Back to the next chapter already. Only took me one week to finish two chapters for my other stories and I'm already back on this one! Well…I could have written about 7-8 pages already, but there was a little accident while house hunting in Georgia. (By the way, I'm still in Georgia, but I'm heading back home tomorrow night, which I will update! But when this is updated it's probably going to be November…). See, while looking at houses, Georgia is somewhat meant to have homes in high areas; like on hills. And the driveway is like a slope so maybe if it snowed (which it doesn't to make everything clear) you can ski down really fast. Anyway, I guess my pop is just lacking age and while walking up the driveway, he pulled a hamstring or something in his leg (behind the tibia) and now he has a cass over it and he has to use crutches until next year (somewhere around that); not to mention he can't go to work during that time (All the way in Santa Clara and we live in Tracy. About…100 miles adding back and forth together, I think…) and I have to do all of his household tasks like our backyard (colossal!) and then I need to wash his car and also buy an up-to-the-minute rim for one of the tires because I guess it somehow got lost in the freeway. I know more about cars then my mom so that's why I have to do it (dammit) Mostly I'm going to be busy…but that's life. Also it's tremendously stressful here as well; pop and I are getting EXTREMELY annoyed with grandpa. My pop tries to cooperate with him, but every time he talks to me, I mute him out or I just say, "Mm-hm" or "Oh." Very sad since I try to fight back his "talkative" self. But now I'm just going off topic with my personal stuffs that you guys aren't probably interested in. Now reviews!
Emerald Mistress: Part II is already up! Woo hoo! You have no idea how happy I am…but that means I have more chapters to go…cries
thequietwriter: I'm sorry Kyo wasn't in chapter 1. I just couldn't find time to fit him in…but he's in this chapter don't worry! (Well…I think you are going to be mad by how long Kyo is in here…) I'm sorry if I confused you with the flashback, but I just wanted to tell everyone what happened and why Tohru was all happy all of the sudden. And I figured that chapter 1 might be good to explain Jekou and Ghanjan a bit more. Every character counts you know! (I even drew a picture of Makao Sohma and Taka Sohma from "Black Moon" because I liked them…the site is in my profile if you want to see it).
Bonnie 625: I'm very glad you like the story! It's always nice to get new reviewers! Well, I'm 13 just like you, except since your birthday is almost here, you are older. I'm born in 1992 and you are 1991 right? I got a laptop I guess because I'm always begging for one, my parents really know that I want to be a novelist, and I've been getting straight A's for the past 4 years I guess. (I'm not bragging or anything don't get me wrong! But I think that's the reason…). But my pop still uses my laptop as well, so it isn't exactly mine. But I think you deserve one! I don't mind anyone who talks to me; as long as they are friendly and not a suck up, I can deal with it. Now your question really got me. Hm…I think Haru would have to be the cute one (even though I love Kyo SOOOOO much. More then Haru). But Haru has this vibe that makes him so cute. His personality you know? And it's cool that you are from Australia; I've never been there before. Not to mention you are Vietnamese! I'm only half though; half Vietnamese and half English. Somewhat like Momiji I suppose…but I'm not like him no way! XD
Frostychan12: It's so nice to see how dense Ayame can be (smiles happily). Is Georgia really like that? In California, it's so empty with only freeways and cities; I'm not that kind of person. I like greens no matter what. But are the people really snobby? I didn't interact with a lot (well maybe I did…you know me. I love boys XD!) but they seemed very nice to me. But they kept looking at me…that's what kind of got me there ha ha.
Akina: Every time I read your name, I'm going, "That used to be my favorite name!" But anyway, I'm so sorry that I can't update as fast as I usually do. School is getting harder (I sound so grown up…I'm only in eighth grade dammit!) and I guess I've been really busy lately with all this moving stuff and then there is Science Fair and then there is this exchange program to go to Japan and I do have other stories too. But I'll try to work my hardest yes I will!
Turdle: Reading your sn I think of that movie, "The Master of Disguise" (and I'm surprised I remember the name…) Turdle Turdle! XD. Anyway, I'm very glad that you said my story is enjoyable to read. But the strange part is I always read my stories when listening to music. Brings a special vibe you know?
Karen: Well…I think there will only be two parts. So part II is the last one I think. But if the story kept going on and on, people would get tired…right? Besides, I will run out of ideas ha ha! But I'm glad that you want me to continue makes me so happy! snuggles Kyo plushie. Now I'm going overboard…do you have any stories? I mean…I know you don't have a ff sn, but you should! Then I could read your stories! That would be fun! (now I sound like an eight year old…)
Shooting Starlight31: It's good to see you again! I hope to see you in the future!
Fruitslover4ever: Everyone tells me that it seems forever for me to update. But it's the truth…remember; this is the last part! (At least I think it is…)
Merodi-chan: Ohhhh….sugoi…I never knew that! Long chapters are just a habit of mine. Once I start writing I can never seem to stop myself. But the longest I think I've ever written was 23 pages or something…but sometimes people tell me they don't like long chapters…and I just get second opinions and all…
AnimeFreaks13: Welcome welcome welcome Reb and Lana! How can Yuki be your brother and Rin be your sister? That's kind of…odd…ha ha. Love when you review; always makes me laugh with your 'strange' moments.
