Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. If I did, I wouldn't have to write fan fics!
I am sooooo sorry that it is taking me so long to update. I had a huge burst of inspiration and was on a roll. This chappie is super long! It was 18 pages on my computer so you might not want to print it out or anything!
Lingo
"Blah" Talking
'Blah' mind talking/ talking in your head, someone quoting someone else directly, or a title of someone that someone else is talking about.
Blah thinking
Blah someone's other half speaking in their owner's mind (AN: like Yoko talking to Kurama in his head)
Chapter 3: New Appearances Can Be Deceiving!
Dream
Tara stood next to Nightstalker on a large cliff overlooking a valley. The valley was shrouded in mist and was set on fire as the sun rolled over the hill. Every tree top shone with gold and every dew-covered blade of grass glittered.
'Nightstalker, why am I here' Tara mind asked, gesturing to the valley below.
'This is the sacred land for us wolves. No one bothers us here and we can prosper. I wanted to show you so you would know what it looks like if you ever need to find allies.' The wolf brushed his cold, wet nose against Tara's collarbone. After removing it, Tara felt a sudden weight against her neck.
'What's this' she asked, holding up a chain necklace with a blue crystal dangling from it. A silver paw held on to the globe and was attached to the chain.
'It is for protection. With it, you have the wolves' spirits protecting you. Don't lose it.' With that, the wolf disappeared.
End Dream
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Tara bolted upright, drenched in sweat. This isn't my room. Where am I? Listening to some noises she heard, she found that her hearing had quadrupled in its sensitivity. This is new. I've never been able to hear this good! She went to rub her ears, only to be shocked by the fact that she couldn't find them. Suddenly, she felt something twitch on top of her head.
Tara walked over to where a nearby mirror was and gasped. She found that she had two black, fuzzy wolf ears resting on her head. OMG! What happened to me! She unexpectedly felt something tap the back of her legs. Turning, she saw a long, fluffy tail that shined blue-black. Holy Freaking Crap! Tara ran clear out of the room, merely to fall down a small flight of stairs.
Kurama, Hiei, and Genkai looked at the strange looking girl that was lying in a heap on the floor.
"Ow! That hurt" the girl whined. Kurama got up and walked over to poor Tara.
"You ok?"
"No" she yelled smacking his hand away. Shocked, Kurama just stood watching the girl.
"Well, what's wrong then?" Genkai stood up, walking to the now distraught girl.
"Look at me! I have wolf ears that I'm sure aren't normal for a human. I have a tail, which I know wasn't there before." Looking down at her hands and feet, she squawked. "I have claws on my hands and feet! What else is there? Fangs?"
"As a matter of fact..." Genkai said as she tugged the girl to another mirror. Tara squeaked as she saw two very sharp, very pointy fangs poking out of her mouth.
"What happened to me" she wailed as she crumpled to the wooden floor.
"Remember those guys that caught us yesterday in the woods?" Tara nodded her answer. "Well, they injected some weird formula into you that caused your true form to come out."
"What form is that? The boogey man. After all, now I'm just a monster! I might as well start hiding in closets and under beds." Tears ran down Tara's face as she rested her head on her knees.
Kurama bent down and raised the girls head up so she would look him in the eye.
"You are not a monster. You are a wolf demon and a very powerful one at that. Don't freak out over such small things. Besides, I like the ears" he said, scratching her ears like a dog. Out of the blue, a low, rumbling noise rose from her chest. Kurama laughed.
"Are you purring?" Tara clouted his hand away.
"No! Don't do that. I'm not a dog."
"No, but you know you liked it." Kurama snickered as the girl gave him a heated glare.
"Stupid bakas" Hiei growled as he watched the exchange. Someone abruptly knocked on the door.
"I'll get it." Kurama hurried to the door. Opening it, Yusuke and a blue haired girl tumbled in.
"Whoa! Who's the cute wolf girl in the corner" The black-haired boy asked as he walked in. Tara growled.
"It's me, Tara... and don't call me cute or I'll bust you a new lip. Better yet, I might just let all that air out of your head." (AN: No offense Yusuke fans. I love him too! Runs from mob)
Hiei snickered as Yusuke stared open-mouthed. The blue haired girl tittered on with Genkai and whipped around quickly to stare at the girl on the floor.
"So, you're Tara?" Tara turned to the bluenette.
"Yeah! What of it blue bells?" Botan smiled at the nickname.
"I'm Botan. Head Deity of Death." Botan held out a hand, as if to help Tara up.
