Thank you Rose, AnimeCrush24Rae, Takara Rose Oizumi, mrsbeggins, Eurka93, Shadow Realm Triforce, and Death101 - Fox version, for you wonderful reviews!
Also a special thanks to those who offered to beta for me. My Current Beta is feeling like she might still be able to help me, but if something changes i know where to look for help!
This chapter while not very action packed is one of my favorite, i hope you like it!
Chapter Ten: Home
The red stone that glowed in the already bright room was more enchanting to me then any fairy tale I had ever grown up reading. I wasn't sure why though, because I had seen such light many times before. It reminded me of the flashing red lights of a police car, if they stood still. It mesmerizing me like the first time I'd seen fireworks in the night sky.
Yet I could not explain why I was so drawn to the stone. Such a small thing, imbedded in a silver amulet on a chain. Maybe it was the warmth I could feel coming off of it, or the voice that whispered in the air between my fingers and it. It felt so alive, as if it was a pulsing heart.
In the end though, I realized it must have been that in the last few hours, my entire life – or what had been my life, had changed forever.
I'd always thought with how healthy I'd been and how happy my life at home was that I'd live a long life, full of normal experiences. I'd thought I'd get my high school degree, use my violin mastery to get a scholarship into the college of my dreams and then one day maybe, just maybe, have a family of my own.
But it wasn't meant to be.
Because I died.
As the young ruler of Spirit World held up the glowing red pendant I knew the choice I had made would make whatever normal life I had been planning disappear. Because I knew upon touching that pendant the girl who had died would be starting all over again. I would have to change.
I didn't have the time to really think it over, and at the time I hadn't wanted to, with unshaking hands I grasped the pendant in my hand, a warm glow filling me to the brim. It felt as if someone wrapped their arms around me, though I could seen nothing different in the air. As I pulled the chain over my head and let it land on my chest I hardly grasped the meaning of the words that flowed through the prince's mouth.
"Your journey is just beginning. Many challenges will lie ahead for you, but in time you will learn how to handle them. Welcome back to the world of the living, Soul Detective."
My world came back to me slowly, memories of long ago days drifting back into the recesses of my mind. I had not dreamed of such things in a long time, of my early days in my occupation.
Warm air was hitting my face in even waves; as if a heater was on a moving arm, swing back and forth. As my mind climbed up and out of its hole I realized that the air smelt funny; not bad but kind of stale. It reminded me of this teacher I had back in middle school, who's breath always smelt of leftover food. I remember how I not so smoothly offered him ticktacks everyday.
But why would a heater smell like that? Sleep lifting from me completely; I pulled my eyelids open and blinked slowly. I was met with large brown eyes framed with gray fluffy fur and a large wet nose.
Startled, I jerked up, my head swimming as blood rushed around behind my eyes. Shaking it back and forth slowly I shifted my weight and sat comfortably on the bed I had been laying in. Head rush gone I looked over to the figure that I had been greeted with moments ago.
Sitting down next to the bed, his large head resting on the edge of it, a familiar dog looked up at me with the goofy grin he always wore. He was large, with a coat of gray and white fur and made him look even bigger then he already was. A large black leather collar hung around his neck and I couldn't help but grin at the fact that my gift was still in one piece.
"Shinobu…" Reaching out I ruffled the dog's head, letting my fingers sink into the dense fur. Shinobu simply closed his eyes and enjoyed the attention. As I scratched an ear I let my memories flood back to me.
The Doctor. The truth. Umeko. Kuronue. Kurama. Blood…
Frowning my hand stopped moving as I remember the blood that had suddenly came from my mouth. I remember how weak I had felt as my energy left my crumpled body. Even after remembering all of it though I could not make sense of what had happened to me or how I had come to be here. My mind was nothing but black emptiness and dreams after that.
Slowly I let my eyes wander around a room I already knew by heart. A large throw rug of white bear fur was placed at the side of the bed, so that feet wouldn't hit cold wood first thing in the morning. A dresser sat pushed against the far left wall next to a full-length mirror. On the right wall, next to a closed door that led to a bathroom, was a huge dream catcher. Leather stretched over the inside of the circle and painted on it was a picture of a white horse running though a snowy landscape, the Aurora Borealis shinning in the background.
Closing my eyes I took in a deep breath, smelling the sent of pine and freshly ground herbs. Somehow I had ended up at the ranch; somehow I was back at Master Kyo's home.
I patted Shinobu's head once more before pulling back the covers and standing up. My legs prickled as I walked over to the mirror to assess myself. I wasn't wearing my clothes anymore, but my sports bra was still on and my lower half was cover in soft sweat pants. I searched for the wounds I had gotten, looking to my right hand and then at my torso where Umeko had kicked me several times. I saw no sign of either though. My shoulder was bandaged and as I tested it I felt twangs of pain run up it and winced. Shifting my weight I found my left leg was on the tender side as well.
Running a hand through my hair I grimaced at the burn black tips, realizing I'd have to hack off a few inches to get back to healthy hair. Turning to the dresser I opened the top draw and pulled out a sweatshirt. Pulling it on I went to pull Kuronue's pendant out and realized it wasn't around my neck.