AmayaSaria: Did you have trouble finding this story? I hope you didn't…I don't exactly love Ayame, but he's a good character to run the story. But sometimes I think your sn is Ayame…XD.
Aya Hinata: Every single moment with Ayame and Yuki, you know something bad is going to turn out. (Yet in a funny way ha ha!) I'm sorry Kyo isn't in here…I feel so bad…
HardcoreKyoruFan: Really? I mentioned in part I that I was going to make a part II…or did you not read it? Oops…sorry if I confused you! And don't worry; there will be Kyo and Tohru moments soon. Why do you think it's called "The Cat and the Onigiri Story Part II" anyway:)
Aria's Star: I thought people would be bored dealing with Yuki and all that stuff since the reviewers want Kyo and Tohru. But I can't help it! I'm trying to add more 'flavor' to the story as well. But it's kind of hard for me…but I'm trying! When I'm mad I usually walk back and forth in my room until I'm relaxed. But I should try that music thing (though I don't have a funny music…) And don't worry; I was kidding with Kyo coming after you. Just be careful about making fun of Tohru…(now I sound stupid).
Spring Rose: It's all right if you skipped a couple of reviews. I just want people to read my story and like it that's all. Of course reviews do make me happy you know? You live in San Francisco? Wow…it's big. Well, I'm back in my hometown, which is in California. Georgia was fun I suppose…I'm not much of a big city lover, but it wasn't that cold. I'm use to the cold (I get it from my pop) so I really can't tell if it's cold or hot. XD
TsubasaKyo: Yay! Following step 2! Now just make sure you do steps 1 and 3 as well! cries from happiness Thank you so much for saying how detailed my story was! I've been trying so hard to make it realistic because that's what people look for. Ha ha; I tend to space out as well. Always happens…sometimes when I get up my head get's really dizzy and I have to sit back down for a moment. It pisses me off. Trust me; I do want to publish a book, but I'm so young! And blah I have three ideas in my head but I haven't even started writing down an idea. gasp Maybe you can read it and tell me how it is! eyes sparkle
Assassin Queen: When I read 'Assassin' I think back on the cruise where the teens had to make up a nickname. This one kid put 'Ass Ass In" and if you put it together, it spells 'Assassin' LMSO! (laugh my socks off. The 'ass' is too common. I'm going my OWN way). I'm sorry Kyo wasn't in chapter 1, but at least he's in here! laughs a little but then backs away, thinking of the ending…
xCHiNA-GiRL: cries Kyo…wasn't in chapter 1….but he will in this chapter! looks at assassin queen and you continuously while backing away
Kcscooter: Don't worry; I still know it's you. I only have two hands don't suspect so much of me! cries horribly with shame j/k!
Thequietwriter: Well…hello again! Now thinking about it…it kind of makes me glad not to put Kyo. Ohhh you're making me feel like J.K Rowling! I want to be like her when I grow up…but still; I like the way you think! It's interesting!
4everINdarkness: Yes…I am awesome ha ha! Anyway, Halloween wasn't that exciting. How was your Halloween anyway? I dressed up as a boy and my friend was like, "You are the cutest boy I've ever seen" LMSO!
Half-demon628: blushes Well…I wanted to do something interesting…though for some reason I got a little bored when I read Yuki's move and all that stuff.
Majorkyofan: Thank you very much for still reviewing this story! I'll make sure it'll continue until the end comes!
RoCkS: A lot of people are telling me that even though I mentioned it in chapter's 26 and up…sorry! Kyo is back at Zodiac Castle don't worry, but I didn't want to put him in chapter 1. But he's in here don't worry…eyes both xCHiNA-GiRL and Assassin Queen…why does everyone keep asking me that!
Mariko (aka maisuki-chan): It's okay don't worry! All I care about is people reading my story and nothing more! Though I do like reviews…but as long as you are reading it I'm okay with it! And yeah; I made that technique up. I'm just day dreaming and it just popped into my head. But now I want to make up more moves for the hell of it…but I can't think of anything at the moment…does it really interest you?
Okay thank you very much! It's so cool that everyone is still here; at least I think it's everyone. But I did list so many people…and only around 27 reviews LMAO. Oh well; I suppose its good enough to make me continue. Sayonara!
Chapter 2 "Fraudulence"
An extremely tired teenage boy strode slowly along the edge of the outside hallways; taking his time to look around his surroundings as though it were the first time he had observed it. Looking at the white pebbled grounds, he saw tigers with their claws extended and slowly clawing their nails into the pebbled ground; making a nice curvy line along the land to fashion a beautiful design if you noticed it from a bird's eye view. There did use to be roosters who would create the land even; their sharp eyes studying each pebble, but all of them were wiped out except for the leader; Kureno Sohma, but you would rarely find him.
Seeing a nearby pole that was much wider then he himself, he staggered over to it and gradually leaned his body against it; even breaths to calm his nerves. He heard some voices close to him, but it was probably warriors training like the mortals did when he was back at Mortal Castle. Rubbing his greenish eyes, he looked at his hands and buried deep within his palms were nasty splinters. It was a horrible sight to see that he would mostly hide them behind his back, not wanting anyone to notice them.
