Sorry for the wait! Here it is--Chapter 7 of my story, telling about what Akito and Kureno have been doing. Haven't heard
from them in awhile, have you?



Meanwhile, as Kisa and Kyo get accepted into ThunderClan…

"Shit!" A yukata-clad girl, her jet-black hair tangled and wild, her eyes blazed with fierce determination, tripped on a stray tree root for the hundredth time, and fell face first into a puddle of mud. "Damn roots…" she muttered into the gooey puddle. "Damn nature…Why do I have to be tormented like this?!" she screamed, quickly getting up and wiping away the mud on her tattered clothes. She ran her hand across her face, causing streaks of brown to sear themselves onto her skin like scars, and wildly looked around for her companion. "Kureno!! Where the hell are you?!"

An exhausted, brown-haired, tall figure picked its way cautiously over a tangle of bushes and thorns. "R-right here, Akito…" After heaving itself over the brambly bushes, the figure collapsed on the dirt ground, leaning against a massive oak tree. "Ugh…I'm so tired…And this couldn't wait till morning, Akito? Look, it's starting to rain…"

Akito cast an irritated glance in Kureno's direction. "Suck it up, Kureno! It's not like you to complain…" Not waiting for him to reply, she resumed her trek through the forest, ignoring the icy droplets of water splashing on her face. "Let's go! Hurry up! Father was in a clearing at the center of the forest. I think we're almost there."

"We could be walking in circles…" muttered Kureno under his breath.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

"Nothing! Er, who's in trouble again?"

Akito angrily whirled around. "Kureno, you idiot, I told you a thousand times that I DON'T KNOW!" she said through gritted teeth. "Father only told me that two of the Jyuunishi are in danger. He didn't tell me which two!" Frustrated, she kicked the nearest tree as hard as she could manage in her sandals. "Dammit!!"

Just then, lightning flashed, and as the trickle of rain turned into a pouring thunderstorm and wind howled furiously through the trees, Akito finally gave in to her exhaustion and frustration and sank to the muddy ground on her knees. While she wept tears of self-pity and called silently to her father, she felt a comforting touch on her shoulder.

"Akito, look. We're both tired, and we're not going to get anywhere in this rain. Let's wait till morning, or when it stops, and rest for now." Kureno said calmly.

Wiping away her tears, her cheeks flushed in anger and embarrassment, Akito slowly stood to face Kureno. As calmly as she could manage, she quietly said, "Well, that's a fine idea and all—resting while it rains—but…one small question…WHERE THE HELL ARE WE GOING TO REST?!! These trees' leaves aren't thick enough to stop the rain from penetrating the forest floor and we're in the middle of the woods—away from the Main House or any other buildings! Do you expect me to "rest" in the dirt and mud while icy cold rain falls down and soaks my clothes?! No! Nice thinking, smart ass." Akito smiled smugly, though her eyes were narrowed to cold slits. She glared at Kureno, as if daring him to answer back.

And that, he did.

Just as quietly as Akito had started, Kureno bravely but evenly said, "Listen, Akito. Just think for once." Akito flinched and tightened her fist as if getting ready to strike. Kureno didn't blink or miss a beat. "Yes, we are in the middle of a forest. Do you think you can and will always get your way? We need to work with what we have here. The trees can provide enough shelter for now—they're better than nothing—and yes, I know they have thin leaves, but stop complaining! Just be thankful you haven't caught a cold yet, like…Achoo!...me." Kureno sniffed. "Look, I want a warm, dry place to shelter in just as much as you do, but do you see me crying and losing my temper? CALM DOWN. The trees are fine for now—or maybe there's some abandoned cottage or-- Achoo! -- shack near by."

"Dammit, Kureno, stop sneezing on me. You'll get me sick, too." Akito looked disdainfully at him, but didn't raise her hand or voice. Instead, she turned around and started walking deeper into the woods.

Kureno called to her. "Wait, Akito, where are you going?"

"To find a shack or cottage for us. Stay there," came the already distant reply.

Kureno once again slumped against a tree. He breathed a sigh of relief. "I must be the only Zodiac member who can talk to Akito like that and remain unharmed." He smiled inwardly and just for a moment, allowed himself to feel lucky and special. Then he shut his eyes, trying to ignore the torrents of rain and the screaming wind.


A few moments later (or was it hours?) he opened them to find Akito standing over him, hands on her hips, and her expression mocking. "Well, well. Comfortable enough to fall asleep, are we? I guess I'll just leave you here then , while I go sleep in the nice, warm, dry cottage I found over there." She pointed in the direction she had walked to before and smirked at Kureno, who was still leaning groggily against the tree.

"Eh?...What did you say? You really found a cottage? Where?!" Kureno let it all spill out in a rush, but quickly made an effort to compose himself, even though he was excited. He cleared his throat and looked innocently at Akito, trying to act like he didn't care. "Well, I mean, if leaving me here gives you pleasure, go right ahead. I won't stop you." Kureno shut his eyes and leaned back against the tree.

Akito stared coldly at him for a moment, then actually threw back her head and laughed. "Believe it or not, you dumb ass, leaving you here WON'T give me pleasure. You're coming with me whether you like it or not." At that, she hauled Kureno to his feet and dragged him to the abandoned cottage she had found.


They stayed there well into the morning, until Akito woke to the sound of mewing cats.

"Kureno!! I hear them!!" Akito cheerfully shouted.

Kureno, still sick and drowsy, could only mumble, "Eh? Hear who?"

"Shut up. I'll tell you later," was the irritated yet joyful reply, as Akito shook Kureno awake and violently pulled him out of the cottage.