God, I'm so insanely jealous of my reviewers' mad skillz of poetry…I promise this will all go up on the site eventually…first, from Mai-chan…Kia's POV to Kelsey.
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we found out who we are.
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we fought an evil witch (Who really was a bitch)
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we fought off seven beasts.
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we both battled a disease.
We both did all these things together...
Us Mirror Holders together...
Now I am alone,
Where did your soul go?
You're not by my side,
I wouldn't mind if you were.
I might drift off in a dream if you're not there,
With you by my side...
*sniffle* Arigatooooo…and from The Sitha's Curse, yet another wonderful poem describing Kia's journey!
A thousand miles of weeping skies
A thousand miles of woe
A thousand miles without you
And another thousand to go
A thousand steps could bring me closer
Or so very far away
But for a thousand nights of starless sky
It would be far worse if I should stray
A thousand paths before me
A thousand paths to choose
A thousand paths inviting
Though only one is true
A thousand memories like twisting thorns
Touched by sorrow's kiss
A thousand more await us
It would be a shame for you to miss
^^ Thanks, guys, and also thanks for the birthday wishes and the nifty art presents from Kelsey and Shin-san! Last chapter, Kurama hit on Kia, she lectured him, and now it's about to get even…ah…stranger…keep in mind that I had the hardest time writing this, so go easy. Oh…Lobo-chan…I have no intention nor do I want to make anyone cry. I cry because I'm easily sentimental. If this story makes you cry or not, I just hope you enjoy reading it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"PLEASE tell me you're Satsukiame Aori!"
Kia found herself floating in utter darkness. Judging by the proximity of the voice, she guessed that she wasn't alone in her dream.
"It's Kia. Who are you?"
"Youko Kurama's old partner." There was an audible sigh. "You have NO idea how many dreams I had to go through to get here!" The blackness receded and the girl saw that she was hovering over a familiar sight.
"That's Suzuki's house!"
"Right." The voice was closer now. Kia turned her head and saw a pale man standing beside her, his long black hair gathered into a high ponytail. He wore a ripped sleeveless black shirt, a half of a ragged hat, and black pants under a white overrobe. Two large bat wings were tightly folded against his back. "My name is Kuronue and I'll be your dream-guide today…err…tonight."
The brunette eyed him bemusedly. "Elaborate, please?"
He beckoned to her, extending his hand. She noticed several black straps buckled around both arms and became slightly more wary. "Take my hand. You'll see."
There was nothing in his voice and manner that gave Kia any reason to distrust him. She placed her hand in his larger one. "You said you were Kurama's old partner--what happened?"
Kuronue sighed again. "I got caught in a trap and I've been somewhat dead for some time now."
"…Somewhat?"
"My body was preserved. My spirit wanders. Maybe someday I'll live again…" He gave his head a shake and floated down. "But we're not here to talk about me." To Kia's surprise, they drifted right through the front of Suzuki's house and ended up in the girls' bedroom.
The Mirror Holder blinked, looking down. Kurama, Jin, Hiei, and Touya were either standing or sitting by Kelsey's bed. The blonde girl was gasping, her breath emerging in harsh and painful exhalations.
"Your friend is losing the fight for her life," Kuronue remarked softly.
Suddenly, Kelsey screamed, her body writhing and straining against her covers. Kurama rushed to her side, but it was too late. The girl's gray eyes rolled up and she sagged down, silent once more. She would never make another sound again. The redheaded Youko checked her pulse, then slowly shook his head, closing his eyes in grief and turning away from his lifeless friend.
"Kelsey!!" Kia tried to float down, but Kuronue held her back. "Damn it, let me go!"
"Not yet…" The chimera pulled her out of the house. "Close your eyes."
"But--"
"This is important! Do it!"
Chastened, the girl obeyed. She felt a rush of cool air caress her cheek, and then heard her companion's voice again.
"Now open them."
She did so--and discovered that they were now in Yuumei's cottage, hovering over the living room. Kage was stretched out on the floor with Osore seated beside him. Yuumei and Aiko sat on the couch with an unknown man, talking to him enthusiastically. As the two "ghosts" watched, the man embraced Aiko.
Kia felt most decidedly odd. "Is that…my dad?"
"Hai. Kakushigei." Kuronue glanced down, then at the brunette. "You have his eyes."
