Alrighty, here's yet another chappie for all you wonderful people to read. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: The characters within this piece of fiction do not belong to me, but their respective owners. I simply play around with them. However, this does not include Sorako, Sahirah, Ayashige, Kinnara, Shinji, and any other minor characters not appearing in the original work. They belong to me, along with the plotline.
FYI: As before, memories are italicized and seperated with ---
Chapter 12
Frozen.
All she could feel was the cold bite of the night, the aching pain of her aloneness. Her home suddenly seemed so bare since he had gone. Alone . . . again. He left me, just like Youko did. She bit her lip, hoping to keep the emptiness away, even for a few moments longer. Hot, stinging tears burned her eyes, fogging up her vision. I was such a fool. And yet . . . .
Walking slowly to the window, she gazed out at the multitude of stars dotting the unearthly quiet night. They all twinkled, sending out their soft, holy light down upon the darkened land, providing just enough illumination to lend hope to the lost.
At that moment, she felt more lost that she ever had, even when her entire family died, leaving her alone. He's gone. I . . . I drove him away, Her mind whispered, taunting her with memories of the harsh words that should not have left her lips . . . and words not spoken that should have. She realized suddenly, as she missed him, what she had been denying with all her being. I love him. I loved him from that moment . . . that first kiss. All that time, I was afraid.
Pearlescent teeth biting down harder on her tender lip, she thought of the time he spent with her, the way he looked at her, his smile. She even thought of the harsh words spoken through her fear and the final night she had spent with him, even though it pained her. All those horrible things I said to him . . . he must have believed I hated him . . . but I was scared. I've never felt like this before.
A trickle of blood spilt from the tear her canines had caused, but she didn't care. Her memories were overwhelming her, blocking out everything else.
She held a fisted palm to her chest, squeezing her eyes shut to push back the tears. I was so stupid! Yet the memories kept on playing back in her mind, and she couldn't forget even though it hurt to remember.
Flashes of memory as real as the darkened sky danced before her eyes. Callused fingertips brushing over her bare, overheated skin, passionate kisses draped along her pallid throat, lusty moans echoing through the night air haunted her. She could hear them still, regardless of the fact their maker was no longer there. She tried to force it away, yet the ghosts lingered on, reminding her. Every detail and sensation she'd felt then was painfully real to her.
Even the throbbing ache between her thighs was a reminder she couldn't escape. I don't think I'll ever forget. She sighed, resting her elbows against the window frame. I don't I want to . . . .
Knees buckling, she dropped to the floor, great pain filled sobs wracking her body as all her agony came flowing out at once. Her legs curled up against her smooth stomach, and she cried for all that had been . . . all that could have been. Oh, Kuronue . . . where have you gone? She wondered pitifully, burying her face in her knees. Long silvery hair draped around her small frame, acting as a shield to keep out the cold, working to warm her fragile body, to calm her aching soul.
It hurt her to be alone now. Even more so knowing that alone she would be for a very, very long time before another came into her life. There were few who could enter through her barrier. Even fewer that she would truly wish to know.
---
"Are you saying," He murmured, reaching out to her before thinking better of it. His hand dropped to his side, pain flashing briefly in his dark hollow eyes. "You wish you'd never met me?" His voice held a bitter sadness, reflecting all the emotion he refused to physically show.
She stared at him, anger burning in her fiery eyes. Yet, beneath that anger, fear swam, driving her actions and hateful words. It was a pity he couldn't see that.
"Yes! I wish I had never met you!" She screamed, hands balled into fists. "Go find your precious Youko and continue living your wretched life!" She turned from him, hoping he wouldn't see the tears falling down her cheeks. I should have known better, thinking I could change either of them. "You're exactly the same. Neither of you ever cared about me, only what my body could give you." She whispered as she swept out the door, leaving a very bewildered, very hurt demon in her wake.
His sad eyes followed her form, lingering solemnly on the doorway she vanished through. "But Sahirah . . . don't you understand? I never wanted to hurt you . . . ." He murmured, his blue orbs shifting over to the opened window, gazing out at the millions of tiny stars dotting the sky.
---
He turned from her, his long ebony hair pulled into a high ponytail. It was the first time he had worn it that way since she'd saved him. With sudden horror, she realized exactly what that meant. H-he's leaving!
His long, leathery wings shifted slightly, drawing her attention. She had always found the appendages fascinating and thought they gave the dark thief an exotic flare. After all, he was the first winged demon she had ever seen.
