Chapter 24

AN: Well, our main character Tohru has finally been sent to that scary and lonely dark room. Now what right? Let's see, some sadness, disappointment, anger, and the occasional surprises of course! Hehe, I love surprises. Anyways, Chapter 24, here it is! Enjoy! Please review, thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Baskets or any of its characters…

Three Months Later…

About three months has pasted now since I was first locked in here. Not much has changed. Everyday I would wake to the rooster's cocking and sleep when my body becomes exhausted. During some days, I wouldn't sleep at all. As I adapted to this "lifestyle", I noticed that I was becoming more and more ill over the past month. I am constantly vomiting and my body cramps up a lot more often.

Anyways, Akito visits me once a week to check on me. It was kind of like Mistress's way to see if I've died yet. Akito comes every seven days and I know this because, like I use to, I marked a wall every time I heard the rooster. Every time when Akito came, I would ask her about how everyone was doing. From what she tells me, Kyo still doesn't know about Mistress's punishment for me. He was recently reunited with Mistress, but he still has problem accepting her back into his life. Since my disappearance, he had lost his will to live and tends to seclude himself from everyone. Yuki, on the other hand, knows about my punishment, but doesn't know about Akito's visits or where I was. He continued to live at home with Mr. and Mrs. Hamasaki. Akito said that all three of them never smiled once after I left. This hurt me so. Yuki, unlike Kyo, continued to attend school, but his perfect grades dropped dramatically and his teachers think that he's too distracted by something. (He was distracted by my sudden absence from his life, but the teachers didn't know this of course.) Akito said that Yuki was turning into the bitter and angry Yuki from three years before and this hurt me even more. My friends are still waiting for my letter that they'll never receive…

I woke up to that same noise that that rooster makes every morning. Once again, all I saw was darkness. I got up and off of the hard bed that I was on and walked over to the wall to make another mark. I then ran my fingers through the marks. It was the seventh day, which meant that Akito should be here today…and she should have the results… Suddenly, I wanted to vomit again. I ran over a bucket that Akito had left in a corner and vomited there.

Flashback

I had just vomited in a corner of the room when the room was suddenly lit by a bright light. I turned around and saw Akito and an old man at the door. Akito came over to me and helped me to my bed. She sat me down first and then she sat down beside me.

"Akito, what's going on?" I asked her worriedly.

"I've noticed that you weren't feeling well for the past month, so I brought my family doctor to come examine you," she explained.

"Oh, I see. Thank you Akito, but Mistress will be very angry if she found out," I replied.

"Don't worry, she won't find out. Dr. Mikawa here is my family doctor, we can trust her," Akito assured me.

I was still a little uncertain about the whole idea, but it was too late now. Dr. Mikawa took some of my blood and my urine sample with her and left. Akito stayed behind a little to keep me company.

End of Flashback.

Akito had said that she'll return with the test results in a week, so I guess I'll find out what's wrong with me soon. I slowly walked back to my bed and grabbed a small piece of cloth on it. I then wetted it with water from a facet near by and cleanse my face. Suddenly, a bright light lit up the room. I looked over to the door where Akito stood. She made her way over to me.

I smiled at her. "Hello Akito," I greeted her.

"Good morning, Miss Honda," she replied, "How are you feeling today?"

"Exactly the same, except I think I'm getting fatter around the waist, but that can't be possible, I haven't had much to eat," I explained confusedly.

Akito seemed to be hiding something from me. She was silent. I grew concerned.

"Akito, what's wrong with me?" I asked scared.

"Nothing…well, not exactly…" she said hesitantly.

I looked at her worriedly.

"Miss Honda," she said and paused.

"What is it Akito?" I asked almost impatiently.

"Miss Honda, the test results said that you're…well…pregnant," Akito said.

My eyes widened and the cloth that was in my hands dropped onto the ground.

"What?" I replied in disbelief.

