Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Tsubasa no Datenshi ❯ Sanctuary ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

All his life, Kyo has been hated, scorned, and looked down upon. He only ever had one place to go. In a desperate attempt for peace of mind, will he give up his one place in to people he does not even know?

Anime/Manga: Fruits Basket Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.14.2005 | Updated On: 04.14.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 9.5K | Visits: 182 | Status: Completed

I still don't get the whole point of a disclaimer… Also… Bare with me, I seem to have a habit of describing people over and over and over, from different people's point of views. Especially when they're wearing new clothing… So just bare with me…. Not like any of you are actually reading this…

Ki-chan- Why am I responding to your review when I'm talking to you on MSN… You're just as bad a Chris, trying to force spoilers out of me. Mainly about Katsu, but you have gotten enough spoilers. Feel special; I don't think I've ever posted a chapter two to a story before… To lazy…

Chris-sama- I will probably be talking to you in the time span of a few hours when you log on… But oh well… Like I said, neither you nor Ki-chan is getting any more spoilers! You guys got enough last night! Ki-chan was getting ones about way advanced chapters too!

Kiharu-sama- Thank you so much for reviewing if you really don't understand the anime or manga that it comes from. I'm still waiting for your other chapter… So update soon… Because I said so…

Ben- Yeah… I'm talking to you at the moment too, just like your sister… But still. I'm glad you like it. In fact, everyone seems to like it. Even if I don't particularly like it that much yet. I will like it later when I actually start getting the plot rolling.

Amanda- Though I don't know you, I'm glad you read my story, even if Ki-chan threatened you with Macaroni and Cheese… Though I find that highly original and amusing…

Warnings-
Rating- M/NC-17

Sanctuary, on a personal level, is where we perform the job of taking care of our soul. -Christopher Forrest McDowell

Sohma Yuki stepped through the office door, holding it open just long enough for Kyo to get a hold of it before walking all the way in and glancing around. His gaze settled on two girls in the corner. Both looked around his age, and if they would be in senior year with Kyo and himself, tough the one shifting uncomfortably in the chair looked as if she could be at least a year younger then her companion.

The smaller girl was exquisite in her own right, her beautiful onyx hair falling softly around her waist, sprawling slightly over the edge of the chair, her distant crystal blue eyes shifting around nervously. It was obvious she was small in frame, but it was all hidden beneath baggy pants, with the odd combination of a black and blue skirt over it. Chains coming from everywhere imaginable on the pants and skirt clinked against the metal feet of the chair every time she shifted even in the slightest. Her chest was hunched over, hidden from view as she hugged her knees to herself, her petite body fitting comfortably on the chair. One hand clutching her leg was adorned in a black fingerless glove that seemed to be riddled with safety pins, the other almost hidden under a fold of the pant leg, seemed to be wrapped in old, yellowing bandages.

Her friend though, seemed not able to get adequately comfortable on the hard backed chairs. Yuki drew in a involuntary gasp when his gaze finally settled on her. He racked his mind for any word that could describe her, but all he could come up with was `exotic'.

She continued to move around, never able to find a comfortable spot, her visible skin bunching as the muscles underneath tightened and relaxed with each movement. Her clothing was nowhere near suitable for school, let alone the winter that had so quickly set it. He gave no thought to it though, it fit her, gave her the exotic look she seemed to naturally have. Her skirt was short, shorter than normal, obviously what school wouldn't label as “Finger-tip length”, then again, it didn't seem to be any shorter than the uniforms the girls were required to wear. A chain, going from one hip down to the bottom of the skirt clinked every now and then as she continued to shift. Her shirt, if you could call it that, continued to bunch at odd angles every time she turned a different direction. The top seemed to look like leather, but he couldn't quite tell. It was sleeve-less, and had a almost collar like top, it zipped, but down instead of up, it stopped zipping right below her bosom, whether by choice or the way it was made, effectively showing off her mid-section. It fanned out behind her, almost like a trench coat, but ended right at the knees, coming to a small upside down “v” in the middle.

