IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Forty One

As Kyo's transformation continued, his body twisted and contorted, his once human form giving way to something grotesque. A pungent, putrid odor permeated the air, the stench of rot and decay mingling with the humidity left by the falling rain.

Ryu's arms clung tighter to her daughter, a mixture of shock and horror etched onto her face. Despite the rain and the darkness, she could clearly see Kyo's monstrous transformation unfolding before her eyes.

For Ryu, there was an air of melancholy as she witnessed Kyo's transformation. Throughout her years of knowing him, his true form was something she had only seen on one other occasion, and this was the second time her eyes beheld his monstrous state.

While Ryu was not as frightened as the first time she had seen Kyo's monstrous form, the overpowering stench was enough to make anyone's stomach churn. Despite her experience with his transformation, the odor still threatened to trigger her gag reflex, much like it would for anyone else.

Ryu held her daughter closely, feeling her trembling in her arms. Yet, not a single cry escaped Himawari's lips. Instead, the young girl silently shook with terror as Kyo slowly retreated from the scene.

Kazuma spoke solemnly, his voice carrying a heavy weight as he explained Kyo's true form. "That was the form the Cat spirit bearer takes. It's the original form Kyo has been trying to conceal."

Despite being drenched in the rain, Kazuma stood unafraid and unflinching, offering no attempt to shield himself from the downpour. He then posed a question to Tohru, his eyes intently watching her reaction.

"How do you feel? Are you repulsed? Terrified?"

Tohru's sudden departure left everyone in the house questioning her intentions. No one could say for certain if she had chased after Kyo or had fled the chaos. As she darted away, those watching from various vantage points in the room all retreated, their minds racing with the same thought.

After a brief moment, Ryu's arms were separated as Himawari leaped out of her embrace. Before Ryu could inquire about her daughter's destination, she heard the sound of footsteps slowly fading away as Himamwari retreated upstairs.

Ryu paused, intending to follow her daughter, but her attention shifted to Kazuma who continued to stand in the rain. She then cautiously walked closer to the door, torn between tending to her daughter and checking on Kazuma.

Before Ryu turned away to head upstairs, she spoke to Kazuma, her voice resolute. "For what it's worth, I understand your decision and I'll never blame you for it," she said.

Kazuma then posed a question to her, asking, "Do you believe in her?" Ryu merely shrugged in response, uncertainty mingled with hope flickering in her eyes.

Ryu spoke softly as she turned away, "We can only hope."

Kazuma watched her go, her words hanging in the air. He knelt down to pick up the bracelet that Kyo had tossed to the ground, and his fingers traced the beads. With a heavy sigh, Kazuma closed his eyes and offered a silent prayer. He prayed that Tohru might bring healing to Kyo, no matter how small that healing may be.