Chapter 14 It all begins with a name: Reunion in Sunlight
It was decided that Tohru would get into the compound the same way she had the night before. Arisa and Sake would be waiting not far from the plum tree with the car. Yuki was adamant about coming with them. He was not at all happy when Tohru asked him not to.
"Yuki-kun, if the rest of the Sohma's see you they will know I am nearby. I love Yuki Kun. I do not wish for him to ever have to choose between his family and me. So therefore… it is my wish that you do not place yourself in a position where such a choice would have to be made! They are all probably very worried about you, especially Ayame-san and Haru-kun."
"Tohru-kun, you know I would always choose you. After last night-" As Yuki reached toward Tohru she began frowning fiercely and shaking her head.
"Even after last night I would not want to bring Yuki kun any pain."
"Honda-San," Yuki whispered slipping back into old and familiar habits, "You bring me more happiness than I ever dreamed possible." Tohru smiled at him, it was funny but when Yuki called her Honda-san, she heard my love in his voice. She shook her head to clear away the clouds and stared intently at Yuki.
"Also, there is another and more important reason I need Yuki-kun here. Someone needs to wait here at Shigure's. If Akito or anyone comes looking for us, this will be the first place they think to check. When we come back it will be up to you to let us know whether it is safe for us here. Imagine if we returned here after what happens tonight to find Akito and the police waiting for us. Please Yuki-kun, we need to have a safe place to return to tonight." Yuki didn't like it, but Tohru had a point, and if either Arisa or Sake were to stay and Akito showed up, she could have them arrested for trespassing. And when she asked with such bright hope filled eyes, Yuki couldn't deny her.
Tohru was happy Yuki had decided to stay at the house. She definitely didn't want him to be connected in anyway to what she was going to do this night.
My mother was part of a suicide squad, she was known as the red butterfly. She would burn herself with cigarettes to seal alliances with other gang members. It was said that when she drove her bike through the darkness her red lights would flash like the fluttering wings of a red butterfly. I know she did a lot of bad things, she did it because she felt as if she wa all alone and the world had left her behind. Well I have been left alone as well. My family, the Sohma's were taken from me. My loves were denied their freedom and tormented by someone they adored as their God. I know my mother would never want me to do anything illegal and yet… She would know and understand why I will do what I must to protect the people I love.
"I am Tohru Honda, the Golden Butterfly. Tonight the world will awaken and my enemies will tremble. My friends will hope. My legend will be born for better or worse and my family will be free." She whispered the words to the darkness as shadows whizzed by the car window.
"Say what Tohru?" Arisa asked from the front seat, her eyes meeting Tohru's determined gaze through the rearview mirror. Tohru just smiled and shook her head before realizing that Arisa probably couldn't make out the small movement in the dark.
"Nothing Uo-chan!" Arisa shrugged as she turned the car, pulling up to the plum tree and then slowing to a stop.
Tohru got out of the car, watching it pull away and disappear into the night. She knew Arisa was going to circle the block a couple of times before pulling off into the shadows across the street. With a grunt Tohru leapt to the first branch, her muscles straining as she began swinging her way up into the tree. Tohru was glad Yuki stayed behind, mainly because she wanted her reunion with Kyo to be uninterrupted by Yuki. She loved Yuki, but she feared with the way their relationship had changed the rivalry between Yuki and Kyo might intensify and she really was hoping to not get caught tonight.
With the previous nights experience Tohru was better able to judge the distance between wall and tree. She also knew just how much strength and effort was going to be required to pull herself up the side of the wall. She paused for a moment, rotating her shoulder cuffs and stretching her arm muscles. She allowed herself time to breathe and recollect her stamina and energy. She was also able to brace her body for the impact as she slammed into the side. She pulled herself up and jumped to the ground on the other side.
"Is Yuki okay?" A voice came from the shadows. Tohru had a needle in hand prepared for this, but she smiled at Kureno and stepped toward him.
"Yuki-kun is fine. How is Ayame-sama?" She whispered. Kureno locked eyes with her, gratitude shining in his dark orbs.
"Ayame lives. I can never thank you enough Tohru Honda for all that you have done. Akito was… well Akito was inconsolable when she realized what her rage had done. Luckily she didn't find out about Ayame until after you healed him. Otherwise I don't like to think of what she would have done to herself." Tohru's eyes flashed violet sparks.
"Akito should learn not to hurt those she claims to love!" She spat. Kureno's eyes widened at Tohru's anger.
