Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Princess in Waiting ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

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

Kawaiilyn: Here's the next chapter. Thanks to all those who reviewed…there's too many of you now to individually thank…sorry. Besides, I think most of you just wanna get to the story so…here ya go. Again, sorry it took a while to update.

Here are the current results for the ending poll:

Kyoru…..81

Yukiru….19

Man. Are there really not that many Yukiru lovers out there? I imagined it would be closer to a tie or something.

A note to Yukiru lovers: just because my story sounds like it's leaning towards a Kyoru ending doesn't necessarily mean it will end like that…I wrote two alternate endings so all I have to do is pick one. Just a little thought.

But to my fellow Kyoru lovers…wooo! Go Kyo! He's hott! Ye-ah!…nuf said. o

Chapter 6

By Kawaiilyn

Tohru began to panic.

`If someone sees Kyo's hair…he'll…he'll…I don't even want to think about it!' she thought worriedly. `Oh…but what should I do?'

An idea suddenly came to her. She pulled out her trunk from below the seats and began sorting through its contents. After finding her dress, she closed her trunk and pushed it back underneath the seat. She began to tear up her dress.

o o o o o o o

Akito stared out of the window. In the distance, a ravage storm that was beating down, what was most likely the 13th Kingdom, could be seen. However, the land's scenery was hardly on his mind. He had more important things to worry about…like Yuki.

`This Tohru girl is posing a serious problem with my plans,' he thought. `I'll have to do my homework on this one. Perhaps…an arranged visit to the palace can be made. Then, I'll be able to learn and “find” firsthand the information I need.'

Akito smiled to himself. He couldn't wait to see the heartbroken face of Yuki. When that day comes, he'll be there.

`Oh yes, my Yuki. You'll realize your returned love for me quite soon,” he grinned.

o o o o o o o

Tohru wrapped Kyo's head with her makeshift bandages. After all of his orange hair was covered, along with his entire forehead that went down past his eyebrows—but not past his eyes—she began to wipe away the blood from his body. Then with the newly blood-soaked rags of her dress, she wrapped them over the already covered head of his.

`Now it looks like he has a head injury,' she thought. She congratulated herself for her solution of covering up his bright hair. When her work was finished, she began to clean up his wounds.

As the carriage entered into the palace gates, the storm was still wailing its protest against their escape. When the carriage came to a stop, the driver turned around and looked at the princess and then at Kyo, awaiting his orders.

“Please help me bring him inside,” said Tohru, “we can't wait out the storm here, and he needs help now.”

“Yes princess,” replied the driver as he lifted the bulk of Kyo's weight while Tohru carried the lesser.

“You ready?” asked the driver to Tohru. After her curt nod, he threw the door open and jumped out of the carriage. With Tohru following close behind him, they ran towards the castle with Kyo's body still protected and covered in their jackets; the storm pelted them with everything it had. There clothes began to tear from the slicing rain, the wind kept pushing them off course, Kyo's body seemed to grow heavier with each passing second. They finally made it to the shelter and safety of the roof. The driver pounded on the door. One of the maids answered the door.

“Princess!” she gasped. “What on earth are you doing in the middle of this awful storm?” she cried as she stood aside to let them in.

“No time,” said Tohru. “Please, bring me my personal servant.”

“Yes,” bowed the maid, “of course.”

Her servant arrived with the maid.

“Please bring him to the guest room near mine.” Ordered Tohru as she handed her job of carrying Kyo to her servant.

Upon entering the guest room, the servant and driver placed Kyo on the bed. Tohru turned to her driver and maid.

“Not a word of this to anyone, please,” said Tohru. “Go about your normal duties, and please remember to tell no one.”

“Yes princess,” they said in unison before leaving.

Tohru turned to her personal servant, “You are the only one that I trust with this important task…will you please help me?” she pleaded.

“Yes princess,” replied the loyal servant, “I will do anything you ask.”

“Thank you so much,” replied Tohru. “I feel so grateful to have such a wonderful servant like you.”

“And I feel the same to have a princess such as you.” Replied her servant with a smile.

“Good, okay…here's what we need to do…” began Tohru.

o o o o o o o

Kyo began to gain consciousness.

`My head is throbbing,' he thought. `And my mouth feels so dry.' He began to hear mixed voices. `What are they saying?' he thought confusedly. His hearing began to clear up and make out the words.

“…but how are we going to keep him here, princess?” asked a worried voice. “Someone is bound to check out this room eventually…what will we do then? We can't let him roam the kingdom either…his orange hair is a dead giveaway.”

“Yes, his hair is a problem…” said another voice. “Let me worry about it, for now, let's just focus on our current problems…like how you're going to clean him.”

Kyo's mind began to clear up. He spoke without thinking.

