Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 20: Spam your favorite pictures ofFruits Basket!

If you insist . . . be warned, there will be lots of Kyouru.

I did warn you . . .

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 19: Are you wishing for a second season?

Of course! I signed the petition long ago, but I still haven't heard anything about a second season. Fruits Basket is such an amazing story, and the anime left much in the dust. We never saw every character in the zodiac, and we haven't watched them grow as much as they did in the manga. There is still so much left to tell in Fruits Basket's story, that I hope it does what Full Metal Alchemist accomplished, an anime that is exactly like the manga. Although the first season is amazing, there are so many parts in the manga that I want to see. The second vacation to the summer home has many important events, and I would love to see the Kyo and Tohru hug on the silver screen! The story is incomplete in the anime as it stands, but I'm sure that with enough support and funding, it would be possible to make a second season of Fruits Basket or even create another anime that is devoted to the manga like Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood.

I would love a second season of Fruits Basket, but until then, I enjoy reading the manga once I reach a certain point in the anime, and continuing the story as it was originally told. With animes like Clannad, Kodocha and Kobato, I'm sure a Fruits Basket season two would be possible, and as much loved, if not even more so, as the original anime.

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 18: How many times have you watchedthe anime?

To be honest, I've lost count. I watched the anime at least twice a year during High school and College. And yes, I watch the dubbed version, because I was introduced to the show that way. I have seen the anime in japanese with English subtitles, but the English dub is my favorite way to watch it. I love Kyo and Tohru's voice actors, and I thought the voice actors for the Sohma family were great as well. The only thing that bugged me was Yuki's voice, I always had to turn the volume up to even hear what he said, and hwne he's talking to Kyo, who is very loud, the combination is annoyingly entertaining. The anime is very different from the manga, it never introduces the entire zodiac, and it ends very strangely, but I love the balance of comedy and wisdom in each episode. 

One episode that stood out to me, was "It's because I've Been Loved That I've Become Stronger" where Kisa is introduced. "The Source of Cheer Can Be Affected By Colds Too" is still my favorite, but I love Hatori's story in "Don't Cry For The Snow Will Surely Melt" and I love the awkward/fun vacation in "If We've Three Then We Don't Need To Fear Jason". I love all the Kyo and Tohru moments naturally, but Momiji's story in "There Are No Memories, It's Okay To Forget." The only thing I didn't like about the anime was how long it took for Tohru to accept Kyo's true form. This never happened in the manga, because she literally ran right to him, and it distorts the story and Tohru's character. Despite that, it's obvious that I've watched the anime countless times, and I still enjoy it. 

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 17: Did you like that Tohru stayed with Kyo instead of Yuki?

I've never been a fan of love triangles. Most of them end messily and add a level of depression to a story. I didn't mind this one as much though, because I thought it was handled beautifully. Yuki and Tohru were never truly themselves around each other. Without even knowing it, Tohru played the role of Yuki's mother and caretaker the moment she stepped between Yuki and Akito. She has always viewed Yuki based on his reputation of a prince, and fell  into the friend/mother role very easily. Kyo and Tohru are always themselves around each other, and they can tell when the other is upset. This is never really true of Yuki and Tohru's relationship. They are there for each other, but Yuki doesn't realize when Tohru is acting, and Yuki doesn't always act like himself around Tohru. Kyo has been himself, and Tohru had already developed feelings for him before she even met him (as a number one year of the cat fan). But more importantly, Tohru understands Kyo, and she is able to treat him like a person, unlike any of the other members of the zodiac. In the same way, Kyo understands Tohru and doesn't put her on a pedestal like the other members of the zodiac do.  

Most of the love triangle issues that happen in stories have to do with the type of characters the main character is interested in. In Fruits Basket, I found that it wasn't about the type of person, but how well Tohru knew them. 

