Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Beginnings ❯ Chapter 14 ( Chapter 14 )

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I don't own fruits basket.

The story's ending soon. SOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beginnings

Carpetfibers

Chapter 14

"Cover your head, baka. You stand out too much."

"Don't order me around!"

"Don't yell; you're drawing too much attention."

"I'm not yelling!"

"If you could be quiet for at least five minutes the chances of forgetting you're even here would increase."

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Say it again!"

"Baka neko."

"Kuso nezumi…" But the words died off. In the past, this would be the point in which one of them would throw a fist. Now though, there was to be only one fight left. And they were racing towards that appointment at 200 km an hour.

Tohru had booked them passage on a train two weeks ago, insisting that they go first class. Somehow she had been saving up money from her job at the library and she refused to be coddled. Yuki had finally given in, seeing how desperately she was trying to keep a happy face about their leaving; their leaving and her staying behind.

It had been Kyou who had insisted on that part of the bargain. He didn't trust what would happen if she were to come. While he didn't voice any specific reasons, both he and Yuki could easily imagine what kind of leverage Akito might try to use on them. The farther away Tohru was from his grasp, the higher their chances of returning to her would be. Plus, Kyou had argued, she still needed to take her final exams for graduation.

The scene was quickly changing outside of the train's windows. The steep green cliffs of Chiyo had been left far behind, and now rolling hills and mountains filled the landscape. Yuki remembered Tohru's simple amazement with watching these changes when they had gone to Dayu. It felt like an eternity ago, having held her hand and laughed, searching out the parks and sipping black tea. That moment had mirrored most everything in his life. Slight bits of happiness clouded by his family and the re-entrance of their reality. This curse- being one of the jyuunishi- it was double barbed.

Of course though, it was nothing he wasn't used to already. But his fear had grown- his fear of losing Tohru, of losing what she had given and continued to give him by her simple presence. She had loosened his heart, and given him the one thing he hadn't known or felt in too long- hope. He had hope. He actually believed that Kyou would beat him, and Akito would finally have no hold over either of them. That finally, finally, he would be free.

Tohru had argued back in her own way, stubbornly holding onto the belief that despite his past actions and words, at heart, Akito was simply a sad, lonely little boy. How it was she had the room in her heart to forgive him so easily… Maybe that's how she was able to accept them, to accept him despite all the walls he put up daily; one moment ice, the other tentatively reaching out. To either approach she readily accepted him, smiling upwards, and always loving.

But if she fully knew…if she fully knew the nightmares that filled his past, that pathetic thing that was his childhood- would she be so willing, so understanding, so forgiving? Would she be able to brush away all those layers of dirt and still see him? And would he be able to forgive her for forgiving him? The one thing he could never do, never admit to, ever allow- his past could not be forgiven. He could not be forgiven.

This rebirthing of hope within his breast- it had been of her making. Entirely of her making. Yuki seldom thought of those years of near captivity, caught between family duty and self preservation. Those memories only resurged in his sleep, bits and pieces of too white teeth and hollow smiles merging into shadowed rooms and cold hands. The man who looked more like him than his brother, the man who claimed to treasure him above all else, the man who swore to love him as closer than kin- that man had been the one to break every piece of faith within him; to take away the dreams of his youth and fill them only with thoughts of escape and survival.

Oh, yes, Akito played the too perfect villain, didn't he? The spoiled child given all his wants and desires, but on condition. He would carry the family's weight- the curse and its eventual death. So he was to be indulged, acknowledged, and obeyed. When Akito destroyed, he was to be loved. When he punched, he was to loved. When he screamed, he was to be loved. When he took away all semblance of hope and trust and faith, he was to be loved. It was the unspoken credo. To all this be true-love, honor and obey. It was a faithless and choice-less marriage.

But that was all of the past. Yuki didn't want to understand the workings of that man's heart or mind. He wanted nothing to do with that person. He only wanted to return to Tohru's waiting smile and the small home he had created with her. He could deal with having that cat there too, even. It was a small price to pay to have a chance at happiness. However fleeting it may be this time around.

Yuki brushed a piece of loose hair from his face. He wondered how his cousins would react to his and Kyou's reappearance. How Akito would react…

He glanced up into the window, staring at his mirrored reflection in the glare. He was a man now. He could feel in the movement of his arms, in the small creases that curved around his lips when he smiled. He wouldn't be kowtowed any longer by his fears. If anything, he'd strike out fully, without any defense. He'd take these hands of his and seize what it was he wanted, with no fear.

