July/30/2002


Blood Red Fox


By Vile Deadboss

Notes: This was actually done for awhile but as usual I've been between lazy and busy. But anyhow. Enjoy! I'll have more notes below. Also, MMX Chars belong to Capcom and YYH Chars belong to Yoshihiro Togashi/Shueisha

Chapter XIII: 'Uneasy Evening.'

Alright, were here.

With evening about and approaching further the sun already has set, the moon and the stars making themselves known. The city lights were up and the evening bustle of the night-outers made. City nightlife to it's fullest and busy at that, especially in the downtown district.

So now what? To many people, we can't possibly keep an eye out for them this way or Kurama for that matter.

The reploid took in a sharp breath as he watched the people go by, holding the rifle a touch firmly in his hand though did not fear for it to go off on him for he had the safety lock on it. Watching each and every person going by on his street and didn't bother with the other side for his partner took care of that. Speaking of which..

"Yo Reyak! don't stare to hard, your making them nervous!"

The com-link started up on his shoulder, making the silver haired reploid closed his eyes a moment and sighed. "Shadow.." he started.

"Hey! I am doing my job but really, how hard is it to Not notice a bunch of bulky psycho mavericks and a human looking silver guy with fox ears and a fluffy tail?" Shadow reminded the either through the com-link, after letting that sink in a moment, Reyak lifted his gaze to across the street where Shadow was partly within an alleyway and leaned against the wall. wiggling his brows to the class A officer and grinned too. Reyak couldn't help but smile. "Just reminding you to relax a little, alright? there are six of us and 15 RCP's out here, that's not including X and Zero who are going to show up soon enough. We'll have no trouble finding Kurama and save him."

"I hope so. I would really like to see him." Reyak admitted, especially with how Zero designed that image of him. He wasn't able to stop thinking about it since.

"Not much to see personally.. However I think Zero is obsessed with this."

"I think so too. And I think I know why." Reyak resumed to watch a few people go by but not so sternly and serious like before.

"Oh yeah? Share!"

"It's a possibility that he is attracted to Kurama also." Reyak assumes for he had not seen Zero work quite hard like that for anyone except for X. "The blue hunter is going to have competition."

"Gag me with a spoon...Are you implying the best friends are Gay?"

"That's exactly what I am implying, Shadow." he looked back to the alley where he saw the navy hunter making faces in disgust. At least he knew the limits of that one's taste. "Now quit slacking off and get back to work." Reyak ordered immediately, noticing Shadow stand up straight than hit his forehead with a flathand form of a sloppy salute.

"Yes Sir!"

Reyak couldn't help but chuckle. Though soon it ceased when his com-link crackled and another voice took over. "Reyak, this is X. do you copy?"

"Loud and clear, X." he responded, finding no need to change the frequency of the connection. "What's up?"

"Were just about to head out to the downtown area. Give me a report, find anything?"

Reyak tipped his form and went to lean against the alleyway wall like Shadow, mimicing him rather and taking in a sigh. "Not a thing. a hair, a piece of unusual metal, Nothing."

"Well when I bring Hiei back, he's going to try one more sweep on that sector. he says we'll get a positive location on Kurama by than."

"That will make things easier, we checked the buildings inside and out and never found anyone with the description like Kurama nor carried the name like his minus a japanese middle aged tourist." Reyak lifted his armored arm where a metal board was clipped to it, tapping at a few keys. "The only places we haven't checked yet are the buildings that are supposingly to be evicted. were going to start searching through those as soon as Lerek's clean up crew are through with the mess the mavericks made."

"Alright, notify me ASAP if you find anything unusual."

"Will do, X."

Before the two could end the report there a slight hiss of static was made and the voice of the partner across the street took over.

"Eksuu!" Shadow said in a sweet tone that made Reyak raise a brow and the sounds of X sputtering was heard.

"Do Not Call me that! now what do you want?"

"Eksuu.. Are you gay?" Shadow asked bluntly, making Reyak immediately cover his mouth with his hand and looked to the hunter across the street, actually shocked he asked that.

"...Huh! where the hell did That come from?" X 's tone clearly surprised to the question.

"Well.. Reyak was just saying that-"

"Shadow! Look! A topless female at 7' o clock!" Reyak immediately interrupted that and of course silenced the navy hunter on finishing that and immediately looked around for said female.

"Where? Where?"

"Hn.. That idiot actually has the balls to look at such things?" the voice of Hiei asked through X's com-link who squeaked at having that active still.

"More balls than You obviously Shrimpcake!" Shadow remarked to it right away, the search for the topless female forgotten.

"Prove it!" Hiei snapped in return with X yelping.

"Anytime you little-!"

"Hiei..! Shadow! Please, you two save this for later!"

"Hn."

"Bah! "

Reyak bit back the need to chuckle at this. though he didn't stop the smile which hid behind his hand anyways, withdrawing it after awhile to finally say something to the crazy com-link line. "Hate to break the grape vine but I agree with X. What's the situation with Zero?"

X took in sigh at the other side. Disappointed? "He's still getting ready, were going to take off as soon as he is done preparing humself."

"T'ch, he would be done and all of us gone by now if he would chop all that hair off." Hiei muttered in the background, Reyak snickered softly but careful too upon the mention. Unfortunately he was caught by Shadow whom heard that as well and cracked up, especially when he saw Reyak amused by it too.