"I know it's hard to believe, but we re-tested many times and the results are all the same," Akito said.

I didn't reply. I placed my right hand on my stomach and smiled.

"Miss Honda, the results said that you've been pregnant for about three months now and that morning you were at---" Akito said before I interrupted her.

"Yes, this is Kyo's child," I interrupted.

Akito was definitely surprised, but of course not as surprised as she should've been since she already guessed.

"I see," Akito said simply.

After I thought deeply about it, I decided not to keep it.

"Akito," I said.

She looked at me.

"I want to abort it," I said sadly as I rubbed my stomach gently.

"Miss Honda, why?" she asked.

I looked at our surroundings. "I don't want it to be born into this," I explained sadly.

"But Miss Honda---" Akito managed to say before I interrupted her.

"You don't have to try to change my mind," I told her.

"No, but I want to offer you another option," Akito said.

Shocked, my attention returned to her. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"I have a car outside ready for you. It will take you away from here forever if you agree to never return again," Akito explained.

"What?" I replied in disbelief, "I won't leave."

"Why not Miss Honda?" Akito asked concernedly.

"If I left, Mistress will never forgive you and I just can't imagine what she'll do to you," I said sadly.

"I can promise you that nothing will happen to anyone, even you, if you'll promise me that you'll never return ever again," Akito said.

"But how will you be able to explain it all to her?" I asked sadly.

"I will tell her that you tried to escape, but you accidentally ran into the street and a truck hit you. It killed you instantly. Then, Tohru Honda will no longer exist and all will be forgotten as long as you can permanently disappear from here," Akito explained.

"But---" I hesitated.

"Miss Honda, Kyo found out about your punishment last week and his mother has him locked up right now. He refused to eat until he sees you and he's going to die soon if you don't disappear," Akito said suddenly.

"What!" I gasped.

"Miss Honda, please leave this miserable place for Kyo and for your child together," pleaded Akito.

I thought for a moment as tears came to my eyes. I finally nodded.

"But can I see Kyo before I leave?" I asked.

Akito hesitated for a moment. Then she looked at my wet face. (I was crying.) She gave out a little sigh.

"Ok, as long as he doesn't see you," Akito agreed.

I smiled. "Thank you Akito," I replied.

Akito took out a bottle of water and a small package. She poured the powder that was in the package into the water. Then she handed it to me. I drank it without hesitating. Before I knew it, I fainted…

At Kyo's mansion…

My head was still throbbing when I gained consciousness. I looked down at my body. I wasn't in the rags that I was in anymore. I had a long white dress with a short pink sweater that wrapped around my shoulders and breast. (One of those over coats that end right under the chest) My hair was neatly pinned back on either side. I stood up and examined my surroundings. I was in some sort of room. It looked familiar, but I couldn't point out exactly where I was. Then I heard loud yelling outside. I exited the room and realized where I was. I was at Kyo's mansion. I made my way slowly down the hall. Eventually, the hall opened to one of the living rooms in this place. I peaked out and I saw Mistress on a couch with Momo beside her. Kyo was there too. I couldn't get my eyes off of him. He looked so exhausted and worn out. Tears came to my eyes. Hiro, Rin, Haru, and Yuki were there too. They were standing to the side. Akito was in the center of everyone and all their eyes were on her.

"What happened?" Mistress asked angrily.

"She tried to escape and she was struck by a truck in the middle of the street," Akito answered calmly.

Momo started to cry. Hiro saw her and just turned his head to the side. Haru hugged Rin as she started to cry on his shoulder. Yuki listened in disbelief. Kyo closed his eyes and looked away. I could see his tears building up in his eyes.

"Kyo…" I thought to myself.

"Well, where's her body?" asked Mistress suspiciously.

"The accident scratched up her entire body. It is barely recognizable, but if you wish to see it, it's at the hospital," Akito answered.

Mistress smirked. "I knew that worthless piece of property will get the end that she deserves," she said.

