Two weeks had passed since that day. He was unsure how to act around her, so for the time being, he kept his distance, watching her from not too far away. Occasionally he saw Naomi look over at him with some confusion and… possibly hurt on her face, but she never questioned him. Why was he doing this anyway? As he rethought this, the reason popped into his head. 'The string…' He was still unsure of why the string would appear. 'It does not make sense. Her mother has already predicted her soul mate. The string should go to him, not me.'
He didn't know why he kept dwelling on that but it seemed very important to keep his distance so these weird emotions didn't cause him to go and do something stupid. It was difficult to restrict himself to her, very difficult. Naomi would look over now and then just to shoot a smile his way. He tried his hardest not to smile back, causing her to show some sadness. This wasn't fair to her, but he needed to sort things out.
"Kurama? Please come with me to target practice? I need to speak with you."
Without answering, he followed her as she picked up her bow and arrows. Naomi got into her stance and aimed directly at the target. Concentrating hard, she finally let loose the arrow to hit a perfect bull's eye. "What's going on, Kurama?"
He didn't answer her, as much as he wanted to he didn't. So, she continued. "After the day of the ritual, you seem to have reverted back to the way you were when you first came here, cold and distant. I won't push you to tell me, but I would like to know why. I thought things were going along well here. What happened?" During this time, she had prepared another arrow and was about to let it loose. "Did something happen, Kurama?" She then let it loose to hit, yet again, another bull's eye.
He just stood there, watching her as she practiced and listen to her speak to him. What could he say? He had no real reason except the string, but he wasn't ready to tell her about that.
Lucky for him, he heard a familiar voice cry out. "Naomi-sama! Kurama-san!"
Both he and Naomi looked up when they recognized the voice. This time, Naomi smiled and put her things away to go meet her little cousin. "Back here, Sóra."
The small girl ran to the back and instantly gave her older cousin a big hug in greeting. Naomi smiled and returned the hug. He just stood there and he was tempted to smile, but stopped himself. He was glad Naomi was smiling.
The embrace ended and Sóra was now looking up at him with a curious look on her face. "Are you okay, Kurama-san? You don't look the same from last time."
"Kurama has a lot on his mind, Sóra. Now, why don't you tell me what do I owe the honor of your visit this time?"
The little blue eyed girl turned to the violet eyed woman. "Actually, I'm here on a mission. Sorta. See, there's this house up the mountain that momma goes to visit now and then cause this old woman lives there all alone. Well, mom's going away for awhile and can't go up there and the woman's really sick, so she sent me here to see if you could go in her place. She already sent word to the woman that you were coming. She also said something about making sure you didn't bring the beast, but I don't know what she meant by that." The innocent child looked up at Naomi, who looked a bit "tweaked" by the comment.
"Alright, Sóra, where does this woman live?"
Sóra ran over a bit and point high up in the mountain. "There. Her house is hidden from view, but it is there."
Naomi sighed and nodded. "I'll leave at once. Sóra, you said your mom left for awhile. Where are you staying?"
Sóra blinked a few times. "Well, she said to stay at the shrine and look after it while you're gone. Something about making sure that-"
"We don't need to know what she said next, Sóra. Alright, stay here and look after the shrine for me. I put your art supplies in the closet of my room." Naomi turned to him. "I should be back in a few days I guess. Please look after Sóra while I'm gone."
He stood there and shook his head. "It would be faster and safer if I went with you."
"That won't be necessary. Besides, someone has to stay behind and watch over Sóra."
"It's okay, Naomi-sama. I'm a big girl now. I'm eleven!"
Naomi smiled at Sóra. "I know, but I would feel more comfortable if there was someone here with you."
"I would be happy to stay with the girl, Naomi-sama." All heads went up to fall upon a woman with long brown hair and clear green eyes. "Mizuki -san? How are Rei and Shino?"
"They are doing very well to the point where I finally approve of them. They are planning the wedding date even as we speak. I actually came to tell you this myself and to thank you. Please, if you need assistance in watching over the child, I will be happy to. Rei's family has offered to house Shino for a few days to show that they approve as well. So, since I am alone in the house, I would have no problem staying here with her or she come with me. It is up to you, Naomi-sama."
