Fruits Basket: Crossroads

Chapter 1: Beginnings

Shigure had to admit, when he had gotten the call this morning, he had expected it to be his editor calling about his book deadline again. However, when he picked up the phone, he instead heard the voice of Hatori asking him to come along to the airport to pick up a surprise.
Never turning down the opportunity to have a little fun, he agreed, not knowing what to expect. So as they sat there waiting outside the airport, he took the time to ask.
"So Tori, what's this surprise you talked about?"
Hatori Sohma, cool and collected as always, brushes his hair out of his eye casually with a sigh.
"All I was told was that Akito received a phone call, and when it was over, they asked me to take you and come here to pick up someone."
"So you don't know a thing then? Ah, well, Akito does love their games. So,what do you think it is? Or whom?" He asks, using his fan to cool off.
"I wouldn't know. I have a theory, but it's only that. I figure we'll see in a moment, though, as people are now starting to come out."
As they watched the people walking out, they looked, waiting to see what the surprise may be. Then, after a few moments, a figure walks out that they both recognize, though it takes them a second to be sure.
"Is that.." Hatori starts bemused.
"...Sora Soma?" Shigure finishes with a burst of happy surprise.
The young man walking out looked older and a bit different, but it was him. They were certain.
There, looking around calmly, was a distant cousin from the American branch of the family who they had last seen as a pudgy five year old running around the estate. That was before he went back to the States with his parents.
He was older now, sixteen or so, and much leaner and taller. His hair had darkened to a soft sandy tone and was now styled wild and a hanging around his ears in a mane of waves. His eyes, looking around, are a crimson tinged brown, bright, and focused on everything around him.
"He looks older, more mature now. What happened to that kid? And what is he wearing?" Shigure curiously observes
The boy was dressed in ragged, close fit jeans and dark boots, with a torn up denim jacket vest and a red shirt decorated in golden paw prints, and chains and bracelets around his neck and wrist. He wore a simple backpack on his back and one suitcase on the ground.
"He looks like a punk." Hatori notes, looking him up and down.
"I think that's just American style. It actually kind of suits him, don't you think?"
"I think that we should probably get out and greet him."
"Right."
They open the car doors and step out, the light from the sun shining in their eyes before it fades to an acceptable level. They never take their eyes off the boy ahead of them, who still hadn't noticed them.
"Sora! Sora Soma!" Shigure yells, waving to him.
Only then does he turn and notice them. A wide, happy grin appears on his face, and he starts making his way over, dragging his suitcase along haphazardly.
"Uncle Shigure! Uncle Hatori! It is so good to see you again!"
He races over and immediately hugs them, wrapping them up in his arms awkwardly. He let's them go, stepping back with a wide smile.
"Oh, it's so great to see you two. What has it been, 11 years or so? How have you been? Did you guys come here just to pick me up?"
"Well, actually..." shigure starts
"That is so nice, I could have just taken a bus to the estate, but I guess Akito wouldn't have had that. I mean, they did mention something about that, but I did say not worry about it."
"Be that as it may..." Hatori tries to interject.
"Oh, but I am happy you two were the ones to come get me. I've been so excited to get here and see you guys again! I mean, I've not had much time to make a visit, but...."
"Woah, woah, woah there kid calm it down a bit. You still haven't changed much, have you." Shigure finally interjects, with a stressed smile.
"Oh, I guess I can still be a bit much. Sorry about that. Anyways, did Akito send you?"
"Yes, though he didn't say anything else. He didn't even say it was you as a matter of fact." Hatori quietly chimes in.
The smile fades from Soras face for a moment, replaced with a frown.
"Wait, they didn't tell you anything? Like, why I'm here? Or why it is just me? Or anything?"
They shake their heads in response. Sora sighs and clicks his tongue, his hands almost like claws at his sides. A barely audible growl emanates from his throat.
"I swear that Akito is horrible about telling people things. A leader has to be a bit more competent than that. You can't lead the herd blindly. You have to make sure everyone is aware at all times."
"Woah kid, I don't think..." Shigure looks around nervously.
"I mean no disrespect to Akito, but this is kind of an important time frame, and people need to be ready. I could claw his eyes out for the blind decision to leave people in the dark. The nerve."
As Sora ranted on, he seemed to growl and roar with every word, storming around the car and placing his bags in the trunk without even stopping to take a breath.
"I mean me being the first one here is pretty cool and all, and there's so much to do now before they get here. I mean the shopping, the schools, the parties, the nightlife! I'm gonna have so much fun. Do I look alright, by the way? I took a little too much time deciding what to wear and what to pack. There is not enough time and too many things to consider."
"Does he ever shut up?" Hatori asks Shigure
"I'm not sure yet, but he always was an energetic kid. But he certainly has become a very regal and confident person. I mean, he just insulted Akito, and that takes gall."
