Heated Battles
It's been two weeks and mating season was finally over! Ryu was glad cause he's been avoiding Anime all that time. Anime spent most of her time with Renji, James, Damian and Masuta. Marcus disappeared one day and they didn't know where he could have gone. After a few days of searching they couldn't find his scent. So they thought that maybe he went looking for Masukee.
Renji was starting to show that she really was pregnant and everyone was helping her in anyway that they could. James wouldn't leave her side. For he was concern for Renji's well fare and the pups. They didn't want to lose them. But they saw something strange with Anime. She's been fainting a couple times a day and she would just say that she was either 'fine' or 'I'm just tired nothing to worry about'.
Everyone but Anime is in the living room. Renji was next to James and Ryu sat in the chair. Masuta and Damian were going to be gone for a few says for some strange reason. Ryu calmly asked "where's Anime?" Renji looked at the Neko demon and said "I don't know. I think she's in the garden again. She seems to go there a lot." James calmly said "don't worry Ryu. She's fine."
Ryu nodded slightly as he said "I know but... I just have a strange feeling that I have to protect her at all times now. I don't know why though." James sighed as he said "like I said. You don't need to worry. She was a general, and a good one at that." Ryu glared at James as he said "please stop talking about that. We all know that Anime hates it when we talk about that and she'll know if we were since she can read minds."
Renji calmly said "well you also seem to forget that she doesn't have control over it either. She can't read minds at will. It just happens for her. So she might not know that we were talking about it." Ryu just sighed and he walked outside looking for Anime. Renji stared at James as she said "I have a good feeling that Ryu is going to ask Anime to be his mate soon."
James nodded as he said "yeah..." 'that is before she dies at least... Ryu is going to be crushed when he finds out that Anime's been sick for years and that she'll die in the end...'Renji stared at James and saw the sadden expression as she asked "what's wrong?" He stared at her as he said "nothing. I'm fine. Every thing's fine." Renji just stared at James for a bit than leaned her head on his shoulder. She had a feeling that he was hiding something but didn't want to ask him about it. He might have a reason for hiding it... she'll find out soon enough... Maybe anyway.
With Ryu
Ryu was walking outside looking for Anime. But so far he had no luck. He was about to walk back inside until he saw Anime standing by the lake. Not wanting to be seen he hid behind a tree. He could tell that something was on Anime's mind. Something that was bothering her. But what? Than he could hear her singing.
"It always begins under the ultramarine sky
I make a promise now and begin to walk
Yah, the desert glows in gold (I keep on wandering)
Searching for the diamond flower (in the hot wind)
For the first time, I am living for another person
I have something I want to protect
So that I never, ever lose it again
Yah, I have a wish in my heart (shaking)
In order to make it come true (I'll get hurt as much as it takes)
I'll clutch my sword now because I want you to smile
My nails rip through the red, red shadows
That fill my torn-apart memories
Even if they split, let them grab
That precious thing I want to protect
The diamond flower that bloomed the night I loved and cried for someone
I have something I want to protect
I'll never, ever lose it again
Let it ring out, this heartbeat that's smaller and fainter than anyone else's
But also tougher than anyone else's."
Ryu was shocked. Why would Anime sing that kind of song? Than he stepped on a twig and as soon as he did Anime's claws started to burn. They were ignited with flames as she turned around. She swung her claws and they hit the tree. Anime yelled "WHO'S THERE!?" There was no answer. Ryu couldn't move. Anime yelled "I KNOW YOUR THERE! COME OUT WHOEVER YOU ARE!" Than Ryu stepped out from behind the tree as he said "calm down Anime it's just me."
The fire disappeared from Anime's claws as she said "sorry Ryu. I didn't know you were there... How long have you been there?" Ryu calmly said "not long. I heard you sing... Why would you sing that kind of song Anime?" She just shrugged as she said "I don't know. I guess I just felt like singing something and that song just popped in my head. Well... I'm going to head back in. I feel like some apples."
