Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
AU to the furuba universe...well only a little I think. I wish I could say when the idea for this came to me. All I do know is that it's going to take me an eternity to write the whole piece. *sigh* This story focuses on an original character and is told from her point of view. This chapter completes Year One! YAY! 

Chapter 7 - Through Season's Change

I wish I could say a lot happened between the end of summer and the beginning of winter.

Fall is my favorite time of year. And it was no exception while I was in Japan. Actually I thought the colors looked more vivid...there was certainly more of them. Celebration after celebration made the mood in town very light and the upcoming holidays were reasons enough to celebrate.

About a month after we returned from the beach house I received a phone call. I say I received it because I was the one who answered the phone. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't, no one would've gotten the call.

"Moshi moshi? Sohma residence."

"Sei-chan?"

"Hai?"

"It's Rin."

I could barely contain my excitement. Rin had been gone for nearly three months now. As far as I knew, she hadn't tried to contact anyone in the family before that moment. And I was curious as to why she chose to speak to me and not Shigure, Kyo or Yuki.

"How are you?" I asked.

"I'm all right. Is it okay to talk for a minute?"

I nodded. "Hai. Shigure's at Ayame's shop and the others had to stay late at school. They should be home soon though."

"I won't keep you long. You're doing well?"

"Hai."

"How's Haru?"

"He's doing well." I paused. The last time I had seen Haru outside of school was two weeks ago. He had bought me a birthday present -- albeit late -- and had come over to give it to me. IIt was a really cool beaded bracelet. I'd seen them at the store before. I have no clue how he knew I wanted one. "He misses you terribly, Rin."

She sighed. "I miss him too."

"He's been looking all over for you."

"He won't find me."

"Why don't you talk to him?"

"I can't." Her response sounded pained. "But, would you tell him...that I'm all right?"

"I'll tell him tomorrow...at school."

"Arigato."

"Oy! We're home!"

"Rin, I gotta go. The others are home."

But she had already hung up.

"Who were you talking to on the phone?" Tohru asked.

"My mom," I lied, hanging up the receiver. "Here, let me help you with those!"

I kept my promise to Rin and told Haru about her phone call the next day at school. He seemed happy she was all right, but equally angry she didn't contact him. He made a few faces -- his black side warring with his white side, I wagered -- swore a few times, kicked one desk scaring a classmate half to death and then sighed.

"She didn't say where she was or when she's coming back?"

I shook my head. "She'd already hung up before I could ask."

He sighed again, a small smile lighting up his face. "Typical."

Over the next few weeks Haru's spirits rose even higher. It was quite the change from his somber, depressed state. I liked seeing him all happy. Unfortunately, he picked more fights with Kyo and flirted with Yuki. Yes, flirted. I found it rather fascinating, really. I knew Haru cared for Yuki. He'd told me all about it one day during a slightly unusual conversation. A conversation that ended with another "what the hell" kiss. I had to admit, I was starting to feel spoiled.

And poor Yuki. The only thing worse could've been transforming into a tiny rat in public.

Things were pretty normal the rest of the fall and into winter. I got to attend a book party with my uncle. His latest novel had just finished publication. It was another fine example of the pervert my uncle could be. But I excused him after he got me two days off school to celebrate Thanksgiving. Not a typical holiday in Japan, but one highly celebrated in the United States. Tohru made a big turkey dinner and almost everyone from the main house was invited over. It really was like having Thanksgiving dinner...minus my folks and other annoying relatives.

I also got to meet another one of the jyuunishi.

"Sei...this is Kagura," Kyo introduced us, his voice mangled by the arm around his throat.

"Nice to meet you, Kagura-san," I said.

The girl smiled happily, her grip on Kyo tightening. The boy turned pale and I was worried he might choke to death. "So good to finally meet you," she told me, finally releasing Kyo so he could breathe. "How do you like it so far...in Japan I mean?"

"I love it," I told her with a smile.

I made some small talk with her and discovered that she'd always had a crush on Kyo. Almost literally. As the boar of the zodiac, Kagura had great strength...and never failed to use it to subdue Kyo if the situation warranted.

Sometimes even when it didn't.

"Ow! Kagura let go."

