SAD KITSUNE LOVE
Author: I have soo much to say to ya'll! I miss you!!! :'/ It really sucks not to have internet access! Naoko, I totally understand you now. Oh yeah, for those who don't know or didn't answer to me, I do have an email address. It's Kitsune_koneko45@yahoo.com. I check it once a week or so if I can. (shh no tell yeah? I have to do this in school) ^___^ fitting name most say. Man, I really miss being silverfox. It's just been so long. I betcha ya'll happy that I'm FINALLY updating this. ^____^ So am I. It would have been earlier, but I couldn't remember what I had written in chapter 15! . I'm very absentminded. Oh, guess what? I'M FINALLY 13!! WOOO! PARTY! I'm sooo happy. I hated being classified as a pre-teen. My b-day was Nov. 4 for your info. I'm gonna make this chapter as long as I can, unless I run out of ideas. Oh yeah, in my spare time, I've been writing Mina's and Youko's past. I think you will like it ^____^ when it's published of course. The weirdest thing in the world was reading my own story. It's actually pretty good with the exception of a heck of a lot of homophones...that are wrong..... (I can't believe I only spelled aloud instead of allowed!) ^___^ I think I wrote better then than now...
I want to say things to some peoples:
Hiei_rocks16: what happen to you? You emailed me once saying something about the RP, then you didn't answer back!! I've been waiting for your email!
Fubby Buffy: hi, I'll try to read your story, but ah, lets just say internet café's scare the hell out of me (There was a mahoo, or a shim as mainlanders say)
Naoko: I think you're a little confused about Hiei and Bui. Hiei's alive and well, and Bui's, well, he's not dead...Hiei spare him as you would say. (I bought those dvd's finally) Good luck with Neo ^____^
Jada: It's been a while yeah? I don't know if you read this (it's soo hard to check email) still. Well if you do, Hi. Kurama says hi too. Well, more like Youko.
Deadbeat: I dunno if I said this or not, but, the reason why Mina became a depresso is because she's been through a lot. And I know I changed some characters personality. I didn't mean to, but ya know, need someone to say one thing, then another to another. You get the idea. And Mina is a poor delusional kitsune. She hates Karasu insanely, but let's just say she wasn't right in the head at the time. Though, like I said before, even if it was a little extreme, everything has a purpose *evil grin*
Everyone who thinks Mina and Karasu is a couple and that she and Kurama probably won't get back together: O' ye of little faith.
I can't remember your name: WHO SAID I GAVE UP CLAIMS HUH?! By the way, don't be offended that I can't remember your name, it's just I happen to have the worst memory in the world and also seem to have Short-term Memory loss. That's what mom says anyway.
Chapter 16: Kurama's decision
Mina trudged up the path towards the tournament grounds. Togoru wasn't there she noticed. Bui, Karasu, and Elder Togoru were up ahead. The walk was a silent one. When they finally got up to the grounds, she silently slipped away from the others and positioned herself against the wall. She knew she wasn't supposed to be on the ground level, but she doubted anyone would mess with her. She was, after all, the chick on Togoru's team that has never lost a match before. Not even when the infamous Youko Kurama challenged her.
She sighed as the Team Urameshi stepped on the field. Soon the team against them made their appearance. As the announcer, Koto made introductions, she studied the opposing team. To her, they looked like black KKK's.
She smiled grimly at the pun in that. Black KKK's against white KKK's. Funny. As the two teams began to converse (not exactly friendly tones) Two people were unmasked. One had red hair. With a jolt, she recognized him as Jin. She had to grin. He was always so funny. In the couple of brief occasions she had met him, he made her laugh more than she thought had been possible and he had a cute Irish accent. She didn't recognize the other.
After a couple of minutes, Jin was sitting down looking a bit agitated, though he hid it well in his relaxed expression. As they decided who was going step into the ring, a voice on the intercom announced that the Urameshi team needs a check-up or something.
Mina felt herself turn red as the nurse came out of her medical tent. She was beautiful. Mina, herself, was very plain with cold green eyes, straight black hair and not many curves. Her face was hard instead of soft and she had scars in some places along with cuts and bruises. Her skin also bore a small tattoo on her shoulder that was hardly visible unless she undressed. It was of a nine-tailed fox. Her first boyfriend (she only had two in her life) dumped her because of her breast size. Remembering him made her grit her teeth in anger. Tori. In the end, he lay dead.
Then, she went up to the boys (Mina was glowering at her) and said something. Genkai and Hiei went into her tent. To Mina's surprise, a barrier flared up and the woman was revealed. Mina growled. She was an enchantress.
The woman had said Kuwabara was okay to fight though he looked like all of his bones were broken. Mina didn't think he looked fit. In fact, she thought that they might as well tell him that he can't fight for the rest of the week. But he didn't listen. Then the battle was on. At the end, Kuwabara was in worse shambles and Mina hadn't seen what had happened to the other guy (She fell asleep) Though he looked alive. (Okay, so I can't remember what happened to him. Let's just say he's the one who stops the other guy from torturing Kurama later)
Mina edged closer to the ring so she could hear what was going on. (She didn't want to use demon hearing since the crowds were too loud) Kurama was saying something to Yusuke as he got into the ring. "....try to take on three. That'll leave you the leader." Mina pursed her lips. There was no way he could take on three. He was barely recovering from their experience. She prayed he'd be okay.
There was a snigger and then a guy jumped up onto the ring. His black cloak went off with a 'swish'. Mina hid a grin behind her hand. Boy, that guy was ugly! The guys weapon was..... paintbrushes?! Mina snorted. This guy was a joke.
As the battle dragged on, Mina's tension inside began to grow. For some reason, Kurama's leg wouldn't move! It was then she realized what was going on. This guy was the person who mixed his blood into the paint and placed the seals in them. She shivered. 'I hope he didn't take this guy for an idiot. He's going to be tough! No, Kurama wouldn't be that stupid...' She thought, but somehow, she wasn't too sure that he was going to win.
