A/N: I am posting this now because I don't know when I will be able to put up another chapter again. I will be out of town so I hope to receive some REVIEWS when I get back. Good or Bad! The more you review, the more inspired I become to finish it! Take Care All!

THOUGHT: My driver two nights ago mentioned how he celebrated the Chinese New Year earlier in the week. This year it is the rooster. That's me! Anyhow, the point of this interruption is to reveal that he was kind enough to answer some vital questions that I would have otherwise had to do research for in order to complete this story. THANKS LOTUS DRIVER!

Disclaimer: The masterpiece that is "Fruits Basket" has no allegiance to me. Sorry. -sniffle sniffle-

The Plum on Her Back

Ch 5: A Cat's Tantrum

The door to Kyo's room flew open without warning. The ruckus caused the cat to look up, startled. But before the amber eyes had a chance to squint with anger, they contained an innocent look—one that revealed his half expectation that the person barging into his room might have been someone he would welcome. But as luck would have it, the disruption was caused by Yuki.

Kyo's tall form stood up from where he had been sitting at his desk, schoolwork sprawled out on its surface. "What do you want?"

Yuki shut the door dangerously behind him, so that it seemed they were completely closed off from the rest of the house. The boy in front of him took his fighting stance, a sarcastic grin curving his lips.

Violent currents swept throughout Yuki's body. How he hated the sight of this person. He trembled with the rage that he only felt when Akito pushed him too far. The prince fought for control. He tried to contain the urges he had to reach out for his cousin's throat—the urges to punish him like never before. "You want her?" The remark was spat out. "Is that what you want?"

Kyo's fists went slack, as did the rest of his attack form. The comment had caught him off guard. "What the hell are you talking about you stupid rat? Have you gone completely crazy?"

"You want her for yourself. That's it! You think she is the only one who will ever understand you, and therefore save you! But you are wrong. You are just selfish, Kyo! And that is no reason to want to claim something for yourself! You ignore all the other people that have cared about you. Your mother, Kagura, you even ignore your own master at times—he who sacrificed so many things for your sake. And yet, it's not enough, is it? What will you do—huh, Kyo? What will you do if one day Miss Honda wakes up and realizes that she is in love with you too? What, Kyo? Will you toss her astray just like everyone else because you are too damn scared to face the possibilities? Face happiness?"

Kyo did not know what to do. He felt cornered standing there, watching his cousin heave from the effort and pain it caused him to speak. The hatred he interjected into each biting word trickled through the cat's body like poison. Yuki was crying.

-

Below, Tohru cleaned the dishes from the dinner that had taken place without her. There was a dazed expression on the girl's face as she recalled her time with Yuki and Kyo at the carnival. On the kitchen counter she had found a note from Kisa saying how delicious the domburi had been, and how much she, Hiro and Shigure had enjoyed it. Tohru felt her mouth relaxing into a silly grin, but the action was halted when she heard a door upstairs slam shut. The deafening noise resulted in the plate she had been wiping dry to drop. There came an earsplitting clatter at her feet. Oops, Tohru thought as she bent down to pick it up. "That startled me."

Seconds later, she heard the voices of Yuki and Kyo booming down the stairs. She couldn't make out what was being said, but Tohru was shocked at the fury that had wafted into her audible range. They were really mad. She and Yuki had been home no longer than five minutes before the two cousins had begun to go at it. Worried that something horrible might happen, she scurried out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Outside the door, Tohru heard, "What, Kyo? Will you toss her astray just like everyone else because you are too damn scared to face the possibilities? Face happiness?"

Who was Yuki talking about? Kyo and whom? Was it Kagura? Tohru supposed it was about time he stop rejecting her so harshly. One day he would break her heart completely and Kyo would lose her forever. Even though she was so brutally aggressive at times, Kagura had a softer side that she devoted tenderly to Kyo. Funny how she also reserved the violent side for him as well. She loved him so much. Tohru was nearly brought to tears every time she saw the desperate girl gaze at Kyo—he was everything to her. But Tohru's thoughts were interrupted.

