What Year is She?
Note: I've added a new character. Ichiro Tokoyami. Kazuko's best friend.
(Kazuko's POV)
*Me, Shigure, Yuki, & Kyo all stared at the girl in front of us. But she just kept her eyes on Kyo with tears in them*
Shigure: Oh, hello there.
Kyo: Wha . . . Kagura.
Kagura: It's you . . . *Tohru appeared behind her* You disappeared . . . For four whole months . . . You didn't even say "bye" . . . Nothing . . . I was scared . . . Worried . . . *suddenly, she punched him in the face, hard* DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I MISSED YOU!
*Tohru & I were completely shocked & speechless*
Tohru & Kazuko: Huh?
(Fruits Basket - Opening Theme - Again)
(Kazuko's POV)
Kagura: I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU CONSTANTLY! *her punch sent Kyo flying through the doors. then she vault jumped over Shigure & grabbed him by the ankle* YOU JERK! *then she spun him around over her head like a helicopter blade* DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH RUNNING OFF LIKE THAT, HUH!? DO YA!?
Yuki: Seems it's time to replace the doors.
*She lifted off the ground a few feet*
Shigure: Why does everyone go out of their way to trash my poor house.
*Then she threw him to the ground & kicked him in the gut with both feet*
Tohru: Uh . . . Are they okay . . .?
Shigure: Yeah. Don't worry about them. This is Kagura's why of showing she cares for him. You know, like how little kids are always mean to the people they like. It's the same thing.
Kazuko: Sure . . . If you say so. But doesn't it seem like her personality did a complete 180 to you?
Yuki: She just gets that way when she's emotional. Especially whenever Kyo's involved. She may not act like it, but she's two years older than us.
Shigure: That's right. And part of the Zodiac.
*Just then, Tohru got excited*
Tohru: I knew it! What year is she!? You've gotta tell me!
*I rolled my eyes. I don't know why she's getting excited about it. They're still human*
Shigure: Oh. Watch her a while and I bet you'll figure it out.
*Now she was hitting Kyo with a rapid flurry of punches*
Kazuko: Shouldn't we do something? She's gonna kill him.
Shigure: I doubt it.
*Suddenly, she snapped out of her anger & Kyo fell to the ground, covered in bruises*
Kagura: Kyo, what happened!? You poor thing. You're all beaten up. *she picked him up & hugged him* Who did this to you, my love!?
Shigure: Cue the waterworks.
*Later, we were all sitting down at the table with a bowl of snacks. Kyo sat on the porch, nursing his cheek. I made sure to sit as far away from Kagura as possible, in case she flew off the handle again. Tohru suddenly sneezed*
Yuki: It's cold.
Shigure: Yep. Breezy.
Kagura: I'm sorry. I think I think was just so excited to see Kyo again, I couldn't hold myself back.
Kazuko:*in his mind* She's like a completely different person right now. But I'm still keeping my guard up.
*Kagura turned to Kyo*
Kagura: But Kyo, it is partially your fault. You disappeared for four months and didn't even bother to call me once.
Kyo: Why should I have to worry about telling you where I am?
Kagura: Don't be silly. Of course you should keep your future wife in the know
*Kyo turned to her angry*
Kyo: Future what-now!?
*Yuki, Shigure, & I all started munching on rice crackers, while Tohru looked thrilled*
Tohru: I didn't know you had a fiance! That's so sweet!
Yuki: It must be relieved someone would consider such a cruel fate.
Shigure: Congrats.
Kazuko: So when's the wedding?
Kyo: You guys aren't helping.
Kagura: You see, when we were little, Kyo told me we'd get married one day.
Kyo: Only 'cause you threatened me with kitchen knives!
Kagura: What's wrong? You should want to marry another animal spirit. It's your best chance at happiness. We could suffer our curses together and of course - *she suddenly hugged him, but he didn't change* We don't transform when we hug each other!
*I had to admit. I was amazed by that*
Tohru: Oh, whoa! It's true!
*Kagura then gave Yuki a hug*
Kagura: Watch. I can hug Yun-chan too.
Kazuko: So why don't you?
