Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Strange and Unexpected Beginnings ❯ Adjustment ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Hey, Natsumi-chan back again! Yes, I actually live. Just been too tired and lazy to do much of anything. Honestly, still have a bit of writer's block at the moment, because I had the basic story line planned out before typing this but not in detail, so I ended up having to add a lot more as I wrote. Here ya go! .

Random” dialogue

` Random' thoughts Random emphasis

() () (): Denotes scene and/or time change

Vocabulary Corner: (Pay attention, children!)

Kitsune: Fox

Youkai: Just demon pretty much in this case

Sweatdrop: (Yes, there are some readers that are unfamiliar with this!) A large tear-shaped drop that appears on the back of characters heads; denotes embarrassment.

Suffix “Chan”: Used at the end of one's name; a term of affection for girls or crushes

Suffix “ Kun”: Same as Chan except for Males

Previously:

“Why are you doing this for me? Why did you save me?”

“It does not matter. Rest and regain your strength. I had to endure being doused in the intestines of demon trash for you...”

Chapter 5! Trusting and Learning

Natsumi tossed and turned with a seemingly insatiable restlessness on the bed. This new scenery was too hard to get used to, and that was an extremely bad thing. She hardly knew these people. They could still turn on her and butcher her in an instant if they felt like it. But somehow, that didn't seem very convincing anymore. She didn't have enough strength to get away anyhow. There might be some useful things to pick up here, as that kitsune said. Given these points, it would be best to just stay put for the time being. It was impossible to stay awake any longer to ponder this, and so she surrendered to sleep's seduction.

In the main camp grounds

“Well?” Kuronue demanded expectantly.

“Well what?” Kurama questioned.

“Don't play dumb. You know what I'm asking. Why did you bring that brat back? It's so unlike you. Too unlike you, actually.”

“What's it matter to you? ”

“It doesn't really, it's just rather curious.”

The kitsune took the moment of silence to steal a sip of wine.

“I just felt like it. Okay with you?”

“ I don't have a problem with it, I couldn't care less.”

“ Then drop it and go get drunk or something.”

“No thanks, I have my reputation to think of. But why don't you go down a few gallons?”

“ I refuse to degrade myself by getting intoxicated and acting like an ass.”

“ Don't worry, you're an ass anyway. So it's okay for me to humiliate myself?”

“ It provides us at least some small amount of entertainment. So why don't you make with it already? I'm bored, amuse me.”

An evil grin presented itself across Youko's face. You could see a vein throbbing in
poor Kuronue's forehead. It was at this moment that Kitanaru made a sudden appearance.

“Yeah, Kuro-kun. Amuse us!” His eyes sparkled with a fake pleading.

“I'm getting away from you idiots now. See you.” And with these words, Kuronue stomped off, taking care to tread on Kitanaru's foot as he passed.

“Ow! He's always so moody. “

“Heh. Though he's a bit more relaxed since first we met.”

“ You mean he was more uptight than this? No way!”

“ He was, believe me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've had a bit of a tiring day. I think I'll turn in now.”

And the kitsune went off to catch some shut-eye.

Morning

Sunlight filtered through the roof of the tent, as night turned to day, and the moon became the sun. As the sunlight reached Natsumi's bed, the kit began to open her eyes. She didn't get up right away, choosing instead to bask in the warmth of the sun...

“PURR…”

For a bunch of loonies, they sure knew how to accommodate people. It was pretty tempting to stay right here for a while more were it not for a single problem.

“GROOOWLL…”

“I'm hungry again.”

She had no choice but to get up and find some food. Leaning over the bed, she placed both feet on the ground and pushed up.

“ Oww!” Her leg still hurt, even if not as much. Screw that though;she wasn't going to let herself starve. Leaning more on her uninjured leg, she hobbled onto the campgrounds.

The sound of rushing waves caught her attention.

` River?'

