Hey guys I know some of you are probably mad as hell that it took me this long to update, so I'd like to apologize to you all and I hope you can be patient with me. To be honest I don't really have an excuse other than laziness and a small case of writers' block, so I can't blame you for being pissed.
Anyways last month on February 1st marked a year since I published this fic on fanfiction. I'm proud of the story's success and I like to thank all of you for your continuous support. Seriously guys, without all of the kind words and votes of confidence I don't think would of gotten this far. Anyways it's all thanks to you!
I'm sure you already know this chapter's going to be long as hell… Just like all the previous ones. So I guess I shouldn't waste any more of your time. Onto the fic!
R&R my friends and haters!
Chapter 7: Stiff Competition
"Come on please let me go! I promise I'll be good!" Kokoa pleaded while holding onto Shizuka Nekonome's ankle. Her tight grip was starting to cut off the blood circulation in the woman's foot, but the vampire didn't care. At this point she was becoming desperate, so she was even willing to beg which was definitely out of character for her.
However this trip was special, it was a hunting expedition to train students how to fend for themselves. The assigned prey was the Dorian monsters. Dorian's are small fruit like monsters that tastes delicious when cooked properly. There was no way in hell she was going to be denied a chance to hunt and eat a Dorian fruit monster.
"I'm sorry Kokoa but first years aren't allowed on this trip, besides this particular field trip is only for my homeroom students," she explained.
Whining and thrashing on the floor like a child, she tightened the hold she had on her sensei. "But that's not fair, this trip sounds fun and I don't want to be left out!"
Sighing, the cat woman knelt down and picked the young girl up off the ground. Dusting off her skirt and blouse she began to speak. "Kokoa I don't want you to think you're being left out because you can't go this year. I know you probably want to go so you can spend some quality time with your big sister, but there is always next year! And hey you and Moka could even work together!" She finished while patting her head in comfort.
"Alright now Kokoa, I want you to head back to your homeroom and enjoy the rest of the day!"
Deflated and irritated, the vampire responded immaturely, "Fine then! I don't want to go on your dumbass trip anyways!" She yelled before storming out of the room. Slamming the door behind her she noticed the hallway full of students who were all looking at her. At the end of the hallway, she saw her pink haired sister chatting with her loser friends.
There she is again, she thought with frustration, hanging out with that stupid Tsukune, that slutty succubus, the frozen weirdo, and that bratty witch. Looking further down she noticed the two new exchange students standing only a few feet away from them. They seemed liked they were having their own interesting conversation.
Grunting she began to pace down the hallway, when she passed her sisters group Moka tried to get her attention. "Hey Kokoa!" she shouted over the loud voices in the hallway. When the girl didn't stop she yelled her name again. "Kokoa!"
Annoyed the red head stopped in her tracks and turned around. With a menacing glare she said, "LEAVE ME ALONE." With that she turned around and continued to make her way down the hallway.
Moka frowned at her little sister's response, but didn't let it bother her too much. I'll just give her some space and when she's ready we'll talk.
One way or another I'm going on that trip! And no one's getting in my way!
Watching her retreating back Kurumu sneered, "What's her problem? Is she ever in a good mood?"
"Doesn't seem like it," Yukari responded dryly.
"Well let's forget about Kokoa for now," Tsukune said. "Instead we should be focusing on this training field trip."
"Yahoo!" Kurumu happily cheered. "So Moka…" she started with a mischievous grin. "Is our bet still on? Remember if I catch a Dorian first than me and Tsukune get to eat it alone together in private."
Moka smiled, "If that's what you want Kurumu, but I would prefer it if we work together."
"Screw that noise! This is a contest and I'm in it to win," Kurumu retorted confidently. There was nothing that was going to keep her from proving that she was superior to Moka at something.
"Hey chill out Kurumu…" Mizore chimed in. "You're forgetting Yukari and I. We want in on this as well."
Yukari nodded, "Yeah that's right!"
The succubus chuckled, "Fine then…The more the merrier!" she exclaimed. "In the end it doesn't matter the end result will be the same."
Mizore snorted, "True, it doesn't matter at all because I will be victorious."
Before the succubus could give her rival comeback she was interrupted by someone.
"What's this I hear I about a contest?"
Turning around they saw an excited looking Naruto, who looked even more anxious than usual.
"There's a competition!?" he asked. "What's it about? I want to get in on this!"
You really couldn't blame him for being excited; it had been a while since he had seen any action. It had been a whole month since he had trained, been on a mission or even meditate. He and Gaara had been so preoccupied with school and searching for a way back home that they haven't had much time for anything lately.
Smirking and shaking her head, Kurumu replied, "Sorry Blondie, but you can't be a part of this bet."
"Why the hell not?" He questioned. "Is it because you still think I'm a perv?"
"No, but thanks for reminding me," She said before taking a few steps back. "The reason you can't join us is simple. This competition is strictly for us girls who are competing for a date with Tsukune. Unless you're interested in another male, you taking part in this would be pointless."
"Is that all?" he asked with a laugh. "I don't care about the prize; I just want to be challenged. But…" He started while placing his hand on Tsukune's shoulder. "But if Tsukune wants to buy me some ramen than I won't complain."
"Uhh…Naruto…" Tsukune sweat dropped as he started to feel uncomfortable.
"Forget it perv! No boys!" she screamed.
Contributing her take on the subject, Yukari said, "I don't mind. If anything it will make things more interesting."
"Exactly!" Naruto grinned while wrapping an arm around Yukari's neck playfully, "See Yukari's cool…unlike a certain someone!"
Yukari giggled while welcoming the embrace, "Thanks Naruto."
Huffing, the succubus turned away from then. "Asshole," she murmured.
"I agree with Yukari," Moka commented with her usual charm. "Mizore?"
"Don't care."
"Wow I didn't see that one coming," Naruto responded sarcastically.
Why does everything have to be a competition? Tsukune pondered. All he wanted to do was have a nice outing with his friends without any problems for once, but he can already tell that wasn't going to happen.
"What about you?" Mizore asked, which surprised the rest of the group since she didn't really show an interest in other people besides Tsukune. "Gaara?"
Standing a few feet away from the others was the red head. Quietly he had leaned against the wall with his gourd. Quietly he listened to the others make a spectacle in front of all the other students. Looking up to address the snow woman, the red head opened his eyes.
Usually something like this wouldn't intrigue him, but like Naruto it had been a while since he had been in battle. The last thing that he wanted was to become rusty. "I'm not interested in a date with Tsukune…But this training exercise might prove to be useful in the future."
Naruto smirked, "Oh now things are really getting interesting!" With Gaara involved, I know I'll have a challenge.
"Great. Everyone's in on the game, yippee…" Kurumu remarked with a hint of sarcasm. Exhaling she rubbed her forehead. I think I feel a headache coming on. "With that in mind I think we should change the rules a bit."
"What do you have in mind?" Mizore asked curiously.
"Instead of who catches the first dorian wins…How about who catches the most dorians?" She inquired with a smile.
Naruto's eyes suddenly came alive at the proposal, "Hell yeah that's even better!"
Walking out of her classroom and locking the door behind her, Ms. Nekonome was all set to go. "Okay kids are you guys excited!?" She asked enthusiastically. Of course she got a very loud response from her students which was expected. How could a monster not be excited about hunting? It was in their nature.
"Alright then, let's go!" She said before pushing through the back doors. In a single file line her students followed her toward entrance gate.