*Yuki pushed Kagura away*
Yuki: Wish I knew. There are two others tho. Female Zodiac members I mean. And we've found that they don't trigger our transformations either.
Tohru: Really!? Two more? Where are they now? Ah, I wanna meet them too.
Kazuko:*in his mind* There she goes again.
Shigure: Would you like to know their animals?
Tohru: No thank you. On second thought, it'll be a lot more exciting if I get to see them and figure it out for myself!
*Yuki chuckled*
Yuki: That's very like you.
Kagura: Anyway! *she turned to Kyo* You know things don't usually go so well for our kind when we marry normal people of the opposite sex! Right, Shi-chan!?
Shigure: Well . . . You have a point. There are plenty of problems tied to that. It can be hard for us to have regular jobs. And of course, you'd still transform every time your spouse embraced you. Sex would -
*Yuki hit him in the face with the face with the bowl & I hit him on the head*
Yuki: Too much.
Kazuko: Way too much.
Tohru: Hm?
Kagura: Kyo! You can't play coy with me anymore! Tell me, do you like me or not!?
Kyo: Huh?
Kagura: 'Cause I like you so much! More than anyone else in the whole world, no, make that the universe!
Kyo: I -
Kagura: If I were your wife, I'd cook you amazing food every day and forgive any affairs of momentary lapses!
Kyo: What?
Kagura: No matter what your feelings are, it's obvious you're going to find another woman who loves you as much as I do! Understand!? *Then she flipped her switch again & grabbed him by the shirt collar* Speak up! Why aren't you agreeing with me!?
*She started breathing heavily while It stayed silent*
Shigure: He loses all boldness when it comes to girls. Oh, right. Tohru, you're a quite a fan of the cat. What do you think of this?
*I looked at him like he had gone insane*
Kazuko: Shigure, don't - !
Kagura: What that!? A rival!
Tohru: Huh?
*I face-palmed. This was going to get ugly. She went up to Tohru*
Kagura: You can't have him! I don't care what you feel, nothing will stand in the way of our future!
Kazuko: Nobody's stealing anybody.
*She ignored me*
Kagura: What is it you like about him anyway, Tohru? Because I like all of him! Every single bit!
Kyo: Hey.
Kagura: I cherish the good things about him along with his flaws. Even if he were to change into his true form. I wouldn't think of him any di -
*Suddenly, Kyo slapped his hand over her mouth. But what she said had completely caught my interest*
Kazuko:*in his mind* True form?
Kyo: Not another word. If you keep babbling on like that, you're gonna regret it.
*Suddenly, she punched him in the jaw*
Kagura: How dare you threaten me!
*Her punch sent him flying into the pond*
*Later, Tohru & I were washing the dishes, both lost in thought*
Kazuko:*in his mind* What did she mean by "true form"? Well, whatever it means, Kagura seems really deep in her love delusions. I wonder how long this craziness as been going on. I know my feelings for Saki are real, but I'd never take it to this extreme. If I ever did . . . *I started to imagine her irritated face* she'd probably zap me so hard with her electric waves, I wouldn't be able to move for a month.
*Suddenly, Kagura opened the door to the bathroom, while Kyo was taking a shower*
Kagura: Oh Kyo, I'm here to scrub you on your back! *he ran out, only wearing a towel & ran away* Dear, no need to act shy around me!
*She ran after him*
Kazuko:*in his mind* And at the same time, I'm glad I still haven't found the courage to tell her my feelings.
*Soon, we were all fixing the doors*
Kyo: Dammit. Why is this my job?
Shigure: No complaining. You are partially at fault here.
Kyo: Shut up! Are you kidding me right now!? *he turned to Yuki, who was reading* Hey! You should be pitching in too, Rat Boy!
Yuki: No thanks. Cats should be able to clean up their own messes, even stupid cats.
Kyo: What did you just say!? Stand up! We're this out!
Kagura: Hey, Kyo!
Kyo: What?
*She had made a cut-out & out it on the door*
Kagura: Look at this.
Tohru: Aw, cute little kitty.
Kagura: Looks good.
Kyo: Argh! Quite playing around! You're the one to blame for -
*Suddenly, his stomach growled*
Tohru: I know it's a little early, but I think we'll start on dinner.