“I…can clean myself just fine…” he growled slowly, “…so dontchu cum nea me n' …trea me like sum…baby…”he slurred drowsily.

“Well, that solves that problem, princess,” said the servant. Tohru remained silent.

“We'll leave him alone for now,” whispered Tohru. “If he needs anything, please take care of it.” She added as she began to leave the room.

“Princess?” asked Kyo confusedly. `Why is there a princess here? Who is the princess here?' he thought.

“Where am I?” he queried as he began opening his eyes. His blurred vision came into focus and he caught a glimpse of a brown-haired girl's back leave the room. His vision adjusted to the light, and he then took notice of the servant preparing things in the room for him.

“Since you are feeling better now…” she began, “you must know the rules. First, you are not to leave this room. Second, you must remain quiet while in this room. Third, clean up after yourself. Fourth, if you need anything, don't go looking for anyone, instead pull this rope here,” she said as she motioned to a hanging rope near her. “And I will come and do the best that I can to give you what you need. Fifth, you will have three meals, one bath, and are permitted to summon me three times a day…use them wisely because I cannot guarantee immediate and proficient service since I am the princess' personal servant and must see to her needs first and foremost. Please, no one is supposed to know that you are here, on account of your orange hair. We will talk about the details another time…for now, be grateful for the princess' hospitality…it was she who braved that awful storm to save you. Be sure to give her your thanks the next time you see her.” Finished the servant as she began to leave.

“Wait!” said Kyo frantically. “Is this the 13th Kingdom? Am I in the palace of the 13th Kingdom? Would that mean that the princess is—”

“Please calm down,” intervened the servant, “I cannot linger…my mistress needs me…another time, good day master Kyo.” She said as she closed the door behind her.

`Master? …peh!' thought Kyo. `She doesn't need to be so damn formal with me.'

o o o o o o o

“My lord, I have a request,” said Akito to the king.

“What of?” questioned the king offhandedly.

“May I take a few days off?” replied Akito. “After the stress and planning of the Harvest Festival, I feel I am in need of some peace and quiet. Of…some relaxation. Of a break from the daily activities required of me here in the kingdom.” Finished Akito smoothly while he politely bowed.

“In other words,” began the king, “a vacation?”

“If that is what you wish to address it as, then yes…a vacation.” Replied Akito. “Might I remind you, however, that I have never requested for one in all of my many years of service.”

“Hmmm…” replied the king, “you do have a point.”

“When I return, I shall have a clear head and an invigorated thought process capable of multiple tasks…my refreshed mind will be able to undergo a multitude of Harvest Festivals if the need arose, your highness.” Said Akito with a sly smile.

“Yes, yes of course.” Agreed the king in thought. “Take as much time as you need. I'll have another servant take care of your duties during your absence. Take whatever you need and you may go with my blessing and best wishes.”

“Thank you your majesty,” bowed Akito, “your graciousness and wisdom go beyond without say. I humbly thank you a thousand fold.”

The king nodded his approval and continued his work. Akito arose and made way for his room.

`Now that I have the king's permission, I can commence with my plans.' He thought as he began packing and preparing for his departure the next day. `My sweet Prince Yuki, you will soon see that she isn't worth your love…for the only one who shall have it is me.' He smiled as he continued packing.

o o o o o o o

Tohru lied immobile on her bed, her thoughts swimming and circulating around her as she vainly attempted to sort and understand them. To no avail could she contemplate why she had just saved Kyo. To no avail could she contemplate why he filled her thoughts. To no avail could she understand why Yuki wasn't the central topic of her muddled thoughts. To no avail could she think of a way to reintroduce herself to Kyo without…without…

“Princess?” asked her personal servant outside the door. “May I come in?”

“Yes,” replied Tohru, “you may.”

Her servant entered the room. Tohru lifted her head to watch her servant enter the room. “What is he doing?” she asked.

“I believe he fell back asleep.” Replied the servant as she prepared Tohru's bath. “He is still quite confused…he doesn't even know where he is yet…much lee who has brought him here. But do not fret over it for now your highness; we must get you cleaned up and looked at. You look about ready to collapse any minute.”

Tohru sat up. Surprised at the feeling of pain coming from her body, she gazed down at herself. Her dress was torn in various areas from the slicing rain. Blood and mud stained it in other areas. Her delicate skin was cut and muddied in every which way, and her hair was a wet heap of mud, water, and more mud. She feared to gaze upon her face. She consented to her servant and entered her bathroom. With the aid of her servant, she was able to strip down and sink into the painfully stinging hot water.

Tohru winced. Every cut and bruise from the storm awoke and stung her with renewed energy. She hadn't realized how much abuse her delicate body had undergone. Feeling exhausted from the day's events, she relaxed into the helpful and caring hands of her servant.

