Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Princess in Waiting ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

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

Kawaiilyn: I've finally updated. It took forever, I know…I won't make any excuses, I'll just get right down to it. I know you're all dying for this…so here you go! Isn't it great making Akito serve somebody else? I love it! Thank you everyone for reading my fic.

Disclaimer: Apparently the title of my fic is the same as that one book by Meg Cabot…so I'm disclaiming it…so don't sue me!

As usual, individual thanks are in order for my loyal readers and newbies who actually review. Kudos for you guys! o oink

To Hermoniezclone: Thanks for your review…you don't have to yell. ;)

To jj917: Ahh…another yukiru lover. Of course you'd like it. Does jj917 stand for something? Just curious. Thanks for the review!

To pheonixalchemist: I'm trying to write quickly, reviewers like you make it faster! Thanks for the review.

To pUrple cRUsh: Hee hee…I wish kyo and tohru would get together too. But I honestly don't know if that's how I'll end it, it. Thanks for your compliments and review!

To pie108: I can't make any guarantees on who gets Tohru…but if you're curious, I am a kyoru lover myself…just thought you'd know. Thanks for the compliment and review.

To azn pride always: Yeah…go Asian pride! Wahoo! I'm Asian too! I'm half Filipino! Mabuhay! Um…I don't know yet if I'll make it kyoru or yukiru. But your input does count! o

To guest: Even though you're anonymous, your review is appreciated.

To Sami: I'm so happy I can just call you Sami instead of your entire name…it's really long. Anyways, thanks for your umpteenth review. It really means a lot to me; it's people like you who keep a writer going! Um, that's sad that your school paper hasn't won any awards; if you guys tried harder, you could. o

To Camille: Thanks for the review and compliment…I can't wait for it either! o

To Whutsit2ya: Thanks for your…enthusiastic review/compliment. No seriously, thanks. I'll do my best to update quickly!

To inlovewithkyo: Heh heh…your review made me laugh. I too am a Kyoru lover…and I agree, Kyo is a MAJOR hottie, (he's on the background of my laptop as we speak,) but I want to be fair to the Yukiru lovers out there. So I don't know yet on who gets to win Tohru's heart. But thanks for your review though!

To Dani: Tee hee! I think I'm partially evil…me making my best friend read my fanfic…but at least you review! Unlike some people I know who are in my AP Junior English who read my fics but don't review them. Anyways, thanks hunny for reviewing my fic…I luv you! o

Chapter 5

By Kawaiilyn

The Harvest Festival was finally underway. The great music, the wonderful stories, the delicious food…everything was perfect. The entire kingdom was full of happiness and joy from the common beggars, to the wealthy members of the Royal Court. Too bad there were two souls in the very heart of the festivities that weren't enjoying themselves.

Ever since the night before, Yuki and Tohru have been on uncomfortable speaking terms…and the happy kingdom wasn't doing much to help their feelings.

As the festivities died down, Tohru's escorts prepared for her departure. Tohru's body was making its way to the Royal Palace to thank the King and Queen for their hospitality, but her mind was still dwelling on Yuki and his “good night kiss” from the previous day.

`Why did I have to leave him so quickly?' thought Tohru as she continued walking. `I liked the kiss…didn't I? I should be happy that someone as great and talented as the Prince of the Rat Kingdom would like me! I should be grateful…and happy…and…'

“Princess Tohru!” exclaimed the King, “Must you leave so soon? The festivities aren't over yet.”

Tohru bowed to the King.

“I am needed at home,” replied Tohru with a smile, “besides, if I stay any longer…I'm afraid I won't be able to find it in me to leave. Thank you for your hospitality your highness. I will have great stories to tell my people of the wonderful Rat Kingdom's Harvest Festival.” Tohru began to turn to leave. “Thanks again!” she said as she walked over to her escorts.

As her escort held out a hand to help her into the carriage, a voice over the partying crowd caught her attention.

“Princess Tohru!” yelled the familiar voice.

Tohru turned around to be met with the same warm violet eyes that always seemed to make her heart melt.

“Princess Tohru!” said Yuki as he neared her. “I just wanted to…thank you for coming…to our Harvest Festival. I hope you enjoyed yourself.” He finished lamely.

`Why didn't I apologize?' he thought with irritation. `She's leaving and I can't even give a simple apology.'