Kazuko: Good idea.
*We started to head to the kitchen, but Kagura stopped us*
Kagura: Stay out of that kitchen!
Tohru: O . . . Okay.
Kagura: I'll cook tonight.
Kyo: What? Why would you want that hassle?
Kagura: So I can treat my beloved Kyo.
*She pushed him so hard, he went flying into the half of the door we just finished*
Tohru: Then why don't you let us help you out?
Kagura: Don't worry. I can handle a simple meal on my own. *she put her backpack down & went into the kitchen* Kyo dear, hope you're looking forward to it.
*She closed the doors*
Shigure: Kyo, dear. *Kyo was unconscious* You should have time to fix that door.
*I went to go help him*
*A few hours later, the table was set . . . With what I can only describe as a feast*
Tohru: Wow! This is incredible! I can't believe you just whipped up such a nice meal.
Kagura: Oh, stop.
Yuki: Looks great, but how many people are you feeding?
*Shigure stood in front of the fridge, which was completely empty*
Shigure: So much for our groceries.
Kazuko:*in his mind* I hope the store is open this late.
Kagura: I was so excited about feeding my true love, that I may have gotten a little carried away.
Tohru: Oh, speaking of Kyo, where is he?
Yuki: Probably upstairs.
Kagura: I'll go get him!
*She ran upstairs, singing the whole way*
Kazuko:*in his mind* I have a bad feeling about this.
*I took out my phone & started to look up a nearby take-out restaurant, just in case. Soon, we all heard shouting & crashing upstairs. Then both, Kyo came crashing through the ceiling, landing on the table & destroying our dinner*
Tohru: Oh, my gosh! Should we get some help!?
Yuki: Well, great. The feast is ruined.
*Kagura poked her head through the ceiling*
Kagura: Oh no!
*Shigure had tears in his eyes*
Shigure: Why does Everyone destroy my house?
*Kagura immediately came downstairs*
Kagura: I'm sorry, I'll make more food right away!
*Started to head back into the kitchen*
Kazuko: You can't. *she stopped* You used up all the food to make
*She realized I was
Kagura: Right . . . I'm sorry.
Kazuko: No worries. I had a feeling something like this would happen, so I went head and found nearby take-out restaurant. Just tell me what you want.
*Kyo got up from the wrecked table*
Kyo: Go home already.
*She looked like she was ready to cry & ran away*
Tohru: Kagura, wait!
Shigure: Stay here. I've got this one.
*He left to go talk to her. Then, Tohru & I started cleaning up the mess*
Yuki: I guess we should order takeout.
Kyo: I'll have katsudo.
Kazuko: Alright.
*I started to take my phone back out*
Tohru: No, please! Wait a little bit longer.
*Tohru wanted to go help Kagura pay for the groceries. I went with her, just in case. When we got to the store, Kagura was already paying her groceries*
Cashier: That'll be 3700 yen.
Kagura: Got it.
*She started to reach for something, but realized she forgot her bag. We both took out our wallets & took out the money*
Tohru: Here. We'll take care of it, sir.
*We both turned to her with smiles*
*Tohru & I bought a few more things & then we headed home*
Kazuko: Would you like me to carry some of that?
Kagura: I've got it. Hey, Tohru.
Tohru: Yes!
Kagura: Do you like Kyo?
*Tohru started having a mini freak out*
Tohru: Oh, that's a tough one! You know, if it's a yes or no question, then I of course I like him, but . . . I sort of always have. Even when I was little I loved the car in the Zodiac story. Because of that . . . You could call me a Year of the Cat fan, I guess.
*Kagura stopped & turned to her*
Kagura: So you're a fan?
Tohru: That's right. When we heard the Zodiac story, all I wanted was to be a Year of the Cat.
Kagura: I think . . . I get it.
Kazuko: Yeah. But I don't that even compares to you and Kyo. You guys have practically known each other since you were kids, right?
Kagura: That's true. I first met him when we were kids. He was drawing a fried egg in the dirt.
Tohru: A fried egg?
Kagura: Yeah.
*She had a look as nostalgia in her eyes*
Tohru: That look . . . I can tell you've always liked him.
