Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Strange and Unexpected Beginnings ❯ Ascension ( Chapter 7 )

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

Hi guys! Long time no see! I know, I know, I've really got to work on this procrastination thing. Think it's really starting to get out of hand...^___^; The last 3 or 4 weeks weren't my fault entirely though, my computer was in the shop. I'm sorry for not keeping my promise and having this up by the end of September. Forgive me! To try and appease you, I've tried to make this chapter a bit longer than the others. I hope you like it! As always, RR. (`Cause I need to know if people are still reading, I'm so insecure)

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:

“You're worn out. You should rest before we continue this. Now come along. It's late and we're up early tomorrow.”

He continued to walk on, ignoring the fact that Natsumi was not following. He also failed to notice the wide smirk on Natsumi's face as something began to form in her hand. It was then that Kurama finally noticed that something was up. Just as he turned his head to address Natsumi, something flew by his cheek, slightly cutting his skin in the process. Looking toward a tree, he saw a dagger with a violet hilt embedded in the trunk. Picking it up, he turned back to Natsumi, whose slightly luminescent eyes shone of triumph.

Chapter 7: Ascension

Youko walked over and pulled the dagger from the tree, taking care to inspect it for a moment.

“You never cease to amaze me.”

Natsumi smirked. “I trained during dinner.”

“It shows.” He walked over to the kit and held out the dagger.

“We'll resume tomorrow.”

Natsumi scrunched down as deep into her bed as she could, burying herself under the covers. After all, it was a particularly chilly night. The day was exhausting, but fruitful. After today, the kit thought that maybe she wasn't so worthless after all. Hell, she was starting to like it here. When she got strong enough, she'd show those bastards, maybe even extract a little revenge. Sleep soon overtook Natsumi's thoughts however, and she had no objection to giving in completely.

The wind seem to howl all around her, at least she thought it was the wind. Not a single living thing in could be seen, but there were voices, far away, and yet they seemed near. What was happening? Running farther into the darkness, the voices became louder, but no clearer. Now they were shrieks, spine tingling, ear shattering shrieks that went on and on. And soon she saw. There were bodies flying everywhere, to her horror. Decapitation, castration, and all other forms of brutality were everywhere. There wasn't a single area devoid of blood... even she was covered in it. And yet, despite the rising number of casualties, it never ended. The shadows closed in around her, blinding her, but she could still hear the shrieks...as all faded to nothingness, there was a quick glimpse of two bodies, but all she could make out were dim silhouettes. Then, everything broke apart completely and there was nothing but laughter...laughter that sent cold shivers up her spine...it hurt to breathe...what was happening?

The whole camp could have heard Natsumi's shriek, if anyone were awake at that hour. She shot up in the bed, beads of sweat having already formed on her forehead. It took several minutes to get her breathing back to normal, and even then there was no sign of reassurance. She was completely shaken, as painful as it was to admit. So shaken she N took no notice of a tall figure entering the tent.

“Bad dream?” Youko could have heard a scream like that from miles away. He took a place next to her on the bed.

With a wary look in her eyes Natsumi nodded.

“You're trembling,” the kitsune observed, placing a hand on her forehead. “ It must have been a particularly unpleasant one.”

Natsumi took this opportunity to wrap some more blankets around herself, as if that would provide a bit more security.

“I'm fine.” All she wanted to do was go back to sleep; after all, it was just a dream.

Kurama didn't believe her for an instant. Without hesitation he scooped her up and marched out of the tent, much to Natsumi's bewilderment. Ignoring her puzzled protests, he strode across the campsite where an even larger tent loomed over them. Inside, there were many different chests and scrolls and books scattered around, barely visible by the dim candlelight. Natsumi vaguely wondered about these. Toward one end of the tent lay a massive bed, covered in the finest colors of silk. An irresistibly soft bed, she couldn't help noticing as Youko set her down. He glanced at her expectantly.

“You can go to sleep any time, you know.”

“...I can sleep in my own bed, I'm not scared.”

“...She says, as she burrows into my bed.”

Natsumi sweatdropped. “ It's cold.” As much as she didn't want to face up to it, the kitsune had been right in bringing her in here. It felt a little...safer.

“ yawn “

“Rest. We're up at dawn tomorrow.” Kurama settled in next to her. He could sense her awkwardness, so he moved a little closer.

