Sorry for taking so long, minna-san! School's been really hectic lately and Chapter Thirteen just hated me!! Maybe not as much as Lexi-chan's Chapter 10, but close. I think it has something to do with Netami. Every time she features in a chapter, it ALWAYS gives me problems!! The short song Kia sings in this chapter may be sung to the tune "Officer Krupke" or whatever tune you want…if you sing it at all. But be warned, as people will probably hurt you or just stare oddly if you DO sing it, especially in public.
Anyway…last chapter, Kia had a premonition of Kelsey's death and of her family and friends being attacked, guided by Kurama's old partner, Kuronue. Fearing the worst, the Mirror Holder and Kurama returned to Yuumei's cottage, only to discover Kage dying and Aiko missing! Now they're racing to save Kia's mother, before it's too late!
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"I hope I'm not too heavy for you," Kia remarked to Kurama absently, as the fox raced along.
*You're light.* His calm tone didn't change. *And I don't mind you riding me.*
There was something about the way he had phrased it that made the girl's cheeks flush a dull red. But somehow, she wasn't offended. It was more like good-natured teasing. "Let's hurry…"
*Right.* Suddenly, he stiffened, halting. Kia looked down…and discovered a blockade of youkai, all male and all armed with various types of weapons. She recognized swords, spears and crossbows, but that was about it.
"Can you jump over them, Kurama?"
He shifted under her, nervously. *They spread out too far. I would land on them and we would be in trouble.*
"…Crap." The Mirror Holder raised her voice. "Why are you blocking our way?"
"M'lady's orders," one male grunted, hefting his spear threateningly. "No one can pass."
So we're getting closer, Kia thought. "Well, m'lady and I are due for a discussion," she said calmly. "Move."
He sneered. "Whatcha gonna do if we don't?"
She'd figured it would come to this… "Duck your head," she whispered to her mount. The kitsune obediently lowered it and the girl gripped her right wrist with her other hand. The indew finger on her right hand began to glow.
"What's it doing…" Another youkai muttered uncertainly.
Kia grinned, still safely hidden within the large folds of her hood. She lifted her hand. "SHE is going to blow you away! REI GUN!!"
A ball of silvery-blue light exited her finger, speeding at the youkai. Some stood their ground--and were obliterated. The others yelled and scattered before they met the same fate as their comrades.
Kurama needed no urging. He sprang forward and dashed past the guards, the girl clutching his fur tightly to keep from tumbling off.
"Are we almost there?"
*Her scent is growing stronger,* the Youko replied. *She is just ahead.*
Sure enough, Kia saw Aiko, her brown hair straggling loosely across her face. Two burly guards held her by the arms as she tried to break free. Akumu approached her, right hand glowing with black fire.
"Forgive me, my dear," the man told the struggling female. "But is best for us if you die now."
"STOP!"
Startled, Akumu's head flew up and he glared in the direction of the cloaked figure and the large kitsune. "This is none of your business. And how did you get here, anyway? The guards--"
"They're…wandering…and I think it IS my business." She dismounted, walking closer.
"Who are you?" He demanded. "Tell me or I kill the woman right now!"
The brunette hesitated. This was it…the moment of truth…she had to keep her identity a secret, but she needed to keep him from killing her mother!
"Oh, screw it all." She let the hood drop, lifting her chin proudly and defiantly. "My name is Satsukiame, reincarnation of the Priestess Hiketsu and one of the two Mirror Holders. Now back away from my mother, you sap-sucking whoreson culliony barbermongering SCUM."
"Satsukiame…?" Aiko breathed, clear blue eyes widening in shock. "My daughter…but…" She glanced down at her stomach. "How is it possible?" She looked at the girl. "You're…you're from the future?"
Kia hung her head slightly. "I'm sorry for lying to you…I just didn't want to change the past. The only reason I'm here is because Akumu STOLE one of the Mirror Halves!" Up came her head and she glared at Netami's lover. "Hand it over."
He threw back his head, laughing heartily. "Such a jest…you are truly amusing, young Kia."
"You seem to be the only one laughing," the Mirror Holder pointed out, her voice soft and deadly. "And to you, it's SATSUKIAME." (A/N: Never thought she'd ever say that, did you?)
Akumu grimaced. "I'm not giving it up, SATSUKIAME. And I'll have yours too."
"Like HELL!"
