Back To Darkness

Chapter 8: A God's Plan Thwarted

The rain came tumbling down. It hammered its angry fists on the roof and Yuki was glad of the warmth and shelter. He was attempting to help Tohru prepare dinner, though his practically non-existent cooking skills weren't making it easy. Still, he was happy. Kyo sulked at the table, gaze drawn miserably to the rain streaking down the window. Kagura sat beside him, chatting relentlessly. Yuki had tuned her out and he suspected Kyo was doing the same. He smiled ruefully. Recently Tohru, Kyo and himself had been getting on unusually well. Yuki found he was comfortable around them, that the three fit together quite nicely. It was May, and a particularly wet one at that, much to Kyo's dislike. It had been two weeks since Yuki last stayed with Akito, so two weeks until he would return again. Currently on the pinnacle between the two visits, this time of the month was Yuki's happiest. It felt the most normal. He could almost forget about the time spent with Akito. He could laugh and live.

This evening was especially welcome because Kazuma, the Sohma family's martial arts master, was visiting. Yuki knew he'd been like a father to Kyo. He had watched with interest the way the two interacted that afternoon. It was curious and touching. It made him pleased for Kyo, but also evoked strange feelings of emptiness. He wondered as he untidily chopped vegetables, if he was envious of the stupid cat. He supposed maybe he was. A father would have been nice. Perhaps his life would have been different. Shigure and Kazuma returned. Yuki thought Shigure looked rather serious. He soon forgot however, as the six of them sat around the table for dinner.

The rain continued that evening, determined to beat its way in. Yuki sat at his desk, his mind only partially on the essay he was beginning. Hearing a commotion outside he drifted to the window. Confused, he saw Kyo and Kazuma standing several feet apart in the pouring rain. They seemed to be having a heated discussion. Were they arguing? With concern, Yuki saw Kazuma grab Kyo's bracelet-bearing wrist. He knew the power of the bracelet, and what it concealed, but he had never seen Kyo's true form. When they were children Akito had told him the form of the original cat was hideous, disgusting. With a morbid curiosity he couldn't help, Yuki leaned forward. He spotted Tohru approaching the yard, sheltered under a large umbrella. With a fierce final pull, Kazuma wrenched the bracelet from Kyo's wrist. It spun mystifyingly, before landing dramatically in a puddle.

Kyo's body seemed to be contorting. His limbs bulged and lengthened. He sprouted dark orange fur. His jaw elongated, and even from the second story Yuki could see his eyes morph terrifyingly. In fascinated horror, Yuki examined the new Kyo. Tohru seemed to have frozen.

As the cat gave a pitiful whine and struck off into the night, his God laughed cruelly.

Akito watched from the cover of the trees. He barely felt the cold or rain, such was his excitement. Everything was going to plan. The cat was a monster. The girl would see that and run from his cursed family. His dear Yuki would return lovingly. It would be as it should be. The God and the rat were always the closest. His sweet little Yuki would be back soon. He giggled in the darkness. Miss Honda suddenly ran into the forest. This was all going deliciously well. He followed her quickly, his anger driving him forward. He came upon her shortly after. With a moan of satisfaction he realised she was vomiting.

"What's this, Tohru Honda? But what are you doing out here? Is something wrong?" he murmured, faking innocence. He approached stealthily. She clutched a tree for support, her shoulders heaving. This close, he could see her tears through the gloom. It sent an excited chill through him.

"It serves you right you know." He chuckled darkly. "What do you really know about the Sohmas? Do you think you understand what it means to be cursed, do you?"

She continued to sob satisfyingly. It was delightful.

"You deserve this pain." She had stopped sobbing and now shook, her eyes wide with fear. He drew an almost sensual pleasure from seeing her like this. He took a shuddering breath.