Disclaimer: I don't own digimon
A/N: Sorry this took so long, I've been busy with school and stuff. Besides, I find Kari and Hiroki's adventures a little harder to write and I didn't want to rush it. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
Kari sighed happily as she unbraided Miyo's long dark hair. She had just finished another job at an Inn, and was enjoying the peace and relaxation. Hiroki would be done soon too, and then they could all relax together.
Miyo shifted as she played with a doll on the floor. Hikari had bought her the little doll when they had a little extra money, and she loved it. It had red hair and blue eyes and had a nice red dress on. Right now Miyo was busy trying to braid its hair like Hikari had braided hers earlier.
She sighed in frustration as her clumsy 5-year-old hands messed up again. Kari peered over her shoulder and wrapped her arms around to the front.
"Try it like this. See?" she asked, showing Miyo an easier way.
Miyo tried it and it worked. She turned around happily and hugged Kari around the neck. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome," Kari replied, petting the girl's head. "Now turn around so I can finish your hair."
"Okay." Miyo turned around and resumed fixing her dolly's hair. A few minutes later, she spoke up again.
"Hikari?"
"Yes?" Kari asked, still unbraiding.
"Can I call you Mommy?"
Kari stopped and looked up quickly. She had been caught off guard by the unexpected question. But, as she looked into Miyo's green eyes, the answer easily rolled off her tongue. "Of course you can. May I ask why you want to call me that, though?"
Miyo turned back to face forward so that Kari could continue her unbraiding. "I've never had a Mommy, but you act like one for me. And Hiroki acts like a Daddy. Do you think he'd mind if I called him Daddy?"
Kari smiled. "No, I don't think he'd mind at all. There now, I'm done with your hair. Go wash your face and then straight to bed. We're leaving early tomorrow."
"Okay," Miyo chirped, going over to the wash basin. She picked up a cloth and scrubbed her face with it. When she was satisfied she put the cloth back and jumped onto the bed. She bounced around a few times until Kari came over.
"Okay little one, under the covers now."
"Will you tell me another story?" Miyo asked, obeying. She lay her head back in the middle of the pillow.
Kari smiled. Over the past couple weeks or so she had been telling Miyo of the digital world. She had gotten up to Piedmon by now. "Sure Miyo, but you must go to sleep afterwards."
Miyo nodded, holding her dolly close. "I promise Mommy."
"Alright then. Now, where was I?"
"You just swung across a big gap and Joe and Izzy got turned into keychains."
"Right. Well, it was just Sora, TK, and me, along with our digimon and Gomamon. We thought we had escaped Piedmon when he appeared suddenly. Biyomon digivolved and tried to fight him, but he was too strong. She dedigivolved and was turned into a keychain as well. Sora ran with us for a while until she decided that she needed to distract him so we could get away. She told Gomamon to go with us, but he told her that he was going to stay too.
"She told TK to take care of me, told us to run. We ran for the door, and before we went outside, Sora tossed TK Matt's keychain. Then she was turned into a keychain too, along with Gomamon. When we got outside, we were on a balcony. We thought about climbing down, but it was too high. Then a rope came up out of a basket. We decided we had no choice but to climb that.
"We had gotten a fair distance up when Piedmon cut the rope above me, grabbed TK's ankle, and tried to pull him back down. I grabbed his wrist, even though he told me to let go. I wouldn't though, because he was my friend. Piedmon laughed evilly and cut the rope that was holding us up. We fell towards the ground. It was a very long way. I lost my grip on TK and sreamed because I was so scared. I was sure we were going to die. But then….well, that's a story for another time."
"Mommy!" Miyo pouted. "I wanna know what happens!"
Kari smiled and kissed the little girl's head. "I'll tell you tomorrow night. Now, you promised you'd sleep, remember?"
Miyo nodded, a little more satisfied and snuggled more deeply into the pillows. "Night Mommy," she said through a yawn, eyes closing.
"Good-night, Miyo," Kari replied, dimming the bedside light a little. The rest of the room still had some light, but not enough to keep Miyo awake.
Once she was sure the girl was asleep, Kari rose from the bed and went to go wash her own face. She placed the cloth back when she was done and turned around as she heard the door open. She smiled at Hiroki, who smiled back. Then he looked towards the bed.
"The little runt's asleep then?"
"She's not a runt," Kari replied going over to him. "And she's decided that she's not going to call you Hiroki anymore."