“I won't bite, you know.”

“...” Natsumi moved a tiny bit closer, still wary of the whole situation, but far too tired to do anything much now. She gazed over at her roommate. Fast asleep already, fox-ears twitching occasionally. After gazing at him for a few moments, she finally turned back around and let her conscious mind lapse into an alternate world.

Days turned into months, and months quickly became years in the Makai. Many things changed, and yet still some things remained the same as ever. But then again, too much of a change isn't always for the best, and so the lack of change might have very well been a good thing. This changing and not changing took place over the span of four rapidly passing years.

“Ah...what a lovely morning,” Youko yawned, as he took his time in stretching his muscles. As always, he was in a perfectly contented mood after a raid. There was just something about the crimson blood from those corpses and the suspenseful chase that took all his troubles away. It was a very therapeutic activity to engage in.

“You know, it's a bit disturbing that you're happiest when doused in guts.” Kuronue commented. “It really makes you sound psychotic.”

“Spare me,” Youko tossed his hair, a gesture Kuronue found vain and increasingly irritating.

“What's not to love about an innocent murder? And besides, the most important thing is my gold. So I'm not obsessed with death as much as my treasure, that should make you happy.”

Kuronue thought fondly of his own secret stash of gems and weapons and all sorts of pretty things within his chambers. What would he do without it all?

“Feh. I guess you make sense...”

“Because I'm always right.”

“ Sigh...”

Both had decided to take a short stroll to relax a little bit after the raid. After all, they had all the time in the world. Youko slumped against the nearest tree, eventually sliding all the way down to a sitting position. He was always more than a little idle after a theft. And he had no plans of leaving the area anytime soon.

“You're so damn lazy.” Even as he said this, however, the bat moved to join his comrade.

“He scolds me, and yet he is as lazy as I.”

“You bring out the worst in me.”

“You flatter me.”

Both of them sat in silence for a while, enjoying the warm, humid air.

She was a nothing but blur amidst the heights of the vast trees, making it impossible for one to get more than half a moment's glimpse.

She grumbled exasperatedly to herself. Why couldn't they ever be around when she needed them? There was nothing else to do, except track them down and bug them to do something. It was so terribly boring around here. Just as she was about to give up however, she felt the faint but familiar youki in the distance. A devilish grin played upon her face as she made haste toward the area where the youki came from.

“Are we going to lie here all day?” Kuronue demanded. “Or are we actually getting off our asses and doing something?” The rest, while relaxing at first, had started to become dull. Unlike Kurama, Kuronue could not stand inactivity for prolonged periods of time. There was no response from his partner, save for a loud, very contented purr. At least he thought it was a purr. The kitsune's momentary weakness almost induced vomit in the chimera. Finally Kurama spoke up again.

“What's the rush?”

He sounded as if he had been asleep or was about to go down for a fox-nap. Apparently the sunbeams had paralyzed his defenses, melting him into an idle lump of flesh stretched across the ground.

“Animals.” Kuronue rolled his eyes.

“Hmmm......?”

“Nothing.” He didn't bother trying to talk to the drowsy fox again. After seeing him commit multiple murders, it was both amusing and unnerving to see him acting so.....animal like. Of course, he was the only one who got to see this. Anyone else who did would be dead in a split second. Kuronue allowed himself a smirk as he dozed off a bit as well. He was jolted from a not quite-sleeping state.

` That's odd....why is my hair mussing up so much?' Putting a hand on the top of his head he discovered the problem soon enough.

“What the hell?! Where is it? Where is it?” In an instant he was up and moving about the woods, in search of the missing possession.”

“How the hell did I get robbed?! I was awake!”

“Whassamatter?” Kurama rubbed his eyes.

“My hat's gone missing! Help me find it!”

Youko, having just been disturbed from a comatose state simply shot a dazed, mocking grin at the bat demon.

“It's not funny!” Kuronue spat.

Before Youko could protest that it was indeed amusing, something fell right out of a tree and into his lap. And that something was wearing Kuronue's hat.

“Bored?” Youko inquired.

Natsumi nodded, releasing a piteous moan. “Nothin' to do...”

“So you decided to steal my hat?!” Kuronue snapped. This.....pest! Why, oh why was it always him?

“Nyah.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

Kuronue lunged, not that it did him any good. Natsumi jumped out of the way to safety, leaving Kuronue to seize nothing but invisible air.

