…But I stared, without breathing, into the blood ruby eyes of this unknown creature and in return, it just glared at me, daring to just take one bite of my body. I was sure that's what it wanted to do and I knew something else. Maybe JUST maybe if I hadn't come outside to see what that mysterious noise was, I wouldn't be facing my fate now.
…But as frighten and shaky as I was, I couldn't convince myself that investigating was a horrible idea. I understood that I had chosen to do this and now… I had to accept it. But I, Tohru Honda, have to admit that of all the times I said I was scared, none of them could beat this one. None.
Chapter 4 - First Sight
…Everything that happens in a nightmare, happens in reality at some point. Very, very few believe that. I came to find out that I was no different. I didn't believe nightmares came true until I was stuck in one. It's true actually…
After I talked to Shigure, I finished the dishes and went straight to bed. It was passed 3am and I couldn't get to sleep at all. I blamed my restlessness on the fact that I stayed out all night with Yuki; it was all my fault for not asking him to take us home sooner.
It was almost 4am when I came to that conclusion and shortly after that, I started to feel my eyes getting heavy and weary. "Good." I smiled lightly," Now I can get some sleep…" I pulled the covers over my head and just before I let out my first snooze, I heard a loud, intense discomforting sound coming from somewhere in the house.
…when I say intense discomforting, I mean it sounded like someone had violently bumped their noggin so hard that you could hear it from anywhere in the house, even a basement or attic.
I jolted up, kicking the covers off of me. I, then, paced to my door, hesitating to open it. I didn't want to come out of my room without hearing that noise again. So I pressed my ear up against the door and waited patiently. To my surprise, I heard it again but the noise was softer and it didn't sound so intense. As I began to think more about what I heard, I quickly compared it to a moan, a very, very awkward moan.
…This noise sounded like it was coming from under my feet but the only room under this room would be Shigure's bedroom. I knew that he was a night owl but around this time Shigure stayed locked up in his office and would often doze off there too. Then, I heard the same awkward sound again. THIS time, the sound was even quieter, like a soft faint whisper in pure darkness. I compared it to a weak whimper, like a person in pain.
That made me open my door urgently. "Hello? Is everything okay down there?" I breathed, frightened for who may been lurking around the house at this hour. It was frozen cold in the hallway, and that wooden floor wasn't any friendlier to my trembling feet. But I crept down the stairs, the same stairs that were perfectly quiet in the daytime. I never noticed, but they were tremendously loud when you walked down them at night.
"Hello…?"
No one answered me.
Then again… why would anyone answer me? Everyone should have been sleeping right? I was the goofball who wasn't asleep because I chose to search for that scary noise, a noise I was overly positive that I imagined now. Now, I was downstairs and I couldn't see anything that would have made the sound. I looked across the house and saw Shigure's office light on but that's all. I would have gone there to ask if he heard the noise too but I didn't wanna bother him.
Instead, I decided to lie and convince myself that it was just my imagination. "That's it, Tohru… you didn't hear anything. You're just dreaming…" I smiled nervously, "Just go up to bed and go to sleep…"
Yeah, I would wake up in the morning and everything will be normal. That's how it always is right; relying on the morning to end your troublesome nightmares? It was kinda strange how that myth worked, because when you are sleeping and your dream is dreadful and terrifying, it's always easy to wake up from it. Your heart beats faster, your mind starts to flutter and sometimes your body trembles but you still wake up.
…No matter how bad of a dream it is.
But like I said before, everything that happens in a nightmare, happens in reality at some point. I only got halfway up the stairs before hearing that noise once more. This time, I whipped around to see that the front door was open. "Yuki… Kyo?"
The door seemed like it was open for a while. With all the dead leaves half way in the house, I wondered why I didn't notice it open before now. This was strange, each time I heard these disturbing noises, they seemed to get softer. Then seconds later, I realized that the noises weren't getting softer, they were just moving farther away from me. That thought made me gulp loudly…
"Shigure…?" I called again, "Anybody?" Now I was scared. My heart pounded and my face felt cold from the frozen breeze outside. Okay now, I had to do this… I had to figure what was going on. So, I did a very stupid thing, I kid you not. Besides walking outside without a jacket, shoes or a weapon, I decided to walk into the forest… alone.