Hiroki blinked. "Then what's she gonna call me?"
"Daddy," she replied simply.
"Daddy?"
"Yes. She's never had a family and she wants one. She asked me if she could call me Mommy, and I said yes. Then she asked if you'd mind being called Daddy, and I said you wouldn't."
"Well, I suppose it's alright. She does have my good looks after all."
Kari smacked him lightly on the head. "I don't think I've ever met anyone with a bigger ego than you," 'except maybe my brother,' she added silently. She didn't usually talk to Hiroki or Miyo about her other life.
"I'll take that as a complement, thank you."
Kari rolled her eyes. "You're lucky you're cute."
Hiroki beamed. "See, I knew you'd see it my way someday."
Kari smacked him lightly on the head. "Get in bed, oh egotistical one. We leave early tomorrow," she said, going over to the bed and climbing onto the far side of Miyo. She climbed under the covers and pulled the little girl closer. Miyo snuggled against her, not waking.
Hiroki took off his boots, washed his hands, and climbed in too, on the near side of the bed. Kari already had her eyes closed. He found himself staring at her face as he lay in bed. Her skin was flawless and smooth. He had often dreamed of finding a lover that looked like her when he turned 12.
He inwardly smacked himself. What the hell was he thinking? A) she was from a different world with different customs, and B) she wasn't interested in him. If she was, she would have made a move by now. That's how things worked on Hiata. But, then again, she wasn't from Hiata.
He sighed again and closed his eyes. 'Wishful thinking, that's all,' he told himself as he drifted to sleep, forcing those thoughts from his mind.
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Later that night, a figure crept silently into the room of the three. It grinned deviously and snaked a closed hand towards Hiroki, as he was the closest. When the hand was close enough, it opened it and a thin layer of powder settled over the boy's face. He breathed it in and choked a bit, but quickly relaxed back to sleep. The other two in the bed didn't stir.
Smiling, the creature placed a hand on Hiroki's shoulder. Its eyes flashed, and both he and the boy disappeared. Minutes later, it reappeared, in Hiroki's form. He climbed back in the bed and stroked the smaller child's cheek. He could feel power radiating from this little one, and he wanted it. But he would have to wait until the red moon tomorrow night, when a sacrifice would turn her power over to him.
Miyo stirred and opened her eyes. Her eyes widened and she scooted back against Kari who instinctively wrapped her arm more tightly around the little girl.
"What's wrong honey?" 'Hiroki' hissed?
"You're not Daddy," Miyo replied in a whisper.
"Don't be silly little one," he replied, pupils glowing red again, staring into her eyes. "Of course I am. Who else would I be?"
Miyo's pupils glowed red for a second and she stared at 'Hiroki'. "But…you don't feel like Daddy."
"It's just your imagination," he replied, placing a finger on her temple. "Now, go to sleep." As he said this, he pressed on her skin lightly and she immediately fell limp.
He smiled. She was more easily manipulated than he had thought. Now he only had to get past the Wind Elemental. He reached over and played with said Elemental's hair, causing her to stir lightly. Manipulating her wouldn't be hard either. Seduction would do the trick. And he was very good at that.
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Kari blinked as she opened her eyes and was met with sunlight. She looked across and saw Hiroki was gone. Looking down, she saw that Miyo was still asleep.
'I'll let her sleep for a bit,' she thought as she gently climbed out of bed and went to the larger washroom.
She walked in, closed the door, and began to fill the basin with water. When it was half- full she turned off the water and bent down to splash some on her face. She jumped as hands wrapped around her waist. She looked around wildly, ready to fight, and breathed a sigh of relief as she saw who had her.
"Hiroki? What are you doing?" she asked as his hands remained snuggly around her waist.
"Me? Oh nothing," he replied innocently, leaning his head on her shoulder, nuzzling her neck gently.
Kari tensed up. Hiroki was acting weird. And it was creeping her out. It was like he was coming on to her, like the guys in the bar. Had he been drinking?
"Hiroki, you're making me uncomfortable. Please stop," she said, trying to gently pry his arms off her.
"Well that's strange," he replied quietly in her ear, "Because I am very comfortable." He tightened his hold, pulling her against him.
"Hiroki," she said warningly. "Let go of me. I don't know what's gotten into you, but it's scaring me. Please, let's just get ready to go and forget this ever happened."
"Well, alright," he replied, slowly withdrawing. As he unwrapped his arms he gently traced across her back with one hand. "See you in a bit."