"She's stubborn, Akumu. She won't do this willingly."
Kia froze, icy horror gripping her insides tightly. That voice… "No…" It couldn't be…
Netami smiled cruelly as she stepped beside Akumu, her black hair tightly braided and twisted into a bun at the nape of her neck. "We meet again, Satsukiame. For the last time."
The girl opened her mouth to reply, but then stopped, looking back at Kurama.
The Youko was back in his usual form and staring, slack-jawed, at ANOTHER Netami, who was stroking under his chin.
TWO?! Kia mentally slapped herself. Of course…that's why she hadn't known Netami was still alive…Akumu had brought her to the PAST! And of course the younger Netami would be here too…and how could've she forgotten about Netami's power over males?
Muttering a useful curse Chuu had taught her, the brunette knelt, palming a medium-sized rock. Straightening, she chucked it at Kurama's head. It hit.
"OW!" The thief blinked, glaring at the pitcher. "You--"
"Dumbass!" Kia snapped. "Stay away from her!"
The younger Netami pouted, joining her future self and lover. "Why is the woman not dead yet?"
"The little Mirror Holder intervened," Akumu answered. "I was about to deal with her."
"Hmm." The older Netami glanced idly over at Kia. "I cannot use the Densetsu no Kagami without your half, Mirror Holder. Now, I can kill your mother or I can kill you. Either way, you die."
The girl released some of her reiki, giving it a specific direction. Aiko was suddenly enclosed in a glowing, crackling blue light, the barrier forcing the two guards away from her and out of the large energy sphere. The woman blinked, looking around in surprise.
"You can TRY to kill me," Kia informed the sorceress sweetly. "You'll fail, but you're more than welcome to try."
"If milady doesn't mind, I'd like to take care of Satsukiame-san," Akumu spoke up, grinning affably. "It would make for a good workout."
The Mirror Holder clenched her jaw tightly. "Don't underestimate me…"
The man regarded her with an air of condescendence, patting her on the head. Kia leapt back, slapping his hand away. "Don't underestimate you, little one? I think you misunderstood me. All you can do is heal. You're more like an annoying pest than an actual threat and it won't be hard to kill you, now that your stronger friend is gone."
"Shut up."
Both Akumu and Kia glanced over at Kurama, the latter grimacing slightly. She'd almost forgotten that the Youko was still here.
"She's stronger than you think," Kurama continued, scowling fiercely. "She's more than just a healer, you bastard…"
Netami's lover chuckled, striding over to the tall kitsune. They were exactly the same height. "Youko Kurama…how nice of you to care. However…" His black eyes narrowed. "Your presence is not needed here, nor is it welcome. This is between me and Satsukiame-san."
"No, don't!" Kia cried out, but her protest went unheard. A bit of dark energy slammed Kurama against a tree so hard that the wood splintered and the tree's top half broke off, hitting the ground along with the Youko.
"There," Akumu said, with great satisfaction. "That's better. Shall we?" He raised an eyebrow at Kia.
"BASTARD," the girl snarled, pushing past him to check on her unconscious friend. A few cuts, but he wasn't hurt too badly.
"Is he injured?" Aiko called to her daughter, still secure in the glowing orb.
"He'll be fine." Kia sighed, touching a glowing finger to Kurama's wounds. They shrank and vanished. She stood up, walking back to the waiting Akumu…and then, suddenly, she grinned, wriggling out of her robes. She'd be able to move more freely in her former Sarayashiki school uniform. "I have a little song I made up just for you…"
Akumu blinked. The brunette started to sing, grinning all the while.
"You really are a nutcase.
Your bitch is a big slob.
In case you haven't noticed,
You need a better job.
Before I rip your lungs out,
There's just a little more:
I won't spare a bastard and a whore!"
Both Netamis and Akumu scowled.
"I'm NOT a whore!!" The younger sorceress shrieked upsettedly.
"OR a bitch," the other added, just as angry.
"I should probably reprove you for using such words…" Aiko tilted her head, then smiled warmly. "But in this case, I think you have the right of it."
One of the guards growled and jumped at her. The light around Kia's mother brightened and repelled him, throwing him onto his back and knocking the breath from his lungs.
Kia rolled her eyes. "You think they'd have learned by now…"
***Reikai***
"DAMN IT!!" Koenma exploded, almost spitting out his pacifier. "Kinsenka! Hinageshi!" He barked at the two redheaded ferrygirls, who both emitted frightened squeaks. "Get me Botan, NOW! And Rei too, while you're at it."
