Disclaimer: Not mine

Drown

Kitsune awoke the nest morning feeling much better. The pain in the abdomen was still there but it was less now.

Last night had done her good. She wasn't as weepy or solemn anymore. She could smile and eat. She could function.

Slowly, she got up and made her way downstairs. There were some solemn faces at breakfast but Kitsune chose to ignore them. She felt so good right then! She could conquer anything! Liver cirrhosis and all.

Kitsune reached over for more miso soup. Shinobu was an awesome cook.

"Shinobu, you're miso soup is delicious!" Shinobu blushed a quietly supplied a thank you.

"Kitsune, you have a doctor's appointment today." Motoko said.

Kitsune stopped the spoon midway to her mouth. "I do?"

"Yes you do. The doctor called again to make sure you knew. She said she thought you hadn't heard but didn't bother because you needed time to get over the shock." Kitsune nodded.

"What time?"

"In around three hours. At eleven." Again Kitsune nodded. Everyone resumed his or her meals.

Kitsune soon finished hers and got up. She would have to take a bath, get dressed appropriately, find a ride, and take a friend. Kitsune quickly finished her bath and got dressed. From there, she padded around trying to find Naru and Keitaro, maybe even Seta, to take her downtown.

Soon she found them. They were quietly conversing. Kitsune cleared her throat to make her presence known. They both turned around and smiled pleasantly upon her.

"Is there anything you need Kitsune?" Keitaro asked.

"Yeah. I was wondering if you both could give me a ride down to the hospital?" Kitsune then flashed a weak smile. She was slightly afraid of the hospital and what it represented. "I also need some moral support."

Naru returned Kitsune's smile. "Sure. But Keitaro doesn't have a car."

"I can borrow Seta's van. I'm sure it will be no problem."

"Okay then. In about an hour, could you two meet me down at the bottom of the steps of the Hinata House?"

"Sure."

"Thanks." Kitsune waved her thanks to them and retreated inside. She would walk around for a bit, read a bit and then go to the hospital when the time came.

Kitsune made her way upstairs and into her room. It was just a habit to come to her room.

She closed the screen behind herself and sat down at the table where she and Seta had sat yesterday. From there, she leant back on her arms and surveyed her humble adobe.

Not much on the walls. Her table was in the center. Her futon would be placed next to it. Her stereo was in the corner, along with a few dancing books that hadn't been put back into their proper spot. Then there was her closet with her books and clothes.

Kitsune turned her head to survey what was behind her. There, in that position, she froze. She was facing her mini bar. Yesterday she had tried to break one of the bottles to no avail. Today she was a little saner.

She got up and made her way over to the bar. Kitsune reached out a hand and placed the tips of her fingers along the smooth glass, letting them slide down. Sometimes, she still got the urge for a drink. She overcame it with logic but it was still present.

She would have to do something about that. Kitsune made a decision. Tomorrow, or even today, she would get rid of it all…for good.

Of course, she would miss the solace it gave her when she was depressed. But she wanted to live.

Kitsune let her hand drop and turned around. She made her way to her counter on the other side of the room. There she had pictures of everyone she loved.

Keitaro, Naru and the gang.

Seta and his family.

And her own family.

Kitsune picked up a picture of a family. She hadn't seen them in the longest time. They didn't even know what was happening to her. That their little Kits was dying.

A small tear made its way down Kitsune's face. Her family were the last to know. She had always been one to stay close to her family. But ever since the death of her father things had changed. She came to Hinata and practically lost contact. There was the occasional phone call but there had been nothing recent.

Maybe she should call them when she got back? Yes that was a good idea. She needed her real family right now.

With a sigh, Kitsune placed the photo down and turned to her clock. Almost time to go. Quickly, Kitsune made finishing touches on her outfit and left.

.~.

Kitsune made her way down the steps. At the bottom, she looked around for Seta's van. She saw them down the road on her left. She made her way over there. They were chatting with Seta and Sarah.

Kitsune came over and said her hi's and hello's. The conversation on the ancient turtle civilization lasted for about five more minutes. Kitsune, Naru and Keitaro then boarded themselves into the van and took off for the hospital.

Once the van was parked, everyone exited and stretched for a few seconds. They then made their way to the office.

It took about thirty minutes for Kitsune to get called up. There, she entered the doctor's office slightly shaking from nervousness. What was she really here for? Hopefully for some good news. Kitsune crossed her fingers behind her back.

