The song in this chappy is an original by moi:p It's called Sakura Walls. Not much to say, so please read, review, and enjoy:p

Disclaimer: I don't own the beautiful, touching Fruits Basket, but I do own Nakoruru, Minosa, and Mr. Kidemore.

Chapter 3 – Gentle Soul

"Okay, cupcake. It's time to fool the world."

And you're the only one with gentle hands to wash my sins away…

Placing the gauze on her face, the battered girl scowled in forged triumph at her work. Long, slender fingers traced the outline of the fresh bandage that covered a quarter of her left cheek as the sulking woman grimaced at her reflection. A seeping chin, bloodshot eyes; cuts and bruises were scattered everywhere.

She wiped the trickling line of blood with the profoundly damped cloth as she swiftly glanced at her mirror image, awaiting a sweet release. Every immoral remark that treacherous man aimed at her was true; she didn't belong here at all. And so, because of the growing warmth, she saw this as a chance to finally escape her own trapped walls. She wouldn't run away - this caged bird would learn to fly. Fake smile in place, her soul was torn in two as she nodded her head in mock approval that every scar was covered, hidden or tucked away for no one to see.

All except one.

I just want your beautiful smile to remain…

Her sullen eyes rested on the oozing, blue ring that cast a shadow over her right eye. Her mesmerizing enthusiasm for a fresh start had faded; she hadn't expected him to leave a hefty mark. An exceptionally noticeable black eye, at that. Nakoruru took a long, deep breathe as she slipped into her red flats, shuddering in anticipation of what the new day would bring.

I promise to throw those trying days away…

Her father had slipped; he usually made an art of striking her in places that wouldn't show. What a spiteful hobby, she thought to herself as she avoided all traces of her vicious father. She hesitated as she started her walk to school in a hurried pace, quietly closing the paper door behind her.

Had she really even been that late?

Sighing, there was nothing she could do about it; she would just have to think of a convincing excuse. She figured it wouldn't be too hard, considering the fact that she was virtually invisible.

She just had to avoid the overly joyful, intrusive Momiji Sohma - a task that proved to be easier said than done.

I beg you, please stay.

Dark eyes were cast low as she took slow, unsure steps in the nearly bare hallways of the school. She forlornly ignored the looks of pity that were sent her way as she placed one foot in front of the other, trying to think of a way to hide the agonizing pain she was in. The cruelty she had to endure wasn't what scared her, the reaction she was almost sure they would have did.

And that would lead to answers she'd never find the words for.

"Nakoruru-san!" Stealing a glance behind her, Nakoruru waved enthusiastically as she slowed down her pace to greet the huffing brunette. Out of breath, Machi tried to bow politely but failed miserably as her hands were currently grasping her quaking knees. Nakoruru couldn't contain the great smile that decorated her appealing features as she forgot why she was avoiding the quite hilarious girl. Laughing at the comical site, she mirrored Machi's 'bow' in amusement.

"Hey Chi-chan! Do me a favor and call me Nayru-chan. We're friends now, aren't we?"

"Yes, I suppose." Once again locking arms, Nakoruru merrily led Machi in the direction of their next class as she kept her face forward. Machi tried to ease her arm that instantly tensed at the contact; she wasn't used to being this close to anyone. At all. The excruciating hate that she incessantly received from her haughty mother had drained every drop of love she had ever wished to gain. Her obsessive constraint for everything to be perfect was too much for Machi to handle on her own.

This new friendship of hers would take some time to get used to.

It would be too egocentric of her to hang onto Nakoruru. She would only cause her harm in the end, just like the others. She had already lost her little brother to her pretentious mother; she didn't want to go through the anguish of losing someone else again. The raven had done so much for her that day, so she made it her aspiration to do the same in return.

Nakoruru paused when she realized that the dazed girl had stopped. Brown bangs covered dismal eyes as the quiet girl rested her hands at her sides, thus unlocking arms instantaneously. Out of all the billion thoughts racing through her brain, the only ones that fit her understanding were those of guilt. Her wandering gaze landed on the lone bandage that impotently brushed against the puzzled visage of the shorter girl. Watching her intently, she knew the littered scratches that were poorly hidden were there because of her. It didn't take a genius to realize this.

