Chapter Four
Kunanai felt the chains loosen on her wrists, her arms falling to her sides. She scream out in pain as her arms were relocated to their original and proper position. She crumbled to the floor in exhaustion, pulling her bruised and cut wrists from the manacles. The doors opened but she paid them no heed. She dragged herself across the floor and laid her head on Kurama's shoulder.
The smell stung her sensitive nose and made her eyes water.
"Man, did she die already?" a voice yelled to another.
"No, they dumped Kurama's body in here to break Lady Kunanai's will," another responded.
She recognized the voices in some section of her mind but she could not quite reach it. It truly was no concern of her though; she was probably going to die anyway. She ran her hand over his hair, closing her eyes to the world to think of how her brother should have been.
Flashback
Voices echoed in her head as she began to wake up. They were nothing but soft murmurs being exchanged between two males. She struggled against the darkness that tried to overtake her again. All she wanted was to find out who the men were. It was beginning to lighten outside; dawn had set in about an hour ago.
"Ku? Ku!" she whispered before yelling for her brother.
Kurama grabbed her, petting her hair to calm her down, "Shhhh, Nai. I'm here, don't worry."
She clung to him, her head resting on his chest as he continued to soothe her. Kuronue smirked at the little girl. She was brave in battle but still needed her brother to comfort her from the monsters of the night.
"Hey, there little Kit. Feeling better?"
She only noticed he was in the campsite then.
"Why did you fight for me?" she whispered curious.
He moved towards her, lightly tweaking her nose, "I used to work for Daku but quit a few months back. I didn't lie when I said I liked you. You've got a lot of potential, Kit."
Kurama nodded at him and smiled, "Besides I like him. We've already become good friends in the last few hours so he's sticking around."
She nodded, leaning back onto Kurama. Her breath was coming in calm gasps that were slowly becoming normal.
"Come on, Nai. We've got to get a move on. Your energy is completely restored now."
She nodded, both men helping her up so she could move to transform. Kuronue sucked in a breath as they assumed fox forms, having never seen Kitsune change forms. They normally did not because when transforming, their guards were down and they were very easy to kill.
Kunanai still felt weak and stumbled slightly, finally stopping when she hit Kurama's leg. He scooped her up in his arms, watching her snuggle to her bare chest. He smirked as she closed her eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll carry her. She's still extremely young," he answered to Kurama's concern that only reflected in his eyes.
He nodded and began hurrying through the woods. Neither of them had any certain spot in mind but the Forest of Nirva was not the place to stay. It was normally only filled with low class Youkai but with Kunanai's power level; it was hard to hide her from large amounts of Youkai. All he knew was Lord Inari wished them to follow the smell of Foxgloves. It was too lead them to their next destination though he was beginning to doubt it.
Kunanai felt the air fly by her as Kuronue jumped easily from tree to tree, his eyes switching between watching Kurama dart through them to the trees so he would not miss a step.
"You know, Kit, I have to admit you are quite beautiful. Really, if you and your brother agree I wouldn't mind 'courting' you as some humans say," he said without looking at her.
'Have you met any humans before?'
He shrugged, "Yeah, used to wander around the Ningenkai all my life. Well, until recently. A stupid Ningen working with the Reikai caught me and sent me here as punishment."
She smiled, 'Will you tell me about them?'
"When we rest for the night."
Kunanai settled back into the crevice of his arm for the warmth it offered. Itsonai was the first person that had kissed her and she had to admit she liked the feel of his lips on hers. She peeked her head out so she could watch the world flash by.
"STOP!" she yelled suddenly not knowing the reason.
"Kunanai! What's wrong?" Kurama asked before Itsonai could.
"I don't know. Something just told me to stop here," she blushed lightly. "I'm sorry."
Kuronue ruffled her hair, smoothing it down once he saw the product, "It's okay, Kit. We should be setting up camp now anyway."
Kurama easily started a fire, setting up the beds easily as well. Dinner consisted of bread and grapes, which were juicy and quenched their thirsts.
"Kuronue, tell me of the Ningens now."
He smiled, "Alright. Ningens, what d'you wish to hear about them?"
"Everything. How they live, why they're separated from us. Everything."
Kurama laid down, "I'm going to sleep. Nai, if he tries anything, if he so much as touches you. Scortch him."
She smiled holding back the laugh that wanted to come forth.