Soon the outcome was down to this: Kurama was nearly fully immobile, and the other guy was getting cocky. Mina could feel her anger rising. Why the hell won't Kurama finish him off?! 'Unless he can't...' She thought for a fleeting moment, then brushed that aside. No, Kurama just wanted to learn some new strategy or something. That had to be it.
From the snatches of the conversation she could hear, things were about to get ugly. Kurama can't move at all! From the expression on his face, he looked doomed. But there was something in his eyes she saw that made her feel reassured. He had a plan up his sleeve. And, as the paint-guy honed in for a blow, Kurama turned his head at the last moment. Vines whipped the other guy and he fell, blood spewing forth.
But Mina felt that there was something wrong afoot. The guy was speaking. Seeing that the audience was quiet, she twitched her ear in their direction to listen in. "I managed to place the full binding spell on you (A/N: don't mind me, but I think he called it something else, but I no can remember, I barely even remember this match so excuse me if something is wrong) now, you can barely move and your spirit energy can't be used outside your body. Heh heh heh." The guy died laughing.
Mina felt sick suddenly. She had a feeling she knew who was going to fight next. As a guy with silvery-blue hair with green-streaked bangs and blue-white eyes stepped into the ring, her worst fear was confirmed. Touya the ice master, part of a dark ninja group. (then again, so is like, everyone that is one their team.)
The fight started rather quickly, as if Touya wanted to hurry and get this over with. He held one of his hands to his face, palm up and blew. Ice shards appeared and flew at Kurama who was trying to run. Mina noticed something he was doing while running. He was smearing his own blood over the paint, over the huge symbol on his chest. As he did it, he seemed to be able to move a little more, but not completely.
She could see them converse once in a while, but the audience was too loud for her to hear them. After a while, Mina didn't want to watch any longer. She sat down and drew her knees to her chest and placed her forehead on them. When she looked up again, Touya was down. Kurama was on his feet, but his eyes were closed. Mina edged her way as close to the ring as she dared. He was asleep on his feet.
Koto announced him the winner. As Yusuke was about to go into the ring, another guy came up. Mina growled. He reeked of B.O. and evil. He brushed Yusuke off and told Koto to announce the match. "But-" Koto protested. The guy glared. "He's in the ring still and standing, so it's fair. NOW, DO YOUR JOB!" Koto gulped and did as she was told. Mina made a mental note to talk to the announcer.
Yusuke growled and looked around. Mina met his eyes and he glared at her. She was the one who had caused a lot of trouble. Mina could feel herself redden as he continued to give her the death glare. Then things got ugly. The guy began to punch and throw Kurama around, acting like a boy who was torturing his sister's doll or Barbie for enjoyment. (A/N: which is actually fun to do... unless it's yours, then you have rights to be pissed though it's more like action figures for me, or statues...)
Koto redeemed herself a little in Mina's eyes by trying to count when Kurama was down as fast as she could so that the other guy would win the match or trying to argue with the other guy. "You're going to kill him!!" Koto shouted to him. Mina thought she heard "That's what I plan to do" from him, but she wasn't sure. Other then that, the guy paid no attention to Koto whatsoever.
As he pelted Kurama more and more, torturing him and jeering at him, Mina could no longer take it. Suddenly there was a "Stop." And the guy looked up. "Look. If you do that you'll be killed. I don't think they care about being disqualified." The first guy said. He looked around. Mina had a Kunai knife in her teeth and her hands held twin daggers. She was in a full pose to kill in one strike. Yusuke had his index finger out, his traditional rei-ki pose.
The murderous look in their eyes made the guy growl and throw Kurama out of the ring. Koto hurriedly counted and announced the other guy as the winner. Almost in unison, Mina and Yusuke bent over Kurama worriedly. "He's not dead." She said after checking his pulse.
Yusuke didn't say anything as he helped lift Kurama to his feet and gently lay him down, his back against the back of the ring. "Are you okay, Kurama?" He asked quietly to Kurama. After a couple of moments and Kurama opened his eyes a little.
"I'll live." He said softly, closing his eyes again. Yusuke looked at Mina scathingly.
"Take care of him." He said to her and jumped into the ring.
He looked as if he was going to murder the next person who came in contact to him. Mina was sure if he had been a dragon, the stadium would be on fire with the heat waves of anger coming from him. Koto announced the match breathlessly, and it started. Mina didn't pay attention. She knew Yusuke would win. The other guy's power had been weak.
She gently brushed Kurama's bigger wounds with her finger, instantly healing them. Kurama's eyes opened. When they finally focused, Mina was blushing crimson. "Sorry about....I..." She could feel her throat beginning to close. Apologies never worked for her.
Kurama gave a feeble smile. "It's okay. I've been through worse." He shifted slightly, wincing in pain, but not crying out.
Mina swallowed hard and said softly, "I was just really confused. There is no love between me and him. Just hatred from me."
Kurama didn't answer right away. "I shouldn't.... have run off like that, I should have listened. I'm the one who is sorry." He said slowly.
Mina sighed. "Oh, don't act so goody-goody all the time. I know you were mad. Let's just forget about it for now. I still need to heal you." She added with a grin.
Kurama smiled. "Right. I just wanted you to know, I've been remembering. I never knew you and him were so close." Mina touched another wound, making it heal.
"Y-yeah. We were pretty close. Though he hated it when I used to heal him. He said he felt as if I was babying him and he could take care of himself." She closed her eyes as if remembering something that she wished would happen again.
"You were with his band of thieves? So you knew Kuronue." Kurama said.
Mina snorted. "Yeah I knew him. If there was one ever touched in the head, it's him. He was so confused half the time about his feelings for Lara; I nearly had to slap some sense into him. And no, I wasn't in his band of thieves. Kuronue and him thought that woman as thieves would only cause trouble. They also thought that woman were only good for brewing beer, sleeping with and as maids. I showed Youko a thing or two about my feelings. I think that was the first time he got a black eye...." Mina said thoughtfully after a second.
Kurama laughed a little. "Oh really? So you showed him that woman can fight better than most men?" He raised a brow.