"Hatori-sensei is really strict," thought Jekou; images of his previous training with him. Just walking around the castle and doing his other tasks, Hatori seemed like a quiet cold person. But with him training Jekou to become an actual dragon…it was different. He didn't shout or anything close to that, but the tone in his voice was so deadly he had no idea how to confront it.
A little pond that only had one lily pad floating along the side, he shook his head off the thought and pushed himself off his supporter, wobbling over to the pond as he practically fell to his knees; ruining parts of the white pebbled ground the tigers worked so hard on. Nearby Zodiacs noticed how strange and weak their Lord's son was acting, but neither of them didn't even make the slightest movement as to come over and check if he was okay. They were specifically given orders to stay away from him until further notice, but Jekou didn't know about this command.
Taking another look at his fractured palms, he couldn't take another moment to think of any thoughts about them as he shoved them into the pond. Immediately he let out a quiet whimper; a feeling of a bee stinging his wounds continuously was the only thought that just stayed in his head. But fighting through the pain he started to viciously rub them; trying to get all the dry blood and stains away so he could at least feel a bit content with himself. He really couldn't tell which was worst; a sphere being thrown at your back or the stinging sentiment within his palms that would never stop.
"Dang it," garbled Jekou, for once removing his hands, he figured that he probably made his hands worst then before seeing as they were so red. "…Bandages will work probably."
"March march march little brother!" cheered a voice behind him, though the tone made him sound far away. "I shall not give my blessings to you without the one I'm giving the sanction to! Thus we shall make the whole castle roar in the honor of your given name!"
"Everyone knows my name!" shouted an annoyed voice. "Get away from my army!"
"'S that Yuki?" thought Jekou, standing up from his earlier position and stepping onto the hallway once again, only to cross it and jump onto the other side; almost falling to the ground immediately. Even if he came back with Yuki and the other escapers who left Mortal Castle, he really never did meet up with them for some reason. It wasn't as though he was trying to disregard them, but he just never really ran into them. Even if their castle was a little smaller then the mortals…
Seeing the rat crowd; some laughing with others quarrelling back a little, he made his way up to all of them to get a better look at seeing what was going on. He stood on the tip of his toes since the army was much older then he was, plus making his height a somewhat difference. One of them turned around to tell another one of his kind something when his eyes met Jekou's, seeing that he was trying to see the tumult. He made a rapid idiom as he then started pushing everyone away, knowing that he was the Lord's son.
Jekou already knew why they were moving, so giving them quick thanks he went through the army as one by one they would step away, though the 'talk nineteen to the dozen' continued. (My pop would alwayas say that). And looking at the center of attention, Ayame was still begging his younger brother for a strode around the castle. Some warriors—for what he thought—were on the snake leader's side as some were on the rat leader's side. It was kind of funny since some of Yuki's warriors didn't listen to him.
"Fine!" whined Ayame, dramatically resting his hand on his forehead and wishing away. "No one can ever tell my dearest aspiration for brotherly love! The hardships I must live with everyday because he shoos me away. These tears aren't here because God gave them to me no no! And I had so many things to tell you that might help you with your army as well! Yes, your army my breathtaking sibling!"
"Snake leader you have so many wishes don't you?" questioned one of the rats; eyes sparkling. "If I were your brother I would gladly accept any needs just for you!"
"Why, I feel so honored for being loved by my brother's warriors!" cried out Ayame; spinning around. "Why don't you join my army and that way I can have a bit of Yuki-kun's characteristics with me!"
"STOP DIRECTING THEM!" snapped Yuki, and by the look in his eyes he was really growing tense. But Ayame was already laughing his drama head off because of Yuki's foolishness, but wanting to look around and see his army's reaction, he took notice in the confused yet somewhat frail Jekou that others stepped away from.
"Ah! Lord Akito's son!" cried out Ayame as he scurried over to him. "You've been with Yuki for the past two months correct? Tell me, has he ever spoken of me during those long terrible months?"
"No nii-san," backfired Yuki. "And don't talk to him. Your stupidity might rub off on hi-."
"Nix, it's okay," said Jekou. "Snake leader, the dragon leader asked for your acquaintance."
"…To-Tor-Tori-san has asked for…me?" gasped Ayame; covering his mouth to hide is excitement. "I…I'm too speechless!" Quickly turning to his brother and grasping his hands, he sternly spoke, "Yuki, it is time for me to leave your side for now. But I shall return and maybe we can continue this conversation; acceptance?"
Yuki didn't bother to make a single reply, for doing that would just keep him here. And with that, Ayame made an enormous farewell to Yuki's army as some replied in the same tone, some reacting the same way their leader did. With the huge announcement completed, he left all of them as some sighed, wanting the commotion to continue since the whole training seemed to stop…or maybe it was forgotten. But it was entertaining with those two anyway…
"…Practice is over!" ordered Jekou to his army. "Go do whatever you want!"
At first, no one even budge a move. It wasn't because of practice being over so suddenly, but that Lord Akito's son was actually talking. Just like many people thought, they would never hear him speak a single word at all. Completely muted and isolated, but now he just gave a command to an army; a very skillful army to make things different. But with the strange silence overtaking the grounds, Yuki managed to alter their thoughts.