She took a closer look at her father, trying to push the image of Kelsey out of her mind for the time being. He had a shock of unruly black hair and warm brown eyes, and wore a big grin. "…I guess so…" She tensed as the door flew open and about ten men charged in, none of them looking very friendly.
Kage and Osore were instantly on their feet, alert and ready to engage in battle with the intruding weapon-wielders. "Aiko, run!" The young Youko yelled. "We'll hold them back!"
"But--" At that moment, Aiko sounded exactly like Kia.
-It's you they're after!- Kage snarled violently, a definite change from his normally mild and tranquil self. -GO!- He lunged at one of the closer men, closing sharp teeth around his fleshy leg. Aiko ran past the attackers and out of the cottage. They started after her, but the way was immediately blocked by Osore's illusion dragon.
Kage, turning to watch the woman go, yelped in pain as someone's boot solidly connected with his skull. The dog collapsed.
Kuronue looked over at the Mirror Holder. She was staring at the chaos, hands pressed to her open mouth in mute horror.
"One more sight…" The chimera drew her closer. "Prepare yourself." The living room abruptly vanished. They now stood in a cold, dark throne room. On a black velvet throne in the very center sat Netami, a smirk on her cruel icy features. An ornate mirror sat in her lap, flashing gold and silver. And at her feet…this time, Kia was the one who screamed.
The bodies of all of her friends and family were piled at the base of the throne. Kurama, Yusuke, Suzuki, Rinku, her mother, father, and grandmother, Ashita, Osore, Kyattsuai, Touya, Mizu, Hiei, Kelsey, others…Jin. And herself.
Netami laughed shrilly, sliding off her regal seat and slinking over to the pile. She looked up and met Kia's gaze with mocking purple orbs as she kissed the dead Wind Master firmly. "It will hurt, Mirror Holder…and the pain will NEVER end!"
"…Hiketsu? Konisou! …Damn it, SATSUKIAME!!"
Kia sat up with a start, almost colliding heads with Youko Kurama. "What?!"
He frowned. "What's with you? You were screaming…and now you're…shaking…" She was rather ashen… "Did you have a nightmare or something?"
The girl grabbed the front of his shirt. "Kurama, we have to go back!"
"…You're kidding, right?"
"No!" She shook her head vehemently, fixing her pleading brown eyes on his face. "Onegai, Kurama, I think my mother's in danger and my friends might be too! PLEASE!!"
The Youko's eyes softened as he looked at the distraught girl. "It'll be faster if I take my other form. Start running. Don't ask why, just do it."
Kia seized her backpack and started to run. Despite her suspicions, she was still startled when a large fox with greenish fur and glowing red eyes caught up with her. The muzzle jerked up sharply and she suddenly understood what he wanted her to do. Catching his fur in a firm grip, she let her feet leave the ground and swung onto his back. (A/N: I DID mention he was a large fox, right?)
Kurama had been right. He was practically as fast as the wind, if not faster. But Kia wasn't sure if he could make it in time. No sooner had she thought that then a silver light wrapped around them both. The kitsune picked up speed.
"The Mirror Half," the girl murmured in amazement. "It's HEALING him before he even has a chance to wear himself out!" If only they'd thought of this before…they could have returned with the Mirror Half by now. Well, no use bemoaning the past.
When it would've taken them about four to six days on foot, it only took five hours for the combined forces of Mirror Half and kitsune to reach Yuumei's house. The door was wide open.
"Shit…" Kia slid off Kurama's back and raced into the house. She halted in her tracks, aghast.
Blood was everywhere. So were dead bodies. The brunette carefully stepped over one, a man with a knife lodged in his throat. Then her eyes fell on Osore. The Youko was badly bruised and cut, but alive. Kaku was facedown on the floor, unconscious. Yuumei was also passed out. She had a bump on the back of her head, but otherwise seemed unharmed. But one of her friends was missing…
"Kage?" She heard a low whine and ran over to the dog, who was feebly licking a bloodied stump. His paw lay in the corner and the girl cringed, ignoring it. A quick check revealed the truth. Her canine friend was dying. He had an arrow imbedded in his side and lifted his head as Kia tried to carefully draw it out.
-Don't bother. I've…lost too much…blood…and besides…it's…poisoned…-
"Kage, no…" Kia whispered, kneeling and cradling his large head. "You can't…"
-Listen…carefully…your dream…was…premonition…Aiko…is in….danger…go to her…before it's too late…-
"What happened?"