"I have to do this…" There was no other way. I had to find out now or there wouldn't be another chance. I smiled nervously, "I can't be afraid forever… right Mom?" Right, I supposed. Then my eyes caught something blowing in the branches of the shorter trees in the yard. I wondered… stared…
And, wondered some more…
…then I grabbed at one of the short branches, not realizing I had grabbed fur!
Orange fur to be exact. It had to be from a wolf or something but whatever the case, this fur was a bleached orange and it was very, very soft to the touch. There was more of it too, in fact it was everywhere; in the trees, the air and the plants below my feet. It made a trail all the way into the forest. Someone or something was shedding.
My hands shook nervously as I quickly blocked all bad thoughts in my mind and proceeded to walk through lightened path that was made from the mysterious orange fur. Not one time did I think of Kyo until I saw a shadow that could have very well been him? I paused before going deeper into the forest. "Kyo…?" I called out in front of me. I thought about shouting out his name again, but what good would that do? I mean if it wasn't Kyo then I would feel stupid.
I decided to walk a bit further into the forest. Everything seemed darker and more intimidating under the moonlight. The shadows of the trees looked like giant hands, reaching out to get me and the winds seemed to push me closer to danger. I had no idea where I was going but I knew I walked too far. I was now at the lake where I and Yuki had our romantic picnic.
"Aw poop." This was a stupid thing to do anyways, why did I come out here? "…Oh my gosh! Tohru you're so dumb." I sighed, wondering if I should turn back now before I got too lost. As I began to turn around, something rolled under my foot. "Huh?" It didn't hurt, it just scared me. I glanced down, and my eyes caught a glimpse of something. A tiny object that was small and round, almost like a pearl. Then I noticed that there were several of them; black and white beads everywhere.
Kyo's beads…
…It couldn't have been anything else… This, I did know. I stooped down, grabbing as many beads as I could, dirt matted in my nails as my hands dug deeper for them. I was more worried that Kyo had maybe lost his beads and didn't know they were broken. My mind had left me to fend for my next actions, but sadly I couldn't think of that to do next…
Then, a soft growl made me look up in a fright. "…Huh?" I gulped.
Unfortunately, just a few feet from where I found Kyo's bracelet, I saw a creature peering out behind the tree and a disembodied growl followed behind it. I blinked once. "This isn't happening." Or was it? Was I about to be someone's food? I certainly hoped not! I dropped the beads, stepping back. I couldn't run… whatever that thing was, I was sure it would catch me.
Suddenly, the creature came from behind the tree, revealing itself to be a large four - legged animal with ruby eyes, pointed dog - shaped ears, sharp claws, and… orange fur. "Kyo?" I thought to myself.
The animal growled again, showing off its large sharp teeth. Surely this thing wasn't him. I think my problem was, I couldn't picture Kyo being a giant monster. So I denied it.
Despite of that complex question, my knowledge on animals was very limited but one thing I did know is that all animals had a certain look on their faces when they were hungry, especially the large furry ones- the ones that could show their teeth and roar loudly in their opponent's face.
That was a sign to any prey that they were going to die first hand. Heh, at least other preys could run or camouflage themselves. I just stuck out like a giant sore thumb, plus I couldn't run fast to save my life. That didn't mean I wasn't going to try though.
But… I stared, without breathing, into the blood ruby eyes of this unknown creature and in return, it just glared at me, daring to just take one bite of my body. I was sure that's what it wanted to do and I knew something else. Maybe JUST maybe if I hadn't come outside to see what that mysterious noise was, I wouldn't be facing my fate now. But as frighten and shaky as I was, I couldn't convince myself that investigating was a horrible idea.
…I understood that I had chosen to do this and now… I had to accept it. But I, Tohru Honda, have to admit that of all the times I said I was scared, none of them could beat this one. None.
Oh! And uh… before I decided to surrender my life to my killer, I wanted to let out a few thoughts; I wanted to tell my Mom that I hoped to see her on the other side, waiting for me and I wanted to thank the Sohmas for letting me stay with them. For Shigure being a brother to me and Yuki being the best boyfriend/ fiancé ever! AND! …last but not least, I wanted to tell Yuki that I did love him very much, with all my heart but I just couldn't marry him.
