Authoress' note- Well Merry Christmas!!! I'm sorry it took me so long to update, but this chapter is extra long so ENJOY!
-Chapter 4-
Ross felt the cold wind whip at her hair as she stared out at the abyss. She felt the darkness take a hold of her thoughts as she listened to the shallow breathing of the team behind her.
Ross pulled her hair back as she sucked in a cold breath.
'It feels like I've been sucked back into the past… damnit… why did Tye have to show up, of all kitsunes-' Ross' thoughts were interrupted by the clearing of a throat, she sighed and moved over knowing all to well who it was.
Hiei flopped down beside her and watched her as she took in shallow breaths obviously deep in thought.
"Hn, I told you this was a bad idea," Ross turned to him and glared at the fire demon beside her.
"Yah, well you know what, just because you have a 'problem' with Tye doesn't mean that me coming down here is a bad idea, Damn Hiei you KNOW its my responsibility to do this, can't you respect me about my decision!?!" Ross growled as she slammed her palm into the dirt.
Hiei stared at her for a minute, the looked away.
"Hn, you know what he almost did to you before Onna, I have a very good reason for disliking that damn kitsune" Ross felt her blood boil as Hiei's explanation rang through the air.
"Yes, well he's my only hope of stopping this chaos and you know it. If it's between my own being and my mother's clan, I'll chose the one I know that counts," and with that the demi-saiyan stood up grabbing her coat in the process and pulling it closer to her body.
"Onna…" but she didn't answer his plea as she jumped into a tree out of sight.
'Great… just what I need, another fight with that damn Onna'
'I heard that' Hiei growled as the Ross' voice rang through his head.
"Hn" is all he could muster as he closed his eyes and leaned against the oak letting the sounds of the night overcome all his thoughts.
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"Ross…" Kurama mumbled as he watched his obvious distraught sister pick at the fire in front of her.
"What Kuama?" she snapped, turning her attention to the red head, Kurama frowned in return.
"You know being mad at him for worrying about your best interest is only going to prove to be fruitless" Ross shrugged as she stood up and brushed her self off.
"Personally I think you two are just acting like children, you know just as well as I do that just because I have to associate with Tye to get information doesn't mean that its going to cause any havoc, I do have a god head on my shoulders and I DO know what I am getting myself into – but personally I don't care- I'll take a boot in the ass before I let those two whores take over the kitsune race Kurama, and whether you want to support me on this or not is up to you," Ross inhaled deeply after she finished her analysis, Kurama stared at her for what seemed like an eternity until he stood up and nodded.
"I suppose your right about letting those two taking over the clan." Ross sighed as she felt Hiei's energy becoming closer to the camp, she sighed taking her bag.
"Come on prince charming is here, its time to get a move on" Ross growled tiredly as she moved on into the wooded area.
"And she's back to normal" Yusuke sighed grabbing his stuff and following the blonde team into the woods- the others not far behind.
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Ross could sense the others not following too far behind as she stepped into what was known as her mother's territory- she felt her body shift to her former self – now she decorated with two blood red ears and matching tails.
"So, So, So… little Rosalina decided to make an appearance… after all these years" Rosa growled once she recognized the voice.
A few forms began emerge from the fog ahead, Rosa felt her comrades join her once the demons finally appeared.
"What do you want Toshi" Rosa asked a bit annoyed from the demons unwanted appearance.
"Maybe I should be asking you that mutt" Growled a rather annoyed looking fox demon – he wore silver eyes, hair and ears, while he outfit consisted of white robes.
Rosa felt her ears burning as she tried to think of a way around them without causing more havoc then needed, but suddenly more forms appeared into clearing – all of which seemed to consist of the same outfit and features as Toshi… seeming only to be white phantoms.
"Well- what? For once you have nothing to say?" Toshi asked again, only to receive a growl from the blonde kitsune.
"Let me through Toshi, I want to quarrel with you nor with any of your comrades- this is strictly business and I'm sure you know what it is about" Rosa stated taking a step forward only to feel silver eyes all glaring holes into her own.
"Look mutt, we have no problem with letting your sisters take over, at least they are of decent blood, possibly they can filter out all the filth from our clan" Rosa felt herself growl inwardly as she clenched the handle of her katana.