"Ah! You disgust me!" It was Yuki. The onigiri had never heard him become so volatile through speech. His exemplary fighting skills and tone of voice always managed to stay calmly in tact. But this explosive tone made her blood run cold. Sweat formed on her forehead. She hated to be so nosy, but Tohru simply could not stand by and let these two, whom she cared about immeasurably, hurt each other. She turned the knob and stepped in.

Two sets of eyes blinked at her, surprised. Yuki's rage seemed to drain from his body as it slumped forward nearly bringing him to his knees. Kyo had the most fearful expression on his face at seeing a worried Tohru step into his room. "Yuki? Kyo? I couldn't help but overhear the shouting. And well—I wouldn't have barged into Kyo's room the way I did—but I just—I thought. Oh I don't know what I thought. It's just that I care about you both a lot and I was afraid. I don't want you hurting each other." Tohru's head sloped downward, ashamed that her interjection had left such a stunned silence.

Kyo was the first to speak. "Tohru. You didn't—you didn't hear anything, did you? What I mean is—you didn't hear what was being said?"

Tohru frowned. "Well no—not exactly. I—uh—heard Yuki speaking about you pushing someone away, which I can only imagine might be Kagura. But no—not really. I heard nothing else. I promise. I'm sorry."

Kyo's teeth clenched. "Stop apologizing. If that damn rat didn't have such a loud mouth, then you wouldn't have had ta hear any of that garbage in the first place."

"What garbage? I was simply trying to make you wake up. You hide behind everything. It's sickening." Tohru was happy to see Yuki had calmed down.

"Me? I hide behind everything? Look at you! You conceal yourself behind Shigure. The whole reason you came to live with him was to escape Akito. Do you think that is fair to Shigure? Having the burden of your dark past, as well as his own, weighing on his shoulders? You are hardly one to talk."

Shigure had a dark past? Tohru began to wonder what had been the cause of this dispute.

"Shut up!" Yuki winced as if he could not tolerate hearing Kyo's words any longer. Or perhaps it was the reality of the things said that caused his face to recoil with such anxiety. His eyes burned as if lit by hatred.

"You shunned your own mother! She may not have been able to reach you, Kyo—but she loved you! And you were the reason—you were the reason she—"

"That's enough!" Tears of resentment sprang into Kyo's eyes. "I hate you!" He leaped forward, blindly—his fist outstretched and searching for his verbal attacker. It made a connection—but not with Yuki.

Tohru's jaw felt like it had exploded as Kyo's clenched hand crashed into her face. Her vision went black, and her body crippled to the ground beneath the two boys standing above.

"Miss Honda!" Yuki leaned down, nearly crashing with orange hair as he did. "Honestly, Kyo! You have no control."

Kyo frowned. For once, the rat was right. He had lost his temper, and now Tohru was hurt. The apprehensive boy lifted her head, gently to rest it on his folded legs. "Go get a wet towel."

Instead of arguing about Kyo issuing orders, Yuki hurried to the linen closet for a clean hand towel to dampen in the bathroom.

-

Tohru felt as if her heart had escaped the cavity of her chest. She was floating in that darkness that had blanketed her eyes the moment she had been struck, her chest exposed to the inky blackness that swallowed her body. A harsh wind pummeled against her defenseless heart, and it felt as if it was being pulled into different directions. Pictures flashed before her eyes. Hatori above her, tenderly inserting a needle. Momiji, bounding into mid-air with open arms, ready to hug her. Hatsuharu, contentedly watching Kisa the day she was brave enough to return to school. 'Sissy,' the words first spoken on Tohru's way home from work. Shigure touching her chin to tilt her face up to his own, an irresistible grin in place. Kyo standing on the roof, admiration glistening his eyes as he spoke of his master. Yuki, smiling that first time at his secret base—his eyelashes dipping to meet the gesture. Coldness, all around her, enveloping her as the memories were torn away. Coldness in her heart, coldness on her forehead…

