DISCLAIMER: I do not own Blue Exorcist
-dodges mutiple projectiles- OKAY OKAY! two months without updating it kinda harsh! I understand where your coming from! I'm sorry! I've been lazy and not to mention i started my third story (which you should read). I kinda whisked through this, i'm not a real fan of this part and it had a cheezy ending. I was just gonna have Kit go with Izumo then i realized 'oh great i made her have a fear of bugs in earlier chapters. whoop-de-frikin-do.' so i guess the only good parts are the begining...and i got too lazy to watch episode 15 to end the moth battle.
I'm one lazy individual. Anways, i conside this a filler chapter, one with a crappy ending. Yay for for failing~!
Read and maybe enjoy and PLEASE FORGIVE ME!
CHAPTER 14: Demon Camp
A pale room, walls made of thick metal, surrounded the couple. Both had fiery red hair, with a separate green and blue eye. The male one stood in the center of the room, an unholy grin on his face revealing rows of sharp canines. The female stood by the door, fists clenched to the point of drawing blood.
Her rage was growing, yet unknown to her that was the male's mission. To get the girl so furious to the point of releasing her demonic flames that has yet to be revealed. His words cut through the air, making the girl tremble with fury. In her mind everything happened in a few seconds, but in actuality it took more than ten minutes.
All anger was swelling up, unrestrained…on the male in front of her. He just kept feeding that anger, telling her the things that should never have been told to her. Eventually he reached the peak of his taunting…the use of the dead against the suffering.
The red head snapped, a low growl coming from said person. With an angry yell to silence her so called 'father', she charged forward and launched her left hand into her foe's face. What she failed to notice was her hand now sported dark red crimson flames, roaring to life as her fist connected with his jaw.
The man went flying, hitting the wall and cutting right through it, hitting the wall on the other side of the hallway. His grin never faded as he watched his 'daughter' jump out of the hole he made, her eyes showing nothing but hatred. He was incredibly intrigued by the girl; he knew she refused to release her flames so…how could her flames possibly be showing now?
It could only mean one thing- her blood. Yes, he was the king of blood, it would make sense. He was known for being such a happy and outgoing guy…but he remembers whenever his arch nemesis Belyal is present he's hundreds of times more angry then the girl in front of him.
No doubt she inherited such a trait…which makes his job a whole lot easier. He threw more harsh words at her, only setting her off again. She darted up to him, grabbing him by his jacket and launching her flaming fist into his head repetitively. The man could only laugh at her wasted efforts, which made her even more ticked.
Her blue right eye erupted into red flame, making her look more evil and demonic with her left hand. Using the hand that had his jacket, she threw him into another wall making a large crater. He just sat there, continuing to laugh at how pointless it was. She ran at him again, throwing punch after punch with both fists, the flames on her eye and hand growing larger.
Blood leaked onto the floor, from the man's face and the girl's hands. Her previous injury from punching the glass in a fun house reopened, causing more damage to her then the man. She didn't know, but his blood regenerated at an alarming pace. Too bad she didn't have this trait.
A blonde boy wheeled around a corner, his gaze falling upon the carnage that was taking place. In his eyes, he could barely recognize his own pupil amongst the blood and flames. His eyes widened, stunned by the sight. Yet, it only took him a second to snap into action and launch himself at the girl. Sure she was beating up a demon king and honestly he'd feel fine cheering her on…but this…
This was not his apprentice. All light had left her eyes in place killer intent, which had yet to ease when he got her. In a swift motion, she pinned him to the wall- ready to send her flaming fist into his head.
"KIT!" That voice snapped her out of her daze, relieving the angry aura around her. Next to the two, the demon king snickered and snapped his fingers, disappearing into his own blood. The blonde boy paid no mind, gripping his apprentice's shoulders and she stepped away, complete shock on her face.
Covered in blood and sporting flames, she herself mistook herself as a demon. The blonde could only watch as emotions of grief, hate, and guilt flashed through her eyes as the fires started to dim. That's when he noticed her injured, including the small burns from her flames. He reached out to touch her but she flinched, staring at her blood covered hands.
Her eyes showed absolute fear…for herself? The blonde couldn't fathom haw that felt, to suddenly fear your own strength. That's when he noticed she was shaking, the fires now completely gone. He whispered soothing words to her as he gently took her hand; carefully…he felt if he held it any tighter the girl in his hands would break apart.
And to think, this wasn't even with the person she wanted to bring back?
The blonde silently prayed she would not lose her sanity during that fight…what's left of it.
. . . . .
The sound of birds chirping echoed throughout the walls of the dorm room, clear walls surrounding two bunk beds, two desks, and two windows. The curtains remained closed, but a small ray of sunlight slipped through to shine upon the bottom bunk of one of the beds. Something stirred beneath the covers before a pair of white fox ears perked up.
Ever so slowly, a hand reached out from the small shelter and drew back the covers just a bit to reveal a single green eye glaring at the window. The sound of growling emitted from the hiding creature as it recovered itself, making a creaking noise that echoed to the other side of the room. There, on the other bottom bunk, sat a green-purple-ish demon. It eyes where huge and beady, twitching about like a bird, while it's monkey-like body clung to the covers.
The hob goblin, finally growing irritated with its masters laziness, promptly jumped across the room and pile drive onto the hiding creature. A yelp came from underneath the covers before a hand swatted the goblin away onto the floor.