"You have no idea what that means, If you don't let us through and help them along in taking over this clan, you are going to pave the way to your own demise," Rosa growled only getting a chuckle from the silver haired youki before her.
"Right and your kind will do any better?" Toshi asked, Rosa felt her hand release her katana, in an attempt to stall her anger.
"Hn, let me through, or I'll force my way through your choice" Rosa stated calmly as she became more erect, hearing the low growl of disapproval from her brother from behind her.
"Do you know what you are getting yourself into" Youko asked, only getting a chuckle from his younger sister.
"Possibly" she stated quietly, only to be interrupted by the howling of laughter before her.
"You- haha- force your way through- haha very funny… Please Mutt I know for a fact that your strength has been sapped by that pathetic human body you have taken shelter in" Toshi stated through fits of laughter only getting a shrug from the fire kitsune.
"You wanna find out first hand?" Rosa asked taking a hold of her katana,
"Very well then" and as those words left her lips, Rosa was gone from site, a few screams emitted the air, as bodies hit the floor left and right – suddenly it stopped, Rosa holding her blade to the neck of the solitary survivor.
Toshi felt himself swallow down what seemed to be a huge lump in his throat while he glanced into the eyes of his soon to be killer. Rosa's eyes gleamed in the morning light as she jabbed the point further into his throat.
"They're not dead – you know as well as I that I do not kill members of my clan… but I suggest you clear up these bodies unless you want me to break my rule just this once" Rosa hissed, Toshi nodded stiffly letting Rosa sheath her sword and turn around to the direction she had been heading in.
"You may warn the others if you wish – but as you can see Toshi that will only prove to be worthless… Hn to think you thought this human body sapped my energy… how pathetic" Rosa muttered disappearing into the fog.
Yusuke blinked trying to get the spots from in front of his eyes.
"Did she… no… she didn't just – but I didn't even-" Hiei gave a trademark 'hn' and followed Rosa into the fog.
"And now you know why she was my partner in crime in my former life- just like her brother she's ruthless – hn you should see he when she's angry" Hiei mused disappearing into the fog- the others not far behind.
Rosa felt herself emit a yawn as she finally reached the gate – pulling out a shiny object from her sleeve she unlocked the chains allowing herself into what seemed to be a kitsune market place.
Kuwa looked around once he followed the infamous kitsune into her mother's territory, to see the area swarming with kitsunes – all of which seemed to look similar to the ones they had become acquainted with earlier – silver ears, sliver tails and silver eyes… Kuwa looked back at Youko and then to Rosa then to Elaine – none of them seemed to completely follow this trend, Youko looked sideways.
"If you're wondering why we don't look like the rest of my mother's clan its simple really – Elaine married into it, and Rosa's father is obviously not from this clan, and neither is mine," Youko muttered, Kuwa blinked making an 'O' with his mouth as the fox's explanation sunk in.
"Here we are" Rosa muttered, knocking roughly on the door, awaiting an answer.
'Damn house… always gives me the creeps' Rosa thought to herself as she looked to her right to see Hiei smirking, obviously reading her thoughts.
The door cracked open, sparkling silver eyes gleaming in the darkness.
"Who's there?" a young woman's voice asked, Rosa rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"It's the boogie man now let me in" Rosa muttered, obviously annoyed about being asked to specify her own identity before entering her house.
"A… Aunt Rose?" the young girl muttered cracking the door the full way, Rosa felt herself grab the closet thing near by while Elaine rushed past her.
"Iie!" Rosa yelped grabbing a hold of Hiei as Elaine embraced the young demon in front of her.
"Sachi…" Elaine squeaked, as Youko blinked trying to clear the confusion bubbling in his head.
"Who… is… that?" Yusuke asked, rather confused as Elaine loosened her embrace around the demon.
"This is my daughter," Youko mumbled making Yusuke's eyes triple in size.
"You- have a – daughter… well I guess it makes sense heh wait NO IT DOESN'T!" Yusuke growled too confused to clear his thoughts.
"Come on he'll explain later we need to get inside" Rosa mumbled pushing the group inside as she closed the door behind her.
There stood what seemed to be a teenage demon, her eyes and hair much like the rest of her clan, were deep silver – while her hair also had subtle streaks of blue embedded in it, her locks were tied securely into a long braid which trailed down to her lower back. Her ears and tail were also identical to her fathers except for the tips which seemed to trail off into sapphire blue. She wore a midnight blue kimono which trailed delicately onto the ground.
