Bad Medicine
folder
Fruits Basket › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
12
Views:
13,801
Reviews:
28
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Fruits Basket › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
12
Views:
13,801
Reviews:
28
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Fruits Basket, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 3
DISCLAIMER IS IN CHAPTER 1!
She arrived at the main house an hour early, so that she could meet with Akito.
“Tohru-chan. You’re prompt as usual.”
“Thank you, Akito-sama.”
Akito would not meet her gaze. She looked out the window at her garden, at the birds frolicking there.
“Tohru-chan… I…”
Tohru walked over to Akito and touched her arm. “It’s okay Akito-sama.” She smiled up at her. I know what I’m doing.” She held out the envelope for Akito. “This is for you.”
Akito took the letter from her, opened it and read it. But no tears fell. She had cried out all her tears years and years ago, when she had been left to her horrible fate as “goddess” of the zodiac. Instead, she smiled sadly at Tohru. “Thank you.” She placed the letter inside her kimono, close to her heart.
Then she turned to Tohru and said, “Well, if you’re to be my proxy, you will need to fully be my proxy.” She led her to the dressing room and pulled out two identical kimono. “These are what we will wear tonight for the dinner. Then, after… when we perform the ritual… you will not wear anything. I will, of course, share this with you. While I cannot perform the rites, I… do not wish for you to… bear the burden alone.”
Throughout this speech, Akito looked everywhere EXCEPT at Tohru.
“Akito-sama, um…” She paused as Akito turned to look at her. “If it won’t make any difference to the ritual… perhaps you’d feel more comfortable if you were to remain clothed. I don’t think… it will make that much difference to me, but it might make it easier for you, and…” she took the goddess’ hand, “I think you’ve borne enough.”
Akito shook her head and looked away. But she did not pull her hand out of Tohru’s.
“You should know, I’ve arranged for Hatori to become the family head after tonight. And I’ve arranged for Kyo to be granted some freedom – so long as he remains living with either Kagura or Kazuma until he reaches 21, he will never be locked up again.”
At the thought of Kyo and Kagura living together, Tohru beamed.
“That’s one of many announcements I plan to make tonight.” Akito paused and looked at Tohru carefully. She hated to admit it, but working in secret with Tohru to set the Jyuunishi free was the most fun she’d ever had. If only she hadn’t been so scared her whole life, she would have had more time to enjoy this girl. It made her sad, but… there was really nothing she could do now, except enjoy the short time she had left with their angel.
“Did you study the… techniques I pointed out for you in Shigure’s novel?”
Tohru flushed a bright red as she nodded shyly, and Akito laughed. It was a full-out belly laugh. Tohru had never heard that sound come from Akito before – she looked up at the goddess in surprise. “Yuki is right. You really ARE adorable when you blush.
“Well, never mind. I’m glad that you studied. But don’t worry. You won’t have to rely upon your untried sexual skills. I’ve seen to it that aphrodisiacs – both of the natural type like oysters & passionfruit as well as the chemical types such as “Spanish fly” – have been added to every dish and every beverage we eat tonight. The quantities are not strong enough in any one dish to do more than elevate levels of excitement.” She couldn’t help but smirk as each detail caused Tohru’s flush to grow. “However, when you combine the quantities, by the time the ritual occurs, both their human and their animal spirits should be ready and require little enticement to participate.”
By this time, Tohru and Akito had donned their identical kimono, and Akito was helping tie the obi on Tohru – something she had watched others do her whole life, but had never been allowed to participate in. As she finished tying the garment, she felt an odd sense of pride in accomplishing this simple task. ‘Is this what every day is going to feel like?’ Then she looked at the pretty younger woman in front of her. ‘Or will my entire life be consumed with guilt for needing this girl to do what I could never accomplish?’
Tohru saw Akito’s smile fade, and quickly jumped to the task. “Thank you, Akito-sama! Now, it’s your turn!” She immediately began wrapping Akito in the beautiful hand-embroidered obi. When it was done, she smiled at Akito. Akito batted her hands away when she went to adjust it again. “It’s fine as it is!” But she gave a half-smile to take away the sting. She couldn’t be expected to fully change overnight.
“It’s time.” She took Tohru’s hand, and the two of them walked together to the banquet chamber where the 12 were already seated.
X x x x x . x x x . x x x x
The twelve jyuunishi were seated at the table in their correct order. As the door opened, they all looked up to see Akito enter in a beautiful white kimono, embroidered with sakura blossoms. While Akito had always preferred the best quality garments, this was the only time they had ever seen Akito look… feminine.
Then, they all gasped, as they saw Tohru enter behind her, hand-in-hand with Akito, dressed identically to their god. They looked like adopted sisters. Sisters.
Akito led Tohru into the room, and then together, they sat at the head of the table.
“My jyuunishi. This is the last banquet we will ever have together. My time has… run out. Soon, there will be a new head born.
“From the time this banquet is concluded until the time a new head is born, Hatori will act as the head of the Sohmas. This is my wish to reward him for his loyalty to the Sohma family.”
