This is a really LONG chapter! I am VERY tired... Phew! At least it's done! Sorry for keeping you waiting! Thx for coming back again too! Can I have more reviews, pretty please? I'm aiming for at least 15 for now! Thank you! Enjoy!
Chapter 10 – Meeting of the cursed and blessed
"Why are we dressing up a bit today again?" Mingzashi asked Ritza. "Toyoko said we're going to meet the cursed people. She said to doll up little bit," Ritza giggled. "Guess what, Toyoko even called the other blessed ones last night to come over here today! She didn't even tell Akito!" Mingzashi nodded but did not continue their subject.
"Shimaya! I know I asked you to doll up a bit, but you don't have to take that long! Can you be faster or we'll be late for breakfast!" Ritza shouted to Shimaya who was "dolling up" in the bathroom. "Only you won't be late, that is," Ritza added to herself.
"DONE!" Shimaya announced, coming out of the bathroom. Even though Ritza and Mingzashi was angry with her for taking so long, they couldn't help admiring the way the girl had DOLLED UP herself.
Shimaya's shoulder-length yellow hair was tied up with two bright sky blue ribbons. And she had two cute yellow rabbit clips to clip her hair up. She had even put on earrings saying "Hello". She wore a blue top and a mini skirt. She looked… nice.
"You look good," Mingzashi remarked. "Now we have no time to dress up ourselves! You even put on makeup! Next time, if you are going to take so long to doll up, please wake up earlier and make sure you are done before we wake up!"
Shimaya just smiled and said, "I'm sorry." Though she did not sound sorry at all.
Mingzashi sat down on her bed and waited while Ritza made up herself. Ritza was out in 15 minutes, looking every bit as amazing as Shimaya. "See? She can be fast and pretty!" Mingzashi said.
Ritza was wearing a sleeveless black T-shirt, low waist jeans which had beautiful flowers on it. Her long black hair was contained with a red ribbon. She had put on makeup, which looked great on her.
Mingzashi jumped up and went into the bathroom. She was even faster than Ritza. She was out in 10 minutes. But Mingzashi did not like dolling up, so she was wearing clothes that were somewhat casual. She was wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a dog on it, and plain jeans. Her hair was combed nicely though, but she did not put on any makeup. She had some perfume on, so she smelled nice.
"Good, we're done. Let's go," Ritza said. "Toyoko said she would not be joining us. We have to go out to eat. And Shimaya, DON'T go running in every direction like yesterday."
(Meanwhile, in Akito's room)
Toyoko was sitting crossed legged beside Akito, who was also sitting crossed legged and staring off into space. They were facing a garden, and the bird that normally went to Akito, stayed closed to Toyoko's side and completely ignored Akito.
"Even the bird chose her instead of me," Akito thought.
"What are you doing here?" Akito finally asked.
"Like I said, I want to spend time with you," Toyoko replied simply.
"Oh really? Well, I think this is useless," Akito said.
"I did not say what I'm doing is of something useful, did I?" Toyoko questioned. "Anyway," she continued, "My Zodiacs are coming to visit me today. So we'll officially start seeing each other tomorrow. I wonder if you want to meet my Zodiacs?"
"Your Zodiacs are not allowed to come into my house," Akito said.
"Why ever not? You said that they were allowed to visit," Toyoko asked. "You cannot go back on your word. I will not allow you to, anyway."
Akito was getting angry. He was surprised when Toyoko laid a hand on his shoulder. "Relax, I didn't mean to make you angry at all. But still, I really want to see my darlings," Toyoko said in a soft, gentle voice that calmed Akito down, much to his surprise.
Not wanting to show any softness, he said in a deadly cold voice. "Fine. But do not forget, they cannot stay." He felt Toyoko stood up beside him. "Let's go out tomorrow, shall we? Today, I'll leave you alone," Toyoko suggested.
"Fine," Akito said again in the same deadly cold voice. Toyoko stretched and said before going, "Wear very casual clothes. Don't ask why."