Finally she seemed to get tired of shifting, grasping the counter with her hand, the only arm covered in a small fishnet sleeve that started at above elbow and ended at wrist. She lurched up and seemed content to lean against the small wall space between the two chair, effectively showing off her long slender legs, clad in knee-high buckle boots that had gray see-through stockings that ended slightly above them.

Yuki turned toward her and bowed, as was customary for him. And how could he not be a gentleman to someone so exquisite? `She would hate me... If she knew... We cannot even be friends.' He thought sadly, before looking up slightly to see her reaction.

The tall girl regarded him for a few moments, taking in ever detail. He wore the standard Kaiwaia High uniform the black shirt with the white trim on the bottom, the trim and cloth coming into a “V” shape in the middle. The collar that came to mid neck with it's own white trim, a short white tie, ending mid chest sticking out from under it. The black pants that fit his long legs nicely, resting over brown shoes that he seemed to find suitable to go with the outfit.

She couldn't help but snort. He was a goody-goody in everyway and she didn't even know him. His violet eyes flashed, confused, at her reaction, he stood straight again, shoving some of his gray-purple hair behind a pale ear with a pale hand. The two pieces that framed his face were longer than his normal cropped hair, one side longer than the other, but it seemed to suit him. He tilted his head to the side slightly, still waiting for her reaction.

The girl shook her head slightly, her silver hair, cropped short, sticking out at different angles most places, bouncing around her head. Finally her dark, cold, violet eyes came to rest on his own charming lighter, violet eyes. Slowly, almost reluctantly, she inclined her head, just the barest of an inch. Yuki couldn't help but smile, inclining his head again, that's when he noticed it. A small tattoo on her stomach, close to her bellybutton. It was of a small gray rat with violet eyes. It was curled up in itself, but its paws were extended as if playing with something invisible above it.

Yuki continued to stare, until Kyo bumped into him that is. “Baka neko-” He began but Kyo just scowled at him.

“Did we not go over this before? If you weren't standing there for no good reason, no one would bump into you.” He waved off any response and turned to look at what Yuki had been looking before.

What Kyo saw made his breath hitch in his throat, thing the same thing of `She cannot know...' But not about the same girl. Kyou didn't even seem to take notice of the standing girl, but rather his gaze locked on the dark haired angel and stayed.

The girl had finally stood up, tired of sitting around, eager to finally get away from these people. She shifted nervously from one foot to the other, her midnight hair swaying from side to side; the harsh lights making it glow with a blue tint. Her distant blue eyes shifted around nervously, the alteration of dim and harsh light throwing them into darkness of a navy blue.

She reached down and pulled her skirt down more over her baggy black pants, it had ridden up when she had sat down, adjusting the chains and straps that had gone every which way in the process. Her tank top with a large rubber duck on the front was slightly bunched up, showing part of the quarter sleeve fishnet shirt underneath. It also showed some pale skin. Which she hurriedly covered as she pulled her shirt back down. Her hand with a fingerless black glove, stuck with safety pins held her other arm. Her other hand was almost hidden behind her, but a hint of yellow bandages wrapping around her wrist and hand was visible.

Yuki elbowed him in the side lightly, glaring and hissing out “It's not polite to stare.” Kyo was knocked out of his reprieve, turning to glare at him.

“What was that for!” He hissed out at Yuki, continuing to glare. Yuki just glared back before turning toward the old lady that had spoken to Sayuri and Kanika earlier.

The lady looked over and her face broke into a smile that immediately made her resemble a toad. Yuki could only smile kindly at her. Kyo huffed and walked to stand next to him. There was no kind smile for him, not even so much as a glance. He didn't seem to give much notice; instead he continued to glance back and forth from the desk to the dark haired angel in the corner.

“Sayuri-san and Kanika-san please come here.” The lady croaked out, just settling deeper in their minds that she was in fact a toad. Instantly, the small girl started shuffling over. The taller one following at a more leisure pace.