Confused and a little worried I slipped on the house slippers at the end of my bed and patted the side of my leg as I opened the door. Shinobu got up instantly and followed me out into the hall, his tail wagging behind him.
The hall was long and I passed three more doors that held empty guest rooms before I turned a corner and stepped into the living area of the temple. Though it was considered a temple, the place had always seemed more like a rancher's house to me, seeing as every thing was modern and there wasn't a single rice paper door or tama mat in sight.
The living area was large and open, with a sunken middle where a large brown sofa and a moon chair sat. Various furs lay of the floor and on the furniture. Above me a massive skylight let in most of the morning light leaving no need for the fanlight to be on. It would have been chilly, up here on the mountain, if not for the roaring fireplace that took up a large section of the far wall.
I passed through the room quickly and headed out the side door, figuring he was outside. A wrap around wooden porch met me as I closed the door after Shinobu had slipped out. I had thought I would have to walk for a while to find my teacher but what I was met with was neither a while, nor my teacher. Leaning on the wall just a few feet from the door, his eyes closed and his arms crossed, was Hiei.
Shinobu let out a low growl, his fur bristling slightly. I pressed my lips together when the fire demon's eyes snapped open and looked flatly at him. As if he had been scolded, the large dog stopped his growling and lowered his head. I snorted raising an eyebrow.
"Still don't get along well with animals, do you Hiei?"
He didn't answer me, just stared at me with a blank expression for a long moment. I frowned at him studying him before moving to say something more but never getting the chance too. His fist quite suddenly swung out at me and I had to jump backwards with a yell to keep from getting hit. Before I could even curse at him something collided with my shoulder and I faltered, my sore leg protesting loudly, before I went crashing to the ground moments later.
I heard Shinobu whine and I groaned resting my head against the side of the house for a moment before looking up at Hiei and sighing. He's missed my injury and after the initial blow his hit hardly stung. I stared into his eyes for a long moment before looking away.
"I'm sorry I worried you."
Hiei grunted, sounding annoyed. "Your stupidity almost got you killed girl." I nodded my head in agreement, knowing there really wasn't much point in arguing with the fire demon. "You're lucky I was in the area when I felt your energy suddenly drop."
I sighed again looking at him. "I don't understand what happened."
"Nh. I'll leave that explanation to the native."
"Hiei, you know he doesn't like it when you call him that…"
"And I would care what he thinks why?"
I rolled my eyes. Never doubt that Hiei cared for his allies, you just had to sift through the arrogance, malice, and stubborn demeanor to see it. I shifted up the floor pulling my legs up to my chest.
"What happened Hiei? I can't remember just after Kurama stormed off… I… I think I heard voices but…" My memory was too fogy, it was like trying to see a finished puzzle when only three of the pieces were in place. I felt my voice lower with guilt at the mention of Kurama. I wondered if I would ever be able to repair the damage I had done. Worse yet, if I couldn't, how was I going to live with myself?
Hiei answered me after a few minutes of silence; I could feel his red eyes on me the entire time. "When your energy dropped I knew you'd most likely done something stupid. When I found you, you were on the ground covered in blood and the fox was shaking you and shouting your name." My eyes snapped up to his when he mentioned Kurama and I felt warmth spread through my chest. He'd come back then. "I told him to go home and that I'd get you help. He needed to get back to the detective and the oaf. Knowing something must have gone wrong with your powers, I took you here."
I nodded my head, letting the information sink in. Hiei was one of the few people that knew where Master Kyo's ranch was. Once on a mission we'd been working together, Hiei had pulled a stunt that had gotten him badly injured. Not knowing what else to do, I'd taken him here.
We sat in comfortable silence for a time, and I rubbed at my sore shoulder as I looked out into the forest that bordered the grounds. It was always so nice here, quiet and calming. I'd spent every long school break here since I'd taken up my job and it never got boring for me.
"Nh, I think I'll leave before I out stay my welcome." I raised an eyebrow at the fire demon.
"Since when do you care about that?" Like always, instead of giving me an answer I was only met with a staring red gaze. Sighing, I shook my head. "Look, I'm going to try to get back to the gang as quickly as I can… which means I'll have to use the oh so lovely time rift master invented."
"Your point?" I scowled at him, Hiei had always hated long conversations but it wasn't like I was giving a speech. "Nh, stop pussy footing and talk girl."
"I should have never told you that phrase… and really do you have to grunt every time you speak?" It was his turn to glare. I grinned at him, stifling a laugh. "Okay, okay. Look I know you don't want to Hiei, but they are going to need your help."
The fire demon and I had a nice staring contest after that. I lost count of the seconds that ticked by after the 200's. Finally he looked away and shoved his hands into the pockets of his cloak and turned, hopping off the porch.
I wasn't sure what he was going to do, but I could hope he wouldn't be so stubborn as to not help his friends. After all he had helped me hadn't he? Biting my lip another thought came boomeranging back to me.