Mina smirked. "Yeah, especially Lara gave them some other reasons. Her demon form was a bat. She could detect all sorts of sounds and use it against them. Once she got them caught in a trap since they pissed her off. I think she left them hanging there for a couple of days without any food or water. They couldn't get down since only the person who tied the knot or made the trap could undo it."
Kurama was trying to stand. Mina shoved him down roughly with one hand, causing all of the cuts to heal where she had touched him. "Oh, no you don't. Your ass is staying right there." She said firmly.
Kurama winced at her use of language. "Better language makes a person look better..." He said. Mina growled in response, tearing up strips of cloth from her sleeves to bind his arm. It was so bruised, he could barely move it.
By the time she was done, Yusuke had won the match. (Mina had to hold her nose for a while since the B.O. from the other guy had been so strong till the wind finally blew it away) Jin stepped in the ring. Mina growled as she made another mental note. 'Make sure to kick Jin's butt for choosing that team member.' She thought.
She then remembered the weapons that were lying on the ground. She tucked them safely away in her kimono before turning back to the match. Jin was making Yusuke laugh. Yusuke kept trying to keep a straight face, but it wasn't working. He grinned.
At first, the match seemed sort of playful. Jin flying in the air, avoiding Urameshi. Then at one point, he flew up so high, Mina couldn't see him. Then things got serious. Jin started to use his wind techniques and Urameshi was ready to pull off another Rei-ki. When he did, Jin had an odd expression on his face that made Mina want to laugh. "You don't make bombs go BOOM in your face Urameshi!!" He yelled, looking like he just had a heart-attack.
When Mina looked down again to Kurama, he was sleeping. She brushed his hair from his eyes and wiped some blood from his face. 'At least he's at peace and I know he won't bleed to death. Which is just as well, they have another match soon.' She thought. Mina continued to watch the match. On normal bases, she would have been interested, but now, she felt just plain bored. And she knew she was in for it as soon as she walked through the exit. Karasu, with out doubt, knew her every thought. Oh how she wished she had been right in the head at the time!
Suddenly Kurama's eyes opened. "You shouldn't think of things that aren't kind to yourself." He said to her. Mina drew back in surprise.
"How in the name of Kami did you know what I was thinking?!" She demanded. Kurama smiled wearily.
"When I was sleeping I could hear your thoughts. I didn't understand at first, then I realized that you and his, Youko's, mating bond hadn't lifted when you and Karasu, er... and I suppose because that means you are still suffering from a great trauma that happened with him, like loosing him perhaps."
Mina was silent for a second then said, "That means. I and Karasu don't have one..." She brightened. 'That clears up so much.' She thought.
"Not necessarily." Kurama said in turn to her thoughts. "Once you get over it, your bond will be with the last person...." He trailed off, watching her expression. She wore a mask of hatred.
She let out a sound that sounded like something between a hiss and a sigh. "I hate this, honestly I do." She said.
"No, you hate yourself, which you shouldn't." He corrected her.
Mina growled. "You should be resting." She said gruffly.
Kurama laughed. "No, I am quite healed thanks to you." He said, opening his kimono a little. She saw that the skin was smooth, not even a scar.
"Whoa, not even my best patient left without a scar." Kurama gave her a grin as he covered himself.
"Youko has improved for the last 30 years." He said.
Mina took a deep breath at the mention of his name. "Y-yeah. I guess he did better without me around to hound him." She faked a smile, trying to make a joke. Kurama's grin disappeared.
"I didn't mean it that way."
Mina didn't seem to brighten. "Yeah." She said softly, as if she was somewhere else. It took her a moment to realize that the match was over. Yusuke was making his way towards them, his clothes ripped in a lot of places. "Can you walk?" He asked quietly to Kurama who nodded. When he looked up again, Mina had gone.
~*~*~*~*~*~
As Mina walked towards the hotel slowly, a feeling of sorrow overcame her. Youko. He was always such a testy subject around her. She knew it wasn't his fault, but she couldn't help but blame him rather than his partner who had disliked her beyond reason. 'He left because of you. You told him to leave.' A small voice said inside her head. She growled at it. 'No I didn't. He left because Kuronue wanted to keep us apart.' She argued. 'He gave up remember? No, you got angry because he used you in a demonstration to Kuronue that you weren't going to take orders from anyone but him. You didn't like that did you?' It said with a sneer.
Mina clenched a fist at the memory. 'I got over it. We made up and he said that he just lost his temper.' She said firmly, though she felt doubt creep into her brain. 'A ha! You see, you never did get over it. Even after a couple of years later.' The voice said, drilling her brain. She pounded a tree in frustration, making it split. "God....damn... head." She said through clenched teeth. Before she could take it out on another tree, her fist was pulled back and she was turned around. She was face-to-face with Karasu.
"Hello Mina. Nice day for making toothpicks is it?" He said pleasantly. Mina didn't do anything. She was frozen. There was no doubt Kurama's blood on her hands and chest, and she reeked of him. His red-black eyes burned into hers. "So, I see you were interacting with Kurama. Too bad, he'll die when he faces me. Don't you forget that." He said, then disappeared, leaving her standing there blinking stupidly, her fist still in the air.
~*~*~*~*~*~ The Next Day ~*~*~*~*~*~
Jin was walking in a clearing, Touya beside him. "Nice day for a stroll isn' it? Reminds me of' the trees back home', tossing in the wind here and there I might say." He said smiling.
"It's too bad that you won't get this island, after all, you did lose to Urameshi." came Touya's smooth and calm, cold voice.
"Ah, don't be such a stick in the mud. There is always' other' chances." was Jin's cheerful reply.
"I wouldn't be countin' on it. If Urameshi grows stronger, he'll be barking up every tournament that hands out prizes like this' one." said Chu from behind. Beside him was Rinku, the yo-yo kid.
Jin gave a sniff and drew back. "I think someone' had one too many pints." He said, making Touya draw back a little too. Suddenly, there was a 'whoosh' of wind and Jin was thrown to his back, a snarling kitsune female on his chest.