“Thank you Prince Yuki,” said Tohru as she bowed. “but I should really be doing the thanking…it was an honor to be invited to your festival. I had a…great time while here.” Said Tohru as she blushed.

`Why didn't I explain?' thought Tohru. `Now he'll probably think that I'm mad at him.'

“Well…” continued Yuki, “Have a…safe trip.”

“Yes,” agreed Tohru, “I…will.”

An awkward silence followed.

“Princess, we really must go if we don't want to get caught in the upcoming storm.” Said Tohru's escort. “I hear it will be most powerful…we should really get going.”

“Yes, of course…I'll be right there.” Said Tohru. She turned back to Yuki. `I guess a thank you hug wouldn't hurt…it's just a hug.' She thought as she opened her arms and approached the prince.

Yuki's arms immediately shot up and stopped her arms from embracing him. Tohru was taken back by his abrupt actions. While Yuki was contemplating an excuse for his actions, Tohru let out a small gasp.

“Are you…” began Tohru with wonder, “are you one of the 13?” she asked.

Slightly surprised that she knew what he was, Yuki nodded. “One of the 12, actually.” He corrected.

“There is 13,” said Tohru as she lowered her arms.

“There are only 12 animal kingdoms in the Land of Caidoz,” said Yuki slightly puzzled.

“But there were originally 13.” Finished Tohru.

“You should check up on your history more thoroughly,” said Yuki as he shook his head, “that story about the 13 animals is just a myth.”

Tohru just stared at Yuki as if he were crazy.

“Princess?” urged her escort.

“Forgive me, I really must get going now.” Said Tohru as she turned around and entered into her carriage.

As her escort closed the door, the last image of Yuki disappeared behind it.

o o o o o o o

“Where the hell am I supposed to stay?” yelled an annoyed Kyo.

“I'm sorry sir,” replied the innkeeper, “but if you have no money, then you can't stay here.”

“You heard the warning!” continued Kyo, “There's supposed to be a really bad storm coming! Are you really going to kick me out during a storm?”

“I'm sorry sir, but it's policy,” said the innkeeper. “You said you were a returning citizen, right? Why don't you seek out your family or old friends? I'm sure they'll take you in.” finished the innkeeper as he closed the door.

“Don't you think I would've done that in the beginning?” spat an annoyed Kyo as he turned and began walking. `Shishou has moved his fighting school,' he thought, `and it's not like I can just walk up to the palace's front door, tell them I'm a friend of Tohru's, and expect them to take me in.'

As he continued walking, a flash of lightning followed by a loud boom of thunder shattered the peaceful kingdom. The gray sky and the drop in the temperature were constant reminders of the upcoming storm. If there was one problem with the prosperous and picture-perfect realm of the 13th Kingdom, it was its earth-trembling storms. With powerful winds, ferocious rains, and ear-splitting thunder, all of the kingdom's inhabitants knew better than to be caught outside in the middle of one.

`At least one thing hasn't changed,' thought Kyo, `the storms here are as dangerous as they've always been.'

Kyo turned around and began walking down the dirt road.

`I have to find some shelter, this storm is probably going to be pretty bad.' He thought.

Suddenly his legs gave out. Kyo found himself falling to the ground as his weary legs refused to support him.

“Dammit!” he yelled. He forgot how weak he got whenever it rained. “This damn storm is closer than I thought,” he said bitterly. He pushed himself up and began stumbling his way down the road.

o o o o o o o

Tohru continued to ponder Yuki's words as her carriage brought her closer to her kingdom.

“But there were originally 13.” Finished Tohru.

“You should check up on your history more thoroughly,” said Yuki as he shook his head, “that story about the 13 animals is just a myth.”

“It's not a myth,” said Tohru sleepily, “I met him…” she yawned, “…before.” Tohru slept on as she made her way to her kingdom—which already had the ominous clouds that made her kingdom notorious for its storms…lightning could be seen flashing in the distance as her carriage brought her closer and closer to the 13th Kingdom.

o o o o o o o

`I wonder why she still believes in that old folktale?' thought Yuki as he returned to the palace and made his way to his room. `Everyone knows that that story is just a myth.'

He threw himself on his bed and fought to keep his heavy eyes open.

“So why did she sound so sure that there are…” he yawned, “…13?” he mumbled to himself as his thoughts departed into another world, and his body took rest from this one.

o o o o o o o

“Dammit!” growled Kyo as rain began to pour all around him, “This damn rain hurts!” He tightened the hood of his cloak on and wrapped it around himself, just as he began to feel entirely drained.

