A/N: Hey guys! Its been a long time. I'm so so so so so sorry. I've been really busy and it was kind of hard to write this chapter and get it to flow. You see, all of the chapter previous to this one were a revised version of chapters I wrote a LONG time ago. So this is the first chapter that I actually wrote from scratch. I tried my best with it. I hope you guys enjoy it!
Review Responses:
Hiei's Shadow Tenshi: Thanks for answering my question. I feel so stupid. Anyways, sorry for the cliffy and all. I just couldn't resist, as for your questions. They will be answered . . . later on. evil smile Hope you enjoy the chapter. Thanks for reviewing!
Prismdragon: Yay! It's a new reviewer. Sorry I never updated in a long time. scratches head heh, heh. My bad. Thanks for reviewing. I hope you like this chappie!
Dragon of the Crimson Flame: Wow! Long review. Thanks so much for your support. I didn't really mean to change the title. It was a mistake, a horrible, horrible mistake. I'm not really used to doing these things so I kinda messed up and err, accidentally switched the title. sweatdrop I'm so stupid. Anyways, thanks for reviewing. Enjoy the chapter!
aznwolf4evr: Hey! reads review Yes! I knew I was right about the asian thing. I live in Hawaii, so there's tons of Asians here. Oops. I just gave away where I live. . . Oh well. Hawaii's a big state. Well, thanks for reviewing and enjoy the chapter!
My PenName is . . . Interesting pen name. I like it. I'm so happy I got a new reviewer. jumps up and down for a while Anyway, thank you so much for reviewing and enjoy the chapter. I hope you like it!
The Squabbit: Hey! Well, Katana's identity will be revealed in this chapter . . . I think. Wait looks over chapter at the speed of light Oh yes, her identity is revealed, somewhat. As to answer your question. laughs Actually, I don't really know what blue cheese is either. Some kinda food or something. Cheese that is blue? Beats the heck out of me. So, thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter!
ShadowsOfTheDark: Yo! What's up? Thank you so much for reviewing and answering my question. Sorry, I'm uh, kinda stupid. I love Hiei too! He's like my favorite character in the whole wide world. I don't know why I like him, though. He's just plain cool. Once again, thanks for reviewing. I hope that you enjoy this chapter!
Vows and Revelations
"Man, this sucks," said Yusuke, lying on his bed, talking to the rest of Team Urameshi, except Katana. They were all gathered in Yusuke's room. Kurama sitting on the couch, Kuwabara sitting on a chair and Hiei perched on the windowsill.
"Tell me about it," said Kuwabara, "I didn't even get to show off the new techniques I learned." At this, Hiei smirked.
"I must admit," put in Kurama, "It was awfully . . . strange, that Team Lasen was so scared of us that they forfeited, but at least we had an easy win."
"Hn," said Hiei, also angry that he didn't get to fight.
"We did learn something very important today, though," said Kurama, "Katana is, to say the least, an exceptional fighter."
"Exceptional!" said Kuwabara, "She was like, great. The lady, you know, Katana, got that guy, what's his name, down in one hit. Oh yeah! What does 'exceptional' mean?"
Everyone ignored the question.
Suddenly, Hiei jumped off the window sill. His dark, dangerous energy seep out of his small, yet ominous form, even though anyone could tell he was trying the tremendous power in.
The rest of the team shot Hiei a cautious look.
"What's gotten into you, Hiei?" questioned Yusuke.
"Mind your own business you fools," said Hiei, suddenly letting his energy out, causing a gust of hot air to sweep throughout the room. Then, he left, and the room instantly cooled as if he was never there.
Man, I forgot how powerful Hiei is, thought Yusuke; He's got to be at least an upper S class warrior by now. Kurama and Kuwabara were thinking the same thing.
For a while, no one in the room spoke. They just stared at the empty space where the fire demon had been just a second ago.
"Well, that was sudden," said Kuwabara.
"Thank you, Captain Obvious!" said Yusuke, deciding to ignore Hiei's sudden outburst. "Let's go get a burger or something you guys. I'm hungry."
Hiei sat far away from the hotel, and any civilization for that matter, on a tree overlooking the ocean and a beautiful sunset.