Then she looked over to Kyo.

"I hope this will rid her from your mind from now on," she said.

Kyo didn't reply. He didn't even look at her. Mistress got up and walked over to Kyo.

"Son, I hope you know that I'm only doing what's best for you," she said and walked off.

Meanwhile, everyone turned their attention to Akito.

"Where is her body, I want to go see her," Yuki said.

"Me too," everyone else (except Kyo) said in unison.

Akito didn't reply to them. She just smirked and turned around.

"Akito," called Yuki.

"I don't want to tell you," Akito headed to the exit.

Everyone watched her. Then, she stopped right by the door.

"But don't worry, I'll give her a proper burial," Akito said and left.

Once Akito exited, Kyo suddenly fainted. I was tempted to run to him, but I remembered what I had promised Akito. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around frighten. It was James. He smiled at me and gestured for me to follow him. He led me out of the house through a path that I didn't recognize. Somehow, he led me to a gate.

"Mister Akito should be waiting for you on the other side. Good luck Miss Honda," he said.

"But how did you---" I said before he opened the gate and pushed me out.

Before I was able to say bye, James had disappeared. Then I saw Akito by a black car. She waved at me. I walked over to her.

"From this point on, you'll have to be on your own," Akito said to me.

"Yes, I understand, but Kyo, he seems so sick," I said.

"Don't worry, once he accepts the fact that you're no longer alive, he'll move on. I can guarantee you that much, but I can't guarantee you an easy life from now on," Akito replied.

"I know. Thank you for everything Akito," I said.

She smiled. "No Miss Honda, thank you. You helped me realized one very important thing," she said.

"Hm? What?" I asked curiously.

"You helped me realized that when you truly love someone, you would do anything to make them happy, even when you have to trade your happiness for theirs. That day, at the hotel, I saw it in Yuki's eyes. He truly loved and cared about you and I hurt him by hurting you. From now on, I won't force my love upon him, but instead, I'll wait for him to accept me. Someday, maybe he'll forget you, but until then…" she broke off with a smile.

I smiled back. Then Akito took out a piece of paper from her right pocket. She handed it to me. I tried to unfold it, but she told me not to until I get into the car. I agreed.

"Miss Honda, I wish you the best from here on. From this moment on, you're no longer a slave and Kyo is no longer your master. You're free now Miss Honda," she said.

I smiled. "Yes I am, thanks to you. Good bye Akito," I said and hugged her.

"Good bye Miss Honda," she said.

She smiled and helped me into the car. Soon, the car drove off.

"Mr. Driver," I called out.

"Yes, Miss?" he replied.

"Before I go, can you please take me somewhere?" I asked.

"Of course, please show me the way," he said.

I smiled. I gave him the directions and soon I arrived. I got out of the car and told the driver that this will only take a minute. I closed the car door and headed toward the house. Once I reached the front doors, I pushed them open and entered the house. This place hasn't changed a bit. I saw that same white piano from before and that gigantic circular fish tank with a staircase wrapped around it. I continued deeper into the house until I reached the backyard where all of the gardens were. I went over to the corner of the garden where Yuki and I planted strawberries the first time I was here. Those seeds have developed into many full grown plants with strawberries. I kneeled down and smiled as I remembered what had happened here before.

I don't know why, but I really wanted to come here again before I left. And by here, I meant Yuki's "home away from home", or the place where the relationship between Yuki and me began. I remembered the strawberries, the dinner, the swim, and of course that romantic dance that sparked it all. But of course, I didn't feel the same way about Yuki. We've both been through a lot and I guess I just feel that we have a lot in common. I missed Yuki. If only I could've said goodbye to him.

I ran my fingers through the leaves of the strawberry plants as I admired them.

"Tohru," a familiar voice called suddenly.

I stood up with my back facing this mysterious person. That person came up to me and place one of their hand on my shoulder and turned me around. It was Yuki. Immediately, he hugged me tightly. I smiled.

