Spirits of War
Chapter 6
Welcome to Kernan Forest
Flying for a long while now, the group was approaching Kernan Forest, Magic's home. The immense catgon glided over the forest several hundred feet from the treetops. Yusuke and Kuwabara, looking over the opposite side of Kurama, were observing the various waterfalls, each flowing a different tint or shade of blue. Kurama gazed at the forest's peculiar yet beautiful trees. He shouted against the wind...
KURAMA: tapping Yusuke's shoulder Yusuke! Look down there at that tree!
YUSUKE: turns head to the ground Which tree!
KUWABARA: What!
KURAMA: That tree down there!
YUSUKE & KUWABARA: WHAT!
KURAMA: THAT TREE DOWN THERE!
At the time Kurama shouted back, Magic stopped and hovered in the air, her wings flapping gently as they descended very slowly to a large treetop...
YUSUKE: Jeez, you don't have to shout, Kurama.
KURAMA: sweat drop Sorry.pointing I said to look at that tree down there.
KUWABARA: Oh that really really big one? The one with red stripes?
KURAMA: Yes, that one.
YUSUKE: What about it?
KURAMA: Amazing isn't it?
KUWABARA: You were screaming at us for that?
KURAMA: I just wanted to point it out. It's such an amazing tree. Its size is gigantic compared to the other trees down there. Its vines are quite beautiful, how they fall from its branches and wrap around the tree itself.
YUSUKE: Hey! I see a house in the top of it!
KUWABARA: Seriously? Where?
Indeed there was a home within the tree. But there was more than just that little "house" in the treetop. As Magic hovered closer and closer to the ground, the tree became bigger in size. The tree itself stood hundreds of feet high. There were smaller trees surrounding the perimeter, each standing about twelve or thirteen feet high. There was a nearby cliff just past the end of the surrounding trees. It was quite a drop from the top of the cliff to the river that flowed beneath. To the right was a waterfall flowing from another higher cliff. The water glistened in the dim sunlight as it fell into the pool at the bottom. Jagged rocks could be seen poking out of the water's surface. Scanning from right to left, more cliffs could be seen in the distance, each having its own mass of vines crawling down toward the river. A cliff straight across from where Magic was hovering was thicker in brush than the other cliffs. The woods were more dense and darker, but only because of the sun's position. Dusk had arrived.
Magic landed, carefully bending down for her friends to slide off her shoulder to the ground. Once they were off her back, Magic glowed once more and returned to her normal size. Hiei remained safely in her arms...
KUWABARA: Man that was cool! We should travel like that more often.
MAGIC: Right. Glad you enjoyed the ride. But don't expect me to give you a lift all the time. That was quite tiring.
KURAMA: Thank you very much. Sorry if we wore you out.
MAGIC: Not a problem at all big grin
YUSUKE: You're sure you're OK?
MAGIC: I'm fine, believe me. Besides, I'm more concerned about Hiei and Kurama here. looks to the tree So, who's ready for a climb?
KUWABARA: You mean we have to climb that huge thing! You're crazy!
Everyone gazed at the tree, finding it impossible to climb. It was outrageously wide, and the vines hanging around the tree were far too high from the ground for anyone to reach. But what no one noticed, except for Magic, was that a stairway leading up to the top clung to the bark just around the back of the tree...
MAGIC: We'll be climbing, but not the tree itself of course. There's a staircase over here. Follow me.
YUSUKE: grumbling Even if there is a staircase, it's gonna take us forever to reach the top.
MAGIC: shifts eyes Is that sarcasm I hear? 'Cause I don't handle sarcasm too well.
KUWABARA: whispering Hey, Yusuke, if you want another ride then don't get her mad!
YUSUKE: You and your pony-rides.
KUWABARA: Hey, shut up!
KURAMA: approaching the staircase, looking upward, nearly falling backwards That is certainly a long climb.
MAGIC: Yes. But if you ignore the climbing, you'll be fine. addressing Yusuke and Kuwabara So, you two ready for a hike?
