Chapter 8

Sitting in gore I threw up everything I had eaten in the last 10 years then dry heaved till my throat was raw.

"I despise k9's", Kyouji said yawning then I heard him shift closer to me, "Come on now stop that, we should be leaving. I tire of this place."

I looked up at him tears starting form, "H-how could you do that?" I pleaded with him.

He rolled his eyes then explained, "Please, they would have eaten you alive if I hadn't besides, you have no idea how long I have been waiting to do that. I thank you for supplying me with the opportunity though."

"B-b-but you didn't have to kill them, at least not like that…" I stammered tears falling.

He sighed and rubbed his forehead, "great, I got a baby warden. I waited all this time and when someone finally comes they're fresh off their codes, who has never seen a real fight before. Have you even ever seen anything die?" I jerkily shook my head at his question, then he started again, signing exasperatedly. "Honestly, do you think they even felt that, it was more humane than it looks…wait?" He stopped and sniffed at me nose scrunched. "Ohhhh this is too good, you're human." He laughed genuinely for the first time since his release. "I hadn't notice before, the scent of dog was burning my nose, but this should work out nicely", he purred to himself flicking his tail. "Either way I need to get you out of here, we've made a lot of noise and I am surprised no one has come to look yet."

He's right, my brain whispered through my shock, self-preservation starting to kick in over remorse. I looked down at myself and wiped at a few pieces of dog that were sticking to me, the chunks splatted to the ground like dropped pudding. I held back a cringe, now's not the time to be squeamish, I reminded myself. I looked back up to Kyouji controlling my features as best I could and said, "I don't think promenading around town looking like I just walked off a firing squad line in Auschwitz is the best choice right now. How are we supposed to get out of here like this?"

"Is stating the obvious one of your many talents as well?" he asked putting a hand on his hip. I narrowed my eyes in a glare and he chuckled. "Now, now there's no since in getting your tail in a knot. There's a washroom over there", he went on, nodding to a corner behind me. "They are supposed to wash the dogs once every two weeks, there has to be a drain and hose in that room at least. If you ask me I did those mutts a good deed with how poorly they were being treated. Besides most had gone mad from spending so much time near my presence anyway. They could have never been released back into society. Amazing how dogs can sense the dimensions when humans can't, does that make them greater than your kind? No I think not, I would chose a humans life over a dogs any day."

I got the feeling he was making excuses for my sake and not his own. You would have killed them if they were the best dogs in the world, don't think I'm so naive as to believe you put them down for the good of all. I stood slowly on legs shaky as a fawns and walked towards the washroom. My foot tangled in what looked to be the intestinal track to a golden retriever. I fell, face almost burying into the opened carcass of the dog but was stopped inches from the coagulating flesh. I gagged at the stench of its split stomach.

"That would have been unpleasant for you", Kyouji teased holding onto the nape of my shirt. "Can you walk the rest of the way or shall I carry you like the kitten you seem to be?"

I continued to stare at the decimated ancient retriever, the only dog who had shown any sign of kindness to me in this hell hole, and began to cry, retreating to the safety of my mind. I'm so sorry, I wanted to save you, I really did! I would have taken you home and shown you the love you deserved. Please forgive me, I didn't mean for you to end up this way… I was somewhat aware of Kyouji's deep sigh, as he lifted me further off the ground by the back of my shirt. Slouching into the taught fabric I willed my eyes to dry as he carried me into the washroom.

He set me down on a cold countertop so that he could turn on the showerhead. Then let it run, periodically sticking his wrist under the flow of water. After removing his wrist from the flow he stood then strode back towards me. He looked me over seemingly displeased with what he saw. "There is so much you need to learn kitten", he said softy brushing a sticky strand of hair out of my face, his fingers now stained red. He tsked at the drying blood then stated, "You will need to become less fragile, I'm afraid it won't be an easy lesson. But I can't have you breaking down like this shall we be faced with a crucial fight." I sat in a stupor wanting to argue with him but not being able to find the energy to do so, and besides he was right. If I had kept my cool when facing Kurama then perhaps I would have been able to think of a plan to have had saved Uri.

