Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket or Black Butler. They, and their characters, belong to their respective creators.

Chapter Two: Revelations of Time

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"More tea?" Sebastian lifted the teapot to refill Ciel's cup when they both suddenly heard a woman's scream coming through the door.

Ciel went stiff in his seat. "That sounded like Mey-Rin. Sebastian!"

Sebastian didn't bother bowing this time. One of his staff was in trouble. In the blink of an eye he quickly set the teapot down and sprinted out the door, following the sound of the scream to the guest wing. It was coming from the room assigned to the girl they'd found. He thrust through the door, foregoing protocol about entering a woman's room to find Mey-Rin only a few seconds after she'd started to scream. "What's going on?"

Mey-Rin had fallen onto her bottom, the smoke clearing as the door flew open and she heard Sebastian's voice. In front of her, a ginger haired head was moving. "It's a man! A naked man!"

Sebastian's eyes narrowed. He distinctly smelled the scent of the cat he'd had brought in, but now a new, though very similar scent filled his nostrils. He couldn't smell the new scent from any other place but the naked boy who had suddenly appeared on the floor.

Kyo opened his eyes and stared at the strangest sight he'd seen in quite some time, a darkly clad man and a woman wearing a maid outfit like one Ayame would have made. And he was in a room he didn't recognize either, with a fireplace, wall hangings, and stonewalls. Realizing he was naked, he quickly looked around for anything to cover himself up as the woman wearing the maid outfit stared at him in shock, her finger pointing at him.

"Mey-Rin, look away," the dark clad man said to the maid.

Kyo's throat felt dry but he managed to let out a cry of surprise as he realized a bed was nearby, and that it was properly made. He darted for the bed, grabbed the top layer of bedding before the dark clad man had moved to intercept him, grabbing his wrist. "Let go of me!" The quilt trailed after him as the butler half dragged him away from the bed.

"Who are you and how did you get in here," the butler asked, his expression more than stern. "This is a young lady's room."

Mey-Rin had turned away but looked towards the bed as she heard sounds coming from it. "Mr. Sebastian! I think she's waking up!"

Kyo scowled. "How the hell should I know how I got here! I just woke up here! What did you do with my clothes!"

Tohru groaned as her eyelids fluttered. She looked up to see a ceiling unlike any she knew. Suddenly, she remembered the events prior to her waking, walking towards a large mansion in the rain with Kyo in her arms. "Kyo!" She sat upright and looked around.

She saw a tall man bending over some kind of bundle, and a woman staring at her. "Ah!" Realizing she was wearing some kind of pajamas, she pulled the bedding up to her shoulders in embarrassment. "Who are you? Where's Kyo?"

Sebastian turned, still holding Kyo's wrist with one hand. "My apologies, young mistress, for waking you. It would seem that a young man has found his way into your room. I will take care of him immediately."

Kyo's eyes went large. "WHAT?"

Sebastian started to pull him towards the door.

Tohru leaned forward, suddenly realizing what was going on. "Kyo!" She quickly threw off the bedding and ran over, grabbing Sebastian's free arm. "Wait! You can't take him away!"

Sebastian stopped, turning slightly as Mey-Rin's nose bled. The quilt Kyo had grabbed wasn't entirely doing its job. "Yes, young mistress? Do you know this young man?"

Tohru blushed, though whether it was from seeing more of Kyo's skin than she normally did, or because she'd been called a young mistress was anyone's guess. "Yes! I know him! He's Kyo! We live together!"

Sebastian's eyebrows rose. "Live together? Are you related?" He looked at the difference in appearance between the two strangers. Orange hair compared to dark brown, both light complexions. It wasn't entirely impossible for them to be related, though less than likely.

Tohru moved the few steps needed to reach Kyo and pulled the quilt more securely around him, not looking while she did so. "Yes. We live together with Shigure. I mean, we're not related or anything but I live with them, you see, so please don't do anything to hurt him!" Tears had started to leak out of the corners of her eyes as she spoke.

"Tohru," Kyo breathed as he saw her crying. He couldn't stand to see girls cry. He wanted to hug her, but that was definitely not a good idea. They were already apparently in a lot of trouble as things stood.

Sebastian let Kyo's wrist go to ponder. "I see. What I don't understand, however, is how he appeared when there very clearly was a cat here before, and there is no conceivable way he could have gotten in due to the storm."

Tohru looked guiltily at Kyo. Had they seen then? "Uh… that is… I mean…" She bit her tongue. She'd promised Yuki and the others that she'd never reveal the Sohma Family Secret to anyone. "I…" She went down on her knees, hiding her face.