"Tohru, you don't understand," Kureno's voice was weary yet calm, his voice full of yearning as he tried to help Tohru understand the God he loved. "Akito loves all the Juunishi, she just-"
"Save it!" Tohru snapped, her blue eyes flashing red fire and violet sparks, "I healed the results of her love last night. Love like that should be burned to death." Kureno paled, lowering his eyes.
"I'm sorry you can't understand. I just wanted to tell you how grateful we all are."
"Well you told me." Tohru whispered regaining control of her ire. She did not usually become upset so easily.
Sorry Tohru, that was me. Jinn spoke sheepishly in Tohru's mind.
No, Tohru thought back, I believe it was both of us. I too carry much anger in my heart for Akito-sama. Tohru returned her attention to Kureno who was watching her patiently.
"I really am sorry Kureno-sama, but- well… I can't have you letting the others know I was here sooo…" She leaned forward; her arm was so swift even as her expression was so innocently apologetic, it never even occurred to Kureno to defend himself. Tohru stuck a needle into his neck. Kureno sunk to the ground. Tohru tried to catch him, to soften the fall, but he was too heavy and too tall. With a thump he fell. She moved him into a more comfortable position. She then placed three more needles between his neck and armpit. That would cause him to temporarily forget the last few minutes before he passed out. Tohru observed him with a chagrined eye. He might catch a cold laying there in the dew as he was.
Jinn? Tohru asked.
Let me have control. Jinn agreed. In a second Tohru's eyes went from cornflower blue, to bloodstain crimson, her skin become covered in a pink blush and her hair flowed from chestnut to auburn. Jinn lifted the unconscious Kureno and moved him to a reclining lawn chair beneath a large pavilion. A hand crafted throw rested at the foot of the chair. Jinn tucked him in covering his body from foot to chin, and repositioning his neck so that he would not awaken with an uncomfortable crick. Jinn smiled suddenly and placed a hand to his forehead. A small jolt of current leapt from her fingertips to his head. He gave a small moan and jumped softly.
What was that? Tohru asked curiously.
I just thought I'd give him a dream of Uo-chan. Jinn returned. Tohru smiled as Jinn relinquished control back to her and she transformed back to herself.
I think jinn-san is growing to like my friends. Jinn didn't answer but Tohru felt her grin in her head
Kureno taken care of Tohru headed unerringly for the cat house. She smiled as she saw the gaping hole in the side of the house. The window Kazuma provided Kyo with. Her smile slipped as she drew close enough to see through the plastic only to discover that Kyo was not on his futon. The mattress lay in front of the opening bathed in a pool of moonlight but Kyo was not there. Tohru moved to the door, her slender fingers reaching for the rough, wooden handle; it opened easily. She stepped into the shadows, gagging on the stench. The hut reeked of rotting flesh, as if something had been left to decay in the hot sun. The stench wafted around her, clinging to her nostrils. She tried covering her nose and breathing through her mouth but she could not fully block the odor.
There was movement in the shadows.
"Kyo…" She called. Something large shuffled in the back of the house and Tohru suddenly understood. Kyo must not have his bracelet on. Her heart twisted in sympathy. She knew he was ashamed of the form the curse had given him. She knew too he could easily shred her to pieces and all accidentally as he didn't have much control over his monstrous form. She lowered her hand and stepped forward. It was just what she had come to expect from Akito, it was probably another way the woman manipulated and attempted to control Kyo. Tohru's lips frowned in determination as she stepped closer to the retreating shadow. She would not fear Kyo… well, she resolved not to let her fear keep her from his side.
"Kyo-kun, I've come back… just like I promised." When there was no further movement Tohru stepped forward. She made out the hulking outline of Kyo's true form. "Kyo-kun," She whispered gently, reaching into the shadows, her arm trembled softly as her fingers found the warmth of his body, they traveled the length of his side, followed by the rest of her arms, finally wrapping around his neck in a tender embrace. He flinched but did not pull away.
"Kyo, my love." She pressed herself to his monster's head, resting against him. A purring, rumbling whimper erupted from his chest. "Shhhh." She lightly crooned, "I'm here now. I will not leave you again."
Kyo's entire body began to tremble uncontrollably. Tohru stroked his leathery hide, petting downward and scratching upward. He whimpered again.
"Kyo," she said firmly, raising his big head to her face so they were nose to nose. "I love you… but you stink. I'm going to get your bracelet from Akito." She pressed her cheek to his sliding it along his face as if to soften her words. "I will return shortly." Kyo's eyes widened and he launched himself in front of her, blocking the door.
"Akito… no go Tohru, no!" He growled in a chilling voice that was and wasn't quite Kyo's.