Yusuke and Kuwabara did not hear Magic's question, for they were too busy tugging shirt collars and pulling each other's hair out. As usual, Yusuke was taunting Kuwabara. And as usual, Kuwabara responded to each remark with a fist to Yusuke's face, but missed every time...
MAGIC: How do you put up with them, Kurama?
KURAMA: I do what Hiei does: ignore them.
MAGIC: laughs At least you're honest. OK, shall we begin?
KURAMA: After you. shouting back Hey guys! We're heading up now!
Yusuke managed to escape Kuwabara and sprinted past Magic and Kurama. Kuwabara stumbled after him, but followed close behind, nearly running into Magic. Kurama avoided him but his sudden movement caused his shoulder to ache. Kurama let out a small groan. Magic took notice...
MAGIC: As soon as we reach the top, I'll be tending to Hiei. Then we'll get ya cleaned up, and I'll get ya some new clothes. Sound good?
KURAMA: That's fine. Thank you very much for what you're doing. I can't really thank you enough.
MAGIC: It's not a problem, REALLY. I'm just sorry y'all ended up here in the first place. Repta isn't exactly the best world you'd want to live on.
KURAMA: But it's so beautiful here. It seems to be more peaceful here than any other place I've been to, and I've traveled a lot.
MAGIC: looks to Hiei, then at the steps It certainly does seem peaceful enough. I wish it was now, though.
KURAMA: What do you mean by that?
MAGIC: Ah, I'll have to explain when Hiei wakes up. It's better if I tell all of you at once.
Kurama gave a nod and looked up to the top of the enormous tree, admiring its size and beauty. Then his eyes scrolled down to see an exhausted Yusuke and Kuwabara. Both of them had run up the path as fast as they could and wore themselves out. Magic and Kurama could hear them panting as they approached the two...
MAGIC: Tired already? We're only half way there. C'mon! Just a little ways to go.
Yusuke was sitting on the ground with his hands on his knees. He was breathing as hard as Kuwabara, who was standing hunched over and also had his hands on his knees. Both of them looked at Magic like she had gone insane. Their tired faces were stared back at with a grin from Magic...
MAGIC: Let's go. At this rate, it'll be dark by the time you two reach the top.
Kurama chuckled as he followed Magic farther up the tree. The two boys sighed. Kuwabara helped Yusuke stand up and they marched on. The group came to a bridge covered in vines and moss. It was a very old-looking bridge, even the vines tieing it to the posts looked ancient. It gently swayed left and right as everyone crossed the bridge. On the other side it was solid path again, but instead of having the steps made naturally out of the tree itself, they were made of hand-cut wood. They looked like normal stairs...very steep, ordinary stairs.
They had finally reached the top. Kurama and Magic were relieved of Yusuke and Kuwabara's complaining about the staircase. They walked alongside a branch of the tree, which was connected to the porch. It was hollow for about twelve feet or so before it was cut short and made into an entrance way. The porch was huge, covering several square feet. There were more steps that led down to a lower level of the porch. There, the railing surrounding the porch was covered in vines. One could see the waterfall to the far right and the many cliffs from the front. The higher branches of the tree stuck out about as far as the first level of the porch, providing shade up to the steps. They drooped over a bit, nearly touching the top of the hollow branch. There was a sliding glass door at the end (or beginning) of the hollow branch. Inside, there was a hallway leading into a large room, and a few vacant rooms off the hallway.
Magic turned the corner first. She walked to the glass door, wrapped the end of her tail around the handle, and pulled the door open. She walked inside, closely followed by Kurama, Yusuke, and Kuwabara, who were all gaping at how spacious it was inside. Immediately to the right, there was a large room with three small steps leading down to the floor. A long strip of red moss grew in the middle of the room, serving as a carpet. Around the soft patch of moss was a three person couch made of what felt like leather, a chair at the end of the couch angled to face the corner next to the doorway, another chair on the right side of the room facing the opposite corner, and another couch identical to the one on the left. A large glass window faced the doorway. Its frame was made out of the bark of the room's walls. One could see only small trees off into the distance. If one looked close enough, a little of the Goane Desert could be seen.