"M… mother I thought you were not going to come this year- I was afraid something might have happened to you" Sachi mumbled timidly as she pulled a stray silver hair from her sight.
"I'm sorry dear… I've been busy in ningenkai – I thought it best if I were to leave you alone to finish your training in peace before I disturbed you any further" Elaine said calmly smiling lovingly as she took a hold of her daughters arm and lead her to the dining hall.
"Now, you must tell me all about what has been happening since I have been gone – any boys I should know of" Elaine chirped as she heard a low growl from a certain demon behind her, she turned.
"Oh yes of course- heh sorry honey…" Elaine led Sachi towards the thief before her.
"Sachi honey… this is your father of course, you do remember him I'm sure" Elaine mumbled as she pulled some hair away from her daughter's face.
"Yes of course hello father, glad to see you are alive and well again" Sachi stated as she bowed respectfully.
"Is there a reason you forgot to mention our daughter's training in my mother's spot Ellie" Youko asked obviously a bit annoyed at being misinformed.
"Well… it's a long story – after you were killed, I wasn't fit to raise her alone so it was only natural to send her to become to next heir to your mother…" Elaine stated only to become speechless at the glare she received from the demon before her.
She mumbled taking her daughter away from the scene.
"Its too late now Youko, I'm sorry dear that it had to come to this – she's almost ready to take your mother's place – besides we both know she is the rightful heir… now Sachi tell me about what you've been up to honey" Elaine disappeared into the connecting room, only to leave a fuming fox demon behind.
Rosa looked up at her brother and smirked.
"You know she is right Youki, Sachi is the only rightful heir – besides she's almost of age, you can't possibly ask for a better position for her in kitsune society you know that," Youko growled turning to leave.
"Whatever Rosa, you know as well as I do this has nothing to do with that - now its obvious what our sisters' polt is" Youko growled leaving in a huff and slamming a distant door.
Rosa flinched at the sound of her obviously angered brother's fury.
"Never a good thing… never EVER a good thing to get him mad – I gotta keep reminding myself that" Rosa mumbled as she turned to see Kuwa and Yusuke's obviously confused faces.
"Come on" Rosa mumbled leading them into the kitchen, once inside she was greeted by a bone crushing hug from her mother and a nod from her step father, whom just glared at the fire demon who followed her in- once he realized the mark which decorated Rosa's neck, Rosa sat down taking the tea her mother graciously handed her.
"Alright so now that we are all situated you wanna explain in DETAIL what in the world is going on" Yusuke asked, taking a hold of some of the food which found its way upon the table.
"Well it's simple really – just like Hiei and I had a child, Youko and Elaine had a child as well – Sachi- Well… Sachi was born before Hana of course and so since she is a full blooded kitsune and one of my mother's blood she was assigned the role of being trained to become the leader of my mother's clan. Sachi was only about 6 or 7 years old in human years when Youko was killed and so, that was the time Elaine decided she was to be put into my mother custody- you see Youko's own clan began to go into chaos once his death was known… heh and the rest is history – Elaine comes down here every once in a while to see Sachi, but besides that Sachi is being taught the ancient techniques of the kistune race, on how to be polite, poised and a well mannered female kistune – thus she will take my mothers spot once she has finished her training" Rosa finished taking a long sip of her tea.
"So wait… what would that make her… I mean she can't be much older than us" Yusuke muttered.
"No she's not she about 16 I believe… demons in their teen yeas age a lot slower than humans do... then their metabolism slow and they are able to sustain their youth longer than humans as well" Rosa stated setting her cup down.
"Ok… but that doesn't explain why… fox boy is so pissed off" Kuwa mumbled trying to understand the situation better.
"Well… because Sachi is taking over my mothers spot, it has become apparent that my sisters are fighting her for leadership and not my mother – because Sachi is obviously inexperienced in these matters- it is going to be more difficult to keep my sisters from taking leadership and to keep Sachi out of harm – Youko's very protective of her of course" Rosa mumbled taking another long sip and getting a nod from the two humans once their was apparent understanding.
The shuffling of feet could he heard as the young kitsune in training entered the room.
