Author's Note: Thank you everyone who reviewed. Here's the next chapter, Enjoy.
Shadows of the Past
by Yami Yue
Chapter Five: The Hibikme Plains
As Ryou, Kenji, Sata and I made our way toward the Hibikme plains my anxiety grew. There was no doubt in my mind something bad was about to happen. I was eager to return to my mate certain that whatever it was involved him somehow. "You seem worried Kura," Sata noted. "This area always makes me uneasy." I confessed. "You're worried about Hiei too aren't you?" she asked. Sata smiled. "He is strong Kura, I'm sure he's just fine," she said. "Besides he's got Yusuke and the others with him, they will keep him safe until you arrive," "Still, I'll feel better once we get you home," I said. "At least then I wouldn't need to worry about your safety as well," For me the journey couldn't end soon enough.
"We're being followed," Kenji informed me. I scowled. We were finally near the end of our day and a half journey to the Hibikme plains and now we run into trouble. "Get ready to draw your weapons, but do not do so until I signal you to," I instructed. "Yes, Papa," they responded in unison. Three figures appeared upon the road ahead of us. "Why have you returned here outsider?" one asked. I stopped in my tracks. Kenji and Ryou came to a stop on either side of me with Sata behind us. "Only to see that one of your own returns safely," I answered as I moved aside to let Sata pass. "I suppose you'll tell us next that you did it out of the kindness of your heart," came the scornful tone of Megami "He escorted me here because I asked him to," Sata said as the three youko came into full view. "Enough," came Velaska's voice as she approached us." That is no way to greet our guests," "Guests, Empress?" a male slightly older that my sons asked. "The primary advisor of Lord Yusuke, mate of the heir of Mukuro, and member of the Dark Tournament champion team Urameshi stands before you," Velaska informed them. "Do you wish to invoke the wrath of his lord or worse his mate if either discover that Kurama and his sons were ill treated?"
"No Empress," the young male replied. "Good, because not only would you have to endure their wrath but mine as well," she warned. "Understood?" "Yes, Empress," all three replied. Velaska then turned to us. "You all must be tired after such a long journey. Please stay the night and rest," she said. "It is kind of you to offer such hospitality m'lady," I responded." Unfortunately I must decline your generous offer. We have a long journey ahead of us and we must continue on our way," "Why the hurry Kurama?" Velaska asked. "Surely it wouldn't hurt for you to have one meal. I can't have you go away empty handed after you've gone through so much trouble to ensure the safety of one of my clan," Kenji and Ryou looked up at me, I could tell that neither one trusted her. "Again I must thank you for your kind offer and decline m'lady," I responded. " We hope to reach my mate in day's time and cannot afford to stay any longer than we have," Velaska looked disappointed but did not voice it.
"Wish Little Brother luck for me," she said as she hugged me goodbye. "I will," I assured her. "Give him this for me," she said as she kissed my cheek. "Be careful on your journey," I returned her embrace and gently kissed her forehead. "Stay safe little sister," I said softly. "You too big brother," she responded. I released her from my embrace and allowed her room to say goodbye to her nephews. "Goodbye Kurama, may Inari keep your path safe," Velaska said as she kissed my cheek. "Do not feel hesitant to return. I will always welcome you with open arms,"
Twenty four hours later we had made it to Hanging Neck Island. It would still take a half a day's journey to the hotel from where our ferry docked. By nightfall we had set up camp and soon after had our dinner. We had just laid down to sleep when I sensed we were not alone. "Papa we're being watched," Ryou growled. "I sense two in each direction," Kenji whispered. I placed my communication mirror in Kenji's hand. "Get to your father," I instructed. "I will distract them and join you at the hotel," Slowly, we rose to our feet. We didn't have to wait long before our stalkers were revealed. "Darkfire Sword," Kenji cried as darkness flames swirled around the blade of his sword. "Forest Sword," Ryou cried, a thick growth of vines sprouted from the seed in his hand forming the hilt of a sword as the sharp thorns formed the blade. "Rose Whip," I cried out as I formed my signature weapon. I cracked my whip striking several opponents at once. "Now," I called to my sons as I cracked my whip again. They nodded and switched to their spirit forms and ran off into the night. To my relief and surprise none of the attackers followed Kenji and Ryou. Not that they could have caught up with them. They'd been blessed with their father's speed and both our cunning.