"I'm going now," He stated coldly, not bothering to look at her. He kept all his attention on the window, watching as the sun faded along the horizon, its brilliant colors staining the sky. "Will that make you happy?" His voice was bitterly cynical, and she winced from the direct jab.
She suddenly felt glad that he was facing away from her. If his eyes, which were surely filled with the same cold bitterness as his voice, were turned on her, she wouldn't have been able to stand it.
Head bowed, she shook it softly. "No," She murmured, ruby orbs searching the floor. "I- forgive me. I was wrong to say such things." Small arms wrapping around her frame, she began to cry silently.
She just couldn't take his hatefulness toward her. She hadn't meant to make him angry. It was just . . . she hadn't been able to control what she'd said and regretted it more than anything.
He turned his cold eyes on her, harsh words ready to fall from his frowning lips. Yet, it all fell away when he saw her shaking form curled on the futon. She's crying, He realized, watching her with cerulean orbs. His lips parted to speak, but she beat him to it.
"I'm sorry for what I said. But if you still want to leave . . . ." She hiccuped, letting her voice trail off, refusing to look at him. She wouldn't let him see her cry, no matter what. Her taut fingers twisted the edges of her dress, a nervous habit of hers.
He stooped beside her, brushing away the hair falling into her face. "It would be best if I did." He murmured softly, painful realization weighing heavily in his deep voice. I have to leave her. I can't stay. Leaning forward, he turned her face to him, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I won't trouble you any longer, Sahirah. I know you're frightened of me." He said, standing.
Turning to leave her for good, he was startled when her small hand shot out, grabbing him. Inquisitive eyes swivelled back to the small woman, wondering why she'd stopped him.
"Please . . . stay with me." She begged, tightening her grip on his forearm. Her bright eyes met his, and he found that his feet would no longer move, forcing him to stay. "I didn't mean what I said. I don't want you to go."
She pulled his arm, intent on having him sit down beside her. Yet, for what ever reason, the dark thief was unprepared for the motion and fell forward, trapping her underneath him. Their noses were touching, mouths mere centimeters apart. Her brilliant eyes widened, but she didn't push away from him, instead wrapping him up in an emotional embrace.
"Please, don't leave me." She whispered, her warm breath brushing his skin.
Momentarily startled, he settled into that embrace, wrapping one of his own arms around her, fingers tangling in her long moonlight hair. "I won't." He whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear.
She let out a small whimper, fingers fisting in his shirt front. I don't ever want you to leave.
Gazing into his eyes, she realized with sudden clarity how much she truly wanted him . . . in every way. "I want you to stay here with me tonight. Will you?" Her voice was husky, clashing with that innocent ruby gaze.
His beautiful eyes widened as he sat up slightly. His toned legs were straddling her hips, and he was well aware of how close she truly was. "Are you sure?" He asked, watching her curiously. He never would have dreamed she would ask something like that of him. Not in a million years.
She was frightened of me not too long ago. I know she was. What changed? He wondered, his eyes trailing over her delicate frame.
She nodded, small fingers gripping his large hand. "Yes, I'm sure." She murmured, squeezing his fingers reassuringly. Sitting up slightly, she pulled him to her, whispering in his ear. "I trust you." Her free hand reached up, pulling the tie from his hair. The freed tresses cascaded around them, forming a curtain of midnight. I like his hair this way.
Smiling, for more reasons than one, he settled her back down against the futon lovingly. The last thing in the world he wanted to do was hurt her, and she was so terribly delicate, he feared this encounter almost as much as he cherished it. However, he wouldn't deny her what she wanted. That was something he could never do. "Of course I will." Came the reply as he leaned in to kiss her.
This time, she was not afraid.
---
Sobbing pitifully against the wall, she called out her lover's name, knowing all the while no one would hear her.
She was, after all, alone.
The three companions, two humans and a fire apparition, rushed through the dank, poorly lit halls searching for any sign of their quarry. Yet, it seemed the keep had been deserted. The whole lot of it made the three very wary.
"Where is everybody? I don't feel anyone." Kuwabara murmured, his eyes searching about anxiously. Deep in his bones, he felt a strangeness about this place. Something wasn't right, like a base part of it had been destroyed long ago. What is this feeling? It's almost like . . . everything's out of balance. There's no light to all the dark.
