Disclaimer: Don't own Fruits Basket
Author's Note: No time! No time! I've been busy with a lot of stuff that most of you probably don't care about. Anyway, this chapter took long to write, but I hope it was worth it. Look for an IMPORTANT author's note at the bottom.
Dedicated to Narutofreak22/ FurubaFreak22, who PM-ed me to make sure I was still alive. Don't worry; you're not paranoid! You're just a good friend!
Book of the Cat
Chapter 24
Shigure's House: New Years
"Here's the popcorn!" Tohru said, placing a giant bowl between her best friends. Hana smiled at her.
"Thank you, Tohru."
"So… Tohru…" Uo said, trying to think of the right words to say.
"Yes, Uo?"
"About the… Sohmas'…were we right?"
Tohru froze. "Um… what?"
"Come on, Tohru, be straight with us."
Tohru shook her head. "I can't say."
"Come on, Tohru, we're your friends."
"No, Uo! I can't! It's not my secret to tell!"
"But there is a secret, isn't there?"
Tohru shook her head and closed her eyes. A sinking feeling enveloped her. She had just unintentionally given away the Sohma secret.
"Tohru," Hana interjected, "we're only asking out of concern for Kyo."
"Kyo?" Tohru said in a squeaky voice. She looked up, her eyes a bit red.
"Yes, we sense he is in great danger." Hana said.
"Danger?" Tohru asked.
"Yes."
"But… how do you know?" Tohru questioned.
"Uo has--"
"Nothing," Uo interrupted Hana quickly. "I have a… uh… feeling." Uo lied. Hana gave her a strange look.
"Well, Uo, if it's just a feeling, it may not be anything," Tohru said nodding slightly.
"Tohru, this is of the utmost importance. Is Kyo the Cat from the Zodiac?" Hana said, getting straight to the point.
Tohru nearly fell over. A sweat drop appeared on her forehead.
"Tohru, we're not going to tell anyone. We swear." Uo jumped in.
"Yes, Tohru. You can trust us." Hana said. They stared at her as her eyes darted back and forth. A quiet reply finally passed through Tohru's lips.
"Yes."
Sohma House: New Years
The celebration started shortly after the group stepped onto the Sohma property. Music began followed by a huge feast for all members of the Sohma family. Gifts were given out, family rejoiced. It was an exciting event. None of the cursed members really enjoyed it however. They kept their eyes on Akito, waiting to see if he would point out Kyo to them. His face was stoic and impassive. Finally, after many hours, Akito turned to a servant, handed him a key, and whispered something in his ear. The servant nodded and walked away. Akito turned to see all members of the zodiac staring at him.
He turned to face Hatori and bitterly mumbled, "There. He's out." The group all breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The festivities continued. Akito permitted the members of the zodiac to wander through the celebration, and each member ran in different directions, all searching for the familiar red-head.
After several hours, the adults fetched the teens with the unwanted phrase, "The banquet is about to begin." As the kids entered into the main house's dining room, they all shook their heads, indicating that they their fiery cousin was nowhere to be found.
The dining room doors shut behind them.
Kyo stumbled out from the closet, which he had been locked in for 24 hours. The servent that had released him was unsympathetic. He merely opened the door, shouted at Kyo, and left him.
Kyo nearly fell down the stairs just after a large group of people entered the dining room. He had his eyes closed, but when the dining room doors slammed shut, he jumped. It took him a minute to remember where he was. Than he went to Hatori's office, hoping maybe one person could help him.
He just felt so tired. He was extremely drained of any energy. He felt as if his body had been running on its own while he painfully napped in that cramped closet. Kyo reached Hatori's office and peered inside. It was empty. He walked in and closed the door behind him.
"Hatori?" He called. No one answered. Kyo walked by the desk. "Hatori?" He called again. He glanced down and caught a glimpse of the calendar, remembering that today was New Years. He shook his head and stumbled towards one of the beds. He needed some sleep.
Shigure's House: New Years
"So, we were right about everything." Uo stated after Tohru hesitantly told Uo and Hana about the Sohma secret. Tohru could not feel more guilty right now. She had betrayed the people she cared for most with their most guarded secret. Who knew what they would do to her or her friends. And what of their happy home? Tohru knew that she had most definitely destroyed that, too.