I was now surrounded. As I prepared to attack, my foes parted to allow another into the circle. In the dim light of the moon I saw the silhouette of a female youko. From her scent I knew it was Velaska. "What is the meaning of this Velaska?" I demanded. "You'll soon see Kurama," she answered. A moment later I felt a sharp pain in my left arm. I touched my arm and pulled out a small blow dart. I had to escape now before whatever was in the dart took effect. I slashed at two of my attackers with my whip and flipped over them. I took off into the forest hoping to lose them. Swiftly I ran through the thick foliage as I felt my body begin to run out of energy. My pursuer was on my heels. I fumbled with the catch on the chain of my silver necklace, determined to at least hide it and keep it out of my enemy's hands. I got the chain unlatched and swiftly slipped it into the hollow trunk of a tree. I marked it with a quick swipe of my nails and a bit of my spirit energy as I ran. I knew I couldn't keep this up much longer. Whatever was in that dart was causing my body to tire fast. My vision became blurry and I began feeling lightheaded. A moment later my legs gave out and I fell to the ground. My world grew black and I knew I was as good as dead.
I awoke to find myself in a lavish room. The bed I was lying on was the softest I'd ever lain on. I sat up and looked around. Aside from the bed the only pieces of furniture in the room were two chairs near the fireplace. The windows were much too small to climb through. I growled low in my throat. I was not going to get out of here easily. The door opened and my enemy entered the room. "Hello love. Long time no see." The vixen greeted as she entered the room. I scowled at her. "Don't call me that." I growled. She flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder. "You needn't be so cold my love." She said as she stepped closer to the bed. "I'm the one that should be bitter, after all you did leave me at the alter,"
"What do you want with me Valaska?" I demanded. "What was promised to me of course," She replied as she stood at the foot of the bed. I inwardly cursed; I was too weak to move. "You will become my mate just as I was promised long ago." ". . . and if I refuse?" I questioned. She smirked. "You have no choice but to accept." She said. " I've rendered you as weak as a kit. You haven't even the energy to summon the smallest of plants." "Even the weakest daemon could kill you now," she added. " . . . but I'd hate to see that happen to you my love, it isn't often that you find such a gorgeous male."
"Think on it love." She said as she turned and headed to the door. "We'll talk more later." With that she left the room. I felt the first waves of sleep wash over me and my world grew black. When I awoke, I realized I felt stronger, not much but it was an improvement. I sat up slowly and studied the room carefully. I realized that there wasn't one but two windows in the room. One was actually large enough for me to slip out of in my fox form, just barely. Unfortunately I hadn't enough spirit energy to switch forms.
The door opened and Valaska entered the room. "Have a nice sleep my love?" she asked sweetly. I didn't answer. "Come now there's no need for the silent treatment, " she said as she walked toward me. Again I gave her no reply. "I see you're still being stubborn." She said as she shook her head. "You're only delaying the inevitable." ". . . and for what, a lover who tossed you aside without a second thought?" I said nothing as she stalked toward me. "Forget him." She said. "He doesn't love you, I do." I remained silent, watching as she continued walking toward me. The thin tunic she wore left nothing to the imagination and judging by the way her tail slowly moved from side to side and the sultry movement of her hips, she was planning to seduce me. She stopped in front of me and slowly placed her hand to my cheek. Slowly she ran her hand downward over my neck, as her hand touched my chest I grabbed her wrist. She frowned. "Have it your way." She said as she pulled her wrist from my grip. "It's only a matter of time before you're mine." She said as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine. I could feel what little strength I had leave my body. "Let's just see how stubborn you are." She said as she pulled away. I felt my arms being tied above my head, and to my horror I was too weak to resist. My eyelids felt heavy and against my will they began to droop. I watched as Velaska crushed a blue flower above my head. The pollen tickled my nose making me sneeze.
My vision swam and I could feel warmth spreading all over my body. I blinked trying to clear my vision. I felt someone's hands untying the belt of my tunic. My mind screamed at my body to move, to fight back, do anything, but nothing happened. The tunic was opened and hands slowly moved over my stomach heading upward. My vision cleared as fingernails lightly raked over my skin. My eyes widened when I saw familiar ruby eyes looking back at me. "Hiei?" I whispered, finding my voice too weak to speak any louder. He straddled my hips and ran his hands over my chest. "You want to alert the whole place I'm here?" He whispered. "What happened to Velaska?" He raised his right hand and placed his finger upon my lips in a silencing gesture. "Not now." He murmured. "There'll be time for explanations later." "Get me out of these binds." I whispered. He smirked. "Not just yet." He murmured, then leaned forward and planted a kiss on my chest. I could feel the heat radiating off me as he made a trail of kisses down my chest to my stomach. I felt like I was burning up from the inside. I felt his nails rake against my skin, wincing at the pain. "This isn't Hiei." My mind screamed as my vision began to blur.