"So, you're like the grim reaper. Hmmmmm, I always thought the grim reaper would be...I don't know...less effervescent" Tara said as she was helped to her feet.
"That's what a lot of people say." Tara smiled. She seems to be a good person. I might have just made a new friend.
The two girls looked at each other and busted out in a fit of giggles. Hiei and Kurama watched, wondering what was so damn funny and Genkai just sat down, sipping her tea. Tara began laughing so hard that she started to hyperventilate. Botan tried to calm her down, but was having her own problems with breathing. Tara fell to the floor and started breathing normally again. Botan sat in a nearby chair.
After the laughing was done, Kurama asked "What was so funny?" The two girls looked at him and chimed "She's crazy!"
"Ok, well if you two are done being stupid, then we can get on with what Botan was really here for" Genkai snapped.
"Oh, right! Those demons that caused Tara's transformation are working for Shyrikon. We have to find out why they did it and what Shyrikon wants. Koenma has asked Reikai Tantei to take on this mission." Botan noticed the strange look Tara had on her face.
"Who's Reikai Tantei, who's Koenma and what would a powerful demon want with me?" The brunette asked. Botan explained everything to the girl as Hiei and Kurama held their own discussion.
"I wonder...why would one of the most powerful lords in Makai want anything to do with her" Hiei said, motioning to Tara.
"Genkai said that they were related."
"I know that! But still...she may have a powerful ki, but she doesn't know how to fight."
"Genkai can help her with that!" Yusuke blurted.
"Who asked you?" Hiei sent a glare to the newest member of the conversation.
"You know, you might just have something there, Yusuke" Genkai said as she wandered over to the huddled boys. Yusuke smirked at Hiei as the fire koorime rolled his eyes.
"Tara, would you come here for a second" Genkai asked, motioning to the group. Tara stood up and walked over, leaving the deity behind.
"What is it?"
"I want to run a test on you, just to see your strengths." Tara nodded her consent. Genkai placed two fingers against the girl's forehead and a purplish-blue light enveloped her head. Suddenly, Tara screamed out and collapsed to the floor.
"Genkai, what did you do to her" Botan asked fearfully. Kurama paled considerably. Please let her be alright.
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Dream State
"Ow! What was that?" Tara looked around only to find that she was no longer at the temple. She sat on lush, green grass next to a bubbling river. Looking up, the sky was a brilliant blue with wisps of clouds floating here and there.
"Hello Tarasri. I am glad you have finally come to Ansrama" a soft voice said. Tara squeaked as she turned towards the angelic voice and saw a very large, white wolf sitting with her tail curled around her paws. A set of white angel wings were folded against her back.
"Who are you and what is this place" Tara whispered in terror. The large wolf grinned and scooted closer to the girl.
"There is no need to be frightened. I am Sita of the Clouds. I am the Guardian of the Air. This place is close to where Nightstalker brought you last time. This is the sacred land of the wolf. The name itself is elfish for Rune Beauty or Beautiful Rune." (AN: I have drawn a pic of Sita, pronounced see-tah. If you wish to see it, e-mail me and I will send it to ya!)
"Ok. That's pretty cool. So I'm guessing you have guardians of all elements, right?"
"Yes. There is Oceo of the Sea, Jarah of the Night, Eir of Light, Bael of Stone, and Tahl of Fire. (AN: Pronounced O-see-o, Jar-uh, I-er, Bay-ell, and Tall.) You will meet them sometime later. As for now though, I wish to talk with you alone. I see you have turned into your true form. You will need training though. I leave most of that to the old one with hair like a dull rose, but I will teach you the art of transmogrification, scenting, hunting, and calling upon the wolves for help. It won't be easy so I hope you have enough strength. We shall have training twice a week, no more, no less, until I am sure you can handle more and I will never lower the amount because then we would never get anything done. Alrighty then, let us begin with scenting." The wolf never gave Tara a chance to protest.
The wolf nudged Tara's head up. "You're sniffing the air, not the dirt. We will learn ground tracking later today." Tara used her newly extra-sensitive nose to pick out all of the smells from the air. Finally she came across a sweet and earthy scent. It was laced with a sharp, bitter smell. "That is a frightened rabbit you smell." Tara looked over to Sita. "Fear is the sharp, bitter smell. If you would like, I could give you a short lesson in hunting."
"Fine by me."
"Alright. First, keep your tail and body down. Stay down wind of your prey. Step softly! Rabbits hear everything. Most of the time they feel the vibrations through the ground." Sita showed Tara the steps for hunting. It actually looked awkward for Tara, since she is half-human. "Make sure to go for the throat. Use fangs and claws. Don't be too slow either! You must be as swift as a coursing river, fast as lightning. Now go!"
