Fruits Basket: Legend of the Zodiac

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.

Sorry for taking so long to update! My muse, Arashi, is no longer comatose from the Ayashi no Yuugi thing, so I now have her fighting my cousin's muse, Yume over who does what…. EEP! Fighting muses are scary… ToT;;;;

Anyway, thank you all for your reviews! Sadly, the fic is going slowly, and I'm afraid it's not at the standard that I like… I'm considering deleting the fic… But if anyone wants to take over it, please contact me. My email and the details for taking over the story will be in my profile… Until then, I'll keep writing, but the updates will be few and far in between…

Now, read on!

Chapter 11: The Way of the Phoenix

Tohru flew into her room and dropped the bag onto her bed and stepped out into the living room in time to see the door open while a servant dressed in the red and gold uniform of the servants who served the Phoenix during the few times she stayed in the main house.

"Honda-sama?"

Tohru's eyes were cool and impersonal, as was her voice when she spoke, "Nani?"

"Sumeragi-sama wants to let you know that he is making arrangements to return to Kyoto. You are to send your reports on the search for the Zodiac to him every other week, as planned, including any attacks that may take place."

Tohru nodded. "Wakarimashta."

"Sumeragi-sama will be leaving at noon."

Tohru nodded and swept past the servant.

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There was no sign of Tohru at the school that day; Uotani and Hanajima were missing as well as the other Hondas. Neither Hatsuharu nor Momiji could believe that Tohru's home had been attacked, but they remembered the attack that had taken place after the exams, and they were not so surprised. This however, did not prevent them from worrying about the young Phoenix of Honda, whom they had come to refer to with great affection as their Onigiri.

There was no sign of the Hondas for the next few weeks, until the Zodiac decided to go visit the Honda Compound.

The guards standing before the large double doors surprised them. There had been no guards there before, and they recognized them as the Ram and the Cat who had come to their rescue on the night of the New Year Celebration.

The Cat raised an eyebrow, and said calmly. "What is your business at the Compound?"

The Sohmas looked at one another in confusion, and Hatori said, "We are here to see Honda Tohru."

"I do not believe that Honda-sama is expecting you," the Ram said.

"Look, you," Kyo yelled, "We're here to see Tohru, and we're not leaving until we do!"

"You may not pass," the Cat said calmly.

"Let them in," a cool voice said from behind the Sohmas. They turned and jumped in surprise to find Kotori standing behind them. "Honda-sama should be aware of their presence here by now."

"Demo… Honda-san…"

"No buts," Kotori said firmly as the gates behind them opened, revealing Tohru dressed in a white kimono and red obi with a red phoenix on the sleeves.

"What is this confrontation at the gates?" she said her voice firm. "Would you refuse entry to those who desperately require our aid but have no time to schedule and appointment? Shame. Allow them entry, as they are, in a fashion, one of those whom we are charged to guard."

"Hai, Honda-sama…" The Ram and the Cat said, stepping back to allow Kotori and the Sohmas entry into the compound.

Once inside the compound, Kotori bowed to Tohru (who inclined her head slightly in response) before leaving down on of the paths branching into the west. Tohru led the way into one of the nearest buildings, which turned out to be a tea room and she motioned for them to enter. A servant dressed in a blue and white kimono brought in tea as the group knelt at the table. The girl poured out the tea, and set it in front of each person and bowed to Tohru before leaving the room.

Tohru watched as the girl slid the door shut and counted to twenty before she spoke. "I must inquire as to why you all came down here even after I specifically told you not to come," she looked a firm and cool gaze on the Sohmas who shifted nervously.

"We were worried about you, Honda-san," Yuki said finally.

Tohru's eyes narrowed fractionally and she picked up her teacup and sipped from it before speaking again. "I appreciate your concern. However, it is never wise to disregard an Omnyouji when they give you advice, especially if the Omnyouji is a part of the Sumeragi clan."

"But Tohru, all those attacks!" Momiji whined, "What if you get hurt? We were worried!"

"Besides," Kyo said, "It's been just over a month, and there haven't been any more incidents. If there hasn't been an attack in so long, there wouldn't be another attack any time soon."

Tohru slammed the cup onto the table, and through some miracle, the tea sloshed in the ceramic cup, but did not spill. The Sohmas winced. Obviously, that was the wrong thing to say.

"There is a difference between being sure and speculation!" she snapped. "This estate is built inside a spiritual nexus! We're constantly bombarded by trouble from demons and spirits here!"

She took a deep breath and said in a slightly calmer tone, "For all that, this house is well warded. That a group of demons could have entered this estate on New Years when our wards were at its strongest is a very big problem. It means that this group is very powerful, and we don't have any idea what they are, that in itself means we have to be careful. The fact that we are positioned so close to a Zodiac family, not a true Zodiac family, but a Zodiac family nevertheless, means we have to be especially careful. This is especially important, since for Omnyouji, and certain others who know the Secret Legend, the Zodiac is more than just a group of animals that mark the calendar."

The phoenix rose and walked over to the shoji, sliding it open and stood gazing out at the snow covered grounds. She sighed and continued.

"It is dangerous for those with even the faintest contact with the Zodiac to be here at this time. It would be best if you returned home. The Rat, Snake, and Dragon will accompany you back to the house."

"Chotto matte, Honda-san," Yuki said, "I have your assignments for the week here."

"Domo," Tohru said. "You can leave them with the Rabbit." With that, Tohru swept out of the Tea Room.

"The Phoenix has spoken," A quiet voice said, and the Sohma's blinked in shock as the Rabbit appeared from behind the door. "Give me Honda-sama's work, and I will bring it to her study. The Rat, Snake, and Dragon are waiting for you outside the Tea house."

"Aa… Domo…" Yuki said, somewhat rattled.

The Rabbit nodded and picked up the papers that Yuki put on the table and vanished from the room. Reluctantly, the Sohmas left the Tea Room to be met by the Three Guardians, and were escorted off the property.

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Tohru stood on one of the watchtowers and watched intently as the Dragon, Rat and Snake escorted the Sohmas home. The Wolf appeared behind her.

"You were rather harsh on them, Tohru."

"I acted in their best interests."

"You practically bit their heads off. They were only worried about you."

"And I appreciate that. Demo…"

"You dislike the thought of them getting drawn into our battles."

"Aa."

"They are the Zodiac, Tohru, not the true Zodiac, but the Zodiac nevertheless. They will be drawn into our battles whether we will it or no."

"I hope to at least keep them as far away from this battle for as long as I can. I want them safe you know."

"As do I, cousin, but it may not be in our power to decide it. In the end they will be involved, if only because of the Zodiac Spirits that make their curse what it is."

"I know that."

Tohru did not wait for the Wolf's reply, and vanished in a burst of flames.