Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Buried Secrets: The Memoirs of a Sohma ❯ Moving Towards Fate ( Chapter 14 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

BURIED SECRETS: The Memoirs of a Sohma
A Fruits Basket Fanfic

Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess


AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Welcome to Year Three. A new school year is starting. The secret behind the mysterious necklace is revealed. And Sierra faces the final chapters before she comes face to face with fate. A Standard Disclaimer appears at the end of the chapter.


Chapter 14 - Moving Towards Fate


My last year of school began like the past two. The only difference this year was that I walked to school all by myself. It took some getting used to, but I actually enjoyed the quiet. Gave me time to think, you know. I had a future to think about. Would I go on to college? Would I stay in Japan? Just what did I want to do after I graduated high school?

What's the meaning of life? Why is the sky blue?

Those kinds of things.

Some of my classmates were still depressing themselves over Yuki's death. I was still relatively depressed myself, but I gained a bit of positivity during the class trip that seemed to trickle over into the start of classes. True that knowing my cousin was gone was a real downer, but I had gotten to see Tohru, if only for an instant, and that gave me the courage I needed.

Many from Momiji's fanclub were depressed as well. The object of their affection had moved on to college. But they seemed to deal with it quite well and even found some J-rocker to dote over in the meantime. Momiji seemed a bit flustered by this, but otherwise unaffected. He was, after all, now an adult.

A cute, bubbly, and incredibly childish acting adult.

"I'll always be a kid at heart."

I think he'll always be a kid period.

Oh what a day that was, seeing Momiji off at the airport!

He was accepted to a very high profile school in Germany and looking forward to studying business law. When I asked, why Germany, my cousin smiled at me. It's where his mother was born and raised. It wouldn't hurt to learn more about his heritage, he'd said.

Have I ever mentioned that Momiji's mother doesn't even remember being his mother?

It's a long story...and not really mine to tell.

There was enough luggage packed into Hatori's car to make me jealous. It took myself and Hatori, along with Momiji to check his bags. But unlike me, I think he packed everything he owned.

"What did you put in here? The kitchen sink?!"

"Wait, let me get that one, Sei-chan!"

It made me wonder if he ever planned on returning.

We were silent as we headed for the security gate. I wondered briefly is the sadness I felt at seeing Momiji go was the same my parents felt when I left for Japan. How depressing!

"My first break is in August," Momiji said as we sat down to eat a light lunch. "But it's only for two weeks."

"That sucks," was my response. Slightly sarcastic but even more sad.

Momiji chuckled. "I'll be home for New Year's though. Don't worry."

I gave him a wry smile. "You'd better."

He smiled back. "I'll keep in touch."

"You'd better do that, too," I warned.

"I will," he said, raising his hand. "I promise."

"I'll miss you." I just couldn't bring myself to say 'good-bye'. Besides, it wasn't good-bye. He'd be home. He promised.

"I'll miss you too," he replied, forcing a smile.

"Have a safe trip Momiji," I said.

As much as I wanted to hug him, I couldn't. Sensing this, he gave me a good-bye kiss on my forehead. He waved to us from the security gate and Hatori and I watched until he had entered the terminal and was well on his way. Then we left the airport and headed back to Shigure's.

Gods, but I missed him already. New Year's couldn't come soon enough!

Thankfully I had a stuffed bunny to keep me company, courtesy of one Momiji Sohma.

He left it Hatori's car on purpose.



Being a class representative for school wasn't difficult, but it felt like a lot of work sometimes. The first few weeks of the new semester kept me busy. Since I stayed late most nights, including Fridays, my tea sessions with Akito had pretty much come to a halt. I don't think he was happy with this, but I didn't care. I had a responsibility to my class. The idiots voted me into office after all.

Two months into the semester things started to settle. It was then that I told Hatori that if Akito would still like to have me for tea, I would be able to attend. Why I made the offer instead of waiting for him to come to me, I don't know. I think the idea of him coming to me was more than scary, although he'd done it on more than one occasion.

Akito now insisted on seeing me not once, but twice a week. There was little arguing I could do and Hatori said he was adamant. So I began seeing Akito twice a week, usually Tuesdays and Fridays. Our meetings were usually brief, long enough for a cup of tea and some cookies.

