Vanishing Act
By Silverwolf 2003
Sequel to Trading Sides
Thought are in Italics
Hiei watched Tsunami throw Talon aside. Hiei rushed Tsunami. It didn't take long for Hiei to finish him off. Yusuke and Kuwabara were now fighting numerous demons.
Talon looked around. He couldn't see Kurama or Shiraz anywhere. Azure stood fighting Nawari. Talon realized he also could not se the Satin Fox.
Peaks and Rivers
Shiraz looked at the Satin Fox. She saw that the creature wasn't planning to help her or Kurama. She watched the Satin Fox step closer to the peak's edge. The water could be heard below. Shiraz realizes that the creature wants to make sure she regrets ever defeating it.
Satin Fox: You may have beaten me, but I will make you regret it.
Shiraz: How?
Satin Fox (holding Kurama): Your lover is in no condition to fight me. He is also in no condition to swim.
Shiraz: Don't do this. You still have your reputation.
Satin Fox (shoving Kurama to the water below): All more the reason to do it.
Shiraz rushes past the Satin Fox. She takes her chances by jumping from the cliff. Satin Fox steps away.
Too Late
Hiei and Talon rush to the sound of a scream. Azure runs at their side. She stands as a seven-tailed silver fox at the peak's edge. Hiei looks at the creature known as the Satin Fox.
Hiei: Where are they?
Satin Fox: They fell. Even you know whatever falls from this peak dies as soon as it hits the river below.
Yusuke and Kuwabara watch as Hiei viciously kills the Satin Fox.
Hiei: You killed them. I killed you.
Talon keeps his eyes towards the water hoping to sees signs of either of the pair. Talon and Azure step towards Hiei.
Talon: I'm sorry.
Hiei: Kurama is still alive. So is the girl.
Talon: They couldn't have.
Hiei: Don't even.
Yusuke: What in the hell makes you believe that they're alive? You heard her.
Kuwabara: Guys, let's not jump to.make any assumptions.
Yusuke (speaking to Talon): What do you think?
Talon: Well, if they are live they took a hell of a fall.
Recovery
As a child walks the banks of the river she discovers something wonderful. A pair of fox creatures lie unconscious. She rushes back to her parents.
Farouk: Mom! Dad! I found a fox!
Her family were a group of nomads. The group regard the fox as the guardian of children. It would be wrong not to offer aid to the pair. Farouk returns to the river. This time she brings the rest of the group. She watches her mother check to see if the creatures show any signs of life. Both are breathing. The make's breath is very shallow.
Farouk: What should we do?
She watches as the pair are brought back to the grounds. They are placed along a large bed within a temple. Farouk hears her mother state that she will remain to care of the pair.
Farouk: Mother, may I help. After all they are a gift from the Gods.
Her mother nods in approval. Farouk and her mother remain in the temple as everyone else returns to work. Farouk watches her mother begin to care for the male by removing the shredded material from his upper body. She then cleans the wounds, which in Farouk's mind are numerous. She covers these wounds with clean bandages. Her mother works without waking the boy. She then cover his sleeping form with the thick bedding.
Farouk's mother then begins to care for the female. Farouk can tell the she is in much better condition than her companion is.
Farouk (running her fingers through silver hair): Do you think he'll make it?
Her mother sighs, but she doesn't speak. It is as if she can't tell her child that the answer is "not very likely". Farouk sleeps along blankets in the floor. She and her mother must switch places as they can watch over the pair.
Morning
Shiraz wakes from her slumber. She lies in a large bed wrapped in the warmth of thick blankets. The cuts she suffered during her fall have been cleaned and bandaged. She looks about a room decorated in silk. The room appears to be within some kind of place of worship. Shiraz lies still as a scrawny looking child steps near. The girl places her hand near Kurama's face.
Farouk: Wonderful, you made it through the night. I can't wait for you to wake up so I can speak to you.
Shiraz watches the child. Farouk jumps back suddenly.
Farouk: I'm sorry. You startled me. I know I'm foolish for doing that.
My name is Farouk.(bows).. I'm supposed to be caring for you.
Shiraz: Aren't you scared of me?
Farouk: No. I don't feel I need to be. I can tell you aren't going to
hurt me. Are you hungry?
Shiraz: No.
Shiraz glances towards Kurama. He is still sleeping. She watches the child step near him. Farouk begins to remove the bandages and cleanse the wounds. Shiraz watches as Farouk rewraps the wounds. Farouk then runs her fingers through Kurama's long hair.
