Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Tohru's Curse ❯ The Tournament ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter Five

 

 

As he did everyday, Yuki stopped by the office on his morning patrol. He checked his box for any messages. The older ladies smiled kindly at him. “Have a nice day, Sohma-san.”

 

He nodded, absently, not noticing the grins they shot at each other. It has been nearly a year since they discovered she had left. He had only learned that she was having all her work sent to her. “I'll be back in time to graduate,” she had said. She hadn't so much as written or called. He wondered if he'd ever see her again.

 

The sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He saw a form running down the hall, but he was too far to make out whom it was. Class had started ten minutes ago. “Excuse me,” he called. The girl stopped. “You should be in class. Do you have a hall pass?” He asked politely. The girl slowly turned to face him, a soft smile on her face.

 

“I'm sorry. I'm afraid I don't.”

 

Yuki stared in shock. “Honda-san?”

 

With a laugh of delight Tohru threw her arms around him. “Yuki-kun!”

 

When the shock faded, elation followed. They both laughed when he swung her around. “Honda-san.” He brought her down, and held her close.

 

“Yuki-kun?” She stiffened, questioning.

 

“Just for a little while. It's been so long since I last held you. I've missed you, Honda-san.” He murmured in her hair.

 

A gasp of outrage had them jumping apart.

 

Minami, Mio and Motoko came striding determinedly in their direction.

 

“Yuki, I believe the student council meeting is starting,” Motoko told him, eyes on Tohru. “The other officers are waiting for you.”

 

“Oh, alright. I'll just escort Honda-san to class.”

 

“That's alright, Yuki. I'm sure we can take her,” Minami said, also glaring at Tohru.

 

He hesitate, leaving her with them didn't sit well with him. “Go ahead, Yuki-kun. I'll be fine.” Her eyes told him that she wasn't afraid of them. Well, if she can take on Akito…

 

“So, Tohru, you've been away,” Mio commented, when Yuki was out of hearing distance. “Pity, you had to come back.”

 

Since Hana-Jima wasn't around to send poisonous waves at them, now was their chance.

 

Tohru smiled. “You three don't like me. Haven't liked me since I started being friends with Yuki-kun. It seems there's something you've been waiting to say.”

 

“Yes, there is,” Minami glared at her with pure hatred. How dare she! Yuki had never allowed anyone in his arms before. What makes her so special? “You little…witch! I am so sick of you throwing yourself at Yuki. He only feels sorry for you, but enough is enough!”

 

“You have gotten so conceited.” Mio interjected. “Yuki-kun is so kind as to hang out with you, and now you act like you're his girlfriend. We will not stand for this!”

 

“I've often wondered.” Tohru said, quietly. “Do you like Yuki-kun?”

 

“We love him,” Mio said with conviction.

 

“We are angry because you dared to force yourself on Yuki.” Minami said, clenching her fists. “Soiling his innocents…you've got some nerve.”

 

It suddenly dawned on her. “You are angry because I am friends with Yuki-kun. It frustrates you that he allows me that close.”

 

“Keep your distance.” Minami snapped. “Yuki will never love you. You will only embarrass him and—”

 

“Mio. Minami. I would like to speak with Honda-san privately, if you don't mind.” Motoko said.

 

They left them, but not before shooting daggers at Tohru.

 

Tohru sighed. Well, I can't please everyone. “So, Minagawa-senpai, have you come back to visit?” She asked as they walked down the hall.

 

“Yes, I have decided to stay a little while and help my family with the store.” She studied Tohru, the girl she had despised for so long.

 

“I've never seen that look on his face.” She said quietly.

 

Tohru looked questioningly at the older girl.

 

“When Yuki was holding you…that look of complete love…you have no idea how lucky you are. Many girls long for a boy to look at them that way, especially someone like Yuki. I…I think you are good for him. He has change since you became a part of his life. He has grown. Thank you, Tohru Honda. Thank you for everything you've done.”

 

Tohru turned red. “B-But I didn't do anything.”

 

You don't realize it, Motoko thought. “Anyway, I apologize for Mio and Minami. Never mind that they both have boyfriends of their own… I can't promise to have the Prince Yuki fan club leave you alone, as I am no longer president, but I will try to have them give you less grief.” This I can do for Yuki.

 

Motoko gestured into the classroom. “Welcome back, Honda-san.”