-Ambush.- The dog weakly waved his tail. -They're…all dead…I helped…bakas…thought they…could beat us…we…showed them…-
"Don't talk…save your breath…" The girl's voice cracked slightly.
-Stop that…I'm…going…to die…it was…a pleasure…to have known you, Kia…tell Kelsey that too…when she wakes up…don't…let…dream…come true…-
"Don't die!" she pleaded. "Kage!"
-Don't…let them…kill her…I'm…going…home…- The tail dropped and the life fled his body as the lids lowered.
"KAGE!! NO!!!" Kia hugged her lifeless friend, eyes welling up. "Please…don't leave me…Kage…" With a whimper, the tears were released. "I'm so sorry…"
*Konisou…* Kurama called from outside. *Let's go.*
Wiping her eyes, the girl kissed the dog's cold nose and walked out, lifting the hood over her head. "Give me a minute…" She went back, dragging Osore, Yuumei, and her father to various spots on Yuumei's bed and the couch. It only took her four or five minutes to completely heal their injuries and then she had vaulted on Kurama's back and the fox was running, following Aiko's scent.
*How was it back there?* He inquired.
Kia choked back a sob. "Eleven dead, and one was Kage…"
*The dog?*
"H…hai…"
*Oh.* He hesitated. *I'm sorry…but grieve later. We have to find your mother, before she's killed. And if she dies, you die too…and so does your friend. That's probably why they're targeting her.*
"Netami," the girl whispered fiercely. "That BITCH!"
I'm going to kill you, she thought bitterly, as Kurama raced on. You AND your lapdog, for what you've done and what you might do to my friends and family…
I am NOT going to let Kage's death be in vain.
*OOC*
Poor Kage…I loved that dog! *sniffles* Just who else will Kia lose in her battle with Netami? Please review…and yes, Chloe-chan, it's a countdown to chapter 15…Thanks to everyone who's been staying with me on this…please review! NEXT chapter!
* It's a desperate race for time! Can Kia and Kurama reach Aiko in time?
* Kia must choose…the life of her mother or a colossal change of the past…
* The long-awaited fight between Kia and Netami…oh, wait…Akumu wants to go first. Oh, well. The long-awaited fight between Kia and the bastard!
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we found out who we are.
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we fought an evil witch (Who really was a bitch)
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we fought off seven beasts.
It seemed like it was yesterday,
When we both battled a disease.
We both did all these things together...
Us Mirror Holders together...
Now I am alone,
Where did your soul go?
You're not by my side,
I wouldn't mind if you were.
I might drift off in a dream if you're not there,
With you by my side...
*sniffle* Arigatooooo…and from The Sitha's Curse, yet another wonderful poem describing Kia's journey!
A thousand miles of weeping skies
A thousand miles of woe
A thousand miles without you
And another thousand to go
A thousand steps could bring me closer
Or so very far away
But for a thousand nights of starless sky
It would be far worse if I should stray
A thousand paths before me
A thousand paths to choose
A thousand paths inviting
Though only one is true
A thousand memories like twisting thorns
Touched by sorrow's kiss
A thousand more await us
It would be a shame for you to miss
^^ Thanks, guys, and also thanks for the birthday wishes and the nifty art presents from Kelsey and Shin-san! Last chapter, Kurama hit on Kia, she lectured him, and now it's about to get even…ah…stranger…keep in mind that I had the hardest time writing this, so go easy. Oh…Lobo-chan…I have no intention nor do I want to make anyone cry. I cry because I'm easily sentimental. If this story makes you cry or not, I just hope you enjoy reading it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"PLEASE tell me you're Satsukiame Aori!"
Kia found herself floating in utter darkness. Judging by the proximity of the voice, she guessed that she wasn't alone in her dream.
"It's Kia. Who are you?"
"Youko Kurama's old partner." There was an audible sigh. "You have NO idea how many dreams I had to go through to get here!" The blackness receded and the girl saw that she was hovering over a familiar sight.
"That's Suzuki's house!"
"Right." The voice was closer now. Kia turned her head and saw a pale man standing beside her, his long black hair gathered into a high ponytail. He wore a ripped sleeveless black shirt, a half of a ragged hat, and black pants under a white overrobe. Two large bat wings were tightly folded against his back. "My name is Kuronue and I'll be your dream-guide today…err…tonight."