Akito heard the door close, but he still sat in the position he was in. He did not move a finger. He watched as the bird that was with Toyoko just now, now flew away, leaving him all alone. Akito moaned, and he hurt all over. Suddenly, he fell backwards, eyes closed, and he just laid there, not another movement to be made.
Toyoko returned to her room, sat down, and took out the history book. She scanned the contents page quickly with her fingers and found the page she wanted. She flipped the thick book to page 96. The information on the page was about the head of the cursed family. The page wrote:
He has a bad temper because of the curse. It's the curse that made him do and think things in a negative way, and abusive way. He does not understand many things, and hates it when others have happiness that he cannot have. He will become cold; heart will freeze, become hard as stone. Hate will overcome him because he lets it. He does not understand, therefore, hate will easily take over him, making him to bad things. Hate will take advantage of him. But love can help him recover himself, save himself. The head of family will not be bad by nature, but a good, kind and caring person. Hate will force itself into him because he DOES NOT UNDERSTAND.
To help, it will take a very long time, and much patience. He will feel hurt, but it helps to fight the hate that has settled itself a long time ago in him. Once he understands, he can fight back. But, he cannot receive help when fighting hate. He must understand, and hate will leave in a forceful way; which is, that if he becomes weak again, hate will once again take control of him.
Mingzashi, Ritza and Shimaya's entrance interrupted Toyoko. "When are we going to meet them? I want especially to meet the rabbit!" Shimaya said eagerly. Toyoko smiled and said, "In the afternoon. The others should be arriving soon. I've told Hatori to help me summon the Sohmas too."
"Yippee!" Shimaya said, jumping up and down.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Yes?" Toyoko called. "There are some people at the door saying they are the Timikas. Should I let them in?" "Definitely! And bring them to this room!"
10 minutes later, Mingzashi heard the pattering of footsteps. "They're here!" Mingzashi announced. At that moment, the door swung open and 10 people piled in. The door closed behind them as the 10 people lined themselves up in a row.
"All are well, I hope?" Toyoko asked. "Yes," came the united reply. "Have you all had lunch yet?" All nodded. "Excellent. Now, why don't you just stay in here and catch up with some gossips with Mingzashi, Ritza and Shimaya? I'll go get something to eat for you guys." Toyoko said and left.
Thirteen of them all sat down in a circle, and started playing the game that Toyoko taught them all when they were younger. Even the adults played too. Kimiko started, telling some things that happened. Then her feelings and thoughts about it, while everyone listened intently and quietly.
They went in order, Kimiko, Atomi, Yokato, Shimaya, Ritza, Himisu, Kimoka, Isaza, Yotaoi, Kasumu, Mingzashi, Tashi and Tamasha.
By the time Toyoko came back carrying many snacks, they had finished. "Done? If yes, come and gobble these up. I took it from the kitchen without asking, so finish up as fast as you can!" Toyoko giggled. Everyone got up and had snacks, all of them chatting away happily and noisily. Kimiko, however, noticed that Toyoko was not in the room.
"She must have slipped out. Where could she have gone to?" Just as Kimiko was thinking this, the door opened and tiny bit and closed again. She saw that Toyoko had returned. Kimiko hurried to Toyoko's side. She was closer to Toyoko more than anyone, partly because she was the rat, and partly because it was Toyoko who took her in and brought her up like a daughter of hers when Kimiko's parents abused her when they found out she was blessed.
Toyoko had gotten angry with Kimiko's parents and scolded them, and took Kimiko away from them. Kimiko was very glad that Toyoko had done that for her, and loved her with all her heart.
"Mom? Are you feeling all right? Do you need some quiet and rest?" Kimiko asked concernedly. Toyoko gave her a smile and said, "You noticed me gone, huh? Not to worry, I just went to talk to Hatori for a moment, that's all."
"Hatori? Who's that? The head of Sohmas?" Kimiko asked. Toyoko shook her head and explained, "He's the one who is the closest to Akito, the head of Sohmas. I went to have a chat with him, and to see if he is interested in Ritza or not."
