+|-Z-o-d-i-a-c-1-3-|+

[The Wonder Fox]

It’s been several years since the events revolving around the Sohma family came to a close, leaving behind a spiral of tragedy and endless pain. The story did not wrap up as everyone expected; no, quite the contrary.

The curse was not broken.

The ‘onigiri’, the ever-cheerful Tohru was unable to ease everyone’s burdens for very long, and soon the sadness that lingered over the years became too much for even her to bear. Her memories were erased and she was abandoned in order to start anew.

Three generations later, the zodiac curse still torments the family, and some old wounds will forever remain within this already damaged web. They are now shielded completely from the outside world, and those who manage to live normally are constantly reminded of the social limits the curse has placed upon them.

What if a new outsider comes along, if only by chance?

Could they mend them?

Could the curse be lifted?

Or will another generation be forced to bear more pain?

+| e.e yes, I stole it from Ed, fuck off |+

[Gone]

The crisp, bitter scent of winter filled the air. It had yet to snow, the season still fresh and new in the early weeks of December. A thin, pale arm hung out of the window sill lazily, its hue rivaled only by the pure white of the silken kimono sleeve that adorned said arm. The ghostly figure perched at the window barely moved, long strands of black hair waving lazily back and forth, moved by the cold wind which sent a biting chill to whosoever dared to venture outside. Not even the earthly spirit was deemed immune. A slender finger twitched in complaint of the cold, the only digit still able to feel the freezing wind as everything it was connected to had gone suitably numb. Not as though the owner of the finger cared so much. It might have fallen off and the waif of a god would not have even noticed.

The morning was calm, and eerily quiet. The usually lively Sohma house had yet to awake from its peaceful slumber. It was this time of the day that he loved the most. It allowed him a peace of mind often denied to him by the day's foolish activities. Slowly his obsidian black eyes turned up towards the sky, watching as a small, almost sickly looking swallow flap its wings weakly against the cold air. It occurred to him that this pitiful creature had been left by its companions, who surely must have migrated south by now, and wondered faintly if it were going to die.

"A-anou... Seirei-sama....?"

He shifted slightly, turning his head only a fraction or so to acknowledge the maid that entered his room. He didn't say anything, and the young woman continued on, her voice cracking nervously.

"A-ah... y-you wanted me... for something....?" She looked as though she might say something else, but quickly decided against it.

"Yes..." He finally spoke, his voice barely above that of a murmur, gaze still trained upon the faltering bird. "Bring me Tatsuki."

"But... sir, Tatsuki-san is--"

"Are you questioning me?" He didn't raise his voice. He didn't need to. The authority of the God was absolute.

"N... no... sir...." The maid bowed and left the room immediately to inform the household of their master's orders.

As the shouji-door slid closed, a soft smile graced the god's ghostly face as the swallow fell from the cloudless sky.

"Brrr... oh, I HATE winter!" A shrill voice complained between chattering teeth, muffled by a rather thick black-and-red scarf. Even thicker winter-boots crushed through the frost-hardened grass outside of the Sohma estate as a young individual made his way slowly home. Granted, one would hardly have been able to tell that the person in question was in fact male, even with his luxurious purple-black hair tucked securely in a fluffy winter hat, and his naturally elegant hands hidden by formless gloves of pale blue. Really, if anything, the poor individual looked barely human, having dressed in so many layers of clothing that he looked rather... well, ridiculous as he lumbered along, balancing two impossibly full and certainly heavy plastic bags filled with groceries with both gloved hands, struggling to keep from slipping and falling. Though surely the fall wouldn't have hurt (he was rather well padded), getting up would have been a pain.

"God... damnit, Satoru..." He cursed, gritting his teeth in frustration and anger. "Why do I have to be the one to do the morning shopping? He knows I hate the cold!" Of course, such was the reaction of one with naturally cold blood. Winter was bad for him, especially on a day as cold and dry as today. Satoru knew this! So why in the world did he chose to pick on him today!?

A long sigh. He supposed it didn't matter. He'd managed to get to the store and back without much difficulty. Now he just needed to get home, and--

FWUMP.