In the story, Yuki picks up on Tohru's feelings for Kyo and Kyo's feelings for Tohru long before either of them realize it. He has an interesting time being a third wheel and reflects on it with a new friend he makes at the time. This one observation that Yuki makes helps him understand that he doesn't view Tohru the same way Kyo views her, and although it is a painful experience, he is eventually able to find someone he truly cares for. 

Many readers argue that Machi is Yuki's replacement for Tohru, but I see no evidence of this in the story. Yuki doesn't act like he does around Tohru when he meets Machi, and Machi is the first person to recognize and appreciate Yuki's flaws. Even in Tohru's eyes Yuki seemed perfect and prince like, but she never recognized when he was acting, and she never seemed to question the reputation that people gave Yuki at school. Machi does. Machi calls out Yuki on his faults, and while everyone gets mad at her, Yuki appreciates it. This is how Machi treats Yuki like a person, and not like the school boy idol that his fangirls in High School make him out to be. Yuki sees Machi as a person too. He recognizes that Machi has certain habits, and he learns that Machi acts a certain way when she likes something or someone. He makes an effort to be a part of Machi's life, and he helps her recognize her own value. 

Normally love triangles leave the third wheel lost, confused, hurt and a little jaded. Fruits Basket showed the other side of that story, how Yuki overcame an unrequited crush and discovered that he could find someone who cared for him the way he thought he cared for Tohru. Once he discovers that Machi likes him, Yuki is finally able to tell Tohru that he viewed her as his mother, which she takes as the highest compliment. 

I won't say that this love triangle worked out smoothly, for it was a bumpy ride for all three characters, but it seemed reasonable and it didn't feel incomplete. 

Kyo and Tohru belong together just as much as Yuki and Machi belong together.  

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 16: Post a picture of your favorite Fruits Basket character

There is no way I could choose between Kyo and Tohru. Both of their stories are amazing, and their story together is even more so. Tohru is so strong, from her personality to her role in the Sohma family. She is the hero of the story, but because she doesn't acknowledge this, or take advantage of it, many people look down on her and call her a weak character. I believe the opposite because Tohru has a way with people. She understands them, and yet she has her own faults that she has to overcome, but she doesn't let anything distract her from breaking the Sohma curse, and she accepts darkness by creating her own light. She builds a family of her own by showing the Sohmas the kindness and love that she has always wanted since her childhood.  I would argue that Tohru is the strongest character of the series, with Kyo as a close second. 

Kyo is practically bullied by all his relatives, except Shishou, his father figure, and Tohru of course. He lived in darkness under the shadow of the curse, his mother's death and Yuki's superiority in the Sohma family. Of all the Sohmas, Kyo has the most difficult life due to the curse, and it shows. Everyone in the zodiac literally calls him the cat, with Yuki calling him stupid cat and Shigure constantly calling him a moron. Because Yuki, the rat doesn't like the cat, most of the zodiac follow him and avoid Kyo unless they are picking on him. Kyo's ultimate challenge is his true form, which has never been accepted by the Sohmas, and even Shishou admits that he took Kyo in from pity. Kyo has a lot of obstacles to face, and without Tohru, he would never be able to face them. Once Kyo is accepted as he is, he changes. He opens up to people more, allows himself to make friends at school and he doesn't look down on himself as much as he did in his childhood. 

Both Tohru and Kyo are lovable characters who rise above the most difficult circumstances in life and create a future of their own. Kyo gets past the stereotype of monster while Tohru gets past the stereotype of angel. They learn who they really are and overcome all the obstacles in their way. That is why both of them are my favorite characters. 

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 15: Favorite song from Fruits Basket

Serenade

This song is peaceful and it sums up the entire theme of Fruits Basket. 