"You bastard! How could you even have such a scumbag on your team?!" She shouted at him. She had what were his clothes balled up in her two fists, her knees on either side of his torso. She glared menacingly at him.
"Why, if it ain't Mina. Been a while hasn't it?" Jin said with a grin.
"An acquaintance of yours?" asked Touya with a hint of amusement.
"Oy, don't you' 'member her? Tis Mina!" Jin said with a laugh.
Touya raised a brow. "Oh yes, I remember her now. I didn't recognize her through the differences of clothes and manners. Not to mention appearance." He added.
Mina looked down at herself and blushed. She was wearing one of her shorter kimono's that showed a great deal of leg. And when they first met, she hadn't worn any make-up and had been very polite. "Well now, I didn't know we had gotten on such friendly terms. Though you're' showin' a deal more than you ought." Jin said, still laughing. She understood that he was indicating she was leaning a tad too far down and close towards him.
Mina got off of him quickly, though she didn't stop her menacing glare. "So what were' yeh yellin about when you came shriekin out of no where?" Jin asked.
"That bastard on your team. The one who nearly killed Y- Kurama." She had stopped herself from saying Youko. She knew he was not him, no matter how much she was reminded of him through his eyes. Jin got up and started to dust himself.
"I didn' pick him. Ask the other guy' about that. Though' I think he's already left...you know, I had a much better view from down there." He teased.
Mina socked him in the jaw. "Hardy har har." She said sarcastically.
"So who is this pretty shelia?" Chu asked, making Mina turn 'round.
"I am not pretty." She said through gritted teeth. She never did understand men, plus this guy reeked of alcohol.
"Her name is Mina. She is on the team of Togoru." Touya said, introducing her in his soft voice.
Jin was getting up slowly as he said, "Oh, on their team now are yeh? Their team' is in the hurricane winds. Urameshi doesn't stand o' chance."
Mina nearly flung her kunai knives at him for that remark. "Shut it. They have qualities and skills they haven't shown yet. Besides, who's one to talk? You lost to Urameshi yourself."
Rinku laughed. "Kuwabara doesn't stand a chance. He was really pathetic, I was his first opponent." He said.
Mina growled. "Yeah I suppose. He'll have to work harder...." She trailed off, looking behind Jin. Her ears flattened. For a brief moment, very brief moment, she thought she had seen Kuronue pass in between the trees. 'No but it can't be him. He was dead the last I heard of him.' She thought.
Shaking herself, she turned to Jin and Touya again. "So who's the kid and drunk?" She asked.
"The name is Chu." Chu said with a wave of his hand.
"And I'm Rinku lady. Don't call me a kid!" Rinku said gruffly.
"I'm sorry to say but, winning a match with an idiot like Kuwabara doesn't change the fact you're still a kid." Mina said with suppressed laughter.
"So, Jin, what brings you to the Dark Tournament anyway?" She asked.
Touya sighed. Jin grinned. "Just a nice place to settle' down in'. Would you care' to join me'?" He asked, laughing. Mina gave him a death glare.
"No, and I don't plan to. I have someone already." She said irritated.
"And that is Kurama is it not?" said Touya, making her jump.
"H-how did you know?" She demanded shakily.
"It is easy to read behind the eyes. When you said his name, you changed your expression for a second. He was also talking about how he has hardly just started to step into the light. I suppose he meant you." Touya said coolly. "I also doubt you would have jumped Jin if you did not care for him." He added.
Mina looked down with difficulty. Whenever she stared into Touya's eyes, it was like finding yourself lost in a mountain of ice and there was no where to run. Trapped. It always made her think of how she felt, lost and confused, though Touya's eyes held no emotion in them.
"Y-yeah. But, I daresay, if you mention it to anyone, I'll smash you into the concrete so you'll never say anything again." Mina said with a menacing growl. She was looking more towards Rinku and Chu however.
"Don't look at us, love. I ain't a squealer." Chu said. Rinku just looked away.
"So is that a challenge?" Touya asked. Mina glared, drilling his cold, icy blue gaze with her fiery emerald one. He didn't blink or back down as most do.
"Try me." She said, pulling out her weapons, the kunai knives and extending her claws.
"Oh, c'mon you two. Just give' it a rest now will yeh!" Jin interrupted, stepping in between them so that their glares were cut off from each other. "Keh." Was all Mina said as she sat down on the grass cross-legged and kept her eyes on Touya who stood, his arms crossed, but she could tell he was poised for a fight.
"Well now. It's a gettin' late. And I'll be off, see ya around." Chu said and was gone.
"I'm leaving as well. See ya Jin." Mina said quietly. "Touya." With a quick, angry nod, Mina disappeared.
"Aw, Touya. You still' can't put yer differences aside now can yeh?" Jin said. Touya shrugged, already heading out of the forest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Kurama woke, a feeling of dread swept over him. He felt that something wasn't right. He was pulsing slightly, in all of the places that his cuts had healed because of Mina. At first, he thought it was hormones. But no, it was a slightly different feeling. A feeling that had been buried for over 30 years... or so he felt. As he walked to the bathroom, he found himself face-to-face with the mirror. Only, it wasn't his reflection staring back at him.
Author: Cliff hanger, cliff hanger, cliff hanger, cliff hanger! Don't ya just love me? No, I still haven't gotten over that habit of making cliffies. But ah, don't worry, this next chapter will answer plenty of unanswerable questions! ^____^ Ain't I nice? By the way, I hope you have nothing against the KKK joke I made. I didn't mean nothing. I mean, my mother's fiancé is African-American for crying out loud! Oh yeah, just so I spare ye the justice of anxiety, I have a preview:
Mina could feel her heart beating with excitement. 'He's back. I can't believe it, he's back!' She thought, turning around in a circle. She hugged herself. Never in her dreams had she thought she'd meet up with him again. Finally, finally, she could take back all of the things she hadn't meant to say, to feel his touch, have him hold her in his arms.... She sighed at the thought. 'Thank you Jesus for killin' Satan and allowing me justice.' She thought. Togoru had banned her from seeing Kurama, but he hadn't banded her from seeing him.