Farouk (voice low): Please stay with me. I'm not ready for you to leave.
Shiraz: So um.Farouk, why do you take care of us? And where are we?
Farouk: You're in the temple. As a young child I was taught to value
the fox. We regard your kind as a guardian spirit. Therefore, we repay
you for your ability to protect us by offering you all the aid you
need. I'll get my mother to bring you a meal. She told me to get her
when you woke.
Shiraz: What about Kurama?
Farouk: He is still asleep. Mother believes that he has lost a lot of
blood. She left me the responsibility of watching over him. Oh, I just
remembered something.know that you are not a prisoner, but a welcomed
guest. The same goes for your companion.
Shiraz: So you continue to care for us even though we are feared?
Farouk: Your companion will need time. He is wounded badly. But I'm
not going to give up on him. Mother already has.
Shiraz: His name is Kurama and I'm Shiraz.
Farouk: Well then Shiraz I'll make sure that you are brought something
to eat. However, Kurama just needs rest. After that I guess you can do
what you please.
Shiraz: How long have we been here?
Farouk: Since last night. Why do you ask?
Shiraz: Has anyone come for us?
Farouk: Not that I was told. Why?
Shiraz: Because we weren't alone.
Farouk: When I found you there wasn't anyone near.
Shiraz: So you didn't see anyone near us?
Farouk: No, you were alone.
Shiraz: Would you be told if someone was to show up here looking for
us?
Farouk: I think they would tell you before they ever mention it to me.
Shiraz: You think so?
Farouk: I'm just a ten-year-old kid to most of these people. They
believe that I am strange because I can tell things about people.
Shiraz: Like what?
Farouk: You aren't naturally as mean as your reputation states. And
Kurama is much different from the creature described by my ancestors.
He saved my life before.
Shiraz: How do you know it was he who saved you?
Farouk: Something inside tells me it was. He was with someone when he
saved me.
Shiraz: A dark haired male?
Farouk: Yes.
Shiraz: Hiei.
Farouk: You mean the felon. He didn't seem is bad as they say either.
I guess you have to be cross with him in order for him to be vicious
with you. I heard he is quite a fighter though.
Shiraz: You have no fear yet you have so much innocence.(mumbles).how
is that possible?
Farouk: I wasn't born with the ability to have fear.
Searching Alone
Hiei continued to search for Kurama. Yusuke and Kuwabara remain in the human world. Botan stay with them at Hiei's request. Well, his forceful suggestion. He didn't need them. All they did was slow him down. Talon and Azure remained in touch, but they believed Kurama and Shiraz to be dead. Therefore, they didn't feel the need to search for them. They figured that the bodies would show up eventually. Still something told Hiei that the pair had survived the fall.
Kurama's Waking
Farouk enters the room where the pair of foxes has been staying. She continues her routine of cleaning and wrapping the wounds along the sleeping fox. Shiraz continues to be distant towards the child. She watches from afar as Farouk finishes her work and prepares to leave. A low voice catches her attention causing her to stop dead. Farouk turns towards Kurama. She is surprised to see a pair of golden eyes upon her.
Farouk: Mother! Mother, he's awake! I told you!
Farouk steps towards Kurama. Her voice is low as she begins to speak.
Farouk: I knew you would wake. I'm Farouk. I've been caring for you.
Kurama (weakly): Where's Shiraz?
Shiraz (stepping near): Right here. Rest.(sitting along the bed next
Kurama).there's no need for you to try anything.
Kurama (reaching for Shiraz's wrist) What exactly happened?
Shiraz: Well, do you remember the fight?
Kurama: I remember the pit wars and you fighting the Satin Fox. I
remember Hiei and the others.
Shiraz: Well, then all you don't remember is the river. You wouldn't
remember the river because by then blood loss caught up with you. You
were completely unconscious when she threw you over. You've been that
way for three days.
Kurama (glancing towards Farouk): You said that you have been caring
for me?
Farouk: Yes.
Kurama: Well, then I am grateful of your assistance.
Farouk: You should rest.
Farouk begins to walk away as her mother steps into the room. A smile plays upon the child's face as her mother leaves food and clothing for the pair. She glances towards the bed. A pair of golden eyes follows her movements. She shudders as she stands outside of the door of the room. Farouk looks at her mother.
Farouk: What is it?
Her mother shakes her head.
Farouk: His eyes remind you of something.
Farouk watches her mother nod. The conversation doesn't continue as Farouk watches her mother step away. The child remains outside the door. She enters the room minutes later to remove the dishes and dirty clothing. She glances towards Kurama with a smile. She notices he is asleep once more.