The beautiful boy stopped dead in his tracks, silver-grey eyes widening in alarm as they rested upon the small, broken form that had fallen from the sky. Tiny wings stretched in and out, the bird twitching erratically as it's broken bones ground together.

"Tsu... tsubame....." He whispered, recognizing the small animal that cried out for help... before it stopped moving altogether.

He took off at a run, the gates in front of him blurred by burning tears as he left the dying animal behind. Pushing the unbidden memories from his mind, he focused on one thought; he was going to KILL Satoru when he got home.

[The Wonder Fox]

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten..."

A soft voice was counting each step the owner of said voice took, his feet making quiet noises against the cold ground. Wide yellow almost feline eyes turned towards the sky, narrowing ever so slightly. It was cold today, well, of course this was a no brainer, and it could possibly start to snow. Snow, he shivered at the very thought. It was frozen rain, and when it melted it turned into icy sludge.

Yuck.

"... thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen..."

He continued to walk, brushing a stray lock of fiery orange hair from his eyes with a flick of his head. His black coat was bundled around him snuggly as he rose a hand up to adjust the scarf around his neck, making sure to quickly check that the braclet on his wrist was still secured tightly around. With a sigh of relief, the young man smiled brightly, he and his companion nearing the gate that marked the edge of the Sohma estate.

"...twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-se-...........Oi, Tatsuki~?"

Turning his head, the elder of the two blinked as he stared at that mop of messy golden hair, that intense amber gaze that kept focus on the front gate, those deceptively thin frame hidden under layers of warm clothes and frowned momentarily. Why had the god of the Sohma's summonded him so suddenly like that? Hadn't Tatsuki been banished from even setting a single toe on the grounds ever since that that incident? The young man sighed again, his breath visible in the cold air. It had been, what, five or six years since his brother as well as himself had set foot inside these walls. A heavy sigh passed through his lips as Naoya Sohma shrugged his shoulders, patting his unruly younger brother on the head.

"You sure you want to do this, we could always just go ho-...well, I mean, I guess you really have no choice... Eheh, um, well..."

He could barely handle listening to his older brother count, it seemed just too childish to him. All while he walked, the golden-haired boy had clenched his fists so hard that he knuckles turned white at a point. He wasn't specifically angry at his brother, more like at the whole situation that had fallen into his lap. Summoned back to the Sohma household so suddenly like this? Something was going on, especially considering how he remember he was forbid from setting foot on the property, aside from New Years.

Even then he was watched like a hawk every waking moment.

They called him insane, everyone did. He was looked down upon, being accused of shaming the Sohma name deeply. Tatsuki could have sworn he was more hated by the family than his brother was.

When he had heard Naoya's voice, the younger boy turned, looking up at his brother with a furious expression for a moment, but it softened after a second or two. When he listened to the older male, a look of sadness flashed upon his face as he looked towards the ground, sighing heavily. He turned his head up, however, as he watched the orange-haired male slowly open the front gate, grunting as the other pulled the doors open. And then, the Tiger felt something tug at him, as though an invisible string attached to his chest had just been wrenched hard.

He didn't offer any explanation as he ran past his brother, ignoring the surprised calls from the man, heading far into the Sohma estate. His breath came out in thick clouds, the chill crawling on his very neck as he wandering around, seemingly lost.

Looking down, the Tiger noticed a small dead bird at his feet, frowning at the very sight of the pitiful winged thing, yet pitiying it just a bit. Tatsuki froze, however, when he caught sight of an arm dangling out from a window a few good yards away, causing to stand there in a state of paralysis.

He had no idea who it was, but something in his gut told him that this was undeniable someone very special. A cold wind swept across his body, ironically unfreezing him from his stance as he slowly wandered closer, eyes alight with curiousity. Slowly, everso slowly did Tatsuki reach out, his shaky fingers running across the deathly pale flesh. The strangest thing was that he couldn't really see just who, (or what, he thought morbidly) this arm was attached to.

So he did the first thing he thought of.

He closed his hand around the pale, thin wrist and gave the arm a tug.