Kuronue shook his head, "Anyway, Ningens live in huts, huge villages that can go on for miles. Some of the huts stretch high up into the sky, the tops hidden in the clouds. Inside, they have machines that carry you to the top. Elaborate structures and sculptures of great magnitudes. And it's all made of strong steel that they make in other villages."
She nodded, "You mean better than the Imperial Palace of the Reikai?"
Kuronue's eyes widened, "Nothing can be better than that. Their culture however is slowly digressing to what we evolved from centuries ago. Now what was your other question?"
"Why are they separated from us?"
"Ah, very good question. You see, most Ningens have absolutely no spiritual energy once so ever. So to put them and Youkai together is to sentence the Ningen race to death. So the god's and goddess' decided it best to create four worlds; the Reikai, Ningenkai, Makai, and Meikai. The Meikai was destroyed because of Yamuci, leaving what we have now."
"So how did they decide to put Ningens in the Ningenkai?"
"Because it was the most adaptable world and it's only Ningen nature for them to change the things around them. For example, unlike Youkai, they have no problems cutting down trees while we apologize and plant another in its place."
She nodded trying to hold back a yawn, "I had better get to bed. Tomorrow I hope to run on my own."
She made to lay down, pulling the thin coverlet up over herself to her shoulders. She closed her eyes, snuggling into her bed. Suddenly Kuronue kissed her, his hands holding her hands above her head. She squirmed underneath him, trying to pry him off of her. He pushed his tongue into her mouth, trying to get her to react to him. She however bit down on his tongue, her sharp canine penetrating the soft tissue. He pulled back, running his tongue over his lips.
"Why you little bitch! I'm trying to teach you what life is like and you bite me!" he whispered harshly.
She shoved him off, feeling something change inside her, "What you must not understand is that Kitsune's are the most sensual of creatures. While other Youkai need to learn how to pleasure the opposite sex, we however do not. It's in our blood so go screw off. I don't need nor want you."
She laid back down on her side, laying her dagger beside her as a warning. Kuronue shook his head and laid down, his back to the others.
Kurama seemed to be the only one to not notice the tension between Kuronue and Kunanai. She avoided him easily, straying from the campsite without having to worry of being followed. She crouched as she heard voices approaching.
"KoEnma said only to apprehend the group, not to kill them," one said.
They had powers of mid-two, not really worrying her all that much.
"Yes, I know but what I would like to know is how a child killed Minare."
She froze, finally understanding the reason behind the strangers. She hurried back to the campsite and tossed on her cloak, the hood concealing her face from view.
"Quickly, someone from Prince KoEnma is coming for us about Minare."
Kuronue raised his eyebrow at the mention, "You mean the warrior who was murdered? Why?"
Kurama threw him a cloak, "We'll explain later. Right now put that on."
Kunanai tied her dapper to her leg, hiding it beneath her skirt. Moments later the men entered the clearing and looked at each in turn.
"We're looking for the Youko group. Are you three it?"
"Afraid so," Kurama answered coolly.
"Then come with us," he answered.
"Hold on. Who are you and what's your business with us?" Kunanai questioned surprising the other two.
"I am Sensui and this is Gate Keeper; we are Spirit Detectives. Prince KoEnma is investigating the death of Minare and he sent us to find you three," he answered.
Sensui was at least six feet tall. His hair was a bowl-cut and colored dark brownish black. His skin was a light tan and his eyes a deep sapphire blue that seemed abnormally dull. He wore long black pants and a long-sleeved loose dark bluish black shirt.
Gate Keeper had light aqua blue hair pulled into a ponytail by a red band. His eyes were a deep brown that contrasted harshly to his pale skin. He wore a light blue robe held shut by a red tie and white pants that clasped just above his ankles.
"Good to know. I am Kunanai. This is my brother, Kurama and his friend, Kuronue."
"Yes, we know him. Now come," Sensui said turning away.
Kunanai followed them, her hands folded together under her cloak.
The Imperial Palace of the Reikai was splendid more so than she had thought even possible. The outer walls stretched up over thirty feet into the air, not including the parapets at each corner. However, the inside was much more spectacular. It stretched fifteen feet into the air held up by sculpted columns spaced every foot or so. The doors were made of thick oak, the emblem of the ruler painted on the door.
Behind that stretched a long hallway, desks crammed in every available space while small Youkai hurried around. These Youkai were multicolored creatures with a single small white horn on their foreheads. It was only moments later they were escorted into the Prince's office. It was much like the rest of the palace in its spacious room and red and gold decorations. On the wall beside the door was a large screen while three wooden chairs sat in front of a large mahogany desk covered in large stacks of papers.
