AN: First Saiyuki story. Hope the boys aren't too OOC. Hope you like it. ~safarigirl
Night Rain
Chapter 1
She ran, sneaker-clad feet sending up puffs of dust each time one struck the path. She ran along the moonlit dirt path, as fast her legs could carry her, not daring to glance back over her shoulder. It didn't matter anyway. She didn't have to see the thing that was chasing her. She could hear it: its grunts as it ran after her, the gravel as its massive clawed feet hit the ground.
Her lungs burned, her thighs quivered, and she could barely feel her feet, but still she ran. The horror that was behind her forced her to continue despite the pain. But she knew she wouldn't be able to keep her breakneck pace for very long. Already, black spots appeared in her vision. Behind her, the beast bellowed. She gulped in another lungful of air and forced her tired legs to keep moving.
Ahead, barely visible although the moon was full and the stars shone brightly, was a bend in the road. Once past the bend, she could find a place to hide, assuming, of course, that the sparse landscape offered such a welcomed opportunity. Otherwise, the thing that was behind her was sure to make good on its promise: she would become its next meal.
The bend loomed closer. Fifteen yards, ten, five, two. She pumped her legs faster, willing the last of their strength to make her fly around the corner and hopefully into salvation. Because if there was nothing to hide behind, no shelter, she was done for.
She barely slowed as she rounded the corner.
There were bright lights in front of her. Something screeched. Someone screamed, very possibly her. Then sharp pain. Then nothing.