[demychan]

“Why… Why do you still come here?” The rabbit fidgeted a bit, shoving his hands into his pockets as his brilliant blue eyes gazed at a girl, her features completely opposite of his, and yet, the same. While his hair was spiky and blonde, hers was a dark brunette and long and wavy. The pair of orbs that looked at him with such curiosity and intensity were a chocolate brown. He stood a good few inches taller than her, but it didn’t bother either of them.

A giggle erupted from the girl as a smile remained delicately spread across her soft features.
“You’re my brother, Kazu! My twin brother at that… Why do I need a reason to visit?” Her expression morphed into one of dismay as she searched Kazu’s features for some sort of answer.

“Well, Duh… I know that.” The perfect blue orbs rolled and a grin spread across his lips.
“But your mother surely disproves, am I right?” He leaned against the door. They stood outside in the cool winter air, and each time they spoke, a cloud of smoke seemed to puff out of their mouths.

“Our Mother. And no… She doesn’t really know.” She appeared to fumble with her words while shrugging her shoulders a bit, continuing to keep her eyes on her brother. It was such an odd thing to think that Kazu had never once embraced his twin sister. She was completely oblivious to the zodiac curse that slept within his body.

A sigh escaped Kazu’s lips, but the regular smile remained painted across his thin lips.
“… Okay, Sachiko… You really need to go… I really want you to leave now.” He couldn’t help but laugh at what he said a bit. His honesty was so overbearing at times.

At that comment, Sachiko puffed out her cheeks and frowned a bit, her cheeks turning a slight pink.
“Moou… You’re so rude sometimes, Kazu-kun!” She said before turning on her heel and starting to walk towards the gate to exit.

It didn’t take too long for the girl to disappear from his sight. He almost wished that he could have walked her a bit, but he knew that when she was around, if he accompanied her, there would have been a large chance that he would have caught a glimpse of his parents… The last people on earth that he wanted to see… Besides Seirei… The God of the Zodiac was always at the bottom of his list of people to see.

The blue pools stared up at the sky for a moment, the dim grey of the winter sky. He had been bundled securely within a navy blue jacket, and surprisingly that was enough to keep his unerring form warm. His lips were thinly pursed together, a complete contrast to the smug look he constantly had.

[Gone]

Soundly the God of the Jyuunishi slept, as though the cold hands of death himself had soothed him into an eternal sleep. Which might very well have been the truth, considering the young man's poor health. Though truthfully, he had simply fallen asleep at the windowsill, having grown bored waiting for his summons to be answered. For half an hour or so he had slept there, head resting in the crook of his arm with his long black hair covering half of his face in a manner reminiscent of a Yuurei. Not even his chest moved as he slept, his breathing slow and shallow. He might have slept forever there, his limbs hanging listlessly from the window, if not for the hesitant kiss of exploring fingers across his flesh.

Dark eyes fluttered open, a weak breath hitching to a stop as an already feeble heart fluttered in alarm. The God's first reaction to such an unwelcome touch was to lash out at the offender, to punish whoever dared to dirty him with their filthy hands. However, this instinct was quickly quelled as he realized he needn't frighten this elusive creature curious enough to taunt death. So he lay still, moving only when he felt a sharp tug that threatened to pull him from his high perch, his other arm unfolding from under his head so that he could brace himself against the window with his now free hand. Confident that he himself wouldn't be going anywhere, thin fingers wrapped themselves around the grabbing hand in much the same fashion that the other had done not so long ago. With a confident smirk he tugged back, pulling the rebel Jyuunishi closer to the window, before grabbing him with his other hand by the back of his neck, forcing him even closer. He peered down at the tiger through thin veils of black hair, his eyes glinting with satisfaction at having finally reeling in his prey.

"Tatsuki-kun..." He said so softly, his voice barely even a hiss as he leaned closer, their faces mere inches apart now as he spoke. "It's been a long time..."


((I'll prolly post for someone else in a bit, but I seriously need to get my profiles done and I just got this post done sooo...))

[The Wonder Fox]

A definite chill ran up the Tiger's spine when he felt those fingers close around his own wrist, instantly regretting his stupid actions as he was suddenly pulled closer. One of his hands hit the windowsill as he groaned out, eyes growing wide with an expression of horror as the thing started to move.