Across from that room, there was a walk-in closet big enough to fit a horse inside. It was also hollowed out, having natural walls and flooring. As everyone made their way down the hall, more rooms were passed, three on each side counting the closet from before. After the first room on the right was a smaller room with two windows at the end facing the forest. However, only light from the windows could be seen out of that room, as the door was slightly cracked open. Opposite that room was a guest room. Its door was wide open, revealing two empty spaces on the wall. They served as windows, minus the glass. The waterfall could be seen clearly from this particular bedroom. There was a closet, a bathroom, and two queen-size beds inside with a nightstand in between them. It was the same for the last two remaining rooms, except the view from the windows was of the forest.
Kuwabara was peeking at the rooms on the left, whereas Yusuke was observing the rooms on the right. They were especially excited about the largest room from when they came in. Kurama also took notice, but kept his mind focused on where Magic was leading them...
KUWABARA: Man, this place is so cool! It's like a gigantic tree house!
YUSUKE: shouting Hey Kuwabara! You can see the waterfall perfectly from this room!
KUWABARA: Yeah and the room over here has an awesome carpet! Well, actually it's moss, but it feels just like a shag rug!
YUSUKE: Oh cool! Lemme see!
As they ran off exploring, Magic and Kurama came to the end of the hallway. They entered an even bigger room than the first. Its floor was not natural, but made of tile. It was cold against Kurama's bare feet. Kurama leaned against the counter that followed all around the room. He looked about; there were cupboards lining the room as well, above the counter. Small roots were hanging down from the ceiling onto the cupboards. Large, blue mushrooms were growing on top of and underneath the cupboards. Each gave off a soft blue glow, which provided enough light to illuminate the room and part of the hallway. There was an island table in the middle of the room, upon which Magic placed Hiei. Magic walked over to an anonymous cabinet, searching for bandages and medicine. Hiei's body was perspiring uncontrollably. Small puddles of sweat formed under his arms and head. His breathing was quick-paced, which worried Kurama greatly. But Kurama had his own problems to worry about, too. He was still clutching his shoulder, and also trying to ignore the pain of the small, deep cuts in his flesh from when he was pecked by the desert birds. His feet grew cold from standing on the tile floor, so he hopped onto the counter, which was also a bit chilly. Kurama was still wearing his night clothes and jacket from the night Kayko came to his house. He took his mind off of the chilly counter and focused on Hiei.
After circling the room, Magic came back to Hiei with gauze and a jar filled with a juicy substance. She unwrapped the shredded part of Hiei's pants covering his wound, dipped a small strip of gauze into the jar and rubbed it on Hiei's leg. Magic then wrapped a longer, clean strip of the bandage around the bite. She also wiped away what sweat she could on his face and body. Lastly, she walked to another cabinet and pulled out another jar filled with what she called "pu-ma" juice. She lifted Hiei's head so that she could pour a little of the juice into his mouth. Magic rubbed his throat gently so he could swallow; Hiei coughed a little when he tasted the bitter juice sliding down into his stomach. He gave a short grunt but did not speak nor make a motion. Magic laid his head back down and put away the pu-ma juice.
Kurama was done waiting his turn. Magic now came over with the gauze and jar in hand (or in claw). She asked Kurama to remove his jacket, which was a little difficult because of his shoulder. Magic pulled the other sleeve off and placed the jacket on the counter top. Kurama also removed his night shirt, revealing his chest covered in tiny scratches and beak marks. Magic dipped the gauze into the substance as before and patted each cut. The same was done on his arms, back, and legs. She put a little more on Kurama's shoulder and wrapped it with bandages. A few patches were put on the slightly deeper cuts and scrapes on Kurama's face and limbs...
MAGIC: There we go. Not quite as good as new, but good enough, no?
KURAMA: Ah, thank you.
MAGIC: But of course. I'll show you to your room after I get Hiei tucked in, a'ight?