"Kyo, I will be fine." Her eyes softened as she reached for him again. Involuntarily he turned into her hand and she cupped his cheek, her voice was infinitely gentle as she spoke to him with all the love in her heart.
"I want to hold you and I cannot do what I want to do while you are in this form." Distracted by her touch he wasn't quick enough to stop her as she slipped behind him and out the opened door.
Kyo was worried for her but he couldn't make his muscles move and allow him to follow her. Years of hiding in this form and the accompanying psychological scarring were not going to disappear with a couple of sweet caresses from Tohru. Though they did begin to scab over.
Tohru moved swiftly and steadily as she crouched level with the bushes. The cat house was the outermost building in the Sohma compound. The compound was laid out like a small village. There was one main avenue down the center of the compound and a few short off shoots. She raced past Hatori and Ayame's quarters, situated side by side according to what Yuki had told her, she moved past Momiji's lonely little home. Yuki had told her that since calling his Juunishi together Momiji had lived alone, his father unwilling to follow him into the estate. Tohru kept in the shadows, avoiding the streetlamps illuminating the path.
Akito had her own building at the end of the main drive. It was above the audience hall where Tohru had been given permission to stay after witnessing Kyo's true form for the first time. She moved up onto the shadowed porch and attempted to open the wooden door. It was locked. She had expected this. She ran to the back of the building. Akito had a large wooden veranda perched about four feet off the ground on stilts. Tohru leapt up, pulling herself up onto the porch through the wooden balustrade. She hissed in pain as a splinter pierced her forefinger. It did nothing to slow her progress however. She climbed over the side and then walked soundlessly over to the paper door. It was locked as well.
Oh well. Jinn thought and Tohru grinned as she pulled a tiny pocketknife and sliced through the paper. She cut a hole large enough to crawl through and then did just that, tucking the knife into her belt next to her pins.
Akito's room was dark, Tohru could barely see.
I will help with that. Jinn told her. Tohru's eyes were suddenly able to see in the dark, it was as if night had become dusk, while it was not bright, everything was visible. Tohru began searching every drawer in Akito's parlor to no avail. With a frustrated hiss she moved to the door that adjoined Akito's sitting room with her bedroom. Soundlessly she pushed the door ajar just enough to slide her lithe body through the opening. She definitely did not want to confront Akito just now. She was surprised to find that Akito slept with a night-light. But she supposed someone with so much evil inside themselves had every reason to fear the dark.
Tohru searched silently and efficiently, her eyes were trained to seek out small details from her years as working housekeeping in the Sohma office building. She had to see and clean even in the most remote corners, dust light bulbs as needed, and wipe away the thin layers of dust that collected on the baseboards. Plus this was too important to her to miss.
After seeing him, touching him, her need to hold Kyo, in his human form had been ignited and a fierce desire to embrace her Kyo had taken over her entire being. She smiled triumphantly as, with jinn's aid, she broke the lock on a small box revealing the desired fruits of her search. She swiftly pocketed the bracelet. She turned to go but froze as the shadowy figure on the bed began stirring. Sweat broke out on he brow and heat traveled from her shoulders to her neck and back down as the fear of discovery flooded her being.
There was a soft gasp and a low whimper coming from the bed. Against her better judgment Tohru slowly padded to Akito's side. She eyed the sleeping God as one would eye a bug, with a slight sense of curiosity, mild revulsion and detachment. This was the heartless being responsible for so much pain and suffering. Tohru's mind swiftly ran over the list of all the evil things she knew Akito was responsible for.
Yuki and Kyo's self loathing, Hatori's broken heart, Rin's self torture, Haru's emotional anguish, Tohru had stepped between Akito on two separate occasions, once when Yuki had been frozen in his own silent world of terror at the high school, and once at the lake house when She leapt to protect Momiji from the Godling's wrath. She knew this adult had abused the three children of the zodiac, Hero, Kisa, and Momiji, Akito had blinded Hatori. But Akito's most grievous offenses were locking Kyo up and nearly beating Yuki to death. It was Akito that had driven Ayame to suicidal heights as he was forced to watch his brother lay dying. As the list wet on Tohru's rage blew higher. She ignored the faint voice of Jinn attempting to calm her. Of their own volition, her fingers went to the belt at her side. Sweat was rolling off of her as a war raged inside of Tohru. As the better Angel's of Tohru's nature warred with the demons loosed within her by Akito's cruelty and her own sense of helplessness, loneliness and fear she withdrew a single pin from her waist.