`Ugh, I didn't even have enough time to find shelter,' he thought as he began to sway in the middle of the road. `This stupid rain came fast and hard…great.' He thought sarcastically as he lost his balance and fell in the middle of the road, his dark cloak protecting him as best as it could from the piercing rain.

Kyo went unconscious.

o o o o o o o

Tohru was abruptly woken by the sudden and jolting stop of her carriage. Being born without fast reflexes, she tumbled and fell face first into the lower wall opposite of her.

“Ow!” she cried, as she lifted herself up and massaged her head.

“Princess? Are you alright?” asked her concerned driver.

“Eh? Oh, I'm fine…I just had a little stumble,” she replied with a smile. “Are we home already?”

There was a strange pause from her driver.

“Sort of,” he replied.

Tohru was now entirely confused.

“So…we're not there yet?” she asked slowly as she began to look out the window. The storm had already started. Rain was pouring down in sheets as the wind howled; it had already begun to shoot the rain down with enough force for one to feel each drop of rain as a painful sting of pain.

“Well actually, there's something in the middle of the road that is obstructing our way,” said the driver. “We're waiting till the storm calms down a bit to get out and move it.” he finished.

“What is it?” asked Tohru as she peered more closely out her window and the down the road. “A tree?”

“We're not exactly sure,” said the driver, “but I don't think so, it's awfully small for a tree, wouldn't you agree?”

“Yes, your correct,” said Tohru, “but then what exactly is it?”

“We'll find out after the storm passes by.” Replied the driver.

Tohru continued to squint out her window at the ever-still form up ahead. `What is that?' she thought.

o o o o o o o

Kyo slowly returned to consciousness. The storm continued on in its relentless attack against him. But something was different.

`Are those voices?' he thought confusedly. `Maybe they can help me.' He quickly changed his train of thought. `What am I thinking? It's just the storm playing tricks on me…who the hell will be out in the middle of this mess?'

The mud began to irritate his face. With whatever strength he had left, he rolled over onto his side and fell into a semi-conscious and slightly dazed state.

o o o o o o o

“Driver that isn't a tree!” yelled Tohru in horror and surprise. “It's a person!”

“What?” the driver exclaimed. “What is someone doing outside in the middle of this mess?”

“We have to help him!” exclaimed Tohru determinedly.

“But princess, the storm is still at full force,” began the driver. “We'll have to wait until it lightens up a little, at least.”

“That person is in trouble,” said Tohru furiously. “We can't just abandon him in the middle of this terrible storm!”

“If we go out there, we'll be in for a lot of trouble princess,” argued the driver. “Can't you feel the carriage rocking? We're lucky we're next to the gates, otherwise we'd have been blown away by now! If we go out there, we'll be blown away! I'm not going out there princess. I'm sorry.” Said the driver.

“He needs our help,” persisted Tohru.

“I'll wait till the storms lets up,” replied the driver.

“Well I can't wait that long,” said Tohru as she pushed open her door and ran out to the huddled form in the mud.

“Princess! You'll get hurt!” cried the driver.

o o o o o o o

Kyo felt himself being lifted up. The sweet smell of strawberries surrounded him as tried to open his heavy eyes.

`Is this real or am I in a dream?' he thought as he felt himself being pulled.

`That smell…' thought Kyo. `That's what Tohru used to always wear…and I always use to pretend to hate it.'

He felt his head being covered in some sort of fabric as it offered more protection against the stings of the rain.

`This fabric…' thought Kyo. `This feels just like what Tohru used to have…I really must be dreaming…to be thinking of her…in the middle of all this.'

He then felt himself entering a warm and sheltered area as he was laid down on something soft and comfortable.

`Ahh…this feels nice.' He thought. `It might be a dream, but at least it's a practical and comfortable one.'

He heard hushed voices, and then another thicker, and rougher, fabric was placed on top of his soaked-to-the-bone body. He felt the fabric that was once on his head being removed and placed underneath it as a makeshift pillow…he also heard a loud gasp.

Kyo mustered up the last of his strength to open his heavy and tired eyes. As his world came into focus, he found color, and warmth…and…a person?

`Yes, it is a person,' he thought. `But who is it?' he thought as his vision finally came into focus and he was able to see his rescuer.

`Hmph!' thought Kyo exasperatedly as he closed his heavy eyes once more. `I can't believe I'm still thinking about her…even through all of this painful rain and maddening wind. How could this be real?'

