Dance of the Curse 5/? (Kyoru, PG-13...for now ^^)
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 8:58 pm
Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket. It belongs to Natsuki Takaya! Do not sue!
Freetalk: Finally, another update. I'm sorry it took so damned long.
Dedicated to: I'm giving this to a dear, dear person, Rowena. I will always miss the times we were best of friends.
Chapter V: Renewed Promises
"Will she be able to walk again?" Hatori asked Masako as soon as they entered her office.
Masako glanced at the papers at her desk, then turned to Hatori, her violet eyes expressionless. "Both her legs suffered serious fractures. However, we were able to take care of that. Yes, Hatori-san, Honda-san will be able to walk, but it will be a while before she does." She handed him Tohru's chart.
"How did the accident happen?"
"A drunk driver hit her while she was crossing the street," she replied grimly. "She was flung away a few feet away. By then, she was already bleeding badly."
Hatori looked up from the chart. "She suffered internal injuries?"
She nodded. "Nothing fatal or serious, though. We were able to take care of it immediately. She slipped into a coma while we were treating her, though. She only woke up today." She went to a miniature fridge and got two bottles of water. She handed one to Hatori, who took it with a brief thanks.
"Hatori-san," Masako began, opening the bottle. "Honda-san is out of danger. My main concern right now is something else. She lives with Shigure-san, doesn't she? I'm afraid that might have to change."
"Why?" he asked bluntly.
"Because I don't think Shigure-san's house is adapted for people of her condition. Her recovery also requires close supervision. When her bones heal, she'll need physical therapy. Not only that, while her bones and other injuries heal, she'll be quite helpless. She'd need to be fed, dressed–you know what I'm talking about. Her recovery, as you know, will take months."
Hatori was silent. He knew Masako was right. Yuki and Kyou would be too busy to take care of her, and Shigure wasn't exactly the most reliable person around. Tohru was going to stay here. "What about her schooling?"
"Unless her school has facilities for the disabled, which I rather doubt, she'll have to stop going to school." She took a long drink of water. "I've spoken to her grandfather, and he has agreed to allow Honda-san to be under my care until she's fully recovered. I've also arranged for home schooling services." She smiled wryly at him. "Do I seem too autocratic to you? I'm sorry, but I am concerned about Honda-san's health, just as you are. She seems to be a very dear girl."
"She is," Hatori said in a quiet voice.
*******
Kyou's eyes widened at Tohru's words. A promise? What was she talking about? "Tohru?" he whispered softly, reaching out to touch her hand.
Tohru took a ragged breath. Her brown eyes continued to stare at Kyou with startling intensity. "You–won't be alone…anymore…" To their surprise, her hand lifted slightly, touching Kyou's hand. Kyou gently took it. Suddenly, Tohru gripped his hand. Then her eyes closed, and her hand went limp.
For one terrible, unforgettable moment, Kyou thought Tohru had died. However, the faint pulse at her pulse and the gentle rise and fall of her chest told him otherwise. Tohru was simply asleep.
"Gods," Arisa whispered. "For a while I thought Tohru di–"
"Don't say it, Yankee. She's just asleep, that's all," Kyou cut in quietly. He carefully laid down her hand on the bed, his hand trembling slightly. When he turned to the others, they noticed that Kyou's eyes were very, very bright, and his hands were now curled into tight fists.
Whoever did this to her is going to pay. I'm going to kill that person. I don't give a damn what happens to me after that, but I will kill the person who hit Tohru with his car.
Kyou scanned the room, and eventually focused on Yuki. He could see that the mouse had the same expression on his face. Yuki's normally light violet eyes were a deep purple now, and there was a determined look on his face. Get in line, kuso nezumi. This one is mine.
Not on your life, baka neko, was Yuki's answering look.
The door slowly opened, and Masako and Hatori entered the room. Masako glanced at Kyou, then at the rest, noting the stricken, fearful look in their eyes.
"There is something you all need to know. Yes, Tohru can still walk," she said, smiling slightly at the relieved sighs of the group. "However, her recovery and rehabilitation may take months, so…."