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

“Kyo?” Kazuma had begun to worry. When Kyo wasn't on the roof he was training, he ate almost nothing and hardly ever slept. “It's dinner time.”

 

Kyo gazed out as the sunset, his eyes seeing nothing. “I'm not hungry, Shishou.”

“Kyo, if you don't eat you will be in no condition to compete,” He plopped down beside him. “You need your strength. I am worried about you.”

 

“I know, it's just…”

 

“You miss Tohru-kun?”

 

Kyo sighed. “It's been months and we haven't heard from her. I'm starting to think that maybe she won't be coming back. After all, she's rich now. She probably has a big house, and lots of people to take care of her. She's doubtlessly very happy. What would she need us for?” What would she need me for?

 

“Surely, you know her better than that. More than likely she is lonely and perhaps a little intimidated by everything. Money doesn't mean happiness, especially for someone like Tohru-kun.” Kazuma went quiet for a moment. “Doesn't she know how you feel?”

 

Kyo laughed a little. “No, I haven't told her.” I'm not sure I ever will, he added, silently.

 

“Hmm…” Kazuma stood up, “Well, it's time for dinner.”

 

“Ah, Shishou, you didn't happen to feel like you could cook did you?”

 

Kazuma chuckled. “Not this night, my son. Actually a friend has come by to cook for us. She's in the kitchen if you want to meet her.”

 

Kyo gave him a puzzled look before making his way down to the kitchen. Since when did any of his friends know how to cook?

 

He froze when he realized who their guest was. “T-Tohru?” His throat tightened when she turned.

She smiled. “Hello, Kyo-kun.”

Tohru shifted nervously as he only continued to stare. Perhaps I shouldn't have come right away, she reflected. “You weren't at school today and Shigure-san told me that you were staying here for awhile and I…” She trailed off when he reached out to touch her.

 

She feels so real, but then she felt so real in the dreams, too. Kyo tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Hello, Tohru.”

 

She was confused by look in eyes. Hope, doubt and something she couldn't name. “Are you alright, Kyo-kun? There are dark circles under your eyes and…”

 

“I haven't been able to sleep for awhile and I guess I haven't been eating as much as I should.”

 

Something isn't right. “Kyo-kun…” She took a step toward him and reached up to touch his face. She tiptoed to peer into his eyes, but blinked when he jumped away.

 

“No!” He shouted. “I can't take this anymore! Why can't you just leave me alone?”

 

Tohru pulled back, confused.

 

“It's bad enough that's she's gone, why do you have to torture me with her face? I hate dreaming about her, when she's never coming back! How can I make these dreams stop?”

 

Understanding sank in. “Kyo-kun,” She cupped his face gently. “Open your eyes and look at me, Kyo-kun.” He did, and for the first time in what seemed like eternity, he saw her.

 

“T-Tohru?” His voice was softer this time, staggered by so many emotions.

 

Tears stung her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. Oh, how I've miss you, Kyo-kun.

 

“Where the hell have you been, you dope?” He smiled in her hair, his throat tight. “Damn, I've missed you.” It felt so good…after so many months it felt so good to finally hold her.

 

“Kyo-kun?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Dinner is burning.”

 

They ate what they could salvage, which wasn't much, but it was Kyo's first decent meal in a long time. All through dinner, Kyo caught Tohru staring at him. She would always blush and look away only to do it again.

 

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Kazuma said. “The annual Sohma tournament is this Saturday, Tohru-kun. All the separate dojos join at the main dojo to compete. Usually only the Sohmas attend, but I think I can sneak you in.”

 

For a split second, sadness darkened her face and then it was gone. “Oh, that's wonderful. I'd love to go…but are you sure it's not too much trouble?”

 

“Not at all, I'm sure your presence would be most welcome.”

 

Kyo and Tohru flushed. Kazuma beamed. Perhaps a spring wedding, he mused.

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

“The view is as beautiful here as it is at home.” Tohru said with a sigh.

 

“Yeah, it is.” Kyo said, his gaze on her.

 

They sat on the roof on a bright, starlit night. It's like she never left, he thought.

“Are you looking forward to the tournament tomorrow, Kyo-kun?”

 

He shrugged. “I've been training for months. It's my last chance to finally beat that damn rat.”

