Tohru's Demons

Chapter Three: Of Pretty Pink Ponies


No one said a word. Everyone, particularly Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure, stared at Raha in incredulous astonishment. Finally, Kyo and Yuki leapt to their feet, about to verbally tear into the demon, but—

"And just where do you plan on taking her?" Hatori said quietly, staring at Rahallion through his hair with cold eyes. He wasn't on his feet, but he seemed far more menacing than both the Rat and the Cat at their angriest.

"I'm taking her into another universe. Will you quit asking me all these questions? Ren, we have to go NOW."

"Another universe...? Raha, don't be mad, but have you lost your mind or something? And why do we have to go now? None of this is making any sense!" cried Tohru shrilly.

"Look, I can't tell you why—"

"Because Artemis made you swear, I know. Rahallion, I'm about to have a nervous meltdown. Exactly where are we going and why?" Tohru demanded, causing her friends to stare at her in bewilderment. They had never seen their sweet little Tohru be so commanding with anyone.

"I can't tell you," Raha burst out crossly. "And there's nothing you can say or do that will make it otherwise! So stop asking me and serve your purpose!"

"Rahallion," said Tohru with her sweetest smile. "I'm going to turn you into the prettiest, pinkest pony with a purple mane and tail unless you come clean right now." Shigure burst out laughing while Raha looked mortified.

"Y-you can do that...?" Yuki asked, faintly disturbed.

"Yay! Ponies!!!" cried Momiji gleefully.

"You... You..." Raha growled, so angry and horrified he could hardly speak.

"And then I'm going to have someone braid ribbons into your mane," Tohru added, watching as the last of Raha's willpower fled.

"Oh, I want to do it!" Ayame cried.

"You- you wouldn't dare..." Raha hissed. Tohru narrowed her eyes, still smiling, and raised her fingers.

"Wouldn't I?" she asked sweetly, her voice laced with impending doom.

"Alright! Alright! Just... don't. Don't turn me into... that." Raha suppressed a shudder then stepped forward and whispered something in her ear. When he stepped back, Tohru's eyes were wide, fear swirling in their depths. She put a trembling hand to her face, her breath coming in short, gasping breaths as her heart practically threw itself against her ribcage, pounding out of control. The Sohmas stared at her for a moment in stunned silence. Kyo seized the front of Raha's shirt and nearly lifted him of his feet.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO HER?!" He thundered, giving the familiar a violent shake. The panic he had seen in Tohru's face had sent him over the edge. Suddenly he wanted to fight, wanted to tear into Raha with almost the same passion he usually reserved for Yuki. Yuki himself looked like he would love nothing more than to send Raha flying through Shigure's new door, but instead he opted to try and calm Tohru like Momiji and Kisa were doing.

"Honda-san, what did he say to you? Whatever it was, he'll pay, don't worry." Yuki said, placing a comforting hand on Tohru's shoulder. She looked up at him, a blush spreading rapidly across her cheeks, and gave him a reassuring, albeit shaky, smile.

"I-it's okay, Yuki-kun. Raha...? H-how- how bad is it?" Tohru whispered, looking very pale.

"Bad. I'm... I'm sor—" Raha stopped, snorting petulantly, and rubbed his forehead. Shigure raised an eyebrow, and stared at the familiar piercingly, wondering... Raha gave him a haughty look, and Shigure smiled at him foolishly. "I... sort of wasn't supposed to tell you like this... We wanted to fill you in slowly because—" Tohru suddenly clapped a hand to her mouth and ran for the toilet. It sounded like she just barely made it.

"Because we were afraid that would happen..." Raha finished, sighing. After a few minutes, Tohru staggered back into the living room.

"Feeling better?" Raha asked.

"I'm getting there..." Tohru answered ruefully and sat down again. "How many have returned...?"

"We can't be sure yet. More than three at least."

"Dammit!" Tohru cursed vehemently, causing the Sohmas to gasp in shock. "Oh, I'm sorry...! You must think I'm horrible, cursing in front of you like that!" she cried apologetically, blushing profusely.

"No... No... We don't think that at all," Shigure replied, waving a hand and grinning like an idiot, though he looked a little taken aback. "We've just never heard you say that, is all. It's a bit shocking."

Once again, he's tactful as ever... Hatori thought irately.

"You aren't horrible, Honda-san," Yuki said consolingly, shooting a venomous look at Shigure, who laughed nervously.

"It's strangely good to see you finally venting some anger," Kyo added wryly and grinned. Tohru looked relieved and smiled. Raha, who had been watching this exchange with interest, said, "Now that you know, we should be going. As of immediately." Tohru's face fell and she nodded grimly.

"Right... Uh, um, I'm sorry, Momiji-kun, I can't go swimming with you tomorrow. Shigure-san? There- there's some food for you and Yuki-kun and Kyo-kun in the fridge. I'll be back in..." she paused, looking thoughtful. "Well, I'll get back to you on that!" she said finally, laughing nervously. "Bye, I'll see you when I get return!" she said with a wave. Kisa threw herself at Tohru, wrapping her arms around the winded teenager.

"No..." she whispered, her quiet voice pained, tears stinging her eyes. "No. You can't...! You can't leave me! I'm afraid that if you do... if you do you... you won't... come back."

"Kisa... I said I was going to come back..." Tohru replied quietly, putting her own arms around the little girl. "I'm sorry..." she whispered, and, kneeling, gently pulled the Tiger off her, fighting tears.

"I promise... I promise I'm coming back. Nothing bad is going to happen to me." Tohru said, looking Kisa in the eye.

"When?" Kisa whispered.

"In three days. Look for me in three days," she said, shooting a look at Raha, who nodded. "But I have to go now." Tohru pulled Kisa into one last hug and then got up, smiling around at the rest of them.

"But why...?" Momiji asked, his usually chipper voice subdued. Tohru grinned ironically.

"That... I can't tell you."

To be continued...


Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket

I don't have anything much to say here, other than I would love to hear what you have to say about it so far.

-Raha-