He tried not to put on a triumphant smile when he saw the look on her face. Naomi smiled. "Arigatou, Mizuki-san. I am in your debt."
With a wave of her hand, Mizuki smiled. "No need, Naomi-sama. If anything, we are even. Now go get ready to leave. You don't want to miss the rest of the morning."
Naomi smiled and thanked Megumi again as she went inside to get her supplies. He stood there and waited for her. She soon came out with medical supplies in a bag that was at her side. Naomi looked at him and nodded, signaling she was ready. Sóra came up to her. "Naomi-sama. Be careful."
"Don't worry, Sóra. I won't be gone long. Besides, I have Kurama with me. There's nothing to fear." She smiled at the girl and Mizuki as she turned and headed into the forest and up the mountain, him right behind her.
Why did she still trust him when he wasn't even speaking with her much? It didn't make sense. "'It should only be about a day's walk. We'll be there by morning." He just nodded as they walked.
All day was spent in an uncomfortable silence, him stuck in his thoughts and Naomi letting him think. Eventually, they had to make camp for the night. Naomi went to get some firewood while he set up the area to make sure no demon would attack. They had to be cautious in the woods. 'Demons could be hiding anywhere.'
Naomi soon returned with the wood and soon began a fire. Sitting down, she looked at him with questioning eyes. He didn't really like that look. "Kurama, I know there's something on your mind. Please know I'm here if you need to talk. I don't like the fact you won't talk to me anymore."
"I don't like it either, but I'm not able to talk about it just yet. Please, I do not mean to hurt you in anyway, but this is something only I can figure out."
Naomi just nodded, somewhat satisfied with his answer. "I understand. Just know I'm here if you need me."
"Thank you."
With that, Naomi lay down on the ground and curled up into a somewhat ball near the fire. He looked at her with curiosity. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to get some sleep."
"Why do you not cover yourself? It is a bit cool tonight."
"I didn't have room to bring a blanket. I'll be fine."
Seeing her shiver, he sighed, got up and went beside her. Gently, he pulled her to him, causing her head to rest on his chest while he had his arm around her. "Warmer now?"
He couldn't see it, but Naomi was blushing like mad. "Y-yes. Thank you. You didn't have-"
"Shh. Just get some sleep. We have a ways to go in the morning."
"Hai. Good night, Kurama."
"Good night, Naomi."
He felt her breathing even out, showing she was asleep. For some reason, as he looked at her, he felt his cheeks heat up. 'Am I… blushing? Why?' Shaking his head, he allowed sleep to overtake him, causing him to go into a nice, peaceful sleep, one he had not had in a really long time.
They both woke up by the sun rising, its light shining right into their eyes. He looked and saw he had both arms around her at that point, pulling her into him. Her arms were resting on his chest, her head there as well. That warm feeling on his face appeared again as he woke her up from her slumber so they could continue on their journey.
They had come to a steeper part of the mountain. "Hope you're good at rock climbing Kurama." He turned to her to see she had begun to climb up. Smiling and shaking his head, he jumped up and grabbed her. She looked at him in shock. "Just hang on." He put her on his back and began to jump up the steep mountain. When jumping wasn't an option, he climbed up, Naomi on his back still.
Eventually they both reached the top of the mountain. He put Naomi down and waited by the tree line. She turned to him. "Aren't you coming?"
He shook his head. "I do not think she would be very comfortable with a demon in her household."
She nodded in understanding and went towards the door. Knocking, she waited for the woman to open the door. An elderly woman came to the door and smiled. "You must be Naomi-sama. I am honored to have you here."
Naomi just smiled. "I am glad to assist you in anything you need, obaasan. Now, tell me what ails you."
The woman nodded, and looked over at him. "Who is your friend, Naomi-sama?"
Turning slightly, she regarded him. "That is my good friend Kurama. He was kind enough to travel with me to see you."
The woman squinted a bit then looked back at the miko. "Is he not a fox demon?"
"He is, but he is a good friend. He will cause no harm."
The woman smiled. "Then let him enter. If a miko has no fear or caution around someone, then I shouldn't fear them as well. Come in, sir. Make yourself comfortable."
He nodded to the woman and walked over. "Arigatou, but are you sure you wouldn't mind?"
