Disclaimer- Don't own the characters that appear in the manga/anime, but I do own this plot and the characters that do not appear in the manga/anime...

Okay peeps. I want to thank my two reviewers... Both of you made my day a little brighter. I honestly didn't expect anything from this story, because not many people know of this awesome series... But yeah, those of you who took the time to read the last chapter and are taking the time to read this one I thank you as well... Well without further ado, the next chapter to Keeper... Enjoy!

Chapter 2

The damp, dark forest had gone on for a few hours, before any sounds were uttered. The bandit king, scanned the dense trees, hearing the movement of a predator. "Kir, I'm going to need you," he whispered, turning his head to the right.

Kir nodded, letting his hues slip shut. Breathing a little heavier, he felt his body start to shift. His bones rearranged themselves, spine and ribs fusing together. His wings elongated, the bones growing longer. With the warped body, he clung to one of Jing's arm. The bones snapped around the thin appendage, locking in place.

Extending his arm Jing waited, hearing more of the noise, before a shout rang out, and what sounded like horse's hooves, hitting the murky ground. Standing as still as he could, he waited, until a body and what looked like a horse leapt out of the bush.

The body was that of a young man, who looked no older then sixteen. Strands of a deep crimson red, fell against the ground, sprawling out in a fan. His clothing was all a deep black, made up of a jacket, that fell to the ground, a tight shirt, and a pair of tight pants. His feet were bare, and bleeding from various cuts, as were his hands. The boy had his eyes closed, and was curled into a ball, exhausted and frightened.

The creature reared its front legs in the air, black hooves caked with blood. The horse was a steed with a black coat and grey mane and tail. It's spine was lined with deadly sharp spikes, as well as a spot on it's ankles.

Jing reacted instantly. Not giving the thing time to finish its job, he let Kir do his job. "Give me a Kir Royale."

Kir opened his mouth, letting the energy around the air gather in his mouth to form a giant energy ball. He watched the scene, until the ball was ready. Releasing it, he watched as it shot forward, in a ball of green, ripping a hole through the horse, and emerging out the other end. When it burst out the other side, it dissipated into a shower of green.

The horse reared up, not noticing the hole in it's chest. Moving it's attention from the child to the newcomer. It's lips curled up as if smiling.

The look sent small shivers up Jing's spine. Backing up a little, he made sure to keep his distance. "Kir, is that horse smiling at us?"

Still attached to his friend's arm, he opened his mouth, laughing slightly. "He is."

The horse moved forward slowly, the open hole repairing itself piece by piece. Bone fused together, as a black liquid crawled up it's leg, making its way inside. Its mouth dropped open, showing two rows of pointed, decaying teeth. "You traveler will not interfere with what my master has asked me to do." His mouth closed soon after.

Jing smiled, shaking his head. Strands of black crossed his vision, but he ignored it. "No." Extending his arm out, he watched the creature grow angry.

"Then you shall perish." It muttered, before lowering its head. Galloping forward, it closed the gap between the two.

Jing watched, waiting for the right time. "Get ready Kir." He muttered, letting the bird get ready.

Kir opened his mouth letting the energy gather there. Waiting he held it back, wondering when he'd get the okay to shoot. His pools watched the powerful creature, as it came closer.

"Give me a Kir Royale."

As the creature came closer, Kir let the energy go. The glowing green energy shot at the horse, hitting it square in the chest, going through the heart.

It fell onto the ground, unable to move. "You may have killed me, but more will come. They can smell my blood on your hands." Coughing up blood, it feel over onto it's side, the last breaths of life, leaving it.

Kir breathed a sigh of relief, before letting himself transform back to his normal state. Flying over to the boy, he landed on the ground. "Hey kid, what's your name?" It wasn't a woman, but he still felt a pang of sympathy for the child.

The red head uncurled himself, blinking a little to reveal deep grey pools. "Leon." He muttered, softly, his voice emotionless. Looking at the two he ran his tongue over his lips as a nervous gesture.

Throwing his hand behind his head, Jing strolled forward. "Well Leon we can't stay here for long."

Leon relaxed and stood up, wincing a little. Looking at the people helping him, he took a step back. "What are you talking about?" He was wary about this man.

"We are going to leave the forest. You're more then welcome to come." Jing continued walking, hearing this Leon catch up. "Tell me a bit about yourself." H e asked, as the trio walked in step, navigating their way through the forest.

A/N: Review plz... The comments are nice to hear... Not sure when the next chapter will be up... Depends on when I feel like writing this... Lots of creativity and thought goes into trying to make this different... Not that I have read anything from this catergory... Oh and if anyone knows what arm Kir attaches to, would you mind sharing with a lazy authoress... Thanks to anyone who answers...