"All of you can go now," spoke Yuki, and this time his face was back to normal; the ones where the mortal girls from Mortal Castle would gaze at.
With a given nod, all the rat warriors turned around from Yuki and Jekou as the chattering started once again. Some about Jekou, some about Ayame and Yuki (which was mostly the main topic among the crowd) and there were even some conversations happening about training being over so soon because there was some who enjoyed being taught about martial arts dealing with weapons and defense. There were just some who take pleasure in those kinds of activities as some preferred to talk.
"Thank you," said Yuki. "Did Lord Hatori really call in Ayame?"
"He actually did," said Jekou. "But I didn't ask him why. I don't think I would have gotten any answers out of him; even if I am Akito's son."
"I really didn't care if you were speaking the truth or not," said Yuki. "Just as long as Ayame is off my back for one day…are you okay? You look weak somehow."
He made a harsh sigh and without even saying anything, he plopped down onto the ground and felled back. Some rat Zodiacs who were nearby watched as Yuki remained in his standing position. Sitting down on the ground wasn't exactly his thing. Jekou took a huge intake of air as he tossed his head back and forth, wondering if they were in close range to anyone listening to the both of them.
"I don't know if I'm suppose to tell anyone…" spoke Jekou. "But Akito gave Lord Hatori orders to train me in secret."
"He told you this yesterday?" questioned Yuki as he squatted down.
"Just a while ago," said Jekou. "Around noon or something; wants me to be a dragon."
"A dragon?" queried Yuki, his voice showing a bit of interest. "That's a bit sudden seeing that we came back from Mortal Castle only two days ago…"
When Jekou was about to continue their conversation, he noticed something triggered in Yuki's eyes as he then stood back up. His thoughts seemed to be lost for a moment for his eyes didn't wander anywhere except to an empty patch of white pebbled land. Jekou rested on his elbows and shook his head quickly; shaking off the shingles that remained well put in his hair.
"…I have to go somewhere for a minute," said Yuki, looking back down at Jekou who seemed to look perplexed. "I'll inform you about it later on; sorry."
"Oh, uh, that's okay," assured Jekou as he stood up, wiping the grains off his clothes quite rapidly so that no one would notice that he was sloppy in the first place. "You're the rat leader."
"I'll see you when I get the chance," said Yuki as he left Jekou behind. Stepping onto the outside hallway Jekou was once walking on, he went through it and opened the door that led inside, seeing numerous Zodiacs wandering around the place like any other day.
But not exactly going in the same route that he would normally follow, he started heading towards the entrance of the whole castle. Naturally passing through more hallways and four-step stairs. But only two days here in Zodiac Castle and he finally remembered what he was suppose to do. Of course, in the beginning it wasn't actually his intentions to check at all. But still…it somehow stayed stuck in his mind…
"…His name is Manabe?" questioned Yuki.
"Manabe…Kakeru…" finished Machi.
"…When I go back to Zodiac Castle," said Yuki. "If I can, I'll try to find some information about him. He could still be…um…alive you know."
"Even if I doubt he'll be alive," thought Yuki. "It's really the only way to get it out of my head if I just check."
Mortal Castle
Putting on her accustomed green dress, she closed her closet and took a nippy stare out of her window that was built in when some of servants helped repair her room. Another bright day; few clouds here and there, but they were easily imperceptible. Passing by her bed that she had already made (of course telling a few servants she could make it herself) she reached out her hand and opened her bedroom door, not exactly knowing what to do.
The castle seemed to become less exciting to her…but still; there was a war going on right in front of her nose. So how could she be thinking of having fun? Hanajima was in the kitchen once again (well that's her job in the first place) and she didn't want to disrupt her no matter what. And Uotani and Ghanjan were out back busy with the grass that needed to be fertilized. Even with the help of others, it was the castle's garden…a lot to think about for size.
Closing the door behind her, she noticed a couple of servants coming and going through the bedroom in front of hers. A bedroom she really never went into in the times of yore, but only for the past four months has she now memorized every corner and detail in that scope. A bedroom that changed the way she thought of things throughout life…at least that's what she felt like inside. The cat leader's room…the room that also used to belong to King Yishanu's son who was murdered…when Tohru wasn't even around yet.
"Are they cleaning out his room?" thought Tohru, a small piece of depression hovering her face. "…So…Yishanu-san knows that Kyo-kun is gone now. What about Yuki-kun and Momiji-kun? Does he know about them?"
With every servant coming and going, Tohru was greeted by each of them as Tohru replied back to them. Taking her thoughts off of them, she left the hallway and started going down those spiral stairs she once had to run up and down that one time. She knew that she would never forget that night…that horrible night that only happened two days ago. It was hard to believe that just two days ago, the castle was up in chaos and darkness remained in the atmosphere. Those dragons circulating the castle's boundaries; everyone collapsing on the ground and not showing the slightest movement; feeling most pressured of confusion that she had never felt before. But now it just felt as though it was all in the past. She thought of it…part one for the whole war.