Tatsuki could have sworn that the creature grabbing onto him had to be some kind of evil spirit, threatening to steal away his soul or somesuch. The strange wraith even knew him name, apparently claiming it had been a while since he'd seen him. So, the golden-haired boy did the only natural thing.

He screamed. He screamed loudly.

'Animal' instict threw up the Flight-or-Fight response, the boy taking the latter at first, grabbing at the hand around his wrist as he managed to tug himself out of that deathly cold grip. As for his second option, he ... didn't do so well. Stumbling backwards, Tatsuki let out a surprised yell as he tripped on a misplaced stone, resulting in him falling back hard onto his ass, staring up at the ghostly creature with a terrified expression.

"Who... What... What the Hell are you?!"

[Gone]

The mortal god seemed unaffected by the young man's screams, barely even flinching as his frightened prey escaped from his grasps.

For a moment or so he did nothing, said nothing, as his prize backed away from him in fear. He looked down at Tatsuki with dark, expressionless eyes, either contemplating something or not thinking anything at all. Until finally, his pale lips blossomed into a twisted smirk.

"... how... cute."

One way or another, the sickly young man had managed to hoist himself up, one leg after the other, out of the open window. Twin bare feet landed on the cold, hard ground with a natural and almost inhuman grace, crossing what little distance there was between the god and his subject before all at once the decadent king fell to his knees. Being inches from the tiger now he reached out once again, one slender hand splaying across the considerably warmer chest before him, his other serving as a balance for him as he leaned closer still, his icey cold cheek pressing against Tatsuki's flushed one.

"... I'm your God."

"Satoru!"

Knock knock knock.

"... Satooruuuu!!! I'm back!"

........

"DAMNIT SATORU IF YOU DON'T OPEN THIS DOOR RIGHT NOW I'M GOING TO KICK IT OPEN!!!" A long pause, before finally Suzume gave up with a long, heavy sigh. This was just like Satoru. He could go back to his own quarters and give Satoru the groceries he had requested later, but chances were if he did so Satoru would blame him for the prolonged wait. With yet another sigh the feminine snake dropped the two bags and turned to lean his back against the door, hoping against hope that Satoru would return soon.

Casting his eyes upwards he noticed that the clouds above were starting to darken. He frowned, knowing full well that this could either mean rain... or snow. Either one, he did not look forwards to. He was just about ready to go with plan B again, with the hopes that Satoru would be a little more understanding this time around, when he noticed a lonely figure wandering around, obviously lost.

It honestly took him a while to recognize the person, he hadn't seen him in so long. But when he did he visibly stiffened in alarm, rumors and his own misconceptions running rapid through his mind.

"N... Naoya!?"



((I'm sorry I didn't post for Momoko... I only realized I had questions about Kazu after you left. Gomen...))

[The Wonder Fox]

A loud whine left the orange-haired male's lips as he wandered around the large property, swearing that he passed that same rock three times already. Finally, he stood, hanging his head in shame as he heaved a heavy breath, the white cloud passing from his lips. It was only when he heard his name called that he looked up to see someone staring up at him.

"Uhhhhh.... And... you are?"

A confused yellow stare met the girlish Snake, the Cat standing there as he stared at him. He didn't know if that person was a woman or a man, it was hard to tell especially considering how many layers of clothes they had on. If it was a girl, which he finally concluded it to be, he was a little depressed he couldn't see what cup size she was or how large her ass was.

He sighed.

"Uhm, eheh, I really don't know who you are, lady, but..." Slowly, the Cat approached, finally leaning against the same door the other was giving the dark-haired male a pleasant and handsome grin. "You're pretty nice looking for being covered in so much. Why don't we go back to my place and let me see what's underneath all those layers, eh?"

A laugh left the older boy's lips as he carefully placed a hand on the other's shoulder, yet didn't slip it around like he might've with someone else for obvious reason. Naoya didn't think for a second that the younger one was part of the Zodiac, so he made sure to keep his torso away out of precaution of being hugged or doing the hugging by accident.

"My place isn't too far away, just a little stroll down the street. You seem a bit cold, I can help warm you up, you know."

