Tohru:
Call a doctor! Or a Vet! Or anybody! Mr. Postman, it's terrible. You see, there're animals.


Postman:
Oh yes, they certainly are. Here's your mail.

Tohru:
No no, we gotta do something!

Postman:
I wish my dog was this smart. Good day!

Kyo:
Damn it! How am I supposed to come up with an excuse if both of you transform too?

Yuki:
Don't you dare try to blame this on us, you stupid cat!
Kyo:
Oh go ahead, say that again.

Yuki:
Stupid cat.

Kyo:
Why you little…

Shigure:
Cut it out! Both of you.

Tohru:
You mean they talk too…?

Shigure:
Anyway, it's too late for excuses. We might as well tell her the truth. Tohru, I'm a dog. Yuki here, he's a rat. That's Kyo. Don't let his temper scare you. He's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

Tohru:
So this is…normal?

Shigure:
Strange choice of words, but yes. Our family has lived with this curse for generations. We transform into the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Sorry, twelve animals plus the cat.
Anyway, whenever our bodies come under a great deal of stress, or when we were hugged by a member of the opposite sex, we transform. After a little while we change back but the only thing is, uh… we're naked. Well, we must seem pretty strange to you at this point, huh?
Tohru:
But…it's not your fault if your family's cursed.
A family curse. I guess that would explain a few things. If Yuki turns into an animal whenever a girl hugs him, that must be why he pushed that fan club girl in the hall. He didn't want her to find out his secret.
Shigure:
Tohru, didn't you say you used to wish you could be a cat?

Tohru:
Yeah, uh-huh.

Shigure:
What's it like, seeing the real thing?

Tohru:
Right! It's the cat from the Chinese zodiac, like in the story.

Shigure:
Yes, it's hard to believe, I know. And I agree the phrase "cat-like reflexes" doesn't really apply to him, the way he let you fall on him like that. But he is a cat. [Well / Although] he's clumsier than most. Surprisingly really, considering the amount of martial arts training he's had. I'm sure he'd tell you the same thing himself, if he wasn't so busy brooding like a child…

Kyo:
Argh! Will you shut up!? I told you it's not my fault! If you wanna blame somebody, blame her. She shouldn't even be here.

Yuki:
Leave her out of this. Who we chose to allow into this house is really none of your concern. You're the one who doesn't belong here.

Shigure:
Oh, Tohru, you're bleeding.
I knew that Kyo was reckless with his temper, but to act like this…

Yuki:
You're still as stupid as ever. And I'm going to prove it to you by giving you exactly what you want. Only this time, I won't hold back.

Kyo:
Ok, sissy boy!

Tohru:
No… Yuki!

Shigure:
Don't worry. This goes back a lot further than just today. Those two do nothing but fight whenever they see each other.

Tohru:
But ...eh, shouldn't we stop them?

Shigure:
No. It's ok. It'll all be over in a second.

Yuki:
I told you I wouldn't hold back. You should have listened.

Tohru:
He…sent him flying.

Shigure:
Yuki, try not to destroy the house, ok?

Yuki:
I really didn't mean to put him in the yard. He should learn to keep his guard up. Miss Honda, you're hurt.

Tohru:
Oh it's fine. Really, I'm ok. But I …eh, I'm not so sure about him.

Yuki:
No, the only thing he's bruised is his ego.

Shigure:
I'm guessing your dreams of being a cat are pretty much shattered at this point.

Tohru:
Well I don't know. I wouldn't … say that.
It's hard to believe, Mom. All the girls call Yuki a prince, but I didn't think he could really be so …noble. I just thought it was because he was cute and good at sports but this, I've never seen him act like this at school. School!? Oh no, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late. I'm late. Sorry, thanks for everything, I've gotta go. I've gotta go.
Shigure:
I'm not so sure you wanna go in that uniform.
Suddenly she remembers her adventures in the woods.

Tohru:
I don't know. It's not that bad. Maybe no one will notice.

Shigure:
Oh, I think they will.