"You have No idea how many haircut suggestions were made to him, Hiei. right Reyak?"

"Don't get me involved with that Shadow." Reyak commented immediately and gave him a frown across the street.

"Okay, I'm over this and Zero looks just about ready. We'll see you guys shortly. X out." A crackle was heard to show that X cut off his connection, while Shadow remained active thus catching a choked sound from him.

"Oh, shit, you mean he might have heard that?"

"Might have." Reyak smirked, so they all could be in trouble with the crimson hunter but he was to amused to be afraid of that as it is. Shadow though seemed to lost all amusement and returned to his position of leaning against the wall and watching people go by, already looking bored doing that. "Long evening ahead." Reyak sighed to himself before he too mimiced the navy hunter by watching the people go by.

"Your telling me." Shadow answered to that. They had been standing there long enough so something had to happen eventually or if extremely lucky, the fox would show up and make things easier. Unfortunately both the hunters felt that it wasn't going to be that easy.


"For me?"

The redhead blinked at the box handed to him along with a pair of chopsticks. Emerald eyes looked to the box than to the other boxes along with some dessert cups of mousse with berries and whip cream, drinks with the all familiar star bucks logo all spread out on a coffee table. The couch the redhead was taking over and Flair no longer there but was busy using the shower facility. The other blue haired reploid smiled as he picked up one of the cups of coffee and handed it to the other who took it. "Normal food for you I'd imgaine unlike whatever the mavericks were feeding you." The reploid than sat down upon a velvet chair that was across from the couch.

"Chinese food.." a soft smile came to Kurama's lips actually pleased to see the food, lowering the box in his hand and on the table along with the chopsticks. He than removed the cover of the cup and eyed it a moment before lifting the hot beverage and taking a cautious but curious sip. His eyes soon closed as he took another sip of the coffee.

"Heh. I take it you approve?"

"I love it." Kurama licked his lips after and smiled again. "Thank you Keith, the coffee alone is heaven enough."

"They didn't give you any there, did they." Keith picked up one of the boxes and opened it, eyeing what he ordered before putting it down and reaching to open another. Kurama watched him as he held his cup.

"Eh.. they did, but I didn't want to touch any of the food or drinks they gave me." recalling that he wasn't really hungry nor cared to eat even when he was hungry.

"Flair tells me you were wanting yourself killed while there. Were they that bad?" Keith picked up chopsticks of his own and poked at the food in one of the boxes he found to be his order. Kurama looked down to the opened boxes, the reploid even opened his.

"No." the half youko placed his cup of coffee down on the table for now, picking up the box in exchange along with the chopsticks. "it wasn't because of them that I wanted to die."

"That mean they didn't mistreat you either?" Keith raised a curious azure brow as his chopstick picked up a piece of chicken and popped it in his mouth.

"They screwed with my mind. Ragnarok was starting to scare the hell out of me. I justed wanted out of there. that's why I ran away." Kurama sighed as he poked at his meal lightly with the chopsticks, smiling softly as the scent of the cooked meal was appealing. taking a piece of the pork from the bed of rice and slipped it between his lips to eat. He didn't think he would be so hungry however in the middle of chewing the pork that was sweet and swallowed it, he realized the piece was.. Spicy. Taking a scoop of the rice to stuff in his mouth to ease the spiceness only.. that was on the rice too. The fox made a face as he swallowed and reached to pick up his coffee, taking a sip of the beverage to help ease it down because it had milk in it.

Keith who watched the other eat ceased on his part and blinked. "I'm sorry, was that to hot for you? if it was I picked up another just in case." he pointed to another box.

Shaking his head, Kurama looked at his food and realized what the spice was. Curry. "..I..uh..usually don't mind spicy food but.." it Was spicy, has his tastebuds gone sensitive or what? or perhaps it was... Kurama bit his lip. Seeing this Keith placed his chopsticks in his box of food and set it down on the coffee table. leaning his form forward some so his hands rested on his knees.

"I've seen that look before."

Kurama looked up from the food and to the reploid, taking his turn to raise his brow at him.

"And the way you cried earlier on my bed? I've seen that before too."

He held his breath than a moment before speaking. "I don't want to talk about tha-!" before Kurama could finish, Keith got up from his chair and stepped over the table as not to disturb the food. so quickly all that was done that he had pushed Kurama back against the couch. a soft gasp left the redhead's lips and almost dropped his food in the process but Keith held to the food while kept Kurama pinned to the couch. Both staring at one another til Kurama's shocked look was replaced with a glare. "...Get off me."

"No." Keith smirked and took the box away from the fox's fingers to set aside on the coffee table since it was close enough. Returning to hold the pin and used both hands this time to keep Kurama down. "I want to know why you are you like this. If you don't tell me, I'll just have my way with you as payment for letting you stay here."

Unsure of what to say to that, Kurama closed his eyes and thought for a moment on that. Share the very reason why? or let the reploid have his way with hi-..Kurama's eyes snapped open than. Wait a second.. "Have your way with me?"

Keith blinked once surprised with the answer, however gave a slow nod in answer. "Yes, kiss you, take you, ravage you. Anyway you put it." he smirked once more.

"..You can do that?" Kurama blinked a few times, quite surprised to hear that. "I thought.." the youko couldn't help but blush at the thought. "..that reploids didn't work that way." he almost murmured.