At our first sitting he looked very forlorn and tired. He was still suffering greatly from Yuki's death. I should have hated him, but all I could really feel was pity. He looked only a little better at each subsequent sitting, but he was improving.

So was his mood.

He no longer spoke of death and hatred. By our fifth meeting he actually offered me a smile and talked quite positively about the family business and how it was progressing. I really didn't care for such trivial matters, but it made him happy and I wasn't going to complain.

"Akito's happiness is our happiness," my uncle once said to me.

I know now, that that is not always true.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

It was the end of the fourth week I'd been making my meetings with Akito. School had let out early for parent/teacher conferences. Fortunately, Shigure had already made plans but scheduled a meeting for the following week. He wasn't going to do that much until I told him that my teacher was really cute, plus he'd have a chance to say hello to Mayuko-sensei. (It had come out in chance conversation that he knew my former homeroom teacher...and it was good bribe material.)

When I got home, my uncle had already left for his appointment. I fixed up a quick snack, did some homework and wrote a letter to a friend back home. Funny how I've lost touch with most of my old schoolmates. I just wish I felt guiltier over it.

The clock in the hall struck three and it was time to make my way over to the main house. I arrived at my usual time, but Kureno told me that Akito was already seeing someone. I was to wait in his office. In the meantime, he'd tell Akito that I was there and would come to get me when he was ready.

"Just sit tight," he told me. "I'll be back shortly."

"Okay."

You know, for some reason, I never figured Kureno as a messy person. His entire look screams "neat freak". And most businessmen are rather tidy, at least with their paperwork. My father was a prime example. He always left a mess in the living room yet his office was spotless.

But Kureno's office...oh gods, what a mess!

And just WHAT was that smell?

I did my best to wait for ten minutes. When Kureno didn't return, I dared a look out into the hallway. There was no one there. All the doors were closed. Against what I'd been told, I stepped out into the hallway and tip-toed down to Akito's room. Perhaps Kureno was still inside, caught up in whatever conversation was going on. The air in the hallway was nicer to breathe at any rate.

Light laughter caught my attention. There were two people in Akito's room. Akito -- I'd recognize that horrible little chuckle anywhere -- and someone sounding suspiciously like Shigure. I tried to convince myself it was Kureno, but when I heard him laugh again, I knew it was my uncle. Now this shouldn't have surprised me, knowing that Shigure meets with Akito on a regular basis.

"Tell me, Shigure, what do you think of my plan?"

"The next head of the house, Akito, you're getting ahead of yourself."

"I have to make sure my jyuunishi will be well cared for."

"You know you will be missed."

Laughter quickly faded into sober chuckles. "You still haven't commented on my plan, Shigure," Akito whined.

A pause. "It's brilliant. Although giving her the necklace was a bit premature on your part, I think it will work out as you wish."

I fingered the pendant around my neck. Were they talking about my necklace? The one Akito had given to me?

"I have chosen well, yes?"

"She's strong willed, clever, courageous...and she is my niece, so how could I say anything else?"

"I'm glad you convinced me to allow her to visit, Shigure."

"As am I."

Another pause. "Does she have a clue?"

"No."

"She doesn't know. Good!"

"It's a clever plan," Shigure complimented. "Passing the necklace to the woman who will bare the next head of the clan has always been a tradition." A pause. "Granted it's always been done on the wedding night."

My eyes widened and I had to place a hand over my mouth so I wouldn't scream. Goosebumps covered my flesh as Akito's "plan" dawned on me.

So THAT's what the necklace meant.

"I have to work quickly," Akito replied. "I don't know how much longer I have."

That's why some of my cousins were acting so strangely.

"You have plenty of time left," Shigure reassured soothingly. His voice crooned like I'd never heard before. "Don't rush it."

I hadn't been wrong when I thought Akito had staked a claim on me.

"But this must be perfect."

"And it will be."

"No mistakes."

No mistakes...save for one.