A red chair sat behind it, the high back to them. Off to the left of them was a door with red curtains with gold trim that led to a balcony, the railing covered in vines from the royal garden. On the right was a large window with a red cushion on the sill providing a relaxing escape from the stiff red leather chair.
"Please have a seat," a voice said from the chair.
They took the seats offered, Kuronue removing his cloak. Kurama and Kunanai instantly relaxed though kept their faces concealed from the Prince. Sensui and Gate Keeper left the room, shutting the heavy doors with ease. Slowly the chair was turned around to reveal the small Prince. Normally it would have surprised them at his appearance but they had adapted to the different features.
The Prince was at the moment in a toddler form. He had short brown hair hidden under a blue with red-rimmed hat; it also held the emblem of his family. In his mouth was a blue pacifier, he seemingly never sucked on. His skin was a creamy palish tan. His eyes were a golden brown though seriousness had hardened them. He wore a deep blue outfit with a red tie around his waist that was only for decorative purpose.
"Do you know of the death of Minare of Rainal?" he questioned his hands folded before him.
"Yes, sir," Kurama answered.
"Then you know of the accusation placed against your group, more specifically the girl in your group?"
"No, sir. We do not know of the accusation," he replied.
"Then do you deny for her?" he casually questioned.
"Yes, she did n-," he replied though Kunanai interrupted.
"I did kill him," she stated calmly.
Kuronue and Kurama both stared at her shocked unable to think let alone speak.
"Now tell me how it is…why it is you killed him?"
She stood up and walked to the window, "My powers only recently awakened and we, Kurama and I, were staying in Rainal because Lord Inari instructed us to. I met Minare by accident while I was exploring and he sensed my potential. Anyway, when I revealed my face to him, I ran away, feeling fear of him. Kurama left that night and I was left alone. Minare came and tried to rape me. My powers took control and burned him straight through thus killing him."
KoEnma nodded, "Yes, it did appear that way but why would he wish to rape you when he had a wife?"
She turned back to him and stood before his desk, "This is why."
She pulled her hood down, revealing her face. His eyes widened as he let his eyes roam her face.
"I see. I will write this off as solved with probable cause but don't let it happen again."
She smiled, "Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it."
"Please, call me KoEnma. Now Sensui will escort you out."
End Flashback
Someone pulled her up from her brother and let her lean on them. They wiped a cool damp cloth across her forehead.
"Sh, my lady. You will be all right. I brought the elixir to renew your strength," he whispered.
He slide a small bottle into her hands while hiding the key and two daggers in her skirt.
"Maki? Is that you, my friend?" she whispered her eyes staring at him unseeing.
"Yes, my lady. We brought another prisoner and the people have decided to aid you in your escape."
She leaned into him, glad to feel the feather-soft touches of a friend. Maki was the Witch Doctor of the small village just beyond the castle walls. She remembered him as young, nearing 50 years to her 61. He had short blue hair with white fox ears and tails; he had two just as she did. His skin was naturally pale though a scar ran the length of his left arm. His eyes were magenta and danced with inner magic.
"Come, we will put the chains back on you," she groaned at that, futily struggling against him, "But loosely so you can escape."
She nodded, letting him do so. He massaged her shoulders feeling the muscles taunt and tired. He uncapped the bottle and leaned it so it poured into her mouth. It tasted somewhat bitter but compared to the food she ate normally, she drank it down greedily.
"Now rest and let it work. I do not want you to move a lot for at least two days."
She nodded, leaning onto the wall.
He leaned in and gave her a brotherly kiss on the lips, "I love you, my lady. You're my older sister as far as I'm concerned."
She smiled sadly, "And I you, little brother."
He left with another, leaving Kunanai and Han alone in the cold quiet dungeon.
"Hello, you must be Kunanai. I was to be your partner when you joined Lord Inari. My name is Han."
Kunanai sighed, "I must go to sleep. Please do not bother me."
The room became extremely quiet except for the slow drip of water from the ceiling. The smell Kurama's body gave forth subsided by the wet, musty smell of wet fur. Kunanai closed her eyes though knowing sleep would evade her.
AN: Well, another chapter, another day. So whatcha think? Lol. Just review and I'll put up the next chap. Much Love, S. Hunter.