Tohru's Demons
Chapter Twenty-Three: The Bars Of Fear And Distrust Make A Bitter Prison
"Should I come with you?" Tohru asked quietly. Yuki and Kyo looked at Hatori, waiting for his answer with bated breath. Hatori could see the look Shigure was giving him, and he fully agreed. He did not want to take Tohru into Akito's room either. He didn't want her anywhere near Akito; not after he had attacked the girl. He had stopped before he had done serious harm, yes, but that didn't mean he wouldn't do it again.
But what was he afraid of? They were going to tell Akito that the Curse might be lifted, if anything, wouldn't he be happy?
But still, Hatori was hesitant to answer. But he had to say something. And Tohru could explain everything to Akito with much more ease than they could.
"Yes, Tohru-san, perhaps you can help to explain things to Akito," he said finally. Yuki narrowed his eyes, and Kyo stepped protectively closer to Tohru.
"I hope you know what you're doing." Shigure murmured next to Hatori.
"So do I." Hatori muttered.
Yuki was silent as he made his way down the hall towards Akito's room. Tohru was unusually subdued as she walked next to him. Yuki glimpsed sideways at Kyo, who was walking on Tohru's other side, caught the Cat's eye, and looked away quickly. The last thing he wanted was to set off Kyo's temper.
"Wait here, Kyo." Shigure told the Cat and knocked on Akito's door.
"Come in..."
Shigure pushed open the door and poked his head in, attempting a smile. While he greeted the Head Sohma and explained why he was there, Kyo leaned up against the wall and closed his eyes. He didn't notice Tohru quietly come to stand next to him until she took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. His eyes snapped open and he startled, turning wide eyes upon her, his cheeks burning.
"It'll be okay," Tohru said softly. Kyo nodded slightly and looked away, his heart beating a tattoo against his ribcage.
"See you later," Tohru said, released his hand, and followed Hatori into the darkened room, the door closing behind her.
"What do you want?" Akito asked softly after Tohru and the other Sohmas were seated on the floor before him. At first no one said anything.
"We've been into the library and we found something rather interesting there." Shigure said at length.
"Oh...?"
"Yes, we... that library contains all documents ever written in our world, including the Sohma records. We found them, and we think that we may find something there that might tell us how to... end the Curse."
Akito, slumped limply in his chair, sat up slowly, his eyes turning to stare at Shigure.
"How did you come across this... wondrous library?" Somehow, his tone indicated something far different from what his words implied.
"Oh... It was actually Tohru-kun that showed it to us," Shigure answered slowly.
"Was it now?" Akito said smoothly, rising from his chair. "Well, Honda-san, once again you're poking your nose where it doesn't belong, as usual," he said amiably, smiling down at Tohru. Then he took a complete 180-degree turn. He seized the front of Tohru's shirt and wrenched her up so that his face was mere inches from hers, fury in his gaze, teeth bared.
Shigure and Yuki leapt to their feet and each seized one of Akito's arms. But he had been ready for them. He grabbed the back of his desk chair and threw it into them both, knocking the Dog and the Rat to the ground. Ayame had also jumped to his feet and stared in horror at Akito and at his friend and brother lying breathlessly on the ground in front of him. Hatori was also on his feet, his body tensed to spring into action...
But something held him back. Perhaps it was the fear of having a chair thrown into his gut, or maybe he was afraid Akito might do something even worse if he tried to help. And meanwhile, Akito had begun screaming.
"Are you still prying into things that don't concern you? Still trying to help us?! I don't need your help understand? I don't! Everything was just fine before you came along! But now everyone can't stop talking about you, about how wonderful and kind and understanding little Tohru Honda is! This family was my responsibility, but then you showed up and they all flocked to your side like a herd of sheep! I'M SICK OF HEARING ABOUT YOU!!!" Akito roared, shaking Tohru like a rag doll, his eyes glittering with a sort of mad glee, like hurting her was causing him overwhelming satisfaction. Outside, Kyo was banging desperately on the locked door, yelling frantically to be let in.
"Everyone seemed to have such high hopes for you, didn't they? They even began to say that somehow you, a stupid, bumbling fool like you, could break the Curse! Do you know how preposterous that sounds? You, breaking a Curse that has been in place for more than two hundred years? Do you realize how absurd that is?! And now, you yourself say you can break it!"