The intense fear coursing through his veins only doubled when the frail creature had told him just who and what he was. His... God, huh? Then it hit him. God of the thirteen animals, the master of them all. The cruel creature that ruled over them with absolute domination. This was the man that had summoned him back after all those years, so he must've been related somehow to the current head of the Sohma house.

Shaking his head, a small glare contorted the Tiger's face as he crawled back and away from the other, slowly getting to his feet. When he looked down at the wraith of a man, his face paled at the mere sight of him. He looked... sick, really sick. Like he could be dying. A chill ran down Tatsuki's spine when he saw how poorly the man was dressed for such weather, a thin white kimono the only thing adoring his frail body.

"Ahh! Um..." In a hurry, the golden-haired boy had stripped himself of his thick coat, throwing it over the other's shoulders and wrapped it around his cold body. The cold winter air bothered him, yes, but it didn't seem right to have this strange person suffer out in the cold like this. "You... don't look...so good," he muttered under his breath.

Kneeling back down, Tatsuki shook his head as he slowly scooped the other's legs into his arms as he pulled the wraith-like male into his arms, holding him close. The Tiger said not a word as he made his way towards the window, holding onto the other tightly as he climbed up and in. Once inside, the golden-haired male set the other down on the floor gently, shut the window, then heaved a heavy sigh.

"Are you... okay?"

[Gone]

A mixture of disappointment and amusement beset the young god as that warm body left him. He watched with carefully veiled eyes as the tiger pushed himself backwards, noting with interest the look of hostility and fear that he gave him as he stood. And then his expression turned to that of concern and pity.

He said nothing as the wayward Jyuunishi took off his coat, wrapping the surprisingly warm piece of clothing over his shoulders -- which he hadn't realized had been shaking until just now. Normally he would have never accepted such an invasive action, but nostalgia and the intense satisfaction he felt made him passive, if only for the moment. He even welcomed Tatsuki's arms, wrapping him in that warmth that he seemed to almost crave now, and a strange scent that he only recognized in a memory. He had wrapped his own arms around the younger boy's neck as they climbed through the window. He might have marveled at the fact that the tiger had been able to climb such a height while carrying him, but honestly it didn't surprise him that much.

Back in his own lavishly yet tastefully decorated room, he felt disappointed again as he was set back down. This disappointment was shortly lived, however, when Tatsuki asked him a simple yet meaningful question.

Again he smiled, a chillingly beautiful smile as he rose to his knees and once again wrapped his arms the other, pulling him down to the floor with surprising strength. "I'm fine..." He whispered softly, "Now that you're here..... Tatsuki-kun. Now that you're back, with me..."

He'd waited for so long... for this boy to come back to him. And he swore to himself he wouldn't let him go again.

Suzume could only stare as the Cat of the zodiac approached him with an infuriatingly carefree attitude. He couldn't believe what he was saying! Was he joking, or just stupid? Not only did he seem to not recognize him, but he thought he was a woman!

Well, the woman thing wouldn't have been so bad if it weren't for the fact that Naoya obviously didn't recognize him. That, and... he was apparently hitting on him. HIM! The Snake! Which, although not a very glamorous animal, was certainly better than the Cat! And to make matters worst, he was doing it in such a crude and obvious way!

With a sneer the feminine male started to back away... only to freeze in place as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He could almost feel the icy chill of disgusted shivers running down his spine. For perhaps a second or two he simply stood there, frozen in shock and repulsion, the only sound being the cold wind that blew past.

Until a sharp snap broke the silence, the deceptively charming snake having answered the cat with a vicious slap.

"Mou... gomen ne, Towel-san......" A petite girl murmured almost sadly as she knelt on the wooden patio outside of the Rabbit's house, gently re-folding a freshly cleaned white towel. "I didn't mean to drop you... really..." She reassured the fluffy object, speaking as though it were upset at her. Dark grey eyes wavered in sympathy for the towel's... er... suffering, before placing it back on top of the large pile of similar towels that she had just been carrying from the washroom. Of course, she wouldn't have dropped them in the first place... if a rather upset looking young woman hadn't practically stormed past her, bumping into her and knocking the pile from her hands. For the last few minutes or so she had taken great care to re-fold and re-pile the towels, all the while apologizing profusely to them.