"Tohru, we won't tell anyone. We promised." Hana said, sensing her friend's concern.
Tohru nodded, but remained unconvinced that everything would ever be "okay." She shook her head. "Um, what's wrong with Kyo?"
Uo took a deep breath. Tohru had shared her secret, now it was time for them to share theirs.
"There's this book. And well, I'm not sure but… Hana sensed evil waves from it. And Kyo's been reading it. And we think it's trying to make him kill Yuki." Uo finished lamely.
Tohru didn't look like she was convinced. She looked kind of sick actually. She had given up the Sohma secret for "a feeling." Uo felt as if her Tohru's sadness was her fault.
"Listen, Tohru. When the Sohma's get home, we'll talk to them, okay?"
"I'm going to get thrown out of here. They'll never want to see me again." Tohru said tearfully.
"If you get thrown out Tohru, you'll stay with me, okay?" Uo said, trying to comfort her friend.
"Don't worry, Tohru. This will all be worked out soon." Uo said, smiling.
The three girls did not sleep much that night. The next day, Tohru walked them home, telling them the boys won't be home for another few days. They all agreed to keep everything under wraps until they were all together when they faced the Sohma's. Until then, not a word was to be said.
Perhaps they should have spoken sooner.
Backtrack to New Years: Sohma House
When Kyo woke up, it was close to 11 P.M. The sounds of New Years cheering still rang throughout the compound. It hurt his head. He sat up and observed his surroundings once more.
It's amazing how much one can sleep and still feel tired. Kyo felt as if he hadn't slept in years. His head pounded and his skin felt clammy. He shivered, yet he felt hot all the same. A gnawing in his stomach persisted.
It took Kyo a minute to recognize the feeling in his stomach; hunger. He couldn't remember the last time he really ate something. Perhaps, he could sneak some food while everyone was celebrating. He could stay out of Akito's sight, fill up his stomach, and then maybe rest again. Kyo nodded, pleased with his plan. The room spun and Kyo felt dizzy. Maybe nodding wasn't such a good idea right now. Kyo stood up and made his way across the room, out into the hallway, and then down the north wing of house, opposite the dining room. After a few minutes, he wandered into a small den. It was colorful and had a small mini-bar stocked with snack and sodas. A coffee table also held a few riceballs and cans of soda. It looked like a kind of hangout room. Kyo was satisfied. It was out of the way of the dining room, which meant it was far from Akito, and there was plenty of food that he could steal a bite and not be noticed.
Kyo sat down on the sofa and grabbed a soda and a riceball. Maybe soda wasn't the best thing for his stomach right now, but he was too hungry to care. Finally seeing a brighter side of things, Kyo began to eat his dinner.
It was a small, new Sohma tradition that halfway between the feast, the cursed teens would wander off with permission to the small den that was specifically set up for them, while the adults had "adult-like" conversations in the room across the hall. Akito would disappear off on his own until half an hour later, when the group would rejoin inside the dining room for the next bout of entertainment and food.
At 11:20, the teens finally had their break. Kisa and Kagura giggled as they poked at their fancy kimonos, Yuki and Haru were silent, shooting glares at any adult they could, Hiro and Momiji were discussing Mogeta, and Rin was sulking as they all made their way to their den.
They moved down the hallway slowly. Haru and Yuki finally started talking once they were far enough from the dining room.
"Where is he?" Haru asked.
"I don't know. Stop asking me." Yuki growled.
"Then who should I ask?" Haru whispered harshly.
"I don't care. Ask Akito." Yuki argued.
"You ask him! You're his 'favorite'!" Haru yelled.
"Shut up!" Yuki said, about to punch Haru across the hallway. He hadn't had a good fight in ages. Perhaps his body craved one.
"Guys! Stop!" Kagura said, getting in between them.
"Besides, we'll be here for a few days," Kisa said, gripping the door handle, "I'm sure we'll see… Kyo… soon." Kisa trailed off as she gazed inside the room. Hiro and Momiji also stopped their conversation. Kagura turned around and faced them.
"What?" She said, walking away from Yuki and Haru and closer to the door. Haru and Yuki followed her as she approached the younger kids. Before they even got to the door, they heard Kagura whisper a name.
"Kyo."