Tara darted forward and caught the rabbit in her jaws. Warm blood trickled into her mouth and she savored the sweetness of it. Mmmmm...No nasty metallic taste. I could get used to this!
"Good job Tara. I didn't think you were such a natural." Tara sat with an already half devoured rabbit in her grasp.
"I'm not. I just have a good teacher." Sita playfully cuffed the girl's ears.
"Quit sucking up to me. Now, hurry up and finish eating so we can get back to training." Tara bolted down the rest of the meat and the two continued to train as the sun began to set.
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Kurama sat with Tara in the girl's new room at the Genkai Temple. Occasionally, the girl's ears would twitch and she would let out a frustrated growl. I wonder what she's dreaming of. Kurama reached over and brushed some of the brown locks out of Tara's face.
"How is she, Kurama?" Botan walked in to see that Kurama hadn't moved since Tara collapsed.
"I think she is dreaming of hunting. Her ears keep twitching and she keeps growling in her sleep." Botan watched the pained expression on the red-head's face. I hope Tara wakes up soon because I don't think Kurama can take this very much longer.
"I'm sure she'll be ok. Don't worry so much Kurama." Botan waved a goodbye as she stepped out of the room.
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Tara growled out for the bazillionth time. "I can't get it. I got the air scenting, ground scenting, and hunting basics. Why can't I get the transmogrification basics?"
"Relax. Pups must learn to bark before they howl. I think we should move on to the calling of allies now." Sita glanced at the sky in thought. "Oh Dear! It is way past my time of keeping you here. You must go for now."
"What? Go where?"
"Home! Oh, and you mustn't tell anyone of this 'training' ok?"
"Alright. Bye Sita" Tara said as she faded into the night. I wonder what that was all about. Oh well...Man I'm so tired.
End Dream State
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Tara opened her eyes. At first, she almost panicked because all she saw was red, but that was until she realized it was Kurama's hair. He had fallen asleep against her bed with his head on her chest.
"Kurama? Kurama? Get up!" Kurama groaned as Tara tried to push him up to a sitting position. Suddenly he bolted upright as his cheeks were stained a bright rose.
"Oh! I'm so sorry Tara. I was just so tired, I must have fallen asleep while sitting up, but I guess that I fell over and..."
"It's ok, I understand" Tara said, interrupting him. "So how long have I been out of it? 3 hours? A day?"
"You've been unconscious for almost a week." Tara's mouth dropped open.
"What! OMG! My mom must be so worried. Kurama, can you tell Genkai I'm going home. Thanks, bye!" Tara threw the last part over her shoulder as she ran down the stairs. She was so caught up in her worries over her mom, that she didn't notice the sad expression on the boy's face.
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Tara used her newfound speed to sprint home. As she neared her house, she smelt fresh baked bread, spices, and several million other scents. She ran through the thresh-hold of the front door after unlocking it. Charging up the stairs, she found her mom putting away some fresh laundry.
"Mom! I am so sorry! I forgot to call you and tell you that me and my friend...um...Botan were going on a small trip and wouldn't be back for a while. I am so, so, so, sooooo sorry. Please don't be upset." Tara ran and hugged her mom.
"It's ok. Next time, just give me a quick buzz before you go." Mrs. Kaita said as she hugged her daughter. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her legs. "Um, Tara?"
"Yes, Mom?"
"Are you aware that you have dog ears and a tail?" Tara turned around to glance at her tail. Oopsie! Forgot to mention that. Tara slowly guided her mother to her bed and sat her down.
"Here's what happened..."
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Fast Forward: 1 hour
"Oh, dear! I guess I should have told you sooner. Your father was a powerful wolf demon. His name was Shyrikon. Apparently, through his bloodlines, there runs a gift for controlling certain elements and your Grandmother, Rajahna (AN: pronounced as it looks!) told an old poem. It is said to tell of an ancient legend."
"Do you remember it?"
"I think so. Here it goes:
Alone in the night, A cry so lonesome
Feel the fire pulsing through your veins
As shadows creep and crawl, a force to reckon with dawns
In the light of the moon, life is wrought
Against the snow, blood spills and mixes
To bring about disaster, the night one must give in
To prevent a tragic loss, she must win
As the chaos fires billow in the painful wind
The one winner arises, torn and bloodied
No one, but she, may win
If it is not so, then the world is to go to ruin
The last of her kind place their lives on her shoulders
For her to bear alone.