A door opened down the hall, causing me to turn away. Scared of being caught, I rushed back to Kureno's office. I missed whatever might have been said after that, but at the time I was convinced it didn't matter. I knew now why Akito had given me the necklace. Why he had been so obsessed with my wearing it.

But didn't I have a say in the matter?

I sat in Kureno's chair, nervously fingering the object in question. So badly I wanted to rip it off, to throw it away. I gripped the chain so tightly at one point that I felt as if I were choking myself.

And my uncle...he knew all along.

I cursed to myself and kicked the side of the desk, wincing as pain shot up my leg from the impact. What the hell was the desk made out of? Solid oak?! I pulled my foot inward, inspecting for broken toes.

"Sei-chan?"

I was startled by Kureno's return. He looked surprised by my reaction, me jumping nearly half a mile into the air and biting back a scream. But he smiled at me reassuringly and I relaxed...but only a little.

"Ah...hai?"

"Akito will see you now."

I said nothing to Akito about what I'd overheard, but I couldn't stop playing with the necklace, worrying with it. Akito noticed this, but said nothing. Instead he did his very best to please. He poured the tea instead of me. He tried to talk about things that would make me smile. He succeeded when he asked me about school. My friend Chidori had done the silliest thing the day before and I shared it with him. He laughed loudly, but honestly, proclaiming that that was the silliest thing he'd ever heard.

When I got home that night, the first thing I did was take off the necklace. Maybe if I was lucky, it would disappear overnight, like the one Haru had given me as a present. I went to sleep hoping that would be the case.

But when morning came, it was right where I left it.

Every morning for the week that followed, I vowed I was going to confront my uncle. Yet Shigure managed to avoid me like he did his editor. He kept himself locked -- yes locked -- in his study, coming out only to go to the bathroom. He took all of his meals in his room. I thought perhaps he was working on a large manuscript, cause when Thursday rolled around, he was no where to be found. He'd left a note saying he'd had a meeting with Mit-chan and that he would be home late. That was a blessing because I'd promised Chidori and Sakura that we'd go to the ice cream parlor after school.

The day dragged by. Lunch was too short and history too long. And there was a pop quiz in music theory to boot. By the time the final bell rang, I was looking forward to the ice cream shop. Momiji would've been proud of me too! Ordered one of his favorite kamikaze sundaes. How the hell does one person eat so much?! I was stuffed halfway through it! Chidori and Sakura split the rest.

It was close to seven when I finally arrived home. Surprisingly the house was dark. Well, uncle did say he'd be home late. I walked inside, dropping my bookbag by the table and immediately headed upstairs. I changed out of my school uniform and into a comfy pair of denim shorts and a t-shirt Arisa had given me that was twice my size. Pulling my hair back into a ponytail (it needed cut so badly), I walked back down the stairs.

Imagine my surprise when Shigure was waiting for me at the table.

"Shigure-otooji, I didn't think you were home yet."

"I just got in."

"Umm...well," I scratched the top of my head. "I sort of went out with friends after school, so I didn't make anything." I started for the kitchen. "But I can whip up something if you're hungry."

"Arigato, but I've already eaten."

"Oh, all right." I eyed him a little more closely, noting the straightforwardness of his tone. "Would you like anything to drink then?"

"Some water, please. I've done entirely too much talking today."

"All right." I left, returning with two tall glasses of water. Sitting his glass before him, I asked, "Did things with Mit-chan go well?"

"Oh yes," he seemed to brighten. "She was so surprised that I finished this one ahead of schedule the poor girl nearly fainted with happiness."

"I hope she won't expect that for a while," I commented.

"So do I," my uncle agreed, swallowing several large gulps of water.

I sipped at my water. "Did something else happen then?"

Shigure's eyes narrowed. "Why do you ask?"

"Because you're sitting there looking all serious and...stuff," I replied. "It's not like you."

"Sou do ne?"

"Hai."

"Maybe you should bring the sake from the kitchen, then. I could use a good drink."

"Oh no." I shook my head vehemently. "You hit that bottle so hard it's scary, and I am not calling Hatori-san to take care of your drunken butt." I leaned into the table. "Look if you're still upset about Yuki's death, then maybe...."