His eyes widened almost indiscernibly. Yuki was sounding like that guy… A smile crept itself out across his lips, a muffled laugh following it. Soon the laugh matured and forced its way entirely out. The unusual sound echoed in the train's cabin, and Kyou's head jerked up. He stared first in shock at the laughing Yuki in front of him, and then his red eyes narrowed. What was that guy laughing about? There was nothing funny about their situation!

"Oi- quit laughing!" he snapped.

The laughing only increased, as Yuki gave up entirely.

"Hey!" But Kyou couldn't stay annoyed. Rather than give Yuki the satisfaction of seeing him laugh as well, he ducked his head under his sweatshirt and sprawled out across the seat.

Yuki wiped away at the water that had gathered in his eyes as the humor faded from his lungs. The scenery outside the window was growing familiar. It was close now.

And suddenly nothing felt worth laughing over.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The afternoon speed train pulled into the station smoothly, exactly on schedule for its 3 pm arrival. The arrival podium was unusually empty for the day; normally, the station would be packed with commuters and families returning from over night trips to the coast. Instead, the smoothly lined cobblestones had few walkers. Leaning against the Europeanesque brick wall, a suited man hid behind the shadows, obviously waiting. His darkened eyes searched among the debarking passengers, quickly spotting a flash of red, and behind it, a contrasting flash of grey.

Stepping out into the criss cross patterned squares of light, he intercepted them, a muted smile on his lightly tanned face.

"Yuki, Kyou. Welcome back."

Yuki stepped back automatically, more than a little surprised. Beside him, Kyou mirrored the action.

"Kazuma-sensei?"

The dojo master nodded calmly, his brown eyes loosening in relief. He hadn't openly voiced his concern over the long absence, but many of his nights had been spent in worry. But- and the boy in front of him scowled in an effort to bite back a smile- Kyou looked better than he had ever seen him. His adopted son had grown into a man.

But talks over the missing weeks would have to be saved for later. He had been sent to pick them up on specific instructions. Akito was waiting.

"I have a car waiting." He gestured gracefully up the stairs to the main station. Yuki nodded and started in the direction but Kyou hung back. He was confused by his Shishou's presence.

"Shishou!" He winced at the loudness of his call. He hadn't meant to yell.

"Yes, Kyou?" As always, the older man answered with patience, and that infinite understanding.

"Why are you here?" This time the question came softly. Yuki stopped and turned around to watch.

Kazuma shrugged slightly, a small smile on his lips. "I was sent."

In the background, the whistle blew, announcing the train's departure. The howl of wind that accompanied its leaving swept across their faces, slowing each second as if to finite moments.

"How'd he know we were coming back?" This time the soft query came from Kyou's polar opposite. Kazuma turned slightly, that same steady smile gracing his lips.

"I was told a little bird sang of your return." And with that answer, he returned to mounting the steps.

A little bird… both knew immediately what was meant by that phrase. It was no little bird parse, but rather the one member of their family who was held in as much shadow and intrigue as Akito himself.

The real question to all of this was rather how had Kureno come to know of their return?

And that naturally brought on the question of what else would lie in surprise for them?

But as it was with all questions of this nature, their answers would come when the time arose, and both followed behind Kazuma, one holding the leftovers of Tohru's carefully made lunch, and the other gripping tightly onto his wrist where a string of beads throbbed angrily against his skin.

The time was drawing near.

* * * * * * * * * *

There was no fanfare awaiting them, nor any greetings of welcome or fine returns. Instead, Kazuma directed them to the far reaches of the expansive grounds. The stone path felt eerily familiar to Kyou, and an uncanny sense of déjà vu overwhelmed him. He felt as if he was stepping into a memory too many times repeated. This foreboding spirit only increased as they faded deeper into the tall pines that lined the outskirts of the Sohma family grounds. The crisp sound of their feet clacking against the stone; the tangy fragrance of citrus blossoms wafting lazily; even the almost shaded hue of cornflower overhead- each tiny aspect grew in detail until he felt as if each bit was being ingrained into memory.

As if he'd never see or hear or smell the sensations again.

Too abruptly, the path ended, and a large clearing filled the space. Beneath a peeling eucalyptus tree sat Akito, the thin green leaves falling gently with each slight press of wind. Behind him stood Kureno, his stony face etched into non description. Kazuma nodded them on, gently taking the small basket from Yuki's limp hand. Kyou could sense his apprehension and wariness, understanding it all too well.