The Japanese version is nice, but I love the English version. The Lyrics seem to be Tohru's message to the Sohmas, but especially Kyo Sohma :)

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 14: Post all the merchandise you own

This will be fun:

Kyo Sohma bean bag cat

Fruits Basket tote bag

Tohru Honda Hot Topic Tshirt

Kyo Sohma Hot Topic Tshirt

Halloween Kyo Sohma Plushie

Fruits Basket Card set

Year of the Cat Tshirt

Fruits Basket Art Book

Kyouru earrings

DVD set

Fanbook- Cat (English)

Fanbook- Cat (Japanese)

Banquet Book

Sticker Collection

Tanktop

All the mangas

Yeah. I have a lot of Fruits Basket stuff :)

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 13: Did you like the ending of the manga?

I loved how the manga ended! I will admit that I thought the ending wasn't going to be as joyful, and more of a bittersweet send off, but I was surprised that ever single Sohma found a way to live life, and say goodbye to the curse. I also loved how Fruits Basket began with Tohru telling the story, and it ended with Kyou telling the story. I loved the ending quotes "Pile on the years." And how Ko watches Tohru quietly pick up the bracelet, and save it along with the pictures that increase over time of their life together. Their grandchild was so cute, asking where they were by name, and her mother scolding her to call her grandparents by grandma and grandpa. I love that Kyo and Tohru are "always together," and as they move on, the entire Sohma family will miss Tohru. Kyo tells Tohru, "This is the time. We're all going to new environments so we can live our lives. And suddenly we're all thinking about you. Are you doing well? You're not crying are you? Are you still smiling? Are you truly happy on this day? We're all thinking it. All of us. And we'll keep thinking it. Everybody loves you. Thank you."

Tohru, accepting all the Sohmas and especially Kyo is now one of the most important people in the Sohmas' lives. They will never forget her, and they will miss her, but they will always be grateful that she helped them rise above the darkness, and discover all that life has to offer. 

This scene was the most powerful goodbye I have ever experienced, and the fact that Kyo is explaining the Sohmas' love for Tohru shows that everyone is connected by a better bond than the zodiac curse. They are all connected through their love of Tohru, and they have become like family to her. 

Kyou's thoughts throughout this last chapter show how much he has learned, and how powerful one person's love can be. Tohru herself has finally found a place where she belongs, by Kyou's side and with the Sohma family visiting every now and then.  Both Kyou and Tohru are ready to start a new chapter of their lives, and put the past behind them. 

Another powerful, heartwarming part of the last manga was Kyoko's actual thoughts as she was dying. Kyou thought that she was saying "I'll never forgive you," but she recognized him, and her real thoughts were, "Somehow, take my place and protect Tohru. If you don't pay your tab, I'll never forgive you." 

Once all the past was revealed, including the actual story of the zodiac, and why it was cursed in the first place, there is a satisfying conclusion to Fruits Basket. Instead of having the rug ripped from under your feet, you are waving, smiling and laughing with the Sohmas, wishing them a happy life free from the demands of the curse. It reminds me of your graduation where you know that these people will always be with you in your memories, and some will even stay in touch, but you are all going your separate ways towards your dreams. It's a powerful feeling, and the fact that Fruits Basket could convey that, is proof at how amazing the story is. You've spent so much time with these characters, and you've learned about life through their own struggles and mistakes, but now they are smiling, and you know it's time to move on, but you will never forget them, and how they impacted your life. 

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 12: Did you finish reading the manga?

Of course I did! I had to find out what happened! Like I said before, Fruits Basket is and will always be my favorite manga. The many stories of people who rise above their despair and go out in the world, ready for their real life to begin. This story is about acceptance of yourself and acceptance of others, it's a powerful tale with many lessons about life: What we doubt, what we believe and who we think we are. 

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 11: Favorite OTP

Kyouru (Picture colored by -Sangosworld on deviantart)

This one should be obvious, especially since I love Beauty and the Beast. Kyo and Tohru's relationship is one of the most heartwarming and beautiful love stories I have ever read. Of all the OTPs I love and support, this one is the top on my list, and I doubt any OTP could replace it. Kyo and Tohru accept eachother as they are, and they don't pretend to be something they aren't. Their story goes deeper than boy meets girl, because both grow at a slow and steady pace to learn who they want to be, and they support eachother through the many ups and downs throughout the series. For Kyo, Tohru is the first girl he allows himself to be close to, and he falls in love with her. Tohru has loved the cat from the zodiac story since she was a little girl, and when she finally meets Kyo, she is determined to be someone close to him, and she doesn't look down on him the way everyone in the zodiac does. She falls in love with him without even realizing it, and only when she discovers the cat's cruel fate in the zodiac, does she understand that out of all the zodiac, Kyo is the person she loves the most.   These two are perfect in their imperfection. 