"So Honda-san will be staying here while she recovers," Hatori finished for her.
There was sudden silence in the room as the news slowly sank in. "It's for the best," Masako added. "She needs professional help to recover completely. I'm not trying to take her away from you, but you can't take care of her. You all have school. Right now, she's almost as helpless as a newborn babe is. She needs to be fed, dressed, bathed and a lot more. You can't do that." She smiled at them. "You can visit her, don't worry."
"That's…good," Shigure said finally. "I suppose I should get her things and bring them here."
Masako nodded. "That would be a very good idea."
Momiji turned to Hatori. "What about Tohru-mutti's schooling? Will she have to quit high school?" he wanted to know.
"That will be taken care of by Dr. Hojo," Hatori replied. "Right now, her schooling is the least of her problems. The most important thing right now is for Honda-san to recover from her injuries."
Masako glanced at her watch. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving you for a while. I have some other patients to look after and some appointments to keep. Dr. Souma will explain the rest to you." She gave them a small smile and left the room.
When she was gone, Shigure turned to Hatori, one eyebrow raised. "Do you really know her, Ha-san? You acted a little strange back at the house."
Hatori gave Shigure a cool look. "I know her. I've met her before." But that was nearly twenty years ago. She knew my name. Could she be the woman I met long ago? And if she were the woman, why haven't she aged?
*******
"Hime-sama." The man stood up as soon as Masako Hojo entered her office and smiled at her. "Good morning." He then bowed low, and handed her a beautiful bouquet of the most exotic-looking orchids she had ever seen. "For you, Hime-sama. A tribute to your loveliness."
Masako regarded the man before her with hooded eyes. He was about forty years old, a little taller than she was. He wore a gray suit that fitted his taut body well. The man was a powerful and popular member of the Diet. She took the bouquet. "Thank you." Then she added in a cool voice. "However, I do not think you are here just to pay tribute to my beauty. What is it that you want?"
The man looked up. The man had a handsome, kind face but she knew that he was ruthless, determined man. "I have a small request to make, Hime-sama."
She sat on her chair, and continued to look at him impassively. "As you know, Hime-sama, I am heading a proposal for the restriction of the flow of migrant workers into our country. These workers from other countries have been depriving many Japanese of their jobs. HHiHimThe support of the Hojo clan would be most helpful in making this proposal more acceptable to other members of the Diet." He laid down some documents in front of her.
Masako glanced at the papers before her. "No. The Hojo clan will not support such a proposal." She smirked at the man, whose face was as red as a ripe tomato. "Did you really think we would support such an endeavor? It's not these workers fault that some Japanese find themselves out of work. The migrant workers are qualified to the things required of them; why deprive them? Not only that, such a proposal will incite the wrath of Japanese businessman dependent on this kind of workers."
The man looked like he was about to explode. However, he persisted. "If Hime-sama would reconsider–"
"No." She pushed a button on her intercom. "This is Dr. Hojo. Send someone to my office to escort my guest out. His time is up."
In a few seconds, a burly man dressed in a black suit came into the room. He bowed respectfully at her and took the politician firmly by the arm. The politician glared at her, his brown eyes burning with rage. "You will regret this, Hojo," he said in a low, threatening voice.
Masako smiled at him as he was escorted out. "No. I do not think so."
When they were gone, she rubbed her temples. She felt like someone was pounding on her skull. Damn. This day is turning to be one big migraine. Damn Soumas. Damn politicians.
Souma. Masako couldn't believe it when the girl told her she was living in Shigure Souma's house. That was such a mystery. The girl wasn't even a Souma and to be allowed to live with Shigure…it was almost unthinkable, considering how unreasonable their clan head was when it came to outsiders and women. What are they up to this time?
To top it all off, she had to meet him again–that boy–and the others as well. Was there no escape from them at all? She knew she had to meet them sometime soon, but not this soon. It wouldn't be a few months more before another dance would come.
