AN: Hey, didn't I say I'd try to get it up every day? Possibly a pull back next week because of drama and cheerleading. Here we go.

Chapter Nine

Kunanai watched Maki give Han elixir while waiting for it to take effect on her. She missed the feel of her imaginary lover, feeling his arms around her as he soothed her nerves and thoughts. It seemed wrong to many but at the moment she did not care about them; anyone in her situation would be the same as her. To her, all that mattered was having a little comfort to keep her from losing all her will to live.

Maki knelt before her, placing a small pouch within her hand, "These were the last of Masoki's seeds. I know he would wish for you to have them."

She held them in front of her eyes, glad to be released from her chains. Her eyes stared at the twine pouch that held her brother's very essence and power within its small space. Her eyes trailed down to her cut wrists that were worn from the manacles.

"Sister, please remember. Whether you kill them or not, your people will support you. Come soon to my home and I will get you away from here," he kissed her hand, bowing his head in respect.

She smiled, placing a hand to his cheek, "I will remember that. Now go! The guards will change in minutes."

He hurried up the stairs before turning quickly, "Lady Kunanai!" Once he was sure he had her attention, he continued, "The kingdom does not need heroes; it needs protectors. The world does not need warriors; it needs peacemakers. Jantu is the sight of peace and war."

Kunanai finished, "And we are the warriors, the peacemakers, and the protectors. We are Kitsune's with pride and love. Let us fight and fight with honor."

She smiled at the memory of her first speech given to the Demon Army; how nervous she had been when given the position of leader of the Demon Army, the position everyone wanted.

"Good-bye brother. Let us always meet again in Inari's court."

Maki disappeared through the door, taking her hope with him.

Flashback

Maki returned a day later, his face expressing his happiness at finally reaching the place he belonged. Kunanai stood outside in blue jeans and a red shirt that tied around her waist. She waved to him, turning back to her work at chopping wood. He watched her, his eyes assessing her stance, the way she followed through with each stroke brought a single weapon to mind. He took in her size and moved behind the house to get the weapon. It would only serve to be useful to him in another's hands, fighting for Jantu.

He returned to see her leaning on the wall, a small glass of ice water in her hand as she wiped sweat from her forehead. It was hard to believe this was the young girl he had seen only days before. She seemed to have grown into a woman within weeks, blossoming further in beauty. She noticed him finally and smiled, her eyes lighting in welcome.

"What's that you've got there?" she asked in anticipation.

"Oh, this? It's a katana. Judging by your regular stance in life I would say it would be perfect for you."

Kunanai flew at him, grasping the leather covered handle in her hand as she stared with undisguised awe and astonishment. She pulled the sword from the black dragon-scaled scabbard, listening as the metal slid noisily across its casing. It was light in her hand, moving easily along the air. Something about it sang to her, spoke to her soul, the very essence of her being. It felt perfect to clasp it in her hand, the smoothness sending shivers through her body.

"Do you have another?" At Maki's look she explained, "I control two powers which means that this katana can only hold Fire so I figure I need another for Ice."

Maki nodded, waving his hand over the air, a katana materializing as an exact replica of the one she held in her hand. She pulled that one too from its scabbard and smiled as the air danced with the power she felt coursing through her. It was hard to describe, the feeling began in her hands, an almost electric tingle running up her arms. It made her whole body erupt in joy at the feel of the metals in her hands.

"Are they mine?" she whispered surprised.

Maki nodded, tying the scabbards to the waist of her pants. He could feel the excitement pouring from her very being, bathing him in its glory. He knew if she was to go to Jantu she had to know how to prepare herself, how to protect herself from the men who felt themselves superior to woman. She would need it with her beauty.

"Come, let us work on some tactics before dinner," he led her to a small arena hidden behind rose bushes that stood nearly 15 feet in height.

She watched the plants move away as if he were a god passing through his kingdom and the plants his loyal followers. They closed behind Kunanai once she stepped into the clearing, cutting of all exits so even if she had thought to escape, it was nearly impossible. The thought though did not cross her mind as she wanted with everything to beat any advisory without any help to save her life.

Maki picked up a bow and arrow and smiled at her, "Try to block this with your energy or katana's. If you can do so we'll move onto fighting stances."

Kunanai took a deep breath, concentrating on the tip of the arrow as Maki nocked the arrow aiming at Kunanai's heart. As he let the arrow fly, he froze, his eyes wide as he stared deep into Kunanai's eyes watching them become a dark amber and narrow in abided rage. The look shook him to the core with fear as he watched the arrow disintegrate in black flames.

He shook his head setting the bow down "Let's return home. Dinner should be ready soon."

Kunanai stared at him innocently, "But you said we'd learn fighting stances, why did you change your mind?"

Maki stared her in the eye, his eyes calculating a proper response, "Because you have another side to your soul bent on killing and destruction, I refuse to give the world that punishment."

Her eyes became dark again, her whole stance becoming a sign of danger. The katana's trailed lightly along the ground sparks flying from the tips as metal ran over stone.

"Do you actually think I need to be taught by you? I have knowledge that surpasses you in war and deceit. I put on the façade that I was innocent and unable to fight to get closer to those I needed to get my rightful place as leader of the Demon Army," she reached Maki at that moment.

He grabbed her wrists lightly staring into her eyes, hiding his fear, "Do you plan on killing me or is this just yet another act?"