"Akito-san!" Tohru shouted at the top of her voice. Which was rather loud. Akito froze, his narrow chest heaving for breath, his face twisted with... what? It wasn't anger, or even hate. His eyes were wide, the whites showing all the way around them, and he was shaking uncontrollably.
No one in the room moved or spoke. Outside, Kyo froze where he was, cold horror trickling down his back as he pictured the worst. Tohru stared into Akito's dark blue eyes, breathing heavily, and wondering. Why is he so upset? Why does it seem like he feels he has to fight this? It's almost as if... he doesn't want us to break the Curse.
And suddenly she knew. The expression in those dark pools and on his face was... fear. But why...? she thought. What is he so afraid of? Unless...
"Akito-san... Do you think that if the Curse is broken... that you'll be left alone?" she asked softly, and felt Akito stiffen. The other Sohmas were staring at Tohru in utter bewilderment.
"I'm right, aren't I?" she asked gently, keeping her voice very low, as if raising it might startle him as it would a wild animal. And in a way, that's exactly what he was, except he was locked in a cage with no apparent way out. Now everything made sense. All Akito knew was that cage, and now, when he was finally presented with freedom, he didn't know what to do with it.
So he did the only thing that he had done for his entire life. He stayed in his cage and stared out at the huge, and frightening, place that was the world. He was definitely scared of it, and scared that if he stepped out of the Sohma cage, that if he allowed the Curse to be lifted, that all he had known, all he was, would go with it. Including his family.
And even if he took his chance for freedom, perhaps the cage door would come slamming back down on him. How long had it taken him to come to terms with his curse? Say... his entire life? And he was still coming to terms with it. He would probably die before he accepted it.
And now, she was teasing him, torturing him with the prospect of a life, a prospect that might not even exist. If he allowed himself to believe, to hope, and that hope was shattered, as it probably would be, he would have to try and accept his fate all over again.
"I see now... You're afraid that if the Curse is broken... your family will leave you. You'll no longer have any power over them, will you? Your life has been so entwined with the Curse, with the fact that you have to die in order for the others to live, that you don't know any other way of life. Your death is your life."
Tohru impulsively brought up a cool hand and cupped his hot cheek, holding his wide, astonished, petrified eyes with hers.
"Akito, it's going to be okay." For once fleeting moment, she knew her words had reached through to him. And then his walls came crashing down once more.
"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" He screamed, forcing her to her knees. "You can't do anything! You can't! You're a filthy, lying bitch! You got up everyone's hopes, and you can't even back it up, can you?! Fucking whore, I'll kill you myself if you're lying!!!" Akito shrieked, slapping Tohru hard, his fingers buried in her hair.
Shigure and Yuki by this time had got a hold of him and were trying fruitlessly to drag him off. Kyo was bashing himself against the door over and over, shouting furiously. Another voice had joined his. Some one else was pounding on the door and shouting for someone to open it. That person's wish was granted, when suddenly, the door crashed open and Kyo fell heavily into the room, followed by a breathless Kureno, but he was instantly on his feet again. He rushed over and grabbed Akito's hands in an attempt to dislodge them. Kureno hurried towards Akito, begging him to stop.
A shriek rent the air as a small, furry body flung itself at Akito's face and buried claws and teeth into his skin. Rahallion had come in through the open window and was now protecting his Companion with violent savagery as Akito thrashed and screamed.
"What are you doing to my daughter?" Said a calm, icy voice behind them. Tohru and the Sohmas froze. Raha released the yelling Akito and dropped to the ground, licking bloodied teeth and looked back at the man that had seemed to materialize from out of the shadows directly behind Akito and stared down at him with cold fury. Tohru looked up slowly, gasping for breath.
"Lu...Lucifer..." she stammered, her voice breaking slightly. Lucifer laid a hand on Akito's shoulder and dug his clawed fingers into the boy's flesh, just short of drawing blood.
"Let go of her." the demon ordered. His steady voice was utterly cold, with an under current of intimidation, power, and menace. Akito's hands immediately released the girl. He was white and shaking, his eyes wide with a mixture of rage and fear. Lucifer freed Akito and swept past him to Tohru, looking her over anxiously.
"Ren, are you all right?" he asked kindly, his black eyes concerned, whereas a moment ago they were hard and cruel.
"Yes, I'm fine." Tohru replied, smiling shakily up at the demon, which smiled softly in return. He had long, silky black hair tied into a loose ponytail that reached to small of his back and fell into his almost excruciatingly handsome face. Lucifer nodded once, and turned his merciless gaze back upon Akito.