"I'm sorry Yuki…" I whispered, "…but I just can't marry you." A tear rolled off my cheek.
I guess it didn't matter now… right?
With the beast still growling at me, I turned around. Even if my plans were to fail, at least I would die trying. Oh, and my plans? You ask? To run for my life of course! I will say that as soon as I started running, I could hear the animal panting heavily. I couldn't stop running for anything. I knew soon I would grow tired and well… that would be the end of Tohru Honda. But I didn't stop! That was my primary motive. I continued to run as fast as I could.
I could feel my feet gradually getting lighter, like they went into to hyper drive. I passed the long lake and a few trees I remembered seeing. I panted lightly, moving my arms back and forth. Though my excessive running was a breeze the cold weather wasn't so easy to overcome. I shivered to cold wind and how kept me from running any faster.
…I didn't like that too well.
What I also didn't like too well was my way of thinking since it had gotten me into so many hassles and bad situations in the past, on that note, somehow I was thinking that all this had to be déjà vu somehow, like from a nightmare. Many of my nightmares involved me running away from things and screaming help continuously.
I let out a long breath, realizing that I could see Shigure's house. That feeling I had - it felt so sweet - seeing that house standing in the distance. However, luck wasn't my forte. It seemed that my killer started thinking ahead of me, leaping right over my head and landing in front of me on all fours. It's claws dung into the earth soils so it could grasp it landing. It blocked me from going any further and the only way to go now, was the opposite way I ran. "I'm going to die…" I thought. "I really am."
It stared into my soul as came toward me. I knew it wanted to kill me. In fact, I was sure that its whole meal depended on it. But I didn't stay still, I ran the other way until finally… I did the dumbest thing ever! Something you would never wanna do if you were trying to escape danger; I tripped. I felt me falling slowly as my barefoot allowed me to trip over a broken branch. I knew then that I had ended every chance of me surviving.
As I hit the ground… I knew two things; I knew that this beast had me where it wanted me. Second, I knew that I wouldn't be conscious to feel such pain that awaited me once the beast sunk its teeth into me…
I didn't remember much as I began to yawn. Today I was groggy; I could feel it in my bones. The bright sun had no sympathy for me as it just beamed annoyingly on my face. It caused me to sweat and suddenly I became thirsty. Was this how death was supposed to feel like?
"What…" I breathed, opening my eyes and wiped the sweat off my face. "I'm alive." There was no beast coming after me? Was it really just a bad nightmare? I sat up, thinking that was the worse dream I had ever had in my life. It felt so real to me. I could still feel the breath of that monster on my face. I wouldn't forget that feeling I had… the feeling of me seeing my life flash before me.
I snapped back realizing that it could only be a nightmare, a dream thought.
My head was sore from thinking about it but I wasn't going to let today take me by surprise. The first thing I did was wash my face. That's when I noticed the bruise on my forehead that seemed to bulge out a bit. It stung a little but not too much. I was so lost in my little bruise and brushing my teeth that I forgot to make breakfast for everyone. OH NO! Breakfast! How could I forget to wake up early to make breakfast for everyone! They could starve!
I'M SO STUPID!
Suddenly, I forgot about everything… my meaningless dream, my headache and the bruise that was left on my head. I left my room in a rush, beamed down the stairs, and stopped in the dining room. Everyone was at the table, seated, eating breakfast.
"Huh…?"
"Good morning Tohru." The men called to me; all but Kyo who was isolated from them. Finally Kyo looked up and saw that I was standing there. He looked like he was about to say something but hesitated at the same time. I guess nothing was coming out Kyo today either.
"Good morning… I'm so sorry… I woke up late this morning. I forgot all about…"
"It's alright. Kyo made breakfast." Shigure told me, calmly.
"Kyo…?" I accidentally said aloud, which I didn't realize until after he spoke.