The mother of wolves, the queen of the pack returns with a coat as black as night
To protect her pack and territory, she must know all
Of wolf, element, human, and heart
The four necessities needed to survive.
Said one shall rise as the last bloodless king dies
This is the tale and the fate of the wolf is up to her.
May she win
May the wolf live on
Together forever in Ansrama
I think that is the whole thing" Tara stared at her mother. Ansrama. That is where I was.
"Could you maybe write that down for me."
"Oh, I have the scroll of it that Rajahna gave me. I'll go get it for you" With that, Mrs. Kaita left the room. Tara sat, staring at the floor, thinking. OMG! I have black fur on my ears and tail. But I don't have elemental powers. I don't understand the rest. I guess I should take this to Genkai. She seems to know a lot.
"Here you go Tara. I guess you would like to have a shower and some sleep after such a long trip. I'll leave you be for now. Goodnight." Mrs. Kaita walked out of her daughter's room.
Tara stood up and stretched. I would like a shower. She walked out of her room and into the bathroom across the hall. Stripping off her smelly clothes, she hopped into the now steaming shower. Mmmmm, I forgot how wonderful a hot shower feels. Next time I'm at Genkai's, I'll have to ask where the bath is.
"Ahhhhhh" Tara sighed. "I needed that." She now sat on her bed with the scroll in her hands. She wore some black baggy pants with a green t-shirt that said "I lost my marbles yesterday and I have only found 3 of them so far" in yellow writing. (AN: I made that saying up, but if anyone has a shirt that truly says this, then you are awesome!)
'Tap, Tap, Tap!' Something hit her French doors leading to the balcony. Tara looked up and fell off the bed in shock. She swiftly bounded over to the doors and opened them.
"Kurama, what are you doing here" Tara hissed at the boy as she stepped aside to allow him into the room.
"I think you left this behind." Kurama held out a small picture of a girl, who looked to be about five with hair like Tara's and eyes of the bluest skies. (AN: If anyone guesses the name and artist that I got that line about the eyes from, gets a cookie!) The girl was wearing a blue sundress and matching sandals. Another girl, who looked like the first , only older like around ten, stood behind her. They were both smiling and giving the camera a victory v. (AN: you know, the peace sign, Japanese style!)
Tara gently took the photo from Kurama. Only then did the boy notice her hands were shaking and that her eyes were holding back tears.
"Tara, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. This was my sister and me when we were little."
"What happened." Tara sat on her bed and Kurama soon followed.
"She became...very ill. The doctors called it something like Pneumonia. She cried, due to the chest pains and could barely breathe. I couldn't go near her because doctors feared I might catch it. Do you know what it's like to see someone you love, lying in a bed, crying out for you and your mom and you not even able to be in the same room? I watched her drown in the fluids from her own lungs, not able to even ease her pain. The doctors, ha! They said they did everything they could. Yeah, right. Everything my ass! I watched as she slowly died. Piece by fucking piece! A part of me died with her. Never again will I see her smile or laugh." Tara shook with rage as her body was racked with sobs. "Never again will I trust 'them'. They killed my little sister inside the little box they called her room. Hell, the place wasn't fit for a rat."
"Calm down, Tara. It's alright, I'm here."
"I just hate how they let her die like that. Oh...Here is a prophecy my Grandma told my mom" Tara said as she handed Kurama the scroll. After glancing at it, he tucked it away, in his blazer's pocket.
"I think I should take this to Genkai. Will you be okay?" Tara looked up and quickly hugged Kurama. However, He wasn't quite ready for it so they both toppled off the bed. Tara ended up straddling Kurama's waist and was inches from his face. Kurama had grabbed onto the girl's hips when he fell, as he was trying to prevent her from hurting them both. All in all, they were in a very compromising situation. Suddenly the door opened and Tara's mom walked in.
"Oh, Tara, I was wondering if...you...um, never mind. I'll let you two lovebirds have fun. Just make sure to use protection" Tara's mom said as she closed the door.
"It's not what it looks like" Tara hollered after her mom. Tara turned back to see if Kurama was alright. She just then realized exactly what position they were in. See, Tara was sitting on a very sensitive spot and all her squirming had a certain effect on the boy under her. Quickly jumping off of her friend, Tara began to ramble on about how sorry she was. Kurama just sat up and began to stand.
"I am so sorry. I really am. Please don't be angry. Next time just push me off!"
"It's ok. I know it was an accident. I really must go now. See you tomorrow at school. Bye."