Come to think of it, she was a bit parched as well. After several minutes of struggling through the forest, a deep blue river became visible. It seemed to flow through the
forest forever. Natsumi wasted no time in gulping down as much water as she possibly could. For several minutes, nothing could be heard within the vicinity save for the rapid slurping of a thirsty fox. Finally, Natsumi was satisfied. Standing back up, she heard voices back toward the main campsite and carefully followed them back to their origin.

“Ah, nothing better than starting the day off with a good heist.”

“ How can you be such a morning person when you spend all your nights corrupting some poor innocent bastard?”

“ Believe me, if they're sleeping with me they're not innocent. Besides, a little more fun (not to mention gems) won't hurt me.

“ You're such a brat. Speaking of which, have you taken care of that spore yet?”

Natsumi scowled. Bastard.

“Well, that's easy.” He directed his eyesight towards the `spore's' hiding
place.

“You can come out.” Figures he'd find her. Natsumi grudgingly moved toward the thieves.

“Good morning. “Youko took a good look at her. “Your wounds are starting to heal. That's good. But it was my own herbs that helped you, so that's no surprise.”

“...”

“You can talk, you know.” Kuronue addressed her crabbily. It seemed he wasn't a morning person. Who cared, anyway? “Its not like we're going to cut out your tongue. I thought it had been established that no harm would come to
you.”

Natsumi merely glared at him.

“No, stop, you're scaring me. Please...”

She ignored his sarcasm and walked over to Youko, who to her surprise picked her up and set her on his lap. Her apprehension seemed to diminish however, as he reached out to stroke an ear.

“It will still take a while for your injuries to completely heal. If you don't want to die, I'd suggest you stay here.”

Natsumi merely nodded.

“Feh!” Kuronue scowled. “You could try and show a little more gratitude. It's not like he had to save you, you know.”

Youko sweatdropped. “Don't mind him, he's always grouchy like this. It'll wear off.”

“Whatever. Goody, I get to spend time quality time with the wise- ass fox and the snot-nosed brat.”

“OW! God damnit!”

Natsumi had discovered a large rock upon the ground and used it as an opportunity to get revenge for the insults. A large bump almost instantly appeared.

Youko tried unsuccessfully to suppress a snicker.

“Shut up!”

“These words, of course, had little affect, and the fox burst out laughing. Even Natsumi began to smile.

“But it fits you so well. It er, accentuates your handsome features...?” He laughed even harder. Natsumi began to snicker. She stuck her tongue out at the chimera.

Kurama smiled at Natsumi. She smiled back. Even if it was only a little, and for a split second. Meanwhile, Kuronue was muttering the kind of vocabulary you normally wouldn't allow a child to hear.

A sudden, low grumble caught the group's attention.

“I think it's time to eat, don't you?” His gaze rested upon Natsumi.

As the disgruntled chimera and the mute kit nodded, several demons brought out what appeared to be many, many pounds of food. And then from out of nowhere, the rest of the camp grouped around the masses of sustenance. In a matter of seconds, the kit had a plate full of fruit and bread. Without so much as a second thought, the food went down her throat as the
flabbergasted demons watched. Several large sweatdrops appeared.

“Well, apparently you trust us enough to eat our food.”

“Feh, greedy little squirt.” Kuronue and Natsumi reached for the same apples simultaneously.

“ Drop it runt.”

The only response was a rather nasty scowl. Not holding back any longer, Natsumi snatched the apple away as hard as possible, making sure to take a bite before Kuronue could reclaim it.

“You little bi—

“Relax. There's plenty more where that came from. Seems to me you're not
quite the same fellow I took in all those years ago. I believe you're losing it.”

A bandit overhearing this muttered to himself, “And you just noticed?" Everyone within the vicinity of the joker cracked up.

“Tch! I've had enough of this! I'm going somewhere where I can be left in peace for once!” A huffy Kuronue stormed off.

“He's really a nice boy. “ Though a grin was already forming on Youko's lips as he said this. And it must've been contagious, because that same grin was now clearly visible upon the younger fox's normally serious face. This was soon quickly covered up, as she took a bite of
the apple.