"Quit it, Moe! I'm not feeling so good to play around…" The voice was feminine, but there was an underlined grogginess and hoarseness to the voice. Obviously, the creature seemed a lot more then 'not feeling good'. The goblin, however, just darted underneath its bed and proceeded to hiss.
Grumbling with annoyance, the creature sat up in the bed, revealing to be a girl with long red hair and a lone green eye. The other eye had a gauze patch on it as well as its hands were bandaged. Though, this did not seem to bother the girl as her ears twitched and tail flicked with sleepiness. She stretched before kicking her bed hard, satisfied with the growl that followed from underneath her bed.
It was then that there was a knock at the door, but before she could answer said door opened up to reveal a dark haired boy with blue eyes. He was wearing purple shirt with jean shorts, his Cat Sith familiar siting on his shoulder. Two bentos were under his arm as he closed the door with his free hand and walked over to the red head.
"Get enough sleep?" The boy inquired as he pulled up a chair and sat down, his familiar joining the other under the bed. This wasn't odd behavior; the goblin and the cat sith have been getting along great…even if the goblin annoys the poor cat. He's just glad there's another demon to talk to around here.
The red head blinked slowly before rubbing her single eye, "Yeah…can't believe I got sick. That never happens. How about you, Rin…have you ever gotten sick?" The boy, Rin, chuckled and scratched his head, "Eh…maybe once or twice. The old man would take care of me and so would Yukio, but it wasn't anything but a sneeze and a cough."
The girl nodded before gazing down at her hands. Yes…that dream again. She's been having it for a while now, even if the incident happened a few days ago. She hasn't been getting a lot of sleep, which is why she got ill in the first place. Katsu, her mentor, has been keeping tabs on her and checking her health. Not only him, but his older sister had been paying visits to the kitsune.
She doesn't see the big deal about her injuries…then again, they could be worried about her mental injuries. Yes, it was made official that she had completely lost her mind during the fight. It was ironic really; didn't Rin just get done freaking out at another demon king? She had laughed when he brought it up, only proving how alike the two had become.
"Has that Katsu guy said anything about your eye?" the girl jolted, mentally smacking herself for forgetting there was another human being in her room.
"I can take it off soon, but it'll probably be after we go on that drill camp trip." It was announced by Yukio and Shura that the cram school would be taking an exorcise camp. Since it was now the end of the first semester and the break has started, that leaves plenty of time to work on Esquire duties…which is enough time to get the young exorcist's in shape.
The exam to become Lower Second Class exorcists is beyond difficult, for it's a three part exam. The first is a written test based on plants and simple equation problems. The second test is based on your Meister skills and how you have come along with it. The last exam is the entire cram class exorcising a low class demon alone. Only when these are completed will scores be evaluated for passing or failing. Passing gets you to Lower Second Class while failing brings you back to Esquire, repeating the entire year. That or they just kick you out.
These exorcise camps are scheduled so the cram school can get a feel for their Meister and work more with they're classmates. The end of the year is approaching, so it's no surprise they're starting these practice sessions.
"That's rough…oh, I made us lunch." Rin set the two bentos onto his lap and handed the one on top to the red head, "I didn't know how you liked curry so I just did what I liked. I hope it's okay, Kit…" He trailed off, watching as the girl opened the box and picked up a spoon, slowly bringing the food into her mouth. There was a moment of silence before the girl smiled and nodded, "Good."
The boy relaxed, inwardly sparkling and dancing that the red head liked the meal. Recently he's noticed a change in attitude between them. Usually it was her teasing him, him exploding at her, them slightly getting along. Now it seems a mutual understanding or trust has been built…and whenever he's too close he blushes like no tomorrow. He remembered when he first met her too…he thought she was the dorm president.
No wonder she laughed.
However, looking back on it she had seemed a lot more…withdrawn…from everyone. She was distant and sort of cruel. But that eventually changed when she got to know Rin and his brother…she was more open and even told her story…
Rin's eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to gaze out the half opened window. ShadowBlood…he didn't know a lot about the criminal, but the way Kit reacted about her and practically cried when he had brought up in class was enough. That girl was special to the kitsune, so he'd support her decision all the way…yet at the same time he wanted to take Yukio's gun and shot her head off.
ShadowBlood angered him. The way she just left, everything she's done has just made his blood boil, but at the same time it's confusing. Kit had told him what Farosin had told her, which was that ShadowBlood was hiding in the academy. She looked like she was about to bolt out of the infirmary and start a wide spread search.
At times like that, Rin was thankful for Katsu. He has whacked the girl in the head and totally changed the subject. The way he did it too was amazing; because Kit was incredibly clever…so to change her mind so quickly all he had to say was-
"Woah now, aren't you forgetting something? Your daggers haven't been taken cared for, you need some Shakil Stone. Why don't we head over to the exorcist supply shop…?"
He was a genius. Almost instantly he had Kit on board with his idea. Rin envied the guy, because every time he tried to lie or hide a secret from Kit she could easily get him to crack and spill it. Maybe he should ask Shura to teach him intimidation…?
"Done. Thanks' for making me lunch, Rin." Said boy blushed lightly as he turned his head away from the smiling red head. She closed up the bento and handed it to him, before blinking owlishly, "You're not eating?"
He looked down at his bento, still untouched. "Uh…I'm not that hungry." She tilted her head, followed by an uneasy twitched of her ear, "Rin not eating…? That's new." He would have taken it as an insult if it hadn't been for the worry he saw on her face. He leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily.