"It has nothing to do with that," he replied.

"I still think maybe you should talk to someone about it."

He sighed. "Just get the sake, onegai."

"Fine," I practically spat, standing. "Just don't get sick or--"

"*sigh* You have two days to pack your things."

I stopped mid-stride, almost to the kitchen when he spoke. Turning, his words sunk in and I know I looked astonished. Where the hell did THAT come from? Wide-eyed I barely managed to respond, "Nani?"

"You have two days to pack your things," he reiterated in an authoritative, yet miserable tone. "You'll be moving into the main house over the weekend."

"WHAT?!" My shout was loud and in clear English. I could never speak Japanese when I was angry. "Since WHEN--?!"

"It was decided today," Shigure said, his eyes downcast into his glass of water.

Shaking, from fear or anger I wasn't sure, I sat back down at the table. "Who decided?"

"Your father...." He took another quick sip then finished, "And Akito."

Lips trembling I asked, "Why--?"

He finally looked up at me, this mask of indifference on his face. "Akito believes that your experience here would be more complete, and that you'd learn more about the family, if you stayed at the main house."

"But I...I like staying here," I stammered.

"You'll continue attending Kaiwaia High," he said, as if I had not spoken. "It's your final year and you seem to be quite adjusted to the classes and students."

"Don't I get a say in this?"

"I will continue to stand in for your father when needed." Shigure shook his head. "You'll still be allowed to contact your parents whenever, but you will need permission to spend long hours away from the Honke...like spending the night at a friend's house. School, school activities, errands and short trips into town are acceptable as long as you stick to curfew."

This kept getting worse and I kept falling into this black pit in my mind. "Curfew?"

"And you can come to visit me whenever you wish," he finished, gulping down the rest of his water. "Sounds great, doesn't it?"

I just sat there and stared.

Great? GREAT?! It sounded like the ultimate punishment! What did I do to deserve it? I'd been nice to Akito despite my true feelings. I hadn't spoken of the curse to anyone, and I had no intention. What did I do? Did Akito think he was helping me? Did my uncle? Or were they simply being mean to spite me? Maybe if I'd just lose the necklace...!

"You will do no such thing!"

Umm...had I spoken that last thought out loud?

Judging from the look on Shigure's face -- that strange contort between surprise and anger -- I think I spoke more than just my last thought out loud.

Oops.

Angry, hurt and confused, I did the only thing I could think to do at the time.

I bolted.

Up the stairs and down the hallway in record time for me. I think my gym teacher would've been proud. I don't run that fast for class!

My uncle must've been right behind me. No sooner than I slam my door and latch the lock, he knocks. I threw myself on my bed and didn't bother to move. He knocked again. I told him to go away.

He said he was sorry.

I told him I didn't care.

He said he'd make me an ice cream sundae.

I told him to go to hell.

He told me it would be too hot for the ice cream.

I gave him the finger.

There was a drawn out silence before he asked, "What do you know about the necklace?"

I'd started crying and answered only when my sobs couldn't be heard. "Nothing."

"Sei-chan...?"

"Nothing," I screamed. "Go away!"

"Not until you explain to me why you want to lose the necklace."

"Why? Why should I tell you *sniff* something you already know?"

"If I knew, I wouldn't be asking."

"Bullshit." I wiped at my tears, but more fell. "You've had this planned from the start!"

He sighed heavy enough for me hear, but he didn't argue that statement. Bastard.

"Go away," I said again. "I need _to pack_."

He sighed again. "Gomen nasai, Sei-chan."

"Don't CALL me that anymore," I screamed, throwing a pillow at the door. I expected some smart ass retort.

But he'd already left.

There was no one to comfort me. Not even my father, when I called him later that night. He sounded very excited at the prospect. He thought it would be very good for me. Did he know Akito's true motives? Did he know the truth behind the necklace?

Was this all planned from the start?

He hung up before I even had a chance to say good-bye. I listened to the dial tone then hung up my receiver. I thought of calling Chidori, or Sakura. Maybe even Arisa, or Hana-chan. But none of them could help me. None of my friends could help.

I'd never felt so alone.