The lady held out a paper, motioning the girl with silver hair forward. “Sayuri-san, your schedule.” Sayuri stepped forward, snatching it away and glancing at it briefly.

`So she is Sayuri… Small lily. It befits her I suppose.' Yuki once again let his gaze slid to hers. `She is small, and as delicate as a lily. So her name really does befit her.' He couldn't help but smile as his gaze returned to the lady as she held out another paper.

The lady held up the last paper, looking disgruntled about having to move at all. “And Kanika-san.” Kanika gave a nervous look around at no one in particular, reaching out and taking the paper hesitantly before slinking back behind Sayuri.

`Kanika!' A voice whispered in Kyo's mind. `I don't even know that name's meaning… It can't be Japanese, it sounds so beautiful though, and it lolls off the tongue… But I know I have heard that name before… But where?' Kyo shrugged is off, for now, as the office lady finally turned toward Yuki and himself.

“Now Yuki-san, and…” The lady stopped for a few seconds, as if trying to remember Kyo's name. Kyo could only scowl and look away toward the wall. “Kyo-san… You two will be escorting these two lovely ladies.” She indicated toward Sayuri and Kanika, in a added whisper to Yuki she said. “See if you might install in Sayuri-san the proper way to dress.”

Yuki blinked surprised, he hadn't even given much though to the fact that her clothing wasn't that good for school, let alone winter. She must have frozen on the way here. At least had frostbite. But here she was, fit and unscratched. Maybe she had a coat or something, which she had abandoned once she had gotten into their toasty school.

A low growl could be heard from the throat of said spoken girl. She said nothing but glared coldly at the lady behind the desk who seemed to want to talk about her clothing to no end. The lady only ignored her and turned back to her computer, content that the new students were in capable hands of Sohma Yuki, and Sohma Kyo was in the capable hands of the new students and Sohma Yuki.

“One more thing.” She added, turning around slightly to stare at them. “You two are excused from any classes that you have that are different from these ladies. Please accompany them to all their classes so they know the proper behavior required of the students.” She turned back to her computer once again. But picked up the telephone, dialing quickly. “Seeing as it is Wednesday, this will go on all week, you will be doing this until Saturday.

Yuki gave a small nod and turned to face the two girls. He bowed toward both of them. “Koinnichi wa, Watashi wa Sohma Yuki. I hope you will find my company somewhat enjoyable.”

Kyo stared at them for a few moments, once again not even taking in the smallest detail of the taller girl, who was at this point, nodding slightly to Yuki. “I guess I get Kanika-san, seeing as the old fart behind the desk shoved Yuki-kun with Sayuri-san.” He nodded toward her, a small smile flirting his lips.

Kanika only blinked in response, inclining her head the barest of centimeters, the same as Sayuri. She glanced over at Sayuri who seemed to be content to stare at Yuki, who could only stare back. She couldn't tell exactly what lay in Sayuri's hidden depths, but she could tell she was sizing him up. Anyone that had ever come in contact with her before could tell a person that. The first thing Sayuri did was size someone up, looking for strengths and weaknesses, incase anything might happen to pit one against the other.

With a shake of her head, Kanika tugged on Sayuri's arm, pulling her into the corner for a few words. “Sayuri, I hardly think these two are a threat.” She whispered glancing over at the confused looks of their escorts. “I mean look at them, they're so lanky… And they barely look like they could fight.”

Sayuri could only smile slightly. “I know what you mean…” She said throwing a quick glance over to them before it switched back to Kanika's crystal blue eyes. “But look at us… You more so. You can hold your own pretty well. Even if yournot one to get in many fights.” She shook her head sighing. “Just remember, every person is a potential advisory, no matter what they look like.” With a shrug she turned and walked back over to where their guides waited.