The reploid blinked again once, twice a moment before he chuckled and slipped off the fox. Releasing him from the pin as he moved to sit at one end of the couch, that smirk back to his lips. "You really don't know a thing about a reploid, do you? Your faintest idea of one is a robot, huh?"

Finally able to move, the youko sat up and inched away from the reploid a little to the other end. lifting a hand to brush some of his crimson locks back. "back where I am from.. there are Bionics and robots but created with the help of spirit energy. Nothing like you there so." hoping that would explain his understanding of a robot some. Keith did nod so it seemed he did but there was still that look to his eyes, making the fox frown at him and fold his arms than. "...His name is Hiei." he said first.

"Aha! so it was over someone."

Kurama turned his sight away from him and to the food on the table, especially to the box where the spicy meal sat. "He was my lover back in my realm, we.. got into a disgreement. a fight." fingers dug gently into his own arms as he tried to make himself explain despite the discomfort of even thinking about it. "I found him with someone else and I got angry for him on it. Turns out he wasn't really with that person and got tired of my jealousy.. and.. well.. "

"You two got into this huge fight, both threw the harshest words impossible. You got hurt, ran away, ended up here somehow, end of story?" Keith finished, assuming it to be just that. Kurama nodded in confirmation.

"Pretty much that but.." Though the reploid seemed to have finished it there, he wanted to continue to share. fingernails dug into his forearms gently then but ceased when the pain on his wounded arm stung him, reminding him it was still there. "..I never realized how much Hiei didn't.. want to be with me. I.. if he had told me I would of backed off, I would of.. pulled away. Leave him alone." Kurama lowered his head and shut his eyes than. "but he let it go on. He kept telling me he didn't want to let go. Until I saw him with someone else and by that assumption I made.. caused that fight.. Hiei told me how much he didn't want to be with me then."

Noticing the fox's form began to shiver, Keith frowned and reached over to touch his shoulder but paused when he looked to the floor, some drops of tears already had fallen. much as he wanted to comfort the other he withdrew his hand back. Despite how painful it was on what he shared so far, Kurama continued after taking in a soft and slight trembling breath. "It.. hurted to much to know anymore, to listen. So I left him, I ran. The only place I could think of to be alone truly was to go to the Makai."

"Makai?" Keith asked.

"The demon world, hell." he explained simply. "I went to where the void would be that could take me there but I didn't realized there was another before it, I didn't notice it for I was in the rush to get away from him, away from that."

"And that's how you ended up here." Keith frowned once more as he leaned back to his end of the couch. Kurama nodded slightly as he used the back of his hand to brush away the tears. The frown left the reploid's face as he watched him. "..you really loved Hiei, didn't you."

"More than you realize.. I actually hate myself because now I can't let him go. that's the very reason why I wanted to have myself killed." Kurama lifted his gaze, breath halted for a second before he looked over to a side, where another was about wearing a robe and towel over her head. The fox silenced than and lowered his gaze back to the floor.

"How did the hair color go, Flair?" Keith asked away as though the whole conversation with Kurama never happened. Flair stood quiet a moment before she stepped into the room and removed the towel from her hair, showing the once blue color she had was replaced with a darker brown. She even changed her feline tail in the similiar color.

"Terrible, it won't match that red dress you picked up for me." She huffed lightly. Keith snickered.

"Well I could of got you pink instead."

That's when she narrowed her gaze at him. "Very funny, you know I dislike that color." Turning away to go change into that said dress but paused a moment to look at the fox who kept his head low, wanting to say something but figured it was best she kept to herself for the moment, she than headed to Keith's room to go and change. Both the boys kept silent til they heard the door to Keith's room shut to note Flair was no longer about. Kurama took in a deep sigh while Keith shifted in his seat than got up a moment to pick up his dinner, returning to sit and eat.

"You seemed shocked at my threat, I will assume it's because you hardly know a reploid but something tells me that's not it." Keith mixed the rice in his box as he raised a brow at the fox who reached to pick up his coffee, seeming content to hold it. "Am I wrong?"

"The mavericks seem to know who I am, where I am from, quite a bit. Vile was using that against me to know.. Why I wanted him to kill me." The very deal he made with Vile. "I kill the hunters for them, Vile kills me. However because he wanted to know and I didn't want to tell him. He tried to seduce it out of me to know." Kurama bit his bottem lip a little to the reminder, even his arm still hurt at the thought.

Keith shook his head slowly before scooped a bit of rice in his mouth. letting what Kurama said sink in a moment before his eyes drifted over to his room where Flair was changing. The subject was uncomfortable for the fox, he decided to change it."Flair told me Ragnarok has revived many of the reploids that were supposed to be dead."

This made the redhead look to Keith than. "Supposed to be dead?"

"Vile, Agile, all the mavericks that are working for Ragnarok, they have been killed before by X and Zero. However when they were alive the first time, they used to work for a maverick who helped increase the whole reploid world war business. Sigma." The reploid explained as he poked at his food a little. "Ragnarok is just a power hungry maverick that has worked under Sigma too, but sounds like he's trying to be Sigma."

"That sounds about right." from what Kurama knew of Ragnarok so far, he didn't know the reploid's history but didn't care to know either. Vile perhaps..he looked down at his cup, thinking it over a second before he lifted it to take a sip of the warm contents.