 

She wanted to tell him that he didn't need to beat Yuki to prove his worth, but she had a feeling that he wouldn't believe her. Still, she had to give him…something. “Kyo-kun, tomorrow, everything will change. Whether or not, you beat Yuki-kun, this will probably be our last peaceful night together. I'd like to…promise myself to you.” To her surprise, she didn't blush, she didn't stutter, she was completely steady.

 

“What are you talking about?” Kyo hoped to God she wasn't thinking what he thought she was thinking. He couldn't deal with her in his dreams how would he deal with himself now?

 

“Promise myself to you.” She looked up at the stars. She had done a lot of thinking in her time away. “I promise you my heart. It's not much, but it's all I have that's really mine to give.”

 

He blinked, stunned at the sudden warmth that washed over him. “Tohru… why would you give me something like that?”

 

She just smiled. She had chosen.

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

 

Kyo took a moment to clear his head. The tournament had been going on since early that morning and he had managed to stay in long enough to face Yuki. The next match would decide his fate. He was looking absently in the spectator's bleachers when Momiji's voice rang out. “Kyo! You've done so well today. How do you feel?”

 

Kyo shrugged. “What do you care? It's not like—” He caught himself. “Considering I just fought nonstop since five this morning, I think I'm in pretty good shape. What about you?”

 

Momiji blinked and then smiled. “I lost my last bout, but I'd been having fun. You've been fighting differently today. You haven't lost once. What's your secret?”

 

Kyo thought about it. “When a man has something to fight for, nothing can really stop him.” Their eyes both drifted to where Tohru sat. “Anyway, my match with Yuki is about to start.”

 

“Oh, that's right. Good luck, Kyo.”

 

(-)(-)(-)

 

Tohru was on edge. She had watched them fight all day. She cringed each time one of them took a blow. Each time they fell she knew they would get up, but something told her that the day would not end well.

 

Now it was the last match. Kyo stood on one side of the room and Yuki stood on the other. She saw Akito stand from her seat and walk over to Yuki. She was too far to hear what she was saying, but her eyes didn't stray. Yuki's face went pale and his eyes took on a wary haze. Akito smiled and leaned up to whisper something in his ear. Moments later, she returned to her seat and gave her approval for the bout to start.

 

Yuki struck first. He moved like lightning across the room, taking hold of Kyo's arm to throw him. Kyo pulled out of his grip and flipped him to the ground. Yuki jerked to his feet and crouched to kick Kyo's legs out from beneath him. Kyo caught his foot and threw Yuki a good three feet away. The crowd was entranced. Nearly everyone knew that Kyo always lost to Yuki, but something had definitely changed. No matter what Yuki tried, he couldn't touch Kyo. Even Akito looked surprised.

 

Yuki fell to the ground, defeated and exhausted. Astonished silence reined, then applause, loud enough to reach the heavens echoed throughout the grounds.

 

Kyo could hardly believe it. He'd finally done it. He'd finally beaten Yuki. He looked down at his longtime rival and held out a hand. When he took it Kyo said. “Now, we're even.”

 

“Kyo,” Yuki began, but the bony hand on his shoulder stopped him.

 

“Now, Yuki, you mustn't spoil it” Akito said, silkily. “Well done, Kyo.” She smiled as the clapping faded. “You have won not only your freedom, but that of every cat after you. The far house will be destroyed and steps will be taken so the cat has a place in the Zodiac.”

 

Kyo didn't trust that serene smile. More out of tradition than respect, he bowed to Akito.

 

Akito turned to Yuki. “I am very disappointed in you. I thought she meant more to you than that. But then… perhaps you are angry because she did not choose you? Did you want revenge for you love spurned?” Akito snickered.

 

Yuki dropped to his knees in front of Akito. “Please, Akito. Don't do this.”

 

Akito looked down at him, a frown on her face. “Aren't you being selfish, Yuki? You know you will only hurt her. A weakling like you couldn't possibly protect her from the curse.”

 

Kyo nudged Yuki's shoulder. “Get up.” When he stayed where he was, Kyo shoved him. “I said get up, Yuki. Damned if I let you beg for something he isn't going to give.”

 

“He'll have Honda-san's memories suppressed.” He said, bleakly, staring at the floor.

 

Suddenly, she was there beside them. “Yuki-kun, are you alright?”