The brunette eyed him bemusedly. "Elaborate, please?"
He beckoned to her, extending his hand. She noticed several black straps buckled around both arms and became slightly more wary. "Take my hand. You'll see."
There was nothing in his voice and manner that gave Kia any reason to distrust him. She placed her hand in his larger one. "You said you were Kurama's old partner--what happened?"
Kuronue sighed again. "I got caught in a trap and I've been somewhat dead for some time now."
"…Somewhat?"
"My body was preserved. My spirit wanders. Maybe someday I'll live again…" He gave his head a shake and floated down. "But we're not here to talk about me." To Kia's surprise, they drifted right through the front of Suzuki's house and ended up in the girls' bedroom.
The Mirror Holder blinked, looking down. Kurama, Jin, Hiei, and Touya were either standing or sitting by Kelsey's bed. The blonde girl was gasping, her breath emerging in harsh and painful exhalations.
"Your friend is losing the fight for her life," Kuronue remarked softly.
Suddenly, Kelsey screamed, her body writhing and straining against her covers. Kurama rushed to her side, but it was too late. The girl's gray eyes rolled up and she sagged down, silent once more. She would never make another sound again. The redheaded Youko checked her pulse, then slowly shook his head, closing his eyes in grief and turning away from his lifeless friend.
"Kelsey!!" Kia tried to float down, but Kuronue held her back. "Damn it, let me go!"
"Not yet…" The chimera pulled her out of the house. "Close your eyes."
"But--"
"This is important! Do it!"
Chastened, the girl obeyed. She felt a rush of cool air caress her cheek, and then heard her companion's voice again.
"Now open them."
She did so--and discovered that they were now in Yuumei's cottage, hovering over the living room. Kage was stretched out on the floor with Osore seated beside him. Yuumei and Aiko sat on the couch with an unknown man, talking to him enthusiastically. As the two "ghosts" watched, the man embraced Aiko.
Kia felt most decidedly odd. "Is that…my dad?"
"Hai. Kakushigei." Kuronue glanced down, then at the brunette. "You have his eyes."
She took a closer look at her father, trying to push the image of Kelsey out of her mind for the time being. He had a shock of unruly black hair and warm brown eyes, and wore a big grin. "…I guess so…" She tensed as the door flew open and about ten men charged in, none of them looking very friendly.
Kage and Osore were instantly on their feet, alert and ready to engage in battle with the intruding weapon-wielders. "Aiko, run!" The young Youko yelled. "We'll hold them back!"
"But--" At that moment, Aiko sounded exactly like Kia.
-It's you they're after!- Kage snarled violently, a definite change from his normally mild and tranquil self. -GO!- He lunged at one of the closer men, closing sharp teeth around his fleshy leg. Aiko ran past the attackers and out of the cottage. They started after her, but the way was immediately blocked by Osore's illusion dragon.
Kage, turning to watch the woman go, yelped in pain as someone's boot solidly connected with his skull. The dog collapsed.
Kuronue looked over at the Mirror Holder. She was staring at the chaos, hands pressed to her open mouth in mute horror.
"One more sight…" The chimera drew her closer. "Prepare yourself." The living room abruptly vanished. They now stood in a cold, dark throne room. On a black velvet throne in the very center sat Netami, a smirk on her cruel icy features. An ornate mirror sat in her lap, flashing gold and silver. And at her feet…this time, Kia was the one who screamed.
The bodies of all of her friends and family were piled at the base of the throne. Kurama, Yusuke, Suzuki, Rinku, her mother, father, and grandmother, Ashita, Osore, Kyattsuai, Touya, Mizu, Hiei, Kelsey, others…Jin. And herself.
Netami laughed shrilly, sliding off her regal seat and slinking over to the pile. She looked up and met Kia's gaze with mocking purple orbs as she kissed the dead Wind Master firmly. "It will hurt, Mirror Holder…and the pain will NEVER end!"
"…Hiketsu? Konisou! …Damn it, SATSUKIAME!!"
Kia sat up with a start, almost colliding heads with Youko Kurama. "What?!"
He frowned. "What's with you? You were screaming…and now you're…shaking…" She was rather ashen… "Did you have a nightmare or something?"
The girl grabbed the front of his shirt. "Kurama, we have to go back!"
"…You're kidding, right?"