"Nah-uh! Not until you tell me what you want for Christmas."

My uncle took me shopping on what is traditionally known in the U.S. as "Black Friday". I'm not sure WHY it's called that...since my bank account always seems to be in the red at that point. I managed to buy almost all the gifts I needed while we were out. I also got to see another side to my uncle. The silly little boy side. Talk about getting worked up over such a little thing! My uncle practically drooled over several model car sets. I'm not sure why he was drooling -- I didn't think he liked cars seeing as he didn't drive -- but I kept them in the back of my mind to buy for him later. It wouldn't do to buy them on the spot. No, no.

Golden Week meant no school, although the teachers managed to give us sizable loads of homework to complete over the holiday. I spent one day with Sakura and Chiharu, finishing up their left over Christmas shopping. Another day was spent with Momiji, Kisa and Hiro. We went out to eat and searched for a gift for Tohru. Hiro didn't want to buy anything at first, but Kisa eventually talked him into it.

Christmas Eve was spent at home. Tohru, Yuki and I decorated a little tree. Kyo helped by stringing garland and mistletoe around the doorways.

"Tell me again what this is for?" Kyo asked.

"It's just traditional decoration in the United States," I told him. Then I smiled. "Just don't let Kagura catch you under the mistletoe."

"Why's that?"

"Because she'll have to kiss you," Tohru answered. "Isn't that right, Sierra-san?"

"Hai!"

"GAH! Then why are we hanging up this abominable thing?"

"Because it's tradition," I replied.

Maybe I should've listened to Kyo on this one. It was quite abominable when everyone was over on Christmas Day. Tohru made a large dinner and I made dessert. We exchanged gifts and holiday wishes. Then we settled into small talk and idle chatter.

That's when the nightmare began.

Well...at least for Kyo.

"Come here, Kyo-kun! You have to kiss me under the mistletoe!"

"I hate you Sei," he growled as he ran. "Damn American traditions!"

Everyone got in on the mistletoe, even Hatori, who blushed deeply when Tohru and I kissed him on the cheek. Shigure and Ayame were adamant about receiving the same treatment. Yuki, though embarrassed, managed to give Tohru a small kiss on the lips. Kyo griped, but did the same thing. Hiro surprised Kisa with one hell of a smooch. And Haru planted a good one on me...or was it me on him? It was that good of a kiss that I don't remember.

"That's my niece, Haru," my uncle said after we parted. "Be nice."

Haru looked confused. "I thought I was being nice."

"You were," I told him. "Very nice."

"Me next! Me next!" Momiji chanted.

I laughed. "Come here."

Who'd have thought that the innocent little rabbit would be a great kisser?

I sure as hell didn't!

But all the merriment dissipated the next day. Just like that. It seemed...odd...to me. Why was everyone so down? Even Tohru wasn't her cheerful self. It was almost like being at the beach house. And that frightened me.

"Shigure-otooji?"

My uncle turned away from his desk. He was in the middle of another manuscript. A smile lit his face when he saw me. "Sei-chan, kon ban wa."

"Kon ban wa," I greeted. "I don't mean to interrupt...."

"Please, interrupt," he said with a sigh. "I've been staring at this thing all day and I haven't gotten far." He took off his reading glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "What's up?"

"I was just wondering...why everyone seemed so depressed lately?"

"Depressed?" He hummed in thought. "Why...I can't think of anything...."

"It's just that everyone seems on edge about something. Tohru...Yuki...Kyo...even Momiji and Haru." I stared at him accusingly. "You didn't say something to Tohru, did you?"

"Of course not," he replied incredulously. He motioned for me to come closer into the room and I did so, sitting on a stool beside his desk. "It's just that the New Year means a lot to Tohru. Her first New Year with us was the first one she ever had without her mother. Kyo and Yuki have spent the time with her, to keep her company so she won't feel alone."

"But you guys are all here on New Year's right?"

"Nope. The Sohma clan has a big party over at the main house. The whole family comes together, and the jyuunishi have a special dinner with Akito," Shigure explained. "It lasts for about a week."

"And you have to leave Tohru here." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Hai."

"If Akito lets her live with you, why can't she attend the party? She is family, isn't she?"