Walking next to Gaara, Naruto started a conversation with his friend, "So…Are you happy they gave you your gourd back?"
The Kazekage nodded, "Of course." Out of the corner of his eye he could see the frown on the blonde's face. "Are you still upset that they returned your weapons pouch empty?"
"You bet your ass I'm upset," he roared. "Why the hell do you get your gourd back? While they confiscate my ninja tools," he whispered the last few words cautiously.
"Isn't it obvious?" Gaara asked without emotion.
"No."
The red wanted to sigh, but decided not to. "They let me keep my gourd because they don't think there's anything dangerous about it, but your shuriken and kunai are a different story."
Naruto understood but he was still annoyed, "Whatever…"
Arrival at the Forest
When they got to the middle of the yokai forest, Ms. Nekonome decided to set up camp. Getting her students attention the cat woman clapped her hands together. "Okay! Time to get started!" Reaching into her bag she pulled out a book. On the cover of the book was the word Yokai. Flipping through the pages she stopped when she found what she was looking for.
"For those of you who don't know… This is what a dorian fruit monster looks like!" she said with her finger pointing at the image. The picture was of a round spikey shaped creature with tongues sticking out from every angle. At the very sight of the hideous creature Naruto's stomach had begun to become queasy.
"What the fuck is that!?"
His sudden outburst caused the rest of the class to turn and stare. Embarrassed, he quickly covered his mouth. Damn it! I'm such an idiot! He cursed himself for reacting so immaturely, but he couldn't help it, that thing was fucking ugly.
Irritated by the interruption, Ms. Nekonome spoke up. "Naruto can you please keep quiet, I would like to finish giving out the instructions. And watch your language." Her stern voice practically made the blonde yelp.
"Sorry sensei, it won't happen again." Nodding she resumed reading the instructions and the students turned back around to give her their full and undivided attention.
"Nice one perv," Kurumu murmured while nudging the boy in the ribs. "Are you trying to make us stand out!?"
Hearing the succubus's crude comments, he went on the defensive, "Oh I'm sorry… I just thought that was the way a guy was supposed to react when he saw the most disgusting thing he had ever laid eyes on!"
"That's just an excuse; you don't have any restraint do you blondie?"
"Says the girl who dry humps Tsukune every five seconds! And I'm supposed to be the perv?" The blonde finished with a snort.
Having enough of their bickering, Yukari kicked them both in their shins causing them both to hobble and groan. "Would you guys stop I'm trying to listen!" Grunting the two apologized and returning their focus to their sensei, but not before exchanging glares.
Once they had finally shut up, the witch resumed listening as she gazed at the picture. The little witch's mouth began to water as she stared at the picture of her prey.
She wasn't alone either, Moka, Mizore, and Kurumu were all salivating at the mouth.
The blonde just couldn't get what looked so appealing about that thing. It was a round prickly ball with a disgusting tongue. He'd rather eat the elder toads cooking again than put any part of that thing in his mouth. Shaking his head he shifted his attention to Gaara.
"Just what the hell is wrong with them?"
"I haven't a clue," Gaara replied. "But I'd rather die a horrible death than eat that thing."
Naruto chuckled, "I couldn't agree more! And I don't think we're the only ones." Simultaneously both jinchuriki's eyes wondered over toward Tsukune. The hybrid was hunched over, desperately trying to prevent himself from regurgitating his breakfast. Damn his stomach's even weaker than mine.
Concerned, Gaara placed his hand on his back. "Are you alright Tsukune?"
Finally getting a hold of his self, he stood up straight and cleared his throat. "Yeah I'm fine, I just wasn't expecting that thing to be so…"
"Ugly?" Naruto inquired with a smirk.
"Yeah…"
Regardless of how the males felt about the assignment, it was too late to turn back. If they had known they would be hunting such an atrocity they would have stayed at the academy. Now that they were there the only thing they could do was suck it up and try and get it over with so they could get back to school.
To humans like them, the creature looked ugly but not to a Yokai.
Being able to hunt was crucial thing for a monster. Hunting taught independence and among other things it taught you how to defend yourself. You never know what kind of wild life you can encounter while out in the wilderness.
After finishing reading the last line on her rule book, Ms. Nekonome closed it and let out an exasperated sigh. "Ok class I think I covered just about everything! With that being said get into groups of four…"
"Groups of four?" Moka repeated with a frown. "There are seven of us. What are we going to do?" She was hoping that the seven of them could work together.
"I guess we have no choice but to split up." Kurumu inferred while crossing her arms beneath her breasts.
Concurring Mizore nodded her head, "The only thing left now is to decide what the groups or going to be. Since there's seven of us, one of the groups will be short one member." Now that was the dilemma. How were they going to pair the groups? They would have to choose wisely because they were many different personalities among them.
"I have an idea!" Yukari announced randomly. "The first group could be, Tsukune, Moka and me!"
"Hell no!" Kurumu smacked the witch upside the head.
"This is taking forever," Deciding to make things simple Naruto stepped forward. The way things were going, they were going to be there all day if he didn't say anything. "Gaara and I make two… We need one person to join us. Who's it going to be?"
Immediately Tsukune stepped forward, "I'll go with you guys." He started to walk towards them when he felt several hands holding him back. He turned to see Kurumu, Mizore, Yukari and even Moka.
"No you don't!" Kurumu shouted.
"Why?" he asked confusedly. His body tensed up when he felt their hold on him become tighter.
"Because every time we want to be with you, you end up ditching us to hang out with them!" she yelled while pointing an accusing finger at the cousins.
"No I don't…" He denied.
The succubus's eyes narrowed, "Oh yeah? Then how about yesterday when we were all supposed to have a study group, where were you?"
Oh how we wished he was somewhere else so he wouldn't have to deal with this. "I was playing basketball in the gym with Naruto…"
"Exactly!" she exclaimed.
This time Mizore spoke up, "And how about last Friday when we all went to the football game. During half time where were you?"
Tsukune sighed. There was no way in hell he was going to win this argument. "With Naruto watching the cheerleaders…"
Kurumu smirked, "I could give you more examples if you don't think this is enough…"
Immediately the hybrid shook his head, "No I get what you're saying! You don't have to say anymore." Damn he didn't know that they were keeping tabs on him like that. He knew first hand from spending time with his cousin that women were crazy, but this was just too much. When the girls finally let go of him he sighed, "Well one of us have to go. Who's it going to be?"
The girls exchanged glances to see if anyone of them were willing to go. It was a tough choice considering the fact that all the girls wanted to be with Tsukune.
Though this was the perfect opportunity for them to learn some new things about their new friends, the girls thought it was more important to focus on the competition. There would be plenty of chances to gather Intel, but a date with their precious Tsukune was much more important.
Even Moka wouldn't budge and she was one of the only ones who were actually reasonable. Usually she didn't like to partake in contest such as this, but she was willing to make an exception. This time she wasn't going to be the nice girl who played peacemaker while the others took the offensive.
Kurumu was the most focused of all. Her eyes were filled with intensity and her heart was beating at alarming speed. The blood that was flowing through her body was practically surging. She couldn't contain her excitement if she tried.
It's been a long time coming; she was finally going to have her date with Tsukune. All she had to do was catch the delicious mouthwatering dorian. If she really thought about it she was pretty lucky, she was going to have private time with her love and she would get to devour a tasty fruit monster.