Even when she isn't trying, she could get him to talk. Rin, son of Satan, has officially gone soft. "I've just been thinking about stuff…"
"Stuff?"
"Bad stuff."
"How bad stuff?"
"ShadowBlood bad stuff." The look that flashed over her face was so quick; Rin couldn't deceiver what it meant. He inwardly winced though at her downcast look, "Oh…what kind of stuff?"
"What are you going to do if she does come back?" The bluntness of the question caught her off guard as she gazed cautiously at Rin. Should she tell him her plans? How badly would it affect him? After Kat comes back with her…
"We're going home." Rin looked slightly taken back but stared, "Home?"
"Yeah…"
"What's home to you?"
"It's…everywhere with Kat…but not here." That much was certain. Home had been the streets for her, but now that Kit thought it over she knew living on the streets isn't the best for ShadowBlood…but hadn't they lived in the woods? That would work…
The look of hurt that flashed through Rin's eyes vanished before the girl could notice, "Well…will you visit?" he looked at her hopefully as she gave him considering glance. Before she had met Rin she would have answered with a 'No!'. Getting away from the Academy had been her main priority after getting Kat back. The girl didn't want to be a part of Mephisto's game…
"Maybe…perhaps on the holidays?" A smile appeared on Rin's face. How could he not? The girl he liked would visit. Not only that, but his birthday was practically on Christmas. It's like a two for one deal! "Oh, before I forget…" he reached into his pant pocket and took out two small boxes.
"Apple juice?" The girls face lit up like a kids face on Christmas (the irony) as he handed one of the two boxes to her. She quickly grabbed it as they both started to sip on the straw. "You know…you never told me why you love apples."
She paused in her blissful moment to glance at Rin's curious gaze before resuming her apple juice drinking, "It's a good food…the apple always stands by the tree…" Rin blinked before asking, "But the apple eventually falls, right?"
That made Kit back petal, gazing at the boy next to her with wide eyes. He flushed at the attention but carried on, "Uh, don't apples fall from the tree? They don't stay in the branches forever…" He was right, apples eventually fall from the stem.
I'm the apple…Kat's the tree…
The apple falls from the tree…
I fell away from Kat.
The striking resemblance made the kitsune's eyes widen. There'd been signs, hadn't there? Kat knew she was going to leave her, she knew and she left signs for her to read. How was she only figuring this out now? Then that means…
I'm the butterfly and you're the bee!
When really…
I'm the hawk and you're the snake.
How long had Kat known she's abandon her? How hard was it for her to yell 'Keep going and don't look back'. Was she here to apologize to Kit…? Was she trying to find Kit as she's been trying to find her? Or…
Was Kat still trying to find a way to kill Farosin? A way into Gehenna?
"Kit…are you okay?" No, she wasn't okay, because now everything became so confusing! If Kat had known she was Farosin's daughter, why bother to be her friend? Why take her up and become her traveling companion?
Nothing made sense anymore, so the only thing Kit could do especially with a cold- meaning a headache was coming on- was smile and nod to the boy. But even he didn't look convinced.
He knew as much she did, something big was coming their way…and no doubt a confrontation with ShadowBlood was included.
. . . . .
A single green eye somewhat glared out the window of the bus. The cram school sat around the girl, some having conversations with each other. They were on their way to the training camp, Shura, Kimiko, and Yukio sitting at the front of the bus, the formers intimidating the latter. It seemed like a normal morning to the class, but they couldn't help but wonder what happened to Rin and Kit.
Rin had showed up two days after the amusement park incident with a few bruises, and no Kit. Surprisingly, Izumo was quick to ask him where she was (and not inquire about his injuries, he noted). It seemed the purple haired girl had become fond of the red head, probably happy to have a friend besides Paku in the class. Nether-the-less, Rin told them she had a fever- which wasn't exactly lying- and they seemed to take that answer.
Yet, even when she returned, Rin could tell she wasn't that enthusiastic. It looked like she'd rather be anywhere but the class…which might be the case. Him and Katsu had been working extra hard to keep the kitsune from running off. The last thing he wanted was for her to confront her long lost friend with her injuries.
It didn't help her behavior was so obvious, even from her sitting alone and in the back of the bus, the cram school were sending her slightly concerned glances. She hadn't talked much, only with Rin. Shiemi she had no choice but to talk to and Izumo…there was no avoiding her. When Shima approached her though, it seemed like she wanted to hide behind Izumo and shrink into a hole. Which, drew attention to her and away from the microscopic blush Izumo held when he got too close.
Then there were her injuries as well that has the other guessing. The gauze patch on her blue eye and bandaged arms…it was all so strange. She was being distant, choosing to glare out the window then listen to Shiemi ramble from beside her. Izumo was in the seat in front of her, leaning over to talk to them yet more likely to stare at Kit. If anyone was good at reading people, and insulting, it was her.
The boys sat half way on the bus, chatting audibly yet glancing at the girls in the back. Even the teachers did more so Shura and Kimiko then Yukio. But, not for the life of them, could they figure out the sudden change in attitude from the girl.
Even Kit didn't know why she was so ticked.