Mey-Rin had finally pulled herself together. "Mr. Sebastian, I don't think he just crawled in neither. I mean, the windows never opened, and when I first came in, the cat was sleeping there just like I'd left him." She pointed at the square of carpet. "I was tending the fire when the next thing I knew, there was a loud popping sound and a lot of smoke, then he was suddenly there and the cat was gone."

Sebastian put one gloved hand thoughtfully up to his chin. "Must peculiar. The only explanation I can think of is that this boy was once the cat. Very interesting. Either that, or they are both circus performers or magicians."

Kyo gulped nervously. How had that guy found out so easily? "I ain't no magician," he complained.

Sebastian knelt to be at eye level with the orange-haired boy. "Then my first guess must be correct. Am I wrong?"

Tohru felt close to panic. How had they guessed so quickly? The Sohma's precious secret! "Please!" She begged. "Don't tell anyone! No one's supposed to know about their family curse!" She put her hands over her mouth as she realized what she'd let slip out. "Oh no! I said it! I'm so sorry! I wasn't supposed to say a word!" She prostrated herself on the ground.

Both Sebastian and Mey-Rin turned to look questioningly at Tohru. "That would explain a few things," Sebastian decided. Like the not quite cat smell he'd first caught while outdoors. "This is most distressing." He put one finger against his forehead as he closed his eyes for just a moment.

Loud footsteps sounded from the hallway and another person burst through the door carrying a meat clever. "Mr. Sebastian! Is everything all right? I thought I heard Mey-Rin scream."

Sebastian turned to the newcomer. "Ah, Bard. Everything is fine. It would seem that Mey-Rin just encountered an unexpected incident. Isn't that right, Mey-Rin?" He smiled at the maid.

Mey-Rin felt like she was melting as her cheeks went red. "Yes, Mr. Sebastian," she stuttered. "I was just surprised is all."

"Sebastian!" Ciel's voice came from down the hallway.

The butler groaned slightly. "Oh dear. We mustn't let the Young Master see you in such a state. Mey-Rin, please, quickly escort the young lady to her bath. Bard, back to the kitchen. We'll need place settings for two more people tonight." He pulled out his pocket watch and looked at it. This was throwing everything off schedule, but there was still some time. "I'll be back shortly. This young man needs something more appropriate to wear before the Young Master arrives." He quickly darted out the door.

Bard scratched his head. "Well, you heard him," he finally said to Mey-Rin, then went to return to the kitchen.

Mey-Rin stood and nudged Tohru's arm, causing her to look up. "This way, mistress, before the Young Master comes in and sees you in only your nightgown!" She grabbed Tohru's hand and gently tugged.

Tohru looked back at Kyo. "But what about Kyo? He…"

Mey-Rin gave another tug. "Don't worry about 'im. Mr. Sebastian will take care of it! Don't you want a nice, hot bath after being out in the cold rain? We wouldn't want you to catch a cold now, would we?"

Tohru was ready to protest again but decided there was nothing she could do about it and so she followed Mey-Rin to the bathroom, leaving Kyo alone.

Kyo blinked. What the…? Why was he suddenly alone? Where had everyone gone so quickly?

"Sebastian! Where are you?"

Crap! Kyo looked around some more. Was there a place he could hide? Or at least something decent to put on? The quilt would definitely not cut it. He was just about to head over to the wardrobe when Sebastian returned with a pair of pants and a shirt.

The butler handed them to the boy. "Here. Quickly change into these. I know they're not your usual clothes. Yours are still drying so these will have to do. I must go and divert the Young Master for at least long enough for you to change." He quickly headed out the door just as quickly as he'd come.

Kyo blinked. The guy called Mr. Sebastian had given him a set of brown trousers and a light shirt. What he didn't know was that they belonged to Finni,the gardener, but they were probably the closest to his size. At least they were clothes. He quickly put them on, glad that the guy had closed the door on his way out.

…..

Ciel stood in the hallway, his hands on his hips. "What kept you? Didn't you hear me calling?"

Sebastian bowed. "My apologies, Young Master. I did not intend to keep you waiting. Mey-Rin had tripped, spilling water everywhere. I had to help her clean it up before our guests discovered the oversight."

Ciel sighed. "Very well. Did you find anything out yet?" All of this rain and activity was making him tired.

"I found out a few things," Sebastian confirmed. "The young lady has a companion by the name of Kyo Sohma. Mey-Rin found him soon after we'd brought in the young lady. The young man seems to have a bit of a temper, but appears to be harmless otherwise."

Ciel mused. "Anything else? What's this young lady's name? Surely you know that already."