Tohru:
You're right. But I promised Mom. I have to go to school.

Shigure:
Fine. Don't let me stop you. A promise is a promise. Which reminds me, I will have to tell Akito about everything that's happened this morning.

Tohru:
You have to tell who?

Shigure:
Oh, sorry. He's the head of the family.

Tohru:
So, then I guess…this Akito, he must be someone really important, huh?

Shigure:
Well, he is to us, at least. And after all, we did just give away the big Sohma family secret.

Tohru:
Alright. That does make sense. But I really am late. Good bye.

Shigure:
Be safe.

Yuki:
Since when have you been so talkative about our family matters? You're planning on erasing Miss Honda's memories, aren't you? Just like in the old days.

Shigure:
That's not my intention. This isn't like before. Too many people knew about us back then. It couldn't be helped.

Yuki:
Fine. I'm going to school.


Tohru:
Thanks again for letting me use the washing machine.

Uo:
Believe me. I did us all a favor. Now, how did you say you got so dirty?

Yuki fan club members:
L O V E, We love Yuki Yuki Yuki! Lalala~

A:
Say Miss Tohru, how come the dirty clothes? Did prince Yuki give you the ditch?

Hana:
(bleep-censored!?!?)

Uo:
Good grief, those girls give me a headache. Their prince doesn't show so they have to bother someone. But why you, I wonder.

Tohru:
I can't imagine what they'd do if they knew I'm staying at Yuki's house. I think even Uo and Hana would be upset if they knew.
Oh, well, silly silly. I better go change now.

Yuki:
Hello, Miss Honda.

Tohru:
Oh, Yuki! Hi.

Yuki:
So, did you tell them, your friends, about this morning.

Tohru:
I told them I tripped…. Oh! Your secret! No No, I didn't. I promise I won't tell a soul. Mom always said it's not right to gossip. Oh, but you don't know me that well yet.

Yuki:
No really, this is…

Tohru:
I swear. I'll write it in blood if you want. Cross my heart and hope to die.
Whatever it takes for you to believe me. I'll swallow a thousand…

Yuki:
That's not what I meant. I'm sorry. I do believe you when you say you'll keep our secret. But it doesn't matter. We still might have to erase your memory. It won't harm you. It's something like hypnotism. You'll simply forget everything you saw this morning. I know this, because this isn't the first time someone has learned about us. It happened when I was seven years old. I was playing with some other children in the garden behind our house. After that, we had to erase every one of those children's memories.

Yuki:
Am I that strange? Am I so strange that we have to hide it from everyone?

Akito:
Yes, you are that strange. A human who turns into a rat. What do you think they would do if they knew? Really, you're a freak. They won't come near you. They'd hate you.

Tohru:
Yuki? Are you alright?

Yuki:
But…I, I can't go against Akito's decision, whatever it is. I can't stop him no matter how much I might want to. That's why…I'm sorry.

Tohru:
Oh, wait! I am so sorry. Really, I didn't do it on purpose. Oh, I'm such an idiot. I wasn't even thinking.

Yuki:
It's alright. Just as long as no one else saw.

Tohru:
Oh, ok.
What I wanted to say was, thank you for being concerned about me. But really … it's ok. I'm fine. I'm not scared. So don't worry. I mean, I completely understand if you and your family don't want anyone to know about your secret. That's why it's called a secret, right? So whatever you decide is fine with me. I want you to do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. I don't really like the idea of losing my memory. And I don't wanna forget meeting Yuki. But he's done so much for me without asking anything in return. So I guess, if that's what I have to do… You can erase my memory. But afterwards, promise you'll still be my friend?

Yuki:
Sorry. The amount of time before we change back varies a bit.

Tohru:
It's ok. Yuki, where did you learn to tie a tie?

Yuki:
I guess I've never been very good at this sort of things.

Tohru:
Don't feel bad. Nobody is perfect. Good thing you have me here.

Akito:
You're a freak. They won't come near you. They'd hate you.

Yuki:
Miss Honda. It really didn't bother you to see…

Tohru:
Oh, don't worry. I closed my eyes in time.