Kyouji pulled off his long sleeved white and light blue jacket that was pattered with two koi fish. Then followed suit with the sleeveless blue shirt underneath putting them on the countertop opposite me. I was surprised to see how many deep scars marked his torso and arms. He sighed deeply then started to remove my shirt that clung to me like wet crepe paper, gently pulling it over my head. My hair slunk in gooey clumps back onto my bare shoulders as he tossed my shirt onto the floor. I shivered at coolness of the washroom and morbidly wondered at how warm the fresh blood had been. Kyouji reached to unbutton my jeans, I looked up at him from my exhausted state and lethargically pushed at his hand. What are you doing? I complained from my mind having trouble putting together thoughts. I'm so tired… Understanding the gesture and my expression he calmly stated, "Do not worry kitten, I will not take advantage of you. You simply seem unable to perform the task yourself. If it makes you more comfortable I will not remove your small clothes."

I let my hand fall to the side in acceptance not being able to stop him at this point and understanding our need to be out of here. He continued to undress me and true to his word he left my undergarments where they were. He lifted me off the sink and sat me down above the drain on the chilled tile floor, I contemplated how he didn't let any part of me touch his clean clothing or hair. Guess that's why he took his shirt off then… He adjusted the shower head on a hook so that warm water cascaded down onto my head. I stared at the red rivers that washed over my body making their way to swirling around the drain. Confident fingers messaged my scalp and I tried not to fall asleep as Kyouji unknowingly explored my weakness to head rubs.

The next thing I knew I was wrapped up in Kyouji's jacket like a dress with how long it was on me and he was tying a piece of red yarn around my middle to keep the jacket closed. I jerked away from the yarn. "Calm yourself, it won't cut you unless I command it to with my yokai." Kyouji chided.

"What happened?" I asked taking in my surroundings. We were still in the washroom and Kyouji was now wearing his blue shirt. I must not have been out very long, why do I feel so rejuvenated then?

"It seems that your fondness of massages, your emotional exhaustion combine with expending so much energy at once had you passing out in my arms like a newborn babe. It was quite cute really, but we don't have the time for this so I shared some of my energy with you." He explained grabbing my wrist and pulling me up with him as he stood.

"That's why I don't feel tired anymore? I mean after I bonded Uri I passed out for hours."

"Did you say Uri?" Kyouji growled. I took a step back at the glower on his face.

"Yes, he's the one who told me to come find you, we must rescue him!" I exclaimed with renewed spirit.

"And what makes you think I want to waste time saving that rat?"

"He's a rabbit!" I said stomping my foot.

"I was speaking figuratively not literally kitten." Kyouji said rolling his eyes. "We will speak of this later for now we must go." He took hold of me, picking me up cradling my head to his chest.

"Put me down! I can walk on my own," my yell was muffled.

"I am sure that you can, however I do not think it wise for you to see that room again. There will be a time when I will make you look so that you can acquire the ability to steel your stomach against such things, but it is not now. I don't think you could handle learning that particular lesson today." He replied snootily.

I went to argue with him to tell him I could handle it, or that I would never need to learn how to deal with all that gore but something told me he was right. I needed to step up and grow a pair. I heard the door open and close as he carried me, I figured we walked through the room but could not be sure because his footsteps were as silent as…well, a cats. I looked up when I heard the second door close behind us and tapped on Kyouji's shoulder. He dropped me unceremoniously, coincidentally I landed on my ass.

"Ow!" I complained glaring up at him. He smiled then put a finger to his lips and pointed at the teen running the counter. Pepperoni face was still busy with his magazine but was now wearing an expensive looking pair of Beets, the kind that block out all other sound but music. What a horrible employee, like he really didn't notice any of that?! Well, at least he never saw my face. "Don't kill him!" I hissed at Kyouji while standing up.

He arched an eyebrow, slightly tilting his head to the side at me and said, "Why would I?" as if the act were above him. I gaped, because you killed everything else we came into contact with maybe! I was about to open my mouth to argue with him but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the kennel, the teen completely ignorant of our departure.

City lights shone brightly against the vast night sky reminding me of the dangers the outside world offered. Shit! I totally forgot to hide my energy! I hope it's not too late! I swiftly willed my energy back inside, focusing on being invisible. The loneliness of not being able to feel my bonds washed over me, causing vulnerability and paranoia to settle in where protection and confidence stood before. I hate this, I wish I didn't have to hide my energy this way, it makes me feel so naked.