Kari watched him leave, mind very confused. Hiroki seemed…different, to say the least. Not like his usual kind and considerate self. As she turned back to the basin of water, she silently hoped that it was a one time thing and that he hadn't really changed at all.
When she walked back to the bedroom, she saw 'Hiroki' sitting by the window, watching Miyo play with her doll in the sunlight. He smiled seductively as she walked in. She shifted uncomfortably and immediately went to Miyo, picking her up.
Miyo smiled and snuggled against her. The elder looked at 'Hiroki'.
"Umm…we should…get going. Come on."
'Hiroki' nodded and followed closely. When they were outside, they walked to the edge of town and Kari called for Whisper. The bird arrived seconds later, landing silently and gracefully. Whisper bent down and Kari placed Miyo on the white bird before climbing on herself. 'Hiroki' climbed on next, sitting uncomfortably close to her.
Kari tried to ignore it as she grasped Miyo more tightly and ordered Whisper to fly north. She still had no idea if they were any closer to Pomarius, she couldn't feel anything, like Karina had implied that she would. Maybe Hiroki was feeling something.
"Hiroki?"
"Yes?" he purred.
"Umm…do you feel like we're getting any closer?"
"I'm sorry, Hikari, I don't. Maybe we'll feel it tomorrow. But, I could help you feel something else right now," he replied, gently massaging her shoulders.
"Hiroki, stop," she said, scooting forward a bit. This new Hiroki was really freaking her out.
"Alright," he conceded, moving back a bit to give her some space. This might take a little more time than he originally thought.
Kari sighed and settled back.
-Whisper, does Hiroki seem…odd today?-
-Well…a bit. What was it he was doing?-
-N-nothing. It doesn't matter.- Kari replied, not wanting to risk that Whisper would get upset with the Fire Elemental.
Whisper whistled, unconvinced, but let it go.
"Mommy?"
"Yes Miyo?" Kari asked, looking down.
"Will you fix my hair again?"
Kari then realized that she hadn't braided Miyo's hair that morning. "Of course," she said, scooting back so that she could have more room. She unwillingly bumped into Hiroki. He smiled, but didn't move. She smiled back awkwardly and tried to set her mind on the task of combing and braiding Miyo's unruly hair. However, it was very hard to ignore the hands that were lightly tracing her back.
She sighed again. She didn't say anything because he was her very good friend, but she did will him to stop. She decided that, if this kept up, she'd have a talk with him that night, away from Miyo.
'Hiroki' smiled again as he caught her thoughts. Some alone time with her would give him the perfect opportunity to make his final move. He just had to be sure that she didn't resist him.
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"Hiroki, we need to talk. Alone." Kari said at camp that night.
She had just finished telling Miyo of the battle with Piedmon, and now that the girl was fast asleep it was time to deal with Hiroki. He had kept making advances the whole day, and wouldn't take the hint to back off. She didn't think she could stand anymore.
'Hiroki' stood slowly. "Alright. Lead the way Hikari."
Kari nodded tartly and began to walk to the east of camp, into some trees. –Whisper, watch Miyo.-
-Yes Hikari.- replied the bird, not concerned for her charge because she thought that Hiroki would take care of her. She didn't know of her Mistress' uncomfortableness around him.
As 'Hiroki' followed, he pulled some more powder from his pocket. He released it inconspicuously into a breeze that blew it back towards Whisper and Miyo. He smiled; there, that part was done.
Kari stopped when they were about 30 feet from camp and turned to face him.
"Listen Hiroki, I don't know what's gotten into you today, but I don't like it. I-"
She was cut off as 'Hiroki' pushed her back against a tree, holding her shoulders.
"Hiro-"
This time she was cut off as his lips covered hers. Her eyes widened and she tried to push him away, but it was like pushing against a brick wall. Pinning her with his weight, 'Hiroki' forced his tongue into her mouth and let his hands begin to roam.
Kari nearly gagged as his tongue explored her mouth, and gave muffled protests as she used her hands to block his. However, it got harder as he seemed to gain more strength.
-Whisper! Whisper help!- she cried frantically, only becoming more panicked when her loyal Spirit Animal didn't answer. Something was wrong, and not just with Hiroki.
Scared out of her wits, she decided to take desperate measures. She closed her eyes, focused her energy, and shot Hiroki away, causing him to hit a tree opposite them. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and breathing heavily from lack of air, she stared over at where Hiroki had landed, and gasped.