Shigure's smile turned sad. "That depends on who you ask."

I paused, bowing my head. "Oh."

"Akito has his own way with things," Shigure said. "He can be unbelievably cruel. And sometimes...uncharacteristically kind." He nodded to the necklace I was wearing. "You haven't taken that off since you got it. Must be a very special birthday present."

I shrugged. I really did like the necklace, despite its source. Besides, I didn't know Akito well enough to pass judgment on him...although I did think him a incredible pain in the ass, especially after those few days over the summer. "I was surprised Akito even knew when my birthday was."

"Special indeed," was all Shigure said in response. His face was carefully controlled so I couldn't tell if he was happy or sad about the gift. It was the first time he had mentioned it actually.

"But that still doesn't answer my question," I said, not wanting to get sidetracked further. "If things seemed happier last year, why the gloom and doom this year?"

Shigure sighed. "This year, Akito has made a special request of Yuki and Kyo. They cannot disobey him in this, otherwise punishment will be severe."

Punishment? My eyes widened. "What do they have to do?"

"They are to spend three days with the family, as well as attend the private gathering."

I was confused, clearly. "That doesn't seem too difficult a task."

"Oh, but it is...for them anyway." Shigure leaned back in his chair, reaching for a pack of cigarettes on his desk. "They're used to asserting a certain level of control over their lives. But they only have a short time left."

Now, I was REALLY confused. "What do you mean?"

"Yuki and Kyo are control freaks," Shigure said nonchalantly, and a bit jokingly. "I guess it's a teenage thing...."

"Not that," I said, waving a hand. "What do you mean by 'they only have a short time left'?"

"Oh that." Shigure found his lighter on his desk and lit the cigarette. I was used to him smoking around me, so I really didn't care. My dad was the same way. "After graduation, they'll have little control over what happens to them."

I looked at him almost pleadingly. "Meaning?"

Shigure sighed, blowing out a large cloud of smoke as he did so. Thankfully, he aimed it in the opposite direction from me. "Meaning, that once they graduate from high school, Yuki and Kyo will be forced to move back to the main house."

Okay. I was STILL confused. "What's so bad about that?"

He looked at me seriously. "Do you remember what you learned the night you first met Akito?"

Oh yeah. I remembered. To be honest, I still had nightmares. Although, most of them had Akito changing into some strange form. Come to think of it, I bumped into him that night. It COULD HAVE BEEN a hug. But he didn't change. Funny that I didn't think about that. What was his curse exactly?

"Does it have to do with their jyuunishi forms?"

"Mostly." My uncle chose his words carefully. I could see the wheels turning behind his eyes. "It's like the fable...all the jyuunishi return to God...eventually."

Well, that made sense. Even if he wasn't being totally honest. But there was one thing I needed clarified, "But you live by yourself. And so do others, like Ayame."

"We are not immune, Sei-chan," he replied. "I do not live far from the main house...and I must visit Akito once a week."

That was the truth. Depending on the weather, one could see the rooftops of some of buildings at the Honke from the roof. And Shigure did manage to sneak away often enough. Mostly to visit Ayame or Hatori. The latter would place him at the main house.

Or he'd disappear to annoy his editor. I really did feel a growing sorrow for the poor woman. She tried so hard, and my uncle was merciless in his teasing. But most of that was beside the point.

"So everyone's worried about Tohru being alone this year?"

"Well...." Shigure winced imperceptibly. "Not quite."

I was, once again, confused. Grrr! "But you just said--?"

"There is one other that is not invited this year," he replied sadly.

It didn't take a genius to figure out who the lucky girl would be. Confusion gone. Mystery solved. So where was the villain in the hideous mask?

"Guess I'll be staying here too, huh?" I sunk into my seat.

Shigure only nodded.

At the time, I wasn't sure if I was more relieved or upset. I would've liked to have seen some of my other relatives, cursed or not. Perhaps this was Akito's way of keeping me a secret. Would anyone else in the family even recognize me?

Or maybe it was Shigure's way of protecting me. Whoa. That's a possibility! Not that I think my uncle can't be responsible. It's just...rare...when he is. Or so it seems.