Author: I have soo much to say to ya'll! I miss you!!! :'/ It really sucks not to have internet access! Naoko, I totally understand you now. Oh yeah, for those who don't know or didn't answer to me, I do have an email address. It's Kitsune_koneko45@yahoo.com. I check it once a week or so if I can. (shh no tell yeah? I have to do this in school) ^___^ fitting name most say. Man, I really miss being silverfox. It's just been so long. I betcha ya'll happy that I'm FINALLY updating this. ^____^ So am I. It would have been earlier, but I couldn't remember what I had written in chapter 15! . I'm very absentminded. Oh, guess what? I'M FINALLY 13!! WOOO! PARTY! I'm sooo happy. I hated being classified as a pre-teen. My b-day was Nov. 4 for your info. I'm gonna make this chapter as long as I can, unless I run out of ideas. Oh yeah, in my spare time, I've been writing Mina's and Youko's past. I think you will like it ^____^ when it's published of course. The weirdest thing in the world was reading my own story. It's actually pretty good with the exception of a heck of a lot of homophones...that are wrong..... (I can't believe I only spelled aloud instead of allowed!) ^___^ I think I wrote better then than now...
I want to say things to some peoples:
Hiei_rocks16: what happen to you? You emailed me once saying something about the RP, then you didn't answer back!! I've been waiting for your email!
Fubby Buffy: hi, I'll try to read your story, but ah, lets just say internet café's scare the hell out of me (There was a mahoo, or a shim as mainlanders say)
Naoko: I think you're a little confused about Hiei and Bui. Hiei's alive and well, and Bui's, well, he's not dead...Hiei spare him as you would say. (I bought those dvd's finally) Good luck with Neo ^____^
Jada: It's been a while yeah? I don't know if you read this (it's soo hard to check email) still. Well if you do, Hi. Kurama says hi too. Well, more like Youko.
Deadbeat: I dunno if I said this or not, but, the reason why Mina became a depresso is because she's been through a lot. And I know I changed some characters personality. I didn't mean to, but ya know, need someone to say one thing, then another to another. You get the idea. And Mina is a poor delusional kitsune. She hates Karasu insanely, but let's just say she wasn't right in the head at the time. Though, like I said before, even if it was a little extreme, everything has a purpose *evil grin*
Everyone who thinks Mina and Karasu is a couple and that she and Kurama probably won't get back together: O' ye of little faith.
I can't remember your name: WHO SAID I GAVE UP CLAIMS HUH?! By the way, don't be offended that I can't remember your name, it's just I happen to have the worst memory in the world and also seem to have Short-term Memory loss. That's what mom says anyway.
Chapter 16: Kurama's decision
Mina trudged up the path towards the tournament grounds. Togoru wasn't there she noticed. Bui, Karasu, and Elder Togoru were up ahead. The walk was a silent one. When they finally got up to the grounds, she silently slipped away from the others and positioned herself against the wall. She knew she wasn't supposed to be on the ground level, but she doubted anyone would mess with her. She was, after all, the chick on Togoru's team that has never lost a match before. Not even when the infamous Youko Kurama challenged her.
She sighed as the Team Urameshi stepped on the field. Soon the team against them made their appearance. As the announcer, Koto made introductions, she studied the opposing team. To her, they looked like black KKK's.
She smiled grimly at the pun in that. Black KKK's against white KKK's. Funny. As the two teams began to converse (not exactly friendly tones) Two people were unmasked. One had red hair. With a jolt, she recognized him as Jin. She had to grin. He was always so funny. In the couple of brief occasions she had met him, he made her laugh more than she thought had been possible and he had a cute Irish accent. She didn't recognize the other.
After a couple of minutes, Jin was sitting down looking a bit agitated, though he hid it well in his relaxed expression. As they decided who was going step into the ring, a voice on the intercom announced that the Urameshi team needs a check-up or something.
Mina felt herself turn red as the nurse came out of her medical tent. She was beautiful. Mina, herself, was very plain with cold green eyes, straight black hair and not many curves. Her face was hard instead of soft and she had scars in some places along with cuts and bruises. Her skin also bore a small tattoo on her shoulder that was hardly visible unless she undressed. It was of a nine-tailed fox. Her first boyfriend (she only had two in her life) dumped her because of her breast size. Remembering him made her grit her teeth in anger. Tori. In the end, he lay dead.
Then, she went up to the boys (Mina was glowering at her) and said something. Genkai and Hiei went into her tent. To Mina's surprise, a barrier flared up and the woman was revealed. Mina growled. She was an enchantress.
The woman had said Kuwabara was okay to fight though he looked like all of his bones were broken. Mina didn't think he looked fit. In fact, she thought that they might as well tell him that he can't fight for the rest of the week. But he didn't listen. Then the battle was on. At the end, Kuwabara was in worse shambles and Mina hadn't seen what had happened to the other guy (She fell asleep) Though he looked alive. (Okay, so I can't remember what happened to him. Let's just say he's the one who stops the other guy from torturing Kurama later)
Mina edged closer to the ring so she could hear what was going on. (She didn't want to use demon hearing since the crowds were too loud) Kurama was saying something to Yusuke as he got into the ring. "....try to take on three. That'll leave you the leader." Mina pursed her lips. There was no way he could take on three. He was barely recovering from their experience. She prayed he'd be okay.
There was a snigger and then a guy jumped up onto the ring. His black cloak went off with a 'swish'. Mina hid a grin behind her hand. Boy, that guy was ugly! The guys weapon was..... paintbrushes?! Mina snorted. This guy was a joke.
As the battle dragged on, Mina's tension inside began to grow. For some reason, Kurama's leg wouldn't move! It was then she realized what was going on. This guy was the person who mixed his blood into the paint and placed the seals in them. She shivered. 'I hope he didn't take this guy for an idiot. He's going to be tough! No, Kurama wouldn't be that stupid...' She thought, but somehow, she wasn't too sure that he was going to win.