Although he would never admit it to anyone, he loved dusk. It was his favorite time of the day.
Why, you ask?
Because it brought the cover of night, the safety of darkness that he felt comfortable in. After all, he had spent practically his whole life in hiding. He was a child of shadows. Nobody's family, nobody's friend . . . well, for most of his life anyway.
Now, he had people who just might care about him. And, who knows, maybe he cared about them too, just a little. He had found his sister, and could protect her always. This was the life he had always dreamed of, deep within the depths of his heart.
Maybe, just maybe, I've finally found my place in life, with these people, with my sister and my . . . friends.
Even admitting it in his head was hard. Only a few people had ever reached this status in his life, this point where they were so close to him, that he would risk his life to keep them safe, and trust them with his own. But he didn't want to think about her right now. They were in his past, all of them.
They left me, no, abandoned me, a long, long time ago, and yet . . . I still think about them. They were my family in every way except blood. . . especially her.
Her image came to mind, her petite and agile form, her cerulean blue hair, but most of all, her twinkling, playful brown eyes. Then he thought of Katana, with the same size and hair, and the same brown eyes. The same, but so very very different.
Kira . . . She reminds me of Kira, so much. So much that it hurts.
He came to this conclusion as he stared at the orange sun dipping over the ocean. He missed her, and even though she had betrayed him, he couldn't be mad or hateful at her. All his life, he had prided himself on his aloofness, his lack of weaknesses, his ability to push everyone away and not let anyone ever see who he truly was. But she was the one person who had broken down the walls that protected his heart, she was his one weakness.
The stars were starting to shine, he noticed as he looked up to the darkening sky through the green canopy of leaves that was his home.
Damn it! I have to stop. Damn sentimental feelings! She's gone, forever. She's not coming back you idiot. Now stop thinking about her.
From the outside, he looked the same, as stoic as always, but maybe just a little bit frustrated. But on the inside, it felt like his heart was tearing apart as images flashed into his head. Images of the past, that he'd thought he had long buried deep in the corners of his mind resurfaced.
I was weak back then, weak and foolish. I've learned, and I won't ever let it happen again. Never. I'll never let anyone become as close as she was to me . . . Never.
Calmly, he jumped down from the tree, as nimble as a cat, and started to attack helpless trees with his sharp katana. The full moon now shined brightly and reflected off of the gleaming blade, illuminated his perfectly emotionless face, revealing none of the inner torment he was going through at the time.
Damn! Katana thought to herself as she walked through the forest. It was still midday and she had separated from the boys immediately after the round had been forfeited.
How could I have been so careless! Damn! She repeated, followed by several other choice words that I don't care to write down.
Her gaze turned down to her hand which was held to her bleeding side in attempt to stop the blood flow. Luckily, no one had noticedfor she had hidden it well, but she had been wounded in her match with Banen. At first it seemed minor, only a small cut to the side. Nothing to worry about, and the bleeding wasn't too bad either. But as time went on, the pain worsened, and though it wasn't bleeding at all, it became almost impossible to bear. If she had been anyone else, she would have been crying in pain. Perhaps that was what had made her verbally lash out at Kuwabara and the others.
It seems that whenever I'm in pain, I lose my control on my emotions. I can't have that happening in front of them again. It wasn't very wise. They might become suspicious of me now.
"Ahh," she knelt down in pain, moaning as the pain worsened, as if someone was sticking a dull blade into the wound and twisting it. Her breath came in short gasps as the forest ground began to spin.
Must . . . stay . . . awake . . .
How had Banen, a weakling compared to Katana, given her such a horrible wound? All he did was knick her with his axe in his final charge, but this was a different kind of cut. It only started to bleed when she had left the arena, or else the fox, Kurama, would surely have smelt her blood and had her examined. But she wouldn't allow that, she wouldn't let them see her as weak and helpless.
Slowly, the pain seeped away. The world stopped spinning and she was able to stand up again. Her hazel brown eyes turned to the setting sun.
I really should be going back now. . . No, I can't go back to the hotel. I might have another attack from this stupid cut. I'd best sleep out here in a tree. It's much more comfortable anyway.
She settled comfortably into a nearby tree as the stars began appear in the sky. Today, she was unusually tired.