If only she hadn't gotten detention. Frustrated, Machi ran her fingers through her silky hair as she thought of what to do next.

Thoroughly confused at Machi's inner war, she tried to decode the look of empathy that graced her cheerless face. She looked as if she wanted to say something but was much too anxious to put it into words.

"Is there something you wanted to tell me, Chi-chan?

"Listen, you shouldn't be involved with me…I'm much more tainted than you think, and I don't want you to be hurt because of me." Turning around, Machi wiped the lone tear that fell down her right cheek with her forearm as she began to walk away from everything Nakoruru stood for. Happiness, friendships…love; it meant nothing to her. All she knew was that there was another person she had involuntarily hurt, and it wouldn't be fair to continue to selfishly burden her.

But they were friends now, weren't they? So couldn't she trust her, if only for awhile?

Being stopped abruptly, Machi paused in disbelief as she looked into big, watery eyes. Nakoruru stepped closer to the taller student as she firmly held her in place, never letting go of her hand. She was determined to make her understand.

And you have eyes like mine...

"I'm not friends with you because I pity you, Chi-chan. I'm your friend because I really like you. And it's up to me to decide whether I want to be involved with you or not," Moving closer, Nakoruru took both of her freezing hands into her own as tattered violet blended with morose brown. Staring at Machi's flushed face, Nakoruru couldn't help but want to shelter the shivering girl from all her insecurities. Such a beautiful disaster, they were.

"Nothing you say, or anyone says, will change the way I feel. But knowing you care about me makes my heart feel…happy. So thank you, neechan." Machi stood in place, shocked that the willful girl hadn't acknowledged what she said in sincerity. Leaning forward, the expression on Nakoruru's face became serious as she started to whisper to Machi.

"Besides, I'm pretty stubborn myself. I'd probably stalk you relentlessly until you gave in and became my friend again. As you can see, I take friendship very seriously," Nakoruru snorted as the brunette deadpanned at how such a chilling comment could be taken so lightly. Staring, she could almost feel her frankness that was filled with earnestness. No longer worried; it was the coffee-eyed lass who offered her right arm in content this time.

And when you looked at me I finally realized…

Nakoruru willingly obliged, happy at the warm invitation. And as they walked to class together, two lone shadows merged and became one.

"You know what? I think you'd be a perfect match for Yuki-kun! The two of you would look so cute together!" Nakoruru laughed at the stunned girl who reddened modestly at her traumatizing allegations. From that moment on, they knew their souls would finally be at ease.

You're a reflection of me and everything I hope to be.

Stretching a bit, Nakoruru yawned into her warm right hand as she waited for the tiresome class to end. Glancing around, Nakoruru's drifting eyes rested on the person to her left who was busy paying attention to the professor. Feeling a tingling sensation, Machi tilted her head in Nakoruru's direction. She was greeted with a heartfelt smile. Her perplexed expression softened instantly, relieved that they were on good terms again. She genuinely returned the smile as she focused on the lesson ahead.

Do I have no meaning?

Not knowing why she was so drained, Nakoruru turned back around and wiped her eyes repeatedly. She usually enjoyed English class; it was her major after all.

'Oh! That reminds me.'

Digging through her backpack furiously, Nakoruru pulled out a tiny sheet of folded paper. She quietly called out to Machi and handed it to the mystified girl just as the bell finally rang, signaling the forty-five minutes of torture were over.

"Read it when you get home. Since we're friends now, I want to share my life with you. It's this thing I sort of wrote and…eh just read it. I'll see you tomorrow, Chi-neechan."

"Okay bye, Nayru-chan." Jumping from her seat, Nakoruru spread her arms open and threw her head to the sky as she waited for the bashful girl to embrace her. Machi rubbed her forehead in exasperation as she pondered running to her next class, knowing fully that Nakoruru would chase after her. After dramatically hugging Machi goodbye and causing her immense embarrassment, Nakoruru stood from her chair and stepped out of the classroom and into the busy halls. She intended to freshen up a bit before she reluctantly headed back to that prison.