Following Naruto and Gaara around would have to wait. When she and the blonde made eye contact her face turned into a glare. Stupid perv!
Unlike Moka and Kurumu, Yukari was a little bit nervous. She had never hunted anything before and she didn't want to look like a child in front of her crush. Catching the Dorian sounded fun, but she knew it had to be difficult. However she wasn't the smartest student for nothing, she had tackled many difficult tasks and this would be the same.
However there was something that had been bothering her since they arrived. The Dorian monster…She was sure she had heard about the creature somewhere…But where? It was a long time ago she was having a hard time remembering what it was. Oh well, she shrugged. If she couldn't remember it couldn't have been that serious.
Out of all them Mizore had been the most quiet. There wasn't much for her to say or think about. She was going to catch and kill her prey and then she would get what she wanted. Just like Kurumu she was well aware of the current opportunity. If she went with them she might be able to learn their abilities among other things.
Gaara, ever since this morning she had one thing on her mind. What is he keeping inside that gourd? This is the first time that he had brought it to school in the two weeks that he had been attending Yokai. Whatever he was keeping in there was a mystery to her, but she was certain that it was the key to his powers.
Being near Tsukune was something she always looked forward to, but the snow woman was becoming hesitant. Staying near him was nice, but they were taking way too long to get started and she was becoming impatient. She was about to volunteer when her sensei arrived just in time to interrupt her. "I'll go-
Strolling up to their group was a joyful Shizuka Nekonome. "What's the hold up here?" She asked clamping her hands together.
"Oh Nekonome sensei," Moka said. She should have expected her to come when everyone else had already started left to get started. "We were just trying to figure out how to split up are group. There are seven of us so one of the groups will have to be short one member."
"Oh is that all?" she asked nonchalantly. She had only been there ten seconds and she had already found the solution. "That's simple, just pair the boys ups!" she said with a care free wave. "Problem solved!"
Disagreeing with her sensei, Kurumu spoke up. "No sensei you don't understand. We don't want Tsukune to go with them."
"Why not?"
"He can't because he has been ditching us for the past two weeks to hang out with these guys!" She practically shouted but quickly covered her mouth once she realized she raised her voice.
"Really?"
Concurring, Yukari nodded with a frown, "Yes sensei we hardly ever see Tsukune anymore, he's always with Naruto and Gaara…"
Yukari's frown must have been contagious because the older woman was also wearing an upside down smile. "Is this true Tsukune?" she asked.
Exhaling in defeat the hybrid nodded. "Yes I'm sorry." If he really thought about it, he had been neglecting his friends. Not having male friends for a while had really had its affect. He was so caught up with having fun with Naruto and Gaara that he didn't realize he was forgetting the people that mattered most.
Shizuka smiled, "it's okay, but you have to be more sensitive to a woman's feelings Tsukune and in your case it's not easy. You have four girls to deal with…five if you add Ruby. You're going to have to figure out a way to be attentive to all your friends."
Nervously the brunette smiled, "Yes sensei."
"Good," she said before turning to face her two new students. "So the cousins are sticking together? I like that… It's been a while since I've had two relatives in the same class let alone the same group during an assignment."
Smiling she turned back around. "Alright! I've decided!" she announced with excitement. With her mind made up she began to pace towards the four girls. Each of their hearts were pounding rapidly against their chest. The decision wasn't one of great importance, but not knowing made them nervous.
When she reached the girls she stopped. Smiling she walked back in forth like a drill sergeant. After a few seconds she stopped.
"I choose you…" She said with a devilish smirk.
"Kurumu!"
The random declaration had the succubus's jaw on the ground. "What!" She screamed. She couldn't believe it… She was the one who was chosen. She was almost positive that Moka would be the selection. Stomping on the ground, the busty girl demanded an explanation, "Why me!?"
Smiling, Shizuka lifted her glasses up so they would sit more comfortably on her nose. "I picked you because you have the lowest grades and you've been tardy on several different occasions."
"But that's not fair!"
"Sorry Kurumu…Maybe next time you'll take your studies more seriously."
Too stubborn to give up, Kurumu pointed a finger at the snow woman, "What about Mizore? Her attendance record is even worse than mine!" She knew that for a fact. Mizore always ditches to stalk Tsukune.
Folding her arms beneath her breast Shizuka hummed while shaking a finger causing the young girl to halt, "That may be so…But Mizore's current grade is still higher than yours."
Realizing that arguing was futile, the busty girl grunted. "Fine…" She muttered. Might as well make the best of it she thought. Before she could walk over to her group Mizore took hold of her.
"What is it now?" Kurumu asked irritated.
"Don't be discouraged, this is the perfect opportunity," The snow woman whispered.
Kurumu rolled her eyes, "I know that! But that doesn't mean I want to be alone with those two! What if they try and take advantage of me?"
Mizore stared at her incredulously, "Are you serious? Are you that full of yourself?"
"What? You've seen blondie…He's a perv!"
Annoyed with the topic, Mizore rubbed her forehead, "You're never going to let that go are you? Anyways…All I'm saying is… you should take advantage of this instead of sulking like a child."
Getting advice from Mizore is one of the last things she wanted. Hearing enough, the succubus decided it was time to part ways. "Well I would love to hear more of your lecture Mizore, but I have a competition to win," she walked away and headed towards her newly assigned comrades.
When she reached her teammates she stopped right in front of them. Looking directly into the blonde's eyes she poked him in the chest. "Keep your eyes and hands to yourself!" As soon as she said that she swiftly walked past the jinchuriki duo. When she noticed that they weren't following her she felt a vain pop in her forehead. Idiots! She screamed inwardly. Abruptly she turned around and with her hands on her hips.
"ARE YOU TWO JACKASSES COMING OR NOT!?"
Naruto and Gaara exchanged quizzical expressions before shrugging and following the irritated girl. It was best not to upset her any further.
As they walked behind her Gaara decided to break the silence. "She's quiet the feisty one isn't she?"
Naruto snorted, "That's putting it mildly."
"Now I understand why you like her so much…"
Annoyed, Naruto rolled his eyes at Gaara's statement. Ever since the first day of school the busty succubus had become a constant topic for conversation. Personally Naruto would rather not talk about the loud girl, but since Gaara was so persistent the topic would keep reoccurring. For some reason his 'cousin' was under the impression that he was interested in her.
"Gaara…How many times do I have to tell you? I don't like her, why the hell would I anyways?"
Not even needing to think the Kazekage softly replied, "Because she's just like you."
"What the hell!? That's the worst insult ever! We are nothing alike." He ranted while scratching his blonde locks. The heat was really beginning to affect his scalp. "She's loud, obnoxious, rude, and annoying!"
Gaara couldn't keep the small grin from forming on his stoic face, "And those characteristics don't sound familiar to you?"
"What? Are you trying to say that I just described myself?" he asked slightly offended.
When he didn't get a reply, a vein in his head pulsed revealing his irritation. "I really don't get why you keep bringing this up?" He sighed.
"It's nothing to think about. You're my closest friend so I want you to be happy."
Naruto scoffed, "Well I appreciate it, but I don't really think we're compatible. You might see some similarities, but trust me we're worlds apart, both literally and figuratively." The fact that he used four complicated words in one statement gave him a sense of pride. Nekonome sensei's teachings are really coming in handy.
