"Just what did I say about any perverted actions or thoughts?" a very upset female fox demon said, when Katsu and Emiko arrived in camp later. As Kirei marched on over, with her hands in fist, Katsu kneeled on the ground and gently released Emiko from his grasp. Staying by her side, as she steadied herself, Katsu waited for his sister's wrath.
"Kirei, for once it's not what you think, so go pester someone else for a change," Katsu snarled.
"Oh but big brother, if I pestered someone else, than it wouldn't be fun. No one blushes quite like you do," Kirei said giggling, "I see that someone's feeling better."
When they had arrived in the camp, Emiko immediately had recognized Katsu's younger sister, as she made her way over to them. Coldness consumed her as Katsu released her from his protective grasp. Though he released her willingly, she noticed how he remained close to her side, like a mother did its newborn pup.
"I'm feeling much better, thanks to you and Katsu," replied Emiko with a warm smile.
"Well that's good to hear. Why don't you tell us all about your little 'adventure' over some food? Some of the other girls and I got together and put together an enormous meal and it's about time you meet some of our friends here." Kirei said motioning to a large group of females by an open fire. The females were demons of every kind, age, etc. They hustled around, serving and preparing a massive amount of food.
"Food sounds heavenly right now!" exclaimed a very hungry human female. She hadn't realized how famished she was, until she saw the feast in front of her.
"Well, than let's go!" Kirei said as she grabbed Emiko's hand and dragged the young female off.
When Katsu saw his sister abduct the young maiden, he nearly ran to catch up with them. He was not about to let Emiko get out of his protection again, and knowing the females in his clan he could only imagine the drama that lay in store for them.
When they came up to the group, Kirei abandoned Emiko for a moment, as she ran up to one of the females and hugged her furiously. Kirei's poor victim this time was a dog demon with short spiked silver hair and large golden eyes. As the female dog demon broke from the fox demon's grasp she appeared to stand around the same height as Kirei, or maybe a little taller. From where Emiko stood speachlessly, she couldn't tell.
What caught Emiko's attention the most was the way she presented herself. The only way you could tell the dog demon was a female, was by the curves in her body. The demon's clothing was similar to that of a male's warrior outfit. The tight black body suit clung to her perfectly, while she wore light green armor over the body suit covering her private areas, elbows, shoulders, and the front of her legs. At her side were two swords, one that was worn out and very rusty, while the other looked like it had just been constructed.
When the two female demons were done attacking or hugging each other they turned their attention back to the silent couple. Some of the other females working in the area had also turned their gaze onto the male fox demon, and the female human. Kirei and her friend head over to Emiko and Katsu, as some on the females followed silently behind them.
"Emiko, I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine. We've practically been together since birth. Our parents used to joke around about how when one of use would throw up, the other one would eat it. Emiko this is my good friend Tsuki," Kirei said motioning towards the dog demon.
"It is a great honor to meet you Miss Tsuki," Emiko said curtsying slightly. The dog demon Tsuki let out a small chuckle, before she said "It's nice to meet you too human, but if you ever call me 'miss' or 'lady' again, I will be forced to hurt you."
Katsu started to growl when he heard Tsuki's comment, but he caught himself before anyone heard him. Only someone whom had known Tsuki for as long as he and Kirei had would know her bark was worse than her bite. Not saying she was weak or anything, because she was anything but weak. Tsuki would never admit she was afraid or something and never backed down from a challenge. There were a few occasions where she even sent Kurai running with his tail between his legs.
"Tsuki, the day you get your girly little butt kicked for threatening someone, is the day I will die laughing," Katsu said smirking. The thought of someone beating up Tsuki would make anyone want to laugh.
"Girly! Katsu keep that up and I'll make sure you and your future mate never have pups!" Tsuki snarled. Before anyone could rip out anyone's throat, Kirei placed herself firmly between the two growling demons.
"Cut it out you two! Now this is what we are going to do, whether you like it or not! We are all going to get along and act like we actually like each other, while enjoying this wonderful meal that we worked so hard on. Got it? Now, Emiko, how about we find a good spot to sit down and eat in." As Kirei spoke she went from angry to pleasant in the blink of an eye. Her sudden mood change even made Emiko want to hide under a rock.
I'd hate to see what she'd be like if she was pregnant, Emiko thought as she nodded her head. Kirei grabbed Emiko hand swift fully and once again began to drag the victim off.
"Kirei, do they always argue like that?" questioned Emiko as Kirei continued to drag her.
