Disclaimer: All creations of Fruits Basket are rightfully owned by Natsuki Takaya. I take no ownership of them. I'm just borrowing the adorable Furuba characters for my own purposes…
Salt - By Cherry Chibi
AN: Hello everyone! /bows/ Thank you all for giving me your support! I am very, very happy and grateful! /bows again/ Now, before we continue on, there's a couple of things all readers should know first... it'll help your understanding of this chapter. /smiles/
Jyuunishi Senshi: 12 Zodiac Warriors. They are the inner members of the whole Sohma Clan. In this case, they'll be our beloved cursed characters who will be the warriors for the Sohma Clan. There are only 12 members. (Guess who's been left out...) They're called the Jyuunishi for short.
Jyunsuina Senshi: Pure Warriors. Like the Jyuunishi Senshi, they are the inner members of their clan. In this case though, they are also the most elite in their abilities concerning martial arts or in their abilities which would help the clan's defence and offence. This makes them the equivalent to the Jyuunishi Senshi. They're called the Jyunisuina for short.
Alrighty! Let's get back into the story!
- Chapter One -
"Welcome to your new life, Tohru Honda." A woman's words coaxed her like a mother soothing her child with a lullaby. Tohru was still dazed and she was wondering where she was going. Fear had struck every pressure point of her body, leaving her like a helpless cub without its shelter. She couldn't escape the dark void no matter how much she wanted to. Even if she could, there was no way to orienteer. It was impossible to find north, let alone which direction was up or down. As she floated seemingly aimlessly. A story unfolded and imprinted itself into her memory, although she couldn't understand how it had any relevance to her at the time.
- - - -
…The legacy of the Clan Leaders began long ago, when the first of both Clans were born, Akito Sohma and Junko Honda. The two grew up to be the best of friends from their childhood, their smiles, laughter and simple joy brought much happiness to their hometown. Many said that the heavens had blessed the two to be spending their lives together for eternity, but it was easier said than done for the Sohma family were extremely rich whereas the Honda family were extremely poor. Different levels of status prevented them from being as close as they should have been. Then one day, a monk approached Junko believing that he would be able to solve the problem with a simple, yet powerful chant. He asked Junko to say a chant three times at the temple shrine to plea to the Zodiac Gods for help…
- - - -
"Who... who are you?" Tohru questioned to the presence that was surrounding her. A lassitude-like feeling softened her tense muscles as she searched for the woman. Her voice was shaky and quiet from fear. "Where are you?" When there was no reply was heard, Tohru thought that she was alone. Even so, there was still a warm feeling of someone holding her and guiding her through the shadows. Closing her eyes, she could feel her warm salty tears take life.
- - - -
…However, the monk had given Junko the wrong chant. Instead of helping the situation, Junko ended up cursing the Sohma Clan. Thirteen members of the Sohma Clan were possessed by the vengeful spirits of the Zodiac Legend and Akito became the bearer to the core of the curse. A bond of love became a bond of hate that was mingled with confusion and betrayal. Happiness turned to sadness. Joy turned to grief. Laughter turned to sobs...
- - - -
"Who I am is not important." The feminine voice brought strengthened the tiny hope within Tohru. Just as she opened her eyes, a sudden burst of light blinded Tohru for a seconds. She shielded her face with her hand and winced from the stinging sensation in her eyes. "What matters is that you are now in the year 1878, the Meiji Era." Tohru felt her eyes bulge out. Was she- Had she traveled into the past?
- - - -
…The pain grew to the point where a person's soul could shatter into dust and be blown away by the gusts of grief. Instead of trying to mend things, Junko committed suicide and with her blood, she unintentionally sealed the curse and took with her, the words which would've reversed the wretched curse…
- - - -
'This is too unrealistic. It can't be possible to travel back in time!' Just as she thought that, her vision cleared and she found herself standing under a large sakura tree looking out to the distance. Her surroundings were so peaceful that she relaxed although fear and bewilderment tingled under her skin. "It can't be..." Realising that she was wearing a pastel blue kimono with floral patterns decorated on it, she stunned herself back into reality and spun in circles looking at the scenery. The way she acted gave off the impression that she was a small bird hopping about in long emerald green grass looking for food to eat.