"This boy was not hurting you very much, was he?" the demon asked, his gaze indicating that he knew very well what Akito had done and that he was going to make the Head Sohma suffer dearly for it.
"No..." Tohru replied shakily, and turned her gaze towards Akito. "Akito-san... I wasn't lying when I said we might find a way to break the Curse in the library... And... You're right. I may just be giving them false hope, but... at least... it's better than none at all."
"Ren, would you please excuse us, I would like a private word with our guests." Lucifer said with an amicable smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Tohru was on guard at once, and looked at Lucifer with distrust.
"I don't think that's a good idea..." she said with obvious reluctance to depart.
"Now, Ren." Lucifer directed, placing a hand on her shoulder and steering her towards the door.
"But I don't—" Tohru started and then Lucifer took her hand, said, "The Royal Kitchens," and she disappeared with a crack.
"What did you do to Honda-san?!" Yuki demanded frenetically.
"Where did she go?!" Kyo cried, glaring at the demon angrily.
"What happened to Tohru-kun?" Shigure and Ayame gasped.
"Please, gentlemen, calm yourselves. I have teleported her to the kitchens so that I may speak with you," Lucifer replied in a bored and refined voice as he closed the door.
"I don't want you ever touching her again, do I make myself clear?" Lucifer said softly in Akito's ear. There had been no cracks accompanying his abrupt appearance from the door to the Head Sohma's side; he had just taken a step, seemed to disappear into the shadows, and had materialized instantaneously next to Akito.
"He better not have hurt her," said a nonchalant voice from the balcony door. The Sohmas jumped and whipped about to stare at the figure leaning casually against the doorframe. His striking features were illuminated in the moon light, making him seem almost otherworldly. He had spiky black hair that stuck straight up and red eyes with black rims, which were even deadlier than his brother's.
Malacoda sauntered into the room with the air of a cat. "You look kind of out of it, kid." He said, looking Akito over and shoved the boy into a chair. "You oughta sit down." He said amiably and seated himself on the arm of Akito's chair, took out a katana from apparently nowhere and proceeded to clean his nails with it.
There was a sort of haughty air in his ruthless narrow eyes, a playful maliciousness about those fiery orbs. And when he smiled, it was a child's smile. A child slowly pulling a small animal apart, piece by piece, and enjoying himself immensely. Lucifer silently came around to stand just behind Akito, leaning slightly on the back of his chair.
"I care about that kid a lot, so I would be very put out with who ever brought her harm," Malacoda said in a drawling, lilting voice. "In fact, I would be so upset, I don't know what I would do to the person."
Akito sat very still, watching the demon through the corner of his eye. This was the very same demon that just the night before was so drunk that Akito had easily thrown him into a wall. Now Malacoda was an entirely different person. Whereas the night before he had been a perverted fool, now he was like a viper toying with its food. Akito knew he was being threatened, that was obvious, though Malacoda's threats were far subtler than Artemis's.
"Why are they even here anyway?" Malacoda went on casually. "Wouldn't it be easier just to kill them? Hey Luci, you remember that time that snake demon almost bit Ren and I stabbed his eyes out, cut his jaw off, sliced open his gut, and pinned him to the ground, while he was still alive, for buzzard bait?" This last statement was said the utmost of jovialness.
"Don't call me Luci, Noctifer." Lucifer said coldly. "You know I hate it."
Somehow, Malacoda's threats seemed far more frightening.
"Um... Excuse me...." Shigure said somewhat warily, rising to his feet and eyeing the two demons with slight apprehension, though he was trying for a smile. Lucifer and Malacoda, a.k.a. Noctifer, looked at the Dog like they would a slug. Shigure swallowed and went on.
"You... Lucifer... You called Tohru your daughter, correct...?"
"That's correct. She is my... adoptive daughter."
"WHAT!?" Kyo, Yuki, Shigure, and Ayame yelled in shock.
"It's not that surprising. Malacoda and I took her in when she was about fourteen." Lucifer explained and may have continued, or perhaps he may not have, but at that moment, the door crashed open and Tohru staggered into the room, heaving for breath and leaning on the frame for support.
"Lu...ci...fer..." she gasped, her face flushed from running. "Don't... do... any...thing... to... Aki...to..."
"Did you run all the way here from the kitchens?" Malacoda asked, looking mildly surprised and faintly amused by her re-arrival.