Tohru's eyes began to flutter open, her surroundings slightly blocked by a towel on her head. "Wha—What happened?" Her vision blurred, and as it came into focus, the darkness that had over-powered her only moments before, vanished. Hatori peered down at her. His mouth moved into a smile, the only kind of smile he ever gave— never reaching his eyes. Hatori had undergone such sorrow, thought Tohru. But, she shook the notion from her head. She had to figure out what had happened. She needed to focus on why there was a wet towel comforting her hot skin. Hatori turned to speak to someone else. "She has come to, Kyo. There is no need to worry now. You didn't punch her as hard as you thought."

Tohru heard a growl from Kyo at the last remark. "Well—is she OK at least?"

"Yes. She is fine," Hatori's eyes found Tohrus'. 'You are fine' they seemed to say.

He helped her into a half sitting position, and she gazed around the room. The first person she saw was Shigure. His features anxiously searched her, fear resonating from his body. He is worried about me, Tohru realized. As soon as he noticed the pale girl watching him, Shigure's lips settled into a cheshire grin. "Well now—would you look at that? I am the first person she looks to when she awakens." He rushed toward her with mock earnestness. "Tohru, I had no idea you cared for me so much. I'm so—so touched." He had already forced tears from his lids, and began to sob gently.

The other's ignored him. Yuki took it a step further and shoved him out of the way as he stepped forward. "Miss Honda, how is your jaw?"

The onigiri attempted a smile, but felt herself shudder at the effort. Kyo really had punched her hard.

In the corner, the zodiac cat had his arms folded across his chest, and his head titled downward. Funny, thought Tohru. He looks just like Uo with that expression. His eyes glanced up at her. When he saw her staring, he looked away painfully. Kyo was clearly ashamed of himself.

"The dishes," she finally spoke.

There was a restless pause in the room.

"Uh—are you sure she is alright?" The voice belonged to Shigure. Tohru was having trouble keeping up. "She looks mighty confused. Even for Tohru."

"Oh! Stop talking. Everything you say is either rude or idiotic nonsense." Yuki fell into her line of sight. "Miss Honda. Don't worry. You can lie down for as long as you need. We will assume the rest of the housework. It should not be a concern of yours."

Hatori cleared his throat. "I'm afraid that is not the—uh—case." Three heads turned to the doctor. "You see—Tohru." She heard his voice floating somewhere above. "I was already on my way here when I received the call from Shigure about you being knocked unconscious."

"Yes, Ha'ri—you did mention that earlier. But, why is that?" Shigure inquired suspiciously.

Guilt flooded his face. "Akito. Akito is downstairs."

Tohru heard several sharp intakes of breath. "Akito is here?" From Kyo.

"Yes—um—he uh—he wanted to accompany me here this evening with the intention of bringing Tohru back to Sohma House."

"What! Ha'ri, that is ludicrous. We will not allow it. You know exactly what will happen to Tohru!" It was Shigure's voice, but a tone Tohru had never heard before.

Her head began to clear as she realized the weight of the words that were being said.

"Don't you think I know this?" Hatori turned toward Shigure. "I will take full accountability. I promise—all of you—nothing will happen to Tohru." But the heaving of his uneven breath suggested otherwise.

"There is no way we are letting her leave this house." Yuki had finally found the words to speak.

Tohru just watched the scene unfold before her.

Hatori fumbled on, failing to sound convincing. "I talked him into allowing her to be my apprentice. She will work in my office, under my supervision; she will be my responsibility."

A sarcastic laugh fell from Shigure's lips. "Just like you took care of Kana, eh?" Tohru saw his features crumbling into rage. "And will you fall in love with her too? Will you Ha'ri?"