Soon the outcome was down to this: Kurama was nearly fully immobile, and the other guy was getting cocky. Mina could feel her anger rising. Why the hell won't Kurama finish him off?! 'Unless he can't...' She thought for a fleeting moment, then brushed that aside. No, Kurama just wanted to learn some new strategy or something. That had to be it.
From the snatches of the conversation she could hear, things were about to get ugly. Kurama can't move at all! From the expression on his face, he looked doomed. But there was something in his eyes she saw that made her feel reassured. He had a plan up his sleeve. And, as the paint-guy honed in for a blow, Kurama turned his head at the last moment. Vines whipped the other guy and he fell, blood spewing forth.
But Mina felt that there was something wrong afoot. The guy was speaking. Seeing that the audience was quiet, she twitched her ear in their direction to listen in. "I managed to place the full binding spell on you (A/N: don't mind me, but I think he called it something else, but I no can remember, I barely even remember this match so excuse me if something is wrong) now, you can barely move and your spirit energy can't be used outside your body. Heh heh heh." The guy died laughing.
Mina felt sick suddenly. She had a feeling she knew who was going to fight next. As a guy with silvery-blue hair with green-streaked bangs and blue-white eyes stepped into the ring, her worst fear was confirmed. Touya the ice master, part of a dark ninja group. (then again, so is like, everyone that is one their team.)
The fight started rather quickly, as if Touya wanted to hurry and get this over with. He held one of his hands to his face, palm up and blew. Ice shards appeared and flew at Kurama who was trying to run. Mina noticed something he was doing while running. He was smearing his own blood over the paint, over the huge symbol on his chest. As he did it, he seemed to be able to move a little more, but not completely.
She could see them converse once in a while, but the audience was too loud for her to hear them. After a while, Mina didn't want to watch any longer. She sat down and drew her knees to her chest and placed her forehead on them. When she looked up again, Touya was down. Kurama was on his feet, but his eyes were closed. Mina edged her way as close to the ring as she dared. He was asleep on his feet.
Koto announced him the winner. As Yusuke was about to go into the ring, another guy came up. Mina growled. He reeked of B.O. and evil. He brushed Yusuke off and told Koto to announce the match. "But-" Koto protested. The guy glared. "He's in the ring still and standing, so it's fair. NOW, DO YOUR JOB!" Koto gulped and did as she was told. Mina made a mental note to talk to the announcer.
Yusuke growled and looked around. Mina met his eyes and he glared at her. She was the one who had caused a lot of trouble. Mina could feel herself redden as he continued to give her the death glare. Then things got ugly. The guy began to punch and throw Kurama around, acting like a boy who was torturing his sister's doll or Barbie for enjoyment. (A/N: which is actually fun to do... unless it's yours, then you have rights to be pissed though it's more like action figures for me, or statues...)
Koto redeemed herself a little in Mina's eyes by trying to count when Kurama was down as fast as she could so that the other guy would win the match or trying to argue with the other guy. "You're going to kill him!!" Koto shouted to him. Mina thought she heard "That's what I plan to do" from him, but she wasn't sure. Other then that, the guy paid no attention to Koto whatsoever.
As he pelted Kurama more and more, torturing him and jeering at him, Mina could no longer take it. Suddenly there was a "Stop." And the guy looked up. "Look. If you do that you'll be killed. I don't think they care about being disqualified." The first guy said. He looked around. Mina had a Kunai knife in her teeth and her hands held twin daggers. She was in a full pose to kill in one strike. Yusuke had his index finger out, his traditional rei-ki pose.
The murderous look in their eyes made the guy growl and throw Kurama out of the ring. Koto hurriedly counted and announced the other guy as the winner. Almost in unison, Mina and Yusuke bent over Kurama worriedly. "He's not dead." She said after checking his pulse.
Yusuke didn't say anything as he helped lift Kurama to his feet and gently lay him down, his back against the back of the ring. "Are you okay, Kurama?" He asked quietly to Kurama. After a couple of moments and Kurama opened his eyes a little.
"I'll live." He said softly, closing his eyes again. Yusuke looked at Mina scathingly.
"Take care of him." He said to her and jumped into the ring.
He looked as if he was going to murder the next person who came in contact to him. Mina was sure if he had been a dragon, the stadium would be on fire with the heat waves of anger coming from him. Koto announced the match breathlessly, and it started. Mina didn't pay attention. She knew Yusuke would win. The other guy's power had been weak.
She gently brushed Kurama's bigger wounds with her finger, instantly healing them. Kurama's eyes opened. When they finally focused, Mina was blushing crimson. "Sorry about....I..." She could feel her throat beginning to close. Apologies never worked for her.
Kurama gave a feeble smile. "It's okay. I've been through worse." He shifted slightly, wincing in pain, but not crying out.
Mina swallowed hard and said softly, "I was just really confused. There is no love between me and him. Just hatred from me."
Kurama didn't answer right away. "I shouldn't.... have run off like that, I should have listened. I'm the one who is sorry." He said slowly.
Mina sighed. "Oh, don't act so goody-goody all the time. I know you were mad. Let's just forget about it for now. I still need to heal you." She added with a grin.
Kurama smiled. "Right. I just wanted you to know, I've been remembering. I never knew you and him were so close." Mina touched another wound, making it heal.
"Y-yeah. We were pretty close. Though he hated it when I used to heal him. He said he felt as if I was babying him and he could take care of himself." She closed her eyes as if remembering something that she wished would happen again.
"You were with his band of thieves? So you knew Kuronue." Kurama said.
Mina snorted. "Yeah I knew him. If there was one ever touched in the head, it's him. He was so confused half the time about his feelings for Lara; I nearly had to slap some sense into him. And no, I wasn't in his band of thieves. Kuronue and him thought that woman as thieves would only cause trouble. They also thought that woman were only good for brewing beer, sleeping with and as maids. I showed Youko a thing or two about my feelings. I think that was the first time he got a black eye...." Mina said thoughtfully after a second.
Kurama laughed a little. "Oh really? So you showed him that woman can fight better than most men?" He raised a brow.