Yuki stared at the cousin he hadn't seen in three weeks. He felt uncomfortable as he noticed the fading bruises and cuts on Kyo's face and snaked around his arms. He looked injured and sickly. He was pale and looked as if he was too dizzy to be standing.
Kyo watched his cousins. His eyes scanned each one of them. First Hiro in disbelief, than Kisa in amazement, next Momiji with a grin, Rin with no expression, Kagura with tears in her eyes, Haru with a look of accomplishment, and Yuki who seemed to be sizing him up. When he saw Yuki, something inside of him tingled, as if waking up to an unpleasant sound. But just like that, the feeling was gone.
Kagura broke the stillness as she ran over and grabbed Kyo into a gentle yet passionate hug.
"Kyo, you're so thin. If I hug you too hard, I feel like you might break." She whispered sadly into his ear. Kyo nodded, suddenly feeling nervous as all eyes were on him.
"Kyo," Haru said finally, "long time no see. You're a hell of a guy to track down."
Kyo moved his eyes to look at the floor.
"Kyo, say something," Kagura ordered, grabbing his hand.
Kyo swallowed a lump in his throat.
"Kyo?" Kisa questioned. "Are you okay?"
Ritsu, Hatori, Ayame, and Shigure entered the room.
"Hey guys," Shigure said in his singsong voice, "time to rejoin the… feast." He spotted Kagura clinging to Kyo. "Oh…"
They were silent. Seconds ticked past.
"Are you all ready?" Akito barged in. "I'm hungry and… oh, hello, Kyo."
Kagura felt Kyo tense besides her. She squeezed his hand comfortingly.
"What are you doing in here Kyo?" Akito said, pushing past the group to approach him. "Shouldn't you be in your room, or at least away from the zodiac members? To think, you were this close to Yuki. You sick monster."
Kyo flinched at each word.
"Stop it," Kagura pleaded, "it's New Years, please!"
"Shut up, you stupid girl, you wouldn't be telling me to stop if he had tried to kill you."
"Stop it." Yuki said, his eyes glowing. "I'm fine. Just stop."
Akito whipped around and stared at Yuki. Then he turned and backhanded Kyo across the face. Kagura jumped.
"Kyo!"
Kyo straightened up. Some blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"Get out of my sigh, you foul creature!" Akito spat, staring at Kyo triumphantly. "I'll deal with you later!"
Kyo nodded and immediately fled the room, avoiding all of his cousins.
Akito turned back to the shocked group. "Now, we're all going to sit down and enjoy this feat together. And if one of you so as mentions Kyo, he'll wish he had never been born." The group stared back with wide eyes. Akito turned and stalked from the room, one by one his family followed him. Yuki and Haru brought up the end of the line.
Haru turned to Yuki and whispered, "I'm going to go follow Kyo. Cover for me." Yuki nodded and Haru stepped down the hall quickly and quietly so he wouldn't attract attention.
As Yuki turned back to the line, Kagura appeared in front of him. "Yuki," she said quietly before they entered the dining room. "It's all going to be alright… right? Everything will work out, won't it?"
Yuki could only stare down the now vacant hallway.
"I hope so…" He finally whispered.
Kyo stumbled into the fancy bathroom and quickly closed the door behind him. He leaned against the door, breathing heavily. It had been so long since he had seen any of them. And they had forgiven him. They didn't hate him. They didn't want to kill him. Akito had made it seem as if they all had chosen Yuki's side to his. But they in fact, seemed to have chosen no sides. Why, even Yuki had spoken up for him.
Kyo shook, feeling both hot and cold again. He crept towards the large mirror in the room and stared at his reflection. The blood down his chin glistened ruby red. Seeing blood made him feel different right now. It… fascinated him.
As quick as that sensation came, it went away. Kyo wiped the blood from his face and stared at his reflection again.
All of a sudden a lightning headache struck him. The hot-cold feeling intensified and Kyo recognized what was happening.
The Cat had arrived again.
"Hello, Kyo…" An eerie voice whispered his name. Kyo spun around, looking all around the bathroom for the gruesome creature. Nothing stood out of place in the white marble room.
"Kyo…" The voice said again, in a small singsong way.
"Where are you?" Kyo called, anxious to find the source and get away from it.
"Why Kyo… I'm right over here." Something tapped him on the back, and Kyo jumped and spun around. Only the mirror was behind him.