Kyouji snatched up my wrist roughly, twisting my skin. "ow!" I hissed.

"Sorry, you startled me for a second there. You're human so I didn't know you would be able to mask your spirit energy completely." His hold on my wrist loosened as he leaned in towards me, his nose coming within centimeters of my own. My eyes widened at the closeness and I started to lurch back but a large slender fingered hand firmly placed on my shoulder stilled me. He gazed into my eyes inquisitively, careened his neck to the side as he brought himself forward rubbing his cheek against mine. I felt my hair be pushed aside as he ruffled it with his nose before I heard him sniff at me again.

"Gah! What are you doing?!" I exclaimed leaping backwards breaking his grasp. I looked up at him furrowing my brow in half confusion, half incredulity as I fervently rubbed at my cheek.

He regarded me amusement clear on his face as he straightened, he grinned crookedly sharp bicuspid flashing dangerously. "You're so pleasant to rile, kitten, your reactions leave nothing to be desired. For now calm yourself, I was only checking your scent." He stated as he began to walk down the road.

"You were what?!" I asked scrambling to catch up, having to jog to keep up with his long stride.

He rolled his eyes at me, "Don't make me repeat myself. I was merely inspecting whether or not you are truly human."

"Of course I am, don't be ridiculous."

"Well then, it's odd that you can hide your energy so well. You're completely undetectable, a warden's trait last I checked."

"Yeah, well Kurama was talking about wardens and said I was like them but he told me I was human so-"

"Kurama? Poor little kitten, what have you gotten us into?" he asked seeming to be frustrated by the news as he continued his pace.

"Nothing! I didn't do anything, she is just crazy, I swear! And crazy or not she took Uri so we have to go and get him back! Like right now!" I fretted. I didn't know what it was about the Yokai I bonded but it was almost impossible to be civil around them.

"She? Good, maybe it's someone else then. And as for Uri, he can stay where he is. I do not feel it necessary to rescue him." He sniffed haughtily stride lengthening.

"What, Whyyyy?! We have to, it's the whole reason I got you out of there!" I replied now running to keep up with him. Why do his legs have to be so long!?

"Because kitten, he is the reason I was captured in the first place. The little snitch gave up my location to try and save himself, it appears that his plan backfired however. Serves him right. Oh come now, don't look at me like that, you couldn't have thought your precious bunny to be innocent now, could you? Though that would explain why your bond felt so sweet." I gawked at him then tripped on a piece of sidewalk that was higher than the rest. He grabbed my forearm stopping my decent, "At least watch were you're going, you should understand your own inelegance."

"I am not! And how would you know, we just met!" I shouted affronted.

"And in that time you have tried to kiss the ground at least thrice." I glared at his back as he walked away then yelled in his direction.

"You know what fine! Go do whatever but I'm going to save Uri with or without you! Also my names Asheton not kitten!" I clenched my fists then started to walk down a different street, not sure where I was going but knowing that I no longer felt like sharing the same air as him. Making it half way down the road I stopped before turning around to look behind me. Kyouji silently followed in my footsteps, eyes narrowed in a scowl, ears flattened and tail flicking.

"Fine, we shall do things your way. Where did this Kurama take Uri?" he asked walking up beside me, arms crossed against his tone chest.

A smile broke across my face and I tackled Kyouji in a hug. "Oh my gawsh! Thank you so much! I think she said she was taking him to a place called Spirit World, I was kinda hoping you would know how to get there though…also if we are going to be walking around out in the open like this, is there a way you can hide your…well, felineness?" I asked hoping it wasn't too rude.

He sighed again, ears returning to their upright position as he pried me off of him, "I don't seem to have much of a choice now do I, someone has to make sure you don't run off and get yourself killed." He rubbed his forehead in what appeared to be deep thought and continued, "So, what you are telling me is that you want to break into Spirit World? You realize that if you wanted to get to spirit world so badly you could have just gone with this pseudo-Kurama in the first place."

My mouth fell open, He's totally right! Wait no, then it would be harder to get us outta there! "Yeah but then how would I have gotten us out?"

"How is it any different than getting us out now, if we are able to gain access into Spirit Word that is? It will only be more difficult with an extra person." I stared at him in awe, why don't I think of these things till it's too late!? "Come kitten let us travel as we strategize. I get the feeling we should be moving." He began to walk dragging me along with him.