"I know." Yusuke mumbled, eyeing the darkness carefully. He didn't like this place to begin with, and now that it felt so abandoned, he hated it even more. Where the hell are they? I wanna get outta here as soon as I can. This place is fuckin' creepy. Turning to the shorter apparition, he addressed him. "Do you have any idea where they are?"
The demon, who had been lost in his own thoughts, swivelled his eyes over to the detective. "It would be my guess that they are in the dungeon." He replied, searching for Youko's energy signal. Yet, he couldn't find it, nor Kurama's. He isn't dead, is he? He wondered, feeling more concerned than he would have liked.
"Well, which way is that?" The tall orange-top asked, looking quite confused. He couldn't even remember the way back out. All the corridors looked the same to him.
Hiei shot him a look of disdain. "You're going the right way." He hissed, his crimson eyes flashing momentarily.
Yusuke watched the small fire demon from the corner of his eye as they continued down the hallway. What's eatin' him? He wondered, noting the strange behavior. While the demon had never been a social butterfly in the least, he had always tolerated Kuwabara rather well. Today, however, he seemed malicious with his remarks and genuinely hateful to the tall human. It was a clear sign to Yusuke something was bugging his friend, but he dared not ask. Isn't any of my business anyway.
True to his word, about ten minutes later, the group came to another hallway, this one lined with doors. Doors that had iron bars within them. They had finally found the dungeon.
Reaching out with his senses, Kuwabara searched for the girls' energies, or more correctly, Botan's since Sorako possessed none. A moment later, he pinpointed her location. "There." He said, pointing to a cell only a few doors down.
Running up, Yusuke looked through the small barred window the door had. "Botan! Hey, Botan, you in here?!" He yelled loudly, his eyes searching the darkness.
"Urameshi, if you keep yelling all the creepy guys will know we're here!" Kuwabara exclaimed just as loudly as the spirit detective. Clearly, he was totally oblivious to the fact he was just as loud.
"If they don't hear the dumb-ass first." Hiei murmured, rolling his eyes. He honestly wondered why he put up with them. I'm getting too soft.
"Y-yusuke?" A small voice asked, resonating from the cell's left wall.
"Botan!" Came the alarmed reply. The detective had never heard the usually chipper girl sound so broken and feared they had arrived too late. "I'm coming!" Raising his hand, he blasted through the door with his spirit gun and ran to the deity's side. The taller human was not far behind, mutely watching the poor Reikai girl with compassionate eyes.
Clasping her face between his palms, Yusuke made her look at him. "Botan, hey, talk to me." He cooed, his concern showing through his usual mask of indifference.
Pale pastel eyes met brown, and a weak smile appeared on her face. "Yusuke . . . you made it." She whispered, her head lulling heavily in his hands. "I'm . . . glad."
Hiei, who had been watching the display mutely, suddenly realized the ferry girl was alone in the cell. "Where's the girl?" He asked, startling the trio.
Tears leaked from the blue-haired girl's eyes as she recalled what had happened. "T-they took her . . . to him." She cried, leaning her head against Yusuke's chest. "I couldn't do anything."
"Don't worry. We'll find her." Kuwabara said, calling his spirit sword and slashing her bonds. The weakened girl fell into the two boys' arms, exhausted. Both were alarmed to find she was naked.
Removing his jacket, Yusuke wrapped the green material around her bare frame. "Everything will be alright." He murmured, lifting the girl into his arms. While he was glad she was safe, one thing bothered him.
He was pulled from thought by the deity, who he had assumed had fallen unconscious, startled him when she grabbed his shirt and whispered in his ear. "Save . . . the others." That scream . . . so terribly sad . . . .
Then, she fell into darkness.
The others? He wondered, staring at her. What the hell is she talking about? And why didn't Kurama save her?
Kuwabara put a voice to the detective's thoughts. "Hey, I thought Kurama was supposed to be here. Where is he?" Scratching his head, he looked around like he was searching for the fox.
Leaning against the wall, Hiei looked boredly above, toward the upper floors. "He went after the girl." He stated simply. But why wouldn't he rescue her first? He thought, looking at Botan's still form. Was I incorrect in assuming he loved her?
Shaking the thoughts away, he left the cell, intent on finding Kurama and the girl, only to come face to face with the demon lord himself.
Drawing his sword, Hiei addressed the demon. "We didn't finish our fight, and I for one plan to now."