Earlier in the week when she was around the others and happy and cheerful. She was actually a little excited to be around Rin and not insult the heck out of him. The whole class was like a sudden friendship, ready to hop to the others help at a moment's notice. But strangely…Kit's mind had swayed…
Kat was in the academy, right now, right as they spoke. Why wait so long? There should be search parties and higher security or traps or SOMETHING! So far, Mephisto has done nothing…almost like he's waiting for something to happen…there are so many secret, so many things no one is telling the red head.
In her mind, she has every right to be ticked off.
"Oy." Something sharp jabbed her temple, causing the red head to flinch and rub the point of impact. Izumo still leaned over the seat, now armed with a pencil, "Your spacing out a lot, something on your mind?" Shiemi blinked from beside the girl, listening closely.
Kit sighed heavily, "Its…frustrating."
"What is?" The girl threw her head up in exasperation, "Everything!"
Izumo scoffed, "Just like you to over worry little details. It's only a week long camping trip. Maybe even shorter if we work quicker…" SHiemi suddenly brightened like a Christmas tree, "Yes! Let's work as a team! We won't lose any test they throw at us then!"
Surprisingly, a mischievous smirk appeared on Kit's face, "Team up together and have the boys running for their money?" Izumo mirrored her smirk, "That sounds excellent." Shiemi couldn't help but smile. Distracting Kit from…whatever it is she was thinking about…seemed to brighten her up. That was a good start.
However, up front, the boys suddenly had a strange chill.
. . . . . . . .
"Waah! This is gonna be just like a picnic!" Rin exclaimed as the cram school made their way through the woods. Having just gotten off the bus, the teachers led the way followed closely by the boys. The three girls, though, were hanging back an assessing their situation.
"It's a training camp right? Shouldn't have picnic's…" Izumo muttered and Shiemi jumped a bit, "Then what's it going to be about?" She gasped, oblivious to the exasperated looks Kit and Izumo were giving each other, "Could it be we're going to have to fight some demon lord!?"
"Shiemi, only Knights do a job like that…and we're not even exorcists yet." The blonde gave a loud sigh, whilst Izumo rolled her eyes, "That's not the problem here…" Her gaze traveled to the abnormally huge blue backpacks all of us carried, "Why are WE carrying the luggage!?"
"The guys have there's too…"
"This is STUPID!"
"Ah…Kamiki-san…"
"Let it be, Shiemi…no use reasoning with her…"
They continued to troop on at the rear, the boys grumbling about the heat not to quietly as the teachers chatted up ahead about god knows what. It was only when they passed by some shade that Yukio spoke up, "This forest may be serene now, but it's a hotbed for lower-level demons at night. We'll have to set up our base before dusk." Everyone groaned in response.
Making our way by a mountain spring, Shura and Kimiko came back to walk with the girls, creating a sort of awkward atmosphere. Even odder, they seemed to walk right next to Kit, who looked to about to break down with the sudden cold sweat. She picked up her pace, walking faster but they just kept up, walking beside her and looking nonchalantly at the surroundings.
It was only when they got to a small waterfall that Kit had enough and threw he bag at them, who expertly dodged, "QUIT FOLLOWING ME, YOU OLD HAG!"
"Awww, Kitsune-chan is being heartless again."
"WHO SAID YOU COULD CALL ME THAT!?" Shura threw her arm over the fuming red head, putting her in a painful headlock. "OW OW OW! Quit it! Why must you torture me!? Go bug Rin or Yukio!"
"Because you're easy to tease."
Kimiko smiled sweetly, oblivious to the fact Shura was practically suffocating the girl, "And you're so adorable."
"LET. ME. GO! GAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The cram school momentarily paused, turning to the red heads cries of distress to see her being harassed by Shura. "Say you love me!"
"NO WAY! You're the devil spawn!"
"Ouch. Aren't exorcists supposed to be holy?"
"SAYS THE SAKE DRINKING PIECE OF MOTHER FU-…"
There was a loud thud and Kit was sprawled on the ground, twitching and with a bump rapidly forming on her head. Shura stood, arm still in mid punch as she blew on her fist, "There. That'll teach you to swear." A muffled 'shut up' came from the girl bellow her.
Kimiko just laughed, throwing her arm over Shura, "Ah, this reminds me of that one time Katsu tried to ask you out…and you kicked him…then beat him within an inch of his life." Shura laughed too, making the Esquires around them turn an odd shade of green.
Shima, though, decided to point something out, "Mrs. Shura, Mrs. Kimiko, where's your luggage?" Shura just lazily pointed over to the falls where Rin stood with three huge bags on his back. "Over there."
They all stared at the dark haired boy who ran his hand through the water, smiling and standing up straight like he wasn't holding a ton of clothes on his back. "Rin's strength is otherworldly, don't you think?" Shima stated.
"You have no idea." Kit mumbled, finally picking herself up from Shura's sucker punch. The cram school rearranged themselves, then finally reached the clearing where the camp was supposed to be set up. The girls all quickly began to set up in their own area, wary of the two older women who picked a spot a little too close for comfort. The boys had been ordered to set up camp, and make a fire, under Yukio's orders. The girls, unfortunately, were under Kimiko and Shura's orders. They were told to draw a magic circle around the perimeter of the clearing, and then make dinner.
"Sexist." Izumo muttered, making Shiemi pale and Kit snicker from beside her. They're attention went momentarily turned to Rin and Suguro, whose tent suddenly collapsed, much to their horror.