"That's my opinion.. Anyways. You should eat something." Keith put his box of food down and nabbed a cloth napkin to wipe his mouth than his hands. moving off the couch and away towards another decorative table that held candles, stones and a bag of clothes. he opened that bag and began to dig through it for some certain clothing. "I picked up some clothes for you. Studying your form earlier, they should fit."

Kurama choked on his coffee upon hearing that, making the reploid pause on his search and look back to the coughing fox to see if he was alright. The fox cleared his throat before speaking. "You.. what?"

"Not like that." Keith smiled a little and returned to digging through the bag. "I want to take you and Flair to a club, I have some friends there that could help you. They don't side with either mavericks or hunters so no worries of being turned in by one."

"That's good to know." Kurama felt a slight assured however he wasn't sure what to do. He wanted to stay away from the mavericks as much as possible but they knew how to return him home. The hunters, when he fought them.. It wasn't that he didn't trust them but they wouldn't be able to take him home and how did he know they wouldn't want to hurt them after what he did last time?

Recalling the fight with X, the youko frowned at himself. They don't want to kill him nor hurt, not the way X and Zero reacted when they realized what he was. "..would the hunters truly be the best choice?" he whispered to himself in wonder.

"Rudy doesn't think so." Keith answered, having caught the whisper as he picked up the clothes that were chosen for the fox. Stepping away from the table and to the redhead as he handed him the clothes that were a mixed color of black, soft grey and blue. Kurama looked up to the answer and to the clothes handed to him. reaching to take them as to look at them better.

"Rudy?"

"Ex-maverick hunter. When he was working for them, he would share stories that the hunters were at times no better than the mavericks. He thinks they might keep you also because your unique." Keith shrugged as he pulled away and went towards another bag that was on the floor near the table. digging through that. "But it's up to you really where you want to go, we just provide answers that could put you somplace safe, Flair too. So we have to go to the club to have a meeting over it. It's one of the safest places in the city."

Kurama lifted the black pants, studying the silver chains that seemed to decorate the belt and at the end of the two chains were diamond shaped links. He lowered the pants aside to pick up the black round cut net sleeve top to inspect next but his gaze left that and returned to the reploid. "Safest place in the city? how so?"

"The club is sponsered by the hunters, thus they are known to hang out there to dance, drink and whatnot." Keith answered, inspecting a pair of boots before he left the bag to hand the boots to Kurama, the fox took them and inspected them a moment before lowering to the floor.

"These look like night out clothes." Kurama had to say as he noticed they had their own design and flashy touch to them. The chains, the net fabric on the shirt, the sleeveless over coat that had silver buttons in again the shape of a diamond. The coat catching his attention thus picked it up to exam it better.

"Well, going to a club right? might as well dress for the part." Keith grinned.

"Overdoing it in my opinion." Flair muttered as she stepped out of the room wearing that dark red dress. Short it was but the side of the skirt had ribbons to decorate it and a diamond open at the chest that had net material over the open diamond cut. she folded her arms that were covered by dark red fingerless gloves that reached her forearm and seemed to have been tied securely with ribbon also. black stockings upon her legs and short boots with zippers to the side in again the similiar color of her dress. "I feel ridicules." She muttered, her tail flicked once in annoyence.

"I have a coat and purse for you to go with that outfit." The other reploid smirked as he pointed to the said items on a chair. "And it's only for one night, also I bought you those clothes so be thankful."

"I'll try to be." she rolled her eyes as she wandered toward the items and chair, picking up the purse to and opened it to see what was in it? she frowned and picked up a pair of earrings that were in the purse.

"The hunters you met up with could be at the bar, need to distract them from studying your ears much as possible, hmm?" He grinned. "That's why I chose such a hot outfit for you."

"If I am asked to strip over there, somebody I am related to is going to die." she unclipped the earrings from the small base board, finding a mirror to clip the earrings on her cat ears. Disliking everything as it is but like the blue haired reploid said, it was to throw any small suspicion off the hunters if they were there. "I doubt they would be there especially if they want to find Ragnarok and Kurama as badly as before."

"I wouldn't be to sure of that, Zero was seen around the area of the club." Keith noted. Flair blinked once at the mirror, after putting on the last gold earring she looked to her brother in wonder. "Another thing, remember that loud crash earlier? Mavericks were around, they were intercepted by Zero in the downtown area too."

After sharing that information, Keith realized that he had both shocked looks at him, Kurama and Flair weren't sure if he was joking but so tired they were. Flair herself didn't think anything of that crash and when she looked to the fox, it seemed he too thought nothing of it either. "Ragnarok.. knows were here?" Kurama finally asked as he looked to Flair whom took in a deep breath, not sure herself but..

"He and Vile would know we ran here in the city itself, but to know we are in the downtown area? it's possible they were just checking through before Zero caught them offguard." Least she was hoping but something else tells her otherwise.

"Nonetheless we have to get you two out of here soon. And we'll figure out what we can do better in that club." Keith turned his attention to Kurama. "So both of you eat something and get ready. We'll head for there as soon as possible."

"Hai." Kurama answered immediately to the response and Flair nodded. Setting her purse down on the table before walking over to the coffee table to see what there was to eat. Kurama, wordlessly picked up the box that had the spicy food til Keith snatched that away from him and handed him another. the fox blinked.