The weary schoolgirl was so exhausted and weak that she didn't notice the figure standing in front her in time. Nakoruru was briskly thrown out of her reverie as she crashed into the remarkably taller person, landing rather harshly onto the floor.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going and…" Disbelief shone through her eyes as Nakoruru froze in fear. The person she had carelessly bummed into was none other than the object of her absolute affection, Hatsuharu Sohma. The expression on her face mirrored mortification as she tried to close her mouth that was currently open in awe.

"Are you okay?" Courteously offering his hand, he pulled her to feet as she continued to stare in shock. Here in front of her was the person she had devoted two lonesome years of her life to.

Her thoughts were cut short, however, when her delicate feet no longer touched the ground. Grasping the large hands that held her at eye level with her feet dangling, she tried to wish away the redness that she was positive coated her face as Hatsuharu anxiously looked her up and down. Deeming her to be in shock, he had decided to check to see if she was alright on his own since he never received an answer.

She could only watch in complete awkwardness as he continued to scrutinize her, after not hearing any form of protest on her side. Currently forgetting the situation that she was in, she timidly glimpsed into grey eyes that leveled with her own. She felt herself being drawn in as he pulled her close to his body, too dazed to recognize the seriousness of the position she was in.

He was much more beautiful up close, she admitted to herself.

"You're pretty cute, what's your name-"

"Nayru-chan, what happened to your face?"

Turning their heads a bit, Nakoruru jerked in surprise as Yuki appeared to her left. Her face flushed as Yuki smiled deviously at the uncomfortable scene in front of him.

Maybe the plan would be easier than they had originally thought.

After tenderly putting her down, Hatsuharu concentrated on the gorgeous newcomer who was slapping away his prying hands. Nakoruru took a few steps away from both boys, a bit depressed at the sudden loss of warmth. At the moment, Haru's full attention was on Yuki and only Yuki. She was a bit envious at the interest. She beat herself up internally as her head sunk lower with each passing minute.

Yuki, catching this, gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. She wasn't sure, but something in the pit of her stomach told her that there was some sort of hidden agenda behind this. Taking a quick look around, she made sure that there was no hint of another wearisome Sohma trying to startle her. She could've sworn that Momiji and Yuki were taking turns in hassling her.

Fixing her eyes back to her present dilemma, she refrained from running into the nearest classroom as she felt herself shrinking under the President's questioning gaze.

"Thank you for worrying about me but I'm fine, Yuki-kun. I bumped into a pole on my way to school, nothing big-"

"Really? What kind of pole-"

"Oh, how rude of me. I've completely lost my manners. Nakoruru-chan, this is Hatsuharu Sohma, my –

"Boyfriend."

"-Cousin." Rolling his eyes, Yuki almost sighed out loud at Haru's cheeky behavior. This wasn't helping the situation at all. He was positive that Nakoruru was feeling uncomfortable even as she bowed politely.

"It's nice to meet you, Hatsuharu-san." Hastily spitting out that she had to go meet someone, Yuki's all-knowing mind felt drained as he stared after her decreasing form.

Oh well, there was always the weekend to look forward to. Nodding his head in determination, he turned only to be greeted with a piece of folded paper.

'Hm? Did she drop this?' Giving Haru a questioning look, he skimmed the contents of the paper, thoroughly confused. After confirming that it belonged to Nakoruru, he hit his forehead in aggravation.

"Don't do that! You'll hurt your pretty face!" Learning to tune Haru out, Yuki walked in defeat towards the school entrance as the younger boy followed. This plan of theirs was proving to be a disaster.

Thank goodness the day was drawing to an end.

"So you do like Haru-kun! I knew it, I knew it!

Walking together, Nakoruru tried to take the overexcited boy's chattering all in as she braced herself in shock of his accusations. How he went from chatting about nothing in particular to mentioning her crush on his beautiful cousin completely baffled her. Alarmed, she tightened her hold on his right arm as the expression on her face showed that she was well aware of Momiji's plan to force her onto Haru. The way he visibly managed to slip in the interesting boy's name at the start of any conversation made his devious plan much too obvious. To further her confusion, she was almost certain that Yuki was in on this conspiracy as well.

Oh well. At least she was able to drive the conversation as far away as possible from her suspicious bruises.