Shiemi giggled, "They're having fun aren't they?" Izumo scoffed, "More like super annoying…" Shiemi shrugged and went back to our task at hand- drawing the magic circle. It was a strange process, or so Kit thought, to draw the circles. They were usually based on ancient symbols but mostly a coded text of the famous spell used by Aria's to repel demons. Kit was apprehensive about making such a thing, maybe a bit concerned with her and a certain other demon getting stuck outside the circle. Especially at night.
"Boys are kind of mysterious, don't you think?" Shiemi inquired, breaking Kit's train of thought. Izumo easily retorted with, "You're the mysterious one, you know." She mumbled something to other girls didn't catch, followed by Shiemi calling out loudly, "What?"
"Nothing! Would you hurry up and finish drawing your side?"
"Oh, sure."
"Well that was handled smoothly." Kit snickered and Izumo glared at her, "What about you? Why did you make friends with her?" She jabbed her thumb in the direction of Shiemi, who was frantically writing on the circle. Kit hummed in thought, tapping her chin.
"I'd have to say…her smile." Izumo rose an eyebrow, "What? That's a lame reason." Kit just shrugged, "In all honesty, I think it was because she's easy to befriend. Usually that's hard to find in people. I've been here three years and hadn't had one friend, and Shiemi comes a long and BOOM. Simple as that."
There was silence before Izumo spoke up, not making eye contact with the red head, "How was it like, being a lone?"
"Huh?"
"In that dorm…" Kit blinked before looking up at the sky, "Who said I was alone? I never was…not ever…" Izumo raised an eyebrow at the girl, before following her gaze to the clouds above. There was a comfortable silence before Kit sighed, "So…how about you?"
"Huh?" Izumo looked a lot like Kit was moments before. Kit rolled her eyes, "Paku left a few days ago I hear. You're doing okay?" Izumo blinked at her before turning sharply away, hiding the blush that was developing, "Geez, that's a stupid question, of course I'm fine!"
Kit just snickered and patted the purple haired girl's shoulder, "Good to hear." Izumo sighed tiredly as Kit walked over to Shiemi, who had just loudly exclaimed the circle was finished. "Really! I'm surrounded by freaks…"
"Done with the circles?" A voice came from the tree behind her. Shura lazily sat on the lowest tree branch, playing a familiar game console. Izumo just growled and sauntered off, followed by Shura's snickering. She didn't get far though, when the girls were herded up to make dinner by Kimiko.
To say it went terribly was an understatement. Shiemi couldn't cut the food right, Izumo actually cut her finger, and Kit had no idea where she was. It was only when Rin finally had enough of the ridiculous display of 'bad kitchen use' that he stomped over and grabbed the knife from Izumo, "That's it! Let me do this!"
There was little fight, though Kit had to watch on it exasperation as everyone crowded around Rin, watching him expertly mix ingredients and fix dinner. It was even worse when they tried the stew he made, turning an odd blue and yelling 'it's good! It's actually good!'. Kit couldn't help herself and smacked her forehead as they all sat around the campfire, all staring at the stew like it was gold.
Everyone laughed and complimented him after a while; even Izumo said it was tasty. Kit remained silent, watching as Rin blushed at the compliments and laughed alongside them. Even Yukio was smiling widely. It was at this moment…that Kit realized something while staring in the nice bonfire the boys had made. She had grown attached the exorcist life, which wasn't good.
When she got Kat back, they were leaving. She was leaving everyone behind, whether she likes it or not all for Kat…because Kat's her best friend…right? Right?! Leaving everyone…shouldn't be a problem… it's all for Kat, the person she loves most. So why…why does her heart hurt so badly at the thought?
"Yo, Kitsune-chan." Kit blinked and pulled out of her thoughts to see Kimiko looming over her, a knowing look on her face, "You're not going to eat?" Kit blinked again before looking at her still filled bowl of stew. "I…guess not."
Kimiko smirked, "C'mon kid, I think it's time we had a little chat." Kit raised an eyebrow but stood anyways, passing her uneaten bowl to Shura who gladly took it. Walking with the blonde, they went behind the tents just at the edge of the circle and stopped. Kimiko's back was still to the red head, who looked at the women curiously.
"Kimiko…something up?" The blonde sighed before turning her head halfway, one green eye meeting another. "Kat." The young Esquire narrowed her eye, "What about her?"
"You're going to far…Kit, listen to what I'm saying to you, you're going down a road that has a very dark ending. You're not gonna like what you find, I promise you." Kit was a bit surprised by the sudden seriousness in Kimiko's voice, but continued glared instead, "I don't care what anyone says, and I'm going to-…"
"That's what the problem is. You're going forward without a care of anyone else. I worry about you, Katsu worries about you, Shura, Yukio, Rin, heck even Mephisto is keeping a closer eye on you." The red head took a step back, "I…I already made my choice."
"A stupid one." Kimiko noted making Kit hiss, "It's not your best friend that's out there! If Shura was out there, a wanted criminal out for revenge killing innocents and causing trouble, what would happen? What would you do? Huh? Huh?"
There was silence before Kimiko turned fully to Kit, her eyes narrowed as well, "I'd kill her." Kit's eyes finally lost their glare to widen in surprise, but Kimiko continued, "Killing innocent people…murder…Kit, you have to understand Kat didn't do anything on accident. She's doing this for the sole purpose of killing another man. That man happens to be the one you beat to a pulp last week." She cringed at the reminder.