"As you wish." The demon murmured, drawing his own sword. "Youko wasn't the challenge I thought he would be. Killing him gave me no satisfaction." He purred, watching as the shorter demon faltered slightly before regaining composure. A smirk played across his face. Yes, forbidden one. Fight me, rage at me . . . for I murdered your friend.
"I'll make you pay." He hissed, lunging at the creature. Slashing, his sword swept across the demons chest, ripping away his shirt as blood spilt.
The demon, however, only laughed. The sound was strange, sinister in a way that made Hiei's skin crawl. It was the laugh of an insane man. "Pitiful. I expected better from you . . . Wielder of the Darkness."
"Don't worry. I'm just getting started." He said, lunging again. This time, he sliced thorough the lord's side, causing a good deal of injury. Just as he was about to strike the killing blow, the two humans emerged from the cell, wondering what all the racket was.
"Hiei, what the hel-" Yusuke stopped dead, seeing the his friend engaged in battle. Not a moment later, he heard Hiei's voice inside his head. Take her and go. I've got some business to wrap up.
Nodding, Yusuke grabbed Kuwabara and ran for the exit. Distracted for only a moment, Hiei turned back toward Ayashige to find the demon had disappeared. His haunting laugh echoed through the hallway, taunting the fire apparition. "Until next time, forbidden one." Echoed to his ears.
Growling, he jetted off to search for Sorako. He didn't like to play games and that seemed to be the only thing this Ayashige wanted to do. Yet, what the creature had said bothered him extremely. Did he really kill Kurama? Is that why I couldn't sense him? He pushed the thoughts away, certain that Kurama, no matter the circumstances, would not let himself be killed by the likes of such a pathetic creature.
At least, that is what he hoped.
He watched, seeing her pale broken form laying on the bed. It twisted his soul, forcing him to realize what he wanted to deny. He had failed to protect her, all because of his negligence. I assumed she would be safe. I shouldn't have left. He wanted to kick himself, despite his best efforts to feel indifferent. She didn't deserve this, not over his shortcomings.
"Kurama." He stated firmly, landing on the window seal.
The one in question turned from his vigil over the girl and was surprised at who he found. "Hiei, you decided to drop by." The red-head's hand lingered momentarily on his chest, and Hiei wondered if it might have something to do with what the cowardly demon had said earlier.
"Hn," He acknowledged the fact before continuing on to more pressing matters. "What happened?"
The fox sighed, turning back to face the girl. "Ayashige attacked her. Strange enough, it seems he also cursed her to a human body." Emerald eyes shifted over to the shadowy creature. "He was trying to lure . . . someone there. I believe it deals with the curse placed over her, but I can't be sure."
Hn, that explains some things. "I see," The jaganashi stepped from the window and moved to stand beside his fox friend. "What happened in there, fox?"
"I went after her," He replied simply, shrugging nonchalantly. "But I was unable to keep her unscathed. Her powers were drained and poison was introduced into her system. I was able to do what I could, but I don't know if it was enough." The young red head sighed, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Her energy drained?" The fire apparition wondered aloud. He was mystified because to his knowledge, she had none of the energy Kurama spoke of.
"She brought me back from the dead." Came the simple reply.
Crimson eyes locked onto the fox in shocked surprise. He spoke the truth. "What?! Are you asking me to believe that a girl- a human girl- with no spirit energy brought you back from the dead?"
Kurama frowned, turning away from his short friend. She wasn't always human. "Her captor killed me, but she was able to resurrect me. She hasn't realized that Youko and I are essentially the same."
Hiei studied his friend silently for a moment didn't fail to notice the cunning fox had avoided his question. There was something about the way he watched the girl, almost as if . . . "You know her." It was a statement, not a question.
Stunned green eyes met his. "I- yes. I know this girl well. She saved my life once." He sighed wistfully, watching the sleeping female quietly. Green faded to gold, and oddly enough nostalgia still lingered there. In more ways than one.
"You aren't the only thief she's ever harbored, Kurama." The fire apparition stated before fading once again into the shadows, leaving a rather perplexed kitsune in his wake. And you aren't the one she loves, He thought, his mind wondering back to the first and only time Kurama had ever spoken of his long dead partner.
A demon named Kuronue.
"What do you mean you can't contact her?" Koenma asked the blue ogre impatiently. He had been stuck in his office since his encounter with the odd red-headed woman, and he was not happy about that. He was also becoming impatient with his team, none of which had reported back to him, and now that Botan had gone awol, he was completely in the dark.