To this day, it's still a mystery.

Yuki and Kyo were sad when Shigure told them it was time to leave. Tohru was very brave. She smiled at them, waving as they walked away. I stood on the porch beside her, also waving. I saw Kyo give a final wave just before he vanished in the distance.

Then Tohru and I went out to eat. She objected SEVERAL times, but I insisted. My parents had sent me a little extra money for the holidays and I wanted to treat her to something nice. Besides, a tiny stuffed cat was a pretty lame Christmas present...even if she loved it!

After dinner we went to market then headed home. We made snacks and lounged in front of the television and watched some old American films. I had to translate some of the lines, as they weren't subtitled, but all in all it was a good time. A girl's night out, if you will. Two movies and five hours later, we headed upstairs to bed.

I didn't remember setting an alarm. That's because it was Tohru's clock that screeched at four in the morning. I rolled over to find her crawling out of bed.

"You making a big breakfast," I asked.

"Iie. I want to watch the sun rise. Want to come with me?"

I nodded, slowly crawling out of bed. "Where are we going?"

"The roof."

We sat on the cool roof, watching the sun as it peaked over the horizon. Tohru told me to make a wish. It was a New Year tradition. I watched as she closed her eyes and then closed mine. I really had no idea what to wish for. A trip home to see my folks? Nah...I missed them, but not that much.

Not yet.

We went about life as usual. While Tohru showered, I called my folks (yeah I found it ironic too). I wished them a Happy New Year - albeit a few hours early. My father talked about his business while mom - on another phone upstairs - talked about her latest designs. We parted by agreeing that I would fly home for a week once the semester was over. Scary.

Tohru was finished in the bath just as I sat down in front of the TV. We chatted and discussed lunch. It was going on eleven already. How long had I been on the phone?! I didn't want to think about what Tohru may have been doing in the bathroom. After an episode of some unusual anime, I went upstairs and left Tohru to make her first phone call of the year.

Kyo and Yuki also called. Tohru and I tried to share the phone as they began their usual "cat and mouse" antics.

"You should've seen the look on his face!" Yuki laughed.

"She surprised me!" Kyo argued.

"You let your guard down, baka neko."

"Pain in the ass! I'll beat you, just wait!"

It was a rough few days without Shigure and the others. But it almost seemed worse when they returned. Sure I missed them, but I had gotten used to being alone with Tohru. No constant fighting, bickering or lechering. It was kind of nice.

Going back to school was no different. It took some getting used too. And I managed to complete all my assignments, I was so happy.

But school itself was different. The upperclassmen were already talking about graduation. I really didn't think that much of it until - BAM! - it was only a month away!

I suddenly felt nervous about what my uncle had told me before. He didn't offer any other information other than what he told me that night. So I had to talk to Yuki or Kyo to get the details. But there were several problems with that.

Yuki was always busy. As president of the student council, he had to make sure the incoming president knew what he or she was doing. It was a lot more work than it was worth I think, but it had to be done. Yuki took his responsibility very seriously and that's what I always liked about him.

Kyo, on the other hand, seemed to disappear. Oh sure, he was at school and stuff...but at home he just dissolved into mist or something. It was a rainy night when I found him sitting on the porch drenched from the downpour. And way past my - OUR - bedtime.

"Kyo-kun?"

He didn't look at me when he replied, "Go back to bed."

"Ah, but I would've had to have been in bed in the first place," I told him as I sat myself right down next to him. Damn, but the rain was cold! "Can't sleep."

Kyo eyed me sideways but otherwise didn't move. "I'm really not in a mood to talk, Sei."

"Then we don't have to."

He sighed, closing his eyes and he raised his face to the rain. It was something close to amazing to watch, although I'm not sure why. Wasn't sitting in the rain going to make us both sick?

"What do you want...really?"

This time I sighed. "I wanted to ask about...what was going to happen to you after graduation."

I saw him stiffen beside me for a moment. This was something we haven't talked about before. Actually I had said nothing to Yuki or Kyo of what my uncle said to me. Not even Tohru. My curiosity must've upset him a little, but at the moment I hardly cared. I simply wanted to know.

Besides I already knew one bad secret....