Gu Family Book

(Picture by me on Photoshop for iPad)

I have watched four episodes of this drama so far, and I rank it up there with Arang and the Magistrate, The Moon That Embraces The Sun, and Hong Gil Dong. 

Someone on tumblr defined it as Inu-Yasha and Fruits Basket, so it's no wonder I love it, but I would also say that it echoes Ruroni Kenshin. The Prologue is intense, but the story plays out like a myth, and a tragedy. The plot echoes a lot of history from The Gumiho legends of asian folklore  and the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. Kang Chi is very similar to Kyo, but a little more trusting of people. His story of self discovery is going to be very interesting, challenging and powerful. This is my new favorite drama! 

My Eden from Gu Family Book:

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 10: Favorite scene in the anime

 

This scene is still my favorite from the anime. It says many different things. After Tohru sees Kyo's true form, she runs after him and explains that she is truly scared, but she still wants them to be together. She knows that if she doesn't reach out to him, he will never come back. Kyo, shocked and touched by Tohru's response does something he can't really do, but he tries to anyway. He tries to hug her, and when he does he turns back into a cat and asks, "How could you say the words I really wanted to hear?" For Kyo. Tohru is the first person in his life to accept all he is. His mother never wanted to look at him, and always made sure that the beads around his wrist bound him to human form. His father rejected him, and was convinced that Kyo's mother's misery is all Kyo's fault. This entire episode arc was extremely powerful because Kyo's guardian Shishou, the only person Kyo allows himself to trust, takes a risk and reveals Kyo's true form to Tohru, believing that she will be the one to heal him. Hurt, Kyo runs, believing that his life with Tohru is over, and he is haunted by his memories of rejection from his family. This picture shows how much Kyo has changed. He is allowing himself to believe that he can live a worthy life, and that someone actually loves him for who he is. Tohru's expression shows how much she cares for Kyo, and that she fully accepts all he is. Kyo is not a monster to Tohru, and she understands his loneliness and awkwardness. This is my favorite picture because the story it tells is, to me, love's purest form. 

Never Give Up!

Many of my friends and family are very sad right now, and I'll admit that I'm not in the best situation myself. But just because life gets tough, it doesn't mean we should throw in the towel. 

I've been doing a lot of reading, writing and reflecting, and here are some tips I have found when you're down in the dumps.

Count your blessings: What are you grateful for? What do you appreciate in life? What do you like about yourself?

Do something you love: Watch your favorite movie. Listen to your favorite song on repeat. Take a walk, bring your ipod and just listen to whatever your playlist brings your way.

Meditate: Take a deep breath, close your eyes, then open them to take in where you are. Pretend that you've never been here before. What do you notice? Are there dewdrops on the flowers? Is the sun shining on the snow?

Give Yourself A Break: Are you thinking that you failed? Are you thinking that you can't get past this? How do these thoughts benefit you? They don't. Instead think "I will get through this." "I can do this." 

Talk to someone: You don't have to talk about what's wrong. Reminesce on old times. Laugh at your favorite jokes. Just enjoy each others' company. Smile, Laugh and have fun.

Think about what you can do for others: Are you shopping today? Are you walking the dog? Smile and wave at the people you meet. Tell a joke at the check out line. Compliment someone. You'll be surprised at how you feel helping someone get through their day. All because you acknowledged them.