Akito waited as all the jyuunishi shared looks with each other. They knew better than to interrupt by speaking. When she knew it had settled in, she began again.
“This is just the first of many changes that will begin tonight.
“You have all noticed that Miss Honda is my special guest tonight. She has agreed to come here. She has voluntarily, and against my better judgment, requested to become a part of this family, to help this family in whatever way she can.
“Tonight, I officially announce that I am adopting her as my… sister and proxy. She has agreed to this. She will now act as the sister of your deity. We shall eat off the same plate tonight, and you will respect her as you respect me.” She couldn’t help but snort at that thought.
And she smirked to herself as she saw the shock register in each of those zodiac-cursed, and then saw it fade to unexpected joy.
“As I’ve said, this is just a part of many changes that will occur in this family after tonight – assuming all goes as planned.” She watched their joy turn to suspicion, and again smiled to herself. Tohru, next to her, merely beamed at them all.
“Our Tiger and Sheep are graduating high school this year. I’ve arranged for an apartment for Kisa and Hiro to share after they graduate, so that they can attend college together.
“And, should they desire it, another for Rin and Haru. I will no longer stand in the way of my jyuunishi’s attempts at happiness. After tonight, there will be no need.” She squeezed Tohru’s hand. Tohru squeezed it back and smiled encouragingly.
“And now. Let’s eat, and celebrate that we are alive.” She clapped her hands, and servants began bringing in trays laden with everyone’s favorite foods and beverages.
With Tohru’s help, they all passed an enjoyable dinner, eating, drinking, and with Tohru leading people into conversation, great discussions and laughter. It felt almost surreal. It would have felt that way even without the drugs that they were all unknowingly (except for Tohru and Akito) ingesting.
X x x x x . x x x . x x x x
Elsewhere on the estate, Kyo had been led out of his house, and bathed and dressed in a yukata that, while plain was made of the finest silk. When he asked why, the servants would only answer, “Akito has ordered it.”
Once he was clean and presentable, the led him to a private dining room. The servant who led him there told him, “Tonight is the final Jyuunishi banquet. Master Akito has stated that while you, as the cat, cannot be allowed to attend the dinner portion of the
evening, he wishes you to dine on the exact same food as the rest of the attendees – so that when you are allowed to join the family, after the banquet, you will be in the same mindset.” The servant smiled at him. “The master was specific in his request that you
try to enjoy this meal. He wanted me to tell you that it will be your last apart from the family.”
As the servant closed the door on his way out, he said, “Congratulations, Kyo.” Then the door was locked, and Kyo was left to serve himself.
“Whatever,” he said, shrugged his shoulders, and began to eat.
END CHAPTER
She arrived at the main house an hour early, so that she could meet with Akito.
“Tohru-chan. You’re prompt as usual.”
“Thank you, Akito-sama.”
Akito would not meet her gaze. She looked out the window at her garden, at the birds frolicking there.
“Tohru-chan… I…”
Tohru walked over to Akito and touched her arm. “It’s okay Akito-sama.” She smiled up at her. I know what I’m doing.” She held out the envelope for Akito. “This is for you.”
Akito took the letter from her, opened it and read it. But no tears fell. She had cried out all her tears years and years ago, when she had been left to her horrible fate as “goddess” of the zodiac. Instead, she smiled sadly at Tohru. “Thank you.” She placed the letter inside her kimono, close to her heart.
Then she turned to Tohru and said, “Well, if you’re to be my proxy, you will need to fully be my proxy.” She led her to the dressing room and pulled out two identical kimono. “These are what we will wear tonight for the dinner. Then, after… when we perform the ritual… you will not wear anything. I will, of course, share this with you. While I cannot perform the rites, I… do not wish for you to… bear the burden alone.”
Throughout this speech, Akito looked everywhere EXCEPT at Tohru.
“Akito-sama, um…” She paused as Akito turned to look at her. “If it won’t make any difference to the ritual… perhaps you’d feel more comfortable if you were to remain clothed. I don’t think… it will make that much difference to me, but it might make it easier for you, and…” she took the goddess’ hand, “I think you’ve borne enough.”
Akito shook her head and looked away. But she did not pull her hand out of Tohru’s.
“You should know, I’ve arranged for Hatori to become the family head after tonight. And I’ve arranged for Kyo to be granted some freedom – so long as he remains living with either Kagura or Kazuma until he reaches 21, he will never be locked up again.”
At the thought of Kyo and Kagura living together, Tohru beamed.
“That’s one of many announcements I plan to make tonight.” Akito paused and looked at Tohru carefully. She hated to admit it, but working in secret with Tohru to set the Jyuunishi free was the most fun she’d ever had. If only she hadn’t been so scared her whole life, she would have had more time to enjoy this girl. It made her sad, but… there was really nothing she could do now, except enjoy the short time she had left with their angel.
“Did you study the… techniques I pointed out for you in Shigure’s novel?”
Tohru flushed a bright red as she nodded shyly, and Akito laughed. It was a full-out belly laugh. Tohru had never heard that sound come from Akito before – she looked up at the goddess in surprise. “Yuki is right. You really ARE adorable when you blush.