Kazuko: Me too.
Kagura: Hey, Tohru, Kazuko. I wanna thank you. For coming to find me.
*Tohru came up to her & took one of her bag handles*
Tohru: Come on. We should get home. I bet everyone's gotta be starving by now.
*Kagura looked surprised & them smiled*
Kagura: Yeah!
*The girls started up the path, giggling the whole way. I stayed behind them & watched them with a smile, glad that they were becoming friends*
Tohru: So, what are you gonna make?
Kagura: I was thinking hamburger steaks.
Kazuko: That sounds good.
Tohru: I'd love to help if you want.
Kagura: Yes, please do.
Kazuko: My mouth is already watering.
*We soon arrived*
Kazuko: We're home.
Tohru: Hey, everyone.
Shigure: And we're saved. Welcome back you three.
Tohru: Kagura and I will get dinner together as fast as we can. *she turned to Kagura* I'll follow your lead. Let's not waste any time, kay?
Kagura: Right.
*Yuki & Shigure looked surprised at their behavior. I just smiled & sat down next to Yuki*
Yuki: You're not going to help them?
Kazuko: Nah. They got this covered.
*An hour later, I could smell the hamburger steaks cooking*
Kagura: Kay, these are almost ready. Could you go ahead and set the table, maybe?
Tohru: I'm already on it. *she came up to us with plates* Dinner's about to be served.
Shigure: Smells heavenly.
Tohru: Where'd Kyo go?
Yuki: He went upstairs a while ago and hasn't come down yet.
*Tohru went upstairs to get him. I decided to let her handle this one. An hour later, they came back down*
Tohru: Thank you for waiting.
Shigure: You took so long I thought I was going to pass out.
Tohru: Sorry about that.
*Kagura put a plate in front of Kyo*
Kagura: Here. *Kyo looked surprised as her gentleness* This one's . . . Yours.
*His had a fried egg on top*
Shigure: What's this? Why did Kyo get a fried egg on top of his?
Kazuko: Looks good. Let's eat before it gets cold.
Shigure: Thanks for the food.
Tohru: Thank you, Kagura.
*We all started eating*
Yuki: This is delicious.
Kazuko: It really is.
Tohru: So good.
Shigure: My taste buds are so happy!
*Kyo just stared at his plate for a while. Then he poked the yoke with his chopsticks & started eating. I could tell he was hiding how my he loved it*
Tohru:*to Kagura* What are you waiting for? Have a seat and join us.
*She looked surprised & them smiled*
Kagura: Sure!
*We all enjoyed a peaceful, delicious meal together*
Shigure: It's getting late, Kagura. It would probably be best if you spent the night.
Kagura: Really!? Yay, let's share a bed, Kyo!
Kyo: Not on your life!
Kagura: Aw, no need to be shy.
*Kyo growled*
*The next morning, me, Tohru, Yuki, & Kyo were already getting ready for school. But Kagura was making it difficult because she was all over Kyo*
Kagura: Today we must part. Please be well, my love. I'll come back to see you soon.
Kyo: I'll be fine as long as you stay as far away from me as possible.
Tohru: Well, they're in high spirits this morning.
Kazuko: Maybe a little too much.
Shigure: So, what's your guess? Did you figure out Kagura's year?
Tohru:*gasp* No I didn't.
Kazuko: I think I may a some idea.
Kyo: Would you leave me alone!?
*Kagura let go of him*
Kagura: Fine, just for that, you're not even getting a kiss goodbye!
*She was about to slap him, but he caught her*
Kyo: I'm not going to take anymore of your punches.
*But she quickly pulled off a standing body slam & sent back into the TV, breaking it*
Shigure: My TV!
*Then it exploded. Kagura ran to the door with tears in her eyes*
Kagura: I can't believe him! How can he be so mean!? But *she punched the door, breaking it* I love him so much!
*Suddenly, we all saw the paperboy standing outside & gasped in terror. She collided into him & a puff of pink smoke appeared. But Yuki quickly flew in & pushed him back. I swear I saw him blushing*
Yuki: Oh, good morning. How can I help you, sir?