"To hot for you, remember?" He reminded him, Kurama frowned and took the new box but grabbed the spicy one too, giving the reploid a grin after.

"So I'll eat both."

Keith blinked once, he didn't expect that but seeing as Kurama kept the new box near and nabbed the chopsticks to work on the original and eat. He wasn't sure if the fox should til he looked to Flair, her features were just as surprised but also relieved to see the redhead eating. With a shrug he than pointed to the dessert cups. "Well.. Make sure you have room for those, Kurama."

Kurama nodded once as he didn't want to answer while eating. The reploid smiled happy to know what he was doing was getting somewhere. Deciding to leave the two a moment and go take his turn to get dressed himself. The reploid disappearing to his room, Flair watched him leave til the door of the room clicked. She wanted to say something but didn't want to disturb Kurama since that was something he's done rarely and willingly. She picked up a pair of fresh wooden chopsticks for herself and used them to poke at the new box that was set aside for her, a soft smile to her lips when she realized it was her favorite sort of meal too. it had shrimp!

poking at the food in his meal thoughfully and licked his lips slowly, something came to Kurama's mind that made him sure of one decision. "I want to meet Zero." he spoke suddenly, catching Flair's attention from her meal. "X too, for some reason... I feel like they can help me."

Flair took in a slight breath and held it a moment, not sure what to say right away. "I...uh.."

"But you can't because you worked for the mavericks." He knew, not exactly sure what seperated the reploids from mavericks to non, but the fact she worked for human haters obviously said something to him that she couldn't get near hunters, identity wise anyways.

"You will be safer with them than Ragnarok, Vile and Agile, that's for sure." she answered calmly. "If that is your decision."

"I said I want to meet them, not be with them." his emerald eyes narrowed at her, a flash of gold had hit them for a second that made Flair hold her breath in surprise once more. "There's something about them I have to know. If I could meet them and.. Ask."

"But they will take you with them for sure."

"They won't. I will make sure of that." Kurama used his chopsticks to scoop a bit of the curried rice in his mouth and returned to eating. Flair stared at him, realizing something.

"Your strength has returned?" She asked.

He nodded. "Not all of it, but enough to heal and use if we are discovered."

That's when she sighed. "Well.. let's hope we are not. both of us will need it tonight." despite saying that though she had a bad feeling she wasn't sure about. Enjoy the meal and moment with him at least.. She thought to herself, beginning to eat her meal for the time being. They rested a good awhile, some sustenence and it's back out in the field again until they get to the club and promised safety. With the trouble I went through for this damn outfit, we better get there alright.


Hiei sat quietly outside and on the landcycle he and X used before, waiting for both the reploids to be ready, he wanted to leave as soon as possible and got tired of watching them within the building to get ready to look "off duty" as they could. The fire demon has been waiting since he woke up from the needed rest, odd enough he felt more awake and refreshed in days. Sure they allowed him to use the shower facility, gave him a meal with pudding. And all of it prevented him from using any spirit energy, though he did avoid to use any of it, not until they reach the sector where he felt Kurama.

But that was exactly making him wonder why he felt like this, alive, ready. was the fox's youki the very touch he needed to be active again? instead of drained like before? but he hasn't felt this drained since he found the reploid Shadow whom he mistakened for the reploid that brought he and the fox here. There was two doors, Kurama ran into one til it closed and he ran to another before that plane closed on him, he would of been trapped in the void if he didn't.

The mavericks have his fox, he was in that ruined city and all that time there he could not find Kurama, not even when they had him. Until he saw Shadow he followed them to here, figuring they had Kurama but turned out they didn't. "So close but so far.." Hiei spoke low to himself as he stared at the city ahead, covered in the articfial lights and moonlight. "..You better still be there, Kitsune."

"If he were still weak like before, it's most likely he's not going to move from that place for awhile." A voice interrupted the fire demon's thoughts, however has not earned the sight from Hiei who kept his stare to the city ahead, the voice alone was enough to tell whom it was and already he despised their company.

"If you didn't have so much hair, we would of left long ago." the fire demon noted to the blonde reploid who rolled his eyes to the comment while putting on a pair of black leather gloves. The other all ready, unarmored form dressed in black jeans, red t-shirt with a black jean jacket over. His blonde hair that took him awhile to prepare was tied back in a neat braid that was held by a red ribbon.

"Yeah? Well I'm ready now and going ahead of you two."

This caught the fire demon's attention and turned to find Zero on a black and red motorbike, small and simple compared to the cycles for hunter use only, sliding on a pair of thick shades since he didn't have his helmet on nor armor to protect him better on the ride. Hiei immediately flitted from sight on the cycle he was on and beside Zero. The crimson one almost fell over at such quick movement and eyed the smaller demon through the shades.

"Hn, you look like an idiot with those on, and it's night." The demon picked up a helmet that had the same color as the cycle. sliding the piece on before he climbed on the back of the bike behind Zero.

"Hey hey! I said I was doing this alone!" He was ready to push the other off til the demon snapped at him and held firm around the waist.

"You need me to find him, idiot. Use your head and let's go already!"

"Point." Zero didn't want the other's company along but he really wanted to go back to that sector as much as Hiei and the fire demon was useful on finding Kurama faster. Might as well leave X behind for once. He started the vehicle with a shift to the key, letting it settle for a moment before he kicked off the stand that held the motorbike up. "Hold tight." Was the last thing Zero said before immediately driving off. That's when the late reploid ran out and noticed Zero driving off with the fire demon with him this time.