"H-h-hai, Koenma-sama!" They chorused and raced off to obey.
"Koenma-sama…" Jorge looked at the young Reikai ruler. "What's wrong?"
"I've heard…that we have a BIT of a problem…concerning the Mirror Holders!!"
"Koenma-sama!" Botan entered the room, trailed by Kinsenka. "You called?"
"WHY didn't you tell me that Kelsey had her Mirror Half stolen?!" The toddler howled.
The blue-haired ferrygirl blinked, genuinely surprised. "I thought you knew, Koenma-sama…didn't you?"
"NO, I DIDN'T! REI!!" He yelled, as the priestess walked into the room with Hinageshi. "WHERE'S KIA?!"
Rei shrugged. "Ask Kurama. Or Jin. Or Touya. Or Hiei. Or Rinku…no, wait, he's still trapped in the closet. I don't know where she is."
Koenma gripped at his temples, groaning. "This doesn't make any sense! How can one girl disappear so that even WE can't find her?!" He sighed. "Maybe we can have Chitsuko search for her in Makai…"
"But we'd know if she was there!" Botan protested. "Unless she could go through times, so we--" She stopped, realizing what she had just said.
"Come to think of it, Kurama DID mention something about past Makai," Rei commented thoughtfully. "She might be there."
"Argh…" Koenma winced. "KINSENKA!! GET ME KURONUE!"
***Back to Makai***
"Ready, Satsukiame-san?" Akumu got into a fighting stance. "Rest assured, death will come quickly. I can't say how painless it will be, though…"
"I won't spare a bastard and a whore," Kia sang softly, shifting. "Bring it on. I'm getting that Mirror Half back!"
*OOC*
Ah, the excitement never ends! Kia and Akumu are facing off…who will win? And what will be sacrificed? This is the fight of the…err…century…I guess. Anyway, please review! NEXT chapter!
* The fight rages on and EVERYONE gets into it! Including the guards and Meikyou…o.o
* Kia gets hit! But something happens, and she experiences yet another loss, this one so great that…well…you'll see…
* As Kia says good-bye to someone she cares for, it's time for her to fight back! Can she wield the full power of the Densetsu no Kagami or will it destroy her?
. Chapter 14 is also going to make me very sad…thanks to all who reviewed!!
Anyway…last chapter, Kia had a premonition of Kelsey's death and of her family and friends being attacked, guided by Kurama's old partner, Kuronue. Fearing the worst, the Mirror Holder and Kurama returned to Yuumei's cottage, only to discover Kage dying and Aiko missing! Now they're racing to save Kia's mother, before it's too late!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I hope I'm not too heavy for you," Kia remarked to Kurama absently, as the fox raced along.
*You're light.* His calm tone didn't change. *And I don't mind you riding me.*
There was something about the way he had phrased it that made the girl's cheeks flush a dull red. But somehow, she wasn't offended. It was more like good-natured teasing. "Let's hurry…"
*Right.* Suddenly, he stiffened, halting. Kia looked down…and discovered a blockade of youkai, all male and all armed with various types of weapons. She recognized swords, spears and crossbows, but that was about it.
"Can you jump over them, Kurama?"
He shifted under her, nervously. *They spread out too far. I would land on them and we would be in trouble.*
"…Crap." The Mirror Holder raised her voice. "Why are you blocking our way?"
"M'lady's orders," one male grunted, hefting his spear threateningly. "No one can pass."
So we're getting closer, Kia thought. "Well, m'lady and I are due for a discussion," she said calmly. "Move."
He sneered. "Whatcha gonna do if we don't?"
She'd figured it would come to this… "Duck your head," she whispered to her mount. The kitsune obediently lowered it and the girl gripped her right wrist with her other hand. The indew finger on her right hand began to glow.
"What's it doing…" Another youkai muttered uncertainly.
Kia grinned, still safely hidden within the large folds of her hood. She lifted her hand. "SHE is going to blow you away! REI GUN!!"
A ball of silvery-blue light exited her finger, speeding at the youkai. Some stood their ground--and were obliterated. The others yelled and scattered before they met the same fate as their comrades.
Kurama needed no urging. He sprang forward and dashed past the guards, the girl clutching his fur tightly to keep from tumbling off.