I could sense the seeds I kept on me were still there and more than willing to sprout at my command. My mind was getting hazy and the room was starting to spin. I heard a startled cry as my attacker was bound with ivy vines. I wasn't surprised when the figure shifted from Hiei's form to Velaska's. The vixen angrily thrashed at the vines that bound her. Its hold didn't last long and I felt more drained than ever. I knew that at any moment I would pass out. The dark haired vixen smirked. "You know as well as I do the effects of the pollen you've breathed in." she said. " . . . and you also know the only antidote." "Foxfire." I murmured. "You gave me foxfire." Velaska smiled. "Close my love," She said, "Passionflower," "It's in the same family as foxfire but the effects don't last as long, nor does it cause you to loose your mind before it's run it's course," "Have you began feeling it's effects? Do you feel the fever caressing your body like a lover's touch?" she taunted. "You do don't you? I can see how flushed your skin is." "It won't be long before you'll be begging me to soothe you." She said as she leaned in toward me. "Sweet dreams lover." She purred, then kissed my forehead.
I slept fitfully that night. Velaska had been right. The pollen had taken effect and by morning I was craving Hiei. I needed his kisses, his touch, his love. "I've got to get out of here." I thought frantically. "Before I do something I truly regret." Despite my lack of sleep, a little of my strength had returned. Unfortunately so did Velaska. "Sleep well my love?" she asked teasingly as she entered the room. I glared at her. She just smirked and sauntered toward me, her hips swaying suggestively. I couldn't move, since I was still bound to the bed. She reached out and touched my bare chest, in a teasing caress. Due to the effects of the pollen the pleasure I felt was amplified and I bit my lip to keep from moaning. Velaska smirked. "Guards!" she called. Two burly lizard like demons entered the room. "Take him to my quarters." She ordered. "I'll meet you there shortly." The guards bowed their heads in response as she walked toward me. "See you soon my love." She purred then pulled me close and kissed me deeply. I could feel my energy being drained. She pulled away and began to walk toward the door. She paused to blow me a kiss and left the room. "It's the lipstick," I thought as I felt some of the stuff stuck to my own lips. "It's like Gama's paint. That's how she's draining my spirit energy, but it only has a temporary effect,"
The guards closed in on me, undid my bounds, and roughly pulled me to my feet. Still reeling from the effect the draining of my spirit energy had on me, I nearly fell. The guards kept me from falling and half dragged, half carried me out of the room. "I've got to get out of here." I thought as I took in my surroundings. "I need to get to Hiei," I closed my eyes and willed my body to relax.
"This guy's getting' heavy." One guard groused. "Oh great, he's passed out." The second complained in a raspy, hissing voice. "Set him down, we'll have to wake him up." The first one said in a voice just as raspy. I held my breath as they laid me down. "Is he breathin'?" the first asked. "I don't think so." The second said worriedly. "Well check." The first one growled. I felt the guard's hot breath on my face as he leaned in. Swiftly I grabbed him and quickly pressed my lips to his hoping there was enough of that horrid makeup left on my lips to work. I felt a surge of spirit energy coarse through me. I shoved the unconscious guard off me tossing him into the second guard. Swiftly I shifted into my fox form and darted away from the guards. I ran down the halls knowing my stolen energy wouldn't last long. I spotted a window. "Too high." I thought angrily. "I can't get up there like this." I darted into the kitchen running swiftly between the legs of a portly cook and out the open door. "Inari I'm going to have nightmares for months after this." I thought as I ran into the forest. "As if kissing that guard wasn't bad enough. That was one view I definitely didn't need to see."
It wasn't long before my stolen spirit energy wore off. As soon as I found a stream I washed the last traces of the lipstick from my lips and rinsed my mouth with the cool clear water, hoping to rid myself of the horrid taste of that guard. I drank some water slowly, looking around to find some clue as to where I was. Night was coming soon and I needed to find shelter. With a sigh I stood to my feet and continued on my way. "Inari please keep me safe." I prayed as continued through the dense forest.
..........................................................................................................................................