"Hiei?" Said demon stopped mid-stride but didn't turn to look at me, just waited for me to continue. "Do you think he'll forgive me? That… that I'll ever be able to be at his side again?" My heart twisted in my chest at the thought of having to avoid him for the rest of the school year.
Hiei snorted. "Honestly, I will never understand women." He grumbled and I made an annoyed sound about to protest before he held up a hand to silence me. "If he had truly felt such a deep loathing for you Izumi, he wouldn't have come back when he felt your life energy drop."
Hiei sprinted off after that, leaving me sputtering and without a comeback. Groaning I let my head thud against the wall behind me and pressed the palms of my hands to me eyes. Shinobu whined again and I felt his nose near my ear as he sniffed. Muttering incoherently I pushed the big dog's head away when I heard a deep chuckle from near by.
Letting my hands drop I blinked, clearing my gaze and searching for the sound. I found him standing on the far side of the wrap around porch, one hand lazily hooked into the pocket of a pair of worn jeans. Tall in stature and built like a wolf – lean and wrapped in thick muscle that showed under sun kissed skin – he was rather intimidating at first glance. His dark hair was shaggy and worn loose, save for one piece on the left that was braided and clipped shut with a wooden bead. Standing to my left was the man that had been much like a father to me for the good part of four years.
"Seems like no matter how much time passes your relationship with that demon will remain stagnant."
"Master…" He smirked and walked towards me, the click of his brown leather cowboy boots drawing my attention. It seemed that both gift were well kept, and that made me feel a sense of glee. A large hand entered my gaze and I looked up and smiled at him taking it. Kyo pulled me to my feet as if I weighted nothing and kept my hand in his before covering it with his other hand.
"Izumi." I tilted my head looking up at him and meeting his honey colored gaze. Swiftly, before I could reply, he pulled me forward and enveloped me in a tight hug. Startled, but not to surprised, I leaned into his chest, breathing in the sent of leather, hay, and pine. "You worried me greatly little Luna Strok. When the fire demon brought you here last night I feared not amount of time and healing would save you."
I smiled softly to myself closing my eyes. I loved the way his Russian ascent made me feel so at home, and when he spoke the endearment he had given me years ago I knew I had truly worried him. As he had told me many times, I was his little 'moon string,' the girl who plays her violin to the night sky. "I'm sorry Kyousuke, I don't know what happened. I…"
I bit my lip. I hadn't realized how much I missed him, the only other person on this earth that knew what I was going through every day. I normally didn't use the name he'd given himself when he came here forty years ago. I had taken to calling him 'Kyo' or 'Master Kyo' because it had been easier to say. But much like the name he'd given me, I spoke his full name when it felt right. He was my best friend, my teacher, and my family.
As he pet my hair much like my father had when I was young, I relished in the fact that at least for the moment I was safe. For the moment I wasn't fighting to save the world, or to keep living. I wished with all my heart that I could always feel this way, that I could say here with Kyo and help him take care of the animals and just be a teenager.
I couldn't though. I had willingly taken up my position of Soul Detective, I had known that a normal life would be out of my reach. Taking in a deep breath I opened my eyes and rested my head on my master's chest. "What happened…? I mean why did I almost die? I don't remember that demon injuring me in such a way."
Kyousuke's hand paused for a moment, and then it continued again as if my hair was to soft to stop petting. "You put too much strain on your body Izumi. When I examined you I found the limit block to 90% completely destroyed." Started I pushed back slightly, setting from his hug so that I could look at him. His hand fell to his side and he looked upon me with remorse.
"I don't…no, that's not possible, I used only 80 of it, I know I did… at least that's what I intended…" I trailed off, my mind flashing over what had happened. I remember how awful it had felt, like something had plunged a knife into my chest and had turned it very slowly. I had truly felt like I was dying.
Master Kyo nodded his head still frowning. "Yes, but you had sealed your partner away Izumi, and that I'm afraid it why this happened."
"I don't understand…"
He sighed lifting a hand again and putting it on my shoulder "When I thought you ho to seal your partner you had been so much more inexperienced, I had worried he might take advantage of you. After so many years today I never thought…" He paused closing his eyes and breathing deeply through his nose. "Your Partner Izumi, he helps regulate your powers just as much as the limiters do. You locked him away with such force that at that moment you'd already started to fall. I don't know what happened, but your emotions were to strong, your will to win your fight, made you not see what you were doing to your own body…"
He spoke with such regret in his voice that I could not find it in me to be angry that I had never known this fact. We were very close, and I wasn't sure what lose another student would do to him. I remember the snapping feeling that had accrued twice the night before. The ones that had felt like a window breaking, I released those had been my warning. Reaching up I patted my hand over his and smiled slightly.
"Its okay, I mean I'm alright now, so things could have gone much worse." He looked at me and smiled slightly nodding.
"Yes, but little Luna Strok, you must now do the training that you were going to do later this year, or else the next time you use your powers, I wont be able to save you." He squeezed my shoulder "I know you are in the middle of a very important job, but your life comes first. We must get to work."
I nodded before an easy grin slid on to my face. "With you Master Kyo, I have all the time in the world."