When she finally finished this task she scooped them back up into her arms and carefully stood back up. Which, really was much more difficult than one would normally presume. She wondered for a moment if she should take the Horse's advice and wear more "normal" clothing, instead of her normal attire consisting of old fashioned kimono and yukata. Surely it would be much more convenient, she thought as she took great care not to step on the hem of her black-and-white checkered, flannel kimono. But then, she never did like change very much. Just like she had refused to dye the white-pink strands of her hair a charcoal black to match the rest, like her mother had wanted her to. Just like her physical appearance, she supposed her choice of clothing was simply a part of who she was.

Continuing on down the patio she stopped once again, this time because something -- or rather someone -- was in her path. She blinked up at the Rabbit, standing about three feet or so away from him, wondering if she should say anything or simply wait for him to move. The latter would have normally been preferable, but it just so happened she was already running late on her chores because of the earlier incident. Thinking back on that little accident she wondered just exactly who that lady had been. Then she noticed... that the Rabbit's expression looked a little... off today.

"A...a....anou?" She spoke up, softly, barely more than a whisper. "Ka... Kazu-san....? Is something... the matter...?" She was generally a caring person, and she did care for her family... though it was rather rare for her to actually initiate any sort of conversation with them like this.

[The Wonder Fox]

When he had gotten inside, Tatsuki heaved a heavy breath, wiping the small trickles of sweat that had started to bead on his forehead. Just who was this wraith of a man who seemed to know him so dearly. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the other seemed just so familiar. He shook his golden head, looking down at the dark-haired male with an apologetic smile as he parted his lips to speak.

"I'm sor-!!"

But he never got to finish as he felt those frail arms wrap around his waist and pull him down, landing on his backside with a pained grunt. Not that he was against his beautifully frail creature practically molesting him, his cold body so close, but Tatsuki shook his head as he tried to crawl away once more.

"Sorry, I told you! I don't know who you are! Where is Saikyo-sama, I got a summons to see him, he'll skin me and make a rug out of me if I don't hurry. Please, let go of me, I'l talk to you later."

Even as he struggled out of the hold, there was something just so familiar about him; that deathly pale skin, those dark eyes and equally dark hair. That elegance that seemed to cling to his weak body, that dominating air. Then again, he had said himself to be his God, his master, but that confused Tatsuki.

He always though Saikyo Sohma was the God of the Zodiac, the supposed head of the Sohma household, and concluded this creature was far too young and beautiful to be that cruel man. So it left the Tiger in a puzzled and bewildered state.

Just... who was this frail thing?

The sudden hot feeling upon his face, not to mention the stinging pain brought small tears to his yellow eyes as he placed a hand on the bright red slap mark on his face. Naoya seemed dishearted at the rejection, his lips pouting as stared at the other for a moment. Then, a surprised expression appeared on his face as he reached out to slowly, and strangely, begin to undo the outer layer of coats.

Furiously fast he went, making quick work of undressing the Snake, pulling apart the layers of warm clothing without much care until all he saw was a flat, pale chest. Reaching up, he pulled off the younger one's hat, blinking as he watched his long dark hair flow down his shoulders.

".... Wow, you don't have any tits, that's a little depressing, eh, I'll take what I got even though you're a gu- Oh my GOD! Hi Suzume-kun!!"

The dumbest of smiled appeared on the Cat's face as he stood there, his hands placed on the Snake's chest, cupping the breasts that weren't there. He chuckled, pulling away suddenly as he blushed hard in embarrassment, scratching the back of his orange head.

"Sorry, didn't know it was you, eheheheheh..."

[demychan]

The sound of the familiar voice echoed into the Rabbit’s ears, and Kazu perked up, his ocean-like eyes trailing to the younger Sohma girl. A warm, cider-like smile appeared across his lips, as if nothing had really happened to trouble him.
“Aa! Momo-chan! Ohayo!” He chimed, his hand slipping from his pocket and running through his hair, tangling with the golden blonde strands. When her questions finally entered his thoughts, he glanced towards the faded figure in the distance, and then back to Momo, shaking his head.