“Heh. But it's no use harassing all my men unless you have the strength to back it up.” He leaned against a tree, closing his amber eyes.

“ You'd probably would make a good addition.”

“Fine.” Natsumi replied quietly.

“Hmm?”

“I'll do it. I won't be weak. I'm not weak.”

Youko patted the kit's head, causing her to move back a little. However, she didn't repel him.

“ Ah, warming up I see.”

She smiled, which was actually pretty darn cute.

“…Maybe.”

“We'll begin when you're more properly healed.”

He glanced at Natsumi's numerous cuts and bruises.

“But...”

“My word stands.” And he ruffled the irritated fox's hair.

About 12 days later

“Ah, finally!”

Natsumi looked all over her body for any bruises that might keep her from standing. There was nothing, with the exception of several scars that wouldn't really have any affect on her training. To hell with those.

“After today, I won't be weak anymore!” She grinned.

It was getting a lot easier to like that fox. Unfortunately, it had taken a bit longer to heal than expected, but it was over now. “Ok, let's go. “She said to herself and made haste to begin her search for Kurama. After about an hour with no luck, her cheerful demeanor began to
dissipate.

“ Where?”

However, this new concern was put aside as once again the aroma of food caught the attention of her nose. Training could wait until after breakfast. With many thoughts of nourishment she barged through the crowd of unsuspecting bandits. As to be expected, there were many curses and threats thrown at the hungry kitsune, but this had become normal, and Natsumi had become oblivious. Who cared, it was every man for himself. Moving quickly to swipe the best fruits, she made sure to be gone as quickly as she came. It was normal to sit away from the others. The youko might be trustworthy, but she had no idea about these fools. More like goofy old men than a danger though. But speaking of him, where in the Makai was he? He SAID he'd be there when she was ready, and she was ready. A figure suddenly alerted her peripheral vision. Was it him? No, that youki was different. One of his lackeys, obviously.

` Hope its not that bat.' Not that she couldn't tolerate Kuronue; he was
just too damned high strung. Normally, it would have been enjoyable watching him blow his brain cells out but today just wasn't the day. As the stranger came closer, Natsumi turned and got a good look at the man. He was about average size, and pretty harmless looking. His messy purple hair stood out the most to her.

The strange man spoke up.

“Ah, you're that kit, aren't ya? The `spore' I've been hearing Kuro bitch about.”

“...” Natsumi couldn't help but let a small grin cross her face. “Yep, that's me. Who're you?”

“The name's Kitanaru. I'm Youko's left hand man. And I never caught your name. The least I can do is learn the name of the one person who annoys Kuro-kun more than I do. That's quite an accomplishment.”

Natsumi's grin widened further. “ Natsumi. “

“So glad to see you aren't mute after all. And if you're looking for Kurama-kun he went out on a raid. Again. “

So that's where he went. She should have known; he was a thief after all.
Kitanaru noticed the frustrated expression on Natsumi's face and spoke again.

“But it shouldn't be too much longer. The raids never really take all that long, except when Youko's feeling particularly greedy. About half the time, maybe?”

“Who's greedy now?”

Out of nowhere, their ever-so-clever leader entered the scene.

“Ah, you're finally back.” Kitanaru backed away as the fox approached him.

“It took you long enough.” He laughed uneasily.

“ Yes, but that's not important. Tell me, what have you been up to, besides talking about me behind my back.” A malicious smirk played upon Youko's face.

“Hehe.... Just joking around, Youko-kun. Don't take it personally. Ha...ha?” He smiled nervously.

Whack! In a matter of seconds you could count at least 3 bumps on Kitanaru's head.

“ Ugh... I'm sorry master, it'll never happen again.” The dizzied demon proclaimed. The `insubordinate' staggered away.

“...”

“What a fool. “ Youko turned to face Natsumi.

“Looks like you've finally healed.”

“Yup, and that means you'd better give me my training.” Natsumi demanded.

“Can't wait, can you?” His response was a firm nod no.