"Shh, Miji-kun! Someone will here you - I'll give you candy if you stop." Nakoruru swiftly dug through her backpack as she madly searched for the treats she had stocked on for moments like these, resisting the blush that threatened to boil over. Thankfully, her bribe of candy worked on Momiji as she handed him a chocolate candy bar, much to his liking. Speaking with food in his mouth, he sputtered out nonsense that she surprisingly understood perfectly. Sighing, she knew she had to take Momiji all in moderation.

"Maybe you should have gone to Aya-kun's Costume Shop with Haru-kun instead of Yuki-kun." Momiji spewed in delight as the sugar high he was currently on made him bypass the look of dread that crossed her face at the mere mention of that remarkable man's name.

Nakoruru shuddered as the disturbing memory of the first sentence Ayame Sohma said upon meeting her when she reluctantly visited his shop with the alarmed Yuki resurfaced.

"Ah, great choice, Yuki-kun! Am I correct in assuming that this is the competent young woman whose hand you wish to receive?"

After that brave comment, she wasn't able to face Yuki for a full week. Quivering again, Nakoruru decided to keep a safe distance from the side of town Ayame's costume shop was located in ever since. She realized that most of the Sohma relatives that she had encountered were a bit…bold. And that was for lack of better word, she thought to herself as she subtly watched her hyper companion struggle to keep his amusement hidden. Not being able to hold it in any longer, Momiji laughed out loud as he reeled in his best friend's discomfort.

"Besides, I'm not going to act on it. He's way out of my league." She said, highly mortified at this point.

"Bananas! That's crazy talk! There's no one in this world that's too good for you, Kiri-chan. You should have confidence in yourself, like Aya-kun! Well, maybe that would be a bit much but I still believe in you! You just need that extra oomph-"

Poof.

She hugged him.

The seriousness of the situation didn't hit her until the moment she watched him transform in horror, instantly covering her mouth at her stupidity. The fact that she knew about his Zodiac curse was supposed to remain a secret, she screamed inwardly as she slowly advanced toward the cowering hare. She hadn't jumped at the gossip on purpose; she had only meant to keep the cunning boy quiet. Fearing the worst, she tried to remain calm as she thought of a way to get her startled comrade to make eye contact with her. Momiji was her best friend, the only person who cared for her when she found herself lost in darkness, and she'd be ruined if she lost him.

He jerked his long, golden ears as the smell of his own fear sheathed his small noise. Scared, he tried to remain calm when he thought of all the horrible things Akito would do when he found out about her. He never noticed Nakoruru bending down to his level as he was completely stuck in his own terrified trance. Nakoruru beamed reassuringly as he looked at her with fruitless brown eyes.

"Let's go on a date sometime, okay?" Astonishment was the only thing that he could convey on his face as she essentially ignored the huge fact that he had turned into an animal right in front of her! Too stunned to answer, he didn't resist when she gently picked him up and carried him in her arms, petting his fur softly. He tiredly closed his eyes as he leaned into her gentle touch, happily obliging to her question. The one thing he had been missing in his outrageous being was there after all.

He could trust her.

Holding her head in frustration and humiliation, Nakoruru continued on her extensive walk through the outskirts of town. That little session she had with Momiji had seriously drained most of her energy. She hadn't planned for a free peep show, she mumbled as she tried not to think of the site of Momiji basking in the nakedness of his glory.During his transformation into human form, she reacted quickly and covered her bleary eyes, knowing she wouldn't be able to see straight for weeks. What a curse, Nakoruru muttered to herself as she willed away the redness that was burned into her face.

She halfheartedly dragged her feet along the familiar path as she passed the busy people that made up half of the dazzling, hectic city of Kyoto. Sighing, she tried not to think of the distance between her and the city of Nagoya, where she lived, as she searched for the bus stop she was positive she was nearing. She never noticed how far she lived from school until that very moment.

Exercise was so overrated.

Too bad giving her bus fare was the only selfless thing that fiend of a father would agree to do.

