Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Sentium ❯ Prologue ( Prologue )

Disclaimer:

I don't own fruits basket.

AU: Sentium

Prologue

The oil slicks that paved the streets twisted angrily in the falling rain. The remnants of the early morning pedestrians littered the miniscule lakes, polluting it as the world was polluted. Distorted reflections of gray sidewalks and a darkened sky swirled endlessly in their pools. Blackened rainbows rippled by the falling rain glistened, then broke as two pairs of feet burst into their shallow depths. Panted breaths hastened after the steps, interrupted only by the steady rumble of thunder from overhead.

A flicker of light knifed through the gloom and rain, illuminating the two figures as if in still frame. One, thin and slight, stumbled forward blindly, hands held out as shields. Another strobe of lightening danced and the second, muscular and tall, came from behind, fingers curled into fists. They ran on, the oil slicks clinging to worn shoes, and rain pelting down as if all of heaven had found reason to cry. Flashes of vision shot out across the street as the sky lit overhead- both silhouetted in gray embossment.

The first's pupils dodged madly, searching for an alley or some other narrow street. In the open spaces there was no hope for escape, there was only the inevitable. In an alley there could be room for defense, means for escape, a reason for hope. A narrow street could hold a possible weapon, anything to help.

The second's boot clad feet fell in a steady cadence, biding time, almost as if waiting. Each foot stalked forward much like a panther does to its prey. The gray walls become vine laden trees, and the swarming rush of water in the streets became a growling river. And the creature just out of reach- a frightened bird waiting a capture. There would be no escaping this panther. This bird would not escape this jungle, because it was Their jungle. This part of the city was Theirs.

And the rules were simple; everyone knew them.

No one came out after midnight, especially not alone, especially not runaways, because this was Their land, Their territory. It was an unspoken code with unbreakable laws. The runaways warned the new ones and the favor was turned round. No one came out on Their ground, not without repercussions.

There it was- the narrow street lined with rusted dumpsters, their trash overflowing into a soppy filth that gave way under the pounding of shoes. The first turned and dove, praying that the second would follow. A metal pole gripped in icy hands, too pale for the dismal night, too thin for a boy; the first waited, hating the tale tell gasps of breaths that whispered through chapped lips. The second obeyed the unsaid will and followed, a taunt body struck wildly by the now hail rich rain.

"You know the rules."

The cold voice cut through all else. The grip tightened. Who would strike first? It would be one or the other; one would fall. One had to or there would be no escape…

"You broke the rules."

Bated breaths replied, the slim metal clutched desperately. Sodden shoes were discarded, and vein lined feet slipped into the brown sludge melting on the asphalt. White eyes glared momentarily in another push of light, and then disappeared in the crash of thunder.

"Now you must learn."

An eruption of sound filled the mortar covered alley, as the two strove forward, their purposes as one. The sky's tears of ice chipped at the pole's strangle hold, and stabbed at the cold face of the other. In the flashing of lightening, the thin rod was lifted, and fell with a hidden strength. Its victim missed the reflection of aluminum from the glaring light and the jagged piece of metal reaching for poorly protected ribs. The once predator missed the moment of vision granted before torn metal met skin and ribs.

A strangled cry followed the next wave of thunder, drowning in the sea of manmade filth coating the cratered street. Panting heavily, the pole no less tightly gripped, the now freed bird knelt beside its stricken foe. Camouflaged by the rain and trash, the face was entirely hidden. Smoothing away coarse hair, two fingers were placed against the barely moving sternum. Just one slight touch and the threat would be gone- vanquished. Just one touch…

Temptation left with the dawning of blood running down a cut face. The ice from above continued to strike out with whatever damage it could hold. Rising from the crouch, drenched in stolen boy's clothing, the runaway searched for a back door to sneak into. Pulling off the black cap that had held her long hair in check, the girl re-knotted her hair and tucked it back away. It was better to be thought a boy than a girl. It was safer and work was easier to come by.

She had received the same warnings as the rest, but it was only at night that she would have the chance to search. It was only at night that she could do just what they had sent her to do. It was only at night that she'd be able to find out what the Sohma crime family kept hidden behind their intrigue. She needed to find out where all the missing runaways were taken.

She had been sent to find the missing kids, and she'd be damned if they'd catch her off guard again.

Tohru Honda straightened as the heavens sent another missile of ice against her back. Let them try. She'd be waiting this time.

Author'sNotes:

I think I must be insane, trying to write two of these at the same time. As I said in my introduction this is going to be an alternate universe type thing. And hey, yeah, the characters are going to be OOC, but in a way, I'm going to keep their basis at heart true.

I only have four days left of high school, so once I'm out, updating should not be a problem. Maybe I'll even start a third story.

Lord, I'm insane.

As always,

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