"What?" his voice was the same as always but today he sounded like he had a cold. Kyo glared at me, his eyes could see right through me. I felt scared at that moment to say anything to him. Then I thought, why am I so scared of him? I wasn't before but now I am… Was it because of what Shigure told me last night about Kyo's zodiac and how I should watch myself? Or… the dream, if it was a dream…
Finally I blinked, disregarding any beliefs that Kyo was a monster. "Nothing. Thank you for making breakfast…"
"No problem… There's yours." he pointed to the single plate off to the side, by itself. It was away from him but closer to Yuki and Shigure. So he really did mean to isolate himself from us. But why? Without a word being said, I sat down.
"Thank you so much, Kyo." I smiled but Kyo didn't say anything else. In fact, he didn't even look at me. I didn't let it bother me. I convinced myself that Kyo was always like this. But, Kyo wasn't the only one who was holding his tongue; my fiancé was as well. That, I was surprised about. Yuki always had something to say in the morning other than the words, 'Good Morning'.
"Did you sleep well Tohru?" Shigure asked me.
"Yeah, I did." I lied. "I think that was the best sleep of my life." I know Shigure saw the bruise on my head but didn't mention it. I was thankful he didn't. Yuki would have for sure said something then.
"That's good hear."
"Did you all sleep well?" I asked in return, hoping Kyo and Yuki would answer me but both men nodded, followed by an unsure '…Meh…'
"I stayed up all night." Shigure admitted. "I had lots of things I needed to get done."
"Oh deadlines due?" I suggested doubtfully.
"You know me all too well, Tohru." Shigure have me a knowing grin.
I began to worry when Yuki still said nothing after twenty minutes of me being at the table. I dared not to say anything either. The pressure was eating me alive though. I rested my hands on my lap after taking my final bites of my breakfast. I could feel Kyo's eyes burning on the side of my face, though I knew he wasn't looking at me. Huh? How was that, I wondered.
Why did I feel like Kyo was staring at me? It was like his eyes, alone, dared me to look up and met his but my soul was too frightened too. Just like that monster in my dream. I felt a spasm of panic as I quickly swallowed. Why did I always put myself in this position? Then I thought, that was just me. I over overstressed on everything. My habits only repeated themselves and I got tired of it. It was time for me to stop being so ridiculous. I sighed- much quieter than a normal sigh and moved my eyes to middle of Kyo's chest.
The young man wasn't evening staring at me. I raised my head up all the way to find Yuki's eyes were somewhere else too. It was an awkward breakfast and I didn't like it. It seemed like hours before anyone said anything else. Shigure finished his meal, pushing the glass plate away with his hands. He could feel the tension too, and I was sure for that reason, he began talking again.
"Kyo, you hadn't even touched your food."
"So?" Kyo snarled.
"You would let a good meal go to waste? You went through all the trouble of preparing it. "Shigure smirked, "At least have a bite…"
"I'm not hungry…" I saw his uneaten plate which reminded me of yesterday. He really wasn't that interested in eating my famous beef stew. The real problems was, I couldn't picture him not eating it. And not to exaggerate, but it seemed that he had been starving himself. Well, not exactly starving himself but - eating less at a later hour. At least, since he's been here, he's never eaten anything in front of us. Aside of him not eating well, I feared his pale skin was because he was sick or something. Maybe Kyo was very ill and didn't want any of us to know about it?
"Well anyways." Shigure sighed, "Yuki and I will be going to the Sohma house. We won't be back until tonight. I know how much Yuki wants to go…"
"If I could avoid, I would. "My fiancé finally said aloud, "But I can't…"
"Oh well that's okay Yuki…" I smiled.
"Well it's not." Yuki sighed, "I much rather stay here and garden with you." he said through his lips.
"That's okay too." I thought about it for a second, if they were to leave then me and Kyo would be by ourselves. I wouldn't doubt if that bothered Yuki.
"I want you to call a friend, you know, so you won't be lonely." Yuki told me in front of Kyo. "It's just a friendly suggestion."
"Friendly suggestion?" I wondered. I think Yuki was scared for me again in a way I couldn't describe. He nodded to my question.
"Yes."
"What he means is… friendly warning…" Kyo added, pushing his uneaten food away, then taking a sip and only a sip of water. Whatever did he mean by… that?