The last piece of information he had was that Ayashige was, or at least had been, in Ningenkai, and Yusuke and Kuwabara were tracking him down. Whether they were successful or not was anyone's guess.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but it seems Botan isn't reachable right now. I don't know why." George, the blue ogre blubbered, well aware that his boss was losing his patience, which never spelled good for him.
Grabbing his forehead, the ruler frowned, sucking sulkily on his pacifier. "I don't care what it takes! Just find her NOW!" He screeched, slapping his hand down on the desk.
Just as George was about to answer, the door flew open, revealing Kuwabara and Yusuke with Botan draped in his arms. "We've got problems, Koenma." The detective said, clutching the girl tightly to him.
"B-botan!" He yelled, jumping over to the detective. Meeting the taller boy's eyes, he asked what happened.
"That damned bastard kidnaped Sorako and Botan while we were distracted." Yusuke bellowed irritatedly at the ruler. "If it hadn't been for Hiei, he would have killed Kurama, too!"
The toddler's mouth fell open, his eyes wide. Kurama still wasn't well. "Everyone's ok, aren't they?"
Kuwabara frowned. "Hiei went to see if Kurama was able to rescue Sorako and bring her back. When we were in the castle, we couldn't sense either one of them." He replied gravely, the implications of his words weighing heavily on the spirit ruler's mind.
"I see." He murmured, grabbing his chin with pudgy fingers. "What of Ayashige?"
"In hiding. Hiei searched the castle from top to bottom with no luck." Yusuke replied, shifting the petite load in his arms. "You need to send some men to empty out the dungeon, Koenma. There's hundreds of rooms filled with prisoners."
"I'll get right to it." He exclaimed, slamming his fist into his chest. "Now, you need to get her to Genkai's." He murmured, eyeing the deity dressed only in Yusuke's jacket. "Keep me informed."
After they left, Koenma slumped in his chair, groaning. Could anything else go wrong? Calling for Ayame, he set into motion the plans to move all of Ayashige's prisoners to Reikai's holding cells until he could sort through them all. If there's really as many as Yusuke said, it'll take a long time.
Gripping the bridge of his nose, the Child-ruler tried to wish away the headache that was sure to come.
Sorako groaned softly as the edges of consciousness seeped into her world, pulling her fully from her memory-like dreams. Did I really . . do that? She wondered, the sting of tears pressing behind her eyes.
Shifting fully onto her back, she cracked open one eye, fearful of where she was. She realized within moments, her injuries had not been healed as before. Where am I? Looking about, she sighed in relief to find she was once again safely in Kurama's room. Her orbs found the fox, smiling softly at her, just as he always did.
"Kurama." She murmured, trying to sit up. Her wounds throbbed painfully, and two strong hands gently pushed her back down.
"Your injuries haven't healed, so you shouldn't move." The red-headed male cooed, gently massaging her shoulders. "Don't worry. I won't let him take you again."
Momentarily distracted by his comforting touch, her eyes drifted away from his kind orbs. Yet, when they once again rose, she nearly screamed. Those beautiful, emerald green eyes had shifted. Now, lustful golden peered out behind red hair. Those were eyes she knew, but they didn't belong to her protector. Those are Youko's eyes.
Startled, her eyes slammed closed as she pulled from his grasp, scooting toward the wall, a whimper escaping her lips. I must be imagining things. He's Kurama, not Youko. Chancing it, she opened her crimson orbs, but instead of coming face to face with the gentle calming red-head, the silver-headed fox's smiling visage greeted her.
Screaming, she plastered her now painfully awake body against the wall, cowering in the demon's presence. I-it hurts so much! "Stay away from me." She demanded, though her voice was weak and brittle. She hadn't noticed that the silver fox had yet to move an inch, neither away nor toward her. He hadn't even spoken.
Does she truly believe I will hurt her? The demon asked his human half, who was now on the inside.
I don't know. It seems strange that she would, though. According to Botan she's been dreaming of you, Kurama replied, puzzled. He, too, didn't understand her terror. He knew she'd seen Youko come for her. I don't understand.
Neither do I, Youko said, turning his attention back to the girl. "Don't be afraid. I won't harm you." He said softly, still sitting perfectly still. If the girl jarred around much more, she would cause herself more undue injury.
The sound of his voice calmed her, and she sat down on the bed, though her eyes still watched him warily. "You won't?" Her voice quaked, her jaw trembling. She was in terrible pain, he knew, and it impressed him all the more that she was handling it so well. Of course, terror can make one easily forget trivial things such as pain.
