The Fleeting Truth

Chapter 3 – Unwanted Guest

An – So I just wanted everyone to know that I had a mini vacation at work, which is why I started this. x3 Can't tell if it feels like I want it to, but oh well. Any comments or suggestions are more then appreciated.

The steps to the dojo were clean, and the atmosphere was calm. Yuki hadn't been here in quite some time. He didn't really have a reason to train; he was a natural born fighter. Granted, he hated that about himself. He stared at the door for a long while, thinking over what he would say. Heck, did it even really matter? No, it did. It mattered more then anything else, but he didn't want to run in flailing mindlessly trying to get Kazuma's attention.

"Yuki?"

Haru's voice brought him back to reality, and he looked towards his friend.

"Oh, Hatsuharu. You surprised me."

Yuki smiled cordially, but Haru saw straight through Yuki's facade. He stepped forward while idly rubbing the back of his neck with a towel.

"What's going on, why are you doing here?"

Yuki became serious at the question and diverted his attention to the door.

"I need to talk to Shihan."

He left it at that and turned his back to him. Haru watched him as he went inside, and he sighed to himself after Yuki shut the door. It had been a while since Haru had actually gotten a chance to talk to Yuki, but he still had a keen eye when it came to Yuki's emotions. Something was starting to eat away at him, and Haru didn't like that. Kyo walked up behind him, rubbing his hands in a towel.

"Hey, what's up?"

Haru looked back and narrowed his eyes.

"Yuki's here. He just went to talk to Shi-san."

Kyo's eyes widened. He hadn't spoken with Yuki in...in...God only knew how long! Why would that damn rat-boy want to talk to his master all of a sudden? He didn't know what to think, and so he looked curiously towards the walls of the dojo.

"Did he tell you why?"

"Nu uh. I think it's serious though."

Kyo growled.

"Well of course it's serious otherwise he wouldn't be here. What are you, retarded or something?"

Haru stared blankly at Kyo.

"It doesn't have to be something serious. He could just be visiting. I mean, Kazuma is Yuki's shishou too, you know."

"Shut the hell up, I knew that!"

Haru would have normally said something else to keep Kyo's temper flaring, but instead looked back to the dojo. Kyo grimaced to himself watching the silent edges of his master's home when Haru suddenly tugged his arm. Kyo looked at him surprised, and the ox pulled at him, asking to lead. Kyo stared at him but followed him nonetheless. Haru snuck around until they reached a small window where the two of them could peer inside. Yuki was sitting before Kazuma and the two were smiling. They had been talking for a while.

"No really Yuki, it's very nice to see you again. It's been what, almost a month now?"

Hearing that, Yuki's face darkened as though a cruel storm cloud had just descended upon it. Haru and Kyo tensed and felt the same darkness creep into their heart. Haru didn't take his eyes off the two conversing, but spoke quietly.

"Has it really been a month already...?"

Kyo didn't reply.

Yuki willed his voice to speak.

"Over a month, actually."

Kazuma laughed trying to lighten the mood. He motioned towards the tea he had placed before Yuki.

"Please, drink. I didn't mean to bother you."

Yuki sighed and tried to smile.

"No, it's not your fault. But it does remind me, I need to tell you something."

Kazuma watched Yuki carefully as he sipped his tea, and he nodded gently. Yuki paused, thinking over his words once more, and finally spoke.

"I saw Ms. Honda recently."

"Oh? Is she doing well?"

Yuki's eyes narrowed.

"She's living with Shigure."

Haru's eyes popped open, and Kyo bit down on his lip to keep from sucking in a loud gasp. They glanced at each other quickly, and then back to the room. Kazuma's eyes were wide, and he quickly set down his cup.

"With Shigure? Really? Has she remembered anything?"

Yuki shook his head.

"Not that I can tell. She knows who I am, but I don't think she remembers anything about the Sohma curse..."

Kazuma couldn't help but smile, though his eyes were dark as he watched the tea settle in the cup.

"I suppose that's good, as long as she leaves his house soon."

Yuki nodded timidly and stared darkly at the table.

"I don't want to tell Hatori because I'm afraid he might do something overly drastic, and my brother can't help. If I told him he probably wouldn't do anything and just tell Hatori."

Yuki rubbed his head and leaned his elbows against the table.

"I just don't know what to do Shihan. You were the only person I could tell."

Kazuma smiled warmly and nodded thankfully.

"And I'm glad you did."

Yuki looked up, desperation tinting his soft violet eyes.

"So you'll help her then? She can't stay there, Shihan, but Shigure won't listen to me..."

Kazuma nodded tenderly.

"I'll talk with him and make sure she gets back to her normal life."

Yuki stood and bowed graciously as Kazuma smiled at him warmly and waved in thanks. Yuki spun around on his heel and left as quickly as was possible. He couldn't be here anymore. The thought of Tohru remembering something, anything, was killing him. Things happened for a reason, and he had to trust Hatori's decision.

Que sera sera...

Yuki closed his eyes tightly and shook his head. He had lived with Shigure for far too long. The novelist's words and ideas were starting to get to him.

Later

Kazuma wondered for a moment if it was the right thing to do. He brushed the thought aside quickly and knocked on the door.

"Yes?"

The voice was tired and worn. It was apparent in his pronunciation that he hadn't slept well. Heck, he probably hadn't gotten a decent night's sleep for almost three months. Kazuma almost felt guilty for a moment. He knew very well that this news would keep the aging man awake for days.

"Hatori! Good to see you, do you mind if I talk to you for a bit?"

Kazuma displayed a burdened smile as Hatori shut the door behind him.