Kanika hesitated only a moment to think over what her long-time friend had just said. Sometimes she surprised Kanika with her depth of wisdom, and other times Kanika could only laugh at her stupidity. She shook her head. Sayuri was a hard person to figure out. But many people had told her that she was harder to figure out. Sayuri herself said that she was still trying to figure some things out, even after the ten years they had known one another. Without a second thought, Kanika went to stand slightly behind Sayuri, eager to get out of the strange office.

Sayuri glanced down at her supposed schedule for a second before frowning. “History…” She said with some discontent. “What about you Kanika?” She asked, turning to look at the girl behind her.

“Same.” Kanika piped in a small voice, not even bothering to look at her sheet, having glanced over it before hand. Sayuri could only shake her head in amusement before turning toward her guides.

“Direct us toward the History room and we can go on our own. There is no need for extra assistance.” She said, inclining her head slightly. The two would be guides could only blink in surprise and stare in confusion.

“But-“ Yuki began; stopping short, still not quiet sure about whose name belonged to whom.

“Sayuri.” Both Sohma's suddenly realized, that they knew neither of their last names.

“But Sayuri-san, it would be an honor for us to escort such lovely ladies as yourselves.” He said, tilting his head and smiling. Kyo nodded, his gaze never leaving Kanika's face, though she seemed content to stare at the floor, or her pant legs, it was hard to tell which one she was looking at.

Sayuri only scowled slightly. “Whatever suits you I suppose. But it's your school reputation.” With that she turned and walked briskly out of the office. Kanika following heel without a backward glance.

Yuki blinked, slightly a taken back at the girls harsh words. He stared, mouth agape as she turned and gave a small smile, or was it his imagination, for it seemed to vanish in the all of a second. He shook his head, leaving it be, not really worrying. He turned to snap Kyo out of his staring so they could go and help the girls they were to escort. “Baka neko. We're going now. So stop staring and start moving…”

Kyo blinked and looked over at him, his look of wonderment immediately turning into a scowl. “Kuso onizumi” He hissed out, starting to walk out. “I can look at anything I damn well please to.” Without another word or listening for a reply he walked out. Ignoring the confused expressions on Sayuri and Kanika's faces. “Come on.” He muttered, turning and stalking down the hallway where Yuki knew the stairs stood.

But the history room was not on the second floor, or the third forthat matter… And there was nothing on the roof. The history room was the other way. So why was he leading them away? Yuki shook his head, seeing that Kanika and Sayuri had followed Kyo down the hall. With a sigh he ran to catch up. Intent on finding out exactly what the neko was up to.

If the neko tried to get himself, and the girls in trouble, he would have to deal with Yuki, he could care less what happened to Kyo, as long as he didn't get in trouble, and the girls didn't get a tarnished reputation out of the neko's stupidity… If anything happened, the neko was in for a hell of a beating. Yuki could only snort. Kyo should know that he wouldn't put up with it. So why was he trying to take advantage of it?

Kyo began the long ascent up the stairs. Sayuri and Kanika following him calmly. Yuki following them warily.

Up one flight.

Up two flights.

Up the final flight.

Kyo pushed open the door, finally stepping out into the sunlight of the afternoon. There was no snow on the rooftop. The sun's weak rays combined with the insulation and reradiating of the metal rooftop sufficient enough to melt what little snow had stuck around. With a stretch of his arms upwards, Kyo plopped down against the wall that encased the stairs leading up, glad for the warmth the bricks absorbed and radiated off.

He loved to come up here all the time. It was his little sanctuary, and without a thought to the fact that he was giving his sanctuary away to other people, people he didn't even know, he had come here. Come here to think through all the problems that had occurred to him over the time line of his existence.

He hated it in truth, hated his very existence and couldn't remember what drove him on, what drove him to try harder, to try and finally be accepted by his family. If he was finally accepted… What then? What would his goal in life be then? If he was accepted… His only goal in life would be achieved. Leaving him with nothing left, and nothing to live for.

In his miserable nineteen years of existence… He had only ever strived for one thing, and if that thing were to come true, then he would have nothing. Not even the satisfaction of knowing he had succeeded could out weigh the fact that after it came true, his purpose in life would be complete and there was nothing left for him.