Shadows of the Past
by Yami Yue
As Ryou, Kenji, Sata and I made our way toward the Hibikme plains my anxiety grew. There was no doubt in my mind something bad was about to happen. I was eager to return to my mate certain that whatever it was involved him somehow. "You seem worried Kura," Sata noted. "This area always makes me uneasy." I confessed. "You're worried about Hiei too aren't you?" she asked. Sata smiled. "He is strong Kura, I'm sure he's just fine," she said. "Besides he's got Yusuke and the others with him, they will keep him safe until you arrive," "Still, I'll feel better once we get you home," I said. "At least then I wouldn't need to worry about your safety as well," For me the journey couldn't end soon enough.
"We're being followed," Kenji informed me. I scowled. We were finally near the end of our day and a half journey to the Hibikme plains and now we run into trouble. "Get ready to draw your weapons, but do not do so until I signal you to," I instructed. "Yes, Papa," they responded in unison. Three figures appeared upon the road ahead of us. "Why have you returned here outsider?" one asked. I stopped in my tracks. Kenji and Ryou came to a stop on either side of me with Sata behind us. "Only to see that one of your own returns safely," I answered as I moved aside to let Sata pass. "I suppose you'll tell us next that you did it out of the kindness of your heart," came the scornful tone of Megami "He escorted me here because I asked him to," Sata said as the three youko came into full view. "Enough," came Velaska's voice as she approached us." That is no way to greet our guests," "Guests, Empress?" a male slightly older that my sons asked. "The primary advisor of Lord Yusuke, mate of the heir of Mukuro, and member of the Dark Tournament champion team Urameshi stands before you," Velaska informed them. "Do you wish to invoke the wrath of his lord or worse his mate if either discover that Kurama and his sons were ill treated?"
"No Empress," the young male replied. "Good, because not only would you have to endure their wrath but mine as well," she warned. "Understood?" "Yes, Empress," all three replied. Velaska then turned to us. "You all must be tired after such a long journey. Please stay the night and rest," she said. "It is kind of you to offer such hospitality m'lady," I responded." Unfortunately I must decline your generous offer. We have a long journey ahead of us and we must continue on our way," "Why the hurry Kurama?" Velaska asked. "Surely it wouldn't hurt for you to have one meal. I can't have you go away empty handed after you've gone through so much trouble to ensure the safety of one of my clan," Kenji and Ryou looked up at me, I could tell that neither one trusted her. "Again I must thank you for your kind offer and decline m'lady," I responded. " We hope to reach my mate in day's time and cannot afford to stay any longer than we have," Velaska looked disappointed but did not voice it.
"Wish Little Brother luck for me," she said as she hugged me goodbye. "I will," I assured her. "Give him this for me," she said as she kissed my cheek. "Be careful on your journey," I returned her embrace and gently kissed her forehead. "Stay safe little sister," I said softly. "You too big brother," she responded. I released her from my embrace and allowed her room to say goodbye to her nephews. "Goodbye Kurama, may Inari keep your path safe," Velaska said as she kissed my cheek. "Do not feel hesitant to return. I will always welcome you with open arms,"
Twenty four hours later we had made it to Hanging Neck Island. It would still take a half a day's journey to the hotel from where our ferry docked. By nightfall we had set up camp and soon after had our dinner. We had just laid down to sleep when I sensed we were not alone. "Papa we're being watched," Ryou growled. "I sense two in each direction," Kenji whispered. I placed my communication mirror in Kenji's hand. "Get to your father," I instructed. "I will distract them and join you at the hotel," Slowly, we rose to our feet. We didn't have to wait long before our stalkers were revealed. "Darkfire Sword," Kenji cried as darkness flames swirled around the blade of his sword. "Forest Sword," Ryou cried, a thick growth of vines sprouted from the seed in his hand forming the hilt of a sword as the sharp thorns formed the blade. "Rose Whip," I cried out as I formed my signature weapon. I cracked my whip striking several opponents at once. "Now," I called to my sons as I cracked my whip again. They nodded and switched to their spirit forms and ran off into the night. To my relief and surprise none of the attackers followed Kenji and Ryou. Not that they could have caught up with them. They'd been blessed with their father's speed and both our cunning.