"I'm going to be locked away from society in this nifty little prison where everyone can come and see me like a caged animal."

But that was NOT the answer I had expected.

"Nani?!"

Kyo snickered. "It's a 'tradition' within the family. The cat of every generation is locked away when the time comes."

"But...why?"

"It's tradition."

"But what's the point?"

"There is no point," he practically spat. "It's just done, okay. It's just done!"

His voice had risen to a level that should've woken the household. Yet no one stirred. In an effort to calm himself, he sighed, his foot kicking at some mud beneath him. "It's just done," he muttered.

"Gomen nasai." My apology was heartfelt and honest. "I didn't know."

"Don't pity me, Sei."

"You're...okay with what they're doing?"

He shook his head. "No 'they'. Only Akito."

I curled myself into a small ball sitting there on the step. Pulling my knees close I rested my chin on my hands. "What about Yuki?"

Kyo shrugged. "I don't know. He'll probably go off to some fancy college and live the rest of his life in peace."

If Kyo was to be tortured so, I doubted Yuki would get off without some form of "punishment". "You really think so?"

"No," he snorted. "But I was trying to be nice."

Tears mixed with the rain already falling down my cheeks. In my curled up state, I leaned to my right, touching my head to Kyo's shoulder. It was meant as a gesture of reassurance. If it meant that, or anything else to him he didn't say, didn't move away.

This new knowledge made the passing weeks that much more depressing. Kyo and Yuki would be leaving. It pained me to even think about it. They had come to mean so much to me in a short period of time.

Then there was Tohru...acting as if none of this was going to happen. I truly thought she was a fool. Or maybe she really was that dense.

Graduation seemed like a solemn event. I sat in the stands with my uncle, Hatori and Ayame, Momiji and Hatsuharu, and Kagura. Haru was brave enough to hold my hand when I felt like I was going to cry. Did he know what was going to happen in a short while? He squeezed my hand reassuringly, but kept his gaze on the crowd of students as they began calling names.

I found myself cheering when their names were called. Hana-chan. Uo-chan. Tohru-kun. Yuki-kun. Kyo-kun. I clapped with the rest of the family, the rest of the crowd. The weight in my heart lifted for a brief instant, but once the ceremony was over, it pressed in heavier than before.

Shigure held a party for them at his house. Uo-chan and Hana-chan included. They had no idea what was to become of their friends. I wonder though, would Uo-chan have fought with Kyo-kun so much if she knew he was going to be locked away in a few hours? Their constant bickering seemed to lighten the mood. Even Kagura left them be.

The hour came all too soon. Uo-chan and Hana-chan had already left for home. I had walked them to the sidewalk to see them off with Tohru. When we returned, Hatori was standing on the porch, smoking what appeared to be his twelfth cigarette of the hour. I wish I could've been impressed. Yuki and Kyo were putting on their coats, picking up the last of their things as they stepped onto the porch to join our older cousin.

Yuki approached Tohru first. He whispered something in her ear that made her gasp. I could see tears forming in her eyes. She only closed her eyes, nodding in response. He kissed her forehead then, and stepped over to say farewell to me.

"Take care, Sei-chan."

"You sound as if I'll never see you again, Yuki," I whispered back.

He only smiled and placed a kiss on my forehead as well.

When I looked up, Kyo was already there. What had he said to Tohru? "Stay out of trouble, will ya? And keep practicing those moves. You might be good one day."

I managed a smile, tears forming in my eyes. "H-hai."

He smiled briefly at me, his hand ruffling my hair as Shigure often did.

And then...they were gone.

I helped Tohru and Kagura clean up the house from the celebration. When we were finished, Kagura said her goodnights and left. Shigure excused himself to his study early and Tohru and I were left to stare at each other. I was still amazed she had not shed any tears. None. I feared she may have been a robot or something.

"Ano...Sierra-san?"

"Hai?"

"Would you like to take a bath first or should I?"

I managed a smile and hugged her just for the hell of it. I couldn't hug either of my cousins. I was venting on her. There are other, worse, ways to vent I guess. "Why don't you go first?"

Then it was my turn.