He began to sink into unconsciousness again.

`How could this be real?' he thought fleetingly, `if I just saw Tohru at my side, worriedly caring for me, and gazing down into my face with such love and concern? She does that in all of my dreams…'

o o o o o o o

As Tohru ran through the rain, her feet began to sink into the thick mud, making her journey slow and difficult. Despite her coat and hood protecting herself, the sting of the relentless rain could be felt against her flesh. She continued on, uncaring of her own pain as the wind her hair against her face and threatened to push her off her feet. Perhaps the mud was there to help her, since her well-sunken feet were the only things that were keeping her from being blown away. She wore on, taking one excruciatingly slow and heavy step at a time. Fighting the wind, and ignoring the rain, and going against the stream of thick mud that was know caked on to her legs as high as mid-calf.

She finally made it to the unmoving person. She began to bend over, but the wind pushed her into the mud and she fell into it on all fours. She crawled her way over. As she placed one hand on top of the body, she dug the other underneath the mud and pushed it until it came back up on the other side of the body, meeting and locking with her other awaiting hand. As she lock on and began to pull up, she was taken over by some hidden and unseen force. She was able to lift the body, and herself, against the howling wind and rain, with ease.

Once the body was in a standing position, she leaned it against her as she removed her coat, and placed it over the already cut-up and bleeding head of the body. She then continued pulling the body back towards the carriage. Surprised that she wasn't taking twice as long to get back, she made it to the carriage. As she pulled open the door, the driver inside pulled the body in, while she pushed from the outside. After the driver laid the person down on one of the seats, she crawled in herself, exhausted and drained, but satisfied.

“Are you alright princess?” asked the worried driver in a low voice. He worriedly looked at the many tiny cuts and scratches the rain left on her skin and face, her pale and cold hands, bright red ears, and bruised and muddied legs and feet.

“I'm fine,” replied Tohru dismissively. “Give me your jacket.”

“Of course,” responded the driver immediately. “You're probably very cold, how stupid of me to not realize it sooner.”

She accepted the coat in silence and placed it on the person's soaking wet body, in hopes of entrapping what little heat was emitted from the body.

“Take us to the castle now,” said Tohru. “He needs help.”

“Of course,” replied the driver, “but don't forget about yourself.” The carriage continued its slow passage to the castle.

Tohru looked back down at the man she had just saved. She took off her jacket that was still covering his face. She gently held his head and rolled her jacket underneath his head to create something in likeness to a pillow. While doing this, the hood on the man fell off, revealing a head of bright orange hair. Tohru gasped.

She finally took the time to inspect his blood and mud-covered face. After wiping away some of the mess, she looked on in shock at her old friend, her old partner in crime, her old protector, her old helper, her old…love.

Emotions that she thought were long dormant were awakened in a matter of seconds. All of their old memories and adventures came back to her. All of their share times full of happiness and sadness flooded her memory. For a fleeting moment, she saw his eyes open. She held her breath. Would he recognize her? Would her remember her? What would he say? What would SHE say? As quickly as it happened, it ended. His eyes closed once more, and his face began to contort into a slight and familiar scowl. She looked on at his matured face with her own face full of worry and joy, of care and …love.

Kawaiilyn: You all hate me now. Sorry, but that has got to be the best cliffhanger in the world…I couldn't let it pass me by!

READ THIS IF YOU WANT ME TO UPDATE! Now that I have your attention, I'm officially opening the polls for either a YUKIRU ending or a KYORU ending to this story. Only signed reviews will be counted in my poll. I'll keep the poll open until the just before the last chapter. If you've already suggested your preferred coupling to me because you actually review, (I love you guys for that btw) then tell me again! I want to know HOW MUCH everyone insists on Kyoru or Yukiru and I want A REASON on why you think the fic should end with your preferred couple. In the end, if I get an amazingly genius idea on how to end my fic with a specific pairing…then I'll do so…but your opinions WILL count. So…review my fic and vote! o

Next Chapter: Kyo and Tohru re-united! Akito planning his evil schemes! And what about Yuki? Find out in the next chapter! Woooo!

So, yeah…same rules apply. If I get a lot of reviews, I'll update faster. Don't forget to tell me who you want Tohru to choose…with a GOOD reason why. I don't want anything like, “because he Buh-bye peoples! o Piggies are freakin awesome!