“Well, never mind. I’m glad that you studied. But don’t worry. You won’t have to rely upon your untried sexual skills. I’ve seen to it that aphrodisiacs – both of the natural type like oysters & passionfruit as well as the chemical types such as “Spanish fly” – have been added to every dish and every beverage we eat tonight. The quantities are not strong enough in any one dish to do more than elevate levels of excitement.” She couldn’t help but smirk as each detail caused Tohru’s flush to grow. “However, when you combine the quantities, by the time the ritual occurs, both their human and their animal spirits should be ready and require little enticement to participate.”
By this time, Tohru and Akito had donned their identical kimono, and Akito was helping tie the obi on Tohru – something she had watched others do her whole life, but had never been allowed to participate in. As she finished tying the garment, she felt an odd sense of pride in accomplishing this simple task. ‘Is this what every day is going to feel like?’ Then she looked at the pretty younger woman in front of her. ‘Or will my entire life be consumed with guilt for needing this girl to do what I could never accomplish?’
Tohru saw Akito’s smile fade, and quickly jumped to the task. “Thank you, Akito-sama! Now, it’s your turn!” She immediately began wrapping Akito in the beautiful hand-embroidered obi. When it was done, she smiled at Akito. Akito batted her hands away when she went to adjust it again. “It’s fine as it is!” But she gave a half-smile to take away the sting. She couldn’t be expected to fully change overnight.
“It’s time.” She took Tohru’s hand, and the two of them walked together to the banquet chamber where the 12 were already seated.
X x x x x . x x x . x x x x
The twelve jyuunishi were seated at the table in their correct order. As the door opened, they all looked up to see Akito enter in a beautiful white kimono, embroidered with sakura blossoms. While Akito had always preferred the best quality garments, this was the only time they had ever seen Akito look… feminine.
Then, they all gasped, as they saw Tohru enter behind her, hand-in-hand with Akito, dressed identically to their god. They looked like adopted sisters. Sisters.
Akito led Tohru into the room, and then together, they sat at the head of the table.
“My jyuunishi. This is the last banquet we will ever have together. My time has… run out. Soon, there will be a new head born.
“From the time this banquet is concluded until the time a new head is born, Hatori will act as the head of the Sohmas. This is my wish to reward him for his loyalty to the Sohma family.”
Akito waited as all the jyuunishi shared looks with each other. They knew better than to interrupt by speaking. When she knew it had settled in, she began again.
“This is just the first of many changes that will begin tonight.
“You have all noticed that Miss Honda is my special guest tonight. She has agreed to come here. She has voluntarily, and against my better judgment, requested to become a part of this family, to help this family in whatever way she can.
“Tonight, I officially announce that I am adopting her as my… sister and proxy. She has agreed to this. She will now act as the sister of your deity. We shall eat off the same plate tonight, and you will respect her as you respect me.” She couldn’t help but snort at that thought.
And she smirked to herself as she saw the shock register in each of those zodiac-cursed, and then saw it fade to unexpected joy.
“As I’ve said, this is just a part of many changes that will occur in this family after tonight – assuming all goes as planned.” She watched their joy turn to suspicion, and again smiled to herself. Tohru, next to her, merely beamed at them all.
“Our Tiger and Sheep are graduating high school this year. I’ve arranged for an apartment for Kisa and Hiro to share after they graduate, so that they can attend college together.
“And, should they desire it, another for Rin and Haru. I will no longer stand in the way of my jyuunishi’s attempts at happiness. After tonight, there will be no need.” She squeezed Tohru’s hand. Tohru squeezed it back and smiled encouragingly.
“And now. Let’s eat, and celebrate that we are alive.” She clapped her hands, and servants began bringing in trays laden with everyone’s favorite foods and beverages.
With Tohru’s help, they all passed an enjoyable dinner, eating, drinking, and with Tohru leading people into conversation, great discussions and laughter. It felt almost surreal. It would have felt that way even without the drugs that they were all unknowingly (except for Tohru and Akito) ingesting.
X x x x x . x x x . x x x x
Elsewhere on the estate, Kyo had been led out of his house, and bathed and dressed in a yukata that, while plain was made of the finest silk. When he asked why, the servants would only answer, “Akito has ordered it.”
Once he was clean and presentable, the led him to a private dining room. The servant who led him there told him, “Tonight is the final Jyuunishi banquet. Master Akito has stated that while you, as the cat, cannot be allowed to attend the dinner portion of the
evening, he wishes you to dine on the exact same food as the rest of the attendees – so that when you are allowed to join the family, after the banquet, you will be in the same mindset.” The servant smiled at him. “The master was specific in his request that you
try to enjoy this meal. He wanted me to tell you that it will be your last apart from the family.”
As the servant closed the door on his way out, he said, “Congratulations, Kyo.” Then the door was locked, and Kyo was left to serve himself.
“Whatever,” he said, shrugged his shoulders, and began to eat.
END CHAPTER