Hiroki wasn't Hiroki anymore! He had changed. He was pale now, almost ghostly, and had glowing red pupils amidst pitch black eyes. Black hair clung to his head.
Kari took a shocked step back as her mind tried to process this. "Wh-what are you?" she managed.
The creature smiled deviously and stood up, leaning against a tree casually. "I am a Kioshen. I am a shapeshifter, young Gaurdian."
'A shapeshifter?' "Where is the real Hiroki?"
The Kioshen shrugged. "A lot safer than you three are," he said, stepping forward, eyes glowing more brightly.
Kari's mind immediately flashed to Miyo and Whisper. 'I have to help them. I can't let them get hurt.' With this thought, she turned and darted back in the direction of camp.
"Oh no you don't," the Kioshen growled, running after her quickly.
She fell to the ground with a cry as she was seized by the shoulders and pulled back. She landed hard and the wind was knocked out of her. Dazed, she couldn't move for a second. The next thing she knew, the Kioshen was straddling her waist and her wrists were pinned above her head.
"Let me go!" she grunted, struggling to get him off.
"No can do, sweet Elemental. I have other plans for you," he said, leaning down and brushing her cheek gently with his lips. "But maybe we can have some fun before then, yes?"
"No!" Kari yelled, twisting to try to get away.
The Kioshen leaned back up and shrugged. Keeping her wrists pinned with one hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out some powder. "Maybe you'll see things differently later. Good night, for now."
With that he dropped the powder on her face and she had no choice but to breathe it in. Immediately she felt dizzy and her vision began to fade. As she passed out she saw the Kioshen chuckling as he sat looking down at her.
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"Ugh," Hiroki groaned, opening his eyes. "Wh-where am I?" he wondered, sitting up.
He put a hand to his head. 'Note to self, don't move too fast,' he thought as his head began to pound. Looking around curiously, he noted that he was in a pitch black area. 'What the…?' he thought, sparking up a fireball.
Holding up his hand, he looked around again. The land was completely barren. Completely. Confused, he started to walk forward.
'Where the hell am I? The last thing I remember is going to sleep. Did something happen during the night? And where are Hikari and Miyo? Maybe they're here too. Where ever here is.'
Holding his hand higher, he continued to walk, searching for…something, anything. Anything but the brown rocky ground that surrounded him.
'Let's see, rock…rock…another rock…bigger rock…rock…ugh! This is ridiculous! I have to get out of here! But…where is here?'
"It is nowhere," came a detached voice.
Hiroki spun around, wildly looking for the speaker. "Hey, who are you? And what do you mean?"
"I am nobody, just a spirit. And you are nowhere with me."
"Stop with the riddles and tell me the plain truth," Hiroki exclaimed, becoming exasperated. "Where am I?"
"You are nowhere….nowhere….nowhere…" the voice echoed, each word quieter than the last, until the voice disappeared.
"Hey! Hey, are you there?"
No answer.
Hiroki sighed. "What did it mean that I'm 'nowhere'?" he muttered. "You can't just be nowhere, you have to be somewhere. Unless…unless that somewhere is nowhere, because where you are doesn't exist. That's it! Hiroki, you're a genius!" he exclaimed, shooting up. "An illusion, it must just be an illusion. But…how do I get out?"
He walked around again, searching for the exit that, in all probability, was nowhere too. He sighed as the barren land continued. This could take a while.
-----------------
Kari groaned weakly as she woke up. She felt so weak, so very weak. She felt that her hands were above her head, and she was on a very uncomfortable surface. That was all she could focus on right now, and she debated just letting herself drift back into sweet oblivion.
"Mommy!"
As soon as the cry sounded, all thoughts of going back to sleep left her and her eyes shot open, searching for the small girl. She saw her on the other side of the fire, wrists tied behind her and ankles bound together. She looked terrified.
"Miyo!" Kari cried, trying to get up only to find that her hands were tied to a wooden pole stuck in the ground above her head. Twisting her head, she saw that Whisper was behind the pole, sickly looking, wings bound to her side.
-Whisper!-
Whisper wearily, yet quickly, looked at Kari. –Hikari! I-I'm so sorry. I have failed you. I should have known.-
-There was no way you could have- Kari replied, trying to soothe the great bird.
She jerked as a hand brushed her cheek. "Good. You're awake," the Kioshen said.
She glared at him. "Let them go."