"She…she…she's out for blood. She will do everything in her power to avenge her sister's death." Kit's eye's went downcast, confusion and hurt visible. "But…if she wanted to kill my fath-…him so badly…why pick me up? Why become my best friend when I'm the enemy?" Kimiko sighed and patted the depressed kitsunes head, "For once, I don't know. It's a mystery to all of us as to why Kat decided to take care of you. The only one that can answer the question as to why is her."
Kit nodded slowly, walking with Kimiko back in to camp just in time to see Yukio stand in front of all the exorcists.
"All right, I'll explain he drill your about to undergo." A drunken laugh followed, leading us to Shura who was flushed in the face from drinking so much, sitting by his side, "A test of strength~ A test of strength~"
"Mrs. Shura, not right now."
Suguro suddenly pointed forward, "Hey, didn't she say she was eighteen? That makes her a minor!" I rolled my eyes as I sat next to Izumo, Kimiko walking over to her drunken friend, "Eighteen? Don't be ridiculous. This year she'll be turning twenty-si-…"
We all blinked as a beer can made contact with Yukio's head. "…Oops, my hand slipped." Kimiko snickered as Yukio twitched, "Hey! Do your job!" Shura just laughed him off, waving her hands around, "He's mad! He's mad!"
"Is she even a teacher…?" Izumo muttered from beside me, "She looks useless." Kit smirked and casually leaned in to whisper, "Careful, when she's drunk she has a habit of embarrassing everyone around her in…special ways." She snickered quietly when Izumo paled.
"We're going to have you light some lanterns that are somewhere in this forest." Yukio began, pointedly ignoring Shura who was being distracted by Kimiko. "These lanterns are located five hundred meters within this base. Whoever manages to keep a lantern lit and return to base within the next three days, will be eligible for actual combat missions." Almost instantly everyone perked up, more Rin though. Everyone knows he's been dying to have an actual mission.
"However," Yukio interrupted anyone who was going to ask questions, "There are only three lanterns. In short, there are only three available slots." Everyone tensed as Yukio handed out tan colored bags, "In the contents of these shoulder bags, they each have three days' worth of food, water, and daily necessities, as well as a compass, a flash light, a demon-repelling firecracker, and a single match. By maximizing your respective strengths, you'll find the shortcut to success." Long silence followed before he dismissed the cram school to sort through their things.
They did so, spreading out over camp while Shura dragged Rin away to talk to him. It was silent, But Kit became increasingly aware of a certain purple haired teen glancing at her. Finally, she grabbed her bag and walked over to the girl, "What is it, Izumo?"
The girl just huffed and turned away, "Nothing…I was wondering if we had a plan?"
The kitsune blinked owlishly, "What plan? Just got to find a lantern in the demon infested woods." Izumo was about to retort when we noticed Rin come back, Suguro happily pointing out he wasn't so enthusiastic.
"Bon, even though we're supposed to compete…we really shouldn't." Konekomaru spoke, drawing the boy's attention. Izumo, surprisingly, stood up as well, "We're all gonna self-destruct if that happens."
It was silent as they all gazed at each other, suddenly realizing they were all enemies here. All of them would be fighting each other for then lanterns. It became increasingly hard to not think about this when everyone lined up along the magic circle, spread out and ready for the drill to begin.
Kit shuffled nervously, noticing Konekomaru on her left and Izumo on her right. It felt kind of weird to be against all of them, and they felt weird about it too. Half an hour ago they were all laughing around the campfire and chatting; now they were going to battle. It was nerve wracking, and it only got worse when Yukio called behind them, "All right, take your positions. Ready…" A gun shot was fired, and almost instantly everyone was darting into the woods, flashlights in hand.
It was dark, of course, the moon being the only light besides the yellow glow of flashlights. Kit thought she saw another light of a flashlight a head of her and broke away from her path to avoid it. Keeping confrontations to a minimum would be helpful, not to mention finding this lantern too. It was a bit strange, just finding a small lantern, but then again…
Yes, it could be a Peg Lantern. A vengeful low to mid-level demon that possesses items of flame, such as lamps or torches. Which also means that this drill would be almost impossible to complete alone. But, what if it wasn't supposed to be that way…? What if that was part of the test too?
Kit slowed her pace as she got lost in her thoughts. Yes, it could be a part of the test to group up and tame the Peg Lanterns. It could be that they're trying to pit all the esquires against each other…and by then there really won't be anyone who gets the lantern with all the battle. Which means…
"Even so…" She quietly mused as she resumed her run, "it's not like they'll pitch together…just gotta go with it, I guess…" Unfortunately, she didn't get far into that when she stopped dead in her tracks. Up ahead, was a swarm. Of what, Kit didn't bother to find out, she simply turned heel and ran. If anyone from outside saw her, they would be amazed at her speed as she practically zoomed past every tree and rock. It was true though-
She had a major fear of bugs.
"GAH!" The red head froze in place, face turning pale as another swarm of blood sucking moths approached from the front. Quickly turning off her flashlight, though noticing how much darker it got; she darted off into the bushes. She didn't stop to see if she'd lost the bugs, the only thing that stopped her was something solid tripping her left foot…and her face once again met the ground.
"Oh, Kit! It's you!" There was some scrambling before she was hoisted up to meet the small stature of Konekomaru. He looked worse for wear, with many bite marks over his bald head and the sides of his glasses were cracked. "Oh…hey little dude…"
He scratched behind his ear nervously while the red head brushed herself off, "So, how are you coming along?"
"Huh?"