Yuki:
No, I didn't mean that. So … can I walk you to class?

Tohru:
Uh-huh.

Tohru:
But afterwards, promise you'll still be my friend?

Yuki:
Thank you.

Tohru:
No problem. Fixing ties is my specialty.

Akito:
I believe … I will trust Miss Honda … for Yuki… and for Kyo …even for myself. This may be a great opportunity.

Yuki:
I'm back.

Tohru:
Hello. We're home from school.

Yuki:
Shigure? He must have gone out.

Tohru:
I'm gonna go put away my bag.

Yuki:
Ok.

Kyo:
Don't freak out. It's only temporally. You can call someone to fix it better later. This will at least keep the rain out till then.

Tohru:
Yes, thank you.
I did hope I'd get to talk to him again after he ran off. But I don't think he likes me very much.

Kyo:
Hey!

Tohru:
I'm here.

Kyo:
I'm not very good at controlling my temper. When I get angry, I…I don't know. Maybe I don't have enough training. I just, I can't stand losing to that damn Yuki. So about this morning, it wasn't … what I mean is … I'm sor….

Shigure:
I'm home. Yuki, Tohru! Are you here? And Kyo, I hope you're not doing something stupid and tearing up my house again.

Kyo:
Oh, forget it!

Tohru:
Wait! Please don't go.

Shigure:
He'll be back. It's not like he has anywhere else to go. But never mind him. Can you come in here for a second?

Tohru:
Oh …ok.

Shigure:
I had a little talk with Akito today. He's decided that as long as you can keep our secret, you can stay here.

Tohru:
Oh …good. So then …there's no punishment?

Shigure:
Punishment? Why would we…? You can keep the secret?

Tohru:
Yes. That's great news. I won't have to lose my memory.

Yuki:
Shigure. It all seems too easy, doesn't it? I can't help to think that Akito has something else in store for us.

Shigure:
I don't know. But don't worry so much. Everything's going well. Enjoy it! For now, let's just trust Akito to do what's best.

Tohru:
Excuse me. Ah… I'm sorry to interrupt. It's just that …you've been so nice to me. I hope it's no trouble.

Yuki:
Ah…no. No, of course it isn't.

Shigure:
Make yourself at home, ok?

Tohru:
Ok.
It looks like everything's gonna be ok, Mom. Even after everything that happened this morning, the Sohmas has still invited me to stay in their house. I guess this will be our home for a while.

Tohru:
Well, it's not gonna clean itself.

Yuki:
I'll help you. Just tell me what to do.

Shigure:
You better not. The closest thing Yuki's ever seen to a mop is that haircut of his. I think he'd just get in the way.

Tohru:
That's alright. I'll take care of it. We did all make a deal that I'll do the housework in exchange for my room. I wouldn't be earning my keep if I let you two help me.

Shigure:
Well I can see we're in good hands. I'm going to go to find Kyo and I'll be out with him for a while. We should be back by lunch time.

Tohru:
Sure, just leave it to me.

Yuki:
In that case, I guess I'll go out too.

Tohru:
Fine. I'll be done when you get back.
What was I thinking? I don't even know where to start. But Tohru Honda never gives up. And that's that.

Yuki:
Amazing. If I didn't know better, I'd think I walked into the wrong house.
Since when do we have a rice cooker?

Tohru:
I found it in the trash.
Oh, by the way, I hope you got your appetite, coz lunch is almost ready.

Yuki:
It's delicious.

Tohru:
You think so? You don't think it's too bland?

Yuki:
It's perfect. The best lunch I've ever had.

Tohru:
Don't be silly.

Yuki:
That reminds me. I wonder where Shigure and that stupid cat ran off to.

Tohru:
I don't know. He said they'd be back by lunch time.

Yuki:
Well, shame on them. It's rude to let a meal this good get cold.

Tohru:
It's so strange. I guess I still haven't gotten used to the idea of living here. But here I am, having lunch with Yuki.
Oh yeah, you went out for a while too, didn't you? Where did you go? Shopping?

