Chapter 6: Pain of Burden and Visions of the Future

"Sarah! What are you doing here?" squealed a very enthusiastic Miranda.

"Koenma ordered me to help! He just had to pull me away from my nice vacation," complained Sara, rolling her eyes. Monica nodded sympathetically.

"We're glad you could come though. We need all the help we can get," stated Kurama. "By the way, did you see Yusuke and the others on your way here?"

Sarah nodded, "They said that Koenma ordered them to search for Ume. I doubt they'll find her though."

"True, Ume has always been good at concealing herself," Monica spoke bitterly. Kurama nodded in agreement.

"Sarah! Enough chitchat! Lets have some fun!" cried Miranda, beginning to drag Sarah towards some trees. She paused to look back at Monica for a second. "We'll be right back!" Monica smiled and nodded, watching the two disappear.

She then felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Kurama smiling gently at he. "We should set up camp," he stated. Monica nodded then began to take out a sleeping bag from her backpack.

"I sure hope Miranda and Sarah brought their sleeping bags," she said. Kurama laughed.

"They probably forgot. Lets just place two piles of leaves for them, just in case," he spoke. Monica nodded, doing so while Kurama stated a fire.

After they finished setting up, Monica sat by the fire with Kurama, staring into the flames. "It must be hard on you to know I'm going to die," she whispered quietly. Kurama looked at her, startled.

"It does, but no matter what, I will find a way to revive you," he declared. He then noticed her sad expression. "You're worried aren't you?"

Monica looked up at him. "Huh? Oh, yes. Just a little. Its just that this prophecy has become a burden to everyone and makes me feel concerned about the others being involved," she answered.

"I know how you feel. Its just like your world is about to crumble just by letting people get involved," he said, remembering the Demon World tournament when he had recruited his friends to help him face Yomi. "People could easily get hurt."

Monica nodded in agreement. "I just hope everything works out okay," she said softly.

"So do I," replied Kurama, smiling. He then frowned as the thought about the future. What would happen if Monca did die and could never come back? What if her soul was somehow sealed by Ume? He shivered at the terrifying though, which was interrupted by Monica's voice.

"I'm going to bed now," she said, kissing him softly. "Goodnight."

Kurama smiled once more. "Goodnight Monica." He watched as she got into her sleeping bag and fall asleep. He then turned back to the fire.

Before the flames, Kurama began to doze off, but something deep in the fire caught his eye. It was Monica, dying, calling out his name. He gasped and sat up quickly in horror.

The vision then began to change before his eyes. Now, there was a stone chamber with long winding steps. Kurama frowned as the vision suddenly led him through a maze. I finally stopped in a circular room with a bottle enclosed in a glass case, lying in the middle of the room. Then in a flash, the vision disappeared.

Kurama sat back, shocked by what he had just seen. Suddenly, his eyes widened. 'Monica!' he thought, looking around. He sighed with relief as he spotted her sleeping form a foot away from where he sat.

Quietly, he got up an walked over to her, bending down to watch her sleep. She looked so peaceful laying there, a smile gracing her lips as she slept. Gently, Kurama brushed a few hairs from her face. 'What would I do without you?' he thought silently, stroking her face.

The quiet moment was suddenly disturbed by loud voices coming from a few feet away. Kurama quickly stood up in alarm as Miranda and Sarah appeared carrying a bunch of fruit. "We found food!" exclaimed Miranda. Sarah slapped he shoulder.

"Hush!" she hissed. Miranda looked at her furiously.

"What?" she asked. Sarah then motioned towards Monica who was turning restlessly. Miranda immediately understood and quickly shut he mouth. Kurama smiled his thanks then sat down next to Monica.

Sarah immediately began to eat some of the gathered fruit, while Miranda sat down next to Kurama. "Do you think we'll find the remaining orbs?" she asked quietly.

"I honestly don't know," replied Kurama, still staring at Monica.

"I believe you can, but only if you willed it," Miranda said. Kurama looked at her in confusion.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well, Monica told me about how you guys found the orb of love, and I developed a theory. I think the orbs are only revealed through people's emotions," Miranda explained.

"I believe you're correct," he agreed. He then chuckled. "You know, you're smart for someone so hyper," he commented.

"Thanks. Wait a minute!" Miranda glared as Kurama began laughing at her.

When his laughter finally died down, Miranda spoke once more. "She loves you Kurama, so take care of her or I will ensure your death," she threatened. "Honestly, I don't know what she sees in you besides looks," she muttered, walking away. She then sat down and began eating with Sarah, chatting happily.

Kurama smiled at the scene then gently place a soft kiss on Monica's forehead before heading towards his sleeping bag. Lying down, he stared up at the night sky.

'No matter what, I will protect Monica. I swear to her, she will be alive to see the future,' he thought. Slowly, he began closing his eyes. From afar, he could hear crickets chirping. Their soft melody slowly put him to sleep.