"But I still miss the three of them," thought Tohru sadly. "They each had their own way to bring delight to the castle. Momiji-kun was always hyper and acted like a little kid. Kyo-kun just had this strange air that every time I looked at him, I would feel happy. And Yuki-kun had a calm cheer within himself and he slowly opened up to me, which makes me in high spirits!"
Now thinking about it…was she happier when the three of them came? More then anything she could wish for, in the beginning she had three friends who would always support her and stay by her side no matter what challenges awaited them; Uotani, Hanajima and Ghanjan. The cheerful moments they spent together since she could remember; almost like a fantasy dream that no one would ever wish would end. All of them together seemed to make up the best group of friends anyone has ever seen. Each one was different, but that's what made the whole group equal into one.
But now with Zodiacs interrupting in their lives, each one of them seemed to be going in a different direction. Momiji was the first Zodiac Tohru laid eyes upon, but immediately he joined the group. They accepted him without a doubt (though Uotani had a little difficulty due to his behavior) and it was as though another missing piece had joined the group. More importantly, Tohru would always be around Momiji since Hanajima, Uotani and Ghanjan were workers for the castle. Even if the rabbit was a prisoner, King Yishanu could already tell that he would be no harm to the castle; let alone a single fly.
Soon after, Lord Kyo, leader of the cats, came into their lives. Followed by the rat leader, Lord Yuki. But this didn't change anything; it only brought pleasure to Tohru. But with the Zodiacs gone, it appeared that the group had collapsed. It was they; the Yankee, the Goth, the average servant and the princess, who started the whole group in the first place. So why did it feel like the group didn't exist anymore? Did the Zodiacs really put an impact onto each of them? Or was it just her conscious that made her feel this way?
"It's weird," thought Tohru. "…Even if it doesn't quite make sense…it's still a weird-."
"DAMMIT OUT OF MY WAY!" shouted a voice that echoed throughout the whole entire the castle. "MOVE IT OR I'LL SLICE YOUR THROAT!"
Tohru heard some light panicking around the place and without even noticing she had already stepped off of the spiral stairs. She looked around, but she didn't see anything unusual going on around the place. But looking at the side where another hallway stretched, servants scurried away from it. She then heard a couple of dishes fall onto the ground as a frightful shriek erupted her thoughts. Because of who she was, she didn't waste a single minute and hurried over to where everyone was rushing away from. Some servants gave her a few warnings, saying that she better leave him alone.
"Pri-princess Honda-san King Yishanu is in a gha-ghastly disposition right now!" warned a servant, holding her empty tray up to her chest from the panic she received from her King. "You shouldn't interrupt him at the moment!"
"Uh, no um, it's okay!" replied Tohru, running backwards so she wouldn't be rude to the servant. "Don't worry about him he-he'll be fine!"
Making sure the servant understood her, Tohru turned back around and scurried through the hallways, following the sounds.
"At least I think so…" thought Tohru; a sweatdrop falling from her head.
Through the cozy hallways; a nice dark long red carpet that stretched out all the way; a few statues remaining on the side where with the remaining open areas, some servants lingered behind with confusing looks. All the torches that hung on the brick wall were lit out since it was day time now. Spotted doors attached to the wall were secured locked…no one entering or exiting.
But that's when she saw her father trying to go up the stairs; face red with temptation and fury. Kaxa, his closest assistant, was right behind him as she held his wrist, pulling him back from going up the stairs with struggling in her face; showing she was having difficulty stopping him. A few servants who couldn't run away from the sight of their King in this behavior just watched dumbfounded; wondering what was going to happen. But without any hesitation, Tohru rushed up to the two who were causing the commotion.
"King Yishanu this is not a way a King should act in front of his people!" ordered Kaxa, giving the King a harsh tug. But Yishanu merely turned around and pulled his arm away from the grasp of his assistant, hearing a silent gasp from Tohru.
"Don't you dare order me a round!" snapped Yishanu, swiping his arm in front of her to make everything clear.
"Yishanu-san!" gasped Tohru, keeping a safe distance from him as she stood next to Kaxa that was clenching her fists. "Yishanu-san what's wrong? Are you okay? Please, lets take you to your room and-"
"Why is it that now people are giving me commands?" he questioned in a bloodcurdling pitch, eyeing his adoptive daughter suspiciously. "Do you want to be the ruler of Mortal Castle now sweetie? Why don't I hand in my heir to you Tohru-kun?"
"Yishanu-san what's wrong?" questioned Tohru, ignoring the rude comment she just received from her father. "…You're scaring me and everyone else Yishanu-san."
Yishanu didn't bother to give any other reply as he started to storm up the stairs, some of the servants quickly bowing to him. But Yishanu merely pushed them away from his path; pulling his cape with him so that no one would step on it. Tohru and Kaxa were the only two who went to capture him for of course no one would have the guts to put a stop to him. He was the King after all. But still…his strange manners were very surprising…
"Tohru-kun open up the first door you see," ordered Kaxa as she pointed up the stairs.
Tohru didn't bother to say anything more as she scampered pass Yishanu, trying hard not to catch his attention or to put a stop to his fuming irritability. But managing to slip under his arm that was close to beating her, she dashed straight up the stairs, almost tumbling over her dress. Listening to what Kaxa had commanded her, the first door she spotted was to her left. Looking behind herself, she saw Kaxa grab Yishanu's arm as he tried to pull it away from her, not exactly wanting to be touched at the moment.