Gaara nodded, "Yes, there are some differences and similarities between the two of you and who knows? I might be wrong." He stated calmly as he stepped over a dead rodent. "It's just a suggestion…But don't let your stubbornness get the best of you. If you're attracted to her talk to her and if not you can just ignore her."
Not wanting to talk about this anymore Naruto grunted and picked up his pace. There's no way in hell I would be attracted to girl like that, he thought to himself. She's loud, annoying, she talks a lot, and she's cocky. Why would he like a girl like that? He wanted someone who was loving and caring, just like his mother...Not someone who was selfish and annoying.
However, as he thought these things his eyes started to travel from her back, all the way down to her firm round ass. His eyes bounced in rhythm with every swing of her hips as she walked. Once he realized that he was checking her out he shook his head vigorously and grunted before he focused his attention elsewhere. What the fuck! Why do my eyes keep following her?
Catching up to him Gaara walked alongside his irritated 'cousin.' With a little bit of amusement in his deep voice, he asked, "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah everything's great!" he shouted sarcastically. Wanting to change the subject as quickly as possible, he changed his tone. "So...Do you know an easier way to locate those tongue monster things?"
"Do you mean dorian?"
"Yeah whatever dorian's…How are we going to find them?" Surprisingly enough Gaara's facial expression changed from stoic to thoughtful. Does he really have an idea?
"Well actually there's a number of ways to find them…But I'm not going to tell you…" The red head spoke without emotion.
"W-What? Why the hell not?" the blonde shouted.
After hearing the question the red head stopped. Slowly he turned his head so that Naruto would be visible through the corner of his left eye. "Remember Naruto…This is a competition. We may be on the same team, but that doesn't mean I'm going to assist you."
"That's music to my ears!" Naruto smirked remembering the original arrangement. "I wouldn't want it any other way!"
"I'm glad you feel the same," Seeing that the blonde was pumped up and ready to go, Gaara decided it was time for the hunt to commence.
Suddenly the cork on his gourd popped off like the ones you would fine on Shan pane bottles. Instantly, large debris of sand surrounded the Kazekage in the form of a cloud. Once the cloud had formed, he held out his hand.
What the hell is he up to? Naruto wondered as he quietly watched the spectacle. What kind of jutsu is this?
Slowly small minerals rained down from the sand cloud on to his palm. When the particles were settled in his hand he knelt down on one knee. Placing the palm of his hand onto the earth's surface he began to funnel his chakra into the ground. The minerals traveled through the ground in all directions in search of something.
Is he tracking the monster?
Once he was done he got up and dusted off his school pants. Turning back around to Naruto he addressed him. "Naruto…I'm going to be parting ways with you and the succubus."
"W-What?" The blonde said stumbling over his words. "You can't do that we're supposed to stick together remember?"
Knowing he would say that, Gaara decided to explain. "If the three of us stay together we probably won't be able to hunt by ourselves and no one will be victorious."
Though that was true, Naruto still disagreed, "Yeah… but you can't leave me alone with her!" He shouted pointing to the girl who was walking ahead only a few meters ahead.
Gaara sighed; he really didn't feel like doing this at the moment. "I'll be going now," he murmured as he turned around and walked away. There was no time to waste standing around, the sooner he finished the better, but before he got far he stopped. "One more thing," he whispered.
Naruto's brow quirked, "Huh?"
With a serious expression he turned around, "Don't underestimate the Dorians."
"What do you mean? He asked. "It's just a prickly ball with mouths what's there to fear!?" He chuckled. Seriously he couldn't believe his friend a 'Kage' was worried about something so trivial.
"Don't let their appearance fool you…They're more dangerous than they seem at first glance."
Still dumbfounded by his friends concern, the blonde continued to laugh to himself. "Gaara you're joking right? You aren't seriously scared of that ugly thing are you?"
Rolling his eyes the red headed male continued his explanation. "Of course not…If you were by yourself I wouldn't have even bothered telling you this, but since she's with you-
"Hey assholes could you walk any slower!?" Kurumu screamed causing the boys to turn and look at her. She had finally reached a clearing and she was tired of waiting for them.
The girl glared with her hands on her hips. "Well?" she stared at them expectantly. She had every reason to be mad instead of being with her beloved Tsukune she was stuck with these guys. Unbeknownst to her, a small round creature was slowly creeping towards her as she waited for them.
Ignoring the interruption he went on, "Since she's with you I thought it would be best to take caution."
Finally Naruto's laughter came to an end, "What?"
"For you and I killing something like a dorian would be child's play, but I don't know how strong the others are so I'd rather be safe than sorry."
"Gaara?"
"Yes?"
"How the hell do you know so much about dorians?" Naruto asked curiously. He couldn't understand how Gaara new all that. They hadn't even been in this dimension for a full month and he was talking like freaking expert!
Without answering a small grin graced the red head's lip. Tardily his body began to dissolve into grains of sand. The sand continued to blow as his face and body began to disappear into the wind.
Realizing what he was doing, Naruto started to run towards him, but it was too late. When he reached out to grab him he was already gone.
"Damn it Gaara!" Naruto stomped his foot in the ground. "You could've at least answered my question you asshole!"
Now that Gaara was gone it was just him and Kurumu. That was just great. While Gaara got to hunt the dorians on his own, he was stuck with the most annoying chick on the planet or at least in this dimension. That jerk…Why couldn't he stay with her and let me go? Grumbling to himself, Naruto kicked a rock to vent his frustration. Well there's nothing I could do now, but make the best out of this.
One thing that was bugging him was Gaara's parting words. Don't let their appearance fool you… They're more dangerous than they seem at first glance. What did he mean by that? Do the dorians have some kind of secret unknown ability? Pulling him out of his thoughts was the sound of a girl screaming.
"Ahhhhhhhh!"
"What the hell was that?" Turning around Naruto looked around the area to see where the sound had come from. Instantly his eyes landed on Kurumu struggling to break free from something. He couldn't tell what it was but it looked like slimy water hose. Not wasting any more time, he sprinted to her.
When he got within arm's reach, what he saw was a little disturbing. There was a spikey ball with it's tongues wrapped around her body. They were all over her, from her breast all the way down to her legs. It must be a perverted monster, because it's tentacle things were finding their underneath her sweater vest and skirt.
"What the hell!" He shouted.
"N-Naruto you h-have to help me," she said with a stutter. "This t-thing won't l-let me go."
"Wow I didn't know you knew my name," Naruto replied sarcastically.
Kurumu growled, "This is serious!"
With a look amusement Naruto smirked while crossing his arms and looking away, "Why should I? I mean… I' am a perv after all so you wouldn't need help from the likes of me."
Kurumu glared at him while panting, "Are you serious? You're going to pull this shit now!?"
Naruto sighed before rolling his eyes. "Calm down I'll help you," He said before digging into his pocket to fish something out. Pulling out a rather large knife, he began to toss it up in the air playfully. "Even though you don't deserve my help."
Kurumu cringed as he approached her. She didn't like the look of that blade, "Y-You do know what you're doing with that thing right?"
Naruto chuckled, "Of course I do, I'm actually used to handling a different weapon but since I don't have it, this will have to do." Obviously he was referring to his kunai. Ever since the school confiscated his weapon's pouch, he had been carrying around a large knife that he had stolen from the cafeteria. It wasn't much, but he needed something so he could refrain from using any jutsu.