"Where are we going?"

"I am not yet sure", I looked up at him and was dazed to see his cat ears missing. I looked for his tail but it was gone as well, upon closer inspection by streetlight his white hair had turned to a corn silk blond and I would bet if I looked, his teeth would resemble that of a humans.

"How'd you do that?!" I exclaimed from his side.

"How did you hide your presence? Like you I have many talents as well." He explained absentmindedly.

"Really like what?" I asked becoming curious about my new ward.

"Hm, I have a few tricks along with all the heightened senses and physical abilities that come with being a yokai. One of my skills is control over Lachises's Thread, I was born with my more obvious aptitude. It came with my heritage, though I believe myself to be the last surviving member of the western Un Clan, a clan of ca-"

"Wait, Lachises?! And Un as in luck?" I asked interrupting him. I pondered at how fitting it was for his weapon to be named after the middle sister of the three Fates from Greek mythology. It had been Lachises who was tasked with measuring out each man's string of fate, deciding at when they would die. While the eldest sister, Clotho, spun and the youngest, Atropos, cut.

He glared at me, huffed then continued, "Yes as in luck. Now kitten, please do not interrupt me again. If you do, I will assume you are asking to be punished." sadist! "As I was saying, the Un were a clan of cat yokai with a knack for luck. They are believed to be the cause of all the human's silly superstitions revolving around cats. The members of my clan brought good fortune to those they favored, so they were often hired by nobles to live in their estates, had offerings brought to them and were greatly sought after."

"So you are like super lucky or something! That's awesome! We will be able to get Uri out of there for sure then!" I shouted excitedly jumping up and down a few times. "Ow!" I cried out at sudden pain that radiated from the tip of my ear where Kyouji had pinched me.

"What did I tell you about interruptions?" he chided wagging his finger in front of my face.

"But I-" I was cut off as the finger was shoved against my lips.

"And no, I am not lucky. Unfortunately destiny had been cruel the day I was born. I was the last son birthed to the Maneki family, one of the oldest families of the Un clan. I was expected to be an unparalleled prodigy being the boon of perfect breeding and born as the seventh son to the seventh son. My birth was to be one of the greatest omens my family had ever seen and I was to have boundless power even in childhood and rule over the clan. Instead I was born with an unexpected ability. No matter how hard the members of my clan tried to get me to produce good fortune I could not, it aggravated my father to no end. As far as anyone could tell I had no luck at all, I was bullied and ridiculed as a child as the outcome. One day a group of my bullies went a little too far but none had expected that I could wield bad luck as a weapon. They died in a horrible freak accident. A bird had dropped out of the sky from sudden heart failure and was struck by a cart that had gotten away from a visiting merchant on a steep slope in town. When the cart hit the bird its axel snapped clean in half due to what we found out later to be a manufacturing flaw. The cart veered to the left just barely missing the girl I had had been smitten with at the time and collided into a vegetable stand. The stand was flung back into another venders stall commencing a domino effect. The stalls continued to crash into one another till there was only one left. The last stall belonged to a vender whom was selling kitchen knives to house wives, it was struck like the rest. The stand went down and three clip point chef blades flew into the air; they plummeted back to the earth stabbing directly into the hearts of my three bullies. Miraculously no one else but the bird was harmed." He finished with a comprehensive air.

I gaped up at him not exactly sure as to how I felt about his story as he continued to tug me along. I was sympathetic towards him knowing what it was like having a rough childhood, though his made mine sound like gumdrops and rainbows. I could only imagine what he had to deal with, and how many deaths he caused not necessarily wishing his attackers harm. I wondered if he had any friends growing up, or anyone to talk to, it seemed like people would be too afraid to get close to him.

I found myself creating melodramatic scenarios of his life. Making him out to be an antisocial yet grand hero who had been mistreated and misunderstood throughout all of his years but continued to keep his heart of gold safe, hidden under his aloof exterior. I'm so sorry I wrongly judged you Kyouji! I won't be like your tribal elders or you parents who threw you away! I'll protect you from now on! You can count on me, if you need me I'm there! I thought whipping a fake tear from my eye and sniffling for good measure.