With a sigh, he finally realized that the other, taller girl had come out and was staring down through the tall fencing that encased the school's roof. It was only then that he actually noticed anything about her.

She wasn't like most girl, he could tell right away. She wasn't the delicate flower that loved to shop and gossip about boys to no end like all the girls in the school seemed to do. She was more of a rebel type girl. Goth in nature.

Her back was turned to him, the sunlight making her short silver hair glow faintly. The wind blew slightly, taking the back of her trench coat like shirt with it, revealing her bare back, a small back. It curved forward as she bent over the top of the fence, her black boots stuck in the holes of the wiring, her skirt clenched around her slightly spread legs.

It was only then with surprise that he noticed that she had climbed the fence, something he had never done, fearing it would topple with the weight. The fence seemed content to hold her lithe frame though, swaying gently in the breeze.

Kyo looked back toward the door, Sayuri and himself were the only ones on the roof. Kanika was standing just inside the door staring disdainfully at the harsh light, shirking back as the clouds moved to filter the sun, throwing more rays farther into the walkway.

He blinked, narrowing his eyes at the violet eyes just behind Kanika that had suddenly seemed to appear, flashing with discontent. He glared, his own crimson eyes flashing. He scowled turning his head back to stare at the few clouds drifting lazily overhead.

Then, he was next to him. Scowling down at him with hatred… But at what, Kyo could not tell. Then again. Like he needed to ask for a reason. They all hated him for simply being there. For simply being him. It was the same every time. Every time he did something, whether good or bad, there was always hatred there. But not for what he had done.

But simply for what he was, and who he was.

Yuki, however, didn't stay to yell at him, not even a harsh word escaped his lips. Not even his usual `Baka neko'. It was all different, all confusing. But Yuki didn't stick around to hear his thoughts, he turned, and walked toward the fence.

Yuki stopped right below Sayuri, quickly looking up, then back down. Refusing to make it seem like he would try to look up her skirt. Instead he stepped to the side and looked back up at her, coughing slightly to gain her attention.

It took a few seconds for her to realize it, but finally Sayuri turned her cold violet eyes down to stare at Yuki's own warm ones.

“Sayuri-san. I'm afraid, as I am quite sure you can tell. This is not the history room.” He turned his flashing eyes once again on Kyo with a cold glare. But the neko took no notice of it, to busy was he in a fantasy world, staring blissfully at the clouds overhead. As if they could give him all the answers he sought in life.

Yuki shook his head slightly and turned back around toward Sayuri, but before he could look up at her, a black figure came hurtling down right in front of him. There was no time to act, no time to think of the consequences. His small arms shot out and pulled the petite form toward his hard chest with a slight `oof' at the impact.

He drew in a collected gasp, his eyes shutting tightly as he waited for the `Pyon' that would spell trouble for him.

He waited.

And waited.

Slowly he cracked open a startled violet eyes, the warm body shifting uncomfortably in his still human arms. Slowly, ever so slowly, his gaze traveled down the silver hair, still blowing slightly in the wind, past the forehead, past the slender eyebrow, which he just noticed had a small stud of black metal going through it. Until it finally rested on the cold, scornful, violet eyes of the lithe girl in his arms.

With a startled yelp, his arms drew back, dropping the body he held.

Kyo's head snapped over, staring with confusion at the scene before him. The girl called Sayuri was standing shakily, holding her backside and rubbing it in a hurt manner, while Yuki looked as if he was about to faint, staring at his arms in utter amazement and somewhat horror. He could only snort at the picture it made.

“Oi, onizumi! What the hell are you doing? Staring at your arms like that?” No reply… With a shake of his head, Kyo lunched to his feet. He cast a glance back into the doorway that still stood open, his confused eyes resting on Kanika's small form, sitting against the wall, farthest in the shadow, her blue eyes, illuminated by the faint sun, now brighter than the darkness that surrounded her, stared straight ahead to the wall no more than three feet in front of her. Apparently, she had not heard the yelp that had issued from his dear cousin's mouth.

