This chapter is written as if the curse wasn't broken. I do not own fruits basket or the characters. Enjoy the chapter.

The majestic glow of a million stars shone over us as we sat under the dark blue night sky. We were all at the main house for New Year's Day, but Momiji insisted that we count down and watch the fireworks before the celebration. He was really excited since it was his turn to dance with me again to mark the shift from the year of the rabbit to the year of the dragon. Right now we were all sitting on a hill in front of the main house. Tohru Sohma was sitting next to me. She seemed even more excited than Momiji.

"I wonder if we'll see any dragons." I turned to look at Tohru and saw that her eyes were even larger than usual and her mouth was hanging open at hearing Momiji's words.

"D-dragons?"

"Yep. They don't come out much, but at the New Year's Eve of the year of the dragon they like to come out and celebrate sometimes. Isn't that right Tori?"

"Momiji, stop filling nonsense in the girl's mind."

"But it's true!"

"Yes, but the chance of us seeing any is very unlikely."

"So there really are dragons?"

"Yes Miss Honda, just like every other animal in the zodiac, there are dragons, too."

"A-are they scary?"

I cleared my throat. "Well, I haven't seen any, so I don't know."

"Really Tori? Well, zodiac animals are naturally drawn towards the Sohma who represents them. So you should get to see at least one in your lifetime! Maybe today will be your lucky day!"

"Alright, that's enough Momiji!"

I guess the look of irritation on my face showed, because everyone quieted down. We continued waiting under the blanket of stars. Momiji soon got up, staring intently at his watch.

"Five-Four-Three-Two…"

And explosion of colors erupted in the sky. They seemed so close to us, yet so far away. Blue. Red. White. It was truly enchanting sitting under magical brightness. We sat there, quietly watching for a while.

"Ok, we should go inside now."

I got up, dusted off my pants, and turned to go inside.

"Tori! Look!"

I turned to look at what Momiji was pointing at in the sky. Behind the array of colors and light, there was something moving in the sky. Flying around gracefully in the night. I flinched as I realized that it was coming closer. In the blink of an eye, there were two enormous creatures standing before us, staring at me. The colors of the fireworks were nothing in comparison to the metallic hues dancing over their scales. They were utterly perfect in every way. They looked at me, confused, as if there was something not quite right. They moved slowly towards me as I stood my ground. Suddenly I heard her voice.

"Hatori-san! Watch out!"

Arms flung around my waist and I fell to the ground.

POOF!

"I'm so sorry. I'm such an idiot!"

As Miss Honda begged for forgiveness, I looked up at the dragons. They blew out of their nose and then they suddenly started making a noise. It sounded strange. Somewhere between a choking sound and a growl.

"Ahhh! What are they doing? Are they mad?"

Miss Honda protectedly covered me with their arms, thinking they were going to harm me. But I knew that in actuality they were laughing. Laughing at how a girl was protecting me. Mocking my pathetic form. A tiny helpless creature covered in an ugly muck color.

This is exactly what I was afraid would happen when I finally came face to face with the majestic beasts I so insultingly represent. I just HAD to transform now of all times. This curse can be so cruel sometimes.

Aww. Poor Hatori got laughed at by his own zodiac animal. In case any of you are confused, Hatori represents the dragon in the zodiac, but he transforms into a seahorse. I don't remember if they explained why in the manga. And yes, the Chinese New Year actually comes mid-January, but I just felt like writing a New Year chapter right now. Hope you all have a Happy New Year! Set goals in mind and start it off with a smile! And let me know what you thought of this :)