It would only take the one, placed in just the right spot. The forbidden place. In mere minutes the Juunishi could be free and Akito would never hurt anyone again.
Akito, slumbering on, unaware of the very near and real threat to her mortality, cried out into the darkness. Tohru jumped. Her eyes alit on something sparkling in the night, illuminated by the faint glow of the night light plugged into the wall near Akito's head. Glistening like stars laid to rest on her pale cheeks, falling like rain sliding down a cars windshield, tears welled up from beneath Akito's lids. Tohru was shocked, rocked to her very core. Akito continued to weep softly in her sleep. Her body twitched. Her hands fisted at her sides next to her face. She whimpered softly. Her breaths came in short, swift, gasps.
Tohru's homicidal thoughts fled as her tender heart wrenched in bewildered sympathy.
What sorrow could cause anyone to remain asleep and yet weep so profusely? Akito was obviously in the thrall of some night terror.
Without conscious thought, merely reacting to the triumphant call of her soul Tohru slid her hand through Akito's short dark hair, moving the sweat slicked, tear-dampened strands off her cheek. Jinn sent a small current of power through her hand and into Akito. Akito's breathing slowed, her whimpers ceased, her tears stopped their silent meanderings and her chest began rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Tohru exited Akito's quarters as silently as she had entered them.
In the dark of the God of the Sohma's room she had faced the darkness inside of herself and won. Barely. Ashamed of where she had allowed her thoughts to take her Tohru tried pushing them from her mind as she raced back to the cathouse. It was a side of herself she had never realized she possessed, it was a side of herself she was definitely not comfortable with. She resolved in that moment to never again allow such darkness to enter her thoughts. She would fight Askito. She would save her family. But she would not kill Akito. She wept with shame at her dark thoughts. As she wept in shame a light flared to life inside of her.
Time became frozen. She was suddenly back in the white place in her mind. From the horizon of the whiteness she heard steps. A figure blurred around the edges approached her, gradually coming into sharper focus.
Jinn? Tohru thought in confusion. The figure became clearer until it was right in front of her. It was Jinn. She stood gazing solemnly at Tohru. Her eyes were full of wonder and… love?
You faced your own darkness Tohru. I knew you were a good person even the day you subjugated me, I knew. But being a good person does not mean you will always be a good person. Her voice shifted to a bitter tone as she looked away. My first master was a good man, he gained my trust and my power and used it to destroy his piece of the world. As punishment for my part in his misdeeds I lost my own body, my spirit was trapped on this plane to forever be used as a servant to another. I learned that even good people have dark places inside them. As one master was traded for another and I was used to perform deeds some so dark I shudder in shame at my part in them I lost all faith in the race of men. But you have faced your darkest dreams and banished them. I am inside of you. I know your resolve.
Th...th...thank-you…I guess Tohru thought, even in her mind turning crimson at such praise, but really I…I'm nobody special, but mom she used to say that even if we sometimes have thoughts that are unkind, it's not the thoughts that define us, it's the actions we take and the choices we make, so really, I'm nothing special-
You are Tohru Honda. Jinn thought-spoke fiercely to the young woman before her. You are a good person. And so you will be the first to know my name. If you know my name you will wield the full power of the jinn. You will not be limited by numbers of wishes; your only limitation will be your own will and imagination. We will merge fully and my will and yours will be one. Is this… are you okay with this Tohru Honda?
Tohru was overwhelmed by Jinn's regard and by her words. She was so honored by the trust Jinn was showing her. She reached out to grasp Jinn's hands in her own. Her eyes were shining radiantly.
Jinn-san has been my friend. She has helped me save Ayame and Yuki and without her help I would never have been able to embrace my family. And so, I would love to be Jinn-sans friend for as long as she would like with or without her added powers. Jinn smiled at Tohru sure in her decision.
My name is Yuleena ab' Sulaman. It is right that one such as you would know the real me. Jinn's form faded. In that moment Tohru understood that Jinn was completely sealed to her. There would be no more ongoing conversations between the two, no more switching control. Jinn was gone. They were now one. Tohru also sensed a well of power within her core that she innately understood was greater than anything the world had ever experienced. Yuleena had given up her individual identity to aid Tohru in freeing her family. Tohru understood now the depth of the sacrifice the jinn had for her cause. She was humbled by the conviction the jinn had shown in her. And for the first time she felt complete confidence in her plan. The Sohma curse would be broken and her boys would be free.