"H-hey! Wait for me!" X quickly ran to another motorbike and quickly placed on a pair of blue leather gloves. sliding on the vehicle and starting it up just the same. Ugh! fine time to worry what shirt to wear!

On the highway towards the downtown sector, Hiei held tight to the reploid but somehow felt tense for being forced too. He could of ran ahead of the two and traveled through his usual way back to the area where he sensed Kurama but he needed to save whatever strength to not only find Kurama but destroy those that maybe after him. Zero included. Of course upon these thoughts Hiei unconsioucly dug nails against the red shirt Zero wore, making him slightly jump at surprise.

"Ease the hold Hiei, you want us to get into an accident?" He snapped at the demon, the tone sharp and his own form tense which was evident enough that he didn't want Hiei along as much as the Fire demon didn't want him along. Easing the grip a little but not completely. Zero didn't trust that but forced himself to concentrate on the driving, his azure eyes soon glanced to the rearview mirror that showed another motorbike catching up to them, he smirked to himself assuming it was X.

Took him long enough, if Hiei knew how to drive this thing I would of went riding with X instead.

Of course with the way Hiei held the hunter told him enough that he wouldn't be able to drive the thing despite knowing how to put the equipment on. This made the other wonder somewhat but the thought was pushed aside as he again concentrated on the road. Once off that highway, they would be closer to the downtown district, closer to the main objective.

To find Kurama and help him.


A click to the black vehicle's door was heard with the violet reploid emerging from it, closing that door soon after and locked. Recieving stares from the people about but non of them seeming to care who he was muchless what. This didn't worry the dark maverick for he knew well enough they wouldn't know nor recognize him aside from the hunters and as long as he stayed out of sight from them, he's alright. However, making his way to the street and from the parking lot he left the car in and up to the corner of the building where he peeked through cautiously but careful not to make such a suspicion to himself. He might be forced to make himself known to get the very item the eagle reploid had dropped. And it was at the very corner the Hunters surrounded.

The gold and dark grey colored reploid seemed to be the leader with the way he stood giving orders then went about helping in removing the debris of the building and ontop a truck. Vile placed a hand over his helmet where his mouth would be, tapping at the metal lightly in thought of how he was going to head over there with so many of them about? Not that he would mind waltzing on over, take what he needs and finish them off, getting the attention of X and Zero in the process... Ooh the thoughts that went through his mind but that wasn't his mission and by doing that may chase off the fox if he were around here still. And he hoped he still was.

"Commander, Magma and I are in the city, we are just a couple blocks away from the sector of the fox scanner."

Vile pulled away from the corner and hid behind the building further to resume contact while eyeing the few humans going by to make sure they were a distance before speaking. "Storm, I need you and Magma here now." He ordered. Not giving an explaination and didn't want to quite yet with the few people about, he eyed an alleyway a moment before making his way towards it, the rooftop view would be useful.

"We'll be there in a few moments, sir." The transmission ended there, seems like the other wasn't going to ask for one quite yet.

After a small glance around, he entered the alley, looking for a particular way up to the rooftop without he having to use the booster pack, thankfully one was spotted. Wandering up to it and gave the iron a small tap before he grabbed the handles and began to climb up the stairway. It was halfway he got to to the roof til he paused and eyed a broken window from the building across, the building had a bed that seemed fixed up but untouched and atop that bed rested some ripped black pieces of clothing.

It can't be.

Not waiting another moment, he pulled away from the stairway to climb over the rail before he jumped across to the broken window and through, landing inside the room with a thump and remained in a crouch position to give the area a careful scan. moving to stand after and walked towards the pieces of fabric to pick up, studying the pieces a moment til he found a small thin strand of silver. "..So you were here." he frowned, checking the ripped fabric to make sure the jewel wasn't on them. Thankfully it wasn't meaning they still had a chance to find Kurama once they have the scanner. However, what confused the reploid was another strand of hair in the color of red. Was someone else accompanying the fox and Flair?

Well whomever it was is good as dead once he gets his hands on the three of them.

The reploid gave the room another careful scan, considering to search the entire building for the fox but things would be done faster once they have that scanner on hand. Thus he turned away and back to the window where he looked out for a moment before he leapt out but instead of back to the iron stairway, he landed to the wall across for a second and used it as a momentium to hit and jump again to the other side of the wall. Repeating that action to the opposite wall, three jumps was all it took before he grasped the roof edge, kicked the wall in a way and flipped over the edge and landed to his feet to the other side on the roof flooring. Hands lifted to brush at his armor lightly til his gaze lifts from himself...

And to the two reploids who just happened to be on the rooftop as well, having just watched the commander flip into their view. "Ah?"

Storm smirked as what his beak would allow. "We just got here, a few moments as said Sir."

"Excellent." Vile walked past the two and to the other side of the roof edge, looking around for the hunters that were gathered around the corner cleaning up still it seems. "I need you two to distract them so I can go down there and collect the scanner before they discover it."

Magma frowned at the plan, wandering up to the edge to give a glance to below, counting the hunters that occupied the area. All low level class they were but a pile of them still made them dangerous. "And how do we do that without anymore hunters being called here?" He asked. Storm whom followed the two looked over the edge and down to the hunters as well.