Farouk: He should be fine once he finds his strength.
Shiraz: My only hope is that someone is continuing to search for us.
I've seen no one in three days. There isn't a way for me to travel
with him.
Farouk: He is much too weak to leave. But maybe I can help. Who exactly are you waiting for?
Shiraz: Hiei. Hell, I would settle with the sight of Yusuke right now.
Farouk: I don't know where to find a spirit detective or a felon for
that matter. But I know of someone who could possibly locate Hiei.
Shiraz: No. You've done enough already.
Shiraz watches the child leave the room as she lowers herself back upon the bed. She runs her fingers through her golden mane and curls up next to Kurama.
Shiraz (speaking lowly to Kurama): I wish I could have prevented all
of this. You should be home right now. Not lying in this room. I
wonder if I hadn't revealed my identity to you would you be better off
right now.
Kurama pushes himself closer to Shiraz. Shiraz smiles. I do know that if I hadn't told you I probably wouldn't be this close to you right now. Also you were on Tsunami's list to start with. So the question is if I hadn't showed you who I am or told you about Tsunami would you be safe at home or would you be still be Tsunami's pet. I'm sorry for all you have to endure because of me.
She drifts to sleep with Kurama near.
Kurama wakes in the middle of the night, He can hear the voices of people outside the door. He recognizes that the conversation is between the child's mother, the child and someone else. He can't comprehend the other voice very well at the moment. This is probably because the third person says very little. Kurama thinks of Hiei. Farouk enters the room as quietly as possible. She is surprised to discover Kurama is awake. She bows low in a greeting. Kurama nods towards the child. Farouk steps near the bed. She looks at Kurama. Farouk: Is there something you need?
Kurama shakes his head.
Farouk: That's not what you eyes say. I know what it is, you wish to know whom my mother was speaking to.
Kurama doesn't reply.
Farouk: All I can say is he looks almost like someone I've seen
before. He wanted to know about you and Shiraz. Mother asked him for a
name. He said he was Talon. There was a silver fox with him.
Kurama: Talon?
Farouk: That's all I know. You should sleep. You should worry about
it. Mother didn't tell him you were here. She told me I should tell
you both in the morning. It will be your decision of whether or not he
should know about you both.
Kurama nods. He closes his eyes and tries to sleep. Sleep won't come. He lies awake in the darkness listening to Shiraz's breathing. He watches Farouk enter the room periodically. He finds sleep as the sun beams through the window. Farouk enters the room early that morning. She glances towards the waking pair as she goes about her usual duties. She has something to tell the pair, but she feels it should wait until they have eaten and changed clothing. Farouk leaves the room. She returns to the room in order to take away the dishes and used clothing. Shiraz watches her. Farouk's eyes are on Kurama as she steps back through the room. He is slumbering along the bed. Farouk smiles.
Farouk (whispering): It was you. You may not even remember what
happened, but I remember that it took two days to get me home. I
remember how you look when you are sleeping.
Shiraz (stepping near Farouk): Is something wrong?
Farouk (shaking her head): Nothing.
Farouk smiles slightly as Shiraz returns to the other side of the room. She leaves the room. Her mother watches her.
Wandering
It is late afternoon and Shiraz and Kurama walk the area where they were offered aid. Both are skeptical about the people around them. Shiraz stays near Kurama as people watch the pair closely. It seems that the people are preparing for a celebration. Farouk walks with the pair. She is the only one allowed to be near them. The raven-haired child walks through the land stating names. Shiraz and Kurama step into a field as the child walks at Kurama's side. Farouk remains near Kurama as she lifts a white rose from the ground. Kurama looks at her.
Kurama: So you seem to be the elected guide.
Farouk: I'm not very popular at home. I don't like it here. I was
raised here, but I have no happy memories here.
Kurama: You seem quite lonely.
Shiraz: And we don't help that loneliness, do we?
Farouk: You're not a problem.
Shiraz: That explains a lot of what I've observed about you.
Farouk: Like what?
Shiraz: You are willing to care for strangers yet you aren't willing
to stay in the same room with your mother.
Farouk: She is my stepmother. My father passed away not very long
after marrying her. Then my stepmother remarried.
Shiraz: So you feel all alone.
Farouk: I hope to leave here one day. Maybe then I will be happy.
Kurama: How do you plan to do that?
Farouk: I've explored more of this land than any other hunter has. I
know where there are portals to the human world
Kurama: So you plan to enter the human world?