Not paying much attention to where she was going, Nakoruru inwardly groaned as she tripped over a stuffed animal that lied in the middle of the sidewalk. Losing her footing, she fell flat on her face and landed on the soft thing in inquiry. After standing up slowly and dusting her uniform off, she picked up the toy that appeared to be a sheep. She smiled a bit at its cuteness, too exhausted to be concerned about her sore knees. Staring up at the luminous stars, she marveled at how beautiful the midnight sky was. If I were to die, all I'd need was the midnight sky by my side, she thought to herself as she breathed in the cool air. She hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time, the bustling errands of school distracting her from the finer things in life.

There was a time where she'd gaze at the dark blue sky as it gave her a release. With her mother standing behind her, there was nothing she felt that she couldn't do.

'She even sacrificed herself so that I could live.'

But that moment died along with Minosa.

"Come out, come out wherever you are."

She was thrown out of her skin when she heard deafening screams. Glancing around, she determined that the hysterical cries seemed to be coming from the alley in front of her. Fearing the worst, her legs ran in the direction of the shrieks that caused her to shiver immensely.

Stopping, short nails dug into soft, bleeding palms as she saw a powerless child being backed into a corner by a crowd of five burly men.

Memories of anger, and despair blinded her judgement as she ran towards the scene with a set mission on her mind.

"Hey, leave her alone! She's just a little kid!" Stopping, the gang of bandits turned their attention towards their new victim. They split into two lines as the leader of the group stepped forward with unbefitting arrogance surrounding him.

"And if we don't, what will you do?" To further emphasize his masculinity, he grabbed the helpless little girl by her auburn hair and sketchily waved her in the air. Nakoruru's heart exploded at the sight of the child's feet dangling as she violently shook in fear.

"Tell me, does it feel nice to hit a girl? How pathetic. You pray on those you label weaker than you, but we both know the truth. The only weak one here is you!" She spat, enraged.

"What'd you say, you little runt? I dare ya to say it to my face!" He tried to taunt her into coming closer as the rest of his brigade advanced in unison. It was obvious that they were Yankees who did nothing but beat on people who looked vulnerable, she contemplated as she studied their victim who hadn't said a word. Pale skin, short ginger-colored hair, unique golden eyes; she looked to be no younger than thirteen. The expression on her bleak face was one of defeat, almost as if all traces of hope had left her.

The same way it had for Nakoruru when she was that age.

"Mommy, when are you coming home?" Anxious, the young girl's dead eyes wandered in vain as she already knew the answer to her quietly spoken question. She buried her tearstained face in her arms as she drew her knees towards her chest, all form of hope lost.

It was all because of her. Minosa Kokiri had lost her life because of her…

"Mommy, why did you leave me all alone?" She cried to the midnight sky as the rain heavily beat down on her heaving back. Once again, she was left to pick up the trickling pieces. She was alone, the way it should've been since the beginning.

In time, she would learn to accept that.

Knowing that she would never see her mother's smiling face again was what ripped her frozen heart into bleeding bits. Or the fact that she wouldn't feel a pair of loving arms wrapped tightly around her as she cried into caring shoulders.

She was gone.

And there was no way to bring her back.

Now simply running on adrenaline, Nakoruru rushed towards the leader who had noticeably loosened his hold on the child as he stood in mock anticipation of what she would do. She caught the leader by surprise when she slid around his brawny form. After ripping her from his arms, she kicked the back of his knees in and ran in the opposite direction as the rest of the brutes began chasing after her.

"Get that stupid girl, and the kid!" All he could do was shout orders as he thrashed his legs and arms around, unsuccessfully trying to get up.

She would certainly pay for that, he seethed.

Not knowing where to go, Nakoruru ran through pointless loops and alleyways as she frantically searched for an exit. She didn't have time to think about the consequences as she carried the frightened girl on her back as her eyes darted anxiously. The situation they were in was all too familiar to the older girl as she added more weight to the balls of her feet, trying to balance them both. Quickly spotting a rundown building with a makeshift exit one story above them, Nakoruru adjusted the petite dear to make sure she was as comfortable as she could be in a condition like theirs. Her tired eyes were wide awake now as she estimated to distance between the ground and the metal bars encasing the stairs.

"Honey, I'm going to need you to do me a big favor. When I give the signal, I want you to close your eyes until I tell you to open them, okay?"