“Wretch!” He made several more unsuccessful attempts at subduing the teasing kit while Kurama laughed at his partner.

“Your eagerness to assist me really touches my heart.” There was more than a little sarcasm in his voice.

Youko merely shrugged, brushing it off as he always had.

“You can't blame her, there's really not much for her to do at the moment. She's mastered the basics of her training and my guess is she could best most of my men fairly quickly now. I've taught her well.” He pulled an apple out of seemingly nowhere and gave it to Natsumi, who was happily obliged to eat.

“It still doesn't give her the right to disrespect me like this.” Kuronue scowled.

“ I take it you've never had a childhood?”

This was ignored as Kuronue swung a fist at Natsumi who in an impressive display of a defensive reflex blocked it with both her arms and tripped him. She made sure to tread over his backside.

Twitch Twitch

“ Poor kit.” Youko smirked. “Nothing else to amuse yourself with...”

Natsumi nodded glumly before a though popped into her head. “Can I go steal too?”

Kuronue couldn't control his laughter, or he didn't bother to, most likely the latter.

“ You?! A twerp like you would just get in our way. You'd either be killed or get the rest of us killed!”

“You would!” She snapped back. “You brag, but I bet you suck!” She turned her back on him with a “hmph.” Kuronue's face turned a rather pretty shade of crimson.

“How dare you?!” Natsumi paid him no mind, turning back to Youko in expectation for an answer. He stared at her for a moment before an answer came.

“You're not quite ready for that yet, I'm afraid.”

It was a good thing she didn't see Kuronue snickering, or there may have been some fatal injuries that day.

“But-

Youko knelt and put a finger to her lips. “I promise that as soon as I feel that you are ready you'll join us.”

Kuronue added, “Which means never.”

“Grrr...” She kicked him with all the strength possible.

“Owww! God DAMMIT!”

“When will that be?” She once more looked at Youko.

“I wouldn't know.”

“...Tch...”

“Maybe when you're not such a midget.... If kicking demons is the best you can do, then you're a dead little girl...”

Youko was settling in to watch a brawl between the two when he spotted a demon running toward them. The others glanced at him curiously as well. The demon was obviously a lower bandit, with a body resembling a human's save for his narrow yellow eyes and a lengthy forest green lizard-like tail. Atop his head was a thin mass of ebony hair.

“There's a traveling band of demons not too far from here,” he started. “ They're carrying many jewels and clothing accessories that would fetch a bundle on the black market. They're lower class of course, no higher than C-class."”

Youko and Kuronue shot each other a look as if to ask ` Should we go for it?' Of course, instinct kicked in and both knew the answer without looking at one another. They both followed the lizard-demon back through the forest, Natsumi in tow. It would be nice to actually see a theft for once. Noticing her at last, Youko halted, turning to address the eager kit.

“I don't want you anywhere near us when we attack.”

Natsumi stamped her foot, a temper tantrum already on the way. It was completely unfair; she was never allowed to even watch them, not one time.

“You think I want to be responsible when a hunter has your head on a stake? You're far too young.” Natsumi merely continued to pout.

“Come on now, don't be like that...maybe just a few more years, if you train sufficiently that is.”

Still nothing

“How about we spar later on? Will that ease your pain?” Natsumi observed the kitsune with dark, scrutinizing eyes.

“Fine. You better mean it.”

Natsumi lay in the field in annoyance, tossing a gem to yourself, which she had snatched off one of the more ignorant thieves of the band. Did they all go on the theft? What was she supposed to do then, if there was no one she could harass? No amusement whatsoever. It wasn't nearly as fun sparring with herself...how depressing.

“yawn ” Time to sleep then, until something happened around here.

They emerged victorious and unscathed, as always. Unless you counted the few who had fallen on missions that occurred ever so long ago, which you didn't. They'd be pretty horrible thieves if they botched a simple raid like this. As the lizard demon had said, the group of demons was painfully weak, probably transporting the treasure to a lord or some such nonsense. The fools were utterly careless, but even if they weren't, what could they do?

“Good times always end far too soon,” Kurama sighed, drop-kicking the head of one of the corpses. It landed in a bush some 20 feet away. He admired an emerald that was at least the size of his palm.

“You have a sick fascination with pretty things, you know?”