With another shake of his head, he turned his deeply confused eyes away from the girl that seemed to harbor in shadows, back to his onizumi of a cousin and the new girl that the fence seemed to favor, but the ground seemed to not, if one was to judge by the way she was rubbing her butt.

With a collective sigh, he trudged his way over to the two, one who seemed content to stare at his arms, the other who saw it fit to glare at the person staring at his arms.

“Oi, what the hell are you two doing?” Kyo cursed, coming to rest slightly in between them, but not fully. He stared from one to the other, but neither stopped what they were doing. With a frustrated sigh, he turned his attention to Sayuri, the one he deemed most likely to actually give him an answer.

“Oi….” With no answer he growled in frustration to, reaching his hand up with the intention to wave it in front of her face, nothing more. But her hand shoot out and pushed it away before it could even start to descend. She wasn't nearly as fast as him, but she had still caught him by surprise. Something he didn't like to happen, but then again, she didn't seem much like the fighting type.

“Don't touch me.” She bit out, her glare never leaving the area in which Yuki stood. Kyo could only blink in mild surprise.

“Does one of you mind telling me what is going on please?” Kyo said, withdrawing his hand away from her, letting it fall limply next to his side.

Sayuri open her mouth as if to reply, but at that moment a loud annoying bell rang out through the school and courtyard, echoing up to the occupants on the roof.

Yuki's head snapped up, confusion and surprise still evident on his face. He glanced around, first at Kyo then as Kanika, who had jumped up at the echoing sound, standing partly in the doorway, but still shrouded in shadow. Until finally they came to rest upon Sayuri, who continued to glare at him, seemingly having taken little notice of the bell.

“O-oh…” Yuki stuttered over his words. Something he had never done, or at least to Kyo's knowledge. It just wasn't something Sohma Yuki would do. But here he was, Sohma Yuki, stuttering, and looking extremely embarrassed and confused, his cheeks reddening with each passing second that ticked slowly by.

“What the hell is up with you two!” Kyo bit out, glancing from Yuki's red face, to Sayuri's pale face, still hardened and glaring at the boy who stood in front of her.

“N-nothing!” Yuki stumbled out, a little to quickly for his own good. A sure sign that told everything Kyo needed to know. Kyo's eyes narrowed, for once in his miserable life… Yuki was openly lying. And not about something that absolutely needed to be kept secret either.

Finally Sayuri broke the tension, if it could be called that seeing as Yuki wasn't even looking at her, had barely looked at her, but had stared at his own arms as if they had suddenly turned into tentacles. And by the look that continued to stay on his face, that occurring would have been a welcomed change.

Sayuri turned around and crossed her arms, huffing in mild annoyance. “That was really uncalled for Sohma-san” She bit out icily, determinedly staring at the fence on the other side of the roof, her gaze never wavering with whatever she might be feeling at that very moment.

“N-nani?” Yuki glanced up at her, his arms falling limply to his side, his voice confused. “Oh!” He declared, as if suddenly getting what she meant by her comment. Quickly he turned and bowed toward her. “It was my fault. I apologize and am deeply sorry for what occurred.”

Sayuri merely snorted and turned to look down through the gate, her eyes narrowing slightly at the students that had begun to file out of the front doors, intent on enjoying the weather for as long as possible. They were dead set on being outside before winter permanently set in and they were forced to spend all their time inside, dreaming of what it was like to be outside, when there wasn't snow, and it was warm and sunny.

With a slight smile, Sayuri turned and began to waltz back toward the door where Kanika sat shrouded in shadow. “Finally, school is over, and I go about my daily business...” She threw her hands behind her head, the fingers interlaced, her head titled up, resting in the bowl her hands formed. Her eyes were closed, not watching where she was going, reveling in the crisp air around them, and the slight breeze that sent goose bumps racing up the arm in a game of tag that would end at the first tongue of warmth that flame might send their way.