A half-smile graced his handsome face as he held out his hand but made no move to touch her. "No. I have no intention of ever harming you again." He said, voice soft, filled with an emotion she hesitated to call regret.
Reaching out, she hesitantly took the outstretched appendage, moving back across the bed. Watching him curiously, she thought she saw a flash of recognition in those gorgeous eyes. Eyes strangely inhuman. "You know who I am, don't you?" She asked weakly, startling the fox.
"Yes." He replied, meeting her gaze. "I knew the first time I saw you." He watched as the girl paled slightly then blushed. Clearly she was remembering the encounter. Reaching out with his other hand, he pulled her into his embrace, hugging her with care.
A whimper came from her mouth. "Youko . . . what are you doing?" She mumbled softly, gripping his shirt.
"Did it hurt?" He asked, pulling her into his lap.
"What?" She replied, confused. What is he taking about? I-I don't understand.
Tangling his long fingers in her wavy hair, he took in her scent, letting it wash over him. He hadn't realized just how much he missed her, just how much he needed to be near her. Not until Ayashige had stolen her away. I almost lost her again. If it hadn't been for Hiei . . . I would have died with Kurama. "When I left you alone." He explained, clinging to her like a lifeline.
He wasn't going to lose the only creature that had ever made him feel, made him love in his hundreds of years of existence before human taint. She would not slip away again, nor would he throw her aside. Nothing mattered as much as she did now.
She gasped, her eyes wide. He . . . does he regret it? She shook her head, burying her face in the hollow of his throat. "Yes," She contradicted herself, continuing to shake her head no. "I was lost for so long after that." She sobbed, hot tears tickling his skin, making the guilt all the more painful for him. "I missed you so much."
Resting his head on hers, his eyes began to blur and for the first time, he wept. It was nothing more than a few streaking tears, but still he cried. "Do you hate me then?"
"I could never hate you. You're all I have left." She murmured, fingers tracing through his hair, fisting and un-fisting. "Everyone else . . . is dead." And I should have been one of them. Why am I still living?
His clawed fingers ran through her silky hair, trying to comfort her. "Don't cry. I'll protect you." Always.
Protect . . . . The word brought her back to the moment, and she suddenly remembered why she had been so frightened before. "What happened to Kurama?" She questioned, pulling back to look into the kitsune's eyes. Surely he knows. As she gazed into his depths awaiting an answer, she thought for the briefest of moments gold flashed green. I must be going crazy!
When he did not respond, she shook his shoulder, tightening her grip. "Youko?"
The fox looked away. No matter what he did, it seemed his human half always bested him. I'll forever be on the inside looking through eyes not mine own, sensing everything through skin not my own . . . regardless of the circumstances. "He's here. Don't worry." His voice gruffly answered, shadowed with the pain he felt.
I've never seen him like this before. She rested her cheek against his, trying to comfort him. Why . . . is he sad? "I wasn't." She reassured, gently rubbing his erect ears. I'm so glad Kurama's still alive. She smiled softly when, against his will, a purr of delight escaped his lips. "It's just . . . he was here a moment ago, before you came. It's not like him to leave so suddenly." Her voice was soft, an angelic sound ringing in his ears and making him shiver with pleasure.
He pulled her to him, a relieved smile plastered on his face. She was only worrying because he's her friend. Just being herself. "He'll be back." He said, rubbing small circles on her back.
She smiled through her slowly waning pain, settling into his arms much like a small child would a parent's. "I hope he comes back soon. I can't wait for him to meet you, my little fox." She whispered groggily, her fingers curling around lock of his moonlight hair. "I think . . . he would like you." A moment later, her breathing evened out, a sure sign of slumber.
"Yes," He agreed, holding her protectively to him. "I believe we would get along quite well." He smiled at the irony of the situation. "Wouldn't you agree, Kurama?"
The human only sighed, internally shaking his head. Even if I didn't, there is nothing I can do about that.
Very true, Youko agreed, cradling her. I've missed her so much. Yet, even as he held her, the words of the fire demon still rang in his ears, making him wonder what exactly her life had been like after he had left it.
In the heart of the Makai jungle, a lone demon searched, an energy signature haunting his senses, driving him to continue his search. He had no idea what he might find, but he had to look. If he was correct, the one person he wanted to see above all things was still alive. She's alive . . . I have to find her!