"Well he left awfully fast" she said as he seemed to disappear out of her room. Tara lay down in her bed and promptly fell asleep.
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Dream State
"Time for training, Tara. Today we are working on calling allies."
"Hurried as always, Sita. Ok then. I'm ready." Sita threw her head back and howled a lonesome sounding howl. The notes rose and fell like the tide as the wind seemed to carry them to distant lands. Suddenly, five wolves appeared around Tara and the guardian. Black, grey, tan, white, and brown wolves milled around the clearing.
"Whoa, who are these cuties?" One of the wolves, the brown one, jumped up and planted its large paws on Tara's thighs.
'I am Riksha. I come from a valley a few miles south of here' the wolf's gentle voice said in her mind. Tara patted the wolf's head and smiled at him.
"Nice to meet you Riksha."
"These are a few of our allies. I figured they would be the easiest for you to summon, so, these are your new training partners." Sita walked over to Riksha and growled something Tara couldn't hear. "Well, let's begin!" Sita said as Riksha walked over to join the other wolves.
Sita sat next to Tara and helped her get the hang of howling. "Relax and just let your emotions bubble to the top. There! Now throw your head back and let the sounds go."
"Aaarrrrrrooooooooooooooooooo" Tara let the song rumble out of her chest and across the night air.
"Good. Now, call out to Riksha with only your howl."
"Um...I'll try." Tara threw back her head and let the song call out to Riksha, who had disappeared.
"Good. Now look around." Now, not only was Riksha there, but so were the four other wolves that had disappeared, plus three silver wolves.
"I did it!" Tara screamed in delight. She went over and asked each of the wolves what their names were.
'I am Berali' the black one said in a feminine voice. (AN: Pronounced bah-rail-ee)
'Nicani' said the grey one, also in a feminine voice. (AN: Nick-ahn-ee)
'Onis' said the white wolf in a masculine voice. (AN: ohn-iss)
'Daert' said the tan one, also a male voice. (AN: Day-ert) The three silver ones walked straight up to Tara. One had a red tail tip. Another had a blue tail tip. The last one had a purple tail tip. They all had orange eyes.
'Nai' said the red-tailed wolf in a male's voice. (AN: pronounced how it looks)
'Ariam' said the green-tailed wolf in a masculine voice. (AN: Air-ee-am)
'Saree' said the purple-tailed wolf in a feminine voice. (AN: Sair-ee)
'Pleased to meet you all' Tara said, practicing her mind-speak. With a flick of Sita's tail, the wolves disappeared, all except the three silver wolves.
"Why do you remain" Sita calmly asked the trio.
"We are not yours to command. Only hers" said Saree.
"I am the Guardian of the Air. You do as I ask! Now be gone." Sita snarled at the she-wolf. Saree tapped the ground and the guardian's voice was cut off.
"Enough. Miss Tarasri, we are your spirit-summons. We only leave your side if you tell us. No one else" she added, tossing a glower at the glaring Sita.
"So, I summoned you...how?"
"You called us with your spirit. You called for strong allies and we came. Next time, just call our names and we will come."
"Oh, that is so cool. Can I...um...pet you?" Saree glanced at Ariam and Nai and, after they nodded, she nodded their consent. Tara scratched behind their velvety ears and was rewarded with growls of happiness from all three wolves.
"She shall be nicer than the last owner" Ariam said puppishly.
"Yes, she shall" Nai said as Tara rubbed his head. Finally, Sita was able to talk again because she growled at Tara.
"You must go now. You have school tomorrow. Take care, little one."
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Tara woke up to her alarm clock blasting The Used's 'I Caught Fire'. (AN: me no own the band. I love this song though!)
"Geeze! I can't believe I got no sleep. What's weird though, is I feel as if I slept normally anyway." Suddenly Tara tripped over a white bundle of fur.
"OMG! What are you doing here? If my mom finds you, I'm toast!" Tara whispered angrily to the wolves currently occupying her floor.
"We always stay with you when we are summoned, until you dismiss us." Saree yawned as she finished.
"Ok, you can stay, but you have to keep hidden until I can find a good time to explain to my mom about you guys." She was answered by a trio of nodding heads. The three wolves wandered over to the open closet and walked inside.
"This is comfortable enough for us" Ariam said as he lay down. Tara smiled and carefully closed the door. Suddenly there was a rapping noise at her French doors.
What in the world? Tara walked over to the doors and opened them. Yusuke, Botan, Kurama, and a brown-haired girl crowded into the room.
"Ready for school, Tara" Yusuke practically yelled as he ran into the room. Tara smiled.