She growled her hand beginning to heat up with fire, "Give me one good reason why I should spare you? I see nothing that could help me get my goals."

He dropped her hands, stepping back calmly, "I can get you out of here. Also I am to bring you to the palace to meet the king. Without me, you will be unable to succeed in reaching your goal."

She seemed to contemplate his words for a few moments, "What is it you want in return?"

He visibly relaxed at her question, "Only my wife's safety, including our children once they are born."

Kunanai stuck out her hand with a sigh, "Fine but only if you keep this a secret. I'm her darker side, the one created when she killed Minare. Only I can stand the killing, the blood. Now quiet of this matter."

It was easy to tell she changed back, the innocence claimed her eyes as if nothing had happened. He turned so she would not see the momentary fear that had claimed his eyes. She was just a child; he tried to remind himself even though he felt differently. He could not train something with such an evil hidden inside of them; it went against everything he believed.

He led her uneasily back to the house unsure if he could truly trust her, however he assumed as long as he upheld his side of the bargain then he expected her to uphold hers. Bokinu stood smiling at the door, her eyes flickering to Kunanai with a glint of fear. To others it would seem absurd to be fearful of the child beside him. He smiled reassuringly promising to explain later what he had agreed to.

She stepped aside; the smells of cooked meats, steaming vegetables, and cooled wine assaulted the fox-Angels sensitive noses. Kunanai sighed her eyes sliding shut as she imagined the look of the food awaiting them.

"Bokinu, your food is perfectly heavenly. Inari only knows how you do it," Kunanai said smiling broadly.

"Not even he knows that much," she laughed trying to be light-hearted and hide her fear of the young girl.

Maki held onto Kunanai's shoulder casting her a warning look which she ignored. It was not as if she were threatening his wife or children; she had only paid them a compliment. Bokinu led them into the dining room, all taking a seat. Kunanai sat opposite the couple, her hands itching to grab the food.

"Now, Kunanai, I expect you to do as I've taught you. I want you to use your fork, knife and spoon," Bokinu requested.

Kunanai grudgingly took up the fork and cut the meat patiently with her knife. It slowly cut, making her anger grow. Finally she was able to eat, the meats natural juices swirling over her tongue in a natural nirvana she had yet to experience. She began to cut quickly wishing to experience it further.

Bokinu smiled, sipping the wine elegantly, "So, dear, is the ball not tomorrow night?"

Maki chewed, nodding, "Yes, it is to be a formal event. Only the colors of Jantu are accepted."

"Good. Kunanai, I have the perfect dress for you. It's all black with a red under cloth. Mine however, darling, will be a surprise."

Kunanai rolled her eyes, glad the coloration had nothing to do with white, the pure color. She accepted it only when she was supposed to be innocent. Now she was obviously not so the color did not suit her. Neither did the fact she had to live as this young girl. It was true she was only created because Kunanai could not stand the guilt but she needed to experience the excitement of blood and battle.

Someone shook her arm, drawing her back to reality, "Sweetheart, it's time for bed."

Kunanai had not realized she was now sitting on the couch, her eyes far off. Maki sighed then picked her up much to Kunanai's surprise. She felt herself beginning to slip off into sleep but tried to keep herself from sleeping so she could hear what they thought of her. She let him cover her up so she seemed asleep only to listen carefully.

"Sweetheart, she's evil. I don't want her near my children, our children. Once they are born it will be only a matter of days until they become influenced by her," Bokinu said quietly.

"She won't touch them as long as she gets to Jantu. Prince Yananu already expresses interest in her. Tomorrow will most likely be our last day with her."

Bokinu turned away from Kunanai's sleeping form, "And what is it that she wishes to get by going to Jantu?"

Maki sighed, "She wants to become leader of the Demon Army."

She gasped, "And you would let her? Think of those people she would probably kill. I don't think it's right. Maki, darling, we should not allow her to continue to plaque this world."

"No, I will, we will not kill her. Some part of her is still innocent and that is worth her living."

They both exited, leaving Kunanai alone. She curled up in a small ball, shaking uncontrollably in fear. She loved to kill, at least her evil side did but neither wanted death; they actually feared it.

"Inari, please, I'm scared," she whispered without knowing it.

It was only when he appeared before her that she realized it. He nodded, silently slipping into bed behind her. She snuggled to him, her hands clasping his shirt tightly in her hands. It seemed strange that she felt better when he wrapped his arms around her.

"Shush, be still, my sweet. I'm here to protect you."

She nodded yawning as he pulled her closer to him. She knew he would always protect her but sometimes because he believed she liked him.

End Flashback

Kunanai smiled as Han picked the lock on the chains so no one would know Maki had helped them. She could feel her invisible lover giving her further strength. He was her secret, her forbidden lover that would never show his face.

"Come, love. I wait for you," a deep voice whispered in her ear.

She nodded almost to herself before pulling her arms free of the manacles. Her wrists were almost completely healed though they were still bruised. She stood, pulling the rest of her ripped sleeve off, watching it fall slowly to the ground.

"Come on, Han. Soon we leave. Then it will only be a day till my revenge is taken on those two."

Han nodded taking a seat on the stairs. Kunanai soon joined her both sighing in boredom. They knew it would be unwise to try and escape just yet but if it did not occur soon then they would more than likely die of boredom.

TBC

AN: That's the next part. I plan on going to update soon. Review please. Much Love, S. Hunter.