Suddenly Sayuri stopped, she laced her fingers in with the wiring of the fence and continued to stare, but not at the students that filed out on the other side of the building. Even if she had wanted to, they were not visible from where she stood. Instead she seemed content to stare out at the barren landscape that was behind the Kaiwaia High School. Her face was troubled, her mouth set in a grim line and her violet eyes clouded over in thought.

Kyo snorted. Glancing around at the people that surrounded him. Why had he come up here and showed these people his only sanctuary? It was something he couldn't think of. But today had been hard, worry after worry, stress after stress, and insult after insult. They kept piling on one another until he though he would snap. But luckily, he didn't. He had retreated up to his sanctuary as soon as he had gotten the chance. But unfortunately, these people had been with him. And they had witnessed the tranquility of his sanctuary. With a sigh he realized that it was no longer his. He would have to find a new place. Either that or deal with the occasionally company that might work their way up here in their own need for solitude.

Abruptly he turned and stalked past Kanika, who could have not even been there, so faded into the shadows was she. He practically ran down the stairs in his desperate attempt to find another place of solitude. It was a few second before he reached the corner, stopping. Refusing to go around the one thing that would hide him from the rooftop's occupant's views. With a sigh, his shoulders slumped, he continued around, but at a more leisurely pace.

Yuki blinked, his violet eyes confused. He glanced around, from Sayuri leaning against the fence and staring out at nothing in particular, to Kanika, hidden in the shadows, only her distant blue eyes any evidence to where she was located, and finally to the stairs where Kyo had just barreled down. With a sigh he stood up straight and faced Sayuri once more. “Sayuri-san… May I have the honor of walking you home?” He asked, titling his head to the side and waiting patiently.

Sayuri gave no answer, her eyes lost in the confused storm that was her mind. Her head turned slowly, but her eyes didn't look at anyone in particular. They stared at a fixed point just beyond the horizon. “No, no that's quiet alright…”

Yuki frowned and opened his mouth to protest, but Sayuri cut him off. “I'm not even going home, so there is no need.” She turned and started walking toward the door, making it to the staircase before she said her final words. “I would like it if you accompanied Kanika-chan home though.” And with that said, she disappeared down the stairs and around the corner that went to the front of the school.

Yuki blinked, slightly in confusion, and slightly in astonishment. Slowly he turned toward Kanika and smiled. “Kanika-san, may I walk you home?” Kanika just shrugged and turned, walking slowly down the stairs, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.

Yuki frowned, not at all accustomed to lack of conversation, he shrugged if off, and followed after her wordlessly.

-Later That Evening-

Sayuri shoved some of her sliver hair out of her face, looking up at the house to which she had been told was the Sohma residence. The house was nestled in the woods, away from prying eyes and it had taken some time for Sayuri to actually get here, especially having just relocated into a different part of the town.

The wind whipped around her as she started up in somewhat fascination. The house was large, but not overly large, but at the same time, to small to be a regular sized house.

With a sigh she glanced down at the small white tie that lay in her outstretched hand. “I can't believe that baka actually didn't notice that he had lost his damn tie.” She huffed and continued to walk up the path toward the house.

-Flashback-

Sayuri continued her trek through the park to where she was supposed to meet someone. She switched her gaze from the sky to straight ahead, her gaze falling on whom she sooth.

`Katsu' She thought with bitter contempt as she walked up to the gang leader with onyx hair and dew green eyes that any girl would kill to have. She surveyed him with discontent, taking in ever detail.

Baggy black pants with a few chains scattered and hanging from it, black and blue think soled shoes, and a black hoodie with spikes on the hood, a demon bird on the front, the sleeves rolled up to reveal blue sleeves. Nothing out of the ordinary that he would wear. She relaxed slightly, but instantly tensed when his arm encircled her waist.

“My dear Sayuri… I'm afraid your clothing is to revealing. You'll have to put more decent things on when you're not around me.” He purred in her ear. It took all her will power not to just cringe back and knock him flat on his face.