"Not at all. A friend of Naomi-sama is a friend of mine. Come in." They both entered the small home. Naomi and the woman went to her bed room to treat her illness while he stayed in the living room. After a long period of time, he heard them both come out. "Now remember to drink this twice a day. You should get your strength back in no time."
"Arigatou Naomi-sama. I'm only sorry to have made you come from so far away."
Naomi waved her hand. "Don't even think about that. It pleases me to know I have helped someone. It was no trouble at all."
"At least let me repay you by having you stay here the night. It will be a long journey back and the sun has already gone down. Please, Naomi-sama. You and your friend will be better to travel in the daylight."
The miko turned to look at him to see what he thought. He nodded and she turned back to the woman. "We would be honored to, arigatou."
The woman smiled and went to get some futons for the visitors. Naomi looked at him and smiled. "And you were worried she wouldn't accept you."
"It has happened before."
"Sorry to hear that." She smiled at him when the woman came into the room.
"I have two extra rooms. They used to be for my children. There is also a hot spring not too far off if you two want to relax. Don't worry. There is a wooden wall in between to separate the men from the women. Please, go and relax. I insist."
They both looked at each other and shrugged. Naomi smiled at the woman. "Thank you. That would be lovely."
After a few moments to figure out which room they were staying in, the two took towels and went to the hot spring. It was a fairly large one with indeed a wooden wall to separate the two sexes. He went to one side and she went to the other. Behind the wall, they removed their clothing and stepped into the hot spring. Naomi could feel all her muscles relax as the hot water covered her. The pressure was releasing from his body as well.
A question had been burning in his mind for a while so why not ask now. "Naomi?"
"Hmm?"
"Is it possible that the red string could go to the wrong person?"
"What do you mean?"
He thought for a moment of how to better phrase it. "Does a red string appear to only your soul mate or is it possibly a string can appear between others?"
There was a moment of silence which made him a little uneasy. "Technically, it's called the red string of fate. So, if the string appears in the ritual, that's your soul mate, the one you are destined to be with, the one fate has decided you should be with. It's used as a somewhat guide to that one person. So, to answer your question, the string only goes to your soul mate."
He sat back a bit and thought this over. 'Then why would her string be attached to me? This does not make sense.'
There was a sudden movement of water. His ears perked up and his body went into an alert position. "Don't worry, Kurama. I'm just getting out."
His body began to relax again. After a few moments, he also got up and grabbed the towel to wrap around his waist. After changing into his usual attire, he followed Naomi's scent back to the house. There she sat at the table, hair still slightly wet from the hot spring. The old woman moved about the kitchen then placed three plates on the table. "Eat up you two."
He sat down across from Naomi and began to eat as she did. After the wonderful meal, Naomi thanked the woman and excused herself for some sleep. He watched as she left.
"So, you care for the Naomi-sama, eh?" He turned to the woman with a somewhat shocked expression on his face. She just sat there drinking her tea. "I know who you are, or rather who you were. I have seen you many years ago. Do not worry though. I will not tell her. That is up to you."
He looked at her curiously. "Who are you, old woman?"
She chuckled. "You wouldn't know me, but you would know of my daughter. She has made quite a name for herself in the Spirit World and here."
"And who is your daughter?"
"Genkai."
That startled him greatly. The famous psychic in the world was this old woman's daughter? Amazing. "Indeed, I have heard of her. That was fourteen years ago though. I heard she now resides at a shrine by herself."
"Yes, it is unfortunate." She turned to him. "You are worried if she feels the same way, am I right?"
What was he supposed to say? That he was actually worried about what a miko thought of him? Even that sentence seemed wrong in his mind. "I think I shall get some sleep in as well."
Noticing that was his way of closing the subject, she smiled. "Good night, Kurama. Be careful tomorrow." He nodded and headed to his room to sleep.
Before he did though, he looked into Naomi's room and saw her in a peaceful slumber. His eyes softened and after much effort, he tore his gaze away from her and went to bed.
By dawn's morning light, he awoke to the smells of breakfast. Getting up, he went over to the kitchen to see the woman working while Naomi sat at the table. "Sit down, Kurama. It's almost done."
He did as he was told and looked up to see Naomi give a weak smile to him. 'That is not like her.' They ate their breakfast and began to get ready to leave. "Obaasan, please send word if you need my help again. Do not hesitate."