“You have no right to say that.” His partner was nearly buried in all sorts of gems and jewelry one could imagine.

“I just felt like wearing some.”

“ Liar...”

“Fine, so we're both obsessed, not that it's anything to brag about...”

“Nothing wrong with a past-time, and my past-time just happens to be collecting pretty things.”

“No, not when you're a sadistic klepto, of course there's nothing wrong...”

“That's the spirit.”

“Ahhhhhhhh..! Leave me alone! I'm begging you! One of the bandits hurtled through the thick brush, apparently fleeing from something.

“What the hell's going on?!” Kuronue inquired irritably.

“It's that brat again! She won't leave me alone! Going on about how she needs someone to practice on.”

Kuronue felt for the demon, if ever a demon could feel. Before any more words were exchanged, another more familiar blur flew the forest toward them. The frightened bandit cursed as the shadow appeared directly above him. The other bandits merely observed as Natsumi's foot connected with her victim's face, resulting in him kissing the ground. She picked him up, and hurled him about ten yards with the greatest of ease.

“Weakling.” She yawned, in ignorance of the sickening smack of the demon's landing.

“Are you killing all our men, yet again?!” Kuronue demanded.

“You didn't train them right.”

Why that smart-ass little...she needed a good throttling. Wonder where she got that arrogance from...?

“Perhaps I've made you too strong for them...” Kurama grinned.

“You take her side for too often, it's no wonder she's so spoiled. She's crippled half our men so we don't get nearly as much treasure as we should!”

“Relax. Worry much?” Kurama offered a hand to Natsumi, who crawled right up him, finally deciding to perch herself on his shoulders.

“See?!” She's too damn spoiled for her own good!”

Kurama merely shrugged, the matter of no consequence to him. Natsumi rested her chin on his head as they made their way back to camp. Neither of them noticed her pick a large yellowish fruit out of a passing tree, which resembled a pear.

“Ow! God damnit!” Kuronue curses as the blunt object made contact with his face. He shot a death glare toward Natsumi, who wore a mask of innocence.

“Ooohh...what I'd give to put my hands around your neck....”

“What'd I do?”

“Why the hell do you let her get away with this ?! Every single time!”

The only response to the outburst was laughter. Big surprise. They reached the camp as Kuronue, spirit broken, finally stopped trying to prove Natsumi's guilt. To hell with it.

“Can we fight now?!”

“Ok...” Kurama started, but stopped in midsentence, ostensibly distracted by something. Natsumi turned to see what on earth was keeping him form attending the business at hand. All she saw was a group of very scantily clad demonesses giggling amongst themselves while they stared at Youko.

“Oh good, the bimbos return,” Kuronue commented rather snottily.

“I take it things like that keep you from getting any.”

“Shut up. I'll have my fun with a women that are not dumb bitches. Unlike you, I don't take advantage of every bloody opportunity.”

“Can I help it if I'm too attractive and want to share with the world?” He tossed his hair, winking at the women.. “You can have some too, if you like. I'm sure one or two will look your way.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I'll find women who actually have a decent taste in men.” He stormed off as the raging ocean of hormones edged closer. It was a blond-haired, blue eyed tigress that approached, clad in nearly nothing. She wore an outfit resembling a swimsuit, with a deep part down the middle, revealing quite a bit of cleavage. Unsurprisingly, the outfit turned several heads, and even Youko couldn't resist a look.

“Hi,” she greeted, a seductive purr in her voice, making sure to brush up against him ever so slightly.

“Hi yourself,” the reynard smirked. Why shouldn't he enjoy himself? He earned it, after all.

The blond played with her hair. “My friends and I were wondering if you were up for some...entertainment tonight...” She licked her lips in anticipation.

“Perhaps...” At this point Youko surveyed the other meat, to see if they were as delectable as the blonde. The other woman giggled even more upon being inspected by the kitsune. Among them a sky blue-haired, pink eyed water nymph look-alike, a red-haired elf look-alive with pale blue skin, and a pink haired-emerald eyed demoness who resembled a human, save for the slightly pointed ears. The race of this demoness was difficult to determine, though she did have youki.

“You like?” The blonde inquired.

“I do indeed...er..”

“It's Akina”

“Right.” Not that he'd remember afterwards, but what the hell.

“Why don't you all go off for a drink? I'll join you soon enough.”