"I still have to get dressed you teinousha! Now everyone go downstairs, except Botan and...um, what's your name?"
"Keiko" the brunette replied.
"Ok. Now all the guys get out!" The guys scampered out of the room and Tara listened to the footsteps going down the stairway. "Ok, you two know more about what to wear to school than I, so can you please help me pick something out?"
"Um...You have to wear the uniform. My and Botan are, see!" Keiko gestured to herself and Botan's blue shirt and same-colored, pleated skirt.
"I didn't get one. I left before I could." Botan and Keiko exchanged looks.
"I can fly over to Keiko's and grab one, but it might be a bit small and I'm the same size as her, so mine isn't an option either." Tara looked melancholy.
"What do I do about my ears and tail?" With this, Botan smiled.
"You know I am a ferry girl, right?" Tara nodded. "Well I can perform an illusion spell that should hide your appearance."
"You can? Oh Botan, you're bloody brilliant!" Tara broke out into a grin. (AN: My friend and I always say we're bloody brilliant when we do something stupid COUGHfallingdownstairsatschoolCOUGH I decided to put it in the fic. I know, completely irrelevant, right? I know it is!) As Botan flew off the balcony, Tara hurried into the shower and Keiko sat on Tara's bed.
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Tara sprinted into the room, blue toothbrush dangling from a frothy mouth and a large, black bathrobe wrapped around her body. Keiko giggled at the sight.
"Waf are ooo aftin at?" Tara mumbled through the toothpaste.
"Nothing. Botan should be here in five...four...three...two..." and as Keiko said one, Botan breezed into the room, uniform in hand.
"Here you go, Tara" Botan said, tossing her the uniform. Tara caught it and ran to the bathroom. She returned, dressed and ready to go.
"Alright! Let's go before we're late." Tara marched over to the door, Keiko and Botan following.
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"What is taking them so long. Kami, girls take forever to get ready." Yusuke and Kurama sat on the tan, leather couch in the living room. Yusuke continued grumbling about how long it was taking Tara to get ready. Kurama just sat, thinking.
I wonder if she has a uniform. If not, she'll have to borrow Keiko's or Botan's. She is taking a little too long to get ready though. I hope she isn't piddling just for the sake of it. I'd hate to soil my record of...not...Damn! She looks hot in that uniform. Yoko! That isn't proper to think or say. Oh, but you know it's true. Oh goodie! She's looking at you. Well, say something!
Tara had walked in and Kurama was blatantly staring at her. Apparently, the uniform was a wee bit too short and came to about a few inches above mid-thigh. The blouse/blazer hugged her curves well enough for any guy to notice how slim she was. Tara noticed the fox's attention and turned a rosy pink.
"Um, I don't want to look like a slut, so be honest. It isn't too short is it?" Yusuke shook his head. Kurama snapped back to reality as she turned to him for his answer.
"Not at all. I think it looks...um...nice. Different, but nice" Kurama stuttered. (AN: Awwww! Kurama stuttering, how kawaii! Sorry, On With The Fic!)
Tara blushed again. She walked over to the door and shouted bye to her mom before heading outside. Everyone headed out after her. Kurama shut the door since he was last.
"Why didn't yall come through the front door instead of going to my balcony?"
"We wanted to scare you, but when we saw you were awake, we decided to come through that way instead of going all the way around."
"Oh." Tara fell silent after that. She felt deaf to the world, now that her sensitive ears had been 'removed'. She also felt off balanced without her tail. Kami, I am so tired. I wish I had more time to sleep. I wonder if I could track anything now. I'm craving a fresh rabbit or squirrel. It would be hard without my ears, but I still have my nose and fangs and...oh yeah, Botan got rid of those too. Damn. I'm completely defenseless. Suddenly, the group came to a halt.
"Something's not right. The school is never closed on a Monday, unless it's a national holiday" Kurama said, glaring at the 'closed' sign on the door of the school. Suddenly, the wind picked up and Tara yelled
"Botan, remove the spell. Hurry!" Botan moved her hands around and the seals on Tara's illusion broke. Ears swiveled on her head and a long black tail fluffed out in fear and anticipation. Tara threw back her head and let out a terrifying howl. Ariam, Saree, and Nai appeared around the girl in a blink of an eye, shocking the others.
"I didn't know you could do that" Kurama said, looking at Tara for a reaction. All he got was a smile.
"I've had some training."
"By who?" Tara shook her head.
"Can't tell you who, but she's awesome." Kurama's eyes narrowed. "Don't worry, she's an ally." Kurama relaxed a little.