Shiraz: You don't think that could be dangerous.
Farouk: There is a fable told by my family of a fox who could kill
without remorse. He stole from this very group of hunters once. One
of my ancestors wounded him fatally. He died after a long period of
suffering. Yet five hundred years later the fox is regard as a sacred
creature
Kurama: Does that strike you as odd?
Farouk: No. What I strike as odd is the creature who died in the fable
many years ago stands before me now. Also this same creature saved me
from drowning when I was five.
Kurama: You believe that you are looking at the same fox?
Farouk: You are the same fox, Kurama. I knew when I saw you. This is
what bothers my mother. She sees the same fox. She doesn't see what I
see though.
Kurama (watching the child break the stem of the rose in half): What
is that?
Farouk: The change in your heart.
Farouk then places the rose in her hair. Kurama looks away from the child. He understands her words. He and Shiraz begin to walk back towards the temple. Farouk follows without a word.
Farouk (speaking to Kurama): I envy you with your knowledge and
freedom. I wish I were able to be as strong as you are. I want to be
in control of my life and my beliefs like you.
Kurama: You don't know of how I've lived. You know nothing about the
people I have slain. You don't know of how I hide in the shadows. Yes,
child, I am the King of Thieves but even I am not in control.
Farouk: But unlike me you have confidence. You are cunning and you are
a survivor. If I were to be injured, as you were I would have surly
died. I can't even defend myself against the man I must call father.
Kurama: That doesn't make you any less than me. You are more wonderful
than I could ever be in life. You may not have realized it but you
have the confidence and the determination I have. You just show it at
different times.
Farouk: I must push myself not to give up. I care for myself each day.
Kurama: And that makes you more confident about who you are and the
person you wish to be like in life. You showed true determination by
not giving up on me when things looked badly. You kept going even when
others told you to stop tormenting yourself and let me die.
Farouk: I only did what I was taught.
Kurama: The only thing that I can't understand is why envy me?
Farouk: You have strength, confidence, determination, and skill. I
have none of these.
Kurama (stepping near a pool of water): Come here. Look at yourself
and tell me what you see.
Farouk (standing next to Kurama): I see a scrawny child who is too
small for her age with rags for clothing. Ragged looking raven hair,
dull brown eyes, scarred hands, and a jagged scar along her face.
Kurama: I see a beautiful girl with a lust for knowledge. Gifted with
the ability to heal the sick and wounded. A child of pure heart and
with the ability to recognize someone, who is the same, she would give
her everything to protect those closest to her. A child who can
comfort the weak and give hope to the dying. As well as restore hope
to those who have let it slip away.
Farouk: How do you see all that?
Kurama: With your heart to help me.
Farouk: You really think that I have all those qualities?
Kurama: And more you have determination, confidence, knowledge, skill
and you have the most important thing of all.
Farouk: What's that?
Kurama: Love.
Farouk: Love is important?
Kurama: More than anything. I know love doesn't seem like much but I
know what it is like not to love. It makes one cold and merciless.
Farouk: If one is cold and merciless isn't he better off in life. I
mean his heart never bleeds or breaks to the whims of others.
Kurama: No, he is a fool. Pain of the heart makes one stronger. It
causes one to be determined in life. To have emotion is not a
weakness, but a strength. It tells you that you are alive. It keeps
you from choosing the same mistakes. It makes you cautious.
Farouk: I don't understand.
Kurama: In time you will.
Farouk (looking towards Shiraz): I heard you talk about regret. You
thought someone would be better off without you in his life. I want
you to know something. I don't think he would be any better if you
hadn't revealed yourself. He would have been worse. He regrets the
fact that he chose not to love you. To keep you hidden deep within his
heart without your knowledge was torture. He is better off with you.
Shiraz: You were listening?
Farouk: I listen with my ears and my heart. I always have.
Shiraz: What does your heart tell you now?
Farouk: That in spite of everything you both have done in your time
you are not evil. You are not truly demons, but misguided spirits.
Kurama: You may feel secure around us now, but in the past you would
have probably disappeared from our sight long ago.
Farouk: The past makes one prepared for the future.
Kurama: Indeed.
Farouk: The future is never set in stone, the present only exists as
we speak, for soon the present becomes the past and it can never be
changed. It can only make us who we are as we live in the present.
Kurama nods.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its characters. However, I do own Shiraz, Nawari, Azure, Tsunami, Talon, Satin Fox (Lombre), and Farouk.