Tohru heard the slap before she saw it. Hatori's hand had swept across Shigure's cheek, leaving behind an angry, red welt. "That is uncalled for," the dragon's voice fought for control.

Remorse filled Shigure. "I'm sorry, Ha'ri. You're right. I was out of line." He stood taller. "The point I was trying to make is that you and I know, more than anyone, that once he gets an idea into his head, there is nothing that can stop him." There was an agonizing pause where Shigure pondered his next words. Tohru struggled to understand the discussion that took place with their eyes. The dog's voice was soft, faint. "You could not protect the love of your life—and yet, you intend to do so for Tohru?"

The doctor grew pale. "It's different now. I'm different. You're different." His eyes found Shigures'. "You know it's the truth."

Shigure nodded, slightly. There was another uncomfortable pause, and the three teenagers questioned the underlying meaning of their words. Tohru was under the distinct impression that the writer's assertions had not just been intended for Hatori.

More silence.

"Are you kidding me? You are just going to stand by and let him take her?" Yuki trembled. "Well I, for one, will not have it! I am tired of the way he moves us around like chess pieces on a board!"

Shigure waved his hands to calm the seething boy. It was clear that he had resumed his nonchalant air. "We will figure it out some other time, Yuki. I trust Ha'ri. He will let no harm come to Tohru. And besides, you never know with these things. This could very well be a blessing in disguise."

"Blessing!" It was Kyo's turn to erupt. "He is a virus, Shigure! You let him take her and she will be infected by his hatred—just like all the other outsiders!"

"But Kyo—" The dog struggled to speak.

"There are no survivors where Akito is concerned! Every one of them that learned about the curse and didn't have their memories erased are either dead or living a half life due to the distortion of his resentment." Kyo continued. "They are his pawns. He uses them to destroy us!"

Hatori stepped forward, exuding his authoritative air. "Kyo. Calm down. Stop being so over-dramatic. There is nothing to be done at the moment. Now, let me take her to Sohma House so that she can get some rest tonight."

Kyo stared at him blankly, unbelieving.

Before Tohru realized what was going on, Hatori had lifted her into his arms.

"Stop!" Yuki had one more thought. "Aren't you even going to ask her? She does not have to follow his rules. She is not a Sohma. He has no authority over her." His velvety eyes turned toward her. "Miss Honda, what do you want?" he pleaded.

She knew what Yuki wanted her to say, Kyo too. He watched her with the same urgency as his cousin. But, for some reason—she was fine with it. Since that painful evening where everything had been revealed, Tohru had come to the realization that she had a purpose in their family. If this was the next step towards unraveling the purpose she was meant for, then she would comply.

"I will go."

"She's had her head smashed. She doesn't know what she's saying," Kyo interjected. "Ask her again tomorrow. Not tonight."

Hatori continued to carry her out of the room, toward the stairs.

She heard Kyo pleading as he followed them. "Not tonight. Please—not tonight. Don't take her." Why did he sound so lost? As if he would never see her again.

At the bottom of the steps, she heard Hatori hesitate before whispering, "I promise with my life, Tohru Honda. No harm will come to you. I will make sure of that." She believed him.

The dragon stepped into the living area, and was followed by three other members of the zodiac. She felt Yuki and Kyo's eyes on her. Shigure blinked painfully.

"Well now." The voice was cold. They all looked up. Akito peered at the scene before him as if it were a source of premium entertainment. The mocking smile was evidence of his immense pleasure at being the sole cause of the present uproar. "Your house is a lot more energetic than it was the last time I visited." He chuckled callously.

A/N: Yes! Yes! A cliffhanger. They are useful for something ya know! Haha! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it, especially the vicious convictions of the rat and cat.

I picked up Furuba Vol. 7 and Kare Kano Vol. 13 today! Yippy! I will have something to read on my trip. -does a dance-

Until next time….Ch. 6: And Then There Were Three

PLEASE R/R!