"Gall, or pride? I'm not sure either are mutually exclusive, " Hatori retorts calmly.
"So anyways, let's get going, I'll tell you on the way to your place, Uncle Shigure. There's a lot to cover." Sora says as he hops in the car, having not even noticed their conversation
The two older Sohmas decided to just go with it, if not to avoid going in circles, and so they get back in the car to take off.
As they drive away from the airport, Sora starts up right away, leaning forward in his seat to get closer to them.
"So, I guess I should start with why I'm here. Actually, maybe even before that. What do you know about the American branch of the family?"
"Not much, just that they exist. They never really contact us for much, aside from updating the head on how things for the family are over there. But that's about it. We don't know any of them aside from you, your parents, and a few others who've stayed on the estate during travel." Hatori answers calmly.
"You stayed the longest for those few months you stayed." Shigure added.
"Yes, we did. We had lots to do then. And it's the same this year, but not quite. To be more precise, there are things that Akito has kept hidden from you for a long time. But I'll get to that in a moment."
He takes a breath and continues on.
"So, as you know, there is an American branch and that there's barely any contact between the two. There's a reason for that. However, the reason isn't what you may think. It's much, much deeper than that."
Hatori and Shigure exchange looks, a quick conversation that went as such; what is this kid talking about?
"That being said, it can't continue to be kept secret anymore."
He takes a breath, seemingly contemplating something, before resuming.
"So, the reason I'm here is because there's someone in my family with a prophetic gift, and she had a vision. It showed her the branches of the family coming together again after all these years. At least, that's the interpretation. Regardless, I was already planning on coming here anyway, so it worked out in the end."
He pauses for a second, then realizes something.
"Oh yeah, im just the first to arrive. The rest of the family will come before long."
"Wait, the American branch is coming here?" Shigure interrupts, with a look of confusion.
"Not the whole branch. Just a select group. They are the ones with the closest ties to the original bloodline of Sohmas. So they are the only ones who need to come."
"None of that makes any sense. Even if prophecy is real, why is it only now that something is occurring? And what could be so important that it wasn't even mentioned until now?" Hatori questions, thoughtful.
"I can't answer that, but i will say that a part of the answer to your questions lies in why the sohma clan hides away like it does."
Shigure pales, but asks anyways, suspicious.
"What do you mean?"
Sora is silent for a moment, contemplating how to answer, but deciding on his best course of action, he steels himself.
"I know about the Zodiac curse." He says calmly.
Hatori stops suddenly, causing everyone to jolt. They sit for a second, paused and checked on themselves before the two older sohmas turn to Sora with looks of utter shock.
"What?" They say in unison.
"I know about the curse. Both of you are members of the Zodiac. I've known since I was 5. Members of the Sohma family are cursed to take on the appearance of an animal from the Zodiac when they hug someone of the opposite gender. And it's been like that for many years. And generally, only those cursed and their family may know."
"Yes, so how is it that you do. How did you find that out? Who told you?" Shigure asks, bewildered.
"Hatori, would you mind driving? We have to get to shigures? I know im an amazing storyteller, but time is of the essence."
Hatori seems to come to his senses, nods, and then starts the car going again as Sora leans back.
"That a two part answer. The first part is that my parents told me because they were told by our head of family. Akito knows he told us. Akito approved it as the head of the Clan."
"Akito approved of you all knowing? But why?" Hatori inquires.
"I'm not allowed to say. Actually, I was forbidden from saying certain information way before I got here. And unfortunately, I can't go against it. Not without approval anyway. As if i really need it. Anyways that's the second part. I can't tell you why they approved it. Not yet anyway. How much longer til Shigures house?"
"Another few minutes. I'll drop you and Shigure at the road. Akito expects me back soon."
"Then I expect he'll explain to you later. Before that, though, I need to get this put there now. The soma Clan in America has a secret, too. I can't say what it is, again, sorry, but I want you to know about it. If you did, I could tell all of you everything. It's frustrating being bound." He growls in frustration
They come to a stop as Hatori parks the car, turning to face the young man.
"That's a lot to process for a ten minute drive."
"I'm sorry, I know. I apologize for dropping this on to you like this."
"It's alright, Sora, though one last question. Aside from what you've told us, why exactly are you here so early? And do you have anywhere to stay?" Shigure asks kindly.
"Oh...right, I've nearly forgotten. I'm here because I wanted to see everyone again, and I also got expelled from school again. So I had to get away before mom found out. Perfect time to visit!" Sora blushes.
"So it works out for you then. Sora, you really are a handful. And I assume this means you didn't think about a place to stay then." Hatori rubs his forehead.
"Not really. I was hoping maybe at Shigures? Until I could talk to Akito about staying on the estate or figure something out."
"I'll speak to him. Just stay with Shigure tonight.  And Sora, your parents?"