"Are we almost there?"
*Her scent is growing stronger,* the Youko replied. *She is just ahead.*
Sure enough, Kia saw Aiko, her brown hair straggling loosely across her face. Two burly guards held her by the arms as she tried to break free. Akumu approached her, right hand glowing with black fire.
"Forgive me, my dear," the man told the struggling female. "But is best for us if you die now."
"STOP!"
Startled, Akumu's head flew up and he glared in the direction of the cloaked figure and the large kitsune. "This is none of your business. And how did you get here, anyway? The guards--"
"They're…wandering…and I think it IS my business." She dismounted, walking closer.
"Who are you?" He demanded. "Tell me or I kill the woman right now!"
The brunette hesitated. This was it…the moment of truth…she had to keep her identity a secret, but she needed to keep him from killing her mother!
"Oh, screw it all." She let the hood drop, lifting her chin proudly and defiantly. "My name is Satsukiame, reincarnation of the Priestess Hiketsu and one of the two Mirror Holders. Now back away from my mother, you sap-sucking whoreson culliony barbermongering SCUM."
"Satsukiame…?" Aiko breathed, clear blue eyes widening in shock. "My daughter…but…" She glanced down at her stomach. "How is it possible?" She looked at the girl. "You're…you're from the future?"
Kia hung her head slightly. "I'm sorry for lying to you…I just didn't want to change the past. The only reason I'm here is because Akumu STOLE one of the Mirror Halves!" Up came her head and she glared at Netami's lover. "Hand it over."
He threw back his head, laughing heartily. "Such a jest…you are truly amusing, young Kia."
"You seem to be the only one laughing," the Mirror Holder pointed out, her voice soft and deadly. "And to you, it's SATSUKIAME." (A/N: Never thought she'd ever say that, did you?)
Akumu grimaced. "I'm not giving it up, SATSUKIAME. And I'll have yours too."
"Like HELL!"
"She's stubborn, Akumu. She won't do this willingly."
Kia froze, icy horror gripping her insides tightly. That voice… "No…" It couldn't be…
Netami smiled cruelly as she stepped beside Akumu, her black hair tightly braided and twisted into a bun at the nape of her neck. "We meet again, Satsukiame. For the last time."
The girl opened her mouth to reply, but then stopped, looking back at Kurama.
The Youko was back in his usual form and staring, slack-jawed, at ANOTHER Netami, who was stroking under his chin.
TWO?! Kia mentally slapped herself. Of course…that's why she hadn't known Netami was still alive…Akumu had brought her to the PAST! And of course the younger Netami would be here too…and how could've she forgotten about Netami's power over males?
Muttering a useful curse Chuu had taught her, the brunette knelt, palming a medium-sized rock. Straightening, she chucked it at Kurama's head. It hit.
"OW!" The thief blinked, glaring at the pitcher. "You--"
"Dumbass!" Kia snapped. "Stay away from her!"
The younger Netami pouted, joining her future self and lover. "Why is the woman not dead yet?"
"The little Mirror Holder intervened," Akumu answered. "I was about to deal with her."
"Hmm." The older Netami glanced idly over at Kia. "I cannot use the Densetsu no Kagami without your half, Mirror Holder. Now, I can kill your mother or I can kill you. Either way, you die."
The girl released some of her reiki, giving it a specific direction. Aiko was suddenly enclosed in a glowing, crackling blue light, the barrier forcing the two guards away from her and out of the large energy sphere. The woman blinked, looking around in surprise.
"You can TRY to kill me," Kia informed the sorceress sweetly. "You'll fail, but you're more than welcome to try."
"If milady doesn't mind, I'd like to take care of Satsukiame-san," Akumu spoke up, grinning affably. "It would make for a good workout."
The Mirror Holder clenched her jaw tightly. "Don't underestimate me…"
The man regarded her with an air of condescendence, patting her on the head. Kia leapt back, slapping his hand away. "Don't underestimate you, little one? I think you misunderstood me. All you can do is heal. You're more like an annoying pest than an actual threat and it won't be hard to kill you, now that your stronger friend is gone."
"Shut up."
Both Akumu and Kia glanced over at Kurama, the latter grimacing slightly. She'd almost forgotten that the Youko was still here.