It must be because of this stupid cut, she thought, looking at the small tear in her shirt. There's something not right about this wound. It's not healing as it should. A cut this small should have healed by now. I don't see or smell any poison . . . but I should make something to prevent it anyway. Just to be sure. She yawned, and felt even more sleepy. Maybe later. . . I'll do it later . . . was her last conscious thought as she fell into a deep sleep.
In Katana's Dream
It was twilight in the plains of Makai, and all was still. That is, except for the noise created by a small group of bandits or 'gypsies' as some had nicknamed them that had decided to camp here for the night.
"Katrina, dinner! Go and get the kids for me, will you?" said a busy woman as she bustled around the camp fire. Her wavy black hair framed her perfect face and hazel brown eyes, and even though she was dressed in dirty, unkempt clothes, she was still very beautiful.
"Mom," replied a girl who looked to be about 15, "Just let them do whatever they want. Who cares if they miss dinner. They're probably out in the woods somewhere anyway. It'll take me hours to find them." It was obvious by their looks that this girl, Katrina, was the woman's daughter. They both were petite and had the same hazel eyes, though Katrina's hair was a navy blue and as straight as a board.
"Fine," the woman, Miriel, said, sounding exasperated. "Just go get your father, and hurry! The food will get cold." She was busy setting out the utensils and such, and didn't even look up as Katrina came back with her husband, and Katrina's father.
Just by the way he walked; you could tell that this man was someone important and powerful, even though he was dressed very poorly to say the least. Clothes almost reduced to rags covered his broad shoulders, but his keen and perceptive crimson gaze seemed to penetrate everyone he looked at, making them feel as if he could see their every secret. His slightly wavy navy blue hair covered one of his eyes, making him look even more secretive. This was Kakashi, the leader of the Ryuki bandits.
"It looks great!" Kakashi said, sitting on the ground and grabbing at his small share of food.
"I'm sorry you can't have more, but we need to save the deer you men just caught for later," replied Miriel. "You'd better enjoy the fresh, cooked meat while you can."
"This is plenty enough, Miriel," he said, thankful for what he had.
Obviously, this wasn't your average demon family. Most demons didn't even have families, much less such a close-knit one as this. The chance of having a comfortable and positive environment like this in Makai was one in a billion, but Katrina and her sister were the very lucky ones chosen to grow up here.
Halfway through dinner the last member of the family finally arrived, late and absolutely filthy, but extremely happy for some unknown reason.
"About time, half-pint," commented Katrina.
"Shut up!" was the instant reply, though the joy never left her face or voice. The girl looked to be about the same age as Katrina, but was actually about ten years younger. She, like everyone else, was dressed in rags, but these rags were especially dirty today. It looked as if she had rolled in a pile of manure or something, even her once blue wavy hair was caked in the . . . brown stuff. But despite all of this, she had a pleased smile on her face, her hazel brown eyes twinkling with joy.
"What's got you so happy?" questioned Kakashi, looking up after finishing his plate.
"Oh . . . nothing," she replied still smiling.
"Kira," said her mother in a warning tone. "We've been waiting for you to come home all day. It's well after dark and you left in the morning. Don't you know that its dangerous to be out by yourself at night. You could have been hurt, or worse-"
"Alright, we get it Miriel," cut in Kakashi. "No need to make a fuss. Plus, Kira's a strong girl, she can handle herself. But what the heck is that awful smell? And where is your friend, Kira? Don't tell me you did something to him . . . again."
At this, Kira finally broke out laughing, the pleasant sound making the dark night not so dreary.
Finally after she was able to stop, she explained. "He's probably out somewhere trying to clean all of the bat dodo I put all over him." She giggled a bit. "It was priceless. You guys should have been there."
"What was that?" a dark figure was outlined against the forest, its voice sounding ominous and threatening.
"Hey, shorty," said Kira, not fazed at all by his sudden appearance, "Did you get all the crap off yourself yet?" She turned around and started laughing at the sight of him.
"I got you just as bad as you got me, and you know it, baka. And you have absolutely no right to call me shorty cause you're way shorter than I am." The figure retorted as it stepped into the light.