"So, we meet again Yoko. I see you have friends. Ooo, who's the lovely wolf demon next to you." A man with orange hair popped up in front of Kurama. Matching orange ears sat on his head and a fox tail swished behind him. He walked over to Tara and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look into his icy blue eyes.
"Let go of me!" Tara swiped a clawed hand across the demon's face, leaving a trail of blood behind it. The demon laughed.
"You are such a feisty little thing, aren't you? You picked well for a teammate, Kurama." Turning, the demon saw Kurama, furious with eyes full of malice. "Judging from your attitude, I would say she is more to you than just a teammate."
"Raikou, let her go, now" Kurama growled through a raised lip, fangs glimmering. (AN: I don't know if Raikou is a real anime character, but His name means lightning and I thought it sounded cool so Naaynaah!) Tara saw how bloodthirsty her friend looked and she began to panic. He's going to kill someone. Oh, Kami-sama! Why do I always end up on the lower end of a situation.
Kurama, calm down. You're scaring your girlfriend. I don't care! I want that bastard to let her go. If I have to scare her in the process, then so be it! She might not come back to you if you're in this state. Just calm down a little bit and then kill him. Frightening her isn't the greatest idea. Oh, shut up! Since when did you start caring for her. Since I saw how terrified you're making her. I don't like it when it's a lady with that look. Enemies, now that's a whole different story.
Kurama glanced at Tara and saw nothing but sheer terror in her eyes. He slowly lowered his lip. He sprinted towards the demon's left side, but quickly snapped to the right with his rose whip. The demon jumped out of the way, causing Tara to scream in alarm. She wasn't quite ready to be lifted thirty feet into the air.
"Put her down, Raikou!"
"You really want me to put her down?" A smirk spread across his face. "Well here you go, Kitsune." He let go of Tara and disappeared into the sky. Tara shrieked as she plummeted to the ground.
"Dammit" Kurama growled as he jumped up to catch the girl. She continued to scream as Kurama began to descend. "Tara, it's okay. You're not falling anymore." Tara shut her mouth as she looked up at her hero.
The two landed softly on the ground in the woods next to the school. Kurama set Tara on her feet. He looked her over for any injuries.
"Are you ok" he asked, touching her shoulder. She flinched away from it.
"No, I'm not. Do you know how scary it is to look up and see one of your friends looking like a bloodthirsty murderer? It is quite upsetting really, but I suppose you don't care. After all, you are a monster!" Tara's voice raised its level as she spoke, until she was yelling. Tears streamed down her face and Kurama reached out to wipe them away. Tara flinched again and ran off into the woods.
Way to go. I told you that you were scaring her, but nooo, you had to be all 'let me at him'. Well, don't say I didn't warn ya! Shut the fuck up! Oooo, someone has a temper. I'll go talk to her. She'll probably take off running again if you show up. With that, Kurama and Yoko switched places. With more speed than Kurama, Yoko caught up to the wolf demon in no time.
"Whoa, what's the rush?" Yoko smiled as the girl sped up. "Oh! You want a race. I'll give you one then." Yoko sped up and jumped in front of Tara. Not able to slow down in time, Tara crashed into the fox. The two tumbled to the ground. Determined to not let her get away, Yoko made sure to pin Tara under him.
"We really need to work on your stopping." Tara growled as he said this. She did not like being pinned under a stranger, although he seemed awfully familiar. Yoko had Tara's arms pinned to her sides and, since he was straddling her, she couldn't move. Given that he didn't want to hurt her, he rested most of his weight on his arms, which were above the girl's shoulders, on the ground.
"Now, I have something to say to you. I am Yoko Kurama. You met me at Genkai's. I want to let you know that, if I am a monster and Kurama's a monster, then you are one as well, seeing as how we are all demons. I know my other half scared you, but he was trying to get Raikou to let you go."
"Well he certainly did a good job with that. I just loved being dropped to my death!" Tara snarled in the silver-haired fox's face. Yoko just leaned down and smiled, almost against Tara's lips. Her eyes widened. OMG! What is he doing!
"That wasn't his, or my, objective. He didn't expect Raikou to drop you like that. Quite honestly, he was terrified when he saw you plunge. He just about had a heart attack. You really shouldn't be so hard on him. I think he likes you and to be honest, I can't see why not. You are a little spitfire, ya know? I think I might just like you too. Hope Kurama doesn't mind sharing." With that, he closed the small gap between his and Tara's lips.