"You thought that was arguing? Tsuki and my brother are both just….strong willed and stubborn. Whenever they see each other, they like to test each other by insulting them and such. It's all just part of their relationship." Kirei replied not looking back.
"Relationship?" Emiko asked.
"Their not each other's soul mates if that is what you are thinking. What I meant was as friends, that is how their bond grows. Do you get what I'm saying?" Kirei asked. Emiko was about to answer, when Kirei pointed to a spot under a large oak tree that was empty and unguarded. The two girls sprinted over to it as fast as they could and smiled at their victory when they reached the tree. Emiko landed on the ground with a thud, finally giving in to the demand from her body to take a rest.
"You know it is really amazing that you were able to last this long with wounds as bad yours. If you were a demon, than that would be no surprise, but for a human that is pretty amazing," Kirei pointed out as she sat down next to Emiko in the shade of the tree.
"Well, to tell you the honest truth I don't know how I manage to last this long either," Emiko admitted as she rubbed her aching muscles.
"You humans are always full of surprises." Kirei stated in a matter of fact kind of voice. Emiko looked at her to see she was smiling, instead looking disgusted like many of the demons did when they spoke about humans.
"Kirei, I was wondering if you could answer a question of mine. I've been thinking about it for a good while now, but haven't been able to figure something out. Why do humans and demons hate each other so much?" Emiko asked nervously. She didn't know whether to expect Kirei to be enraged with her or to laugh at her for being stupid. Kirei merely sat there for a minute, pondering over the question.
"Humans and demons have always hated each other. It's just been like that for as long as anyone can remember. Humans fear demons for their strength and difference, so they shun or kill us. Demons on the other hand belittle humans and find them to be inferior." Replied Kirei seriously. Even though Emiko had only known her for a few days, Kirei being serious was not normal. It just wasn't part of her system.
"I'm sorry I asked the question, I was stepping out of line and had no right to. I am sincerely sorry." Emiko whispered. Kirei looked at her for a moment, before she let out a large, full-hearted laugh.
"What just happened?" Katsu asked raising his eyebrow at the sight before him. After Kirei had dragged Emiko off to find a spot, Tsuki suggest they get some food and meet up with the two girls afterward. As much as Katsu wanted to stay by Emiko's side he knew that if he turned down Tsuki's offer she would become suspicious. He hurriedly grabbed whatever he could find, before he raced off after Emiko's scent.
He found the two females sitting in the shade of a large oak tree. From where he stood he could see serious expression written on both of their faces. Katsu let out a small growl when he discovered he was too far away to hear what they were saying.
Suddenly in the blink of an eye, Kirei fell onto the ground….laughing? Something was up with those two and he wanted to find out. Kirei clutched her side as she continued to laugh.
"Kirei please tell us what is going on. Kirei, please you are starting to scare me!" Emiko pleaded.
When Kirei heard Emiko's request she tried to settle down and get her laughs under control, which only led to more laughing. After a few more failed attempts she finally won the battle against her laughter, and slowly sat up.
"Emiko I have one thing to say to you and this is coming from my heart when I say you are too polite. You can afford to be rude sometimes you know and try not apologizing so much," suggested Kirei.
"Would some one explain to us what happened?" Katsu demanded as he sat down next to Emiko. He thrust a bowl of soup into Emiko's hands, while looking at his sister with demanding eyes. Tsuki placed the rest of their feast in the center of their little circle as she took her spot next to Kirei.
"It's nothing, so let's eat now!" Kirei said grabbing a bowl of rice and chicken. The fox demon stared for a moment, before he shook his head.
"Thank you Katsu and Tsuki for getting this yummy food. My stomach and I thank you!" cheered Emiko happily.
Tsuki and Kirei chatted and gossiped about the latest news, while occasionally pestering Katsu. The human maiden watched silently, while enjoying her meal. The three demons seemed so happy together, well except for when they were teasing each other, but even then they looked happy.
Much later, as the sun glared down on the earth below, while the human and male demon sat under the tree, simply enjoying life. The human rested against the tree peaceful, with the male fox demon lying beside her. The two female demons had left not too long ago to help clean up the mess that had been made preparing the meal.
"Katsu?" Emiko said wondering if the demon was still awake. He was lying on his back with his eyes closed, and looked rather peaceful. The only sign of him being awake was his 'Hmm' of a reply.
Katsu sat up suddenly, while giving a low and threatening growl. He could smell another male approaching, and they were getting closer. The fox demon did not want anyone getting too close to Emiko, while she was in such a weakened condition.