Carefully he began to cut the dorians first tentacle. He didn't want to accidently cut Kurumu by mistake so he went at a nice pace. As he sliced through the monster's tongue he noticed that the dorian started to fidget around. He must be in pain, he figured as he continued to cut. After only a few seconds he had completely cut off the tentacle, causing it to lifelessly fall to the ground.
"That's one down!" Naruto cheered.
When Kurumu saw the tongue fall to the ground she let out a breath of relief. Though it was true that she wanted to eat a dorian, that didn't mean she wanted to be sexually assaulted by one.
As Naruto started to cut the second tentacle, she quietly watched him. She hated to admit it, but she was glad that he was around. If it wasn't for him, she'd be stuck with this thing clinging to her. Maybe she should be a little grateful. In a murmur she whispered, "Thank you…"
"What was that?" He asked while struggling to sever the second tongue.
With sincerity in her eyes, her violet orbs met his blue ones. "I said… Thank you."
Surprised by her words, he stopped for a second to listen to what she had to say.
Looking him in the eyes was beginning to make her uncomfortably so she looked in the opposite direction. "I-I know I'm not always nice to you, but I really am grateful that you're helping me." Now her cheeks were red from embarrassment.
Once she was finished, Naruto smiled. "You're such a pain," he sighed as he went to back to cutting. As the blonde finally sliced through the second tongue, he continued, "I didn't help you because you asked; I helped you because I see you as a friend. Even if you don't feel the same about me…"
Stumped by his response, she could do nothing but stare. How could he see her as a friend after how she's treated him? Since he arrived two weeks ago she had done nothing but insult him at every given chance. Calling him pervert, asshole, dumbass etc.
I guess I could be a little nicer to him.
While Naruto was cutting through the final tongue, he noticed the dorian was stirring even more violently than before. Damn that things acting crazy! I better hurry up before it decides to do something. But before he could finish the ground beneath them began to shake. As the earth shook, Naruto started to lose his footing.
"What's going on!?" Kurumu panicked.
"Something's coming…" Naruto replied as he continued to stumble.
Suddenly more tentacles sprung from the ground and wrapped around Kurumu in a tight grip. "I can't move," She tried to break free but the tentacles were too tight for her to do anything.
"Damn it! I have no choice," raising his hand he did an all too familiar hand sign. "Shadow clone jutsu!" Smoke immediately started to surround him.
"What did he just do?" Kurumu questioned as she continue to struggle to break free. She couldn't see him with all the smoke concealing his movements. What was worse was the fact that the dorians grip was getting tighter by the second. She felt suffocated since she had such large breasts.
Suddenly several loud roars came from within the cloud.
"Yeah! Time for some action!"
"Let's fuck shit up!"
"Yeah let's kick that thing's ass!"
What the hell going on? She clearly heard a number of voices but they all sounded like Naruto.
Five Naruto's suddenly emerged from the cloud of smoke. Each of them wore a confident smirk as they prepared to engage the dorian. Swiftly the original Naruto pumped some of his chakra into the blade before chucking it at the tongue that was restricting Kurumu's movements.
Following their leader the four other clones followed suit and launched their blades towards the tentacles that were wrapped around her wrists and ankles. When the tentacles were finally off, she fell to her knees and started to pant.
Though she was finally free, she was nowhere near safe.
"Kurumu!" Naruto screamed. She looked up to see Naruto attempting to grab her. Successfully he grabbed onto her sleeve, but as he did that the ground beneath them completely crumbled. Emerging from the ground were two sets of sharp teeth and they completely surrounded them. It just as I thought, it was a trap all along. Before the mouth could close them in, Naruto swiftly threw Kurumu out of the monsters hungry clutches.
She landed on the ground hard scraping her knee in the process. By now her sweater vest was covered in dirt and her skirt was slightly torn, but she was a big girl so it was nothing she couldn't handle. Picking herself up, she turned around and gasped at the sight before her eyes.
There it was…The dorian's monster's true form.
It was pretty big and it resembled a giant pitcher plant. The tentacles coming from it were even huger than the ones on the fruit. It's teeth were large and sharper than a katana. After she took in the monster's form, she thought back to what had happened only seconds ago. Naruto had grabbed her and threw her out of harm's way. She was safe, but what happened to him?
When the monster let out a large belch, Kurumu's eye's widened in horror. Shocked, her hand covered her mouth to prevent herself from screaming. "Oh no…" it was all her fault that he had gotten eaten. If she hadn't gotten caught in the first place this would never have happened. Now she had felt even worse for being such a bitch to him. Her eyes were starting to water and her body began to tremble. Not being able to hold back anymore she screamed, "Naruto!"
During her moment of shock, the monster began to approach her. Its long slimy tentacles sprung out to grab her but a blade cut through the appendage before it could reach her. Turning to the direction the projectile came from, she spotted the blonde that had her worried. "Naruto…" She smiled. Knowing that he was safe caused a huge wave of relief to wash over her.
"Don't celebrate yet… I'm not the original."
"W-What?"
"I'm just a copy," He said before pointing to the dorian. When she looked at the monster she saw one Naruto on top of the beast head stabbing it repeatedly. Then there was another that attacking it from the front, while a third Naruto was attacking from the side. "The boss is inside that thing."
That's right…He cloned himself.
"W-Well do you think he's still alive in there?" She asked hesitantly.
"Of course he is," The clone smirked as he watched his comrades continue to battle the large monster. "If he were dead we would have disappeared."
Well that had made her feel a little better, but how the hell was he going to get himself out? He was unarmed so the only thing he could use was his monster form. Well that's what she believed. Regardless of what was going on, she wasn't going to stand there like a frightened animal. With a determine look she stepped towards the beast. "I'm going in after him," she declared.
The clone took a hold of her wrist, "No, you have to stay here."
The succubus glared at the blonde's copy, "So I'm just supposed to sit here and wait for him to be digested? Screw that I'm going!" She tried to break free from his hold but he just wouldn't let her go.
"No, you can't go. The boss gave us strict orders to keep you safe. "She was about to argue again when he interrupted her, "Don't worry about him, he's way too strong to be killed by something so weak!"
Hearing the confidence in the clone's voice made her settle down a bit. Maybe he was right, after all she didn't know anything about Naruto's abilities other than the fact that he can clone himself and she only found that out a few seconds ago. Then she had to think back to the first time she saw him fight. When he went up against that guy at school he was in human form and only armed with a pencil and today he only had a knife.
When she really thought about it, Naruto was quiet the resourceful guy. But is he really capable of escaping the dorians stomach, she wondered as she watched the clones battle the beast. The dorian had received several wounds from the clones, but was still holding it's own against them.
As the battle continued on, the monster began to jerk around frantically. All of its moving made it difficult for the clone to focus on balancing while atop it's head. Instead of staying on for the ride, the clone jumped off and watched as the dorian fell to the floor and struggled to breathe. Obviously the beast was in serious pain, but why?
"What is it doing?" Kurumu asked.
The clone standing beside her smirked, knowing all too well what was about to happen. "Dying…" Right on cue, the monster's stomach began to bulge and glow. Something was about to come out or someone…
Bursting through it's abdomen was giant blue ball of energy. The monster's innards splattered on the ground as the ball emerged from within. It's groans of pain continued for several moments before silence enveloped the area.
The large ball of blue energy began to defuse and when it did it revealed a hand. Climbing out of the dead dorian was a blonde teen wearing a white dress shirt that was covered with blood and guts. His dress pants were in an even worse state. They were soaked with stomach acid along with a few other unknown fluids.