Akito rose slowly from his chair, leaning heavily forward as if too weak to even stand. But his voice had lost none of its strength. He rang out clearly across the evenly cut grass, lighting onto the wind, resonating.

"You're a day early." The statement boomed out more as an accusation than anything else. And as expected, there was no reply.

"But its just as well. Yuki-" Yuki started violently, the long unheard voice shuddering him into reality. "After this is finished, you and I will need to talk."

Again this was said with little want of reply. But surprisingly, Yuki found his own voice.

"We'll be leaving after this, Akito-san."

A frown filled the Sohma head's features, and his eyes narrowed in anger. Obviously, he hadn't expected to have his call for obedience so quickly challenged.

"We'll discuss any departure plans afterwards-"

"I said: we'll be leaving after this. Immediately."

The repressed anger from before resurfaced and reared its ugly head. Summoning upon years of dominance and will bending, Akito issued forth his order.

"You will do as I say! Now begin!"

It barely registered on Kyou's mind just what was to 'begin.' But as Yuki stepped back with his left foot and raised an arm defensively, it all dawned down upon him. This was how it was to be? He and Yuki in a field surrounded by trees? The deciding moments of his life were to be inconsequential as all this?

The irony of the moment, the complete level of figurative idiomatic oxymorons brought into reality crashed down on him, and anger took its place. Fine then. Just fucking fine then.

His right foot fell behind him, and he too stood defensively. A trickle of sweat slipped down his spine, the goose bumps left in its wake tingling with awareness.

Without warning, he darted forward, the compulsion to win overwhelming him. Each feint and push came as a dance. In his mind came only a solid litany of reasons to win, reasons to fight, reasons to push- push- push forward!

He's a monster.

Not any more, not ever again. Yuki's knee connected sharply with his jaw and stars swarmed his vision, but he kept moving forward, crashing a fist into Yuki's overly sensitive stomach. A thick grunt came in reply.

She simply couldn't live with such a thing around her. And she used to look so happy too! Its only to be expected; I mean, could you stand having a demon as your son?

A resounding crack filled his ears and his entire right arm numbed from the elbow down. Something had broken there, but he was beyond the pain. How much time had passed? Minutes? Hours? Seconds?

Too many questions, too much thinking- and he was up again, his limp right arm hanging uselessly at his side. But he still had his left. He swung around, kicking out sharply at Yuki's knees, but the rat was too quick and simply dodged the blow, instead laying a heavy handed knock to the back of Kyou's head.

Darkness swarmed up to his eyes, and a second turned into centuries. Was he falling? He couldn't fall-

I don't know what I want for the future. Hana-chan wanted to become a police officer, and Uo-chan wanted to become a social worker. I never thought I could be anything like that. When I think of the future, I only want to be with you. Cook for you, talk with you, laugh with you, even have you yell at me. I think that would make me happier than anything. Even if I no longer knew of your curse, I would still want that. Even if my memory was gone, somewhere inside of my heart, I'd feel unfulfilled unless I had you in my life. Kyou-kun, Yuki-kun- this would be my happiness, my future. So come home. Promise me that you'll come home.

- he had made a promise.

A growl escaped his lips, the words slurred from the blood filling his mouth.

"I made a promise!"

And the darkness fled. Crying out in pain, he pushed his limp arm back into its socket. Panting heavily, his red eyes flared at the gray haired man in front of him. His nemesis, his obstacle- his friend, his brother. He would win.

Breaking the stare, he turned his face towards the two men in the shade of the trees, taking his attention off of Yuki. He caught the brown black eyes of the man who had denied him of everything all his life. He caught those deadened eyes and felt a rush of victory. A smile filled his face as a rush of air drew him back into the fight. Yuki's fist appeared before his eyes and Kyou swung out instinctively with his wounded right arm, connecting solidly.

Yuki's azure eyes met his own as he fell, gratitude filling them before the lids shut and his head slammed into the earth.

The hurts and pains that covered his worn body slipped away into nothingness as realization flooded him. He had won; he had won!

By all things holy, he had won!

Kyou sank to his knees, the need to see Tohru's face overwhelming him. He was free! Akito could no longer have any hold over him. And even that guy- maybe he'd find some peace away from Akito. And his Shishou got to see him!

He reared his head around, searching for his sensei's figure from among the trees. Too caught up in relishing his win; too caught up in his plans for a probable future; Kyou failed to see the club that hit him from behind. He was unconscious before his head hit the grass next to Yuki's own unconscious body.