I was now surrounded. As I prepared to attack, my foes parted to allow another into the circle. In the dim light of the moon I saw the silhouette of a female youko. From her scent I knew it was Velaska. "What is the meaning of this Velaska?" I demanded. "You'll soon see Kurama," she answered. A moment later I felt a sharp pain in my left arm. I touched my arm and pulled out a small blow dart. I had to escape now before whatever was in the dart took effect. I slashed at two of my attackers with my whip and flipped over them. I took off into the forest hoping to lose them. Swiftly I ran through the thick foliage as I felt my body begin to run out of energy. My pursuer was on my heels. I fumbled with the catch on the chain of my silver necklace, determined to at least hide it and keep it out of my enemy's hands. I got the chain unlatched and swiftly slipped it into the hollow trunk of a tree. I marked it with a quick swipe of my nails and a bit of my spirit energy as I ran. I knew I couldn't keep this up much longer. Whatever was in that dart was causing my body to tire fast. My vision became blurry and I began feeling lightheaded. A moment later my legs gave out and I fell to the ground. My world grew black and I knew I was as good as dead.
I awoke to find myself in a lavish room. The bed I was lying on was the softest I'd ever lain on. I sat up and looked around. Aside from the bed the only pieces of furniture in the room were two chairs near the fireplace. The windows were much too small to climb through. I growled low in my throat. I was not going to get out of here easily. The door opened and my enemy entered the room. "Hello love. Long time no see." The vixen greeted as she entered the room. I scowled at her. "Don't call me that." I growled. She flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder. "You needn't be so cold my love." She said as she stepped closer to the bed. "I'm the one that should be bitter, after all you did leave me at the alter,"
"What do you want with me Valaska?" I demanded. "What was promised to me of course," She replied as she stood at the foot of the bed. I inwardly cursed; I was too weak to move. "You will become my mate just as I was promised long ago." ". . . and if I refuse?" I questioned. She smirked. "You have no choice but to accept." She said. " I've rendered you as weak as a kit. You haven't even the energy to summon the smallest of plants." "Even the weakest daemon could kill you now," she added. " . . . but I'd hate to see that happen to you my love, it isn't often that you find such a gorgeous male."
"Think on it love." She said as she turned and headed to the door. "We'll talk more later." With that she left the room. I felt the first waves of sleep wash over me and my world grew black. When I awoke, I realized I felt stronger, not much but it was an improvement. I sat up slowly and studied the room carefully. I realized that there wasn't one but two windows in the room. One was actually large enough for me to slip out of in my fox form, just barely. Unfortunately I hadn't enough spirit energy to switch forms.
The door opened and Valaska entered the room. "Have a nice sleep my love?" she asked sweetly. I didn't answer. "Come now there's no need for the silent treatment, " she said as she walked toward me. Again I gave her no reply. "I see you're still being stubborn." She said as she shook her head. "You're only delaying the inevitable." ". . . and for what, a lover who tossed you aside without a second thought?" I said nothing as she stalked toward me. "Forget him." She said. "He doesn't love you, I do." I remained silent, watching as she continued walking toward me. The thin tunic she wore left nothing to the imagination and judging by the way her tail slowly moved from side to side and the sultry movement of her hips, she was planning to seduce me. She stopped in front of me and slowly placed her hand to my cheek. Slowly she ran her hand downward over my neck, as her hand touched my chest I grabbed her wrist. She frowned. "Have it your way." She said as she pulled her wrist from my grip. "It's only a matter of time before you're mine." She said as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine. I could feel what little strength I had leave my body. "Let's just see how stubborn you are." She said as she pulled away. I felt my arms being tied above my head, and to my horror I was too weak to resist. My eyelids felt heavy and against my will they began to droop. I watched as Velaska crushed a blue flower above my head. The pollen tickled my nose making me sneeze.
My vision swam and I could feel warmth spreading all over my body. I blinked trying to clear my vision. I felt someone's hands untying the belt of my tunic. My mind screamed at my body to move, to fight back, do anything, but nothing happened. The tunic was opened and hands slowly moved over my stomach heading upward. My vision cleared as fingernails lightly raked over my skin. My eyes widened when I saw familiar ruby eyes looking back at me. "Hiei?" I whispered, finding my voice too weak to speak any louder. He straddled my hips and ran his hands over my chest. "You want to alert the whole place I'm here?" He whispered. "What happened to Velaska?" He raised his right hand and placed his finger upon my lips in a silencing gesture. "Not now." He murmured. "There'll be time for explanations later." "Get me out of these binds." I whispered. He smirked. "Not just yet." He murmured, then leaned forward and planted a kiss on my chest. I could feel the heat radiating off me as he made a trail of kisses down my chest to my stomach. I felt like I was burning up from the inside. I felt his nails rake against my skin, wincing at the pain. "This isn't Hiei." My mind screamed as my vision began to blur.