"Thank you Naomi-sama. I will remember. Arigatou. And have a safe journey."
"We will. Thank you. Good bye!" Naomi waved to the woman as they left the property.
They soon reached the edge of the cliff. He bent down for her to grab on and after a bit of hesitation, she did. "Hang on tight." With that, he began the decent down the cliff and to the bottom.
When he finally felt the ground under his feet, he bent down to give her an easier time getting off. Naomi got off and looked around. "Well, we better get going. I feel guilty for leaving Sóra even this long. You ready?" He nodded and they began to walk through the forests again.
The walk was mostly in silence, which did not sit well with him. He kept a look out every which way for any signs of demons. Suddenly, Naomi stopped walking and looked around. At the same time, he felt a shiver go up and down his spine. "It seems we are surrounded. How many do you sense, Kurama?"
"Five at the most."
She smiled. "Shouldn't be too difficult then."
At that time, the demons showed themselves from their hiding places behind bushes and in trees. "Well well well, what do we have here? Looks like someone took a wrong turn."
"Hey boss. It's a miko."
The first demon smiled. "Even better. Let's get rid of them quickly."
He grinned. "I would like to see you try."
The leader looked down again. "Can it be? Yes, there's no mistake." A look of pure anger filled the demon's face. "Kill the demon."
With that, the four others attacked the couple, him using his Rose Whip and Naomi using arrows and some martial arts as well as spells.
The leader stood high in the trees, watching the fight. At one point, one of his men went to attack the girl from behind. "Naomi!" To his surprise, the white haired demon blocked the attack, getting hit hard in the stomach. "Kurama?!?"
Noticing this, the leader smiled an evil grin. 'So that's it.' He looked over to the bushes and gave a nod in the direction of the miko. The bushes rustled and the leader himself jumped down. "Well, might as well have some fun too." He rushed full force at Naomi, who had noticed just in time. Dodging the attack, she rush to the side and got her arrow ready. Just one problem… the leader was heading toward him.
He got up and in an attack position in time to defend himself from the attack. "My master will be pleased with what we have found. Soon you and the girl will pay with blood."
"What are you talking about?" he growled. With that, he let loose his Rose Whip, killing the demon before him.
Taking deep breaths, he looked up to see Naomi with a look of worry on her face. "I'll be fine. Missed all the major organs."
Suddenly, Naomi winced and fell to one knee, clutching her arm. He quickly ran over to her. "Naomi, what's wrong?"
"I…I don't know. I suddenly feel very… weak…" That's when he noticed a dart in her arm. Looking to the bushes, he saw a demon laugh as it ran away. He got a good look at the demon in case he needed to track it down and kill it later. Right now, he had to see to Naomi. He took the dart out and sniffed it. 'Poison. But what kind I do not know.'
It had started to rain at this time, thunder clouds appearing. He picked her up and ran as fast as he could for some kind of shelter. Not too far off in the distance he saw a cave. 'Alright. That will have to do for now. We are too far away from the shrine at this point.' He ran as fast as he could to the cave, the rain not helping much.
He finally reached it and placed Naomi down carefully. She had begun to sweat and shiver greatly. "So c-cold." Looking around the cave, he saw some sticks and twigs. After gathering them all up, he started a little fire. 'That won't last long at all.'
Naomi lay by the wall, shivering greatly as more sweat fell from her forehead. The rain turned from somewhat light to a downpour at this point. He did the only thing he could think of. Slowly, he went beside her, picked her up and placed her in his lap, encircling his arms around her. As her legs were spread out, he wrapped his legs around her, making for a rather… interesting position. 'I have to get her warmed up.'
"K-k-kurama?"
"What is it?"
"I'm s-sorry you're stuck with me. D-don't feel that y-you have to stay. I know you want to g-go back in the wild. If you d-did, I'd understand."
He shook his head. "Don't think that. Just rest. I'm not stuck with you. I'm here because I want to be. Now just rest."
She nodded and tried to sleep in his arms. It was very fitful as sporadically pain filled her entire body, causing her to whimper and moved to try to get it to stop. He held on to her tightly the entire night, not letting her go. "It's alright. It will be alright. I promise you Naomi. It will be alright."
And the rain kept pouring down…
~*~ That's all for now. Ja ne!~*~