"It's nice to see you too Yuki, but you're hurting me," I said.

He released me from his tight embrace and held both of my hands in his.

"When Akito said that you were dead, I was so lost. I didn't know what to do. You are my joy and my only source of happiness and if you disappeared, I wouldn't be able to live anymore," he said.

"I'm sorry, but I promised Akito that I wouldn't see anyone," I said.

"Why? What happened?" he asked.

"Yuki, I'm pregnant with Kyo's child," I told him.

Yuki's eyes widened. After a second or two, he recovered from what seemed to be temporary shock.

"What are you planning to do now?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm going to have to leave this city. I'm planning to move to Tokyo and plan from there," I answered.

"Then I'll go with you. I'll take care of you and the baby," Yuki replied.

"Yuki, thank you for wanting to do this for me, but you shouldn't. Mistress will eventually find out and she'll punish you," I explained.

"I don't care, let me take care of you," Yuki insisted.

"Yuki, if you really care about me, you won't put yourself in danger," I said.

"But Tohru---" Yuki managed to say before I interrupted him.

"Besides Yuki, there's someone else waiting for you out there," I said with a smile.

Yuki forced himself to smile back. "Very well then, promise me that you'll take care of yourself and that child," he said.

"Promise," I said cheerfully as I placed a hand on my stomach. "Yuki, what are you going to do from now on?"

"I've always wanted to travel the world, but I want to finish my studies first," he answered looking up at the clear blue sky.

"I see, that sounds like a good plan," I replied.

He looked down at me again. "Tohru, when you get to Tokyo, write to me," Yuki said.

"Ok, but you have to promise me two things," I said.

"Hm? What?" he asked.

"You can't tell Kyo about me. I want him to forget about me," I said.

"Of course, but he really loves you. I don't think that he'll ever forget you," he answered, "But anyways, the second thing?"

"I want a souvenir from you from every place you visit when you do travel the world," I said half joking.

Yuki laughed lightly. "I'll remember to get you something, I promise," he said.

Yuki escorted me to the front of the house. Yuki and I shared a long hug before we eventually let go.

"Well, you should get going," he said.

"Yeah, I should. See you soon?" I replied.

"Yes, we'll definitely see each other again," Yuki replied.

We exchanged smiles as I entered the car.

"Oh and Yuki, Akito is a really great person and she really loves you," I said right before I disappeared into the car.

"I know, but I don't think I'll ever be able to let you go," Yuki replied half joking.

I entered the car and it drove down the hill. I turned around and saw Yuki waving. While I returned my body to how it originally was, the piece of paper that Akito handed to me earlier fell out of my pocket. I opened it. It was a check for 10 million yen. I was shocked. Why did she give me so much money? Then suddenly, the driver handed me another piece of paper.

"Mister Akito asked me to give this note to you once you've opened the check," he explained.

I read the note:

Miss Honda,

I'm sorry for all of the bad things that I've done to you. My selfishness got the best of me and I regret it all very much. The check is all that I can give back to you. Please accept it as an apology present. I wish that it'll help you in the future. I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure that we'll meet again someday, but until then, goodbye Miss Honda.

---Akito

I gave out a little sigh as I folded the note. I set it on the side with the check and looked out of the window as the car drove off to Tokyo. From now on, I'll be all alone. But I won't give up. I'll raise my child and make sure that his/her life turns out better that mine. I won't let it go through what I did. I won't let it suffer. I promise.

"Kyo, I promise I'll raise our child to become a great person," I said to myself as I admired the clear skies.

Eventually, I fell asleep as the car slowly drove toward my new life and future… As I slept, I came closer…and closer…to my new life…

-The End-

AN: I'm sorry everyone. I've decided to end the story here. Sorry. Anyways, if you would like a sequel please review or message/email me. Thank you! Hope you liked this story! I did my best. Thank you all for reviewing and supporting my story...