"What's wrong with Yishanu-san?" thought Tohru, grabbing the knob and opening it; reluctant that it wasn't locked in the first place. "I never saw him in this kind of rage before."
Quickly coming up was Yishanu and Kaxa, of course the King was putting a bad example of being a role model as he forcefully grabbed Kaxa's wrist, pulling her away from him. But having no choice Kaxa grabbed both of his hands with a green aura surrounding her whole body. Doing this, Yishanu's fury temper slowly decreased, however Tohru could easily see the frustration in his eyes as he looked around, wondering why his face was calm.
Kaxa merely walked inside the room Tohru had opened up for them, along with Yishanu right behind her. Making sure that they went inside, Tohru looked around, wondering if anyone was still watching them. No servants were closed behind…but now she knew that they were going to have different thoughts about their King. But she could change that…she didn't want to make the servants or the King uncomfortable with one another. But that same question continued to run through her head, and for some reason she started to feel herself falling into the category of the servant's judgment.
"Why is Yishanu-san in this kind of behavior?" thought Tohru, shutting the door behind herself since she thought she should check if Yishanu was all right. "It's kind of scary with him in this kind of manner…"
"Dammit…" muttered the middle-aged, sitting on a chair that was set besides a bed. Obviously the three of them were in a warrior's room, but whoever the warrior was, it didn't matter to them. Yishanu rested his elbows on his knees as he buried his hands in his face, hiding himself. His brownish hair was a total mess near the bangs and the top of his head, making the King none to bright; a frizzy look.
"Dammit!" he shouted once again, tightening his fingers against his skull. Kaxa remained by his side, staring down at the King of Mortal Castle who now acted like a total child…an angry child to be exact.
"…Yishanu-san?" questioned Tohru steadily, not sure if speaking to him was the right choice in the first place. She knelt down in front of him, glancing up at Kaxa who situated by his side like any assistant would do. But still…the odd part was that Tohru wasn't precisely thinking about Yishanu when she looked at the both of them. Instead…
"…Kaxa-san and Yishanu-san look like a couple…" thought Tohru, seeing some curiosity in her eyes that still had an empty space in it. "…You're not suppose to think of this now! This is wrong! He's with Zeknui-san! Tohru Tohru Tohru Tohru Tohru!"
"King Yishanu," spoke Kaxa, hearing the harsh tone deep within her throat. The concern look that crossed from her forehead all the way down to her chin; she didn't seem like a regular twenty-one year old. "What's wrong? You're not presenting a good example to everyone in the castle. You're making others petrified."
"…It's nothing," he muttered, sinking his fingers deeper into his bangs. Tohru's face was completely agonized for her own father's sake. It was so eccentric that he would out of the blue proceed this way. She didn't like it…but with everything she said in the past…what she told Kyo-kun about him…she wished she had never said anything. She didn't know anything that could make Yishanu so upset.
"Don't tell me it's nothing," said Kaxa, her voice steady, folding her arms and leaning against one foot. "Didn't you see the commotion you caused everyone? Keep acting this way and you're not going to control this place any longer. Wi-."
"SHUT-UP!" shouted Yishanu, bolting straight into the air as he slammed the chair straight onto the ground, fist clenched together as he eyed Kaxa with fuming brown eyes. Tohru immediately stood away from Yishanu, afraid of what he might do as he continued to observe his helper. Kaxa didn't even budge a single movement, seeing how ridiculous her King was. She expected better of him.
Seeing that he wasn't going to get anything out of Kaxa, he turned away and stormed over to the only window with the curtains half closed. He folded his arms, but one of his hands were over his eyes, shaking his head slowly as Tohru saw him biting his bottom lip. He looked so frustrated…yet for some reason now it appeared that he wasn't in his huge anger mode anymore. It almost seemed as though he were going to…cry.
"Yi-Yishanu-san?" questioned Tohru. "…That's right. Right now…he's acting like…Kyo-kun."
"…Gone," he muttered, once again sliding his fingers through his silky hair. His face was serious like any man should have, but even with having that, anyone could see his true emotions as a single tear fell from his eyes. But he ignored the slow falling of it.
"…What's go-?"
"ZEKNUI!" he bellowed, changing his direction at the princess who took a step back. "SHE'S GONE! DISAPPEARED! VANISHED! NO WHERE TO BE FOUND!"
Frustrated with his emotions once again, he moved out of his position and stormed around the room, almost acting as though he were trying to find something to knock over to stress out his anger that kept flowing through his mind and blood. Walking briskly pass her, Tohru made an attempt to grab Yishanu and try to stop him from ruining the warrior's room, but something just stopped her as he went by, finally finding a target that was a dagger held for rarity and quickly swiping it onto the floor. Tohru looked back, wondering what Kaxa was doing; thinking that maybe she would be the one to stop her. But unfortunately all she did was watched the performance, picking up the chair Yishanu had thrown to the ground and merely sitting on it; crossing a leg over the other.
"She isn't going to do anything?" thought Tohru, looking back and forth between the King and Kaxa.