"I already called them when I landed. I got an earful, but they aren't bringing me back early. Not much point in it now,  though I'd love to see them try it." Sora grins widely.
"So you aren't completely irresponsible, just brash and headstrong. We'll then, I'll be going." Hatori sighs.
"But, my house...it's already so full."
Hatori glares at Shigure, who shrinks back with a sigh.
"Alright, I'll figure it out. Come on, Sora, get your things."
With that, they hop out, gather Soras stuff from the trunk, and as Hatori drives away, they turn and trek up the stairs to Shigures.
"Sorry to put you out, Uncle Shigure. I know you said you have a full house."
"Oh, it's no problem, I'm sure we can find space for you. Yuki lives with me, so perhaps you can crash in his room with him."
"Oh Yuki? I remember him. He was the Grey haired kid I used to see in that window when I was little. Right? I talked with him once. He was quiet and seemed sad."
"Perceptive kid. Yeah, he's not that same kid. He's grown, and he's much happier and not as quiet. Especially since Kyo lives there, too."
Sora grins wickedly, causing Shigure to frown with worry.
"I don't know if I like that look."
"Oh, it's nothing Uncle Shigure. So, Kyo lives there, too? He and I used to practice karate together! I stayed true to the practice even today. Do they still hate each other?" He asks, a little too interested.
"Oh, those two are much more mild nowadays. We have our other guest to thank for that."
"Other guest?"
As they walk up to the house, Sora stops to take it in. It's a nice, multilevel building, a little homey, but gentle and lovely. And the view was spectacular.
"Oh, your house looks amazing."
Those words hadn't even crossed his lips when suddenly yelling could be heard, followed by a crashing noise.
"Oh no, what are they doing now?"
As they walk up and around the side where the noise came from, they are stopped as the form of a young man comes flying through the sliding doors in a flash of orange and directly into the pond.
"My house!" Shigure whines.
"Was that Kyo flying by?" Sora asks, smirking.
A young man walks into view from the house, wearing a school uniform. His hair, silver gray hangs like a curtain in his intense grey eyes. He was frowning at the boy in the pond, scowling almost.
"Stupid cat, don't you have better things to do?"
Sputtering, the orange headed boy stood, growling and glaring his crimson eyes at the Grey boy.
"Yeah? Say that again, you dirty rat, I'll pummel you."
"Boys, hey we..." Shigure starts, getting cut off.
"You could never touch me, much less pummel me...stupid cat."
"Why you dirty...!"
"Boys, if we could just..."
Sora taps Shigure, shaking his head.
"Here, allow me. I got this."
He turns to the boys, standing hands on his hips with a grin before cupping his hands to his mouth.
"Yuki! Kyo! Long time no see, boys!" He roars with laugh.
The two boys stop to turn their attention on Sora, scowling for a moment before recognition fills their faces.
"Sora? Is that you?" Yuki asks, confused.
"Wait, Sora? From when we were kids?"
"Don't tell me you don't recognize me. Yeah, it's me." Sora laughs.
He walks up to Yuki and holds out a hand, which Yuki takes.
"It's good to see you, Yuki. It's been 11 years, but I still remember you. I'm glad to see you out and happy. You look well."
"As do you. I still remember your words to me. To have pride in who you are and never look back. It took me a while to figure it out."
"Well, I'm glad you did. You don't seem to be the timid field mouse you were back then. Good to see you speaking up!"
Yuki smiles, but his eyes betray stress. Sora turns to Kyo.
"And Kyo, you've hardly changed. Still getting launched through doors, I see, but you always land on your feet, or rather in the water this time."
"Yeah, yeah, he surprised me. I could have taken him anytime."
"I'm sure of that. I remember training with you when we were younger, with Sensei. I could never beat you, though I was nimble enough to escape your claws from time to time, right? Oh, here, you're still wet."
Sora extends a hand, and Kyo goes to take it. He doesn't catch the hungry glint in Soras eyes until he is on his back, having been suddenly flipped over.
Sora laughs as Kyo struggles to catch his breath from the surprise.
"Oh Kyo, Im sorry I just couldn't help myself. Just had to play a little. Here, let me help you up."
He pulls him off the ground, stepping back as Kyo dusts himself off.
"What the hell, dude? What was that for?"
"Nothing just couldn't help myself. I wasn't very strong back then, but I've still been training since then. Though I'm shocked, you didn't react how I thought you would."
"So you flipped me on my back to prove something?" Kyo yells.
"No, no, that was just for fun. If I wanted to prove myself, I'd officially spar with youn and you would lose, of course. But I digress, you've really been tamed, haven't you kitty kyo."
"God, I hate that stupid nickname. We were five, can you drop it already?"
"Not to interrupt, as much as i dont mind seeing Kyo flattened, but Sora, what are you doing here? It's been 11 years." Yuki asks gently.