The Kioshen chuckled and knelt down, running a finger over her lips. "You're not in any position to be making demands. For one thing, you're so weak that you can barely move. You can thank my Master's Numbing Stone for that. He lent it to me, and I would have taken it on our little walk if I thought you would have had the guts to attack your 'friend'. Ah well, it made no difference in the long run."
Kari remained silent. That would explain the weakness she felt. But, who was this Master? And what did he want with them?
The Kioshen continued talking after a second.
"I knew from the moment I saw you that you'd make a lovely gift. Yes, you and your pet will do quite nicely in your roles as opening sacrifices."
Kari's eyes widened. 'Sacrifices?! What is he talking about?'
As if able to read her thoughts, he placed a hand under her head and forced her to look up at an angle.
"Do you see that moon?" he asked almost casually.
Kari looked and saw a small red moon, something she had never seen before while in Hiata. She nodded, wanting to get as much information as she could.
"Well, it happens only two times a year, but it is very powerful. If you know the right spells, you can take anything from a person on a Red Moon Night. Anything. And I plan to take that girl's power. Perhaps I'll take your power too, and maybe something else after that," he said, suggestively running his hand down her neck, chest and stomach, stopping just above her waist.
Kari glared again and twisted away, spitting at his face. The Kioshen growled and slapped her. "Fiesty little bitch aren't you? Well, I can fix that."
He stood and walked over to the fire, where the blade of a knife was sitting in the flames. He picked up the knife and went over to Miyo. He grabbed a handful of her hair and dragged her over to Kari. Miyo bit her lip to keep from crying out. He threw her at Kari and the girl landed with her head resting on the older girl's stomach. Her small body shook from fear.
"It's alright Miyo," Kari soothed quietly, never taking her eyes off the Rioshen. "It'll be okay."
She felt Miyo nod, though she still shook.
Kari growled at the Kioshen. Nobody got away with terrifying somebody that she cared about. The Kioshen simply chuckled and crouched down, hot knife in his right hand. He carresed her far cheek and placed the broad side of the blade against her other.
She silently hissed at the pain, but made no other move or sound. She heard Miyo whimper and shift.
"Stay still Miyo," she said quietly. The girl hesitantly obeyed.
The Kioshen smiled maliciously, placing the hot blade on a few other parts of her skin. Suddenly, his whole body jerked and he spun around, staring at the moon. It was nearly overhead.
Without a glance towards his two human captives, he rose and walked to the fire again. For the first time, Kari noticed a small clay pot by it. The Kioshen opened the pot, stirred its contents, and carried it over to the girls.
Kneeling down yet again he placed a hand under Kari's head, lifted it up a bit, and placed the edge of the pot to her lips.
"Drink," he said in a commanding tone.
Kari debated refusing, but realized that he might hurt Whisper or Miyo if she did. Hesitantly, she opened her mouth and allowed him to pour some of the thick liquid into it. It had a foul taste, but she forced herself to swallow anyway.
When she had drunk half of the solution, the Kioshen dropped her head and lifted Miyo's, forcing her to drink the rest. Then he dropped Miyo's head and walked back to the fire, putting the empty pot down and placing the blade of the knife back in the fire.
He then picked up a previously hidden pot from its place near the fire. Pulling out a cloth, he opened the jar and dipped the rag into it. When he removed it, it was a deep blue color. Making sure the cloth was dripping wet, he picked up the knife and rubbed the blade with the cloth. When he was satisfied with the blue coating that was now on the blade, he walked back over to the two girls.
Pushing Miyo off of Kari roughly, he sat on the elder girl's stomach, and thoughtfully pressed the blade to her throat. Kari gulped fearfully, but tried to show no weakness. As she stared defiantly up at the Kioshen, she noticed that his eyes seemed vague, out of focus, and his face had a feral look to it. That look scared her more than anything.
As the Kioshen stared up at the moon with the wild look on his face and began to add pressure to the knife, Kari sent out a desperate plea.
'Hiroki, wherever you are, help us! Help me! Please!'
-----------------------
Hiroki sighed and sat on a large rock. He had wandered for hours it seemed, and could find no way out. This place seemed endless, he wasn't even sure that there was as exit. And supposing that an exit did exist, he wouldn't be able to find it on his own. He needed someone to guide him, help him find his way.
But where was he going to find someone in this 'nowhere'? The spirit voice was long gone, not that it had been that much help before anyway. He rested his head on his drawn up knees as he tried to figure a way out of this mess. He jerked in surprise and fell off the rock as another voice entered the void.