Just as she began to move back, she heard frenzied cries coming from behind her. Making sure petite, frail arms were wrapped securely around her neck, she took a few more steps back for a head start. Nodding her head, Nakoruru gave the child a consoling wink as she dashed towards the fire escape. Latching onto the metal bar, she swung her legs back and forth as the girl fearfully buried her face into her neck. She swung herself a few more times before letting go of the bar and safely landing onto the platform in front of the stairs. Smiling at her triumph, she took a confident step forward just as she felt her legs giving in. Knees bucking, she winced as the soreness from her earlier fall came rushing back.

Grasping the bar, she began to forcefully run up the stairs as she saw that two of the Yankees were climbing up the ladder of the fire escape behind them. Spotting the other three bandits above them on the third story, she ran to the top of the stairs only to jump back down to the ground of the alleyway. Landing flawlessly on her feet, she quickly adjusted the child into her arms as she started to run back to where she assumed the opening of the alley was.

Too late.

The gang had finally caught up with them, puffing and wheezing from the chase. Surrounded with no way out, Nakoruru closed her eyes in aggravation, trying to think of a plan. Her heart softened at the sound of muffled whimpering as she skidded to a halt. Kneeling down, she placed the girl in front of her as she gently wiped the melting tears that dripped from her distinctive golden eyes with her thumbs.

"Don't worry honey, you're safe now. I won't let them lay a finger on you." Handing her the stuffed animal she had tripped on in an attempt to soothe her, she unconsciously threw her body in front of the girl as the group of thugs menacingly stalked their way towards the pair. Shielding her, she bit down the tormenting screams that threatened to escape from her bleeding lips as they began to kick her ruthlessly.

The girl could only watch in horror as the five men took turns in hurting the stranger who had tried to save her. Every kick and every punch cruelly reminded her of what her own mother had done for her. She had died protecting her in this same condition. She was forever in debt to that precious woman's soul. Eyes widened at the smoldering twinge, Nakoruru smiled softly as she managed to tightly wrap her arms around the scared girl, trying to comfort her. She never thought twice about the life she was about to sacrifice, all for a complete stranger.

"Honey, t-tell me your…" She never finished her sentence as a fierce scream burst threw her when she felt the cool touch of metal disdainfully sliding down her trembling back.

"K-kisa Sohma. My name is Kisa Sohma." Stunned, Nakoruru's fanatical eyes widened at the familiarity of the last name.

'Sohma? If she's a Sohma, then she must be related to-'

"Kisa, are you okay?"

Whipping her head around towards the familiar deep voice that made her shudder inwardly in excitement, the sudden stop of vicious kicking didn't faze her as purple met dirty grey for the second time. Only this time, the person standing over the bodies of battered men was completely different from what she had seen before.

Black Haru had arrived on the scene. And to be frank, he was thoroughly pissed.

After dealing with the last of the Yankees, Haru warningly marched towards Nakoruru as the little girl she had under her protective hold ran towards her cousin with icy tears in her brooding brown eyes. Watching him hold the redhead in his caring arms as she cried into his broad shoulders, Nakoruru shivered in eagerness of this thrilling dual personality. Dark, clouded eyes closed in what appeared to be aggravation. But when they opened again, they faded into a clear grey.

Watching intently, Nakoruru attempted to stand but failed dejectedly as she slipped in a thick puddle of her own blood. She fell on her face again and hit her head on a ragged, bulky brick, but this time she didn't get up. Running, Haru called out to her continuously as he feverishly tapped her bleeding thigh. Weeping silently, Kisa dropped to her knees next to Haru as she eccentrically watched him place the stranger's moist head onto his warm lap. Not wanting to feel helpless, Kisa unflinchingly wiped Nakoruru's forehead with a handkerchief as she held her beloved cousin's hand in her own, her wariness now gone.

"Is Violet-san going to be okay?"

The sound of distant, worried voices soothed Nakoruru as the deafening silence enfolded around her. A fervent grin in place, Nakoruru could only think of how she would gather up the courage to tell her barbaric father and what his twisted reaction would be. Maybe he'd laugh? But as all five senses left her, there was one thought that lingered on her vindicated mind for certain.

The Sohma clan never ceased to amaze her.

How was it? Yay, I finished this long chappy - 11 pages when I finished typing it. Review, babes:p I update faster when encouraged:p