`I'm doing this for Kanika… Kanika…' She constantly repeated it in her mind. It was the only thing that would keep her rooted to the spot, even as he started to attack her neck with small nips and kisses. `Damn it Kanika… For Kanika.'

Suddenly he stopped, her eyes snapped open as she heard a small growl issue from his throat. “What the hell is this?” He growled as his hand shot out and headed for her shirt zipper. She glanced down and located his source of discontent. A small white tie.

-End Flashback-

Katsu had been livid about it. Had already accused her of cheating and was going to go right then and there to strangle her precious Kanika unless she could prove that it was by accident that she had the tie.

She said she would return it. She could guess whose it was. Having only been around the two Sohma boys all day. And Sohma Yuki had been the only one with a tie that day.

So with a sigh she had started her way toward the Sohma house. She had no doubt in her mind that she was being watched. Katsu had sent someone, or might even be watching her, himself. He was making sure that she was correct when she had said that she was dating neither of them, making sure that she never would.

Sayuri could only scowl. She had just met them that day for Christ's sake! She looked down, her long bangs covering her eyes as tears welled up in her suddenly morbid violet eyes. She would be with anyone, anyone at all if they could save her from Sayuri… But it wasn't herself that she wanted protected. She wanted Kanika protected.

She knew what went on in Kanika's house. So she tired her best to get Kanika out of any kind of trouble the girl managed to squirm her way into. All Sayuri wanted was Kanika's happiness and safety. The safety part was easy. But the happiness was ill attained. Nothing seemed able to make Kanika happy, she didn't have any friends. Sayuri didn't know if even she was her friend.

Sayuri would do anything to make Kanika happy, she at least, considered her a friend. But did Kanika consider her a friend? It was probably something Sayuri would never know, not unless Kanika herself came right out and said it. Which Sayuri doubted she would.

With a silent curse Sayuri furiously rubbed at her eyes, scrubbing the tears that had lingered with ferocity. She couldn't cry. She had to be strong. To protect herself, but more importantly, to protect Kanika.

Her slightly trembling hand reached up and knocked twice on the wooden door. She heard shuffled footsteps as someone approached to answer the door.

The door opened and a head peeked out. A man's head, he had black hair that looked almost gray, it fell to just below his ears. His eyes were what seemed to be a dark brown, but could be black at the same time; they were nestled behind slightly round glasses that were set low on his nose.

With a slight smile he opened the door all the way and walked out. He wore a light brown yukata with a small black obi around the mid-section, holding it closed. He was slightly tall, but not tall as to where someone would say he was taller than a normal person, and he had a kind smile. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could Sayuri shoved something at him.

“Sohma Yuki dropped this when he caught me.” She said bluntly, holding the small white tie out.

The man took it slowly, glancing from Sayuri to the tie. “He caught you? What happened after he caught you?” He asked slowly, choosing his words carefully.

Sayuri blinked, somewhat confused. “Nothing… Well, after he caught me, he did drop me and started to stare at his arms for awhile…” She shrugged and looked up at the man.

Shigure stared at her in mild fascination for a few seconds. Sayuri fidgeted slightly, wishing he would go back inside. Gently he took her arm and proceeded to pull her inside. “I think there's something we must discuss.” He offered no are whatsoever to argue and try to escape, the closing of the wooden door, sealed her doom.

Katsu could only grin from his vantage point in the woods. So she had lied to him… It had just proved fatal for someone very close to her.

With a grunt he stood up quickly and proceeded to trek down the mountainside, intent on place only.

Well that wasn't nearly as long as I wanted it to be. But I think the few of you that read it have waited to long. I'm really sorry for the delay in this chapter being posted. But I assure you, the chapters will come faster. I think I had a minor case of writers block. My muse wasn't exactly helping either. So he's locked away for the time being. I'm forcing him to come up with new ideas. Maybe you guys can meet him later.

Ja ne!