"Hey Sachi sit down stay awhile" Rosa stated, flashing her trademark smirk as she pointed to the seat next to her, Sachi bowed and sat.
"Yah know you don't have to be so formal to me hun, I don't mind at all if you want to binge with us on junk food or whatever, I mean- OW!" Rosa yelped as her mother hit her upside the head with a news paper.
"Stop being such a bad example Rosalina, unlike you she might actually WANT to learn proper etiquette." Rosa's mother mumbled getting a whine from her daughter.
"Well excuse me Miss. Fancy Pants, I mean mother she's a teenager shouldn't she get a break every now and then… what harm could it do?" Rosa asked with a smirk.
"You know it's against the rules Rosa, look what happened to you" her mother stated getting a raised brow and a glare form her daughter.
"And what the heck does that mean?" Rosa asked a bit ticked from her mother's analysis,"
"Nevermind dear… you're who you are and you know I accept that, but look at the rest of the clan honey… they aren't exactly pleased with you-"
"Oh fuck the clan mother" Rosa stated severely interrupting her mother.
"ROSALINA!"
"No you listen to me mother, it shouldn't always be about trying to impress everyone, it should be about who YOU are not what they want you to be-" and with that Rosa stood up harshly from the table and grabbing her bag.
"This is ridiculous" Rosa mumbled storming up the stairs and slamming a distant door, much like her brother had done before.
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Rosa glared at the ceiling as she laid in the dark, listening to the voices below her as they calmed down.
'My own mother… how much corruption is there in this damn society anyways?' Rosa thought as she threw began to trace all the little cracks and dents which appeared on her ceiling, then a soft knocking could be heard as the door cracked a ajar.
Rosa looked up to see Sachi's head peering into her room.
"What is it come in?" Rosa stated letting the girl slip into her room and flip on the lights, temporarily blinding the honey haired kitsune.
"Aunt Rose… I was wondering well…" Sachi looked at the floor as she twisted her fingers into a bunch much like her mother's nervous habit.
"Come sit with me" Rosa stated making room on the bed for the younger kitsune, she nodded and sat upon the mattress, still not taking her eyes off the wood floor.
"I was wondering… well, do you think I'm ready to become the leader of the clan… I mean I know that I have had the right training and that I have been trained since birth to take this role… but do you think even with all of that, that I will be truly ready?" Sachi asked now looking at her Aunt in the eyes awaiting an answer.
"The really question do YOU think you are ready, personally I think you could take care of this clan - no problem – but It DOES take true dedication and confidence to do it " Sachi nodded taking her long braid into her fingers and twisting it in thought.
"Well… it's just that… I was thinking about what you said earlier about being who you want to be… and about this whole thing with your sisters trying to beat me to become leader – its just that well – you weren't trained to be perfect and you came out alright right?" Sachi asked looking up at her Aunt with pleading eyes waiting for answers to her questions.
Rosa laughed lightly.
"You've been listening into your grandmothers conversations – my you are a smart one… and just because I didn't take the same path as you doesn't make your path any less important, I think if this is what you want then its what you should do… besides, they did try to teach me to be perfect- I just flunked out" Rosa declared laughing lightly at the end when a smile crept upon her niece's face.
"Yes, I suppose you are right… I Do want this, I have been working my whole life to become the leader of this pack- I just hope I can do it," she mumbled getting a smile Rosa.
"You're going to be great," Sachi smiled but then found herself looking down once again.
"Do you think that… that my father is angry at me?" Sachi asked, only getting a shake of a head from her aunt.
"Your father is just… a complicated person is all- he loves you and I assure he is NOT angry at you," Rosa stated taking her niece into a hug.
"Maybe you should go and talk to him… I'm sure he's been missing you since he- well anyways… trust me its not you – its well-" Rosa let go of Sachi's shoulders and sighed.
"It's because he's worried about you is all, our sisters… aren't exactly the easiest people to defeat… but don't worry, that's why we're here to help you out" Rosa said smiling as Sachi stood and made her way to the door.
"Thanks Aunt Rose… I'll… go talk to him" and with that she opened the door and left.
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Rosa sighed as she flopped back onto the bed staring once again at the ceiling in boredom.
'I am NOT going down there, not after what she said NO NO NO NO NO!!!!' Rosa felt herself turn back into Ross as her mind kept wrestling with itself.