Yuki:
Oh no. I just went out back to my secret base.

Tohru:
What? You have a secret base? You mean like a fort, or an underground hide-up? That sounds so exciting!

Yuki:
I don't think it's quite as elaborate as you're thinking. But I'll tell you what, next time I'll take you with me.

Tohru:
What? Do you really mean it? I'm going to a secret base! I've always wanted to see one in person. The neighborhood boys had one when I was a kid, but they told me girls weren't allowed. I can't wait to see…

Shigure:
Stop. Kyo just listen to me!

Kyo:
I don't wanna hear it. You think it's fun jerking me around like that.

Shigure:
Now hold on, it wasn't… ok, it was a little bit fun but that's not why I did it, it was for your own good. And don't forget it, it was Akito's decision.

Kyo:
Shut up, I don't give a damn about Akito!

Tohru:
Oh, um…are you hungry? I made you some lunch.

Kyo:
Shut up!

Shigure:
Kyo, don't take this out on Tohru. And use the front door next time. And take off your shoes!

Yuki:
You're setting a fine example.

Tohru:
This is the first time I've seen you in a suit. It looks good on you.

Shigure:
You don't say.

Yuki:
You look like a butler.

Shigure:
Ah, lunch is ready.

Tohru:
Yes, but shouldn't we see about Kyo?

Shigure:
Oh him? He just needs to let off some steam. He's angry that I made him take an entrance exam.

Tohru:
An entrance exam? For what?

Shigure:
Funny, you should ask. As of today, Kyo's officially the newest student at your school. And he's also going to be living with us from now on too.

Yuki:
Don't you take a single bite. Get out.

Shigure:
…haha, well I had a feeling you'd be upset.
You see, Kyo pulled a bit of a vanishing act on us. He just up and disappeared for four month. And do you know where he disappeared to? He was up on a mountain top, training.

Tohru:
What kind of …training?

Yuki:
Let me guess, he's been meditating under waterfalls and fighting bears.

Shigure:
Ah, I'm not so sure about that part. But the point is, Kyo really wants to beat Yuki.

Yuki:
Stupid cat.

Tohru:
So Kyo spent all that time trying to beat Yuki. And Yuki really doesn't seem to like Kyo at all either. This is just like the old story. After the rat tricked the cat, the cat must have been angry for a long long time. Maybe that's why Yuki and Kyo don't get along. I don't know. And somehow, I get the feeling he wouldn't wanna talk about it with me.

Girl A in class:
I wonder if he can tell us about Yuki.

Girl B:
He's so cute.

Girl C:
Not as cute as Yuki.

Girl D:
Where is he?

Girl E:
Oh I think he's amazing.

Girl F:
Oh wow…..Oh my goodness……

Yuki fan club girl A:
What do you think? Is he really prince Yuki's cousin?

Girl B:
I'll bet he knows everything about him.

Tohru:
Poor Kyo. He looks so scared.

Hana:
There're the same. His electric signals are exactly the same as Yuki's. I don't know, but there's something about them that's almost inhuman.

Uo:
Hana, that's just rude. Ah, hey. Question. So this new guy, is he really your cousin or what?

Yuki:
Yes, that is the rumor going around. I prefer to leave it at that.

Girl A:
Hey, I thought we were talking?

Girl B:
Wait, come back.

Girl B:
What are you doing?

Tohru:
Oh Kyo, I don't think that's a good idea.

Girl B:
Get off me!

Girl C:
What did she do to you?

Kyo:
Leave me alone!

Girl C:
Amazing.

Girl A:
That proves it. He's definitely related to prince Yuki.

Girl C:
I can't believe he jumped.

Girl B:
Hey, aren't you forgetting about me? I did just get my arm ripped off.

Uo:
That was hysterical. He looked like a cat trying to get out of a bath.

Tohru:
Poor Kyo. He really is like the cat from the old story, Mom. He must feel so alone right now. But who knows? Maybe … maybe one day, we can be friends.