Not taking the pain as well as he thought, he changed his direction at the door that was keeping him inside. But only an inch away from grasping it, he immediately withdrew it and backed away, but only to find himself staring angrily at Kaxa once again. All she did was wave her hand at him as though she were saying a nice hello to him; a soft yet nice green glow around the waving hand. Telling that his blood was now boiling at the highest, he made another struggle to open that damn door, only to find himself storming over again to Kaxa. But this time he grabbed her wrist and unsympathetically pulled her to her feet.
"You let me out right now," he ordered, tightening his grasp. But totally forgetting what Kaxa was eligible of doing, the same green glow appeared as Yishanu squinted, but he still held possession of her. "Kaxa!"
"King Yishanu, let go of me," spoke Kaxa smoothly, not wanting to bring his anger into the next level. "It hurts."
Seeing that he wasn't going to listen to her, she had no choice but to quickly strengthen her power and this caused Yishanu to free her. Breathing in and out heavily, he once again eyed Kaxa with his severe eyes. Even though it was more likely for Tohru to start panicking about this state, she was more in a worry condition, which seemed reasonable at the moment. But even with trying to control Yishanu's anger (and for some reason Tohru could see a bit of progress) her thoughts weren't exactly concentrating on that.
"Zeknui-san is gone?" thought Tohru, standing by the door just incase Yishanu tried to get out again. She didn't like keeping someone stuck inside…but there was that one time where Yishanu made Kaxa keep everyone locked in since Zodiacs roamed the castle. Her barrier kept everyone in unless the warriors started heading out. And even if this wasn't directly said to Tohru, all of this was under Yishanu's orders.
"I didn't even noticed that she was gone," thought Tohru, a look of disappointment in her eyes. "How could I not know? Everything appeared the same as usual…but that's just me. I was too busy thinking about my emotions and thoughts besides others. If I spoke to Yishanu-san more I would have noticed, wouldn't I?"
With her thoughts running through her head, she started to see Yishanu and Kaxa having an argument; however Kaxa was the one who was taking it very well. Unlike Yishanu, just like what his assistant thought, he was acting like a little kid. Some kind of King they had. But with the two of them arguing, Tohru could barely catch the words coming out of their thoughts for Zeknui's absence has really gotten the better of her.
She really had a lot to owe to Zeknui now that she thought of it. It was her who brought Yishanu out of the darkness that he secretly kept inside of him. He was more open around people…but that's how everyone gets when something like this happens. She was the one who brought the happiness into Yishanu; sometimes he would have some weird moments, but that was because of her in the first place. It was also Zeknui who brought Kyo's freedom into reality. Without that meeting and Kyo's concern to speak with the King, who knows what would have happened? If Zeknui hadn't come into the picture and given permission for Kyo to roam around the castle freely, things would be much different then it was now. The same with Yuki as well!
"I should have thanked her the first time I met her," thought Tohru with a sweatdrop falling from her head. More and more the conversation was coming clearer and clearer to her, and yet it didn't seem as loud as she thought. And if it was even possible, she could clearly tell that Yishanu was cooling down. But when was Tohru ever right about things like this?
"Tohru-kun?" questioned Kaxa, taking her eyes off of the King. "I think King Yishanu is pulling himself together. If it isn't a problem, would you be kind to assure the servants and others that everything is under control? I think he caused them a fright…"
"Oh! Sure!" replied Tohru quickly, not taking the time to answer since it would be somewhat strange to say no. "I'll be happy to! Is Yishanu-san okay?"
Helping him sit on the chair (or more importantly forcing him) she patted his shoulder and made a warm smile to the princess.
"Soon enough," said Kaxa.
Taking Kaxa's answer into a positive hope, Tohru nodded and made a quick bye to her. Of course before going out, she had a little trouble because of the barrier around the door. She wasn't exactly sure if Kaxa still had the barrier up, but looking behind Kaxa she merely chuckled and gave her a nod, gesturing that everything was safe. Opening the door she stepped out; closing the door behind her as she took her last look at Yishanu.
"Thank goodness," thought Tohru with a relieved sigh. "I was so worried…but now with the thoughts that Zeknui-san is gone…it's confusing. Where did she go? She couldn't have gone missing around the castle…no! What if…what if the Zodiacs took her! What if they are using her as bait! They wouldn't do something like that would they!"
Going down the stairs was difficult for her. Even if Kaxa told her to inform everyone the King would soon pull himself together, Tohru didn't even say a single word with everyone passing her. What if the Zodiacs took her so that Yishanu would charge after the Zodiacs? But why would they do that? Each side knew that they would fight no matter what. So why make everything worst? Did they come up with a plan? Was this all a trap? What in the world were the Zodiacs thinking at the moment?
"This is horrible," thought Tohru. Her stomach started to growl silently, but she could tell she was starving. She completely forgot what she was suppose to do, so merely following her own thoughts she started going through the hallways, wanting to find Hanajima and asking for something to eat. And of course to tell her that everything was fine with Yishanu.
But due to everything becoming simple once again, she immediately stopped and held a look as though she had seen a ghost. Looking around frantically, she didn't have a clue on what to think now.
"Where's Jekou-kun!" she cried out.