“Okay, okay. Meet me in the clearing by the river in an hour. I have business to attend to in the meantime. Mind you, I'm not going easy. If you're not up to it, this may just be your last day alive.”

“Good.” Both kitsune smirked.

“I'll need to get a better idea of your ability,” Youko informed his new pupil.

Before Natsumi could respond, he had disappeared. Her eyes carefully scanned the area, the kit turning quickly to spot his hiding place. Nothing. She'd really have to brace herself now. The abundance of trees and plant life in this area would make it difficult to spot him.

“....”

Suddenly, her ears picked up the smallest indication of movement in the thicket to her right. Just as she was about to attack however, a white blur appeared suddenly behind her. She just barely avoided the flash that resembled a fist. Dark red fluid dripped down the side of her face. Moving warily to the river, she observed a small cut on the side of her face. He wasn't bad.

“It would be better for you to focus. Unless you want to perish.” Youko's voice carried on the wind, and yet he was nowhere to be found. She heard movement below her and looked down. A vine began to wrap around her left ankle, tightening its hold immediately.

“...!”

As her fingers frantically moved to free herself, she failed to notice the figure above her. Ducking Kurama's kick, Natsumi rolled off to the side, and the tree on which she was leaning sustained heavy damage.

“Grrr....” Sweat poured down her face.

“Are you serious about this or not?”

Youko pounced again. This time, Natsumi was able to block most of his punches, save for the last one, which sent her flying into a nearby tree. Natsumi recovered in time to see Youko standing over her wielding some sort of whip. He struck. She pulled out her dagger and repelled his lashes to the best of her ability. Were those thorns? Damn, she should've seen that one coming. Despite her best efforts, her body was damaged in several places by the whip's relentless assaults.

“Unh...”

“I thought you had more potential than this.” Youko's voice was cold and taunting this time. “If you're this weak, maybe I should finish you off, after all.”

“Damn you...!”

Once again, the young kit found herself caught within his vines, only now they were thicker and wrapped themselves around both her arms and legs. Struggling only made them tighter, to the point where she began to scream.

` No no no! I'm not weak. I don't wanna be weak. Let me go!' Although paralyzed, Youko noticed something disturbing. Her youki was on the rise, and it wouldn't stop.

` Finally, a response.' Kurama thought to himself. He would take it a step further.

`I can't get out! But I don't wanna die now!'

To add to her despair, it looked like Youko was summoning even more plants. And to her horror, these ones had jaws and teeth! And what was that dripping from their mouths? She watched as a bit of the substance fell onto the ground, leaving a scorching hole. Those things would send shivers up anyone's spine. Natsumi began to panic.

` No! It's not gonna get me, I'm not gonna die. I'm strong!' Her eyes became dilated and glowed violet, much to Youko's shock. Her youki rose even higher.

“What is this?”

By now, the vines were squeezing Natsumi so hard they cut deeply into her
skin, but she didn't seem aware of it. Her expression seemed far away, and yet she was right there. The clearing began to shake, and a rough breeze swayed the trees. The sky darkened.

“ LET ME GOOOOOOOO!”

In a blinding flash a huge amount of youki burst forth from Natsumi's body, destroying a good part of the clearing, including some of his plants. Youko called back the ones he had left and stared at the scene before him in complete awe. The timid, weak little kit he had taken in was no longer there, in her place was an angry kitsune projecting the image of a being with incalculable strength far exceeding that of most of the demons in Makai. At least most that he knew of He'd never seen anything like this in all the centuries he existed. He had only heard rumors and legends of this sort of power. It was unbelievable, if he wasn't seeing this with his own eyes.

“This girl...is a psychic?”

And at long last, the end of Chapter 5. Whew! Went back and did some edits on some of my older chapters for Saub.Unfortunately, it seems to be a bit more difficult to replace chapters on …damn… Oh well, I'll figure it out! I'm so happy I got reviews! Even a couple on now! Yeah! Oh well, long as you guys are reading! See you in chapter 6!