Ryu chuckled as he said "you and your apples." Anime giggled as she said "I love apples as much as you love fish. So you coming Ryu?" He nodded as he followed Anime back into the house. Ryu calmly said "I'm going to take a shower." Than he walked off. Anime walked into the kitchen. As she did there was a note on the counter. Anime picked it up and read "To Anime and Ryu. Me and Renji left to the forest to figure out what this demonic aura was. We didn't have enough time to find you and Ryu so we left to fight it off. So until we get back you two are alone. See ya Later From James."
Anime just sighed as she said "they went to a battle... WHY? RENJI'S PREGNANT FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!! Aw screw it... I can't do anything. I don't even know where they went." Than she started to cut some apples for herself. After a few minutes she was almost done cutting the apples. She smiled cause she was about to enjoy some apples. Than without focusing she yelled "OW!!"
Than she heard foot steps running down the stairs and when she heard his voice he said "Anime, what happened!?" She turned around holding her now bleeding finger as she said "I cut my finger. Nothing to worry about. I'm fine really." Than she saw that Ryu only had a towel around his waist and that made her blush a bit. He walked up to her and held her finger. Ryu calmly said "you really can be a klutz huh?"
Than he placed her bleeding finger in his mouth causing Anime to blush more. She whispered "thank you Ryu." Ryu pulled Anime's hand from his mouth and he stared at her with a strange look in his eyes. Anime stared at him and asked "something wrong Ryu? Why are you staring at me like that?" Ryu started to lean closer to Anime and this was making her blush even more.
Anime asked "Ryu why are you leaning closer?" He calmly said with half lidded eyes "I really like you Anime... Well I guess you already knew that since I told you..." She nodded as he said "and... I... want to stay with you forever." Anime just blushed more as she said "Ryu..." Than he placed his finger on her bottom lip and tilted her head up giving her a kiss. Anime was so confused about Ryu's words. But her mind had gone blank and she just returned the kiss.
Ryu broke the kiss as he stared at the blushing Inu demon. He calmly said "sorry..." Anime calmly said "that's alright Ryu... huh?" Ryu asked "something wrong?" She nodded as she said "yeah. I sense danger in the forest. Renji and James are in the forest somewhere. Let's go!" Ryu calmly said "well let me change first." She nodded as she said "I'll be waiting outside for you."
Than she walked outside and Ryu ran to his room to change. After a few minutes Ryu ran out of the house wearing the same shirt that Anime made for him and his black jeans and his gloves with the cut off fingers. He ran to Anime as he said "alright I'm ready!" Then they were off deep in the forest.
James and Renji (after Ryu left)
Renji stared at James as she said "I have a good feeling that Ryu is going to ask Anime to be his mate soon."
James nodded as he said "yeah..." 'that is before she dies at least... Ryu is going to be crushed when he finds out that Anime's been sick for years and that she'll die in the end...'Renji stared at James and saw the sadden expression as she asked "what's wrong?" He stared at her as he said "nothing. I'm fine. Every thing's fine." Renji just stared at James for a bit than leaned her head on his shoulder. She had a feeling that he was hiding something but didn't want to ask him about it. He might have a reason for hiding it... she'll find out soon enough... Maybe anyway.
Than James had a strange look on his face. Renji saw this and asked with concern in her voice "what is it James?" James calmly said "I sense something in the forest. We should check it out! Let's go!" Than Renji and James ran out of the house. Before they did James left a note and ran with Renji on his back. It was kinda hard for him to run with someone on his back but as long as it was Renji he didn't mind.
They ran for what seemed like hours till they reached the village. Renji got off of James back and they both looked around. James calmly said "I sensed it somewhere around here." Renji looked around and said "I don't sense anything. It's gone. Maybe it was a demon and it was destroyed." James nodded as he said "that could be it Renji."
Than there was a new voice saying "what do you demons want?!" James and Renji turned around and saw a demon there. He had long silver hair, gold eyes and wore a red hakama. James calmly said "that is none of your concern half demon." Renji stared at the demon and said "no way! Your Inuyasha!" Inuyasha nodded as he said "you smell like a wolf... I hate wolves!" Than Inuyasha was about to charge at Renji until James went in front of her saying "attack her and die."
He stopped saying "why are you protecting her!?" James calmly said "cause she's my mate and I won't let you harm her or my pup." Inuyasha was taken back as he said "mate? Pup?" James nodded as he said "anyway. Me and Renji only came here to figure out what the demonic aura was. But it's gone." Inuyasha calmly said "yeah. Me and KAgome took care of it. Just who are you?"