She pressed her aching head into her hands. "Gods, it hurts. It hurts."
*******
"I don't want to leave her alone," Momiji said in a determined voice. He crossed his arms across his chest and glared at Shigure. "I'm not moving out Tohru-mutti's room."
Shigure stared at the boy, then at Yuki and Kyou. The two teenagers had a stubborn look on their faces as well. He shifted his gaze to Arisa and Hanajima, who looked like they were not leaving Tohru's side anytime soon. He sighed. "Look, you need to eat. Nothing's going to happen to Tohru-kun. Isn't that right, Ha-san?" Shigure turned to Hatori, who stood beside the door, a frown on his handsome features.
Hatori turned to them. "It will be all right. Honda-san is out of danger now. You need to eat; otherwise you'll be too weak to guard over her."
Kyou knew Hatori was right, but he couldn't bring himself to leave Tohru's side. He gently touched Tohru's cheek. He watched with glazed eyes as Tohru's chest slowly and rhythmically rose and fell. He was afraid that if he were to leave, Tohru would be hurt again, just like what happened a few days ago. I promise, if she came out all right, I will protect her.
"She'll be all right, Kyou-kun," Shigure told him. Kyou nodded, and with one more look at Tohru's limp body, he left the room.
When they were gone, however, a dark figure entered the room. His strides were slow but purposeful. He wore a black long-sleeved turtleneck paired with black pants, the same color as his hair. When he reached Tohru's bed, he glanced at her, then at the medical apparatus surrounding her. Then he smiled, a smile full of malice.
"Hello, Honda-san," Akito Souma, head of the Souma clan, said sweetly. He then reached out his hand towards the defenseless girl.
~T.B.C.~
Freetalk, part 2: Another chapter from me! Please read and review!
Hime-sama: I'm glad everyone's interested in Masako 'Hime-sama' Hojo. You'll find out more about her soon. She's really an interesting person.
Next Chapter: Tohru's moving out?!? What will the jyuunishi do? And oh, no, it's AKITO!!!!! (Hey, that rhymes). Moreover, who is Masako, really? Why does everyone call her 'Hime-sama'?
Freetalk: Finally, another update. I'm sorry it took so damned long.
Dedicated to: I'm giving this to a dear, dear person, Rowena. I will always miss the times we were best of friends.
Chapter V: Renewed Promises
"Will she be able to walk again?" Hatori asked Masako as soon as they entered her office.
Masako glanced at the papers at her desk, then turned to Hatori, her violet eyes expressionless. "Both her legs suffered serious fractures. However, we were able to take care of that. Yes, Hatori-san, Honda-san will be able to walk, but it will be a while before she does." She handed him Tohru's chart.
"How did the accident happen?"
"A drunk driver hit her while she was crossing the street," she replied grimly. "She was flung away a few feet away. By then, she was already bleeding badly."
Hatori looked up from the chart. "She suffered internal injuries?"
She nodded. "Nothing fatal or serious, though. We were able to take care of it immediately. She slipped into a coma while we were treating her, though. She only woke up today." She went to a miniature fridge and got two bottles of water. She handed one to Hatori, who took it with a brief thanks.
"Hatori-san," Masako began, opening the bottle. "Honda-san is out of danger. My main concern right now is something else. She lives with Shigure-san, doesn't she? I'm afraid that might have to change."
"Why?" he asked bluntly.
"Because I don't think Shigure-san's house is adapted for people of her condition. Her recovery also requires close supervision. When her bones heal, she'll need physical therapy. Not only that, while her bones and other injuries heal, she'll be quite helpless. She'd need to be fed, dressed–you know what I'm talking about. Her recovery, as you know, will take months."
Hatori was silent. He knew Masako was right. Yuki and Kyou would be too busy to take care of her, and Shigure wasn't exactly the most reliable person around. Tohru was going to stay here. "What about her schooling?"