She sat down in the chair that Dr. Kaji motioned to. The doctor struck up a conversation.

"So how have you been feeling lately?"

"Mmmm…okay I guess."

"You guess? Why 'I guess'?" There was a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Well, I don't feel as bad as I did the first day. It doesn't hurt to sit, stand or walk. It's a dull pain but almost gone." The doctor nodded.

"I have some good yet bad news for you." Kitsune perked up at this announcement.

"Really?"

"Really really." More amusement.

"What's the news?"

"To put it bluntly you might not have liver cirrhosis. But don't get your hopes up. There's an eighty percent chance of you having liver cirrhosis. I just did a blood test the other day, not a biopsy. So I'll need to take some of your liver tissue and have that tested as well."

Kitsune didn't dare rejoice. The news was good but the biopsy results still had to come. Just one thing nagged here.

"Why did you tell me I had liver cirrhosis before you were certain then?"

"Good question. It was a slip-up on my part. I didn't think in your case. It was when I called you that it occurred to me. That's why I made another appointment so early for you." Kitsune nodded and smiled.

"Thank you." The doctor smiled.

"Do you want to schedule the biopsy now and get an explanation for it later or vice-versa?"

"Umm…I'll schedule it now."

"Okay. What day is good for you?" Dr Kaji had a pencil and paper pad ready.

"Tomorrow is good."

"No can do. Your appointment has to be at least a week from today."

"Okay. Today's…Thursday. So next Friday then?"

"Sure." The doctor scrawled the date down onto the pad and tore it off. She handed it to Kitsune.

"Do you want the explanation of the procedure now?"

"Yes I do."

"Okay. First of all, no painkillers of any kind at all this next week. No matter how bad the pain gets, you'll have to refrain. The painkillers will make it hard for your blood to clot. You can't eat or drink anything eight hours before your procedure. Nothing. You'll need a ride here. You won't be permitted to drive after we've given you sedatives. I'll also have to take another blood sample right now to make sure your blood clots properly. If not then we'll have to wait to let it. Have you taken any painkillers in the last two days?"

"Nope. None that I can think of." The doctor nodded and administered the blood test.

"Okay. You should be good to go. I'll call you tomorrow to let you know if we'll have to reschedule. I'll let you know what we do during the actual biopsy on the day of the procedure. How's that?"

"Great."

"Good. Well you're free to go."

"Thank you." Kitsune stood up and left. She made her way back out to the lobby. Both Keitaro and Naru were still there.

"How'd it go?" Naru's face was creased with worry.

Kitsune let out a small laugh. "I might not have cirrhosis. I have another appointment next Friday. You guys will have to bring me here again. And when we get home, remind me to call my parents."

They nodded.

.~.

Is it possible for me to tell you guys how much I love you? I mean the reviews are so uplifting I almost cried. I mean…wow….

Mantis Man- Aww…Thanks for the compliments! I would e-mail you right now but my e-mail is being retarded. It'll receive but it won't send (weird, I know). So if you hold on for like another week (it's long, sorry) I'll e-mail you. And mantises are cool!!

mr-winkie- I've tried to fix the spaces. Hope you like it better. I looked back and didn't like the spaces either. Sorry! Thanks for the suggestion. Keep them coming!

Dark-Hand- You registered! Congrats! I was afraid for the longest time. And you added me to your favorites list! Ahhh!! I feel extremely loved now. Thank you so much for the compliments!

dennisud-No thank you for replying. I really appreciate it. I hope my fic isn't too cliché. Not what I wanted it to be. If you have any suggestions please give them. I do love them. And as for tearjerkers…I can't compare to some of them out there. But I'll try my best ^.^ Also, thank you for saying it's one of your favorite LH fics. You're so sweet!

NefCanuck- Short but sweet. That is one of the best compliments I have received yet. I am so glad I can paint that picture. The glimmer of hope hopefully intensified in this chapter. It was my own mistake actually. I forgot to add in the biopsy!! ^.^;

Thank you all so much! I was wondering…I've already incorporated it but what do you all feel about me adding Kitsune's past in here. Dark-Hand brought it up and I felt it was a good idea. But I would like some feedback on this subject. We've never learnt much on Kitsune's past so I thought it might add a little sentimentality to it. What do you think? Thank you all!!