"No!" She shook her head vehemently, fixing her pleading brown eyes on his face. "Onegai, Kurama, I think my mother's in danger and my friends might be too! PLEASE!!"
The Youko's eyes softened as he looked at the distraught girl. "It'll be faster if I take my other form. Start running. Don't ask why, just do it."
Kia seized her backpack and started to run. Despite her suspicions, she was still startled when a large fox with greenish fur and glowing red eyes caught up with her. The muzzle jerked up sharply and she suddenly understood what he wanted her to do. Catching his fur in a firm grip, she let her feet leave the ground and swung onto his back. (A/N: I DID mention he was a large fox, right?)
Kurama had been right. He was practically as fast as the wind, if not faster. But Kia wasn't sure if he could make it in time. No sooner had she thought that then a silver light wrapped around them both. The kitsune picked up speed.
"The Mirror Half," the girl murmured in amazement. "It's HEALING him before he even has a chance to wear himself out!" If only they'd thought of this before…they could have returned with the Mirror Half by now. Well, no use bemoaning the past.
When it would've taken them about four to six days on foot, it only took five hours for the combined forces of Mirror Half and kitsune to reach Yuumei's house. The door was wide open.
"Shit…" Kia slid off Kurama's back and raced into the house. She halted in her tracks, aghast.
Blood was everywhere. So were dead bodies. The brunette carefully stepped over one, a man with a knife lodged in his throat. Then her eyes fell on Osore. The Youko was badly bruised and cut, but alive. Kaku was facedown on the floor, unconscious. Yuumei was also passed out. She had a bump on the back of her head, but otherwise seemed unharmed. But one of her friends was missing…
"Kage?" She heard a low whine and ran over to the dog, who was feebly licking a bloodied stump. His paw lay in the corner and the girl cringed, ignoring it. A quick check revealed the truth. Her canine friend was dying. He had an arrow imbedded in his side and lifted his head as Kia tried to carefully draw it out.
-Don't bother. I've…lost too much…blood…and besides…it's…poisoned…-
"Kage, no…" Kia whispered, kneeling and cradling his large head. "You can't…"
-Listen…carefully…your dream…was…premonition…Aiko…is in….danger…go to her…before it's too late…-
"What happened?"
-Ambush.- The dog weakly waved his tail. -They're…all dead…I helped…bakas…thought they…could beat us…we…showed them…-
"Don't talk…save your breath…" The girl's voice cracked slightly.
-Stop that…I'm…going…to die…it was…a pleasure…to have known you, Kia…tell Kelsey that too…when she wakes up…don't…let…dream…come true…-
"Don't die!" she pleaded. "Kage!"
-Don't…let them…kill her…I'm…going…home…- The tail dropped and the life fled his body as the lids lowered.
"KAGE!! NO!!!" Kia hugged her lifeless friend, eyes welling up. "Please…don't leave me…Kage…" With a whimper, the tears were released. "I'm so sorry…"
*Konisou…* Kurama called from outside. *Let's go.*
Wiping her eyes, the girl kissed the dog's cold nose and walked out, lifting the hood over her head. "Give me a minute…" She went back, dragging Osore, Yuumei, and her father to various spots on Yuumei's bed and the couch. It only took her four or five minutes to completely heal their injuries and then she had vaulted on Kurama's back and the fox was running, following Aiko's scent.
*How was it back there?* He inquired.
Kia choked back a sob. "Eleven dead, and one was Kage…"
*The dog?*
"H…hai…"
*Oh.* He hesitated. *I'm sorry…but grieve later. We have to find your mother, before she's killed. And if she dies, you die too…and so does your friend. That's probably why they're targeting her.*
"Netami," the girl whispered fiercely. "That BITCH!"
I'm going to kill you, she thought bitterly, as Kurama raced on. You AND your lapdog, for what you've done and what you might do to my friends and family…
I am NOT going to let Kage's death be in vain.
*OOC*
Poor Kage…I loved that dog! *sniffles* Just who else will Kia lose in her battle with Netami? Please review…and yes, Chloe-chan, it's a countdown to chapter 15…Thanks to everyone who's been staying with me on this…please review! NEXT chapter!
* It's a desperate race for time! Can Kia and Kurama reach Aiko in time?
* Kia must choose…the life of her mother or a colossal change of the past…
* The long-awaited fight between Kia and Netami…oh, wait…Akumu wants to go first. Oh, well. The long-awaited fight between Kia and the bastard!