"See those vehicles there?" Vile pointed to a large debris truck and another with a shovel equipped to it. "They brought along Manual vehicles with them. Magma, if you could get close enough to them, see if you can have those take off on their own."

Magma tipped his head in wonder how? but it was a distraction that would keep the hunters off them and their missing device. "Storm, I need you to make another distraction there." Vile pointed to the other sides of the buildings. "Shoot at another building if you have to or scare the hell out of a human, if you do that and make a run for it. It would distract those below to seperate ways."

Storm blinked once, twice even to the plan. "..But.. we want to attract less attention to them as much as we can, right? Why do I have to do that?"

"You have any other ideas? I am open for other suggestions." Vile leaned against the building's edge as he eyed the bird reploid whom just frowned and looked back down to the hunters. However it lifted when he noticed something else below.

"Uh.. looks like we might not need to do that." The bird reploid than pointed to what he noticed and to the leader of the hunter group in particular, making the other two reploids glance below.

"Shit."

Below the building where the reploids were picking up the pieces of the debris here and there with the help of the other construction units who immediately went to work on fixing what was damaged but also inspecting the old empty building. The reploid in yellow held a particular thin board in hand and studied the device one of the other reploids found. "Hmm.." it was a scanner, that he figured out as much, having a little map on it that showed a small dot that constantly flashed. but what exactly was it pinpointing?

"Lerek, sir?"

"The commanders might want to see this, but we should also check out the location." meaning the one where the single dot sat on the mini map. The other reploid nodded in agreement.

"Should I gather a small unit and take a look?"

About to answer to that, Lerek paused as he noticed shadows at the corner of his eyes go by and looked up to the rooftop of the buildings they were near. scanning them for a moment before a small frown took over his features, he was pretty sure he saw something.

"Sir?" The other reploid blinked softly to his commander silencing like that and he too glanced to where his commanding officer was looking at, seeing nothing as well.

"Yes, get a small unit ready." The older reploid sighed. Working from one site to another, he was worn out but at least they found something out on this one, quickly for a change too.

"Yes, sir." the reploid nodded and turned away to go and do just that.. however..

"Hey!"

All reploids ceased on their work to notice one of their larger machines suddenly fired up and took off on it's own. A large orange truck that carried a load of the debris and it was making it's way down for the busy downtown streets. They immediately chased after it to stop it, the few hunters who had boosters equipped went after it for sure.

"What the hell?" Lerek blinked. "Why did it-"

And before he could finish, the second vehicle started up as well and like the first, though a touch slow but large. the bull-dozing machine has began it's way down to the street however toward a building to drive through. All of the reploids were frantic than and went after that one too, even the unit who was supposed to gather up the team of reploids. Leaving Lerek behind with a couple of the construction droids.

"Stop that thing!" Of course said to late, he took a step forward ready to follow the frantic reploids who rushed to stop the vehicles but a couple yelps were heard from the droids that made Lerek cease and looked quickly to see why? Finding two of the droids down and one suddenly dragged into the darkness of the alleyway. Shocked he was and before he could do anything else, four arms immediately grabbed the reploid in a lock. A flash of a teleportation was next taken that had both Lerek and his kidnapper disappear from that spot.

Ontop the rooftop was where the hunter found himself on and still in that arm lock, one of the hands over his mouth so of course kept him from speaking. "Mngf!" he struggled than realizing it was all planned out, the run away vehicles, the distraction. Another shadow appeared than and snatched the item from the hunter's hand, making Lerek cease and quickly looked to see who took the item he had. His eyes than widen realizing who exactly was behind this.

"Well now.. thank you so much for finding it for us." Vile grinned behind his helm as he looked at the device, crimson eyes narrow as the scanner still worked and showed that Kurama was closer than he expected. "Kurama is a couple of blocks from here."

Storm soon hopped up ontop of the building to join the others, just catching what the commander has said but his optics narrowed at the hunter that Magma had in a hold. Wandering up to them while his metallic hands rested at his hips. "What do we do with the extra company? he now knows were here and why."

Lerek narrowed his eyes back at the bird reploid. twisting his form in a way to get out of the lock but so tight Magma held, it seemed pointless to struggle. "I say we eat him." Magma grinned behind his own mask. This made Lerek cease in struggling once again and his eyes widened to the mention.

He is so dead.

"You two do whatever you want with him. I need to get the fox -now-." Vile was impatient as he waved the board to the two, the commander ran soon after and hopped off the edge of the roof, down to the alleyway below, the metallic thud of his landing barely heard. Running the opposite away from the ruckus they created at the other side and towards the street where Kurama was. The two left alone with a hunter on their hands blinked, not exactly sure what to do and knowing full well that once the hunters got control of their vehicles will realize next that their commander is missing.

"...So I guess we kill him and be on our way?" Storm said after watching their own commander disappear.

"I guess s-OW!" Magma yelped but kept a firm hold to the mouth that just bit him. "Don't even think about it you damn hunter!"

Lerek kept the firm bite and tightened his teeth on the hand that held up which was fortunate for him that the hand had a soft metal to it so it allowed the bite to hurt. However he tasted the artifical blood carried from that hand so was careful on not making it worse than it was.

