Author's Note: Hey, guys, sorry for the delay (how did I get a chapter of "Healer" up before this…this is way shorter!). Actually, the answer to that is that I spent a lot of time debating when I should have this take place. But, I got it now, so on with the story. As always, thank you for reading my story; I hope you thoroughly enjoy yourself!

Chapter 10 Respect

The sun had just peaked up over the horizon as I saw Kurama emerge into the open field. This would be our training grounds. It's was quite a few miles out of town, but there were sure to be no interferences here, human or otherwise.

With what would be considered swiftness by most, I joined Kurama. I was still uncertain as to whether or not this training was a good idea. I didn't like partners, and I had never had one before. I wasn't sure I wanted one now. But there was something intriguing about this being who was not quite demon and not quite human, but some strange merger of both. I wanted to know more, thought I couldn't understand why. I think I just wanted to assess his skills. It was the only logical reason I could figure.

I looked up at Kurama. "Are you ready? I won't go easy just because we're acquaintances."

Kurama nodded in return. "Of course."

I would have to test him well. It had been quite some time since Kurama trapped me with his trickery. I knew his battle techniques now. It would not happen again. I leapt forward, katana in my hand. My blade met a hardened blade of grass, similar to the one I first saw Kurama wield many years ago.

The katana could not cut it, and I jumped back a foot. I shifted quickly to the side and tried again, but Kurama was able to thwart my blade a second time. Deciding the best advantage would be to take to the air, I jumped as high as I could, coming down at a prompt rate. Kurama discarded his grass blade, gracefully reaching behind to the nape of his neck and extracting a seed that transformed into a rose which transformed into his rose whip at an alarming speed. The whip laced around my katana, dragging me down.

I smiled. The exhilaration of fighting a worthy opponent could not be rivaled. Back on the ground, katana still compromised, I leapt forward, fist outstretched, flames surrounding my fist. My fist of the mortal flame should be enough. I watched as Kurama stepped back, abandoning his quickly burning whip.

A second whip was in his hand in a matter of milliseconds, snapping menacingly in the air. I used the time wisely. With my katana free, I ran forward, managing to land a hit at his waist. My katana came away with blood on it. I turned to see the damage I had inflicted, but Kurama had managed to step to side a quarter of an inch at the last minute—my sword only grazed the surface of his skin.

I had to admit to myself that I was fairly impressed with his speed and skill. Hearing something crack behind me, I turned, spotting a tree branch swinging down at me. I jumped out of the way, but was struck on the forearm by Kurama's rose whip. I hissed through my teeth. It was the first time I had been injured by it. I hadn't realized how powerful a weapon it truly was.

I met Kurama's gaze only to find him grinning smugly. I growled. Something about that expression made me want to scream in frustration. I pushed the urge aside. He was trying to get under my skin. I would not give him the satisfaction.

We battled thus for hours, until the sun was directly above us. One would strike, the other would dodge. The other would attack, the first would evade. Occasionally, one of us managed to land a blow on the other, but nothing even close to critical.

Stepping back, I glanced at him. "Hn. You are decent."

Kurama smiled, his green eyes twinkling. His bangs clung to his forehead, and he brushed them aside. Never touching his hair, a vine wrapped itself around his mane into a pony tail, picking his red hair up off his neck. He looked down at himself, holding his arms out. Grabbing the hem of his shirt, he slipped it over his head casually. Kneeling, he folded it neatly and removed another shirt from the bag he had brought with him.

I averted my gaze, glancing at the ground. Feeling his gaze, I glanced up again.

"Does it make you nervous for me to have my shirt off?" he teased, grinning.

"Hn, baka." I crossed my arms, glaring at him severely. I cringed at his tinkling laughter.

I glanced up cautiously only to find him staring up at the sky, his hand over the tops of his brows, shading his eyes from the sun.

"I really should be going. My mother will expect me home. I told her I would eat lunch with her." He looked down, his gaze meeting mine. "Would you like to join me?" he asked innocently.

My arms dropped to my sides, and I wasn't certain, but my jaw may have dropped in unison with them. I quickly composed myself. "Why would I want to do something like that?" I sneered.

Kurama shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe some other time. Thank you for the workout." With that, he turned, leaving the field, his bag slung over his shoulder. A small fox tail swung from it.

I watched as he walked farther and farther away, leaving me behind. He was a unique individual—a little narcissistic and strange—but strong, skilled, and competent. He was a worthy partner.

2nd A/N: I just love every chapter more and more…BTW, guys, I called Toguro "Togure" in the last chapter and no one said anything! You guys have to let me know when I do stupid stuff… -_-