Paper Boy: Oh, I, uh, forgot to deliver your paper. Thank you!
Shigure: Perfect save.
Tohru: Sohma's even more dazzling than usual this morning.
Kyo: That . . . Was a close one.
Kazuko: You said it.
Kyo: Be more careful, Kagura.
Kagura: Sorry. *when the smoke cleared, we saw a little baby boat in Kagura's place* I didn't know there'd be a man on the other side of the door.
*Tohru picked her up*
Tohru: Okay, I've figured out her year. It turns out her Zodiac animal is the Year of the Boar.
Shigure: I don't think this counts as figuring it out. And yet you seem so pleased with yourself. *he turned to me* Was that your guess?
Kazuko: Actually, my guess was the ox.
Shigure: Nope. Not even close.
Tohru: This makes perfect sense. When you have a goal, it's all you can think about. This must be the boar's influence on you.
Shigure: That's less of a deduction and more of a fact.
*But she didn't seem to hear him because she was so happy*
Tohru: I've gotta hug you! *she gave Kagura a big hug* You're the cutest little piggy I could ever imagine.
Shigure: She's ignoring me.
Kazuko: Yep.
Tohru: Hey Kagura. I think I kinda see now. At first I didn't understand what could make you live Kyo so much. But after last night, I tell there are a bunch of great things about him. *Kagura flinched* I hope I can see more of them.
Kazuko: Tohru . . . You're making it sound like . . .
*Suddenly, Kagura got angry & attacked Kyo*
Kagura: HOW DARE YOU CHEAT ON ME! *Tohru got nervous while the rest of us watched* I knew it! I can't take my eyes off you for a single second!
Kyo: What are you talking about!?
Shigure: I thought you said you'd forgive his affairs.
Kagura: I never said he wouldn't be punished first!
Tohru: Excuse me. I think there's a misunderstanding. *Kagura stopped & looked at her* I meant that I want to become someone more like you who able to see the good in people even when it's not always obvious. Does that make sense?
Kagura: You mean it? Like for real?
Tohru: Yeah. I think it's a fantastic trait to have. Don't you?
*She looked at my sister with gleaming eyes & blushing cheeks. Suddenly, she turned back. I quickly covered my eyes*
Kagura: Yeah. I do.
Kyo: Put some clothes on!
Shigure: You need more training, dummy.
*Me, Tohru, Yuki, & Kyo all walked Kagura to the bottom of the hill & ran off*
Kagura: See you later, darling!
*Tohru & I waved her goodbye. Kyo looked completely exhausted*
Tohru: Let's get together real soon!
Kazuko: Get home safely.
Kyo: Hurricane Kagura has passed . . .
Yuki: Darn it. With all this chaos at home, I didn't get to plant anything.
Tohru: So are you going to grow something new at your secret base?
Yuki: Yeah. Strawberries.
Tohru: Really!? I love strawberries!
Yuki: I'd hoped you might like them.
*Her face started to turn red. Kyo then tapped her head with a fist*
Kyo: We're gonna be late.
*He & I started to walk ahead*
Kazuko: Whatever you say, Dad.
Kyo: Watch it.
*Later that day, Tohru & I were in the library, picking up some books. Tohru got cooks on gardening & martial arts. I got some new cook books. We both took them to the counter*
Kazuko: We'll take these.
Librarian: Alright. One moment.
*I looked at Tohru, who had big smile on her face. I knew she was getting those books so she can learn more about Yuki & Kyo. Which I'm glad for. They've been good to us and I hope we can all become even better friends in the future. Just then, our homeroom teacher came in*
Ms. Shiraki: Oh, there you are. *we turned to the door* Hondas, there's a call for you in the staff room.
*We both went to the staff room & answered the call together*
Tohru: Hello? I hope you weren't waiting long.
Kazuko: Oh, Grandpa. *just then, he said three words that shook is down to our core. We both dropped our books**in his mind* I guess we'd gotten too comfortable. We both knew our living situation was temporary, but . . . I guess we both fooled ourselves into believing that we could all be a family . . .
Note: To everyone confused by my actions lately. I've decided I'm just going to publish a chapter to a story whenever I have one ready.