Down the grassy hill, was a town with several wooden buildings, on the opposite side, there were many plains, a valley and then the forest. "Good luck, Tohru." Three words and whoever the woman was, her presence vanished from Tohru's side. She was alone, in a world she didn't even know. Taking another lost look around, Tohru bit back her frustrated tears.
"It's... It's like a movie." She said to herself. Sighing, she allowed herself to float into the serenity for a few moments... it was peaceful and...
"Eh? Did you say something Lady Tohru?"
"Argh!" Tohru was snapped back, she turned around to see a woman standing behind her. "Uo!" Arisa stood before her, dressed in ninja-like midnight blue attire. On her back was a family crest embroidered on in silver thread. Arisa's long blonde hair was tied back into a long ponytail and her face looked dead serious. "What are you doing here?" Did Arisa also get sent back in time? How did that happen? All sorts of questions were bubbling in her mind and were threatening to erupt from her voice box. Looking at woman over again, Tohru realised that attached to her waist were twin short blades. Both in a metallic midnight blue sheathe with a silver crest of a phoenix and sakura blossoms.
Arisa grinned and crossed her arms. "Lady Tohru, I am Arisa Uotani, our fathers were brothers. I've been sent by Lady Junko to bring you home safely." Bowing respectfully, Arisa have her afternoon greetings and then said to Tohru, "I've been assigned to be your body guard for the time being as you train to be a Jyunsuina Senshi." Seeing Tohru's blank look, Arisa frowned slightly. "I guess you don't remember still... damn those Sohmas..."
Tohru blinked a couple of times. "Sohma?"
"Yeah. Thanks to them, they attacked the Honda Clan Household and because of them... you got a head concussion..." Arisa's fist was clenched tightly that it shook. She didn't realise that she had mumbled all of words out. Tohru was about to correct Arisa that she actually came from the year 2004 but went against it. Inside, she still felt confused about everything. How was she to explain that she came from the future?
'I might as well play along for the time being...' Tohru thought to herself. But, even if she played along, she felt odd about being given so much respect from Arisa. Why was Arisa putting, 'Lady' in front of her name? Hearing footsteps, Tohru found herself following Arisa down the hill.
"Please be careful Lady Tohru, I heard that the Jyuunishi Senshi are out on the streets again." Arisa said. She pulled out a beautiful cloak with a hood and handed it to Tohru, "Please put your cloak on. We don't want others to pick up our presence too quickly." Tohru accepted the cloak and wore it. Arisa also wore her own. As they walked into town and through the streets, Tohru took a good look around. Her eyes amazed at how different Tokyo looked compared to the Tokyo in the year 2004.
It felt so different walking along a dirt pathway instead of a concrete ground and it felt strange to see that instead of tall office buildings and shops, there were open stalls and huts. Paper signs were stuck up on wooden posts saying things like, 'Fish for sale' or 'Beef Bowl Stall'. As she followed Arisa, she forgot to take notice of people who were nearby her and she bumped into a group of strong guys.
"Hey! Watch it!" An angry tone growled.
"Oh! I'm sor-," Before she could apologise, Arisa had stepped in with one of her blades unsheathed. The edge glistened in the sunlight and reflected out of her dark narrowed eyes. Tohru looked surprised at Arisa.
"Don't you dare speak to her like that, Sohma boy." Arisa seethed, "Or else you might have your head in the gutter." The public soon picked up the tension and cleared off the streets. Tohru looked from left to right and heard the people whisper to each other.
"Quick! Inside! The Sohma and the Honda Clan are at it again!"
"Again?! That's the fourth time this week."
Tohru looked up with worried eyes. In front of them, stood three unusual looking boys. One was tall, the top layer of his hair was white while the bottom layer was black, the second had grey hair and the third had blonde hair. One thing that was common amongst the three of them was that on their clothing, there was a small dragon crest embroidered with golden thread onto the left shoulder area. They were dressed in swordsman outfits and each had their own set of swords. Arisa glared at them and they glared back.
"We can talk however we like." The tallest out of the three spoke. His voice indicated that he was already in a bad mood. Flicking back a lock of white hair, he exerted an aura of superiority. The words caused Arisa to heat up further. "Anyway, who gives you the right to talk to us that way? Think before you speak woman. I'm sure that even brats know better…"
"You bastard..." Arisa unsheathed her second blade. "Let's settle this our way."