'Get a hold of yourself Ross… just go to bed… nothing you can do about their stupidity tonight… besides she really didn't mean that right?' Ross sighed as she turned onto her side, but saw a stream of light filter into the room as the door closed once again.
Ross turned slightly, expecting to see Sachi, but was surprised to be met with a crimson gaze instead.
"Don't tell me you sneaked out of your room again to come and annoy me" Ross grumbled as she turned around back onto her side and groaned lightly in annoyance, only to feel Hiei steal her covers and push her further onto her side of the bed.
"Oh and what makes you think you're sleeping here, HN my parents would have a fit you know that" Ross mumbled only to get an HN in return.
"What makes you think I care" Hiei stated pulling his shirt off and pulling Ross closer to him.
"I'm still mad at you" Ross declared only to get pulled closer by her fire demon.
"Go to sleep Onna, you know I'm not going anywhere" Hiei said as he tried to stop himself from yawning, Ross rolled her eyes, obviously annoyed by his stubbornness.
"Fine… but stay on your side of then bed got it" Ross mumbled before yawning, Hiei smirked and dug his head into her hair.
"Hmm…" is all he could muster as he felt his demon instincts taking over.
"Hiei… will you… will you stop trying to persuade me to forgive you" Ross mumbled as she felt Hiei's grip tighten.
"Hn nope" Hiei mumbled as he pulled her even closer kissing her lightly on the ridge of her ear, Ross growled as she turned around now facing the fire demon which held her tightly.
"Fine… I suppose I can look past it… as usual" she mumbled, Hiei smiled lopsidedly as he kissed her lightly only to be pulled deeper into the kiss by the demon which he held.
Ross closed her eyes as she snuggled into Hiei's chest.
"Hmm… Goodnight He" is all she could muster before she drifted off to sleep.
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Sweetsugarygoodness- yes well I try to make my reviewers laugh what can I say!! and you DID review this chappie twice!! LOL but its alright more glory for me hehe!
Tigerhw114- hehe its alright I know how it is to be behind :: hands candy cane:: MERRY CHRISTMAS . sorry if you don't celebrate… heh sooo umm MERRY… HOLIDAYS..?? o.O
Rose of Ebony- Hmm I haven't decided how many more sequels I'll have… if any more probably one or two… you know my dog's name is Ebony…. Heh that was sooo random
Chichiro Ketsueki- hehe thank you for letting me borrow him
Inu.-sess.fan- lol you and that tail of yours :: catches tail for you:: there ya go!!
Maize May Carina- wow O.O so much violence against poor Tye… and well IDK I think Kuwabaka takes the trophie for always being the last to know LOL Yusuke comes in second
Caecandy- aww I sorry :: hands you glucose:: (( that's the techie word for sugar)) hehe GET HYPER ITS CHRISMAS… . Opss.. hope you celebrate good saint nick's holiday hehe
HieiFan666- O.O what did that poor boy ever do to you :: backs away:: and yes I must agree with you Tye is not my favorite person :: steals scepter and raises it into the air:: ALL HAIL BLUE!!!
Nessa- thank you I am glad you enjoy them
Kat1132- thank you, and I'm glad you are all better… wow… its been a while if I last updated right after Thanksgiving… hehe Opps… well anyways I agree ANTI-JELLO!!
Animefreak54- yah I just saw my niece yesterday actually she IS the cutest thing ever… what ca I say I must have rubbed off on her… MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Yokina Hito- wow I'm
really sorry :: kicks lecher's ass:: there feel better :: hands you some candy:: here get your strength up… hehe candy is ALWAYS the best cure MUAHAHAHAHA!
Sapphire66- I sorry… I didn't mean to take so long NO MORE RANTING!!! ""bows down"" I sorry!!!
Arano Honou- Wow: big eyes:: you are insane!!! But I think I had claims to insanity first… but still YOU'RE NUTS MUAHAHAHAHA finally someone else like me!!! Hehe anyways YES I DO hate turkey, I even had turkey for Christmas… ew anyways… :: holds up about poster with Tye's face with a line through it:: DOWN WITH TYE O.o wait aren't I the authoress'?? Oppss… hehe oh well!
Psycho Dragon Lover- O.o… wow that is QUITE confusing… err :: hands brownies:: I think you need these more than I do .