I cried in the tub for what seemed like hours. I felt the need to hide my tears from Tohru. She was so distraught - even though she hardly looked it. She was so strong. For Yuki and Kyo, more than for herself, I think. Still, I didn't want to be the one to make her cry. I certainly wasn't strong enough for her if it came to that.

The only person I couldn't hide my tears from was my uncle. I've called him so many things over these past three years, but compassionate was never one of them. I'm kind of sorry for that, especially after I learned he stood outside the bathroom door and listened until I either stopped crying or crawled out of the tub. He wouldn't specify which one.

I hardly slept that night. What were Yuki and Kyo doing? Had they eaten a good meal? Were they comfortable? Were they already asleep or were they lying awake and thinking about myself...or Tohru? Fresh tears filled my eyes, but I refused to cry again.

Tohru had already cried herself to sleep. It was close to unbearable. Oh she tried to hide it, but it's easy to hear in close quarters.

My near sleepless night made the next morning practically unbearable. After the three of us sat down to a light breakfast, I focused on packing my things for home. I really didn't NEED to pack much, but I was convinced some of my old clothes wouldn't fit. I had sprouted a good two or three inches. My hair was longer and I think I even lost some weight!

Would my own parents recognize me? Would my friends?

"Sei-chan! Ha-san is here to take you to the airport."

"Hai!"

Zipping up my backpack, I took one last look around the room. I was only going to be gone a week, but I already missed it. I placed a teddy bear I had bought for Tohru on her bead. The final touch. Backpack over my shoulder and suitcase in hand, I headed downstairs to meet my driver.

Tohru had already left for work. Shigure met me at the bottom of the stairs. "Are you sure you've got everything you need?" I nodded and he ruffled my hair affectionately. "Have a safe trip, Sei-chan. Call us when you get in...but mind the time change."

"Yes sir."

"And don't call me sir," he said with a low growl. "It makes me feel old."

Uncle Shigure...you ARE old.

The ride to the airport was just as quiet as the same ride had been in reverse only a year ago. Hatori offered very little in the form of conversation, and I had little to talk about myself. I did, however, have another one of my questions answered.

"Why doesn't Shigure have his driver's license?"

Hatori smiled, and I mean REALLY smiled. It's a rarity for him. "He failed the test. Three times in a row."

Oh Kami, I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. "How are Yuki and Kyo?"

It was several moments before he answered, "They're fine...but it's going to take some time for them to adjust."

I wasn't sure if his answer was reassuring or nerve-wracking. In either case, I let it slide, telling myself that only time would tell. Instead I thought about things like my flight. My parents.

Food.

Hatori thankfully stopped to buy me a quick meal at a cafe not far from the airport. There was even less chatter during the meal, but I didn't mind. I never realized I was so hungry until I sat back in my seat. I had eaten two whole sandwiches and a bag of potato chips. Oh well, it was better than the airline food, that's for sure!

We unloaded the car close to the terminal where I had to check in. Hatori placed my suitcase on the sidewalk as I slipped my arms through the straps of my backpack. My stomach suddenly bottomed out at the thought of ten hours on a plane, but I still managed a smile for my cousin as he closed the trunk of the car.

"So...here we are again."

He nodded. "Are you certain you have everything?"

"Yep."

"Where are your tickets?"

I routed around in my backpack until I pulled out an envelope for Hatori's inspection. That genuine smile returned. "Have a safe trip."

"The only thing safer would be if I were piloting the plane myself."

"That's a really bad joke."

I shrugged, still smiling. "I know. But it's the truth."

"Don't forget to call when you get there."

"I won't."

And the funny thing is, I did forget to call. Well, I did forget but with the time change it was too early in Japan to call anyone. I called my uncle and Tohru just before I went to bed that night. Funnier yet is that I passed out while talking to Tohru on the phone. How embarrassing. But she had done the same thing so it was really no big deal.

Of course, I wasn't the one paying the phone bill.

So there it is, my first year with the Sohma clan. A very enlightening, and at times frightening, experience. I still wondered why my father would've hidden such a secret from me. Wouldn't it affect my future eventually?

Oh well, I was home. Even though it didn't feel much like home anymore.

What had I gotten myself into?

~TO BE CONTINUED~