When the fox demon beside her let out a vicious growl, Emiko followed his gaze to see what the threat was. A tall, male wolf demon blissfully strolled over to the oak tree, whose shade they sat in.
The demon had short mud brown hair tied back into a pony tail and his brilliant deep blue eyes, held a certain mischief to them. His very well toned body was covered by black armor on his chest, back, forearms, private areas, and the front of his legs. As his long and smooth brown tail swished behind him, Emiko noticed the beautifully made sword that hung at his hip.
"Well, well, well, who is this beautiful creature you are trying to hide Katsu? I don't think I have had the honor of meeting you my dear," the wolf said pleasantly flashing a grin. Emiko rose to her feet quickly and extended her hand, as she said," Kind sir, it is a great pleasure to meet someone as kind and charming as your self. My name is Emiko," the young maiden said returning his smile. The wolf demon took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he placed a firm kiss on it, before he released it.
The moment that her hand left his, he was slammed into the oak tree behind them. Katsu's hand was squeezing the demon's throat, while the other clawed hand floated inches from his face. The wolf demon looked shocked for a moment, but the look was quickly replaced by a death glare.
"Just what the hell do you think you are doing?" the wolf demon snarled. Emiko ran and grabbed onto Katsu's arm and tried to pry him off of the wolf demon, but her efforts did nothing to help the situation.
"Katsu, what are you doing, you could kill him! Please stop this, I'm begging you. Katsu please, you are beginning to scare me," Emiko cried as she held onto his arm. She looked at him with teary and pleading eyes.
What just happened? Why did he suddenly get so mad? Did I do something to upset him, or is it this wolf demon, Emiko thought. Katsu's eyes, which had hints of red in them, turned back to normal, as he slowly let go of his prey.
"Don't you dare touch her, you mangy wolf. Stay the hell away from her, and you might just live!" the enraged fox demon threatened.
"What is your problem today? Slamming me into the tree, just for showing a beautiful young maiden the respect she deserves!" The wolf said, still glaring at the fox demon. His comment earned him another growl from Katsu.
"I'm deeply sorry for interrupting, but I don't believe I caught you name," Emiko chirped in, as she hoped it would end the hostility.
"My beautiful and fair maiden, I Yukio, your knight in shining armor, am at your service." The wolf watched as the Emiko blushed a furious color of red at his comment.
"Yukio is the biggest pervert, flirt, and heartbreaker here in our clan, so keep your distance from him." Katsu added in.
"What did you say? Never mind, I'll let it drop this time, because I have more important things to worry about. Jin's pups are missing, and we are to go find them, before they get hurt."
"They are missing again? I swear that woman needs to put her pups on a leash, if she wants to be able to watch them for more than two minutes. Hey wait a second, when did I volunteer myself for this?" Katsu questioned. Racing around the forest, chasing after a bunch of pups, was not his idea of fun.
"You didn't, your father did. Jin went to Kurai to see if he had seen them, but when he said 'no' he suggested we go find them for her, while she remain here, just incase they come back." Katsu was about to turn down the task, but when he heard his father had requested he go find the pups, he dared not say no to him.
"Fine, Emiko you stay here and don't move a muscle until I get back. I'll be back as soon as I can," Katsu said as he turned to leave.
"Till we meet again princess!" Yukio shouted as the two speed off.
Emiko watched silently as the two arguing demons made their way off to go find the missing pups. She desperately hoped and prayed they were alright. Their mother was probably worried sick about them, while they had fun just being kids.
As Emiko sat down in the comfort of the tree's shade, she thought about the wolf demon she had just met. She admitted that he was a little, forward, but he was overall nice. As to why Katsu disliked him, left Emiko perplexed.
A certain sound caught Emiko's attention. The sound of children playing could be heard, but as she looked around she saw no children in the area. Emiko knew she hadn't imagined and she as pretty sure she had not lost all sense of reason. When she heard the sound again, she listened more carefully, and heard it coming from somewhere in the forest behind her.
It's the missing pups, Emiko thought excitedly.
Have you forgotten what Katsu said? You just got back from you last little adventure, so don't go running off again! He is already mad at you remember, her common sense scolded her.
But if it is the missing pups, than I could get them back to their mother faster! She must be so worried, and maybe by finding them, Katsu might forgive me, Emiko thought as she stood.