Mina smirked. "Yeah, especially Lara gave them some other reasons. Her demon form was a bat. She could detect all sorts of sounds and use it against them. Once she got them caught in a trap since they pissed her off. I think she left them hanging there for a couple of days without any food or water. They couldn't get down since only the person who tied the knot or made the trap could undo it."
Kurama was trying to stand. Mina shoved him down roughly with one hand, causing all of the cuts to heal where she had touched him. "Oh, no you don't. Your ass is staying right there." She said firmly.
Kurama winced at her use of language. "Better language makes a person look better..." He said. Mina growled in response, tearing up strips of cloth from her sleeves to bind his arm. It was so bruised, he could barely move it.
By the time she was done, Yusuke had won the match. (Mina had to hold her nose for a while since the B.O. from the other guy had been so strong till the wind finally blew it away) Jin stepped in the ring. Mina growled as she made another mental note. 'Make sure to kick Jin's butt for choosing that team member.' She thought.
She then remembered the weapons that were lying on the ground. She tucked them safely away in her kimono before turning back to the match. Jin was making Yusuke laugh. Yusuke kept trying to keep a straight face, but it wasn't working. He grinned.
At first, the match seemed sort of playful. Jin flying in the air, avoiding Urameshi. Then at one point, he flew up so high, Mina couldn't see him. Then things got serious. Jin started to use his wind techniques and Urameshi was ready to pull off another Rei-ki. When he did, Jin had an odd expression on his face that made Mina want to laugh. "You don't make bombs go BOOM in your face Urameshi!!" He yelled, looking like he just had a heart-attack.
When Mina looked down again to Kurama, he was sleeping. She brushed his hair from his eyes and wiped some blood from his face. 'At least he's at peace and I know he won't bleed to death. Which is just as well, they have another match soon.' She thought. Mina continued to watch the match. On normal bases, she would have been interested, but now, she felt just plain bored. And she knew she was in for it as soon as she walked through the exit. Karasu, with out doubt, knew her every thought. Oh how she wished she had been right in the head at the time!
Suddenly Kurama's eyes opened. "You shouldn't think of things that aren't kind to yourself." He said to her. Mina drew back in surprise.
"How in the name of Kami did you know what I was thinking?!" She demanded. Kurama smiled wearily.
"When I was sleeping I could hear your thoughts. I didn't understand at first, then I realized that you and his, Youko's, mating bond hadn't lifted when you and Karasu, er... and I suppose because that means you are still suffering from a great trauma that happened with him, like loosing him perhaps."
Mina was silent for a second then said, "That means. I and Karasu don't have one..." She brightened. 'That clears up so much.' She thought.
"Not necessarily." Kurama said in turn to her thoughts. "Once you get over it, your bond will be with the last person...." He trailed off, watching her expression. She wore a mask of hatred.
She let out a sound that sounded like something between a hiss and a sigh. "I hate this, honestly I do." She said.
"No, you hate yourself, which you shouldn't." He corrected her.
Mina growled. "You should be resting." She said gruffly.
Kurama laughed. "No, I am quite healed thanks to you." He said, opening his kimono a little. She saw that the skin was smooth, not even a scar.
"Whoa, not even my best patient left without a scar." Kurama gave her a grin as he covered himself.
"Youko has improved for the last 30 years." He said.
Mina took a deep breath at the mention of his name. "Y-yeah. I guess he did better without me around to hound him." She faked a smile, trying to make a joke. Kurama's grin disappeared.
"I didn't mean it that way."
Mina didn't seem to brighten. "Yeah." She said softly, as if she was somewhere else. It took her a moment to realize that the match was over. Yusuke was making his way towards them, his clothes ripped in a lot of places. "Can you walk?" He asked quietly to Kurama who nodded. When he looked up again, Mina had gone.
~*~*~*~*~*~
As Mina walked towards the hotel slowly, a feeling of sorrow overcame her. Youko. He was always such a testy subject around her. She knew it wasn't his fault, but she couldn't help but blame him rather than his partner who had disliked her beyond reason. 'He left because of you. You told him to leave.' A small voice said inside her head. She growled at it. 'No I didn't. He left because Kuronue wanted to keep us apart.' She argued. 'He gave up remember? No, you got angry because he used you in a demonstration to Kuronue that you weren't going to take orders from anyone but him. You didn't like that did you?' It said with a sneer.
Mina clenched a fist at the memory. 'I got over it. We made up and he said that he just lost his temper.' She said firmly, though she felt doubt creep into her brain. 'A ha! You see, you never did get over it. Even after a couple of years later.' The voice said, drilling her brain. She pounded a tree in frustration, making it split. "God....damn... head." She said through clenched teeth. Before she could take it out on another tree, her fist was pulled back and she was turned around. She was face-to-face with Karasu.
"Hello Mina. Nice day for making toothpicks is it?" He said pleasantly. Mina didn't do anything. She was frozen. There was no doubt Kurama's blood on her hands and chest, and she reeked of him. His red-black eyes burned into hers. "So, I see you were interacting with Kurama. Too bad, he'll die when he faces me. Don't you forget that." He said, then disappeared, leaving her standing there blinking stupidly, her fist still in the air.
~*~*~*~*~*~ The Next Day ~*~*~*~*~*~
Jin was walking in a clearing, Touya beside him. "Nice day for a stroll isn' it? Reminds me of' the trees back home', tossing in the wind here and there I might say." He said smiling.
"It's too bad that you won't get this island, after all, you did lose to Urameshi." came Touya's smooth and calm, cold voice.
"Ah, don't be such a stick in the mud. There is always' other' chances." was Jin's cheerful reply.
"I wouldn't be countin' on it. If Urameshi grows stronger, he'll be barking up every tournament that hands out prizes like this' one." said Chu from behind. Beside him was Rinku, the yo-yo kid.
Jin gave a sniff and drew back. "I think someone' had one too many pints." He said, making Touya draw back a little too. Suddenly, there was a 'whoosh' of wind and Jin was thrown to his back, a snarling kitsune female on his chest.