'Hiroki, wherever you are, help us! Help me! Please!'
"Hikari?" he called out hesitantly. It sounded like her, and she sounded like she was in trouble. "Hikari, where are you?" he called a little louder.
'H-hiroki? You can…hear me?'
"Yes, yes I can! Keep talking and I'll find you."
'You have to hurry Hiroki. He's crazy. He's going to sacrifice Whisper and me before hurting Miyo.'
Hiroki's eyes widened. "Who?! Who is going to do that?"
'A Kioshen. I don't know his name. Oh Hiroki…you must hurry! Even now he is starting to push the blade into my skin.'
Hiroki started towards the panicked voice immediately. He had no idea exactly where he was going, but he could feel himself getting closer to Hikari. "Hang on Hikari, and keep talking. I'll find you and stop this Kioshen. I promise."
'Hiroki, I don't know if you can reach me in time, but you must save Miyo.'
"Nonsense," Hiroki replied, quickly stepping over even more rocks. "I'll save both of you."
'Hiroki…he will kill me before you get here…it is just seconds away…but you must promise to save Miyo and take care of her.'
"Hikari, don't talk like that. …Hikari? Answer me Hikari!" Hiroki moved from a fast jog to an all out run as Hikari's voice stopped.
He continued in the direction from where her voice had last come. He stumbled, but caught himself and continued. 'I'm coming Hikari. Hang on. I will save you. I promise you I will.'
As his desperation to save Hikari grew, so did the light around him. No longer was the landscaping pitch black, now it was a medium gray. And up ahead in that medium gray, there was a viewing portal. Hiroki's blood boiled as he got closer and could see what was happening.
A boywas sitting on top of Hikari, making various cuts on her skin with a knife that was covered in blue ooze. Next to them Miyo was tied up and crying. Whisper was in the backround, shrieking and tied up as well. The boy slowly moved the blade from Hikari's bare arm and poised the tip above her neck. He raised the blade and began to plunge it down towards the tender skin.
"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Hiroki cried, reaching the viewing portal and somehow forcing his way through.
He darted straight for the boy and tackled him, causing the knife to implant itself in the ground just a couple inches from Hikari's neck.
"Hiroki!" Kari and Miyo cried out happily.
Hiroki didn't reply, he was too busy fighting. This boy, or Kioshen, or whatever the hell it was, was putting up a good fight.
Hiroki had the upper hand because he had the boy pinned, but that didn't stop the Kioshen from lashing out and landing a couple punches. Hiroki growled in frustration as all of his attacks were blocked. He tried to call upon his fire power to destroy this menace, but couldn't.
"Hiroki! There's a Numbing Stone, you can't use your powers!" Kari called, struggling against her bonds.
Hiroki inwardly swore; well, he would have to do this the old fashioned way then. He aimed another punch at the Kioshen's face, but this one was blocked as well. With a sudden surge of energy, the Kioshen pushed Hiroki off of him and kicked at his ribs.
Hiroki caught the kick and unbalanced the Kioshen, causing him to topple onto his back. Grabbing the fallen knife, Hiroki pounced on the Kioshen, intent on driving the knife through its gut. But he never got the chance.
As soon as he came in contact with the Kioshen, a fierce energy wave knocked him away causing him to land by Miyo, who cried out in concern. He looked up, wondering just who had caused that energy wave, especially since there was a Numbing Stone around. His breath caught as he saw the thing responsible.
It looked like a cloaked person from what he could see, but he could sense that it was something much more. Behind the figure rose a great serpent, fangs bared, ready to strike. And strike it did, though it did not aim for the children. Instead, it aimed for the Kioshen.
A deafening cry filled the air as the serpent's fangs pierced the Kioshen's skin, digging deeply. The three humans and the Spirit Animal could only watch, frozen with horror, as the Kioshen was ripped to shreds, all the while reaching for the figure while calling out the word "Master!" over and over again. But suddenly the cries stopped.
The serpent dropped the few remains of the Kioshen and turned its attention to the children. Head low, it slithered slowly towards them, toying with their fear.
Instinctively, Hiroki pulled Miyo close and scooted back towards Hikari. Trying to be descreet, he untied the younger girl's ankles and began to work on the ropes binding her wrists.
"Miyo, listen to me," he ordered softly, pulling her close. "I want you to run and hide now. You can escape into the woods and find a town."
Miyo shook her head and clung to him more tightly. "I won't leave you and Mommy."