“I know you prefer to clean yourself, your highness,” began her servant, “but perhaps you will let me take care of it this time since you are spent from the day's adventures? You look positively drained.”

Tohru was beginning to relax to the soft voice of her servant, to the warm water enveloping her skin, to the steamy strawberry-scented air that entered her lungs with every breath.

“Of course,” she said calmly, “I'd feel most grateful if you would…I'm in most need of some assistance right now,” she said in a low and strained voice.

Her servant took up her cleansing sponge, and with great care and gentleness, began to scrub away Tohru's dirt and pain.

o o o o o o o

Kyo, with great difficulty, made his way to his bath. Water wasn't exactly his best friend, but every groaning joint in his body was protesting, and the thought of being covered in blood and mud for a moment longer was unbearable. While letting the water fill the bath, he began to take in his surroundings.

`Rich place,' he thought to himself. `If this really is the palace of the 13th Kingdom, then I'll have no trouble finding her eventually.'

He stripped down and lowered himself into his bath. After a restful few minutes, he cleaned and scrubbed away all of the filth on him from his journey. He noted the bits of blood from the tiny scratches on his face, arms, and legs. `That rain sure can take a lot out of a guy.' He thought.

After draining his bath and wrapping himself with a towel, he began to walk out of the bathroom…that is…until he heard muffled voices. He turned around and followed the source of voices. He made his was to the wall and made out two distinct female voices. He pressed his ear against the wall to understand them better.

o o o o o o o

Akito stepped out of his carriage and looked around at the post-storm atmosphere.

“The 13th Kingdom certainly does live up to its reputation of famous storms,” he said to himself. “No matter, it'll make it easier for me to go about if there aren't so many common people around and in my way.” He made his way to the nearest inn. A shabby one, in a more…lower class part of town.

“Can I help ya?” grunted the innkeeper.

“Room for one, please.” Said Akito.

“We only gots rooms if our customers gots money. Do ya gots money?” asked the innkeeper rudely.

`I have enough money to buy this very inn…and then some,' thought Akito in disgust. `But I must remain unnoticed.' “Yes, I do.” He replied.

“Then we got a room for ya,” replied the innkeeper. “Welcome to my inn, please follow me to your room.”

“Thank you,” said Akito as he followed the gruff man.

“We don't provide meals or room service,” said the man, “and the maid cleans the rooms every two days…so try to keep them well enough until then. Here ya go.” Said the innkeeper as he opened a door to Akito's room. “Before I give you the key, I'll need my first payment upfront.”

Akito put on a fake smile. After paying the man, he received his key.

“Enjoy your stay here in the 13th Kingdom.” Said the man as he left.

“I'm sure I will,” chuckled Akito softly.

o o o o o o o

“What are you going to do about him?” asked the servant calmly.

Tohru sighed.

“I'm not sure…I hadn't really planned this far ahead. The only thing that was going thought my head was to hide his hair, don't let him be recognized, make sure no one knows he's here. After that…I hadn't gotten that far.”

“Are you planning on talking to him soon?” asked the servant as she began to wash Tohru's hair.

“I'm…not sure…” said Tohru with a faraway look. Her servant looked at her troubled princess with concern.

“Or perhaps…you'd rather talk to Prince Yuki?” she continued.

Tohru's questions were abruptly stopped when she heard Yuki's name. She remembered his kiss. His company. His kingdom. His…eyes.

All I want to do is take a nice long rest. Away from the Rat Kingdom, away from my childhood friend, away from here. I want to relax for now; I'll worry about it tomorrow morning, but for now…I think I've had enough eventful happenings for one day.”

“Of course, princess,” said the servant as she brought Tohru a towel and helped her out of the tub.

That night Tohru's dreams began restless and fretful; they weren't helping her tired mind. After a while, the aromatherapy of the scent of strawberries filled the room…her dreams subsided and her mind was freed of its troubles.

“Good night my princess,” said her servant after lighting the strawberry-scented candles. She quietly left the room.

o o o o o o o

Kyo stepped away from the wall. One thought was resounding about in his mind. `Who was Prince Yuki?'

o o o o o o o

Akito left the inn the next morning with a direct path towards the castle. Along the way, he took note of his surrounding. Amongst the old pillars and older buildings' walls, similar insignias and symbols could be seen. One particularly clear and undamaged one looked shockingly a lot like…a cat.

Akito began to ponder if the ancient myth about the 13th Kingdom held any merit of truth.

`Well, there's only one place that can help me find out, and I'm already heading there.' He thought with a smile.

o o o o o o o

Tohru awoke the next morning to sunshine and warmth. All traces of the deadly storm the day before were long gone. Her body currently rested and relaxed was a complete transformation from the night before. Despite the cuts and bruises from the storm, her body harbored a healthy glow and a silky feel to it that Tohru hadn't remembered having before. She stretched and smiled.