“The issue is quite resolved now… There definitely is no need to think on such trivial matters… Especially while in the company of another.” Kazu managed to clear his mind up of thoughts… Like the others, he liked suppress his feelings from others, but of course, when asked specifically about it, he can’t help but answer. But his answers often are short, or blunt.
“Ne, Ne, Momoko-chaaan. You are looking as cute as ever in those kimono’s of yours! It would be nice if people could walk around in traditional clothing more often. But alas, No one would look as good as you in them.” A grin graced his lips delicately as he complimented her. His voice was light and liquidy, and didn’t really hold a flirtatious edge, more like he was simply trying to play a bit to get his mind off of select things.

The pair of cerulean orbs averted to the mass of towels that she was carrying, and he blinked, moving his arms and gesturing to offer some assistance.
“You look like you need help…” A quiet chuckle escaped him.
Without another word, he grasped a majority of the towels from her.
”Where to…? … And a couple of these are a bit… dirty.” He released a nervous laugh, his eyes seemingly studying the towels, as if studying the fibers. He had been completely oblivious to the fact that she had been hit by his sister and the towels being knocked to the ground.

((... I will probably post as The Ram or the Rooster in my next reply... ^^;; ))

[Gone]

"My father...?" That rejected figure still sprawled upon the floor murmured, the haunted voice seeming to not even belong to the frail young man. Long strands of raven hair glistened in the morning light as they fell softly in front of that pallid face now tilted downwards, shrouding any emotions his eyes might have betrayed. Slowly, with a feeble elegance that was almost inhuman, the true god of the zodiac rose to his feet.

"My father... is dead." Black eyes held no remorse as the god gave a demented smile, "I killed him myself." A chilling confession, only made that much more terrifying as a strange expression darkened his face.

In the blink of an eye delicate hands, stronger than they looked, wrapped tightly around the tiger's throat, knife-like nails raking at soft skin and drawing thin streams of blood. Once again the tiger would find himself on the cold floor as the deceptively beautiful man pushed him backwards, long legs straddling his waist as he continued to strangle the life from the frightened boy beneath him.

"You look the same.. you sound the same.. you smell the same... you even feel the same... so why.....?" The ghost of a man whispered in frantic breaths, tightening his grip ever so slowly, "Why are you different? Tatsuki?! WHY ARE YOU DIFFERENT!?" More and more his voice grew until he was shouting desperately, eyes wide and fraught with anguish as the deranged individual continued to demand answers. "Why do you look at me as though I'm a stranger!? Why... WHY!? Tell me! Tell me now, Tatsuki!!" He didn't understand. He couldn't fathom for the life of him. This beloved person of his... this precious memory that he held... for the first time in a very, very long time he felt truly hurt and abandoned.

And this feeling frightened him.

[The Wonder Fox]

He barely had a chance to scream when he felt those hands crush his neck, nails ripping at his skin. A strangled cough left his lips as he thrashed about on the floor, his hands reaching up to grab the ones around his neck. Terrified tawny eyes widened in horror as he stared up at that screaming face, his windpipe being crushed so mercilessly by those thin, pale hands. Tatsuki gagged, his eyes rolling back into his head as his air supply was fully cut off, the oxygen not getting to his pain, threatening to render him unconscious, then dead.

And then, like the old cliche, he saw his life, or what he remembered of it, flash before his eyes, his struggle stilling as his body went limp. There was something just so familiar about the wraith upon him, slowly killing him, something about him nagging in the back of his brain. All at once, he saw that same distraught face above him in his mind, but a younger, smiling version. While the Tiger's hands collapsed at his sides, saliva running in small streams from his mouth, he left himself explore those strange images.

It was so long ago it seemed, back before that bloody event had occurred. He could barely play anymore, he was always so sickly, so ill. It was sad, they always played together. As Tatsuki's eyes slid closed, he welcomed the darkness that had been threatening to overtake him, his entire body going still as his lips parted slightly as he managed to utter a single word.

"...Sei.....re.....i....."