Turn Lemons into Lemonade: Ask yourself- "What can I do to improve my situation?" And act accordingly. Do you have a lot of time? Use it for your hobbies. Make new friends. Are you stuck in bed? Read, Watch a movie or even write if you feel like it. Come up with ways to enjoy where you are now, until you get to where you want to be. 

All these tips I have probably been advised by people through out my life, but only now, after reading numerous books and reflecting on my own habits, have I truly listed them as goals and habits. Why? Because it's more difficult. It's easier to give up. It's easier to blame the world. It's easier to hold a grudge. But in the long  run, does it reward you? No. 

The greatest reward you can earn in life is looking out from your self made prison and seeing the stars. 

So I hope this helps the people I care about. Those people on tumblr threatening suicide, my friends and family whose frustration builds up and carries over into resentment and negativity. 

If  you don't think that these tips will work for you, think about it this way, if someone you cared about was in this situation, what would you tell them? How would you want them to look at themselves and life? 

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 9: Favorite episode from the anime?

The Source of Cheer Can Be Affected By Colds Too

I love this episode for many reasons. We see a different side of Tohru. She worries herself to the point where she gets sick, and then she scolds herself for doing so. The main start of this worry is her score on an exam, which she has to retake. When Tohru sees her grade, she is ashamed. She promised her mother long ago that she would graduate High School. This grade could mean that she won't graduate. As Tohru worries abou this, she gets depressed, then develops a fever when she walks home with Kyo. Kyo shows a different side in this episode as well. For most of the series, Kyo keeps to himself and never concerns himself with anyone else's problems, but Tohru is the exception. He sees Tohru get sick and becomes worried about her, telling her to go to bed and get some rest. He even goes out of his way to help her feel better, and deals with his least favorite food, leeks, to make soup so Tohru can feel better. When he brings the soup, Tohru starts crying, thinking that she is now nothing but a burden to everyone. Kyo's response is to listen, and when she's done, he explains that a retest is not such a big deal. He tells Tohru that the way she can help everyone is to just get better. Tohru smiles at this and realizes that Kyo is being really nice to her, which is awkward and difficult for him to do. Before he leaves, he tells Tohru, "Just get better, or I won't be happy." 

Aside from this sweet moment, my favorite funny moment is in this episode as well. Yuki comes home to see that the leeks he planted are gone, the leeks that Kyo used to make soup for Tohru, once he figures out the theif is Kyo, he almost starts a fight. Both Yuki and Kyo are posed, ready to fight when Shigure intervenes and says. "Come now, you don't want to wake Tohru." They freeze in place, glaring at each other, while the other Sohams who came to visit Tohru, walk past them, wondering what they're doing. As everyone walks upstairs to see Tohru, Kyo and Yuki both continue to glare at each other, now in a frozen staring contest, daring the other to drop his guard.

Music Discovery - 사랑이 불어온다- Lee Ji Young

One of the main themes for Gu Family Book, a really great show :)

Fruits Basket 20 day challenge day 8: Favorite quote?

"Just as no matter how hard you try to keep it away, despair will attack you again and again. In the same manner, hope will return to you. And again, and again it will surely bloom" -Shishou Fruits Basket

This quote is from Kyo's darkest days. Detested and isolated his whole life by his family, Kyo is taken in by Shishou and even as he grows to trust him, Kyo has a very negative view of the world and himself. Shishou's words are rebelled at the time, when Kyo steps on a flower and says he only exhists to destroy everything, but as Kyo grows to love and appreciate Tohru, he learns the meaning of Shishou's words. Tohru accepted Kyo, and she never gave up on him even when she learned of his dark past and dim future. As Kyo discovers, if he doesn't give up in life, and learns to become someone he wants to be, he can rise above his past and look toward his future.

When I first read this quote, I had a similar attitude that Kyo had. But once I understood the words Kyo reflected on, I was encouraged to find the hope I was looking for, and continue to fight despair with it.

Of all the amazing quotes in Fruits Basket, this is the one that I remember the most, and whenever I develop a negative attitude, I remember it and move on.