"Interested in Ritza? You mean…" Kimiko's eyes widened. Toyoko nodded. "Wow, well, what did you find out?" "Well, I won't tell you now, for the time being. Go have a chat with them, it's not often you guys do this, except on Chinese New Year!" Toyoko smiled secretly. Kimiko tried to persuade her a little more, but gave up after a while and went to talk to Atomi.
Soon, the snacks were gone, and everyone had almost done chatting. Toyoko clapped her hands three times, and everyone lined up in a row. She stood in front of them and said, "We'll have to get ready! I want all of you to be on your best behavior when we meet the others. Just because we're blessed and they're cursed, we can still be friends. Don't look down on them, I trust you all with that?"
Everyone nodded. "Excellent! Oh! One more thing! After you've finished mingling, you all will have to go. We still need to respect Akito. But come back anytime you want! Though I may not be able to greet you all the time! Give notice before you come too, alright?"
Everyone nodded again. Toyoko waved her hand and everyone dispersed to get ready to greet the Sohmas.
While the Timikas were getting ready, the Sohmas were already at the living room, where Hatori and Toyoko arranged for them to meet. It was as if there was a party, with food and drinks.
Yuki, Haru, Kisa, Momiji, Hatori, Ayame, Isuzu (Rin), Hiro, Ritsu, Kureno, Shigure, Kagura and even Kyo were there.
Yuki felt both happy and sad at the same time. Happy, being able to meet another cursed person, and also a rat, like him. He bet their feelings and past will not differ too much. He reckoned they would be able to talk about many things. Even as he thought about these, his thoughts still floated back to Tohru, who was at home, not being invited. "Wonder if she's alright? No one's at home with her now…"
At the same time, Kyo was thinking about exactly the same thing. Maybe they would be able to understand each other. Be good friends? Wonder what Tohru's doing now too…? However, Kagura, who suddenly jumped on him and gave him a bear tight hug, interrupted his thoughts. "Oh Kyo! We meet again! I missed you ever so much!! Did you miss me? Did you?" She threatened, eyes twinkling dangerously. Kyo tried to shake her off, but found himself flat on the floor in a second, with Kagura sitting right on top of him. Nobody took any notice, though.
Kisa, Hiro and Momiji were talking about a cartoon. Hiro, of course, was hoping to just talking to Kisa, alone. He kept showing his meaning to Momiji, but Momiji either really don't get it, or purposely overlooked it.
Hatori, Ayame, Shigure and Ritsu were also talking, with Ritsu breaking down once in a while, crying and begging for mercy. And every time, Shigure would just poke him at his waist and Ritsu'd stop.
Kureno was just sitting there, fading in the background.
Haru was staring right at Rin, who was at the other side of the room. Every time he tried to get closer, she'd move further away from him. Her eyes wouldn't meet his. They didn't even look up from the ground. She just stood there, head bowed, and eyes glued to the ground. "I must not look at him… I must not look at him…"
Ps. Only Hatori and Shigure know what to expect. The others know nothing about the Timikas except to behave well and be nice to them.
Then, there was a knock on the door. Every head in the room turned to the door's direction as Hatori moved forward to open the door. The door slid open, and the Timikas went in, Toyoko entering the last, and closing the sliding door.
The Timikas all stood in a row in front of Toyoko as she did a small headcount. She nodded to them and turned to address the Timikas. "Hi! Very nice to meet you all! Before I leave you all to mingle, I would like you all to introduce to yourself one by one. We'll to the same too! Ok? Starting with the rat," Toyoko said smilingly.
As if on cue, Kimiko stepped out and greeted everyone with a smiley face. She waved her hand, her violet eyes taking in everything before her. "My name is Kimiko!! I'm the rat of the Zodiac! Very nice to see you all! Can I know who is the other rat, pretty please?"
Slowly and cautiously, Yuki stepped out and introduced himself. "I am Yuki Sohma, also the rat of the Zodiac. Nice to meet you, Kimiko."