By Silverwolf 2003
Sequel to Trading Sides
Thought are in Italics
Hiei watched Tsunami throw Talon aside. Hiei rushed Tsunami. It didn't take long for Hiei to finish him off. Yusuke and Kuwabara were now fighting numerous demons.
Talon looked around. He couldn't see Kurama or Shiraz anywhere. Azure stood fighting Nawari. Talon realized he also could not se the Satin Fox.
Peaks and Rivers
Shiraz looked at the Satin Fox. She saw that the creature wasn't planning to help her or Kurama. She watched the Satin Fox step closer to the peak's edge. The water could be heard below. Shiraz realizes that the creature wants to make sure she regrets ever defeating it.
Satin Fox: You may have beaten me, but I will make you regret it.
Shiraz: How?
Satin Fox (holding Kurama): Your lover is in no condition to fight me. He is also in no condition to swim.
Shiraz: Don't do this. You still have your reputation.
Satin Fox (shoving Kurama to the water below): All more the reason to do it.
Shiraz rushes past the Satin Fox. She takes her chances by jumping from the cliff. Satin Fox steps away.
Too Late
Hiei and Talon rush to the sound of a scream. Azure runs at their side. She stands as a seven-tailed silver fox at the peak's edge. Hiei looks at the creature known as the Satin Fox.
Hiei: Where are they?
Satin Fox: They fell. Even you know whatever falls from this peak dies as soon as it hits the river below.
Yusuke and Kuwabara watch as Hiei viciously kills the Satin Fox.
Hiei: You killed them. I killed you.
Talon keeps his eyes towards the water hoping to sees signs of either of the pair. Talon and Azure step towards Hiei.
Talon: I'm sorry.
Hiei: Kurama is still alive. So is the girl.
Talon: They couldn't have.
Hiei: Don't even.
Yusuke: What in the hell makes you believe that they're alive? You heard her.
Kuwabara: Guys, let's not jump to.make any assumptions.
Yusuke (speaking to Talon): What do you think?
Talon: Well, if they are live they took a hell of a fall.
Recovery
As a child walks the banks of the river she discovers something wonderful. A pair of fox creatures lie unconscious. She rushes back to her parents.
Farouk: Mom! Dad! I found a fox!
Her family were a group of nomads. The group regard the fox as the guardian of children. It would be wrong not to offer aid to the pair. Farouk returns to the river. This time she brings the rest of the group. She watches her mother check to see if the creatures show any signs of life. Both are breathing. The make's breath is very shallow.
Farouk: What should we do?
She watches as the pair are brought back to the grounds. They are placed along a large bed within a temple. Farouk hears her mother state that she will remain to care of the pair.
Farouk: Mother, may I help. After all they are a gift from the Gods.
Her mother nods in approval. Farouk and her mother remain in the temple as everyone else returns to work. Farouk watches her mother begin to care for the male by removing the shredded material from his upper body. She then cleans the wounds, which in Farouk's mind are numerous. She covers these wounds with clean bandages. Her mother works without waking the boy. She then cover his sleeping form with the thick bedding.
Farouk's mother then begins to care for the female. Farouk can tell the she is in much better condition than her companion is.
Farouk (running her fingers through silver hair): Do you think he'll make it?
Her mother sighs, but she doesn't speak. It is as if she can't tell her child that the answer is "not very likely". Farouk sleeps along blankets in the floor. She and her mother must switch places as they can watch over the pair.
Morning
Shiraz wakes from her slumber. She lies in a large bed wrapped in the warmth of thick blankets. The cuts she suffered during her fall have been cleaned and bandaged. She looks about a room decorated in silk. The room appears to be within some kind of place of worship. Shiraz lies still as a scrawny looking child steps near. The girl places her hand near Kurama's face.
Farouk: Wonderful, you made it through the night. I can't wait for you to wake up so I can speak to you.
Shiraz watches the child. Farouk jumps back suddenly.
Farouk: I'm sorry. You startled me. I know I'm foolish for doing that.
My name is Farouk.(bows).. I'm supposed to be caring for you.
Shiraz: Aren't you scared of me?
Farouk: No. I don't feel I need to be. I can tell you aren't going to
hurt me. Are you hungry?
Shiraz: No.
Shiraz glances towards Kurama. He is still sleeping. She watches the child step near him. Farouk begins to remove the bandages and cleanse the wounds. Shiraz watches as Farouk rewraps the wounds. Farouk then runs her fingers through Kurama's long hair.