"You bastard! How could you even have such a scumbag on your team?!" She shouted at him. She had what were his clothes balled up in her two fists, her knees on either side of his torso. She glared menacingly at him.
"Why, if it ain't Mina. Been a while hasn't it?" Jin said with a grin.
"An acquaintance of yours?" asked Touya with a hint of amusement.
"Oy, don't you' 'member her? Tis Mina!" Jin said with a laugh.
Touya raised a brow. "Oh yes, I remember her now. I didn't recognize her through the differences of clothes and manners. Not to mention appearance." He added.
Mina looked down at herself and blushed. She was wearing one of her shorter kimono's that showed a great deal of leg. And when they first met, she hadn't worn any make-up and had been very polite. "Well now, I didn't know we had gotten on such friendly terms. Though you're' showin' a deal more than you ought." Jin said, still laughing. She understood that he was indicating she was leaning a tad too far down and close towards him.
Mina got off of him quickly, though she didn't stop her menacing glare. "So what were' yeh yellin about when you came shriekin out of no where?" Jin asked.
"That bastard on your team. The one who nearly killed Y- Kurama." She had stopped herself from saying Youko. She knew he was not him, no matter how much she was reminded of him through his eyes. Jin got up and started to dust himself.
"I didn' pick him. Ask the other guy' about that. Though' I think he's already left...you know, I had a much better view from down there." He teased.
Mina socked him in the jaw. "Hardy har har." She said sarcastically.
"So who is this pretty shelia?" Chu asked, making Mina turn 'round.
"I am not pretty." She said through gritted teeth. She never did understand men, plus this guy reeked of alcohol.
"Her name is Mina. She is on the team of Togoru." Touya said, introducing her in his soft voice.
Jin was getting up slowly as he said, "Oh, on their team now are yeh? Their team' is in the hurricane winds. Urameshi doesn't stand o' chance."
Mina nearly flung her kunai knives at him for that remark. "Shut it. They have qualities and skills they haven't shown yet. Besides, who's one to talk? You lost to Urameshi yourself."
Rinku laughed. "Kuwabara doesn't stand a chance. He was really pathetic, I was his first opponent." He said.
Mina growled. "Yeah I suppose. He'll have to work harder...." She trailed off, looking behind Jin. Her ears flattened. For a brief moment, very brief moment, she thought she had seen Kuronue pass in between the trees. 'No but it can't be him. He was dead the last I heard of him.' She thought.
Shaking herself, she turned to Jin and Touya again. "So who's the kid and drunk?" She asked.
"The name is Chu." Chu said with a wave of his hand.
"And I'm Rinku lady. Don't call me a kid!" Rinku said gruffly.
"I'm sorry to say but, winning a match with an idiot like Kuwabara doesn't change the fact you're still a kid." Mina said with suppressed laughter.
"So, Jin, what brings you to the Dark Tournament anyway?" She asked.
Touya sighed. Jin grinned. "Just a nice place to settle' down in'. Would you care' to join me'?" He asked, laughing. Mina gave him a death glare.
"No, and I don't plan to. I have someone already." She said irritated.
"And that is Kurama is it not?" said Touya, making her jump.
"H-how did you know?" She demanded shakily.
"It is easy to read behind the eyes. When you said his name, you changed your expression for a second. He was also talking about how he has hardly just started to step into the light. I suppose he meant you." Touya said coolly. "I also doubt you would have jumped Jin if you did not care for him." He added.
Mina looked down with difficulty. Whenever she stared into Touya's eyes, it was like finding yourself lost in a mountain of ice and there was no where to run. Trapped. It always made her think of how she felt, lost and confused, though Touya's eyes held no emotion in them.
"Y-yeah. But, I daresay, if you mention it to anyone, I'll smash you into the concrete so you'll never say anything again." Mina said with a menacing growl. She was looking more towards Rinku and Chu however.
"Don't look at us, love. I ain't a squealer." Chu said. Rinku just looked away.
"So is that a challenge?" Touya asked. Mina glared, drilling his cold, icy blue gaze with her fiery emerald one. He didn't blink or back down as most do.
"Try me." She said, pulling out her weapons, the kunai knives and extending her claws.
"Oh, c'mon you two. Just give' it a rest now will yeh!" Jin interrupted, stepping in between them so that their glares were cut off from each other. "Keh." Was all Mina said as she sat down on the grass cross-legged and kept her eyes on Touya who stood, his arms crossed, but she could tell he was poised for a fight.
"Well now. It's a gettin' late. And I'll be off, see ya around." Chu said and was gone.
"I'm leaving as well. See ya Jin." Mina said quietly. "Touya." With a quick, angry nod, Mina disappeared.
"Aw, Touya. You still' can't put yer differences aside now can yeh?" Jin said. Touya shrugged, already heading out of the forest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Kurama woke, a feeling of dread swept over him. He felt that something wasn't right. He was pulsing slightly, in all of the places that his cuts had healed because of Mina. At first, he thought it was hormones. But no, it was a slightly different feeling. A feeling that had been buried for over 30 years... or so he felt. As he walked to the bathroom, he found himself face-to-face with the mirror. Only, it wasn't his reflection staring back at him.
Author: Cliff hanger, cliff hanger, cliff hanger, cliff hanger! Don't ya just love me? No, I still haven't gotten over that habit of making cliffies. But ah, don't worry, this next chapter will answer plenty of unanswerable questions! ^____^ Ain't I nice? By the way, I hope you have nothing against the KKK joke I made. I didn't mean nothing. I mean, my mother's fiancé is African-American for crying out loud! Oh yeah, just so I spare ye the justice of anxiety, I have a preview:
Mina could feel her heart beating with excitement. 'He's back. I can't believe it, he's back!' She thought, turning around in a circle. She hugged herself. Never in her dreams had she thought she'd meet up with him again. Finally, finally, she could take back all of the things she hadn't meant to say, to feel his touch, have him hold her in his arms.... She sighed at the thought. 'Thank you Jesus for killin' Satan and allowing me justice.' She thought. Togoru had banned her from seeing Kurama, but he hadn't banded her from seeing him.