Kazuma dropped the club, guilt filling his handsome features. The boy he had raised had finally beaten Yuki, but he couldn't be allowed to be free after this. There was simply too much danger- danger to the family, and to Kyou. It was simply the way things were. The cat was locked up until his death; it was the only way to prevent any possible resurgence of that vengeful spirit held captive.

These rationalizations didn't ease his pain though. Beside him, Kureno picked up the dropped club. He waited patiently for the questions Kazuma wanted to ask.

Softly they came, as expected.

"Is this really necessary?"

"It is tradition; it is the way things are done."

"But does Kyou really pose that much of a danger?"

Kureno didn't answer at first. Dishonesty wasn't really a trait for him, especially when it really wasn't necessary.

"No, he doesn't"

"Then why?" Kazuma asked, his eyes staring at his red haired son.

"Akito ordered it as so."

And the world turns round. Why is the sky blue? Because Akito ordered it! And why do mother birds push their babies out of the nest? Because Akito ordered it! So why then does the sun rise every morning? Because Akito ordered it, sweetie. He's god after all.

"I understand." A sigh much older than his age escaped from him as he picked up the unconscious boy. Kureno nodded as Kazuma took the boy towards the house that was to be Kyou's walled prison for the rest of his life.

"I'm sure you're aware that it was foolish of you to think that girl could break the curse."

Kazuma's shoulders slumped forward. Kureno's words only added to his guilt. Perhaps it had been foolish to hope.

Of course though, most hopes are foolish.

"I want you to bring Yuki to my rooms. I'm going to talk to him as soon as he awakens."

Akito had regained some of his strength and now walked unaided down the stone path, Kureno following behind him, Yuki in his grip. There was only one loose end left to take care of.

"Tohru Honda; she'll need to be collected promptly, Kureno."

"Yes, Akito-san. I'll continue to search immediately."

* * * * * * * * * * *

The sound of squeaking pencils and stilted breaths filled the room. The blank walls stood out oppressively white, while the fans overhead echoed loudly. Tohru leaned her head against her answer sheet, sending out a small prayer to her mother. Despite her promise to not worry, her mind had stayed stubbornly on her two missing house mates. Even when figuring out that one really complicated theorem, the background of her mind rested on them.

The last two weeks before they had left had been horrible. She knew that trying to dissuade them from going was impossible, so she had tried convincing them to bring her along. Of course though her suggestion had been cut down- and from both sides at that. Still though, the house felt unbearably empty; making dinner was more of chore than anything now; and she wanted only to spend her days in bed, sleeping out the minutes until their return.

It had been a week since their departure- a whole week! Yuki had said to not count on hearing from them for some while, but still. She sighed loudly, gaining her some dirty looks from a boy on her right. She smiled weakly and then returned to staring at her completed answer sheet. She had done a good deal of thinking in their absence- and most of it had been centered on one person.

She had always been confused by him. Yuki was frightened by him, and Kyou hated him, yet sought his approval at the same time. Shigure always spoke of him respectfully, and Hatori spoke of him as he would of an elder, or a parent. But from her few meetings with him, Tohru had always found him to be much less than the others had made him out to be. Not that she was saying he was lowly or anything like that!

No, rather she thought Akito was more like herself. She recognized that same need for protection, for guarding one's heart, in him. While she had hidden her fears behind a smile, he had hidden his behind a façade of authority. How could anyone leave him alone if they were afraid of the repercussions? At least that's what Tohru thought.

The more she considered it, the more believable it came to her. Really, how could anyone have missed it? Akito was just a frightened little boy who wanted to be loved. When you put him in that light, it was easy to forgive him. And that must be why he had tried to hurt her- he was afraid she would take away the jyuunishi's love for him.

She leaned back against her chair, stretching out her taut legs. The rough line of denim rubbed against her skin, reminding her of just where she was- and where she wasn't. What had happened to them? Had Kyou beaten Yuki? When would they be coming home? Would she be able to see any of her friends again? And what about Haru, and Momiji and Kisa and Hatori- and everyone else? How were they?

There were a million questions that she longed to ask and have answered. A new one had been added to her list however. In just three weeks, the three year anniversary of her mother's death would arrive. More than anything, she wanted to return to that gravesite, show her mother the diploma she had earned, and finally say good bye. Finally say good bye…

Another sigh escaped, and another dirty look given by that snotty nosed boy on her right. Beyond that, beyond saying good bye, there was a whole future awaiting her. She could do anything, go anywhere, become anyone! And she would have her family with her. This time a smile came to her lips. Her family- she could make that her job! To make them happy always, to ensure that in everything they could have happiness. Of all the futures she could visualize, that was the one that suited her best.