She halted before the cathouse. He awaited her, bathed in moonlight. Disbelief etched upon his monster's face. Tohru phased her body right through the plastic of his window. As she did so reality began to shimmer around them and the shack was transformed into a sumptuous room. Kyo gazed around in wonder and disbelief as Tohru reached for him. She drew his arm to her and slid the bracelet on him. There was a brown plume of smoke and a loud Pouff! As he returned to his mans form.
Tohru gazed in awe as the Kyo of her memory was erased and a man stood in his place before her. The fact that he was nude barely registered in her mind as her eyes drank in the changes in him. Like a thirsty man wandering in the desert suddenly gifted with a well of cold pure water they drank each other with eyes too long dehydrated of the others presence.
Tohru stepped closer to him as she ran one hand through his shoulder length orange hair, her other hand traced the scar under his eye, compassion lighting her face as she dwelt upon the pain such a mark must have caused him. Her hands unwilling to leave off touching him inevitably traveled down his neck to his arms, tracing the muscles found there. Her eyes were wed with his as she watched him watching her.
Kyo hardly dared to believe what was happening; indeed as the room changed around them he felt momentary disappointment, as he was sure he was having a dream. Walls with smoothly carved and shadowed fillet ovulets replaced the drab walls of the cat house, Ionic pilasters were interspersed evenly along the room, distinctly bare of any fluting a white contrast to the shadows surrounding them. Yards of sheer, mustard colored fabric, interlaced with strands of gold draped from the ceiling, gathering in the corners to fall in exotic fabric waterfalls, they were contrasted with a similar material in a rich violet hue with silver threads woven throughout. The fabric billowed from the ceiling gathering in the center of the room creating a tent-like effect around the rooms focal point which was where his futon had been. It had been replaced by a massive round bed covered in Violet sheets of silk and a thick and velvet soft Golden comforter with Jade embroidery in geometric designs upon the surface. Within the wall sconces on torches of gold red-gold flames illuminated the room. Behind Tohru, where his plastic covered window had been, a window shaped like a bell with golden tracery all around it overlooked a sky as endless as existence, glowing sapphire and draped in a canopy of stars. Where the sky met the horizon dunes of sand peaked and ell like delicate wind swept embroidery sewn painstakingly onto the landscape by a deity in love with beauty.
The scenery and setting alone would have taken his breath away if Tohru had not stolen it first. He took note of her eyes, shining blue and flashing gold, her skin, vibrant and healthy though gaunt around her face. He noted her leanness even as he noted the gentle swell of her breasts and the perky upswept curve of her hips in those tiny black shorts. Her arms dipped and swelled with graceful muscles she had not possessed a year ago. Her stomach was lightly ridged, still maintaining the delicate softness of feminine beauty while hinting at the corded steel muscles beneath. His eyes returned to her face as chills swept through him as she stroked him, much the way she would stroke a cat. Kyo was practically purring.
If this is a dream I hope I never wake up. He found himself thinking. Tohru lifted the hand she had slid the bracelet on. His breath caught on a gasp as desire slammed into him when she pressed her lips into his wrist. She nipped lightly before withdrawing. He looked into her eyes as she met and held his gaze. Her sapphire orbs were dark with desire. He knew his own red-eyed gaze held a similar golden glow as his own passion rose to meet hers. She gently pressed him backwards and he found himself falling to be embraced by cool silken sheets. The coolness of the sheets was a stark contrast to the heat of his body. Tohru slid herself into the bed next to him. Their eyes met and held before Tohru rolled atop him, pressing the length of her body onto his. Everything was touching, torsos, chests, stomachs, hips, and legs. Kyo knew it had to be a dream because being held like this was impossible for one cursed by the Zodiac.
But it was indeed the sweetest dream he had ever had.
If I die now I would die happily in this dream where I can lie as a man with Tohru and hold her as my woman.
Since it could be nothing other than a dream, Kyo released his last restraint and fell into the fantasy with uninhibited abandon.
Tohru lay atop Kyo her entire body lighting up with the sensations of a woman newly awakened to passion and she stared in contentment into Kyo's glowing eyes. She would have remained that way happily enjoying the sweet sensations that were enveloping her entire body as she pressed her body to Kyo's but Kyo's hand snaked up into her hair and brought her down to his mouth.
There was nothing gentle in this kiss. It was nothing like the tender and soft ministrations of Yuki. Yuki was the stars, he was moonlight on vanilla washing her in a glowing ethereal and otherworldly radiance that stole her breath and gave it back again. Kyo's passion was sunlight and volcanos. It was hot, and fierce, and explosive in its heat and intensity. As Kyo claimed her lips with his own the world changed once more and Tohru knew she would never leave his side again