"Hello?" Kyo called again, waiting for the Cat to speak up again. A weird echo swam throughout the room, growing louder and louder until Kyo collapsed on his knees in front of the floor to ceiling mirror, with his eyes squeezed shut. It was only when he opened his eyes that he realized that his reflection was not doing the same. It was standing over him and smirking. Kyo backed up, still on his knees.
"What… what are you doing?" Kyo asked.
The creature smiled in Kyo's body, placing his hands on the glass mirror, the only barrier in between them.
"Kyo," it called, "What happened to our deal?"
Kyo shook his head. "I can't… I won't… Yuki stood up for me." He shuddered as the creature continued to smile at him. His own body was smiling at him.
"Kyo… do you know how long I've waited? I was locked up for hundreds of years, waiting for the day when our people would be avenged. You promised me you would help. You failed. But you promised, so you will still help."
Kyo felt strangely dizzy. He shifted his weight off his legs, trying to stand up to be of equal height as his reflection.
"I've tried so hard to get where I am. I even used that disgusting rat to try to help kill him. Ironic isn't it?"
"What… what are you talking about?" Kyo said, finally rising from the floor.
"That rainy day… you remember, right? You were in the safety of your home… or so you thought. The girls were upstairs, and you and Yuki quarreled. He said such awful things. That was the day you ran to get our book. The day I was finally truly awakened. Kyo. I made Yuki say those things. I don't have much strength over the rat itself, but if I rest long enough, I ams able to influence him enough to say those things."
Kyo shook his head. "No!"
"Yes… I suppose you could say he just… lost control… On a related topic… how have you been feeling lately? Have you been tired? Dizzy? Have you been feeling as if something has been… draining your energy? As if your body is being… shared?"
Something clicked inside Kyo's mind. "You… you…" Kyo shook, than he made a dash for the door. The creature watched wickedly. Kyo's hand closed on the door's handle and he tried to pull, but to his dismay, the door wouldn't budge. He turned back around and put his back against the door.
"What do you want?" He screamed.
"You know what I want."
"I can't kill Yuki!" Kyo shouted.
"Well, maybe you can't," the creature said, smiling. The Cat put his hands against his side of the mirror and started to push slightly. Slowly, the surface started to ripple, and to Kyo's complete horror, the hands began to slide through the glass. The rest of the body followed. Kyo could only watch and shake as his reflection emerged from the mirror and now stood in the same dimension as he. The Cat grinned. "Maybe you can't…
"…But I can."
Haru stumbled from room to room. Kyo was nowhere to be found. He sighed. He knew had an awful sense of direction, but this was plain ridiculous. He should be able to find Kyo by now. He ran his hands through his hair, calming himself to prevent his black side from taking over. He only needed to search a bit more, he convinced himself.
Haru continued his hunt, finally passing the door to the west bathroom. As he passed, he heard the handle rattle. Then he head Kyo yell….
…at himself?
Confused, Haru listened in on a conversation he was never meant to hear.
Kyo's eyes widened. "Are you going to put me in the mirror?"
The creature cackled. "Of course not… I don't replace people. I just take over. I need your body Kyo… I need your memories and to be you. And I want you to be there for it all."
Kyo shook his head, not understanding. The creature grinned. "When Yuki said those things about your mother, I used his memories of her. I didn't take him away from his body… He was still there. That's why he remembered it all. He was there, just like you'll be there to see it all."
Kyo shook his head. "I won't let you!"
"Like you even have the strength to fight," the creature said, taking a step towards Kyo. Kyo straightened up.
"I can sure as hell beat you!" He yelled in defiance.
The Cat came closer and Kyo lashed out, kicking him. Well, he kicked through him. He didn't hit him at all. The creature now stood right besides Kyo.
"I promise Kyo… this won't hurt one bit." He grinned and before Kyo could run, He grabbed hold of Kyo, put one hand to his chest, and then… with an incredible shake that spread tremors throughout Kyo's body… the creature was gone.
Kyo looked around. Was he really gone? Kyo inhaled and straightened up. He looked around with curiosity in his eyes, and then turned around to open the door. Before he even reached the handle, he doubled over in severe pain. He fell to his knees as his insides squirmed. Something was fighting. His body was fighting something. Images flashed before his eyes. And then… in his head, a new voice spoke.