It might not seem like anything special or important, but of all the things her mother had taught her, it was that to make others happy was the greatest happiness. And truly, Tohru never felt more alive, more vibrant, more happy than when she drew a smile from Kyou or that flash of understanding from Yuki's eyes. Certainly, that was it! That was her future! And she would work hard; yes, she would.

"I'll do it! I'll work hard, I promise!" She raised a fist up in the air, accenting her exclamation. But then her eyes opened and she remembered where she was- the school gym, the test center- and she sat down scarlet faced.

A small titter of laughter filled the air, overcoming the fans' heavy drone as Tohru tried desperately to shrink under her desk. The instructor shook his head disapprovingly, but smiled nevertheless.

Maaa…how embarrassing!

* * * * * * * * * * *

He was awake long before he actually opened his eyes. He wanted to have full control of his faculties before showing his awareness. After that last punch, in the half second before he had hit the ground, a doubt had filled his mind. It was that doubt that fully matured as he became aware of his surroundings, and of the person who waited for his awakening.

Akito's room- Akito's presence. Something had gone terribly wrong; and it was completely their fault. How foolish could he- could Kyou- could they have been? To trust such an agreement- obviously the whole thing had been construed as a means of enjoyment for the clan leader. Akito had absolutely no reason for creating such a bargain in the first place, as he was the one to gain all and lose nothing. All along, Kyou was to be locked up either way.

And they had both been too foolish, too trusting, too faithful to see the truth of it.

"I know you're awake, Yuki. I suggest you sit up."

Yuki slowly opened his eyes, their blue grey irises shrinking in size. Different aches called out angrily as he pulled himself up. That was some beating Kyou had given him. Hopefully he had returned the favor equally.

Before him, Akito was dressed formally in western attire, his dark blue suit almost mirroring the one suit Shigure had hidden away in his closet. Once his attention was fully gained, Akito continued on.

"You have a choice: you can stay here by my side-"

"No." Yuki cut him off impatiently, the word just slightly slurred from his worn jaw.

"-or you can see that girl, Tohru Honda, face a similar fate to that cat."

All other protests died on his lips. They knew where she was? Where Tohru was? Or was this just a bluff, another little trick played by one who had spent too many years doing such things?

"Its very simple, Yuki. If you agree to stay, you must be by my side at all times. You'll break off all contact with that disgusting creature, and you will not attempt to contact that girl. If any of these conditions are at any time broken, you will still stay by my side, you will still not be allowed any contact with that thing, but your little play mate will find herself hidden away in a place where not even rats would find enjoyable company."

A pleasant smile filled his pale face, and he cocked his head almost playfully. He already knew what answer Yuki would give him. The bastard.

There really was no choice. It wasn't too much to give up really. Its not like he would be locked up like that cat. He'd have his take of the entire grounds, and he'd have his cousins as well. Everything would be just fine. And in time, Tohru would eventually realize that they weren't returning. Maybe Sanzo-san would ask her out, and -

"I'd like an answer."

Yuki bowed forward, a sign of respect, as his head stopped just above the tatami mats.

"I'll stay with you, Akito-san."

A delighted laugh rang through the room, the sound causing a shudder to travel up his spine.

"Surely you remember, Yuki- its Akito-sama."

And all was black as he let the two pains overwhelm him. It was hard to say just which was worse though- the wounds Kyou had inflicted, or the ones that were just forming with the dawning of Akito's ultimatum.

I'm sorry to break my promise, Tohru. I would have wanted to say just once more, and hear once more those words.

But all was gone; even thought. Most thankfully thought.

* * * * * * * * * *

Author's notes:

Wow, you guys! Another tardy update! Whoohoo- I have only one day left of work, and that's tomorrow. Thank god!

I promise though, on my next chapter to include thank you's to all my reviewers- extended ones that is. For now though, let me mention by name all of you who've really encouraged me thus far.

Twilight Kitsune; Weissangel24; Candyland (didn't you just love that?); Merei-chan; Sarien aka Sailor Emerald; Mercury angel; WW; kcarrie; Serena B; shadypony; Starzie chick (longest review I've received yet! You get a doorprize); Sailor knight shadow star; Electrakitty; Akari Sennyami; Gie; dark demigoddess; and Cybeleflame!

Thanks so madly much guys! I love you muchly!

Ja!