I was waiting on the porch when Hatori arrived Sunday morning. Does anyone else in this family drive? He was surprised to find me alone, my bags packed and waiting at the bottom of the stairs. He looked at me, up at the front door, then back at me.

"Where's Shigure?"

"In his study," I replied. "Working."

"He's not going to see you off?"

Apparently not. My voice was curt when I replied, "We've already said our good-byes."

Gods what a lie. We'd barely spoken two words to each other since he told me I was moving. He'd tried apologizing several times, but each time I ignored him. I didn't want to hear it. At least he didn't ask about the necklace again. He didn't say anything when I didn't wear it the day before either. I'd gone out with Chidori and Sakura proudly wearing Haru's necklace.

But, strangely enough, Akito's gift was back around my neck the next day.

"Well, it's not like you're going home," he said, his eyes lifting to the front door again. "But he should still see you off."

I wished I were going home, though. "It's all right. He's under a new deadline." I stood, picking up one of my smaller bags. "Serves him right for finishing a manuscript ahead of schedule."

He looked surprised. "Must've been a doozy."

I shrugged. "Probably." I paused. "If there was something you wanted to discuss with him, I'll be more than happy to wait."

Hatori contemplated this, then shook his head. "Not so important it can't wait," he said, picking up my largest suitcase by the handle. "We need to get you settled into the Honke first."

THAT was easier said than done.

I was given free reign over two large rooms near Akito's quarters. The first room I used as a study/sitting area. The second, and larger of the two, was my bedroom. There was a half bath in the sitting room, which I thought was silly, but I found it was only a short walk to the full bath. Equally amazing was that even though it was set up like a traditional Japanese bath, it was quite modern.

Both rooms were sparsely furnished, as was traditional, but I was told I would have the opportunity to shop for the items I felt I needed (with a cost cap of course). There was a small table in the center of the first room, a desk along one wall and two large bookshelves opposite the desk. What looked like a wardrobe in one corner turned out to be a TV stand, complete with a VCR and a DVD player.

The bedroom was equipped with a queen-sized European style bed. Four post, canopy...the works! On either side of the bed were nightstands, a lamp sitting on the one on the right. A large closet graced one full wall. A dresser sat opposite the bed, a full length mirror standing beside it. There was little in the way of decoration in either room, but that could be easily remedied.

Have I mentioned that my bedroom window had a lovely view of the garden Akito so loved to gaze at from his window?

Once I managed to unpack most of my luggage, I was surprised by a visit from Kagura. She hugged me tightly and welcomed me warmly. I asked how she knew I was moving in. She replied, "News travels fast in this house. You'll see."

The two of us ended up going out shopping for a few hours. I didn't know Kagura that well, but I was more relaxed around her than I'd been in several days around my uncle. The more stores we perused, the less tension I felt. Spending money is such a great way to relieve stress...especially when it isn't your money you're spending. I came home with a number of small items to decorate with, as well as a new outfit to make me feel comfortable.

My first night was hell on my nerves. Sleep refused to speak to me. I was fitful for a while, my mind turning over worse case scenarios of what could happen now that I lived at the main house. My biggest fear was Akito. Knowing about the necklace did little to calm me and more to unnerve me that I liked. My dreams, when I did finally manage to sleep, were filled with him. The things he could do to me. The things he did to Yuki.

I told myself that it was ludicrous and that I was getting ahead of myself. I had no idea what Akito truly planned, other than predetermining my future. There were always servants about in the house so I was never truly alone. Hatori and Kureno constantly checked on me to make certain I was all right. Kagura did the same. I had friends. I felt protected.

But that didn't stop the nightmares from coming true.


~TO BE CONTINUED~


DISCLAIMER:
Fruits Basket is owned by Natsuki Takaya/HAKUSENSHA - TV TOKYO - NAS - Fruba Project and licensed by FUNimation Productions, Ltd (for distribution in the USA). All copyrights go to them and not me. All characters are used here without permission. Please don't sue. No money is being made from the production of this story therefore I have no money to give you.

Sierra Sohma, and all others not associated with Furuba, are my creations and therefore the only thing here I do own. *sigh* Pity them, onegai.