"Hello, Kyo… thank you for maintaining such a lovely house for me." Kyo felt his muscles contract on their own. When the convulsion stopped, he stood up.
Well, he didn't stand up, but his body did. Kyo watched in shock as his body moved on its own. He had no control. The Cat was in charge. He stealthily walked towards the mirror.
"What are you doing? This is my body!" Kyo screamed… well… in his head… He didn't seem to have control over his mouth.
The creature ignored him and stared at his new body in the mirror. Kyo continued to shout, but the creature took no notice. Finally, it spoke.
"This disgusting cast on my arm… You're a weak little thing, aren't you?" The creature raised his arm. "I'm not weak. That's the difference between us." Swiftly, he brought the arm down on the side of the marble sink. The plaster cast cracked as a result of the impact, and thousands of little blue shards flew throughout the room.
"I need that!" Kyo screamed. Well, as much as he could scream inside his own mind. He stared at his exposed broken arm, where several bruises still lurked. The creature grinned and flexed his fingers.
"Much better."
"Why are you doing this?" Kyo repeated.
The creature looked bored. "Wow you catch on slow. I want revenge. And if you stand in my way, you'll only suffer. I'm going to kill Yuki and that's that!"
"No way in hell." A new voice added. The creature turned his head to see Black Haru standing in the doorway.
Just as quickly as the creature came, it calmed down and took on a placid tone.
"Haru?" He said innocently, "What's wrong?"
Haru stood in the doorway, eyes blazing. "That day… in the woods, when I saved you Kyo… I didn't just happen to hear screams and find you on the ground. I heard you agree to kill Yuki. I didn't say anything, and that was stupid of me. But I've got you now, Kyo."
The creature stared at Haru with sharp penetrating eyes, "What did you see?"
Black Haru looked taken aback by this. "I didn't see anything… I just heard you say you were going to kill Yuki."
Suddenly, Kyo felt the creature calm down. He felt the smile grow on his face. The creature suddenly said happily, "Well, if you didn't see, then you don't really know."
"See what?" Haru yelled.
"Now, now… "Black Haru"," the creature said. "You know one of my secrets… but do you really know who I am?"
Haru was silent.
"Well… you were right, I am going to kill Yuki… and no little punk cow is going to stop me."
"I am."
"Good boy, I was hoping you were going to say that."
Haru looked confused.
"Now Hatsuharu, listen closely. I am not Kyo. I am the pure spirit of the Cat. Kyo's not here anymore."
Black Haru seemed a bit shocked by this confession. "Then bring Kyo back!"
"Oh, I want him to see this. I want him to see me kill Yuki. I want him to hear his anguished screams and pleas for help. I want him to be there for it all. But he is in no way getting this body back. But you see Haru… we have a problem now… you know all about us. And you know all about what's going to happen. And we can't have that, can we? One of us is going to win… and whoever wins is going to do what he wants… am I right?"
Black Haru nodded, getting ready for a fight.
"Good boy. Now shut the door and get ready to die."
"Where's the ox?" Akito asked a little while after the group had reentered the dining room.
Yuki kept his gaze on his plate. "He went the bathroom."
"A half an hour is a long time to be in the bathroom." Akito concluded. "I hope he's not looking for Kyo. Who knows what that crazy monster could do to him."
"Akito," Shigure began.
"What?" Akito snapped.
"Nothing… I was just thinking that Haru probably got lost… you know how he is."
After another ten minutes, Akito stared at Haru's empty plate. "He should be back by now." There was no concern in his voice, only irritation."
"Never fear, I will search for our beloved Haru!" Ayame volunteered cheerfully.
"Like I'd trust you," Akito sneered. "We'll all search for him." He stood up and motioned for the door. "Come along, Yuki," he said, addressing the teen who's head was still bent over his plate.
The group stood up and followed, but Yuki and Kagura stayed behind.
"Kagura," Yuki said softly. "Haru went to find Kyo… if they find them both together, they'll both be in huge trouble."
Kagura bit her lip.
"Are you guys coming or what?" Hiro asked from the doorway. Yuki and Kagura looked at each other and then quickly caught up with the group.
The journey down the hallway was silent. Akito and Shigure led. After several minutes Akito stopped. He stood in front of a door that was slightly ajar. He frowned. "This isn't right." He pulled on the handle and opened the door. No one was prepared for the scene that followed.