James calmly said "I'm James." Inuyasha was in shock as he said "you mean James... The Inu Immortal!" James gave a firm nod as he said "yes. That's me." Inuyasha calmly said "well... there aren't any demons here. Not at the moment anyway." James sighed as he said "well that was a waste of time huh Renji." She nodded. Inuyasha calmly said "well see ya." Than Inuyasha was about to walk away until James said "I sense danger in your village Inuyasha."
Inuyasha turned around as he said "there is? Dammit!" Than Inuyasha ran to the village with James and Renji right behind him. They arrived at the village to see a huge bear demon arrived and started to attack the village. Inuyasha charged at the demon as did James. Renji summoned her sword and tried to cut his arms off.
The demon swung it's arm and hit both Inuyasha and James. Renji yelled "JAMES!" The demon stared at Renji with a dark smile. She was on her own. Then when Renji took a swing at the demon he just moved and was about to attack her from behind. Renji closed her eyes as she saw the demon behind her.
After a minute has passed Renji felt something grab her and heard something hissing in pain. She opened her eyes and saw Anime. Anime smiled as she said "hey Renji-chan." Renji asked "what? When did you get here?" Anime calmly said "just now. I saw the demon and saw that you were about to get attacked. So I grabbed you took the hit and here we are."
Than Anime turned to face the demon. Ryu went to help James and Inuyasha and saw that they were in bad shape. The bear demon stared at Anime as he said "you look familiar. Have I seen you before?" Anime smirked as she said "your looking at the cause of your death." The bear had a good look at the look in Anime's eyes as he said with fear "you! Your General Anime! I'm outta here!!" Than the bear demon ran off."
Anime sighed as she said "why does every demon run off as soon as they know who I was." Renji laughed as she said "but you've got to admit Onee-chan. It's funny on how they react." Then Anime fell to her knees in pain. Renji asked "are you ok?" Than she saw the huge mark on her back. The demon must have clawed her in the back when Anime appeared to help out. Renji asked "will you be alright?" Anime smirked a bit as she said "yeah. I'm alright. Just give it a hour and the pain should stop."
Ryu walked up to Anime and Renji with James and Inuyasha behind him. Inuyasha calmly said "this is just weird. I meet one of the immortals. Get helped by a neko. And meet a old general. What next! A Neko and Inu in love?" Ryu and Anime blushed as James said "well Inuyasha that has happened." Inuyasha was in shock but didn't say anything. Then a old woman came out od a small hut. She had long grey hair wearing a red and white hakama. The old woman also had a eye patch and she walked up to them saying "are ye good or bad demons?"
Ryu helped Anime up as he said "we're good demons. Me and Anime came to help our friends." Inuyasha calmly said "what do you want Kaede?" Kaede calmly said "I came to see if these demons were good or evil." Ryu calmly asked "are you going to be alright Anime?" She nodded as she said "I'm fine. Really. Nothing to worry about."
Kaede calmly said "how about ye all stay my my hut to let your wounds heal?" Renji calmly said "that sounds like a good idea. What do you think James?" James nodded as he said "yeah. I think we could use a good rest." Then they all walked into Kaede's hut. James sat next to the wall with Renji in his lap. Ryu and Anime were across from them. He had his arm around Anime's shoulders being careful not to touch the huge wound on her back.
Kaede calmly said "thank you for helping us with that demon." Ryu calmly said "we're glad to help." James calmly said "yeah. We live to help. Right Renji." She nodded as she said "yeah. We're glad to help... Even though the demon ran away as son as he found out who Anime was." Inuyasha snorted as he said "I'm surprised that you even hang out with her. I've heard of General Anime even if I was pinned to a tree for 50 years." Ryu looked at Anime as she was sound asleep. He calmly said "it wasn't her fault."
Inuyasha said in a calm tone of voice "how is it not her fault! She killed many people. Some of them were human!" James whacked Inuyasha in the back of the head as he said "unless you you don't want to deal with a angry Neko I suggest that you shut up about Anime and her past. Also don't talk to her that way. She's like our family. Well she is mine by blood." Inuyasha stared at James as James said "she's my decedent. Now shut up or else."