Naruto panted as he hunched over holding his knees. Well that was a disgusting experience. Being inside that thing sucked; he doubted he would be able to eat dinner. "Gross…" He murmured as he dusted off some of the monster's remains.
"Naruto!" He looked up to see Kurumu running towards him. She looked like she was actually happy to see him which was something that he wasn't used to.
"Are you alright?" She asked stopping in front of him. Looking him over she didn't see any bruises or wounds, the only thing wrong with him was his scent. He reeked, but she couldn't blame him since he had spent almost three minutes inside the dorian's stomach.
"Yeah…I'm fine…" He replied in between breaths. It wasn't the first time had been devoured by something. Once he caught his breath he looked up to see his four shadow clones walking his way.
"Thanks, for keeping her safe," He said with a grin. "I would have been out sooner but I temporarily lost consciousness while inside."
"No problem boss!"
They replied simultaneously which sort a freaked him out since he never seen them do that before. "W-Well good job you guys can go now," the clones nodded before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
When they were gone he decided to take a seat on the ground. He looked over his shoulder and saw the fruit that Dorian used to trap their prey. Grabbing the item he smirked, before looking up at Kurumu who was looking at him with a bewildered expression.
How the hell can he be so calm when he had just gotten devoured!? Yeah he survived and broke free, but he's acting like it never happened though it only took place moments ago. This guy… he's such a freakin weirdo!
"Well we caught the ugly fruit thing," he chuckled. "Here ya go!" He tossed her the repulsive fruit since he had no interest in the creature. Strangely he didn't get the reaction he was expecting. He thought she'd be hopping for joy at thought of catching it. Instead she kept staring at it with uncertainty. "What's wrong? Don't you want it?"
"Yeah…" she started as she held it in her hands. When she saw what remained of the monster's fruit tongues' it made her smile for some reason, "That's nice of you Naruto, but I can't take that you're the one who defeated it."
"What? Why not?" He asked raising a brow. "I can't take that thing! It makes me want to vomit when I look at it!"
"Yeah… but…" Even though he was reluctant she didn't want to win this way. "I can't. It's just I don't want to win my date with Tsukune by taking credit for something I didn't do."
Her reasoning was honorable. He didn't expect her to turn down her offer. He was guessing that she one of those superficial girls who do anything to get what they wanted, even cheat. Maybe she isn't so bad after all he grinned, "Alright Kurumu I understand. You're an honest person and there's nothing wrong with that."
The unsuspected compliment made the girl blush so she turned around so he couldn't see her face.
"So…" She wanted to bring this up but she didn't know how. Maybe it would be better if I just come out say what's on my mind. Relaxing she took a deep breath, "You have the ability to replicate yourself?"
Her sudden inquiry caught him off guard, but he replied hesitantly, "Yeah…" he said not wanting to go into detail. "I can clone myself."
"I see," Turning around to face him she saw the reluctance on his face. He was hiding something. "So then…What kind of yokai are you?" she asked.
"Why do you want to know?"
The blue haired girl smirked, "You said we're friends…And friends don't keep secrets from each other right Naruto?"
"W-Well…Yeah but this isn't a secret. Its private information that I'm not allowed to share."
Annoyed Kurumu's eyes narrowed, "Why not? You know my monster identity why can't you tell me yours…?"She growled.
Naruto could sense her irritation and he didn't want to start up an argument with her after they had their one and only pleasant conversation. The blonde sighed, "That's different…You didn't tell me your monster identity. You revealed it when you fought Kokoa."
"Why do you have to be so damn difficult!?" Kurumu grunted with a glare.
"Why do you have to be so damn nosey!?" he retorted with a glare of his own.
For a moment there's was nothing but silence. Both of them stared at each other not muttering a word. It was an uncomfortable situation to say the least. After a while their expressions began to soften, showing that they were a little more relaxed.
Kurumu rubbed her shoulder and sighed, "I'm sorry I raised my voice…"
"Me too…" He replied solemnly before standing up and stretching. He had to loosen up his joints, since he didn't have a chance to earlier. "Well we should be heading back now," he picked up the dorian fruit. Man this thing is hideous, he cringed.
"Why are you taking the dorian? I thought it grossed you out?" she asked.
He turned to her and grinned meekly, "Yeah but we still need to get a grade so I have to take it, besides didn't you want to eat this thing?"
She shyly tilted her head smiled, "Yeah that's true."
"Well then let's get going…" He said as he started walking in the direction they came.
Kurumu started to follow but remembered something and stopped. "Hold on we can't leave yet…"
"Why not?"
"Where's the red head? I haven't seen him in forever!" She looked in all directions trying to spot the boy but was having no luck.
Naruto chuckled, "Are you serious?"
"What?" She asked with her hands on her hips, "What the hell's so funny you asshole?"
"You just realized that he wasn't here!? What the hell is wrong with you succubus?" He laughed hysterically while pointing at her.
"Hey fuck you Blondie! Do you know what it's like to be attacked by a flesh eating monster? It's pretty traumatizing," She screamed. She paused when she saw him staring at her like she was a complete retard. That's right he had just been eaten. "W-Well what do you want me to say? Your cousin's so freakin quiet I don't even know when he's around sometimes!"
Well she does have a point there. "If you must know he took off to go hunt by his self," Naruto replied with some bitterness. He was still pretty pissed off that he ditched him. "Bastard," he murmured under his breath as he started to walk.
The succubus jogged to catch up with the irritated boy. "Well that's not nice," she commented as she walked alongside him.
"Yeah you're telling me…" He snorted.
"I mean…He could have at least said something to me before he left," she added.
"Well in his defense you were pretty pissed off at that moment," he countered.
"Whatever," she huffed. She acted like she was mad but after a few seconds she couldn't help but smile. She never expected someone could be so cheerful after that experience.
"You know…" He started with a grin. "You're a lot cuter when you smile…" Immediately her cheeks reddened and she punched him in the arm. "Oww…That hurt a little," he whined.
"Hmph…" She turned her head to the sky and walked ahead annoyed, "Serves you right jerk…" Who does he think he is? Saying stuff like that and making me feel all weird…
Rubbing his sore shoulder he mumbled, "Maybe I should have just turned around and acted like I didn't hear anything…"
"What was that?" she growled.
"Nothing!" he said while waving his hands frantically.
With that…The odd pair continued to walk back to the campsite to meet up with their friends and the rest of their class.
X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
"Know your place!" Moka kicked the enormous dorian in its cranium and the beast flew back and crashed back into the earth. Gracefully the beautiful vampire landed on the ground next to her friends.
Running a hand through her sliver strands she sighed, "Now…This time I don't think it will be getting back up."
"That was awesome Moka!" Yukari shrieked.
"Not bad," Mizore commented.
The young preteen was amused, but Moka was becoming annoyed. "I don't understand where these things are coming from, it's like there's no end to them." They had only been in the forest for fifteen minutes when outer Moka found their first dorian fruit monster. When she was about to reach for it Yukari stopped her. Right then is when it burrowed up through the ground to reveal its true form. Of course at that moment Tsukune didn't waist anytime removing Moka's rosary.
Since then, they had been attacked by four dorians while traveling through the yokai woods. At first they weren't too bothered by it since they were having a competition. Eventually it started to become overwhelming. The dorians weren't at the top of the food chain in the yokai world but they were still tough nonetheless and when there in numbers it's even worse.