"You must. You must survive."
Miyo shook her head no again, still clinging to him. As Hiroki edged his way back towards Hikari, he tightened his hold on the girl. He hadn't thought that she would actually run, but he had hoped.
As the serpent reached them and reared up Hiroki turned his back to it in order to shield both Hikari and Miyo with his body. He tensed as he heard the serpent move yet again, and as he waited for seemingly inevitable death, he desperately prayed for help. For someone to at least save the other three if it couldn't save him. It was alright if he died, as long as the others were saved.
Because his eyes were clenched shut, he didn't notice his stone flash.
The serpent opened its mouth, the Kioshen's blood still dripping from its fangs, and prepared to strike the pitiful human boy in front of him. Then it would eat the two human girls, and finally the delicious looking white bird.
It began its lightning fast descent only to find massive claws wrapped around its neck, digging deeply. It let out a loud hiss/growl and writhed to try to get away. It suceeded, but only by allowing a large portion of its skin to be torn away. It slithered back to its Master scornfully, dropping something into the figure's hand before retreating behind it..
Hiroki's head shot up as soon as he heard the snake hiss loudly. He heard the sound of flesh being torn away and cautiously turned his head, still holding Miyo to his chest tightly. He fell the rest of the way to the ground from his crouched position in shock.
A large red bird with systematically placed orange feathers stood in front of him, snake blood on its talons. It looked to be about Whisper's size, but a bit more imposing because of the fiery coloring. It spread its wings and shrieked angrily at both the snake and the figure in front of it. The snake hissed, but the figure did nothing.
The standoff continued for a few more seconds until the figure turned and began to walk away with no explanation whatsoever. The snake slithered after it. The great red bird made as if to follow them, but then thought better of it. It turned around and approached the three humans slowly, cocking its head to the side.
Hiroki shrank back some more as Miyo curled against him. Even though this bird had helped them, it was still frightening, and it could still be a possible enemy. Behind them, Kari struggled with her bonds again. When the bird was just a few feet from them, it dipped its head it front of Hiroki and cooed nonthreateningly.
""Be not afraid Master Hiroki. Harming you is the last thing I would do. I am Fury, and I am here to protect you.""
""F-Fury? What are you? Are you a…a Spirit Animal?""
""Yes, I am your Spirit Animal, a phoenix, Master Hiroki.""
""Just Hiroki please, I don't like to be called 'Master'.""
""As you wish"" Fury replied, nuzzling Miyo as she reached out to him.
Confident that Miyo was safe with Fury, Hiroki spun around and worked at the ropes binding Hikari. As soon as they were undone, Kari jumped up and hugged him
"I was so afraid I'd never see you again! We didn't know what that Kioshen had done with you! I was so scared!" she cried, latching onto him.
"It's alright Hikari," he replied, smoothing her hair to calm her. He hadn't ever seen her this upset before.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Fury snapping the ropes binding Whisper. The poor white bird looked in no condition to go anywhere else tonight.
"Hikari? Why don't we just stay here tonight? I think we could all use a little rest," he said, lying down.
Kari nodded and laid down as well, resting her head on his shoulder. She had really been shaken up by this whole thing, especially when she wasn't sure if she would ever see her friend again. She smiled as Miyo came and curled up inbetween them. The little girl was asleep almost instantly, tired from today's trauma. Kari was ready to sleep too, but remembered that there was one more thing she had to do before then.
Propping herself on one elbow, she looked down at Hiroki. He looked so cute lying there, she thought.
"Hey, Hiroki?" she called quietly.
He opened his eyes and looked up at her. "Yeah?"
She leaned down and kissed him on the lips. She didn't pull away for nearly 30 seconds.
"I just wanted to thank you for saving us," she said quietly, smiling. "I'm glad you came back."
She then laid her head back down on Hiroki's shoulder, pretending not to notice the shocked yet pleased look on his face. Hiroki stayed frozen, shocked, for about another minute before he collected his wits.
"You're welcome," he replied quietly. "And with a thank you like that, I'd do it a million times again," he added, his old charm returning.
Kari couldn't help but smile as she drifted to sleep. She was sure that she would have pleasant dreams that night. And she was sure that Hiroki would too.
A/N: Feedback would really be appreciated, no flames though. Also, I'm still looking for ideas for magical creatures, so if you have any, let me know. I'll try to post the next chap ASAP, if anybody wants me to. Adios!