"...Yes..." Tohru panted, coming into the room to glare accusingly at Lucifer and Malacoda. "Did you... do anything...?"
"No, no, of course we didn't, Ren." Lucifer assured her, waving his hand. "We just exchanged words."
"I'm surprised at you, Ren!" Malacoda cried. "You know us better than that! We wouldn't really harm one of your friends."
Yeah, right... Kyo and Yuki and Tohru thought, their skepticism showing on their faces.
"...Okay." Tohru said finally. "By the way, my name isn't Ren. It's Tohru Honda." Lucifer and Malacoda paused, somewhat startled. Then Lucifer smiled softly and shook his head as if to say, 'you silly girl...'
"We've known you solely as 'Ren' for a long time now...so it may take us a while to get used to the change, but we will try to follow your wishes... Tohru." Lucifer said with a polite dip of his head. Tohru nodded in return, smiling brightly.
"Thank you," she said graciously.
"Ren!" Tohru whirled around to see Artemis standing in the doorway.
"Her name's Tohru now, Wolfy!" Malacoda informed Artemis cheerfully on his way out the door.
"Don't call me Wolfy, dammit!"
"Where are you going, Malacoda?" Tohru called after the demon.
"Oh just out and about. I tire of Wolfy's nonsensical disparages." Malacoda drawled, waving lazily.
"What was that?" Artemis howled with righteous indignation.
"What is it, Artemis?" asked Lucifer with accomplished poise before Artemis could work himself into more of a rut.
"Grumman's here. He wanted to see you." Artemis notified them, looking straight at Tohru, whose eyes lit up with excitement.
"Grumman?! He's here already?! But he wasn't supposed to arrive for a week more at least..." She said, looking slightly perplexed for a moment, before her positive smile returned.
"How do you know?" Artemis demanded.
"Val told me last night," Tohru replied.
"Why wasn't I told?"
"If you will excuse me," Lucifer interjected. "I'll be leaving. I have some business to attend to." And he was gone.
"Business my tail..." Artemis snorted. "Tohru, are you coming?"
"Yeah, go on a head, I'll be right there," Tohru replied. Artemis nodded and left with a swish of his coat.
"Exactly what sorts of words were exchanged here?" Tohru asked immediately after Artemis had vacated to room. Apparently she still found it quite difficult to fully trust her foster fathers. The Sohmas turned nervous eyes on Akito, waiting for his response.
"Threats." He said tightly with fists clenched to keep them from trembling, his eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, I thought so... They haven't changed one bit." Tohru sighed running a hand through her hair. "I'll have a chat with them later. Hopefully we'll see eye to eye on the matter."
"Hopefully...?" Akito repeated.
"Well, you did sort of attack me in my own home..." Tohru muttered. "I don't think you should do that again; I'm surprised threats were all they gave you." She paused then and looked at Akito, her expression thoughtful and compassionate.
"Akito-san..." she started gently. "You're right. I could be lying for all you know... and I'm sorry. I know it's cruel to tell you now, when there's no proof, but please... just trust me." With that she turned and made her way out of the room. Yuki and Kyo shot uneasy glances at Akito before hurrying after her out of the dark, cold, and bitter room.
To be continued...
Disclaimer: I am not Natsuki Takaya, thus I do not own Fruits Basket for the twenty-third time. Hey, I wonder what Miss Takaya would think if she read any fanfictions for her manga?
FINALLY! That took me forever! I've been rather busy lately with school stuff and what not so forgive me if it took me a while to update. Thanks to everyone that has reviewed, and please keep up a steady stream of compliments because it inspires me so!
Please tell me especially what you think of this chapter. It would be very much appreciated.
Now, a question for Cor-chan! (Or any other reader that happens to know the answers...) About Kyo: is it true that he'll be locked up? I've read countless fanfictions that say this is fact, but it's not mentioned at all in the anime so I'm not sure.
(SPOILER! DON'T READ IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED ALL TWENTY SIX EPISODES!!!)
And also his bracelet, does he turn into that "monster" whenever it's taken off, or just when it's taken off in the rain? If you don't know, that's absolutely fine. So, that's all for now. I'll explain more about Malacoda and Lucifer next chapter, and please, if you are confused about anything, as some people have said they are, please tell me EXACTLY what it is so I can fix it.
Also, what does AU stand for...? Does it even stand for anything? I just can't figure it out...
Again, THANK YOU for reading!
-Raha- signing off