His eyes glinted ruby in the dying light, his heartbeat racing as he tore through the undergrowth. She was the reason he still lived, the reason he had fought tooth and nail to survive, to be strong. Everything in his life had been about her. She was his obsession, and now that he knew she still lived after being taken from him so long ago, he needed to find her.
Flexing his gigantic bat-like wings, he reached out for any other sign of the energy, hoping she would still be there. He sighed sadly when nothing even tingled. Yet, he couldn't stop hunting, not after he'd been so close. He was still close, he knew it in his heart. She's out there . . . I'm near to her.
"Kinnara!" His companion, catching up to him, panted out, resting his palms against his knees in exhaustion. The demon's slender tail lagged languidly, its usual jaunty side-to-side twitch gone with the feline's spunk. "How . . . long are you going to do this?" The demon's voice was haggard. He had clearly been pushed to his limit.
The demon turned back, distracted from his quest by the fatigued cat. "As long as it takes, Shinji." Came the stern reply, and the look in Kinnara's forever haunted eyes stopped the smaller, wingless feline demon from pushing the issue.
"Well," He panted, finally just beginning to regain his breath. "Could you at least slow down? Unlike you, I don't have wings, and I can't fly." His voice was sharp, clearly irritated with his obsessive friend.
He realized that, sure, this was a very important thing to Kinnara, his very reason for being, but that didn't give him the right to push him to his very ends. I sure as hell can't take much more of this rampant obsession. It's absolutely insane!
Hard dark eyes bored into Shinji's, frightening the tired panther demon. "If you can't keep up, don't follow me." He growled, flexing his wings in agitation. "I never asked you to."
With that, he took off, still searching for the energy he'd felt, though it was no longer there. Massive wings beating whirlwinds through the air, Shinji shielded his eyes from the debris as he had done many a times when his temperamental friend was pissed. His white slitted eyes followed him worriedly, hoping the demon would be alright, that his obsessive nature would not drive him to insanity.
"I hope you'll be alright, Kinnara, and I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for." Shinji murmured, turning back the way he'd come. It was a long hike back home, and he definitely wasn't looking forward to it. However, he wasn't going to follow his nutty friend through the nine depths of hell, either. Somehow, he felt that's exactly where Kinnara was headed.
Because of that, the winged demon would have his prayers . . . and sympathy.
Well, there you have it, yet another instalment of this lil story. Hope you all liked it.
Yes, yes, I know! More OCs. Sorry, sorry, but I just couldn't help myself. I promise these are the last major ones. And besides, Kinnara ans Shinji are cool. More will be explained about them later on. I've even drawn pictures of them both! When I am able to get them online, I'll put the link up somewhere (like my bio page).
And before anyone says anything, Youko was a lil OOC in this chappie, but I didn't think it was bad enough to mess with.
Name meanings again:
Kinnara- Gold Japanese Oak. Not totally positive on this one, but Kin means gold and Nara means Japanese oak so according to my Japanese-English dictionary, it means Gold Japanese Oak.
Shinji- New Character. Same here. Shin means new, which is simple enough, but ji has several meanings, which include written character, o'clock, and piles MED. So, since I have the option I chose the first definition of ji, so thusly that would make Shinji mean new character. It fits, ne? (I didn't even do that on purpose. And this wasn't even what I was going to name him originally. How very ironic.)
Anyway, please review.
Lady of Roses: Oh, yes, that chapter was stiffling in its amount of drama. It's kinda funny, though. I never even noticed until you said something about it. Heh. Well, the whole choice thing really didn't have a signifigance until after I'd already written it. It plays back to that whole YoukoSahirah thing that I will eventually explain. Just need to get some of the bigger stuff outta the way. Electricity in Makai? ::Scratchs head:: I wasn't aware of it, but even if they do, Ayashige's castle is very old, so thus isn't fitted with such things. And let's face it, candles don't do much for lighting and Youko was heading toward the dungeon (which is several levels underground) after all. Oh, and just a note, Ayashige's bedroom is underground as well, purely because he enjoys the dark. Ah, yes the bittersweet image of Botan pitying poor poor Kuronue. I'm quite partical to that lil scene. But don't worry, I'm gonna stop torturing him eventually.
Animegirl417: Yup, definitely been quite a while. And it seems the gaps between updates are just getting bigger and bigger. Oh well. I know my loyal reviewers will stick with me. How you enjoy this chapter!
Welp, until next time, later.