All of the mirrors had been smashed to thousands of glittery pieces. The curtains had been pulled won and lay in ripped shreds. Small ornaments and knickknacks had been pulverized against walls and bloody puddles were frequent in the room. In the middle of it all was an unconscious Haru. Hatori immediately ran to investigate the damage, while the rest hung back in shock.
Akito's laugh echoed throughout the room. "Kyo," he said between deep laughs. Than, his voice sobered and quickly turned to anger. "You see what happens when that cat is involved?" he shouted.
"Now Akito, we don't know that Kyo did this, "Shigure said, rushing to help Hatori. "How is he?"
Hatori shook his head, "We have to get him cleaned up first. Yuki hand me a towel." Yuki reached for one and watched as a few pieces of garbage rolled off it; blue plaster to be exact. Yuki was the only one who noticed this, and he was silent about his discovery as he passed off the towel.
Hatori began to wipe up the blood. He could see many cuts and bruises. His ankle was also swelling up and there were several deep gashes requiring stitches.
"Uncle Hatori," Kisa said innocently, "Who did this?"
Hatori shook his head. "We'll only know when Haru wakes up… and that might be awhile." He said reluctantly. The group stood very still until finally some helped Hatori move Haru to his office. The rest of the night involved waiting for Haru to wake up.
And so the New Year's feast ended.
Author's Note: This is the first book of a three-part series. (No, this story isn't finished yet, but I'm just warning you all.) When this one ends, I'm going to start a new story; AKA the sequel.
Thanks to all my reviewers for cheering me up and motivating me to keep writing! Also, on a more personal note… one of my reviewers asked me how many of you guys were males… This made me curious too… If any of you feel comfortable sharing this, put it in your next review. (Some people do get concerned about this sort of thing, and I respect your right and privacy not to divulge ANY information. Do not share anything you feel uncomfortable telling me.)
Orchid's Rain- Why, Thank You! I'm glad you re-found my story and still enjoy it!
d.masher: Don't worry, the Cat is back and he is pissed…(can I say that word here?)
melting snowflake: Oops, I didn't get to update on the 22nd… I hope your finals went well though!
starship gazer: Ha, I updated way after your finals were over… sorry… lol
Kenya: More updates, less dying. Do we have a deal?
Star: Yay! You picked up on my foreshadowing for last chapter!
Deviliscious: I love torturing Kyo, too! (As you can tell). Don't worry, I've got loads more fics planned for after this one with lot of Kyo angst… Yay sadists! (Or something less creepy sounding)
Hyper-writer14: Don't worry, there will be some more Kyo abuse (sorry), more cat, and more Haru (yummy!).
Kira Temeki: I hope some of your questions were answered with this chapter!
Silverchild of the winds: Nope, Uo has the book.
Fruits Basket Fan: Hm, are you the only male reviewer here? I have absolutely no idea… But it's good to know that I've attracted reviewers from both of the sexes. But that is a good question.
Winter's Light: Yuki is being sort of night to Kyo… Hmm….
Eclipsedlight: Oh, this chapter is Long alright.
Leiko Hiroko: Oh, I hope so, too… Akito deserves awful karma…
Shizmoo: Sorry I made you wait so long!
Japanesenut: You're favorite story? Really? And don't worry, Uo will be back soon…
Kyo'slittlekittenkisa: Thank you! I hope you liked this chapter, too!
She who must not be named: I hope this update made you smile like you promised!
Tailfeather- Yea, Kyo falling out of a cupboard would definitely not be the worst thing in the world!
Fullma8712: More updates on the way.
Dark-wolf-soulx: Your reviews are so awesomely random, just like all of my friends. Hmm… wouldn't it be awesome if you were one of my friends and I just didn't know? That'd be so cool.
Dark Inu Fan: I hope the trio can keep their memories, too…
Starship Gazer: (Did you notice that two starship gazer's reviewed?) Ooh, you were DEAD ON with some of you're guesses. But you're right, the answers will come out in due time.
ShadoWalker: Haha, I'll try to keep making long chapters.
Shadow7272: Cat's back… Kyo dead? Hmm… that gives me some ideas… Haha.
FurubaFreak: You got a chapter dedicated to you, enough said.