Another loud boom was heard behind them causing the girls to turn around. When they did they saw an awakened Tsukune standing over a dying a dorian. His tie was disheveled and his shirt was dirty. Panting the brunette fell to his knees. He was exhausted. He didn't even want to participate in this contest, but he couldn't just let the girls do all the fighting. That would make him feel like less of a man.
Automatically Mizore and Yukari ran to his aid, while Inner Moka just walked at a slow and calm pace. "Are you alright Tsukune?" The stoic vampire asked.
"Yeah…I'm…Fine." He panted, "Just a little tired."
Moka nodded in understanding. Tsukune was growing stronger but he was still getting used to his powers, so it wasn't surprising that his stamina was lacking. "How many do you have so far?"
"Two," he responded before rising to his feet.
The vampire smirked in satisfaction, "I have two as well. So we are tied, I wouldn't have predicted that." Turning to the other girls she looked them up and down. Both girls felt naked beneath her gaze, "How about you two?"
Mizore face remained indifferent while Yukari seemed a little uncomfortable with the question. Her constant fidgeting made that clear, "Well Mizore killed one and I helped a little, but she let me keep the fruit."
Surprised Moka turned to Mizore for a reaction, "Why would you give the dorian away? I thought you wanted a date with Tsukune."
The snow woman eyes shifted to Yukari and she could see how embarrassed she felt. What a pain, Mizore thought. She didn't really want to talk about it but she knew how persistent Inner Moka was. "Yukari's lying…We defeated it together. I gave her the fruit because I have more endurance than she does, so catching another one shouldn't be a problem for me." Yukari looked up at her with apprehension but Mizore gave her a look that said be quiet.
Impressed by her selflessness Tsukune smiled, "That's very nice of you Mizore."
Agreeing Moka nodded, "Yes, that's very admirable."
In truth, Mizore did inflict most of the damage, but Yukari did help. If it wasn't for her she wouldn't have known all of the monster's weak points. Besides she knew what Yukari's was feeling even though she didn't say anything. She always knew. The young witch felt inadequate when compared to the other girls. She wasn't curvy and she was still lacking in the breast department. Mizore knew firsthand how it felt to be an outcast so she was able to sympathize with her.
"Well I don't know about you guys but I'm ready to go back," Tsukune said in between yawns and stretches.
Inner Moka shook her head, "Sorry Tsukune but we can't depart yet."
"Why not?"
"Because Mizore gave the fruit to Yukari, it's only fair that she gets a chance to catch -"
"There's no need for that," Mizore cut in while giving her nails a quick once over. She wasn't a girly girl but she still likes to keep up with her hygiene. "To be honest, I'm kind of tired of being in this damn forest. I just want to get back to Yokai so I can eat some dorians."
Moka, Tsukune, and Yukari were kind of baffled by her passive attitude. They knew Mizore had a lax personality, but they weren't expecting this. She was practically forfeiting.
"But you have to catch a dorian," Yukari frowned. She felt bad since she was holding the fruit that shouldn't be hers. "Don't you want to win the contest?"
The snow woman shrugged, "Yes I do, but I don't think it's safe for us to remain here any longer. Who knows we might come across some more dorian fruit monsters on are way back and if push comes to shove I'll just kidnap Tsukune and take him on a private date for some one on one," she smirked devilishly.
Tsukune gulped at Mizore's declaration. "O-Ok I guess we should gather the fruit and head back to camp he suggested." Seeing no reason to argue the girls nodded. "Here's your Rosary Moka," he handed her the metallic cross.
Gripping it in her hand she thanked him. She thought about putting it back on, but she decided it would be best to wait till they got back. You never know what might happen. It's better to be safe than sorry.
As the four prepared to head back there weren't aware of someone watching them from a distance. Behind a large oak tree, Kokoa Shuzen watched her sister and her friends. Those emerald eyes of hers focused in on Moka the most. She was the only one that mattered to her. The others were just in the way. "Big sis…" she sighed. "You're so strong and beautiful…One day I'm going to be just like you."
Her little Ko buddy floated above her with a smile, which the bat seemed to always have on its face. Sneaking out and following them was a brilliant idea. Not only did she get to watch her sister fight, but she also got to see the true form of the dorian.
When she saw them starting to walk in her direction she cursed, "Damn! They're headed this way! I better get going." Smirking, the flame haired girl grabbed her pet bat then turned around and ran so she wouldn't get spotted. Her destination wasn't the campsite but the school. She snuck on this trip after all so she couldn't go back to the campsite or Ms. Nekonome would give her detention for a week. With that being said she was going to have to take a short cut. Ha-ha stupid Nekonome sensei doesn't know a thing!
The little vampire continued to laugh as she sprinted through the forest. Seeing a downward trail approaching she smiled and made a left. Going down the slope she began to move even faster. Being a vampire she was already pretty fast, but while running on a downward slope, that speed of hers served as a disadvantage, because of the momentum she began to lose control.
"Oh shit! I can't slow down!" she screamed.
Eventually she started to trip over herself and she started tumbling down the hill comically. As she continued to roll down, many curses and obscenities left her mouth. When she finally reached the ground a loud grunt escaped her throat. To make things worse she landed in a very inappropriate manner. Her ass was in the air revealing her pink striped panties and her face was in the dirt.
"Son of a…" Kokoa slowly tried to pick herself up off the ground. She didn't have any bumps, bruises or contusions. The only thing that hurt was her butt. When she rose to her feet she started to rub her injured posterior. "Fuck," she groaned. Staring at the little fur ball in her hands she frowned "Are you hurt?" When the little bat shook it's head she smiled. "Good," she then steadily rose to her feet.
Now that she was in control of her body again she was able to take in her surroundings, but she saw shocked the hell out of her.
"What…The hell…" she murmured.
This area was completely different from the rest of the forest. Unlike the other various areas of the yokai forest which were lush green plant life, this particular spot was dry and completely void. There was no grass or trees as well as wild life. The closest thing to plantation that was there were shrubs.
Her green orbs continued to survey the area as she walked through the miniature desert. "What is this place?" she asked aloud. She had been in the yokai forest numerous times and not once did she come across this place.
She kept trekking through the unknown area until she stepped on something. She looked down to see her tiny foot on top of a caution strip. Kneeling down she picked up the piece of yellow tape. "What is this doing here?"
Carefully she inspected the cheap piece of plastic. On the tape she saw small speckles of dried blood as well bite marks. Something isn't right here…
Rising to her feet, she resumed her pacing until she almost tripped over something. Regaining her balance, she looked down to see an enormous ball that was two times the size of your average watermelon implanted in the ground. Observing it closer she noticed it had rough skin along as well as little pricks. Then it hit her, she knew exactly what it was.
"No Fucking Way!"
Kokoa couldn't keep the excitement off her face. She had just found the largest dorian fruit that she had seen since she's been in these woods. "It's incredible," she whispered. She was about to reach down and touch when she realized something.
If the fruit is this big, then the real monster would have to be gigantic. She knew she was tough, but she wasn't dumb enough to think she can take something like that on by herself. Besides she didn't like the way her Ko buddy was trembling above her. Wisely she started to take a few steps back. It's probably best I don't get involved, she thought before glancing at the fruit one more time.
Calmly she turned around and walked away, ignorant to the fruits movement behind her back. Haphazardly, huge tentacles sprung from the ground and latched onto her ankles. "What the hell!" she shrieked.