Then there was someone's voice coming from outside the hut. It was a man's voice saying "Sophia Salene Renjina! I know your in there! Come out unless you want this village burned down!" Renji whispered "damn! They found me!" Anime's ear twitched as she woke up saying "what do you mean?" Renji calmly said "let's just say that it's some people from where I used to live have come to get me for doing something."
Anime calmly said "well... I have an idea." Than she stood up and walked up to Renji saying "I learned this while I was still a general." Anime pulled one of a strand of Renji's hair and said a spell. As soon as the spell was finished Anime looked just like Renji. Everyone gasped. Anime calmly said "alright. I look like you so they should buy it. But sadly I can't sound like you. I'll read your mind so I can lip on what your saying alright." Renji nodded as Anime walked out of the hut.
Than Anime faced a strange man. He had short brown hair, brown eyes and a white hakama. Anime mouthed as Renji said "what do you want?" The man calmly said "you can cut the crap. I know your not Renji." Anime's eyes widen as she changed back saying "how did you know?" The man said "you may be able to change your appearance but you can't change your height. Tell me where Renji is or else I'll take your soul!"
Anime laughed as she said "like I would tell you! I wouldn't betray my friends! Not to mention you can't take someones soul it's just-" Before she could finish her sentence the man held his hand out and a silver light came out of Anime's chest. Than Ryu came out of the hut as Anime started to fall. Ryu yelled "Anime! Anime wake up! WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO HER!?" The man laughed as he said "who ever is involved with Renji gets their soul taken away. If you want this girl to have her soul back before it's too late bring Renji to the end of the forest. You have about 4 hours until the girl is long gone."
Than he disappeared. Ryu growled as he thought 'this isn't good...'Than he brought Anime inside. Renji calmly said "I heard what happened Ryu." James looked at Anime as he said "well... You only have 4 hours until Anime's gone. What are you going to do? He only wants Renji." Ryu calmly said "I know for a fact that who ever this guy is. That he doesn't expect Anime to live. The edge of the forest is at least 2 hours to get to and back. Even if I was in my huge neko form I wouldn't get back in time. I have an idea on how to keep her alive until I get back. And don't worry I'm not going to trade Renji for Anime's soul... I'm going to kill him."
James nodded as he said "anyway. How are you going to make sure that Anime stays alive till you get back?" Ryu calmly said "a courting mark. It's the only thing that can keep her alive at the moment. It's the only choice I've got." Than Ryu placed his finger on Anime's neck leaving a strange mark. (I have no idea how a courting mark works so don't kill me please!)
Than he ran out of the hut. Inuyasha calmly said "what's the big deal with her anyway? He's a neko demon and she's a inu demon. Shouldn't they hate each other?" James calmly said "not these two. Anime believes that the nekos and inus can live in peace. Ryu believes her. And he loves her." Renji smiled as she said "it is a little strange but I'm happy for Ryu and Anime."
With Ryu
Ryu ran through the deep forest. Hoping that he would get to that man before he disappeared with Anime's soul. As he ran he heard a faint voice saying "please save me... someone anyone? Please save me..."Ryu calmly said "don't worry. I'll save you Anime. Just hold on I'll get your soul back." He ran even faster till he finally reached the edge of the forest. He saw the man again. Ryu calmly said "give me Anime's soul. Unless you want to die."
The man held the silver light in his hand as he said "you kill me? Ha that's a laugh. You couldn't even protect her. And you think that you can beat me?" Ryu growled deadly as he said "you had your chance." Than he transformed into his large Neko form and charged at the man. Ryu clawed at the man then started to rip him to shreds just like how he ripped Falcon to shreds.
Than the small silver light laid on the ground. The light from it was already starting to fade. Ryu returned to normal and picked it up. He calmly said "don't worry Anime. I'll get you back to your body. Don't worry..." Than he started to run back to the hut where Anime's body was. Hoping that he would get there in time.
Back with everyone else.