 

He looked up at her. “Honda-san…” Dread had taken all moisture from his throat.

 

She took his hands and pulled him up. Akito slapped her hand away from him. “Keep your filthy hands off! Do not touch my juunishi! Don't you ever touch them again!”

 

Tohru regarded her for a moment before saying. “They are people, Akito-san, not things. They belong to themselves, not you. Never you.”

 

“You are an outsider. You will never understand.”

 

“I understand more than you think. If not for this curse what would bind them to you? Nothing. You haven't let there be anything. You have believed that, because you are the head of the family that they are to love you. You do not want the curse to be lifted because you know they'll leave you. The bond is growing weaker, soon the curse will be gone and all you can think of is blaming them for it.” Tohru stepped toward her. “There is good in you, Akito-san. I've seen it. If you'd only—”

 

“Do you ever stop talking?” Akito took Tohru by the throat and raised her off the ground. “Let me help you find silence.”

 

Kyo and Yuki were on her in a heartbeat. When Akito released her, she gasped for air and massaged her neck. Akito pushed Yuki and Kyo away from her.

 

“You should have left while you had the chance.” She said, coldly. “Hatori!” She barked. “Erase this girl's memories. All of them.”

 

As Hatori walked toward them, Kyo and Yuki stepped into his path. “You can't do this, Hatori.”

 

“We won't let you.” Momiji appeared beside them. Kisa, Hiro, Kagura, Haru, and Rin circled Tohru protectively.

 

“Return to your seats.” Akito growled at them. “Her memory or her life. You decide.”

 

“She was right, wasn't she?” Rin tilted her head at Akito, not bothering to hide her scorn. “You are afraid that we would escape you as soon as the curse is lifted, as soon as the bond is broken. You are terrified.”

 

“You blame Tohru because she loves us.” Momiji said. “You want to punish her because we'll do anything to protect her.”

 

“We won't let you do it.” Haru said, calmly.

 

Akito's eyes blazed fury. “You think you can stop me?” She laughed, harshly. “No matter what lengths you go to, if I want that monstrosity gone, she will be disposed of. If not today, then tomorrow or the next day. She will spend the rest of her life in fear. The free spirit will fade leaving a hollow shell. Do you condemn her to that fate, or will you allow her to escape this?” Akito smirked. She knew she had them.

 

Tohru spoke up, her voice resonating. “Alright, that's enough.” She stepped past them. “As much as I appreciate what you are trying to do for me, it isn't necessary. I've known for a long time that this day would come.” She said, over her shoulder. “I would hate to forget all of you, but if I had to choose between my memories and your well being, I'd have to.”

 

“How noble,” Akito sneered. To the juunishi “I want you to watch. Watch as Hatori strips her of her memories. This is your punishment for loving her and her punishment for getting in my way.”

 

Hatori covered her face with his hand. “It will be over soon.” He said, tonelessly.

 

“Hatori-san, will it hurt?”

 

Hatori smiled a little. “No, you shouldn't feel a thing.”

 

Tohru closed her eyes. A moment later she was hurled into darkness.

 

Akito nodded when the young girl collapsed. “Very good, Hatori. I am pleased that I still have your loyalty and obedience. Unlike some.”

 

Kyo couldn't hold himself back anymore. He ran over to Tohru and held her, tears of despair and anger rolling down his face.

 

Akito came over and tilted her head at them. “It looks as if you've killed her Hatori. Pity, I thought monsters weren't as hideous dead as they were alive.”

 

Hatori's brows furrowed in confusion.

 

Panic set in when Kyo realized she wasn't breathing. “Hatori, why isn't she breathing?” He demanded.

 

“Do what you like with her.” Aktio said, callously. “She is no longer a threat, but should any of you try to help her remember…” She let that hang in the air, their imaginations would do the rest.

 

“Heartless bitch.” Rin muttered, bitterly.

 

“The ambulance is on the way, Hatori.” Momiji said. “We'll take care of Tohru.”

 

They were all grateful for Momiji unwavering hope and determination.

 

Kazuma placed a hand on Kyo's shoulder. “Tohru-kun is strong. We must have faith in her spirit's ability to fight. She will live and she will remember us.”

 

Kyo said nothing, just held her. He wouldn't let the medics take her when they came, so they rode in the ambulance with him still holding her.

 

(-)(-)(-)