Desperately she tried to break free from the tight grip, but was having no luck. There was only one thing she could do to get loose. "Ko buddy!" she yelled. Knowing what it's master was asking, the bat transformed in a puff of smoke. Falling into her hands was a golden armed sword. One of the strongest blades you could find.
Relentlessly the girl began swinging the sword, attempting to cut the tentacles into ribbons. Unlike Naruto, she had a powerful sword so she was having better success. In seconds the tentacles were noodles around her feet. "Piece of cake," she smirked while resting the golden dagger on her shoulder. As if nothing happened, Kokoa whistled carelessly as she proceeded to walk away in blissful ignorance. She thought that was it, but it was only the beginning.
Before she could get too far the ground began to shake violently. This quake was unlike any other. It was so strong it caused Kokoa to fall on her ass with her sword falling next to her. What now!? She panicked. Now she was really beginning to become scared and she wasn't the type of girl you could scare easily.
Her heart was now beating faster than ever and her body wouldn't stop shaking. Only a few meters away from her current position the ground started to crumble. As chunks of earth fell into the newly made a whole something huge emerged.
Climbing out of the heap of rubble was a creature of tremendous size. Standing at over 2 stories tall was a monster Dorian. It's tentacles were as long as a water hose and as thick as a full grown python. The beast towered over her with its enormous tongue. The appendage was slathered with mucus and acid. With fear in her eyes only two words came to mind.
"Holy…Shit…"
The behemoth let out a monstrous roar that could be heard throughout the woods. Kokoa took that as a sign to get the fuck out of there. One of the dorian's tentacles lashed out at her but she grabbed her sword and rolled away. The large appendage barely missed her but made a huge hole in the ground where she was previously sitting.
"Ko change back! We have to get out of here!" She screamed. There was no way she was going to be able to run at full speed while carrying such a heavy sword. Obeying it's master, it reverted back to its original form. Kokoa held Ko in both hands and pressed it against her breast.
She saw the trail that lead back up to the forest and headed straight for it, but she can feel the monsters footsteps with each quake! It was hot on her tail. Before she could start running back up the hill a tentacle wrapped around her waist. She gasped when she felt the slimy thing encircle her.
"No! Let me go Damn it!" As the monster pulled her back she made sure to not let go of her precious Ko buddy. That's it! She thought. "Ko trans-
She didn't get to finish her command caused the beast whirled her around and slammed her hard against a huge stone. As soon as her petite body made contact with the stone she cried out in pain.
"AAAHHHHH!"
Her loud cry echoed throughout the woods. The beast then lifted her back up off the large stone and whirled around again but this time it slammed her into the ground. Again Kokoa let out another painful scream. As she laid there on the ground she began to feel dazed. At this point the young vampire was coughing up blood. Still through all of her pain she didn't let go of her precious bat.
Panting she looked up to see the condition of her pet. With a blurred vision she asked, "Are you alright Ko?" The frightened little bat nodded while staring back it's master with beady eyes. "That's good," she smiled as blood continued to leak out of her mouth. Once again the monster began to slowly raise her up off the dirt. "Okay Ko…" She whispered while struggling to breathe, "I want you to fly away now. Ok?"
Ko stared back at her before shaking it's head in refusal. It refused to leave her; she was not only a partner to it but a friend. "No Ko you have to escape!" She tried to yell but her voice was weak and she was beginning to lose consciousness. The monster was now smiling as it was preparing to eat it's lunch. Triumphantly it bellowed as the drool dripped down from its mouth.
When she saw that the bat still made no signs of moving she used the last of her strength to raise her voice. "Ko I'm not going to say it again! Leave now!"
This time the little bat trembled when it heard her yell. Deciding not to fight her anymore about it, the bat flapped it's wings and flew out her hand. Before taking off the little bat stared at her with tears in its eyes.
"Don't cry Ko…I don't…Want you… to worry about me…You'll find a new master." Her eyes were now fluttering as she struggled to stay conscious. "Now go!"
Reluctantly the bat flew away, but not before glancing at her one last time. When she saw it disappear into the trees she smiled. Thank you Ko...For all of your help…
One last time the monster twirled her around like a rag doll before slamming her into the gigantic hole that it created when it first appeared. At an amazing speed her body plummeted into the deep abyss. Inside the hole was dark so when her body made contact with the floor she couldn't brace herself for impact.
"GAHHHHHHHHHH!" She screamed when her body collided with the ground below.
There she was, lying motionlessly in the deep trench; her body was practically numb at this point. There was no doubt that several of her bones were broken. The bones in her left leg and right arm were completely useless, along with her ribs which were basically shattered.
The beast laughed as it lifted it's prey out of the ditch. The dorian was making sure that she had absolutely no strength left to resist. Done playing around with it's food, its tentacles positioned her in the sky right above it's mouth. Opening wide, the creature's carnivorous teeth were revealed. The drool and acid leaked from it's mouth as she hung lifelessly above it's head.
Kokoa had completely given up. There was no way she could get herself out of this predicament and she doubted any one would show up to save her.
I guess this is what I get for being so hard headed. I should have listened to Nekonome sensei and went back to class. Now I'm going to die without even coming close to being as strong as my big sisters. All hope was completely lost.
Well at least I came this far, she grinned.
Finally the monster let her go and she began to plummet down toward it's eager mouth. Preparing for her demise she closed her eyes tight. She didn't want to see anything else or think about anyone else. She just accepted her fate.
Before her body could fall into the dorian's hungry mouth, something happened.
After a few seconds Kokoa started to wonder what was going on. Am I dead yet? She wondered. Know way it took this long to be devoured by a giant monster. For some odd reason it felt like she was floating. Curiously she opened her eyes. When she did she was met with the vanilla skies of the Yokai world.
"W-What this?" She asked a loud. Did the dorian all of the sudden change it's mind? Maybe it thought she was bad for it's stomach. Whatever the case she praised god, that she was still alive. It took her a while but she finally noticed that underneath her fingertips were grains of sand.
Sand?
To be positive she dug her fingers deep into the material. Yeah it's definitely sand. But how? Slowly the cloud of sand lowered her battered body to the ground. When she heard a loud roar she realized that the monster was still nearby and by the sound of it, the beast was pissed off.
Her green orbs were half open as she looked around her to see she was in the same area but she was a safe distance away from the creature. "...What's going on?"
"It's seems like I arrived just in time…" said a deep voice from behind her.
Hearing footsteps Kokoa became alert. She wanted to turn and see who was approaching her but she was far too weak at the moment. Stepping in front of her was a male in a white dress shirt and black slacks. She couldn't see his face since he was facing the opposite direction, but she noticed that he had red auburn hair and that was enough for her to come to a conclusion.
"It…Can't be…"
Turning around Gaara locked eyes with the bruised and battered vampire. As usual his face was completely void of any emotion. His gaze was strong, it made her feel very nervous, but she was glad he showed up when he did. She started to ask him what he was doing here, but he interrupted her midway through her question.
"Rest easy…I'll take it from here."
To be continued…
Now there's a cliffhanger for ya! Gaara vs. King dorian. Who will win in this battle of the titans? Hahaha as if you don't know! Well that's chapter 7… I hope it was to your liking and if not feel free to speak your mind on your review. Yes and that goes for you annoying haters and flamers as well…
Don't forget to review…Till next time see ya!