"Unless her school has facilities for the disabled, which I rather doubt, she'll have to stop going to school." She took a long drink of water. "I've spoken to her grandfather, and he has agreed to allow Honda-san to be under my care until she's fully recovered. I've also arranged for home schooling services." She smiled wryly at him. "Do I seem too autocratic to you? I'm sorry, but I am concerned about Honda-san's health, just as you are. She seems to be a very dear girl."
"She is," Hatori said in a quiet voice.
*******
Kyou's eyes widened at Tohru's words. A promise? What was she talking about? "Tohru?" he whispered softly, reaching out to touch her hand.
Tohru took a ragged breath. Her brown eyes continued to stare at Kyou with startling intensity. "You–won't be alone…anymore…" To their surprise, her hand lifted slightly, touching Kyou's hand. Kyou gently took it. Suddenly, Tohru gripped his hand. Then her eyes closed, and her hand went limp.
For one terrible, unforgettable moment, Kyou thought Tohru had died. However, the faint pulse at her pulse and the gentle rise and fall of her chest told him otherwise. Tohru was simply asleep.
"Gods," Arisa whispered. "For a while I thought Tohru di–"
"Don't say it, Yankee. She's just asleep, that's all," Kyou cut in quietly. He carefully laid down her hand on the bed, his hand trembling slightly. When he turned to the others, they noticed that Kyou's eyes were very, very bright, and his hands were now curled into tight fists.
Whoever did this to her is going to pay. I'm going to kill that person. I don't give a damn what happens to me after that, but I will kill the person who hit Tohru with his car.
Kyou scanned the room, and eventually focused on Yuki. He could see that the mouse had the same expression on his face. Yuki's normally light violet eyes were a deep purple now, and there was a determined look on his face. Get in line, kuso nezumi. This one is mine.
Not on your life, baka neko, was Yuki's answering look.
The door slowly opened, and Masako and Hatori entered the room. Masako glanced at Kyou, then at the rest, noting the stricken, fearful look in their eyes.
"There is something you all need to know. Yes, Tohru can still walk," she said, smiling slightly at the relieved sighs of the group. "However, her recovery and rehabilitation may take months, so…."
"So Honda-san will be staying here while she recovers," Hatori finished for her.
There was sudden silence in the room as the news slowly sank in. "It's for the best," Masako added. "She needs professional help to recover completely. I'm not trying to take her away from you, but you can't take care of her. You all have school. Right now, she's almost as helpless as a newborn babe is. She needs to be fed, dressed, bathed and a lot more. You can't do that." She smiled at them. "You can visit her, don't worry."
"That's…good," Shigure said finally. "I suppose I should get her things and bring them here."
Masako nodded. "That would be a very good idea."
Momiji turned to Hatori. "What about Tohru-mutti's schooling? Will she have to quit high school?" he wanted to know.
"That will be taken care of by Dr. Hojo," Hatori replied. "Right now, her schooling is the least of her problems. The most important thing right now is for Honda-san to recover from her injuries."
Masako glanced at her watch. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving you for a while. I have some other patients to look after and some appointments to keep. Dr. Souma will explain the rest to you." She gave them a small smile and left the room.
When she was gone, Shigure turned to Hatori, one eyebrow raised. "Do you really know her, Ha-san? You acted a little strange back at the house."
Hatori gave Shigure a cool look. "I know her. I've met her before." But that was nearly twenty years ago. She knew my name. Could she be the woman I met long ago? And if she were the woman, why haven't she aged?
*******
"Hime-sama." The man stood up as soon as Masako Hojo entered her office and smiled at her. "Good morning." He then bowed low, and handed her a beautiful bouquet of the most exotic-looking orchids she had ever seen. "For you, Hime-sama. A tribute to your loveliness."
Masako regarded the man before her with hooded eyes. He was about forty years old, a little taller than she was. He wore a gray suit that fitted his taut body well. The man was a powerful and popular member of the Diet. She took the bouquet. "Thank you." Then she added in a cool voice. "However, I do not think you are here just to pay tribute to my beauty. What is it that you want?"
The man looked up. The man had a handsome, kind face but she knew that he was ruthless, determined man. "I have a small request to make, Hime-sama."