Kurama nodded. He slid off the counter and back onto the cold floor. Magic picked up Hiei and walked around the corner into the right bedroom nearest the medical room. She laid Hiei in the bed next to the windows. It was night now. Felius Repta's whitish-blue moonlight shined through the branches of the tree and into the bedroom. Shadows were cast onto Hiei as he was tucked into bed. She brushed his bangs back, which flopped back over his closed jagan. His breathing was not as quick-paced now, and his body temperature was gradually returning to normal. Magic took one last look at him before she finally left the room. She cracked the door and told Kurama to follow her to the next room on the right.
While Kurama walked inside, Magic went to the closet near the entrance of her home. She pulled out a robe and clean shirt, just a plain white piece of clothing. Kurama humbly accepted them, since it was also a bit chilly in the room. Magic pulled back the sheets on the bed while Kurama put on the shirt...
MAGIC: Hope you have a good night. Sorry if it gets a little cold in here. Temperature is kind of weird in Kernan Forest. Could be warm one night and freezing the next low laugh Tonight should all right, though. The branches of the Red Spiral tree should keep the moonlight out of your eyes, too.
Magic was making her way to the hallway when Kurama stopped her before she left the room...
MAGIC: Hum?
KURAMA: I want to thank you again, for all that you are doing for us.
MAGIC: Seriously, it's no big deal. Really...
KURAMA: You keep saying that, but it is important---to all of us. You are a very good friend.
Magic grinned at Kurama's remark. She left the room and closed the door. Leaning up against the wall, Magic looked down at the floor, Kurama's words repeating over in her mind. You are a good friend, Kurama, all of you are good friends. But how long can I keep you all safe...?
The catgon walked to the large room near the front. Kuwabara and Yusuke were practically falling asleep on each other as they laid on the moss. Magic shook her head, smiling. She shook the two to wake them, but they remained on the floor. They were carried to the last vacant room. Yusuke was placed in the first bed near the door, and Kuwabara was put in the second. Once they were tucked in, Magic left their room, closing the door quietly. She was making her way through the medical room, when she suddenly heard someone coughing. She dashed to Hiei's door, opening it slowly at first, then wider and wider until it touched the wall.
Hiei was leaning over the edge of the open window, spatting blood everywhere. Magic climbed over the bed to get to Hiei. She held him close to her so that he would not lean over too far and fall. There was blood and saliva dripping from his mouth, down his chest and about to his knees. His hands were stained as well, from when he tried to cover his mouth when he started to cough. Magic rubbed his back in circular motions, moving the poison to his stomach. However, it did not help much, as Hiei was standing up. He then fell back into Magic, causing both of them to fall to the floor. Blood was smeared onto Magic's fur and shirt as she repositioned Hiei to lean him up against her while she leaned up against the bed.
Moonlight shined brightly into the room through the branches. Broken shadows were placed everywhere. Hiei rested on the catgon, his body perspiring like mad, blood still dripping from his mouth. Magic occasionally wiped some away, and also wiped away sweat on his face. Hiei's body shook some because of the night air's chill. His breathing was medium-paced, not quite normal, but not abnormally fast either. Magic held him close to herself, keeping him warm. Her shirt and arms were somewhat drenched in sweat, but she cared not. She would withstand anything to keep him stay comfortable.
A breeze blew into the room. Hiei shivered, his teeth chattering a little, as he was wearing only his pants and bandages. Magic wrapped her tail around his waist, and hugged him tighter to keep him warm...
MAGIC: whispering Tis all right. I'll keep you close.
Hiei muttered something...
MAGIC: Hiei?
Only parts of words left his lips. It was difficult to understand them all, even for Magic...
HIEI: ...t--nsh--a-ghyu..ha--hn...
Hiei tried his hardest to speak, but the poison in his chest cavity was making it difficult for him to breathe, and thus, difficult to speak...
MAGIC: Ah, don't say anything. Just...rest for now. And---you're welcome.
End chapter 6