Now that he had stepped into the light, you could see his appearance clearly. His spiky, black hair tipped off to the side, drenched with water, in a comical way. His usually tan shirt and pants were colored a darker shade and was wet and smeared with his failed attempts at washing them. But the funniest thing of all was his face, so full of emotion. I can't even describe it. He seemed furious, embarrassed, and grouchy all at the same time.
As the rest of Kira's family caught sight of him they too broke down in laughing. It was a happy time, and a happy memory, but just as suddenly as it had appeared, it had gone.
The laughing and merry faces of Katana's family and the sound of their laughter suddenly stopped, and was replaced with roaring and crackling red-orange flames.
They overtook the whole camp, her family, her home, the only things she had had. Blood, death, and destruction was all there was to see. The scent of burning flesh and blood invaded her nose as the last agonized screams of her fellow bandits echoed in her ears. . .
"STOP!" Katana screamed at the top of her lungs as she came to her senses. Immediately, out of habit, she jumped out of the tree and unsheathed her katana, getting in fighting stance, eyes and senses reaching out, ready for any possible threat or danger, ready for anything.
All that met her eyes and senses was dark . . . the quiet, deadly dark of the night.
Slowly, she started to relax, and began to realize that it was only a dream.
Just a dream, just a dream, she repeated to herself over and over again, like a broken record. It scared her that a dream, something not even real, would give her such a fright. She tried to slow her breathing and heart beat down, and resheathed her katana, the sound of the blade against her wooden sheath echoing in the still night air.
It was just a dream. Not real. It's all in the past, just a stupid, bad memory . . . why can't I forget it? It happened a long time ago. They're gone, and there's nothing I can do about it. They're dead, all of them, they all died. Why can't I simply forget?
Because you can't, whispered a soft voice in her head. You can't to forget them. You never have, and you never will.
She felt as if someone had punched her in the gut as the truth came upon her, and for once in her life, she felt like crying, just curling up into a ball and crying her heart out. Crying for her father, crying for her family and for the rest of the gypsies. They had all suffered a tragic fate, a fate that none of them, not on deserved. But she knew she couldn't cry. Never show your weaknesses, even if it's just to yourself. This was one of the rules she had lived by for the majority of her life. These were the kinds of rules that kept you alive out in Makai.
Why now? Why did it have to come back now? she asked the voice inside her head.
She was answered with silence. The voice had deserted her.
Yes, she had had this dream before, many, many times before, but never had any of her dreams seemed so real, so . . . tangible. She could still feel the heat of that horrible fire, and hear the dieing screams of those who were being killed, and smell the scent of blood and rotting flesh.
It doesn't matter. Might as well get some sleep . . . if I can. We have a match tomorrow, and we need to win. Don't worry, Genkai, I'll keep my last promise to you.
She settled back into her tree branch and watched the stars twinkling up above, and the bright full moon. Far away, she could almost hear a blade slicing through wood, and the felling of a tree.
Someone must be training tonight.
A twinge of pain ran down her side, and she remembered her cut. She looked down and saw that, although it wasn't healed yet, it seemed to have gotten no worse.
I must be getting paranoid. That fool probably just had an enchanted blade or something. An idiot like him would never be smart enough to know even the simplest poisons. It's probably nothing to worry about.
She quickly dismissed the subject from her mind and closed her eyes, but all she could see was the same scene from the dream. The fire, the blood, the dead bodies.
Damn it! She cursed and swore for the thousandth time that she would kill the ones who did it. After taking a few deep breaths, she calmed down.
Focusing her mind away from that, and towards the good half of the dream, a precious, joyful fragment of her life. When life had been carefree and safe and her father, mother, sister, and everyone else had still been alive. Before everything had gone wrong and Hiei had betrayed them.
Hiei . . . he's changed so much. So, so much. His cold, unemotional crimson eyes came to her mind, and she remembered the cautious, but open eyes the old Hiei had once had.
It's hard to believe that we're the same people we were back then. . . No. I won't think about him. Not like that. He's a cold-blooded killer. I'll never forgive him for what he did to me and my family. Never.
And as this last vow echoed in her mind, she fell into a deep, but restless sleep.
A/N: So? What'd ya think? Like it? Hate it? Either way, please review. I'll be heartbroken if you don't. Thanks for reading!
ToCOrNot 77