This is an unedited nanowrimo story - it's actually one that I started several years ago with my friend, but went back and changed almost everything except the original plot. As it stands, I'm writing it all in one big rant (50k words is tough D: ) so I don't have set chapter breaks; I kind of just let things flow as my muse works. That said, I may or may not post the rest of the 'chapters' during this month. Think of this as...a preview? Anyway, I'd love to hear comments and whatnot on this~
Disclaimer/warnings: I do not own Fruits Basket, however I do own Hikari Sohma (my oc) and part of the second oc of this story, Ryu Sohma. He doesn't show up in this 'demo', but he's my friend's character that I have permission to manipulate. Also, this was started before the end of the canon manga, so while it takes from the manga canon, it deviates from it. So. Yeah. :)
Also, as a sidenote, if I do continue posting it, it'll most likely be over on ao3, as things will progress into.. well.. MA content.
Sohma.
In this city, one would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't know the name. Sohma. It is the name of one of the largest families in Japan, with several generations and relations. Although not many children in the family have multiple siblings, it's hardly anything to worry about. There's always a cousin in the estate who is around the same age. Sohma Estate. It isn't so much as a large manor as it is a city in and of itself. With it consisting of such a large family, there are numerous residences within the estate walls that contain those related to the family. There's even a small, family hospital on the grounds. The Sohma property doesn't stop there - scattered throughout Japan, one can find various services that are owned by the family, such as a hot spring resort. The family wealth is unmeasurable.
Sohma.
It is also the name of a family cursed with a dark secret.
That isn't to say that this is what makes this particular family special. All families have at least one secret that they hope never sees the light of day, whether it be a history of blood or how drunk an uncle became at a reunioun. However, no family can claim that they have some relatives who are cursed by a centuries old zodiac legend. Even in the Sohma family itself, this secret is known only to specific people, and is kept well guarded, for obvious reasons. How does one explain something like this to outsiders? What kind of reaction can one expect when they tell a stranger that they are a part of a family where some people turn into zodiac animals? There are few ways to incorporate that subject into regular conversation, and even fewer proper responses to it. Commonly, one could react with fright, disbelief, skepticism, maybe even worry. It would bring unwanted attention and create more drama than needed for the family in whole, among other undesirable consequences. In short, it's just something that shouldn't be told.
I know this better than most.
Sohma.
It is the name of a family cursed with the true legend of the Chinese Zodiac - a story that has been lost over the decades and centuries. None of us know exactly why the curse settled on our family; all we know now is how to live with it.
My name is Hikari Sohma, and this... is my world.