first time."

"Yes I was" Kyo stood up and had his back turned from her so she couldn't see his face, "I think I cried harder then than I have ever cried in my whole life. I mean to find out that my mom actually committed suicide because she was dying from leukemia was enough but to find out that my father also knew about it and blamed me hurt just as much."

"I can imagine."

"I don't care how he feels about me now. I could care less really. And I had Tohru that day to help me get through that" he sniffed a little and wiped his face, "Anyway" he turned back around and sat on the couch, "I have been training really hard to try and beat Yuki but Haru who also knows about this letter thought there might be an easier way for me to get out of being locked up. But I need your help."

"How can I help you Kyo?" Kagura asked eagerly, "If it's for you and Tohru I will do anything I can."

"Haru told me that your grandfather is on the family elder council. I was kind of hoping that you could talk to him, show him the letter, and help me find a way to speak on my own behalf about the whole situation. I know the council doesn't usually deal with Zodiac cases but the letter should prove that what I say is true and what my father says is false. Please Kagura can you help me? I will do whatever it takes to see that Tohru isn't left alone without me."

Rin leaned her head against the wall and she listened sadly to what her cousin was saying. Kagura's own eyes were glistening with tears as he spoke. She paused a moment before speaking again.

"Kyo. I would really love to help you and it does sound like a good idea. But unfortunately I am not that close to grandfather. I hardly have ever spoken to him. I doubt he would want to see me."

"Oh I see" Kyo's heart sank a little as did his shoulders, "Well thanks for hearing me out" he grabbed his bag and was about to stand.

"Hold on a minute" a voice said coming into the room.

Kyo and Kagura looked in direction of the voice and were both surprised to see Rin there with a very determined look on her face.

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Sorry it is so short and to leave you on a cliff hanger but you will have to read on Wednesday to find out what happens!

Next Time on Rice-Balls in a Fruits Basket:

Chapter Five: Rin Steps In

Her heart overcome with the honesty of Kyo's story Rin sets out to talk to her grandfather about the letter. Will she succeed in her mission? Find out next time!!

And

Chapter Six: Musical Hearts

It's Valentine's Day once again and Momiji is spending it with Andie and her father. Through the festivities Andie notices how sad Momiji is all of a sudden. Will the Rabbit finally open up on his past and all his well-kept secrets to this very special girl? See you next time!!