Dammit Yoko! What are you doing? Shut up. I'm showing her the affection you refuse to give to her. Get the hell off her! Alright, alright. I'm going.
"See ya round Tara. Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did." Yoko jumped up into the tree nearby and left Tara on the ground. Tara lifted a hand to her mouth. What the hell was that all about? What did he mean when he said he hopes Kurama doesn't mind sharing.
Kurama had finally switched back to normal and was heading to where Tara was. Dammit Yoko! Why did you do that? Simple, really. I like her too. It seemed like she enjoyed it too. What! She didn't kiss you back. Yeah, but she didn't pull away either. Whatever.
Kurama saw the object of his and his counterpart's affection sitting in the precise spot she had been when Yoko left. She was currently petting the three white wolves that had come after she howled.
Kurama's POV
I saw her sitting with those odd wolves. I shuddered as I recalled the howl she made. I also remembered how scared she looked when I was arguing with Raikou. I never want to see that look on her face again and I am regretting the fact that I was the one who put it there. I'm not quite sure when I realized this, but I believe I have fallen in love with her.
Yoko, I suppose, was trying to help when he went after her. He did kiss her though, which sent me over the edge of anger and into a fit of rage. He wouldn't switch with me until I calmed down. I now stand here, watching her and waiting. I don't want to scare her again, but I need to talk to her.
Normal POV
Tara stroked Nai's fur as Ariam and Saree pressed their cold noses into Tara's neck for comfort. She was silently crying.
'I don't know what to think. Kurama terrified me with that look, but he saved me from falling to my death. His other half, Yoko, is so nice, but deadly looking. That kiss was so...'
'Nice?'
'Sweet?'
'Harsh?'
'Gentle. Not something I would expect from a killer or monster. I don't know what to do.' Suddenly the wind changed direction and Tara picked up the smell of roses. All three of her wolves began snarling in the direction behind Tara. She turned and saw Kurama walking towards her.
"I'm sorry for frightening you earlier. I am also sorry for my other half's...um...behavior. It was out of line, for both of us." He held out his hand, as if asking for a truce. Tara smiled. Should I be difficult or fair?
"It's ok. I overreacted." Tara froze as Kurama gently brushed her tears away. Sensing her discomfort, he drew his hand away from her face.
"How exactly did you summon those wolves?"
"I called them with my spirit. The green-tailed one is Ariam, The red-tailed one is Nai, and the purple-tailed one is Saree." Each wolf nodded to the boy, much to his shock.
"They are very lovely."
"Thank you" Saree said. Kurama all but fell over.
"They talk! Hmmm, very interesting. Do you think you can come to Genkai's for maybe a month or two?"
"Sure. Come with me to tell my mom." Tara grabbed his hand and dragged him back to where Keiko, Yusuke and Botan were waiting. Seeing Tara, everyone stood up.
"I'm going to hang at Genkai's for training, but first I have to tell my mom.
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"Okay, Hun. Have fun."
"Love ya, Mom!"
"Oh! Before you go, there is something I have to give you. Come with me." Tara and Kurama followed Mrs. Kaita upstairs. She led them to a door that was painted all black.
"Mom, I've never seen this door before. What's behind it?"
"You'll see." Tara's mom opened the door after making a gesture with her hand. Inside, Tara saw a pool as big as a large pond. In the center, a sword was stuck in the ground of a stone island. Tara felt as if the sword was calling her. She stepped out only to find a stone had pushed out of the water, right under her foot. She walked to the island, rocks popping up under her feet.
The sword was a katana with runes down the side of the blade. The sword was a bluish metal while the runes glowed silver. The hilt was black with a silver pommel. At the very bottom of the pommel was a medium sized head of a wolf with sapphire eyes. Lying on the ground was a black sheath with royal blue lining inside. Tara grabbed the sword and sheath and fixed the leather belt to her waist.
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Tara and Kurama walked downstairs, Tara with a duffel bag full of stuff. She had changed out of her uniform and into some jeans and red t-shirt that said 'Girls rule the field' in white on the front with a soccer ball next to it. (AN: One of my friends had this shirt years ago. No wonder I can't find it! lol, jk!)
"Thanks for the sword mom!"
"Don't thank me. It was passed down from your grandfather."
"Ok. I love you and I will call you as much as I can. Bye"
"Bye." Outside, Tara's wolves waited.
"Ok, let's get moving."
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SGK: Well, that's all for this week! I might have a new chappie coming up sooner than this one did! I am also working on a Wolf's Rain fic. Check it out when it's up, kk? See ya around!
Aya: Read and Review Please!