Before she knew, she found herself fighting off tree branches and twigs that grabbed at her hair and clothes. The sound of children's giggles and laughter grew louder as she marched on, deeper into the woods. When she reached a small clearing, with a small field of flowers, Emiko let out a sigh of relief when she saw the pups playing peacefully together.
As she crept over silently she counted three dog demon pups playing in the field of flowers. The two boys and girl appeared to be around the ages of 8 or 9, but with demons you couldn't be sure. The eldest looking red head boy shot his head up and turned in the direction Emiko was coming from. When he saw Emiko he took a defensive stand in front of his brother and sister, and let out the cutest little growl Emiko had ever heard.
"Be at peace little one, I mean you no harm. My name is Emiko, and I was told some pups were missing, so I came looking. Are you Jin's pups?" Emiko said sweetly, trying to convince the young ones she was no threat to them. The three red headed pups looked at her with wide eyes.
"How do you now our mama?" the eldest looking one said. This boy had short, wild cherry red hair and hazel eyes. He wore a plain and simple summer kimono that was a light green color. The smaller boy wore an almost identical kimono and had hair a lighter color than the elder brother.
"Mama told us never to talk to strangers, especially a backstabbing human," the little girl piped in. She was obviously the youngest of the three, with her slightly plump cheeks. Her long golden red hair was in a loose braid that went down to her lower back and wide eyes the color of seaweed. The little girl wore a light pink summer kimono.
"I'd be lying if I said I knew your mother, but that doesn't make me an enemy. Katsu, a fox demon, found me almost dead out in the woods and has been taking care of me ever since than. When you mother couldn't find you, she asked Katsu and Yukio to help her find you all. I heard your laughing, so I came looking and here I am now," Emiko replied moving slightly closer to the children. They stood their ground, which meant they were beginning to trust her, or they were really brave.
The girl popped out from behind her two brothers to get a better look at the human that stood before them. After a moment's hesitation, she sprinted over to where Emiko stood and came to a halt two feet in front of her. The girl dog demon sniffed Emiko, and then let a large smile cross both sides of her face.
"Miss Emiko is telling the truth, she smells like Katsu!" the young girl shouted with glee. When the boys heard their sister declare Emiko as safe, they were instantly standing with her, looking at Emiko with awe.
"I bet you've never met a human before, have you?" Emiko asked. All three heads shook 'no'. Emiko kneeled down to their height, as they came closer to her. The little girl poked Emiko square in the forehead as she giggle.
"I like you Miss Emiko, you're really pretty," the girl said through giggles.
"Um, why thank you, but I'd have to say you're cuter little one," Emiko shot back causing the girl to laugh even more.
"I'm not little one, my name is Sachi!" the girl protested.
"My name is Keiji, and I'm the oldest!" the older boy piped in with pride. Keiji appeared to be the proud older brother who protected his family.
"My name is Jiro," whispered the younger boy bashfully.
"It's very nice to meet all of you! Now, how about we get you back to your worried mother?" Emiko said sternly in a voice that meant she was in charge. These pups were so cute that Emiko wanted to stay out here with them longer, but she knew her number one priority was getting them back home to their parents.
The pups whined and protested for a little bit, but it suddenly stopped, as they stared wide eyed in terror. The two younger siblings ran for cover, behind Keiji, and shook with fear. From the way the pups were shaking, Emiko knew that this was no game.
She slowly turned, only to come face to face with a large snake demon. The snake demon was at least twice her height, with a large scaly green body. His blood red eyes looked hungrily at the human and three pups, as his long tongue flicked about in front of him.
"I am truly lucky to find a helpless human and pups out in the woods, practically begging to be eaten," the snake demon hissed with a slight slur. Emiko immediately put herself between the demon and the pups, glaring at the demon all the while. The three dog demon pups clung onto her skirt, as she addressed the demon, "You will not be eating anyone here I sorry to say. You will have to go through me to get to these pups."
"Ha, worthless human, do not make me laugh. You could not even save yourself, let alone three pups from any demon. If you wish to die so soon, than let me help you achieve that desire."
Author's Note: Sorry about the long wait, but I had no time to update. Finals in school are coming up, the whole deal with the court, and mission trip planning took up most of my time. I will try to do better on updating sooner. Anyways, I hoper you enjoyed this chapter. I know it was a little boring, but towards the end it got better. In the next chapter Emiko and the demon face off, and who knows who will win. Will she defeat the demon or die at his hands? Well, she is the main character, so she can't die, or maybe she can. Remember 1 review equals 1 update. Till next time!