Everyone stared at Anime as she slept. Renji calmly said "do you think that Ryu will make it back in time?" James nodded as he said "just have some faith Renji. Ryu can and will make it back in time to save her." Than just as that was said Ryu came through the door panting. He calmly said "hey. I'm back and with Anime's soul!" Than Ryu walked up to Anime and knelt to her. Renji asked "is it going to work? The light from her soul looks really faint..."
Ryu nodded as he said "as long as there's still a light than she'll make it." Than the light floated to Anime's body. James calmly said "this should work right? Even with your courting mark the light from her soul would still fade. So do you think that you made it in time?"
Ryu growled as he said "I know I made it so shut up!" Than Anime opened her eyes slowly. But her eyes were only open half way. Ryu stared at her as he said "Anime! Your ok!" She stared at everyone that was in the small hut. But said nothing. Ryu held Anime in his arms saying "I made it in time! I really made it in time!" Everyone smiled. Kaede calmly said "I am glad ye saved her." Ryu smiled as he said "I'm just glad that she's still alive. And that I didn't have to give Renji to that guy. Oh and don't worry about him. I kill the guy for taking Anime's soul."
Ryu calmly said "well I think we should get going. It was nice meeting you Kaede... and you too I guess Inuyasha." Inuyasha just let out a "feh" as he walked to the back of the room. James calmly said "we should head back to the house. It's late after all." Renji nodded as they both walked out of the hut. Ryu picked up Anime and held her bridle style in his arms. James had Renji on his back and they all walked back to the house.
Ryu stared at Anime as she blinked her blank eyes. He asked "how come Anime won't say anything? And why are her eyes blank?" James calmly said "it'll take a while for her soul to reconnect. So she'll be like that for a few minutes. Or maybe longer. It's hard to say." Ryu stared at Anime as he said "Anime... Do you know who I am?" Anime looked at him and she nodded slowly. He smiled as he said "so you still have your memories. So that's good."
After a hour they arrived at the house. Renji was worn out and her and James went to bed. Ryu carried Anime to bed as he said "Anime can you speak yet?" Anime stared at Ryu as she quietly said "s-s-s-s-s-so-rt... of..." He smiled as he set her on her bed. Ryu calmly said "Anime... Can I ask you something?" She nodded as he said "well... I was... wondering since... you have the courting mark on... you when I was getting your soul back... if you would... well... you know... become... my... mate...?"
Anime's eyes widen with shock. Her blank eyes stared at Ryu as he waited for an answer. He calmly said "you don't want to be my mate do you Anime?" Anime calmly said "I... wa-sn't... expecting... you... to ask... me... that... My... answer... is... y-y-y-y-es. But... I'd like... some rest... I'm... really... tired..." He nodded as he said "alright. I'll let you sleep. After all you need the rest after what happened today." She smiled as sleep claimed her.
Ryu smiled as he said "I'm glad that she said yes. Nothing can ruin this moment." Than he walked to the other side of the bed and laid there as he too fell asleep.
The Next Morning
Everyone but Anime was awake. James and Renji sat in the living room. Ryu was just walking down the stairs with a huge grin on his face. James asked "why are you so happy Ryu?" Renji calmly said "you asked her didn't you!?" Ryu calmly said "I asked Anime to be my mate and she said yes!" James smiled as he said "well congrats! I wish you both happiness."
Ryu could only smile as he said "I have a feeling that this will be the best day of my life!" Than he saw Anime walking down the stairs. She had a smile on her face as she said "hey everyone." Renji calmly said "your eyes aren't blank anymore." Anime shook her head as she said "nope. A good rest was all I needed. And I feel- AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" Anime fell to her knees placing a hand over her neck. She screamed in pain as she said "make the burning stop!"
Ryu ran to her and saw that she was covering the courting mark. He sighed as he removed the courting mark. Anime stopped screaming and she fainted from the pain. Ryu placed Anime on the couch as he said "I'll be out for a while... See ya..." Than he walked out of the house. James stared at Ryu as he left saying "some thing's not right. A courting mark shouldn't burn someone unless they either reject it or something else... I don't remember what though. I know though that it can't be rejection cause Anime loves Ryu."
Renji calmly said "yeah... But I have a bad feeling that Ryu is going to do something that would be bad... But what could it be?"