To his surprise, Kimiko shook her head and sighed, "You have no sense of fun? Come on! Be more lively!" Yuki was taken aback. "She is… strange." He thought to himself. He put on his princely smile and said, "Beg my pardon, Kimiko, I'll try to be."
Next, Atomi stepped out and said, "Lo. Name's Atomi. There another cow 'ere?" Haru stepped out and said, "Hey." Both bowed to each other and that ended.
Yokato was next. She stepped out timidly and said in a shaky voice, "H…hi. My name is…Yokato. I'm the… tiger." Kisa stepped out just as shyly too and they shook hands, Kisa introducing herself.
Shimaya then bounced out from the line and screeched, "Yo there! Me rabbit! Yellow rabbit!! I'm… (drum roll) Shimaya!" Momiji, seeing Shimaya like that, bounced out and announced, "Me rabbit too! I'm Momiji! How're you doing?" There was a pause, and then suddenly, the two began talking eagerly to each other and completely ignoring the others.
Ritza and Himisu stepped out both at the same time. "Hello everyone! My name is Himisu! And this is my darling twin sister, Ritza!! I'm the snake and she's the dragon! Can the other two great ones step out too?" Himisu introduced dramatically (again).
Hatori and Ayame stepped out at the same time, and Ayame introduced himself in an I-love-myself-best way. Then he introduced Hatori in a He-is-my-best-friend-and-best-person way. Ayame and Himisu were suddenly arguing about clothes and fashion…anything that was able to argue about, while Hatori and Ritza just smiled at each other.
Kimoka stepped out and said expressionlessly, "Hi, my name is Kimoka. I'm the horse. Which is the other one?" Rin stepped out slowly and looked at Kimoka. "I'm Isuzu, and I don't wish to have anything to do with you, thank you." Kimoka just smiled and said gently, "We'll chat later then. Later."
"I'm Isaza. I'm the sheep. I heard that the other sheep is a young boy," Isaza said. Hiro stepped out and put on a hard expression, looking at her. "I'm Hiro. So, you're the sheep too, eh?" "Yeah. You don't have to act proud. But if it's in your nature, I suggest you try to change it. The way you behave reflects on your parents. Does your mother act like you do? I hope not," Isaza said looking at him with a glint in her eye. She was always ready for an argument (with mouth).
Next, a light brown haired lady stepped out confidently and said with a confident smile, "Hello! My name is Yotaoi. I'm the monkey." When Ritsu saw and heard that, he immediately liked her. She was full of confidence, something he never had. He stepped out timidly and muttered, "I'm Ritsu, and I'm the monkey too. Nice to meet you, Miss Yotaoi."
A grown man stepped out next and said, "Cuck-o-doo-do-doo! That'll be easy enough. I'm Kasumu. Who's the morning one, like me?" Kureno stepped out and in a manly manner, greeted Kasumu. "I'm Kureno, also the rooster." Kasumu's eyes lit up. "Hey! Both our names start with 'K'!! Wow! What a wonderful coincidence!" Kureno just smiled politely. Kasumu decided to do something about Kureno later. He must let the others their turn.
Mingzashi and Tashi came out together next. "Hello! Shigure! Need to talk to you!" Mingzashi called out and went over to Shigure's side. "She's Mingzashi," Tashi introduced. "The dog. I'm Tashi, the boar." Kagura let go of Kyo and ran over to Tashi and said in a very girly manner, "How lovely to meet you, Tashi! I'm Kagura! I'm sure we'll get along well!" With that, they started chatting.
The others started as well. All, except Kyo and Tamasha. Well, Kyo wasn't exactly very interested after Kagura, but Tamasha suddenly popped out of nowhere in front of him. She held out her hand and said, "Hi. I'm Tamasha Timika. I'm the… cat." Kyo looked at her. She had long orange hair like him, and also, she wore a bracelet like his, except it was white and red.
"What do you look like when without the bracelet?" Kyo blurt out, his curiosity getting better of him.
Like I said, this is a real long chapter, so I don't have time to read through it. But please do tell me if there's a spelling mistake! Thanks!