"Have you found a lantern yet?"
"No…"
"Hey…do you…" It was odd, seeing the usually devious looking girl look nervous and lightly blushing, "Do you want to team up? I know it sounds tiresome and maybe trouble making but-…"
"Yes please!" He suddenly shouted, but quickly covered his mouth at the volume. The kitsune merely blinked before shifting awkwardly and coughing, "Yeah um…I figured that was the point of the exercise."
"I had my suspicions too. I remembered what Okumura-sensei said about using our combined strength, though no one else seemed to notice." Kit tilted her head at Koneko's (his name is too long TT_TT) reasoning. "Huh…never really thought into that."
He chuckled nervously before pointing to Kit's flashlight, "You shouldn't use that, they're attracted to them."
Kit nodded, "Yeah I figured…I was too busy running for my life though…" She gave a long suffering sigh that made him raise his eyebrow, "You're scared of bugs?"
"For the most part…one at a time I can deal with…not millions that seem to be on steroids." The small boy laughed at this before turning away, beginning to walk forward with Kit at his side.
"Do you have any idea what these lanterns look like?" Koneko inquired. Kit shook her head, "I think it might be a Peg lanterns though, remember when we learned about them in Demonology?" He nodded in response. "The only problem is that they might be a bit…oh wow…yeah big." Kit trailed off, eye wide as they entered a clearing.
In the middle of the small clearing stood an altar of sorts, a large lantern the size of a wagon and probably weighing a ton in the middle of it. Oddly, a wagon it's size was positioned in front of it. Koneko's eyes widened too at the sight, "I don't suppose you know how to lift that?"
"Um…first we gotta light it…but I'm a bit worried of what will happen if I do." Kit muttered, digging in her backpack at retrieving her single match. Koneko nodded before snapping his fingers, "Hey, maybe your familiar can help?"
The kitsune tapped her chin, "Hmm…that's a good idea…maybe…" Then she dipped her head in depression, "Who am I kidding? He won't listen to me even if we were about to die." Koneko chuckled nervously before flipping out his phone, "I suppose Bon and Shima could help. Who knows? Maybe they found others or another lantern…or even a way to lift it." Kit just shrugged as he typed away on his phone before stuffing it away.
"They'll be here soon."
"Good…I guess. Hopefully no fist fights break out." The red head grumbled a bit, and Koneko sighed at the thought. Suguro would be one to pick a fight with the red head…
"Oyyy!" Their heads snapped up and to the backside of the clearing where a small group emerged. It, of course, included Suguro and Shima…but two other faces were with them.
"Ah, Kit-chan!"
"Shiemi? Rin?" The four of them approached, all of them becoming awed by the size of the lantern before looking at the two of before them, "When did Kit get here?"
The red head scoffed and crossed her arms, "There is no way I'm going to stay alone with those THINGS out there." Shima smirked, "Afraid?"
"Don't push it; you're on the same page too." He shrunk back a bit. Suguro just shook his head and looked at the lantern inquiringly, "You sure weren't joking, no way can you lug this back."
Rin's jaw was still hanging open, "Is this even a lantern? It's huge!" Shiemi looked it up and down, "Maybe it's a stone lantern…"
"No, it's a Peg lantern." Suguro spoke, bringing attention to him. He started to explain how the lantern comes to life when lit and practically chases all females nearby. It stops when the flame goes out or the morning light comes.
"We don't have a lot of time…" Kit muttered next to Shima, gazing at the star filled sky. Shima gave a brief nod as Koneko approached Suguro, "I think we all misinterpreted to point of this drill."
"Right…to do this, we're all gonna have to help each other." Suguro announced. Shima stepped forward, "But there are only three slots available."
"Not three people." Everyone head snapped to the bald headed boy who stood next to Kit now. "Anyway, we should all tackle this together."
"Well, does anyone know Izumo's or Takara's contact info?" Everyone shook their head but Kit flopped her phone out, "Gimme a sec…" She scrolled through her address book and there it was. Izumo's number.
"I have Izumo but not Takara. Looks like puppet boy is on his own…" Kit sent the message for the purple haired girl to come before stuffing her phone in her pocket. Suguro nodded in approval, "Good, she'll just have to catch up. So…"
Koneko raised his hand, "I thought up a formation for the six of us to carry to lantern." We all listened to him describe our positions before we stood in our places. With the lantern in the wagon, Shiemi in it, being pulled by Rin, Suguro at the rear, Shima on the left, Koneko at the right, while Kit stood at the front. "Why am I first? Major fear of bugs here!"
"Sorry Kit, Shima is scared too and we need Bon to pull up the rear…Rin's busy and I don't think I'm much help." Koneko supplied nervously. The red headed girl just grumbled in response before unsheathing her daggers.
The bald kid approached the lantern, putting seals on it before turning to the others, "These should keep it in place so it can't move around. We'll have Bon recite the corresponding scripture. Before we light it, we're gonna gather Chuchi (blood sucking moths) to feed the peg lantern." He turned on his flashlight, a swarm of the horrible insects gathering in its light.
He then gave the light to Shiemi, "We're going to need a constant supply so the light doesn't go out, and that's your job." She nodded firmly in response. He then took the match from Kit, striking it and tossing it into the lantern. Almost instantly, swarms of moths started forming out of the trees.
"Woah! Here they come!" Shima cried, twirling his staff like a baton. Kit did the same, her face equally pale as she swung her daggers around, "This is crazy!"
