Disclaimer: ME NO OWN.

In Honor of Kyoko

Sunlight filtered through the leaves of a tree to illuminate the three figures with small rays. Birdcalls echoed through the park, interrupting the silence.

"I believe she's in shock," Saki commented, turning back to Arisa. The other girl leaned towards Tohru, who was frozen with her hands still over her mouth, eyes wide. Arisa snapped her fingers in front of Tohru's face a few times. Gradually, Tohru's eyes came back into focus. She lowered her hands.

"R-reclaimers…?" she whispered, bottom lip trembling. "You?" Her friends nodded. "But even after what happened to Mother?"

"Especially after what happened to Kyoko-san," Uo-chan said fiercely. "It made me realize just how much we need to get rid of those gangs, and just how much I was willing to give up to ensure I did my part!" Her eyes shone, and Tohru could see the determination and hope reflected in them. She turned to Hana-chan.

"Why do you want to…?"

Hana-chan looked up. "For the same reasons Arisa-chan said," she replied, smiling. Her face was a serene as ever. "Please don't worry, Tohru," she added, growing more serious. "Arisa and I will always look out for each other, as well as for you. We'll be more prepared than Kyoko-san was."

"Yeah," Uo-chan said, straightening. "You're in just as much danger as either of us if Kyoko's killers find out she wasn't the last of her line." Tohru shivered. "No worries thought; we've got your back!"

Tohru pushed all concerns to the back of her head and smiled in return to Arisa. "And I will always support you two!" she promised. All three locked pinkies to seal it, as they'd done as grade-schoolers.

"Yakusoku!" The all agreed.

Two days later, after signing in at her job for the first time, Tohru began to clean as she'd never cleaned before. Trash bags were carried out at amazing speed, surfaces were left sparkling, and not a speck of dirt was left on floors once she was done with them. Her coworkers talked between themselves, saying they'd never met a harder worker. She was the very last of the staff to sign out and leave.

Outside, Tohru found Yuki waiting for her. "Sohma-kun!" she greeted him, pleasantly surprised.

"I thought Honda-san might like some company," he explained, smiling, "although that baka neko decided to tag along," with an annoyed expression.

"Kyou-kun too?" Toru asked, eyes wide.

"Only because I thought it might not be safe!" Kyou objected, appearing from some shadows. "This pussy guy would probably get beat down in a second in a fight, so I knew you'd need some real protection!"

Tohru giggled. "Thanks, both of you!" she said happily, grabbing one of each boys' hands and beginning to walk down the street with them.

AN: I know, I know. This took absolutely forever to get up, and it's only what, like 400 words? A good chapter has about 2000, guys. I'm sorry! It's because this is kinda just a bridge between chapters, so next one will be much much longer, I promise. With lots of action and fun stuff like that. Also, I think I've managed the beat down the crazy writer's block that's been here for like the last 2 chapters, so ya. I'm sorry everybody! And I wonder why people stop coming back. Anyway! I think the next chapter should be up within 2 weeks, so I hope everybody hasn't been scared away yet…you guys know I love you!

Anonymous: Somehow, you've managed to keep on finding me, even though I take like a year to write the chapters, which really amazes me. Thanks so much!

Cyjj: Nope! But Akito will be making at least one appearance!

Merei-chan: Yea, I don't like overly sad stories…so no killing of Tohru! Fer sure! I know you always tell me to update…and I take so long. Gomen ne!

Ryoko Maxwell3: I really don't have any pairings planned yet, but I'm keeping it in mind.

Miser: lol, thanks:)

Avestia: Thanks so much, here's the update…although I can't say much for the "soon" part.

Valese: Glad u likes it!

Urameshi no Koibito: Eh, I think I can get over it, seen as it took me so long to get this up. Yesh, Uo and Hana-chan have joined the cult :) Yay, my penname is cool!

Thankies all fer reviewing! Later!

Gen