"Oh yeah, that. That's a long story, but to make it short, I'm basically moving here. I'm just staying here tonight, but I came in today. Long story: lots of family business that I can't talk about."
"Sohma, Kyo, Shigure, dinner is ready!" Another voice is heard, this one a girl. From inside the house, steps can be heard approaching and in the door enters the frame of a young, pretty girl with long brown hair and kind brown eyes. She wore an apron over a simple blue dress, and her hair was tied back into twin ponytails. She was pretty in a plain way, but something about her made him feel comfortable around her.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I interrupt? Who's this?" She asks, her voice kind.
"Oh, is this the guest you mentioned Uncle Shigure?"
"Uncle?" Tohru questions aloud.
"Uncle? Shigure, explain?" Yuki stares, lost.
"My mom and Uncle Hatori were really close when I was a baby, and I spent time with him and Shigure a lot. Long story." Sora explains quickly.
"Ahh, so it's an endearment thing." Yuki nods understandingly before turning to Tohru.
"Ms. Honda, this is Sora Soma, a distant cousin from America. Sora, this is Ms. Honda. She's a friend from school, and she lives with us."
"Oh, a cousin to the Sohmas! It's nice to meet you, Sora. My name's Tohru Honda. It's really nice to meet you. I didn't know you were coming but there should be more than enough food for you to join us. Will you be joining us?"
"Uhh yeah." Sora says, a little surprised, "I'm staying here tonight, actually. Just until my living situation is set anyway. It's nice to meet you to Ms. Honda."
Everyone stands there for a second, awkwardly, before a timer goes off.
"Oh, the spring rolls!"
She turns but suddenly trips and starts falling backward, though Sora has no idea how this was possible.
"Ms. Honda." Yuki yells, moving but stopping
"Watch out!" Kyo moves towards her.
Without thinking, Sora just moves and catches her, and as she looks into his eyes, there's a poof and she falls to the ground, confused. The smoke is a little blinding, and Tohru looks around, bewildered.
"Oh no, who transformed, what happened, is everyone okay? Oh, Sora, thank you for catching me..."
She trails off as she looks up and around to see that Kyo, Shigure, and Yuki are still human. They stare down at her, shock on their faces.
"Is everyone okay? Where's Sora? Why are you staring like that?"
"Umm Tohru, they're looking at me. Under your legs." Soras voice says from beneath her.
She looks down and notices a furry little form under her legs. As she lifts them off, it stands, and after a moment of staring, it registers that she's is looking face to face to face with a young lion about the size of a large dog. It barely even had a mane, yet it was still that young.
"Tohru, are you okay?"
Soras voice came from the lion, staring deep at Tohrus face, eyes wide. It takes everyone a few seconds to process.
"Tohru, are you alright? You're not hurt?"
"Sora? Is that you?" She asks.
The lion closes its eyes and nods.
"Yes, it's me."
"But...what... how...?"
"Are you hurt, Ms. Honda?" Sora asks again.
"No, I'm okay. Not even a scratch." She responds quietly.
"Sora, what's going on?" Shigure asks, his eyes hardened and face hard to read.
"So remember that thing I couldn't talk about.  The secret I said our family had?"
"How is he an animal? And that's not an animal of our zodiac." Yuki asks bewildered and barely moving.
Kyo hasn't said a word. He just stares blankly from his spot.
"Listen Tohru, don't panic. This isn't what you think. Or maybe it is? I don't know right now."
Tohru shakes her head, catching her breath.
"She knows our secret already, so this is normal for her, but in this case, very not normal for any of us." Yuki says, eyes on Tohru, worried.
"He's right, I do. So I'm not panicking. Im confused, of course. But not panicked. So, you're a lion?" She asks, calm faced, and eyes wide.
"Yes. As for your questions, of which i"m sure you have many, i think now i can answer them. I know I had a lot of questions when I was told about all of you."
Suddenly, there's a feeling of soft hands under Soras chin, scratching, and he starts purring.
"Aww, you purr. That's adorable." She says with awe in her voice.
"Tohru, even though he's human, please don't pet lions like that." Yuki chastises.
"Right, sorry." She stops, and Sora gathers himself.
"Anyways, yes, I'm a lion. Since you've seen me like this, there's nothing stopping me from telling you what i can."
"When you said you were bound and couldn't say, this is what you meant. You were bound by the same secrecy we are. If not more so." Shigure figures out.
"Yes. Pardon men Tohru, I'm about to change back and well.."
With a puff of smoke, Sora was suddenly back, but just like the others, he was naked. Tohru rapidly averted her gaze as he bent to pick up his fallen clothes. Quickly dressing, he only took a moment before speaking.
"Okay, now that I'm back and impeccably dressed, shall we go inside and eat? I'll explain over dinner."