"Shima, Kit, and myself will guard Shiemi from being attacked by a swarm of Chuchi." Rin gripped onto the wagon and suddenly lurched forward, the four others running with him, "And the one with the most horsepower will pull the wagon!" Koneko finished, but Kit was too busy to laugh.
They continued to run, but a sudden flash above the trees alerted them that someone was calling for help, "Who was that? Izumo or Takara?" Kit quickly flicked out her phone, finding no response from Izumo and sighing, "It could be either!"
"Woah!" Rin screeched to a stop, barely a hair away from Kit who had frozen, "Hey, what the-…" He didn't finish as he found out why she stopped. In front of them was a bridge…but it was destroyed. Completely unable to cross.
"Uh, guys, you might want to look at this!" They all grouped up at the front of the wagon, peering at the bridge, but Rin noticed Kit was oddly trembling with wide eyes, "Kit-chan? You okay?"
"L-look below!" She hissed, pointedly looking ahead. They did, and Shima cried out in disgust at the sight. The entire valley was filled with bugs, all crawling and slithering amongst each other. "I have had enough of this! I think I'm gonna wet myself!" The pink haired boy cried his face suddenly as pale as Kit's.
Bon snatched Shima's staff, much to the boy's horror, and proceeded to squash nearby bugs. Koneko looked up at the bridge, many different seals hanging over head. "It's Sanskrit for 'Khan'…Looks like something else is being sealed here too."
"'Something'…like a bug something…o-or big bug…s-something…" Kit questioned shakily. Suguro continued his recital, but pulled out a pen and paper from his bag, writing 'I have a plan' on the front. 'We'll make the lantern cross on its own'.
"How?"
"I See. I think I'm starting to get it…" Koneko mused. Suguro wrote again, 'I'll draw it'. Shima and Rin leaned forward in anticipation.
'First, Konekomaru and I will draw the cart to the opposite bank.
The bug swamps shallow, so we can wade through it.
Once we're there, I'm going to stand by with a talisman.
Meanwhile, over on this side, Shima will wait with Shiemi on his shoulders.
Bon's gonna remove the talisman, and unseal the Peg Lantern…
…and then Shima is gonna carry Shiemi on his shoulders over to the other bank.
After that, the Peg lantern will go after its favorite food- Shiemi.
That's when; Konekomaru will seal it with talisman.'
"Dang Suguro, your drawings are epic!" Rin exclaimed. That's when Koneko tapped his chin, "Wait…what about Kit?" there was silence, only Bon's reciting, before they all turned to the still shaking girl as Shiemi continuously poked her.
"She's worse than Shima…"
"Speaking of which, you want me to immerse myself into bug infested swamp?" Shima asked, way to sweetly. "With my head between Shiemi's thighs, no less?"
"There's no way Kit's gonna do it, she looks ready to faint." He just gave a thumbs up whilst tears came down his face, "I'm gonna die."
"Please at least try to refrain from unearthly desires."
"Geez, I'll carry both then!" Rin snapped. So, after taking the wagon across to Konekomaru and Shima, Shiemi was sitting on Rin's shoulders as he walked her over the swamps. Shima was now hiding in the bushes, and Kit still had yet to move from her spot, "You think she's dead?"
"That's impossible…though she hasn't blinked yet…"
"Don't worry, Bon will bring her over…hopefully…" When Rin was halfway across, Suguro removed the seal from the Peg lantern, and almost instantly the thin launched off at Shiemi. Rin was quick enough to get to the other side, throwing Shiemi to safety while ducking under the rampaging the lantern as it landed into the wagon. Koneko swiftly replaced the seal with his talisman, returning the lantern to normal.
"Done!"
"Here, Rin, grab hold." Shima held his staff out for Rin, ready to hoist him out of the bug invested ditch. As they did, Suguro quickly scooped Kit into his arms and ran across the bridge to greet the others. Shima and surprisingly Rin gave him jealous stares, "Lucky dog, get to hold the scared girl. Bet you enjoyed it." Suguro just scowled at them as he set the red head on her feet, who walked mechanically over to a tree and sat against it, rocking back and forth.
"Find your happy place…finds your happy place…"
"Bon! You broke her!"
"Shut up!" Rin just sighed and wiped the sweat from his forehead while everyone gathered around, "Well, that went well, huh?" Everyone smiled and nodded and he leaned against the pole…only for it to break under his weight.
The entire bridge collapsed, undoing the seal set there. Everyone watched in horror as two tentacles attached to Rin's arm and leg. A loud rumble came from the swamp as a moth practically the size of a semi-truck emerged from underground, lifting Rin into the air over the swamp of bugs.
Everyone could only watch as he was tossed forward, mouths on the floor while in shock. Surprisingly, the only one not in shock was the one most likely to be in it. Kit stood up and joined the others, open mouthed as well, but with a new resolve.
That thing is gonna get the beat down!
If Rin heard that, he'd must likely blush.
Like i said, crappy ending. I've pretty much used up all the other good endings with other chapters, and i'm thinking about rewriting my Tokyo Mew Mew story because the crappyness made me sick. Yes, i'm very critical of my stories. I do have the rough outline of my Black Rock Shooter and Shugo Chara story together...but i need to do a TON of research.
Fanfiction knows i've tried, to bad my effort is minimum.
reviews will help me realize laziness will not get me anywhere in life...or at least help me update next chapter.