I could sense the seeds I kept on me were still there and more than willing to sprout at my command. My mind was getting hazy and the room was starting to spin. I heard a startled cry as my attacker was bound with ivy vines. I wasn't surprised when the figure shifted from Hiei's form to Velaska's. The vixen angrily thrashed at the vines that bound her. Its hold didn't last long and I felt more drained than ever. I knew that at any moment I would pass out. The dark haired vixen smirked. "You know as well as I do the effects of the pollen you've breathed in." she said. " . . . and you also know the only antidote." "Foxfire." I murmured. "You gave me foxfire." Velaska smiled. "Close my love," She said, "Passionflower," "It's in the same family as foxfire but the effects don't last as long, nor does it cause you to loose your mind before it's run it's course," "Have you began feeling it's effects? Do you feel the fever caressing your body like a lover's touch?" she taunted. "You do don't you? I can see how flushed your skin is." "It won't be long before you'll be begging me to soothe you." She said as she leaned in toward me. "Sweet dreams lover." She purred, then kissed my forehead.
I slept fitfully that night. Velaska had been right. The pollen had taken effect and by morning I was craving Hiei. I needed his kisses, his touch, his love. "I've got to get out of here." I thought frantically. "Before I do something I truly regret." Despite my lack of sleep, a little of my strength had returned. Unfortunately so did Velaska. "Sleep well my love?" she asked teasingly as she entered the room. I glared at her. She just smirked and sauntered toward me, her hips swaying suggestively. I couldn't move, since I was still bound to the bed. She reached out and touched my bare chest, in a teasing caress. Due to the effects of the pollen the pleasure I felt was amplified and I bit my lip to keep from moaning. Velaska smirked. "Guards!" she called. Two burly lizard like demons entered the room. "Take him to my quarters." She ordered. "I'll meet you there shortly." The guards bowed their heads in response as she walked toward me. "See you soon my love." She purred then pulled me close and kissed me deeply. I could feel my energy being drained. She pulled away and began to walk toward the door. She paused to blow me a kiss and left the room. "It's the lipstick," I thought as I felt some of the stuff stuck to my own lips. "It's like Gama's paint. That's how she's draining my spirit energy, but it only has a temporary effect,"
The guards closed in on me, undid my bounds, and roughly pulled me to my feet. Still reeling from the effect the draining of my spirit energy had on me, I nearly fell. The guards kept me from falling and half dragged, half carried me out of the room. "I've got to get out of here." I thought as I took in my surroundings. "I need to get to Hiei," I closed my eyes and willed my body to relax.
"This guy's getting' heavy." One guard groused. "Oh great, he's passed out." The second complained in a raspy, hissing voice. "Set him down, we'll have to wake him up." The first one said in a voice just as raspy. I held my breath as they laid me down. "Is he breathin'?" the first asked. "I don't think so." The second said worriedly. "Well check." The first one growled. I felt the guard's hot breath on my face as he leaned in. Swiftly I grabbed him and quickly pressed my lips to his hoping there was enough of that horrid makeup left on my lips to work. I felt a surge of spirit energy coarse through me. I shoved the unconscious guard off me tossing him into the second guard. Swiftly I shifted into my fox form and darted away from the guards. I ran down the halls knowing my stolen energy wouldn't last long. I spotted a window. "Too high." I thought angrily. "I can't get up there like this." I darted into the kitchen running swiftly between the legs of a portly cook and out the open door. "Inari I'm going to have nightmares for months after this." I thought as I ran into the forest. "As if kissing that guard wasn't bad enough. That was one view I definitely didn't need to see."
It wasn't long before my stolen spirit energy wore off. As soon as I found a stream I washed the last traces of the lipstick from my lips and rinsed my mouth with the cool clear water, hoping to rid myself of the horrid taste of that guard. I drank some water slowly, looking around to find some clue as to where I was. Night was coming soon and I needed to find shelter. With a sigh I stood to my feet and continued on my way. "Inari please keep me safe." I prayed as continued through the dense forest.
Author's Note: Ryou also uses a Forest Bow, but in that situation a bow wouldn't have been useful.
To Nite Nite: Yeah they did a lot of that. I guess knowing the tounament was looming made them want to spend more "quality time" together. The twins are 16 but will always be "kits" to Kurama.
Like the the nickname and thanks for the cookies. munches on cookies I love cookies. Ps. Kenji and Ryou are still debating over what to buy with their dollar. They can't decide between candy bars or cookies at the bakery. lol. By the way I love your reviews.