Farouk (voice low): Please stay with me. I'm not ready for you to leave.
Shiraz: So um.Farouk, why do you take care of us? And where are we?
Farouk: You're in the temple. As a young child I was taught to value
the fox. We regard your kind as a guardian spirit. Therefore, we repay
you for your ability to protect us by offering you all the aid you
need. I'll get my mother to bring you a meal. She told me to get her
when you woke.
Shiraz: What about Kurama?
Farouk: He is still asleep. Mother believes that he has lost a lot of
blood. She left me the responsibility of watching over him. Oh, I just
remembered something.know that you are not a prisoner, but a welcomed
guest. The same goes for your companion.
Shiraz: So you continue to care for us even though we are feared?
Farouk: Your companion will need time. He is wounded badly. But I'm
not going to give up on him. Mother already has.
Shiraz: His name is Kurama and I'm Shiraz.
Farouk: Well then Shiraz I'll make sure that you are brought something
to eat. However, Kurama just needs rest. After that I guess you can do
what you please.
Shiraz: How long have we been here?
Farouk: Since last night. Why do you ask?
Shiraz: Has anyone come for us?
Farouk: Not that I was told. Why?
Shiraz: Because we weren't alone.
Farouk: When I found you there wasn't anyone near.
Shiraz: So you didn't see anyone near us?
Farouk: No, you were alone.
Shiraz: Would you be told if someone was to show up here looking for
us?
Farouk: I think they would tell you before they ever mention it to me.
Shiraz: You think so?
Farouk: I'm just a ten-year-old kid to most of these people. They
believe that I am strange because I can tell things about people.
Shiraz: Like what?
Farouk: You aren't naturally as mean as your reputation states. And
Kurama is much different from the creature described by my ancestors.
He saved my life before.
Shiraz: How do you know it was he who saved you?
Farouk: Something inside tells me it was. He was with someone when he
saved me.
Shiraz: A dark haired male?
Farouk: Yes.
Shiraz: Hiei.
Farouk: You mean the felon. He didn't seem is bad as they say either.
I guess you have to be cross with him in order for him to be vicious
with you. I heard he is quite a fighter though.
Shiraz: You have no fear yet you have so much innocence.(mumbles).how
is that possible?
Farouk: I wasn't born with the ability to have fear.
Searching Alone
Hiei continued to search for Kurama. Yusuke and Kuwabara remain in the human world. Botan stay with them at Hiei's request. Well, his forceful suggestion. He didn't need them. All they did was slow him down. Talon and Azure remained in touch, but they believed Kurama and Shiraz to be dead. Therefore, they didn't feel the need to search for them. They figured that the bodies would show up eventually. Still something told Hiei that the pair had survived the fall.
Kurama's Waking
Farouk enters the room where the pair of foxes has been staying. She continues her routine of cleaning and wrapping the wounds along the sleeping fox. Shiraz continues to be distant towards the child. She watches from afar as Farouk finishes her work and prepares to leave. A low voice catches her attention causing her to stop dead. Farouk turns towards Kurama. She is surprised to see a pair of golden eyes upon her.
Farouk: Mother! Mother, he's awake! I told you!
Farouk steps towards Kurama. Her voice is low as she begins to speak.
Farouk: I knew you would wake. I'm Farouk. I've been caring for you.
Kurama (weakly): Where's Shiraz?
Shiraz (stepping near): Right here. Rest.(sitting along the bed next
Kurama).there's no need for you to try anything.
Kurama (reaching for Shiraz's wrist) What exactly happened?
Shiraz: Well, do you remember the fight?
Kurama: I remember the pit wars and you fighting the Satin Fox. I
remember Hiei and the others.
Shiraz: Well, then all you don't remember is the river. You wouldn't
remember the river because by then blood loss caught up with you. You
were completely unconscious when she threw you over. You've been that
way for three days.
Kurama (glancing towards Farouk): You said that you have been caring
for me?
Farouk: Yes.
Kurama: Well, then I am grateful of your assistance.
Farouk: You should rest.
Farouk begins to walk away as her mother steps into the room. A smile plays upon the child's face as her mother leaves food and clothing for the pair. She glances towards the bed. A pair of golden eyes follows her movements. She shudders as she stands outside of the door of the room. Farouk looks at her mother.
Farouk: What is it?
Her mother shakes her head.
Farouk: His eyes remind you of something.
Farouk watches her mother nod. The conversation doesn't continue as Farouk watches her mother step away. The child remains outside the door. She enters the room minutes later to remove the dishes and dirty clothing. She glances towards Kurama with a smile. She notices he is asleep once more.
