Chapter 9 "Sad Awakenings" Darkness had long since covered the forest like a blanket. The only sounds were the low rumble of thunder and pitter patter of the rain. A man stands by the window of his small hut peering into the darkness. His family lay sleeping in their rooms. He let a sigh out before returning to his chair beside the fire. He sits staring into the flames unable to shake the uneasy feeling creeping up and down his spine. Moments later the night air was filled with screams and blood mixed with rain. One voice ringing out clearly above all other sounds. "Run Katrina, Run!" I bolted awake shooting straight up in bed only to have every nerve ending scream out in pain forcing me back down to the bed. My chest heaved up and down and sweat glistened from my body. That dream keeps coming and every time it was getting worse. Every time it was like another very small piece was revealed. Slowly my breathing returned to normal and the pain back to its dull ache. Ever since I have started training with Hiei a few months ago the ache had become a normal part of my life. As for my social life, that barely existed. I eased myself up slowly to a sitting position, glancing around my dark room. A listened carefully and could hear the faint sound of the TV. I got up and made way across the room to the door and slide it open. The was the flickering of white light coming from the living room and I walked over there. Just as I thought. There was good ol' Aunty asleep on the couch, a half drank bottle on the table, the TV on, and a still burning cigarette between her fingers. I sighed and walked over. More bottle littered the table along with an over full ashtray. I put out the cigarette and turned off the TV but that was ALL I was doing. I walked back to the hall and glanced at the doorway counting the shoes. 1 and 2, that was it, just me and so called care#taker of an Aunt. Yusuke had yet to return from his last mission which started a wk ago. Although the wk he was gone did give me a break for Hiei had gone with him. That left me with sum time to repair what was left of my social life. I walked into the kitchen and got myself a glass of milk hoping I could go back to sleep without much of a problem. I was halfway back to my bedroom when I heard a creak coming from Yusuke's room. I froze in my tracks. Had I really heard something or was I imagining it? There was a creak again followed by a quick hiss. No, it wasn't my imagination. Someone was in there and if I didn't do something soon they would walk out to see me standing there and what would happen then? My mind raced with the possibilities. I glanced around, bedroom wouldn't help any, phone to far away, the front door! I looked over my shoulder and down the hall to the front door. Yes! I could easily run down the hall out the door and get help. Could I make it fast enough though and what about my aunt! I couldn't leave her alone here. I had to do something! But what? I decided running for it would be the best option so I went to turn and sprint for the door, instead I dropped silently to one knee as pain shot thru my body again. All the pain from all the hard training I had done rushed back to me as if reminding me. I could see Hiei standing above, his eyes glaring down at me Flashback "GET UP GIRL!" Hiei stood above me glaring down. "DID YOU HEAR ME? I SAID GET UP!" I sat on the floor heaving and dripping with sweat, light bruises marked my arms. and legs. "LET'S GO! YOU HAVE ALOT MORE TO DO!" I glared back at him. It was like this every time. What did he have against me that made him treat me like this? "YOUR PATHETIC EXCUSS FOR A DEMON GET UP!" He kicked me and I flew across the room. Blackness threatened down upon me "DONT YOU DARE GO AND FAINT ON ME! YOU'RE JUST A WASTE OF MY TIME! YOU NEVER IMPROVE!" I growled and forced the blackness back. I was too improving! I practiced everyday and I may not be as strong as some demons but I was improving and I had to prove that! I was going to show Hiei if it was the last thing I did! I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring all the pain, a growl creeping up the back of my throat.. I stood up and slowly raised my head glaring directly at Hiei and charged forward. I gave it all I had and was able to land a few hits but was soon on the ground again. Hiei smirked down at me. "Its about time. your done for today. go home." With that he left and I sat staring. End Flashback From Hiei that was kind of like a compliment. I slowly rose to my feet and walked carefully towards Yusuke's bedroom. I stood outside the door and wrapped my fingers around the handle. Taking a deep breath I slowly counted to three in my head. I slide the door open quickly and went to burst thru the door only to ram into something and fall back as a scream began to escape my mouth. Before I could hit the floor, an arm was wrapped around my waist and another over my mouth as I pulled into the room. I looked up to stare into two emerald eyes. "shhh." He whispered into my ear. I nodded and his hand slowly slid away from my mouth. "Kurama." I whispered "what are you doing here?" There came a soft "ahem" from across the room and I looked over to see Yusuke sitting in a chair beside his bed and Kuwabara leaning against the wall. It then hit me I was standing remarkably close to Kurama with his arm around my waist still. I turned red and stepped away hoping no one saw in the dark. I then walked over to Yusuke and that's when I saw Hiei. He was lying in the bed dripping with sweat and blood stains could be seen all over his clothes. I gasped and looked at Yusuke. "What happened?" He didn't look up as he explained. "We have spent the last week tracking this demon clan to get information on who their leader was and his plan. We had gotten all we needed and were about to head back last night when we were detected and ambushed. We've been on the run since then. I'm sure we killed them all so there won't be any one to report back. Unfortunately Hiei got back into a corner on the way out. He escaped fine but not with out damage." I sat and stared at Hiei lying. I never imagined Hiei could be hurt. Kurama had left and returned with warm water and bandages. He undressed Hiei from the waist up, washed and bandages his wounds then gave the mess to Yusuke who disposed of it. In all it had taken Kurama an hour to get the bleeding to stop long enough him to wrap the bandages. Kurama sat and leaned on the bed post, Kuwabara still leaned against the wall while Yusuke now occupied the chair and I sat on the floor, not taking my eyes of Hiei as I saw his chest rise and fall unsteadily. Suddenly the silence was broken by Kuwabara who spoke for the first time. "Now what?" "What do you mean now what?" Yusuke shot back. "Calm yourself Yusuke, Kookaburra has a point." Kurama's smooth voice drew my attention to him and he smiled gently at me as he continued to speak. "Hiei most certainly can not stay here, for reason you know already." "I know." Yusuke stared at the floor. "So ideas would be helpful right now" Kuwabara looked at Yusuke expecting an answer. "Why me? HUH? Why do I always have to have the answer?" "SHHH! Yusuke! You'll wake your mom" I placed my hand on his to calm him down more. Kurama spoke again, "Yes she is right, but we still need a place to take Hiei where he will be safe and able to heal." We all nodded in agreement then looked at the floor for no one seemed to be able to think of such a place. I stared at the floor listening to the clock behind me ticking away the seconds. Minutes had passed yet no one had any ideas. The suddenly it hit me. "I got it!" The boys all turned to look at me suddenly. "What do you have?" Kuwabara asked, looking confused. "What do you mean Kat?" Yusuke looked down at me and Kurama turned to me fully saying "You know of a place don't you?" I nodded "Yes I know of the perfect place."