Without any warning, the Tiger's eyes snapped back open as he gave a strangled gasp, his hands throwing themselves up to shove at his attacker's shoulders, weakly trying to get the other off of him, his small burst of strength quickly fading.

[Gone]

"What...? What are you!? NAOYA!? NO!! DON'T TOUCH ME!! LET GO OF ME, NOOOOO!!!" It all happened so fast, Suzume had barely any time to defend himself as he was stripped almost completely naked to the freezing air. His entire body from his face down seemed to flush a bright pink from embarrassment, as well as the cold.

A furious snarl twisted the snake's lips as he was... er... groped, slapping the shameless cat's hands away with a hiss. "OF COURSE it's me, you IDIOT! How DARE you even TOUCH me!? AND TO THINK THAT YOU WOULD BE SO BRAZEN AS TO-- ah......." just then the beautiful male paused, his face scrunching up strangely as his mouth hung open, making a wordless noise. "Ah.... ah... a-ahCHOO!"

As though the secret words of a magic trick, this little sneeze served as a preface for the tell-tale "poof" of the Sohma family curse. Gone was the seemingly normal (or at least as normal as a crossdressing prima donna could be) young man, in his place was left only a pile of clothes... and a light purple, almost silvery snake.

"E-eh....?" It seemed the Rabbit was a master at changing subjects, as for a moment or so Momoko completely forgot about his seemingly depressed state, rather flustered by his comments. "N-no... you're exaggerating, Kazu-san..." She murmured, turning away with an embarrassed flush. "I-I'm sure I look no different from anyone else who wears traditional clothing... Oh!"

She certainly hadn't expected her cousin to offer his help, let alone take the towels directly from her arms. She blushed again, shaking her head hastily. "Y-you... really don't... I mean, I... I can h-handle it myself! D-don't trouble yourself..." She glanced down towards the ground, wondering whether she had enough courage to take the towels back or if she should just accept his help.

When he mentioned how they had gotten dirty, however, she blanched. "Ah! I-I'm sorry! I'm going to have to wash those ones again..." She shook her head again, "Somebody ran past me and bumped into me... I'm afraid it's my fault, I should have seen her coming..."

[The Wonder Fox]

"Moooomoooo-chaaaaaan!!!"

Whatever it was, it came from out of nowhere. A pink blur hurled itself onto the kimono-clad girl, crashing into her as the thing wrapped its arms around those petite shoulders, hugging her tightly. There was a head of short rust-colored hair, two beady brown eyes, and a skinny pink body connecting them together. It was a young woman, dressed in only a pair of blue panties, (matching bra) and a business-like dress shirt that was unbuttoned and open, her diminutive breasts held behind her bra.

And dressed only in that.

"Momo-chaaan~ I can find my work pants~! Can you help me find them for me, I didn't seem them in the wash or the dresser~!"

The cold air didn't seem to faze her as she clung tightly to the younger female, nuzzling the side of her face with her own cheek. It was a delayed reaction, but she finally noticed the Rabbit, chocolate eyes blinking as she watched the blonde for a bit, keeping silent.

And then she glared.

"Ka...zuya, right?"

"Eh...heh heh heh..."

The Cat had kept a good distance away from the irate Snake, occasionally taking a step back, then another, and another. He was getting ready to just turn and run when he heard the feminine male sneeze.

Then that puff of smoke.

For a moment, Naoya remained still, staring at the large pile of clothes on the ground, unsure as what to do. Finally, he moved, walking slowly to kneel down before the transformed male, yellow eyes staring down at him with an apologetic expression. "I'm... I'm sorry, Suzu-kun, you looked different all wrapped up in those layers." Hanging his head, the orange-haired male sighed heavily, slowly reaching out to gather the clothes and reptile into his arms.

"I guess I'm an idiot for not recognizing you, sorry."

As amazing as it was, the Cat actually seemed truthfully sorry in his apology, clutching the bundle closer to his chest as he sighed in embarrassment, looking around for a moment. It was at that moment that he noticed the bags not to far away, walking over to pick them up in one hand, his other arm holding onto the clothing.

"Hm? You went to the store?" was his stupid question a moment later.