"She's stronger than you think," Kurama continued, scowling fiercely. "She's more than just a healer, you bastard…"
Netami's lover chuckled, striding over to the tall kitsune. They were exactly the same height. "Youko Kurama…how nice of you to care. However…" His black eyes narrowed. "Your presence is not needed here, nor is it welcome. This is between me and Satsukiame-san."
"No, don't!" Kia cried out, but her protest went unheard. A bit of dark energy slammed Kurama against a tree so hard that the wood splintered and the tree's top half broke off, hitting the ground along with the Youko.
"There," Akumu said, with great satisfaction. "That's better. Shall we?" He raised an eyebrow at Kia.
"BASTARD," the girl snarled, pushing past him to check on her unconscious friend. A few cuts, but he wasn't hurt too badly.
"Is he injured?" Aiko called to her daughter, still secure in the glowing orb.
"He'll be fine." Kia sighed, touching a glowing finger to Kurama's wounds. They shrank and vanished. She stood up, walking back to the waiting Akumu…and then, suddenly, she grinned, wriggling out of her robes. She'd be able to move more freely in her former Sarayashiki school uniform. "I have a little song I made up just for you…"
Akumu blinked. The brunette started to sing, grinning all the while.
"You really are a nutcase.
Your bitch is a big slob.
In case you haven't noticed,
You need a better job.
Before I rip your lungs out,
There's just a little more:
I won't spare a bastard and a whore!"
Both Netamis and Akumu scowled.
"I'm NOT a whore!!" The younger sorceress shrieked upsettedly.
"OR a bitch," the other added, just as angry.
"I should probably reprove you for using such words…" Aiko tilted her head, then smiled warmly. "But in this case, I think you have the right of it."
One of the guards growled and jumped at her. The light around Kia's mother brightened and repelled him, throwing him onto his back and knocking the breath from his lungs.
Kia rolled her eyes. "You think they'd have learned by now…"
***Reikai***
"DAMN IT!!" Koenma exploded, almost spitting out his pacifier. "Kinsenka! Hinageshi!" He barked at the two redheaded ferrygirls, who both emitted frightened squeaks. "Get me Botan, NOW! And Rei too, while you're at it."
"H-h-hai, Koenma-sama!" They chorused and raced off to obey.
"Koenma-sama…" Jorge looked at the young Reikai ruler. "What's wrong?"
"I've heard…that we have a BIT of a problem…concerning the Mirror Holders!!"
"Koenma-sama!" Botan entered the room, trailed by Kinsenka. "You called?"
"WHY didn't you tell me that Kelsey had her Mirror Half stolen?!" The toddler howled.
The blue-haired ferrygirl blinked, genuinely surprised. "I thought you knew, Koenma-sama…didn't you?"
"NO, I DIDN'T! REI!!" He yelled, as the priestess walked into the room with Hinageshi. "WHERE'S KIA?!"
Rei shrugged. "Ask Kurama. Or Jin. Or Touya. Or Hiei. Or Rinku…no, wait, he's still trapped in the closet. I don't know where she is."
Koenma gripped at his temples, groaning. "This doesn't make any sense! How can one girl disappear so that even WE can't find her?!" He sighed. "Maybe we can have Chitsuko search for her in Makai…"
"But we'd know if she was there!" Botan protested. "Unless she could go through times, so we--" She stopped, realizing what she had just said.
"Come to think of it, Kurama DID mention something about past Makai," Rei commented thoughtfully. "She might be there."
"Argh…" Koenma winced. "KINSENKA!! GET ME KURONUE!"
***Back to Makai***
"Ready, Satsukiame-san?" Akumu got into a fighting stance. "Rest assured, death will come quickly. I can't say how painless it will be, though…"
"I won't spare a bastard and a whore," Kia sang softly, shifting. "Bring it on. I'm getting that Mirror Half back!"
*OOC*
Ah, the excitement never ends! Kia and Akumu are facing off…who will win? And what will be sacrificed? This is the fight of the…err…century…I guess. Anyway, please review! NEXT chapter!
* The fight rages on and EVERYONE gets into it! Including the guards and Meikyou…o.o
* Kia gets hit! But something happens, and she experiences yet another loss, this one so great that…well…you'll see…
* As Kia says good-bye to someone she cares for, it's time for her to fight back! Can she wield the full power of the Densetsu no Kagami or will it destroy her?
. Chapter 14 is also going to make me very sad…thanks to all who reviewed!!