Day 3

Tohru was cooking lunch while Shigure sat in the dining room reading a newspaper. She couldn't stop thinking about what Yuki had asked her the day before. It certainly seemed strange. Why would he think Shigure would do something 'funny'? It didn't make any sense. Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she recalled the vague flashes of that stormy day. She was talking to Yuki, possibly about her mother. Or something.

Promise me you'll still be my friend...

She closed her eyes fighting back the tears. What was happening...Why couldn't she remember?

A strong knock resonated through the halls, and Tohru perked up. She turned and smiled as she hurried through the kitchen.

"I'll get it Shigure."

Another knock struck the frame of the door as though demanding immediate attention. She opened it the second she reached the door and smiled brightly.

"Hello, what can I–"

A tall man loomed over her and watched her with icy eyes. Or rather, one icy eye. The other was concealed by a large lock of dark hair that draped, hinting, over his face. The air around him made her painfully nervous, and she noticed herself pulling inward, almost as though in fear. She thought on it for a moment, recognized it, and gasped quietly as a rush of blurred understanding invaded her thoughts.

Before you regret getting involved with the Sohmas, get out.

Oh, Hatori! That's right, he was a doctor, and...something else. Wait, a blonde boy, a young girl...something, it was so close, but she snapped back when she realized that she was spacing out in front of him. She shook away her shock and smiled once more.

"I'm sorry, how are you Hatori?"

It was quiet for a few moments, so she looked up at him again. His darkly dismal eye loomed precariously as he watched her. He couldn't speak a single word. Hearing her speak sent chills up his spine, and her eyes pierced straight through his heart. He closed his eyes, fighting to regain composure. He stepped forward and brushed her aside with an arm. She squeaked and moved to get out of his path.

"Um, I'm sorry...uh..."

His presence made her anxious, maybe that was the most familiar thing about him. He surged in without removing his shoes and stopped by the doorway into the dining room. Shigure looked up and mild surprise flickered over his face. Shigure bit his tongue instantly when reality slapped him upside the head. Rage bubbled within his heart as thoughts of betrayal flooded his psyche, but he smiled and nodded to his old friend. Hatori was the last person Shigure wanted to see right now. He could well cause him unnecessary delay.

"Hatori, this is certainly a surprise."

"I need to talk to you. Now."

It wasn't a request, suggestion, or plea. It was an order. Shigure smiled softly and stood as had been told, and Hatori led him down the hall in search of privacy. Shigure watched the back of his head carefully, quickly reviewing the situation over in his mind. Hatori opened the nearest door and stopped abruptly inside. Shigure suppressed a snicker as he stepped into the bathroom. He shut the door and turned to Hatori carefully.

"Now, Ha'ri, I know what you're going to say..."

"What is she doing here Shigure? You above anyone should know the situation."

Shigure rubbed the back of his head absently.

"I really am sorry, but you have to understand. I found her in an alleyway, there's no way I could have left her there."

Hatori sighed tiredly and leaned against the sink. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, not even thinking twice about the move. Shigure smiled knowingly and drew a cigarette to his lips as well lighting it quickly and diligently. Hatori lit his lighter, and Shigure couldn't help but notice that his hand shook, ever softly. Hatori stayed quiet, eyes focused on the ground, thinking carefully. Contemplating his heart gently even under Shigure's quietly inquiring gaze.

"She can't stay here. I won't let her get harmed again."

Shigure smiled.

"Well, I think she'll be fine as long as she doesn't find out about our little curse."

Hatori gave him a critical glare.

"You don't know anything about how the technique works Shigure. Don't act so arrogant."

Shigure coughed out a laugh and nodded admittedly.

"You're right. Then what would trigger her memory?"

Hatori narrowed his eyes coolly and inspected the ground once more.

"I can assume but I don't actually know. She might just wake up one morning, look around, and it could come back in a massive wave. It could be anything, that's why we need to keep her away from us. It's in her best interest, and you should honor that."

Shigure nodded and pretended to think for a moment.

"I would have sent her home earlier, but she doesn't seem to remember where she's living now."

Hatori looked his old friend straight in the eyes, and Shigure's breath caught in his throat. His eyes were sad, weak, and hopelessly begging for his help. Concern narrowed Shigure's eyes tenderly.

"Ha'ri, if it makes you feel better I'll pay for her to live in a hotel and leave her on her own."

"You won't visit or talk to her?"

His voice was so strained and quiet. It stung Shigure's heart to hear such a prevailing figure sound so insubstantial. He nodded.

"I won't."

Hatori sighed. He didn't think erasing Tohru's memories would have affected him so greatly. Yet as time drew on, he watched as the zodiac slowly deteriorated in heart and mind. It was the greatest torture knowing how it affected the others. Kyo had drawn so close to redemption, and Yuki had finally begun to shine through the shell he created while he lived with Akito. And now, there was nothing. Hell, every member of the zodiac had been affected by her, and after loosing her beautiful smile, it seemed as though each member had reverted to a state far worse then the one they were in before she became involved. They were breaking, decaying, falling apart. Just when he had thought it impossible to dip any further into the bowels of hell...

It was bad enough losing someone so dear, but to lose Tohru, too? Hatori's eyes twitched out of their thoughtful trance as he took a deep drag and eased the poison out slowly. After a few silent moments passed between them, Hatori spoke quietly, testing the waters.

"It's been over a month."

Shigure idly flicked the ash off his cigarette. He was apparently more encompassed in the mindless act then he was with where the conversation had wandered, and he watched the specks float lightly to the floor. He didn't falter a try at meeting Hatori's eyes. He didn't have to.

"Already?"