One thing was bugging me though and I couldn't figure out what. I thought as we walked through the city, Kyouji still leading the way. Oh that's right! Uri. "Um, Kyouji…your story was beautifully tragic but I had a question if you don't mind."

He glanced at me his look saying 'Of course, everything I do is amazing, but what the hell is your problem?' Man I gatta figure out where these people learn to say whole sentences with a glance I swear it would be sooooo useful! "Fine, ask if you must."

"I know you don't really like Uri which I am sure is just one big misunderstanding, but where did you two meet?"

He sighed, "I assure you he did it on purpose, and I had hired him."

"What, why?" I asked not seeing that coming.

"I needed to train and I needed to do it quickly. Uri's healing ability allowed me to train continuously, not needing to stop from exhaustion or to naturally heal. I was able to fight yokai that were one to two classes stronger than me, since I would not stay wounded. Training this way permitted me to climb in strength rather swiftly. You now hold power over the rabbit and once we get him back I suggest you use this method as well." He finished sounding uninterested.

"I don't know it sounds kinda extreme, why were you trying so hard anyway?" I said biting a thumb nail contemplating how tiring it would be to train so aggressively.

"It was, and that damn rabbit cost me a fortune too. Let's just say I did it to prepare for a particular battle." He added vaguely.

He picked up the pace suddenly and darted in a different direction, almost yanking my arm off in the process. He loped as I was forced to flat out sprint to keep up with him just enough to avoid literally being dragged. I yelled out to him over the sound of rushing wind, "Why were you imprisoned?!"

He answered with a single word in a frigid tone not bothering to look back at me, "Genocide."

My mouth fell opened as I gawped at him, my brain trying to register that solitary noun. Genocide?! Fucking genocide! What the hell Uri, what were you thinking sending me to free fucking Hitler! I take it all back Kyouji, you're not misunderstood you're just freakin' insane! I am totally judging you! I went to ask him what in the hell made him think he was so fucking awesome that had the right to take so many lives, instead I tripped. Akkkk!

"Dammit," Kyouji gritted out, pulling me like a small child by an arm up to his chest. He picked up his pace once again this time moving faster than was humanly possible. "Shit, they've almost caught up to us now." Hold up! I thought we were running to something, preferably a means to get to Uri, not away from someone! This is important information, dick!

"Listen, I want you to remove your spirit block. They know where we are so it is more important that you can feel what's going on, it will help you to survive." He said quickly. Has Kurama found me at last?!

"How can you be sure it's Kurama?!"

"It's not, at least from what I can tell the energy signature does not belong to a female."

"Well then maybe they aren't chasing us and it would draw Kurama in if I let down my guard!" I tried to reason.

"Believe me, whoever it is, is after you. Feel for yourself, tell me if it's your girl." He egged me on.

"Fine!" I snapped, "But it's your fault if this only digs our hole deeper!"

He rolled his eyes at me still moving at top speed, which I though was unwise. What if that move made us trip or something? I shook my head trying to clear it of all snarky thoughts and focused on lighting up like sign. The trick seemed to work before so I rationalized that it would work again. I tried and failed then tried again.

"What's takin so long? Are you really so weak that you can't even tap into your own power? 'tch, how pathetic." He said snorting.

Fuck you, I am trying! I focused again more passionately this time, ire with Kyouji filling me. The light on the sign flared to life with white, green and red lettering spelling out the words 'Fuck You'.

"Ha, good girl. You just needed the right motivation. Honestly I didn't quiet peg you for the berserker type, kitten, but it seems you use anger like a trigger." Kyouji said with excitement that was tainted by a thin film of fear. Anger? But I haven't used anger before…no wait, I was angry. I was angry at Bardock when I freed Uri, and I had been angry with the dogs as well. What does that mean?! Am I a horrible person?! Mom will never forgive!

Relief of being able to feel my bonds again swept over me brushing the worries over my speculative anger management issues aside. Just as swiftly my newfound relief was driven away by what felt to be a rampant hurricane of fiery energy. My eyes widened at its astonishing might till I thought they might pop out of my head and I started to tremble. Hurdling towards us was more energy than I had ever felt and from what I could tell it was all coming from one being. There was so much of it, and every ounce was densely pure. If Kyouji had not been holding me I would have probably been blown away by the pressure of it alone. It felt like I was standing in the middle of a meteor shower or a volcanic eruption. The energy itself was hot as magma but more treacherous, for molten rock had no purpose it just flowed where gravity told it to. Instead this energy was filled with more resolution than all three hundred Spartans combined during the battle of Thermopylae. I choked on my fear, finding it as impossible to breathe as if the sky really had been filled with ash. It's not fair! Why can it move so quickly?! My mind threw monstrous images at my consciousness of what could be chasing us.