"Ha!" The man scoffed, "After today, you'll remember a guy named Hatsuharu Sohma, the one who kicked your ass in broad daylight." He unsheathed a sword and beckoned for Arisa to take her best shot. "Hey, Yuki, Momiji, why don't you guys run ahead? I'll catch up with you later."
"I don't think it'll be a wise idea to start a fight now. It'd just be a waste of time." Yuki said as he sighed with boredom. "Why do we even bother with the troublesome Jyunsuina?" It seemed as though he too was giving a bit of insult to them. Arisa narrowed her eyes further with burning fury.
Tohru observed the whole scenario with a heart thumping feeling. She didn't like seeing people fight and when weapons were included, she didn't even want it to start. "Um..." Her hands were beginning to shake with worry. How would Arisa be able to fight like that?
"I'll have all of your heads." Just as Arisa took a quick step forward to charge, Haru was grinning with anticipation for action. Their blades were about to clash in a screaming spark but then...
"No! Stop!" Tohru came running, her hood flew back revealing her face and her long strands of brown hair. Her arms wrapped around Arisa's waist, pulling the both of them to the ground. "Please... stop." Tohru said, "Don't fight." She looked down at Arisa and then up to Haru with pleading eyes. "Please... don't..."
"Lady Toh-," Arisa growled angrily. Furious that her battle was stopped before it even began. She would've pushed Tohru off her but due to her status compared to Tohru, she restrained herself and chewed on her pride. On her hands and knees, Arisa got into a kneeling position beside Tohru. Her muscles tensed when she realised that Tohru had caught the attention of the enemy.
The Sohma boys looked at Tohru with amusement in their eyes. They had never seen anyone stop a fight between them and their enemies let alone make an attempt. "Who are you girl?" Haru questioned as he knelt down and cradled Tohru's chin with his thumb and forefinger. "Haven't seen you before." His piercing brown eyes were locked with her emerald pools.
"Ah..." Feeling colour rise to her cheeks, she backed away. "I..." Who were these guys?! Before she could be questioned any further, Arisa stepped in again, this time jumping in between Tohru and the Sohma guys. She let out a breath of relief, welcoming the interruption.
"So you think you can harrass an innocent girl now?" Arisa questioned with cold fury. Glancing over her shoulder to Tohru, she said, "Please, quickly run for it."
"But I don't know where to run..." Tohru replied after a moment. She felt Arisa's frustration as the frown on the fighter's face deepened. Not wanting to disappoint Arisa any further, she got onto her feet and dusted her kimono. She made eye contact with Haru and said with a surprisingly confident voice, "Who I am doesn't matter. What matters this moment is that we should stop this meaningless fight." There was a long silence, everyone's eyes were on her. Tohru knew that she had to say something else, it was getting embarrassing and more confusing by the second.
Bowing politely, Tohru concluded. "Excuse me, but Uo and I must leave." After she regained composure of herself, she smiled at Arisa and continued walking in the direction they had been. Arisa smiled a small smile and hurried to be at Tohru's side, sheathing her twin blades along the way.
"You handled that pretty well Lady Tohru." Arisa said with an amused tone. "I never thought you had it in you." Tohru just smiled and looked ahead. "Hey, Lady Tohru, you know that you're the first person to have ever broken up a fight like that? It was pretty dramatic though." The ninja was clearly trying to start a conversation.
"Well, I didn't know what came over me." Tohru said truthfully, "I just didn't want to see anyone get seriously hurt."
"But they were the ones who hurt you! Who gave you the head concussion!" Arisa was suddenly enraged. Before she could continue to ramble on about how much she hated the Sohma Clan and how the people of that family were nothing but bad news, Tohru broke it off with laughter.
"Oh Uo... whatever happened has happened. You can't change it. If I really did lose much of my memory then we should be finding ways to replace them." Her sentences caught Arisa by surprise. The rest of the walk was quiet but comfortable. It gave Tohru the chance to settle herself and absorb the new layout of Tokyo. Maybe if she got the chance, she's explore the town a bit more.
- - - -
AN: I got so excited that people liked the plot so far so I got motivated to write! Thank you all very, very much for reading!
Until next time!
Cherry Chibi