Farouk: He should be fine once he finds his strength.
Shiraz: My only hope is that someone is continuing to search for us.
I've seen no one in three days. There isn't a way for me to travel
with him.
Farouk: He is much too weak to leave. But maybe I can help. Who exactly are you waiting for?
Shiraz: Hiei. Hell, I would settle with the sight of Yusuke right now.
Farouk: I don't know where to find a spirit detective or a felon for
that matter. But I know of someone who could possibly locate Hiei.
Shiraz: No. You've done enough already.
Shiraz watches the child leave the room as she lowers herself back upon the bed. She runs her fingers through her golden mane and curls up next to Kurama.
Shiraz (speaking lowly to Kurama): I wish I could have prevented all
of this. You should be home right now. Not lying in this room. I
wonder if I hadn't revealed my identity to you would you be better off
right now.
Kurama pushes himself closer to Shiraz. Shiraz smiles. I do know that if I hadn't told you I probably wouldn't be this close to you right now. Also you were on Tsunami's list to start with. So the question is if I hadn't showed you who I am or told you about Tsunami would you be safe at home or would you be still be Tsunami's pet. I'm sorry for all you have to endure because of me.
She drifts to sleep with Kurama near.
Kurama wakes in the middle of the night, He can hear the voices of people outside the door. He recognizes that the conversation is between the child's mother, the child and someone else. He can't comprehend the other voice very well at the moment. This is probably because the third person says very little. Kurama thinks of Hiei. Farouk enters the room as quietly as possible. She is surprised to discover Kurama is awake. She bows low in a greeting. Kurama nods towards the child. Farouk steps near the bed. She looks at Kurama. Farouk: Is there something you need?
Kurama shakes his head.
Farouk: That's not what you eyes say. I know what it is, you wish to know whom my mother was speaking to.
Kurama doesn't reply.
Farouk: All I can say is he looks almost like someone I've seen
before. He wanted to know about you and Shiraz. Mother asked him for a
name. He said he was Talon. There was a silver fox with him.
Kurama: Talon?
Farouk: That's all I know. You should sleep. You should worry about
it. Mother didn't tell him you were here. She told me I should tell
you both in the morning. It will be your decision of whether or not he
should know about you both.
Kurama nods. He closes his eyes and tries to sleep. Sleep won't come. He lies awake in the darkness listening to Shiraz's breathing. He watches Farouk enter the room periodically. He finds sleep as the sun beams through the window. Farouk enters the room early that morning. She glances towards the waking pair as she goes about her usual duties. She has something to tell the pair, but she feels it should wait until they have eaten and changed clothing. Farouk leaves the room. She returns to the room in order to take away the dishes and used clothing. Shiraz watches her. Farouk's eyes are on Kurama as she steps back through the room. He is slumbering along the bed. Farouk smiles.
Farouk (whispering): It was you. You may not even remember what
happened, but I remember that it took two days to get me home. I
remember how you look when you are sleeping.
Shiraz (stepping near Farouk): Is something wrong?
Farouk (shaking her head): Nothing.
Farouk smiles slightly as Shiraz returns to the other side of the room. She leaves the room. Her mother watches her.
Wandering
It is late afternoon and Shiraz and Kurama walk the area where they were offered aid. Both are skeptical about the people around them. Shiraz stays near Kurama as people watch the pair closely. It seems that the people are preparing for a celebration. Farouk walks with the pair. She is the only one allowed to be near them. The raven-haired child walks through the land stating names. Shiraz and Kurama step into a field as the child walks at Kurama's side. Farouk remains near Kurama as she lifts a white rose from the ground. Kurama looks at her.
Kurama: So you seem to be the elected guide.
Farouk: I'm not very popular at home. I don't like it here. I was
raised here, but I have no happy memories here.
Kurama: You seem quite lonely.
Shiraz: And we don't help that loneliness, do we?
Farouk: You're not a problem.
Shiraz: That explains a lot of what I've observed about you.
Farouk: Like what?
Shiraz: You are willing to care for strangers yet you aren't willing
to stay in the same room with your mother.
Farouk: She is my stepmother. My father passed away not very long
after marrying her. Then my stepmother remarried.
Shiraz: So you feel all alone.
Farouk: I hope to leave here one day. Maybe then I will be happy.
Kurama: How do you plan to do that?
Farouk: I've explored more of this land than any other hunter has. I
know where there are portals to the human world
Kurama: So you plan to enter the human world?
