Disclaimer: Me no own.

In Honor of Kyoko

An hour later, Tohru still sat beside her mother. Her eyes were red, and the occasional tear still trickled down her cheek.

Once she'd calmed down enough, Tohru had gotten a cloth from the kitchen and wetted it in the sink. Now, she was slumped against the couch, daubing at the blood. She felt she should at least clean Kyoko up.

When Tohru deemed that she'd done the best job she could, she hoisted herself from the floor and walked to the phone. Lifting it up, she plucked off a piece of paper held to the bottom by a piece of tape.

It was the number Kyoko had put there for Tohru to call if anything ever happened to her: the Boss's number. Taking a deep breath, Tohru lifted the receiver and dialed. After several rings, a man answered.

"Hello?" he said. Tohru's voice cracked as she replied.

"You…are you the Boss?"

"It depends who's asking," the man said craftily. Tohru was in no mood for games.

"Please!" she cried, "I'm Kyoko's daughter!" The man hesitated.

Then, "You shouldn't mention names; this call should be secure, but you never eliminate the possibility that someone's listening in."

Tohru did not feel like discussing gang policies. "It makes no difference now," she replied. "My mother is dead. Shot." Fresh tears formed in her eyes, but she brushed them away.

When he answered, the man's voice sounded urgent, but at the same time, a bit deadened.

"You need to get out of that house immediately then. If someone was able to find the Red Butterfly, chances are good they know about you as well. They may come back. Pack your things and get out. No need to worry about burial arrangements; we'll come over and take care of that. Keep my number and call back tomorrow, okay? I'll give you the details on where she'll be laid to rest. Do you have somewhere you can go?"

"Yes," Tohru lied. She wasn't sure why.

The man paused. Up until now he'd spoken like it was all business. Now his tone changed.

"I…I am very sorry for your loss. Truly I am. Kyoko was one of the best people I ever knew. She knew what she fought for. You have my very best wishes for the future."

"Thank you," Tohru said softly. Both hung up.

Tohru wandered the house, packing all she'd need. Most of her clothing was packed, several special belongings, her mother's Red Butterfly coat, and a photo of Kyoko. A little food went in as well. She found her mother's wallet and slipped it in. The wallet contained whatever cash Kyoko had out of the bank, a credit card, ATM card, and ID card.

When Tohru decided she had all she needed, she returned to Kyoko's side.

"Mother, I love you so much…" Tohru said. "I'll be strong, and I won't get down. I'll find somewhere to stay, okay? And I have a picture of you. I'll always keep it with me. And someday I'll find the people who killed you…they won't be able to simply walk away from this."

Tohru leaned down, kissed her mother's forehead, and then walked out the front door.

AN: Okay, I didn't FULLY explain everything that's going on; I've decided to carry that on into lots of following chapters. But I said a little bit of it, so I kinda kept my promise! Oo, was that a threat coming from little Tohru-chan? Is that possible? Hehe, so, here's a teaser for the next chapter! As for the credit card, ATM card, etc., I have no idea how Japan's banking system works. I do my best :) But I also didn't have shoutouts for last chapter's reviewers, so here they are now! (Aww, but there were only 3 ;.; maybe better luck this time around?)

Atsuki: Thankies!

Sugar High Yusukeholic: Arigato, yesh, angst is good, isn't it?

Hikari Rioki: Thanks for coming by to read! I'm glad you like it so far.

Gen