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Fruits Basket, Vol. 18

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Having revealed some shocking facts about the Sohma dictator, Akito, Natsumi Takaya turns her attention to the supporting players.

And the eighteenth volume of "Fruits Basket" turns us back to several favorites -- Hiro, Kisa, Haru and Rin, with a little sprinkling of Yuki and his budding love life. What's more, Takaya throws a wild little twist in near the end, which hints at what will eventually happen to the zodiac.

Rumors are flying that Machi tried to murder her baby brother, surprising Yuki. As he searches for clues to this quiet, strange girl's personality, he also has to deal with one of his fangirls, who is about to graduate and has a parting message for him. The truth of Maki's family life only draws Yuki closer to her.

But things get nastier when Rin disappears, and Haru starts searching for her. Kureno finds a maid taking food into the cat's empty room, and learns that Rin is being imprisoned there, after Akito beat her savagely and chopped off her hair. For the first time, he defies the "god" of the zodiac.

And when Haru learns what happens, he goes berserk at Akito, and is forced to finally confront the truths about what Rin has been secretly doing, and why. And as Rin is allowed to recover in peace, she has a visit from Shigure -- who tells her a shocking (to her, not us!) new fact about the zodiac.

There's a clear light at the end of the tunnel in this volume -- some of the character arcs are more or less wrapped up, and Yuki is starting to develop romantic feelings for someone other than Tohru. And, of course, Takaya reveals new info on the curse and how to get rid of it -- a sure sign of end times.

And the storylines here are a mingling of lightheartedness and dark tragedy. Takaya explores parental neglect, abuse and vicious rumours, but she also introduces us to Hiro's new baby sister. And for romantics, the tempestuous relationship between Haru and Rin finally hits a turning point, full of humor, tenderness and peace of mind. It's adorable.

Takaya does let us know that the zodiac storyline hasn't been forgotten in the last chapter. The big revelation is not entirely unprecedented, since it's been hinted at in recent volumes, but Shigure finally gets it out in the open.

Tohru, Kyo, Shigure and even Yuki don't get much focus in this volume -- they all appear, but mainly to reflect on the others. Some find peace of mind, some will no longer tolerate Akito's bratty behavior, and we get to see a new and nasty side to Akito's mother Ren. Maybe she's why Akito is such a violent basket case.

The eighteenth "Fruits Basket" turns the spotlight on the supporting players, full of romance and darkness, and sometimes gentle humour. But it still manages to make you wonder, "What's next?"