Sebastian inclined his head in a slight bow. "Unfortunately, I have yet to gain that information. However, it is certain that they were lost out in the storm while attempting to return to their lodgings. It is only natural that they would seek the first sign of warmth in this case, don't you agree? I'm sure that once the young lady has finished bathing, you can question her yourself."

Ciel sighed. "Fine. When she's ready, have them both brought to me."

Sebastian pulled out his watch. "It would appear that supper should be served within the next hour. Would that be soon enough for you, Young Master? I have already instructed to have additional place settings put out."

Ciel waved an errant hand as he headed back down the hallway he'd come down. "Whatever. Just be sure they're both there. I want to make sure they aren't spies or anything since you seem unable to find out so quickly."

Sebastian bowed stiffly, even though his master could not see it. "Yes, My Lord." He sighed as he returned to the room where Kyo was safely hiding. He knocked gently before entering. "Are you decent?"

Kyo had managed to put on the clothes given him, though they didn't fit too well. The pants were too short for his comfort and the shirt was patched, but it was better than the alternative.

Sebastian swept up the discarded quilt and deftly folded it. "My apologies that the clothes are not entirely suitable. I went for the quickest fit possible. Once your own clothes have dried, they will be returned to you. It is also necessary that I move you to a different room. Though it may be acceptable for you to share a room with a young lady in your own home, it is not the case here."

Kyo bristled. "Who said that Tohru and I shared a room? What kind of pervert are you?"

Sebastian raised his eyebrows again. "Ah. I am relieved to hear it. If you don't mind me asking, what type of relationship do you share with...Miss Tohru?" He picked up on the name quickly, tucking it aside for later contemplation, along with his other observations. It was apparent that this boy was definitely not any type of servant, though his manners were coarse.

Kyo growled. "She already told you! We just live in the same house!"

Sebastian began straightening up the room as he listened, more as something to do than because it needed it. "Yes, she did mention that. The Sohma family, correct? I assume that's your last name."

Kyo glared. "Yeah, what of it?"

The butler paused in his straightening. "It is not a name I'm familiar with. I don't believe I've ever heard it before."

Kyo spluttered in exasperation. "Never heard…! The Sohmas are one of the biggest and richest families in Japan! How can you not have heard of us?"

Sebastian kept his expression neutral. "Is that so. I can't say as I would know as we are not in Japan, nor have I really set foot upon that Empire's shores. Perhaps Lau would know something…" he added thoughtfully to himself. "But that will have to wait until the storm has passed." He finished his current task, then turned to Kyo. "This way please," he said, holding the door open.

Kyo was so flustered he didn't know what to think. How could anyone not have heard of the Sohmas? And why was this person talking like they weren't in Japan? There was no way they'd left the country. They'd only been out walking in the rain! It took him a moment to realize that the butler was waiting on him. Once he realized it, he quickly walked over.

"I believe we'll put you in the room next door, since you appear to be quite close to the young lady," Sebastian was saying as they walked into the hallway. "It isn't prepared yet but I can see to that in a moment. This way please." He opened the appropriate door and stepped inside, turning on lights as he went. "I will have Tanaka come and tend to the fire at once. My master expects you to dinner and it is likely you will want to clean up before then so I will have him draw you a bath as well. Dinner will be served in about an hour."

Kyo stared in a sort of daze at the room he'd been led to. It was similar to the one he'd just left, only done in different colors, mostly blues and greens, whereas Tohru's had been decorated in more feminine colors. "Wait," he said as the butler turned to leave. "You said we're not in Japan?"

Sebastian inclined his head slightly. "That is correct. This surprises you?" He stored that little tidbit away for later thought as well.

Kyo's fiery spirit roared back to life. "Of course it does! We were just on our way home from school when it started pouring and suddenly we're here and you say you're not in Japan! It's not possible!"

Sebastian frowned slightly. "Yes, that does seem rather improbable. Are you sure you're telling the truth? Or that you're not somehow confused?"

Kyo ground his teeth. "Of course I'm sure! We left that damn rat at the school because he had student council stuff so Tohru and I walked home. There's no way we could have ended up anywhere else. We never left the city!"

The butler pursed his lips thoughtfully. "That does present a problem then, doesn't it, seeing as how you are currently in England."

"WHAT?" Kyo almost fainted, but he wasn't the fainting type so he didn't. "It's not possible," he added more quietly as he sunk onto the bed. "It's not…. You gotta be lying!"

Sebastian's face went stern again. "I do not lie. You are currently a guest of the Earl Ciel Phantomhive, who resides in England. There is no mistake. And for your reference, it is the year 1889, in case you forgot the year."

Kyo was dazed. "Eighteen…. Eighteen…."