"Hey now, calm down, losing your head over this will get us both killed and Uri too. You want that?!" Kyouji said shaking me, worried over my reaction.

It took me a moment before his words plodded through the sludge of my fear. "No!" I cried out, clenching Kyouji's shirt in my fist.

"Good, then I need you to focus, from your reaction I presume this is not the same yokai you have faced before."

"No! Not even close, this feels 10,000 times more malicious!"

"He's a lot faster than me so we might as well find a good place to make a stand", Kyouji said resigned.

"What no?! We gatta keep running!"

"Ha, don't mistake me for that crude rabbit. If it is death that has come to claim me than I shall face it head on." He stated proudly.

"What that's insane! Then let me down so I can run!"

"You have a better chance staying with me, do not think he would come after me before catching you." I gaped at the damned Siamese, his arrogance in this situation baffling me.

"But it's so strong how can you hope to beet it!?"

"I don't, I hope that misfortune will find him. Besides he's only a class or class and a half above me."

"Oh yeah and what would that be?!" I shouted fear swaying just enough for me to feel rage at Kyouji.

"He's an A class, a high A but still an A."

"No way, but Uri said Kurama and Kuwabara were A classes too and they didn't feel like this!" I stated not believing Kyouji.

"Yeah, well this guy seems to like throwing his weight around." Kyouji finished darting into a large dead ended alleyway, not caring to question who Kuwabara was. No we're trapped?! I screamed in my mind.

Kyouji sensing my hysteria stated, "We are not caged in, I chose this place. Just sit over here and try to be a good little kitten. If it comes to a fight I want you to watch closely and try to get as much out of it as you can. If I catch you looking away even once I will stop mid battle to punish you! So be good!" He scolded, placing me atop a crate at the back of the dark path.

I stared at him like he had gone mad, Fuck that he was crazy from the get-go! I went to argue with him, freezing in place when I felt the colossal yokai's presence leap. My mind reeled as it register the petrifying beast close the distance of half a kilometer in 3 seconds. Then dove from the rooftops, plummeting to block the entrance of our alleyway more rapidly than my eyes dared hope keep up.

My breath came out in panicked gulps, Kyouji shot me a scowl for what I assumed to be ruining his esteem, then turned. I tried to control my breathing so that I could use the tactic of a blowfish and puff-up, though I suppose it would help if I too had poisonous spines. I looked for the yokai that was causing me to feel as if I were being continuously bombarded by the shockwave created by a larger meteor strike. I couldn't see it. I looked everywhere but just couldn't find it, my slowly ebbing panic starting to skyrocket once more. It's invisible! That's not even fair! This can't be! Why world, why do you ALWAYS do this to me! I screamed in my mind trying to retain a calloused composure on the outside. Like a blowfish! Be like a fucking blowfish! My thoughts recited repeatedly.

My eyes continued to dart around, searching for any sign of movement, my fist clenched fingernails digging into my skin. Blood began to pool in my palm and trickle down my fingers when a gruff masculine voice echoed off the alley walls. The sound was animalistically attractive.

"You're who Kurama couldn't track down? Hn, the fox has become pathetic." He sneered.

My steely blue eyes darted toward the source of the dark tone, where they clashed with garnet. I drank in his appearance my core shouting at me to be frightened. My whole body, mind and spirit, hell everything bellowed at me to be afraid. I stilled before I began to tremble once more. I couldn't hold it in any longer I had to let it out and knowing full well it might be the death of me I hooted, "Oh my gawd, your head looks like a friggen pinecone! Ha! Pinecone head!" I then proceeded to laugh using every muscle in my body to do so. My legs kicked wildly, and I grasped at my aching ribs chortling till I could barely breathe. I fell off the crate knocking it to its side while I landed on the ground rolling. Somewhere in my mind I registered Kyouji groan as he roughly scrubbed at his forehead through my glee.