Zodiac Castle
Skipping through the diminutive narrow stairs; leaving the soft echoes on the wooden floor. Almost the sound of a horse trotting through the pale grayish stones, only the beats weren't exactly coordinated with a horse. With arms slightly spread in the air to keep her balance in check, she skipped a few stairs and landed in the center of the hallway; almost bumping into a servant that seemed to have nothing to do with her hands. Except she was carrying a basket of small cut up size bread.
Not bothering to ask permission or even ask who it was for, Kagura merely grabbed the first one she saw and tossed it in her mouth, chewing it happily with her face filled with enchantment; fist clench not for frustration, but from contentment. A few crumbs at the side of her lips she quickly wiped them away with her sleeve and gave a light pat to the servant.
"Thank you very much!" said Kagura happily as she made a nice bow, though it was a complete honor to receive a bow by a Zodiac leader. "Keep up the good work!"
And with that she trotted off, leaving the confused servant still holding the basket. Some others who were scrutiny rushed up to her, asking questions about what the whole thing was about and how fortunate she was that she had obtained a curtsy by none other then the boar leader. But still, it was strange to see the boar leader acting this way. She seemed so cheerful then usual…too cheerful to be exact. Of course, she would talk to anyone she saw, but this was too much to take in.
"Oh I never felt this happy in my life!" thought Kagura as she started to twirl around through the hallways, arms spread out so she could feel more free of herself then ever.
Finding another entrance of stairs she pranced all the way up, humming a little tune that came from absolutely no where. A simple song that was slowly going through her head…and if she thought about it, it sounded pretty nice. But that wasn't important at the moment because now her heart was so full, she was certain it was going to blow up. Well…in a good way that is.
"The news has been going around that Lord Kyo and Lord Yuki have returned," thought Kagura as she squealed to herself. "Kyo-kun has returned! Is it really true that his soul is in this castle? Oh it's too much to bear!"
Another squeal escaped her throat and this time she sprinted up the stairs like there was no tomorrow; zooming by corners and a few Zodiacs who watched their boar leader run around the castle like a crazy animal. (Who's one to blame…) It was amazing how these Zodiac leaders were becoming younger and younger. Hatsuharu Sohma was the youngest leader in history to be exact; only at the age of 15 and he was already running his own army. It was so strange…
Unexpectedly she reached for a door and swung it wide open (and surprisingly it was locked…) with the brightest smile a girl could ever have. Looking around the room with eyes sparkling every second, she looked for a certain orange head. But not finding him in his room, a curious thought crossed her face. But that didn't stop her from smiling again as she left the broken door on the floor, running up the stairs that cascaded higher and higher through the castle.
The uppermost door at the top (one that was not locked) she opened it up which led her to almost the top of the castle. But it really was the only entrance to be at the top of the castle. Walking out and feeling the fresh breeze around her, she searched about; looking for that cat leader that's been stuck on her mind for the past 4 months. Worrying about his safety and health; wondering if he would ever set foot back in this castle again; that certain cat.
And her wish being granted, looking up to see another tower that was only about a story high she saw Lord Kyo; sitting on the top. Of course, she had no questions on why he was sitting up there. He liked high places…just like all the other cat Zodiacs roaming around the castle. Kagura's eyes were filled with joy that she couldn't help but swell up with tears…but she didn't want herself to cry. Lord Kyo was back at Zodiac grounds and nothing is going to take him away anymore…as long as inspiration was with her, she will never let that happen.
But about to call out to him, something held her back as her throat felt empty. Her eyes wanted to blink, but something kept her from following her orders as all that motivation started to vanish. She held one clench hand to her chest; her eyes still on the boy she had been looking for. With the gentle breeze passing by, his bangs revealed his face that was always hidden because of the length it was (though hers were the same as well…) and she could see a clear description of his face. That once angry expression he held passionately was one that Kagura desired because she could see through it. The annoyance that his eyes would announce when speaking to someone; it was so clear to her in her mind.
Yet what she saw wasn't what she imagined. Instead of the Kyo she pictured in her mind, there was something else that took over him. His face…no anger ran through his forehead all the way down to his chin. Completely calm with no appearance…however the calm wasn't exactly pin-pointing his true emotions. Hidden in his eyes…she could see them clearly and yet her mind was still hazy. Why was it that…
Why did Kyo appear…sad?
There you go everyone chapter 2 finally done! God…I kept thinking, "Okay this is the day I'm going to finish!" and yet I throw it off. But I finished THANK GOODNESS! I think it was the songs that I'm listening to. See, they're anime songs transferred to the piano and since I played the piano for 7 years I can easily read them. So looking at it I can read it and play it and GOD I'M SO HAPPY! Ha ha. I know there were grammar errors in here (and I think spelling…) but right now it's around 12:30 a.m. and I'm really tired so I don't have the strength to read dramatic pose. And since I have updated in a long time, I just want this to go out so everyone could read this. So I really apologize for any mistakes I made, but next time I'll be sure to correct them as best as I could. Besides…all of you know how horrible my grammar is. cries Well, I hope you like the chapter. And hey; I put Kyo in here! And yet…he really didn't do anything sigh. But the next chapter will change…a lot I suppose. So…hope to see you all again soon! Tah tah!