She sat on her chair, and continued to look at him impassively. "As you know, Hime-sama, I am heading a proposal for the restriction of the flow of migrant workers into our country. These workers from other countries have been depriving many Japanese of their jobs. HHiHimThe support of the Hojo clan would be most helpful in making this proposal more acceptable to other members of the Diet." He laid down some documents in front of her.
Masako glanced at the papers before her. "No. The Hojo clan will not support such a proposal." She smirked at the man, whose face was as red as a ripe tomato. "Did you really think we would support such an endeavor? It's not these workers fault that some Japanese find themselves out of work. The migrant workers are qualified to the things required of them; why deprive them? Not only that, such a proposal will incite the wrath of Japanese businessman dependent on this kind of workers."
The man looked like he was about to explode. However, he persisted. "If Hime-sama would reconsider–"
"No." She pushed a button on her intercom. "This is Dr. Hojo. Send someone to my office to escort my guest out. His time is up."
In a few seconds, a burly man dressed in a black suit came into the room. He bowed respectfully at her and took the politician firmly by the arm. The politician glared at her, his brown eyes burning with rage. "You will regret this, Hojo," he said in a low, threatening voice.
Masako smiled at him as he was escorted out. "No. I do not think so."
When they were gone, she rubbed her temples. She felt like someone was pounding on her skull. Damn. This day is turning to be one big migraine. Damn Soumas. Damn politicians.
Souma. Masako couldn't believe it when the girl told her she was living in Shigure Souma's house. That was such a mystery. The girl wasn't even a Souma and to be allowed to live with Shigure…it was almost unthinkable, considering how unreasonable their clan head was when it came to outsiders and women. What are they up to this time?
To top it all off, she had to meet him again–that boy–and the others as well. Was there no escape from them at all? She knew she had to meet them sometime soon, but not this soon. It wouldn't be a few months more before another dance would come.
She pressed her aching head into her hands. "Gods, it hurts. It hurts."
*******
"I don't want to leave her alone," Momiji said in a determined voice. He crossed his arms across his chest and glared at Shigure. "I'm not moving out Tohru-mutti's room."
Shigure stared at the boy, then at Yuki and Kyou. The two teenagers had a stubborn look on their faces as well. He shifted his gaze to Arisa and Hanajima, who looked like they were not leaving Tohru's side anytime soon. He sighed. "Look, you need to eat. Nothing's going to happen to Tohru-kun. Isn't that right, Ha-san?" Shigure turned to Hatori, who stood beside the door, a frown on his handsome features.
Hatori turned to them. "It will be all right. Honda-san is out of danger now. You need to eat; otherwise you'll be too weak to guard over her."
Kyou knew Hatori was right, but he couldn't bring himself to leave Tohru's side. He gently touched Tohru's cheek. He watched with glazed eyes as Tohru's chest slowly and rhythmically rose and fell. He was afraid that if he were to leave, Tohru would be hurt again, just like what happened a few days ago. I promise, if she came out all right, I will protect her.
"She'll be all right, Kyou-kun," Shigure told him. Kyou nodded, and with one more look at Tohru's limp body, he left the room.
When they were gone, however, a dark figure entered the room. His strides were slow but purposeful. He wore a black long-sleeved turtleneck paired with black pants, the same color as his hair. When he reached Tohru's bed, he glanced at her, then at the medical apparatus surrounding her. Then he smiled, a smile full of malice.
"Hello, Honda-san," Akito Souma, head of the Souma clan, said sweetly. He then reached out his hand towards the defenseless girl.
~T.B.C.~
Freetalk, part 2: Another chapter from me! Please read and review!
Hime-sama: I'm glad everyone's interested in Masako 'Hime-sama' Hojo. You'll find out more about her soon. She's really an interesting person.
Next Chapter: Tohru's moving out?!? What will the jyuunishi do? And oh, no, it's AKITO!!!!! (Hey, that rhymes). Moreover, who is Masako, really? Why does everyone call her 'Hime-sama'?