Painful as the bite was given on him, the reploid didn't think much of it rather more for Vile who took off for the hunt on Kurama immediately. He had to catch Kurama before the commander and Storm or Agile would make him pay otherwise, however stuck with a captured hunter that Vile left for he to deal with. How was he supposed to rid of the reploid without making to much noise and before those hunters figure out their commander was missing? of course amidst the confused thoughts, the answer he needed came forth than. "Storm!"

"Hm?"

"Here!" all hands released the hunter and immediately shoved the reploid who was unable to give out much of a sound besides a surprised squeak from the shove. Storm grabbed the reploid after the shove and blinked. Magma took that opportunity to grin at the bird reploid and placed his hands together in the all familiar stance. "You take care of him, I still have orders to follow. toodles!"

"H-hey!"

Soon after the reploid disappeared and left Storm with the hunter. Lerek, with his mouth free and despite the two other reploids missing the commander took that chance to yell out for help. "Mavericks! Unit 27 Mo-Gmph!" Storm's large hand covered half the reploid's face and tightly at that, narrowing his eyes on the hunter. "You know.. I Was thinking of being nice enough to let you live but you had to go and ruin that, didn't you?"

"Mph!" Lerek really struggled against the hold now realizing the maverick wasn't obviously allowing him to live, however all movement ceased when the bird reploid held a good grip to his face and turned his head in a threatening manner. One that was obviouly going to snap his neck, Lerek shut his eyes than.

No..!


Dressed in the attire that Keith handed to him earlier. Kurama looked himself over the mirror that was in Keith's room. Checking himself from side to side before he turned to check out his back too. He let his hair down like he usually had it and got rid of the black fabric that was tied to his hair. Of course at that thought, the redhead lowered his emerald gaze to the clothes he took off, the same clothes that were set aside from him when he was at the maverick headquarters. Taking a step closer to the pile on the floor and lowered to a crouch near them, picking up the top to look at it better.

He now wished he stayed in his youko clothes, despite how wrecked and covered in blood they were, not only his own but reploid blood too, he felt more secured with them then what Ragnarok had provided. He was thankful with the clothes Keith handed to him and the much needed shower he already took before changing. He felt better and clean which he had not in days. Studying the ripped top as these thoughts ran though his head but all ceased when he noticed a small gem to the collar he never noticed before..

And that gem was blinking now which he never noticed again.

Why is it..?

The click of the door lifted the redhead's attention from the ruined clothes and to the reploid who entered, moving to stand slowly with the top still in his hands.

"Alright, you ready to go Kurama?" the bluehaired reploid asked as he tossed some clothes on his bed. Dressed a touch more casual than the two, with a simple white t-shirt, short black velvet coat that ended around his waist and dark blue jeans that was decorated with silver and black chains around the hips, similiar to the chain around Kurama's but the reploid's had a normal circular set. Tossing his braided blue hair behind his shoulder, the reploid blinked once to the clothes Kurama had. "Your clothes?"

"From Ragnarok." Kurama said simply.

"Oh right." Keith forgot about that, so he grabbed an empty bag and held it open for the other. "Forgive me then for I would rather trash them and away from my apartment."

"Easily." the redhead smiled and approached the open bag to stuff the wrecked clothing, still unsure of the blinking gem. was it possible that it could be a..?

"Let's go." Keith then tied the bag shut and stepped out of the room, Kurama followed wordlessly now having a bad feeling swarm him within from that gem he saw. The sooner we get rid of that bag, the better. He assured himself.

The three gathered what they needed before they began to step out of the safety of Keith's apartment. Flair took in a deep breath then exhaled softly after, Kurama watched her in wonder if she had the same feeling as he did? Keith locked his door, made sure he had everything than gave a nod and turned to walk down the hallway and to the stairway. Kurama and Flair following him out of the apartment.

Once out of the building, Keith stopped a moment to bother Flair about her shoes, Kurama glanced around the area curious however his emerald sight widen when he realized the streets were not only filled with humans and reploids.

But Hunters too.

Least he assumed they were as a couple of large reploids in grey armor walked by with some type of guns sheathed against their hips. "...Hunters?"

"Police actually, they could be help monitoring the streets with the Hunters." Keith noted for the redhead, however catching the weapons at their hips, he noticed they were prepared. "probably all because of the maverick activity earlier."

"Which is our fault for happening." Flair said low and carefully. "let's go." she nudged Keith's arm, and a second after Keith began to walk ahead of them to lead the way to the club. The kitsune gave the reploids another glance before following the two reploids down the street.

My chest is starting to hurt again and that feeling won't leave..

Biting his bottem lip, he let that thought end and paid attention to his steps and surroundings, he would much like to pay attention to his human intuition since the smell of this world is throwing off his demon senses, that was all he had left to rely on. Though because they were so close to the 'safest' place in the city, he decided to ignore his thoughts and feelings for now. The mavericks can't get to them now, right?


To Be Continued.

Notes: I know what you're thinking. "You're -still- doing this?" And to answer, Yes. Sure, why not? This was started before X5 and after X4. So if you don't happen to see any of the newer characters. you know why. And Dr. Cain is still alive, when I started this. I wonder what happened to the old Doc? Mangas are expensive to catch up with and I've never made a point to search for them to read like you can do so with most MMXMMZ mangas about. Anyways, I remembered the point of the story and I know how to make it work. Now ask me if I can do it without mistakes. Next Chapter on the way.