Her servant entered the room.

“Your highness, you look well rested,” she remarked while bringing in her newly made dress. “A bath and a good night's sleep was just what you needed.”

“Yes, I believe you're right.”

The servant aided Tohru into her newly fitted dress.

“Are you up to having breakfast…with him? She asked carefully.

Tohru's smiling face fell. She had forgotten all about him. And Yuki. Her conversation during her bath came rushing back to her. How could she have forgotten? My, that peaceful sleep really did do wonders.

Tohru thought about it for a while.

“Yes, I will,” she replied. “Set up breakfast here in my room. I can't have anyone in the palace finding out he is here. I am going to go pay a visit to my parents…I haven't spoken to them ever since I got here last night.”

“Yes, your highness,” replied her servant as she followed Tohru's frame departing from the room.

o o o o o o o

Kyo woke up to a throbbing headache. His body was still sore. And his cuts were stinging in response to the air.

`I should get up now…it's late in the morning,” he thought as he looked out his window at the early morning sky and non-existent sunrise. `How am I gonna do my workout if I can't leave this room?' he thought. He shrugged and started stretching in the middle of the floor. `I guess I'll just jog in place.'

o o o o o o o

The servant knocked on the door. `He probably isn't even awake yet…it's almost 9:00am in the morning and I haven't heard so much as a squeak from him.'

“Come in,” came a muffled reply from within.

Surprised at his wakefulness, she entered the room to find the orange haired wonder sweating and panting and jogging in place.

“Morning,” he mumbled as he dropped to the floor and started on his push-ups.

“…ple…ah…yu…” her words didn't seem to form on her tongue. He must've been up for at least two hours! “What time did you get up?” she queried as she entered the room.

“I …got…up…a…little…late…(55)…today, ” grunted Kyo between push-ups, “(60)…prob…ably…around…5:00…this… morn…ing…why…do…(70)…you…wanna…kn ow?” he gasped.

Her mouth had fallen to the floor. He got up before the chefs, servants, and day-shift guards did! How no one heard him was quite a mystery, but then, he was so quiet and light on his feet…he was like a…like a…like a…cat.

“Um,” she said as she snapped out of her thoughts, “I brought you some clothes. I wasn't sure what your size was, so I brought several. But something tells me…” she looks at him completing his 150 push-ups and beginning to jog in place yet again. “…that they'll all be a little too big.” She shook her head. He was insane.

“At 10:00am, I will come to escort you to your breakfast. You shall be dinging with another, so please try to look…tolerable,” she said with a raised eyebrow towards his dripping sweat.

“Fine,” he replied as he began to cool down by walking in place.

The servant departed. Wait till Tohru hears this!

o o o o o o o

Akito snuck into a building titled, “HISTORICAL ARCHIVES”. He made his way to the ancient history section and sat down. `This will take a while. I had better get started.' He thought.

o o o o o o o

Kyo had been waiting for about 10 minutes ever since the servant came and got him and took him to another room. The breakfast banquet before him was making his stomach twist and squirm in its place.

`Whoever this person is that I'm supposed to be eating breakfast with had better hurry up damnit…I'm starving.' He thought.

At that, the door opened. A dress…brown hair…warm eyes…a strawberry scent…and a familiar face made its way toward him and sat opposite of him.

“Good morning Kyo,” said Tohru with a subtle smile.

o o o o o o o

Akito leaned into his newfound findings. `This was quite interesting.' He thought. `According to this…the 13th Kingdom was in fact originally the Cat Kingdom. And the true descendents of the rightful ruler of the kingdom are distinguished with orange hair…the hair color of the original ruler.'

Kawaiilyn: Yeah! I've finally finished another chapter! Wooo! Don't hate me because I ended it at such a good cliffhanger. This chapter was quite long!

FYI: It's hard for me to update b/c I'm a senior now, and I have two AP classes, (AP Senior Literature and AP American Government and Politics…I HATE politics!) a chemistry honors class, newspaper production, a daily writing class, and Spanish IV…which is already considered a college-level class. Thank God I didn't take Pre-Calc…I would've about died…esp. since I HATE math more than anything else alive.

I'm sorry this update took a while longer than my usual lengthy hiatus-filled updates. I had to study for the SAT's that I took on November 5th and December 3rd. But now that they're over, my college worries are slightly elated. And speaking of college, I still have to send applications and letters and test scores and AAGHH! Point is…patience is a virtue.

Polls are STILL OPEN! If you've voted already…please don't revote. I'll just get annoyed and not count any of your votes…so yeah.

Keep voting and reviewing! They seriously speed up the process! Ah! I can't wait for Furuba volume 13 to come out! It comes out on my birthday! December 13th! Agh! Best b-day gift ever! Make sure ya'll pick it up or ask Santa! (He's real I tell you).