"Eighty-nine," Sebastian finished for him. Apparently the news had shocked this guest more than it should have. "What year did you think it was?"

Kyo tried to make his brain work again. It took a moment but he finally found the number he'd been looking for. "It's 1999!"

It was Sebastian's turn to be surprised. "A hundred and ten years later? I find that highly improbable."

Kyo sat up from his slouch. "Are you saying I'm lying! I'm not a liar!"

Sebastian put out a restraining hand. "Please calm yourself. I didn't call you a liar. I merely said that it is highly improbable, not impossible." What an interesting predicament, he decided. Was this boy telling the truth? Or was he delusional? Either was possible.

To sooth things over, he merely bowed slightly. "I believe we can discover the truth of this matter later. In the meantime, I will have Tanaka sent to attend you while I see to the dinner preparations. Please make yourself comfortable. You will be escorted down at the appropriate time." With that said, he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Kyo blinked. He wasn't sure what to think. Had he and Tohru landed in some kind of fairytale? He wasn't sure. It could be a crazy house too. But then, he didn't know there were any houses like this in the area, and it definitely wasn't built in the traditional Japanese style. What if, however, what the butler guy was saying was true? The idea threatened to make his head spin far faster than he wanted it to.

"Just act like everything's normal, Kyo," he told himself as he looked around once more. "Either this is just a dream or we're not in Japan anymore. Either way, Tohru and I are in some serious trouble."

…

Tohru, at that moment, was slipping into a deep tub of hot water. "Ah!" she sighed happily. "Thank you very much! Our bathtub at home isn't nearly this deep. This is almost like being in a swimming pool!" She sat back in the tub.

Mey-Rin moved the nightgown out of the way. She'd already scrounged around for some suitable clothes for the young lady, but the only girls clothes she'd come upon, aside from the ones on the line drying, were her own, and that just didn't seem right so she'd placed both hers and the boy's clothes closer to the fire to make them dry quicker. Hopefully they would be done before dinner was ready. "Would you like me to scrub your back," she asked her charge.

Tohru giggled, suddenly feeling like she was five years old again. "No one's done that for me since I was really little," she confessed. "Are you sure it's okay? I don't want to be a burden." She looked up questioningly at the friendly face of the maid.

Mey-Rin glanced down in surprise. "O'course it is! I wouldn't ask if it weren't! Mr. Sebastian said you were to have all the care someone of your status should have! I wouldn't be doin' my job if I offered anything less! I couldn't call myself a servant of the Phantomhive family if I didn't!"

Tohru was surprised. "Oh. Well, in that case, I guess it's okay, right?" She'd never had anyone waiting on her before, and, admittedly, was a bit surprised by it. She was so used to taking care of herself that she wondered if it was okay to let someone else pamper her. It definitely felt weird.

She let herself drift while her back was scrubbed, then suddenly sat up. "Wait! Phantomhive? Who's that?" She thought she recognized the name from somewhere, but wasn't really sure.

Mey-Rin wasn't entirely prepared for Tohru's movement and had gotten slightly wet by the sloshing water. She adjusted her glasses. "Earl Phantomhive. He's the master o' this house."

Tohru was shocked. "An Earl? I'm in the house of someone that important?" She tried to calm herself down a bit, remembering where she was, water sloshing around her. "I just… I didn't know there was anyone like that around here," she confessed as she leaned forward again. "I mean, we don't see many people..." She trailed off, not sure what she wanted to say.

Mey-Rin blinked in surprise. "Didn't know? Where in all of England did you come from? Earl Phantomhive is a well-known noble! Everyone in England knows about 'im!"

Tohru grimaced. "I'm sorry. It's just I've never heard of him. I mean, in Japan…"

Mey-Rin about collapsed. "Japan? You're from Japan? That explains the funny accent!" She covered her mouth in shock. "I… I didn't mean it! Honest! I was just that surprised. Please don't tell Mr. Sebastian I said something like that!"

It was Tohru's turn to blink. "Uh...Sure, I guess. I won't tell him." She wasn't sure she got why she shouldn't tell him but decided it probably didn't matter. Then her mind grasped an important word Mey-Rin had used. "Did you say England? Isn't that on the other side of the world?"

Mey-Rin almost slipped into the bath. "What? Other side of the world? Why, that's where we is now! Where did you think we was, Japan?" Her own words sunk in, one right after the other. "Japan! I gotta tell Mr. Sebastian!" She ran out of the bathroom, slipping as she went.

Tohru watched her go, not entirely sure what to make of what had just happened. Well, perhaps it was better not to worry about it just yet, she decided as she took up the soap. After all, she could think about those kinds of things after she was clean, right?