Shiraz: You don't think that could be dangerous.
Farouk: There is a fable told by my family of a fox who could kill
without remorse. He stole from this very group of hunters once. One
of my ancestors wounded him fatally. He died after a long period of
suffering. Yet five hundred years later the fox is regard as a sacred
creature
Kurama: Does that strike you as odd?
Farouk: No. What I strike as odd is the creature who died in the fable
many years ago stands before me now. Also this same creature saved me
from drowning when I was five.
Kurama: You believe that you are looking at the same fox?
Farouk: You are the same fox, Kurama. I knew when I saw you. This is
what bothers my mother. She sees the same fox. She doesn't see what I
see though.
Kurama (watching the child break the stem of the rose in half): What
is that?
Farouk: The change in your heart.
Farouk then places the rose in her hair. Kurama looks away from the child. He understands her words. He and Shiraz begin to walk back towards the temple. Farouk follows without a word.
Farouk (speaking to Kurama): I envy you with your knowledge and
freedom. I wish I were able to be as strong as you are. I want to be
in control of my life and my beliefs like you.
Kurama: You don't know of how I've lived. You know nothing about the
people I have slain. You don't know of how I hide in the shadows. Yes,
child, I am the King of Thieves but even I am not in control.
Farouk: But unlike me you have confidence. You are cunning and you are
a survivor. If I were to be injured, as you were I would have surly
died. I can't even defend myself against the man I must call father.
Kurama: That doesn't make you any less than me. You are more wonderful
than I could ever be in life. You may not have realized it but you
have the confidence and the determination I have. You just show it at
different times.
Farouk: I must push myself not to give up. I care for myself each day.
Kurama: And that makes you more confident about who you are and the
person you wish to be like in life. You showed true determination by
not giving up on me when things looked badly. You kept going even when
others told you to stop tormenting yourself and let me die.
Farouk: I only did what I was taught.
Kurama: The only thing that I can't understand is why envy me?
Farouk: You have strength, confidence, determination, and skill. I
have none of these.
Kurama (stepping near a pool of water): Come here. Look at yourself
and tell me what you see.
Farouk (standing next to Kurama): I see a scrawny child who is too
small for her age with rags for clothing. Ragged looking raven hair,
dull brown eyes, scarred hands, and a jagged scar along her face.
Kurama: I see a beautiful girl with a lust for knowledge. Gifted with
the ability to heal the sick and wounded. A child of pure heart and
with the ability to recognize someone, who is the same, she would give
her everything to protect those closest to her. A child who can
comfort the weak and give hope to the dying. As well as restore hope
to those who have let it slip away.
Farouk: How do you see all that?
Kurama: With your heart to help me.
Farouk: You really think that I have all those qualities?
Kurama: And more you have determination, confidence, knowledge, skill
and you have the most important thing of all.
Farouk: What's that?
Kurama: Love.
Farouk: Love is important?
Kurama: More than anything. I know love doesn't seem like much but I
know what it is like not to love. It makes one cold and merciless.
Farouk: If one is cold and merciless isn't he better off in life. I
mean his heart never bleeds or breaks to the whims of others.
Kurama: No, he is a fool. Pain of the heart makes one stronger. It
causes one to be determined in life. To have emotion is not a
weakness, but a strength. It tells you that you are alive. It keeps
you from choosing the same mistakes. It makes you cautious.
Farouk: I don't understand.
Kurama: In time you will.
Farouk (looking towards Shiraz): I heard you talk about regret. You
thought someone would be better off without you in his life. I want
you to know something. I don't think he would be any better if you
hadn't revealed yourself. He would have been worse. He regrets the
fact that he chose not to love you. To keep you hidden deep within his
heart without your knowledge was torture. He is better off with you.
Shiraz: You were listening?
Farouk: I listen with my ears and my heart. I always have.
Shiraz: What does your heart tell you now?
Farouk: That in spite of everything you both have done in your time
you are not evil. You are not truly demons, but misguided spirits.
Kurama: You may feel secure around us now, but in the past you would
have probably disappeared from our sight long ago.
Farouk: The past makes one prepared for the future.
Kurama: Indeed.
Farouk: The future is never set in stone, the present only exists as
we speak, for soon the present becomes the past and it can never be
changed. It can only make us who we are as we live in the present.
Kurama nods.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its characters. However, I do own Shiraz, Nawari, Azure, Tsunami, Talon, Satin Fox (Lombre), and Farouk.