More giggles. Natsumi found every last one of them extremely irritating. What was wrong with these idiots? It was only then that she was noticed.

“Ah, what an adorable kit.!”

“Is she yours?” Mizuka, the water nymph, voiced what the whole group wondered about. They'd beat the hell out of the mother. Kurama was theirs.

He'd forgotten that she was still perched on his shoulders somehow.

“Of course not...this squirt just became a part of the group, I suppose.” HE shrugged. “ You feed her once and she keeps coming back for more.”

“growl”

Youko put Natsumi back on the ground as gently as possible.

“Why don't you go annoy someone for awhile? Beat `em up. I'll catch up with you again later.”

“But you said we were gonna fight dammed!” Natsumi whined. Where on earth did she pick up such foul language?

“A matter came up. We'll spar later, relax. Besides, you've already picked up quite a bit.

“Why not now?! Can't it wait? What can you do with them that you can't do with me?!”

It was all Youko could do to keep from going into hysterical laughter. So innocent.

“That's not important for now. I'm sure you'll find some way to amuse yourself, ok? It won't take too long, I swear.”

It would take awhile if the women had anything to say about it.

“... Fine, see if I care.” Natsumi marched off, leaving Youko to his `entertainment', whatever the hell that was. Oh good, back to lying around doing nothing. Damn those idiots for stealing him from her. The hour grew late, maybe she'd go steal a quick snack.

Natsumi's eyes shot open. The dream again, frightening as ever, because of it's unfathomable resemblance to reality. Why on earth did she have to keep seeing these things?! She was unnerved, and there was only one place to go when that happened, although it was still a little shameful to do it. Ambling off of her bed she marched out of the tent and across the vast campsite, until she reached a much larger tent at the edge of the camp. The sight was unbelievable, horrific even! Those women all appeared to be trying to kill Youko. HE was covered in females. But why on earth were they naked? That part Natsumi really didn't understand. She shattered a glass of alcohol, prepared to slaughter these enemies nonetheless. The noise brought the `assassins' to attention.

“What was that?!” The read-head lifted her head up in search of the cause of the disruption. All heads eventually turned to Natsumi, poised as if for a great battle.

“Wrong tent, dear.” Akina started snottily. “It's past your bedtime.” A cold gaze was aimed at Natsumi, signaling that she should vacate the premises. The others were more than a little annoyed as well, after all, who would want their time with Youko Kurama interrupted?

Natsumi attacked.

“Oh, get off, you annoying little witch!” Akina attempted unsuccessfully to peel Natsumi off, resulting in a scratched and bloodied face. Natsumi moved on quite swiftly after spotting Kurama undergoing some bizarre form of torture. It appeared one of the women was biting at something on a lower part of his body. There was so much to this she didn't understand but there was no time to ponder. A moan from

Natsumi attacked.

“Eeeek! What the hell is this?!” The frightened nymph was putting up a failing effort to protect herself from Natsumi's furious blows.

“Get off him! Raaawwrrrr!” Young kitsune bites can be extremely painful, often extracting quite a bit of blood.

“AAAAAAAOOOOOOOWWW!” GODDAMN LITTLE BITCH!”

“Get the hell out!”

“Little pest! Runt!”

An all-out war had commenced fairly rapidly between the groupies and furious kit. Items flew across the room and claws hit and missed their targets. In the midst of his ecstasy Youko was suddenly aware that something was not quite right, judging by the racket. He parted the sea of groupies trying to figure out the source of the problem, whatever that was. He could not believe what he was seeing. Natsumi was flying all over the room clawing, biting, kicking, scratching and using generally whatever means necessary to maim his women. Never had demon wars been more brutal.

“I'll kill you!” Akina flung herself at Natsumi, the others in quick pursuit. It was about time to intervene before someone was really murdered.

“What the hell's going on?!”

The women appeared to be tongue-tied for a moment, then they all rushed into explanations, each trying to explain the situation at once. It was giving Kurama a headache. He held up a hand to silence them, then approached Natsumi, kneeling down in front of her.

“I'm listening.”

“ They were trying to kill you!” Natsumi said in frustration, wondering why the kitsune didn't get what had happened. “I saw them on top of you, attacking you, and doing weird things to you!”

Ah of course...the girl was still so naive. Youko had never bothered telling her about this kind of stuff....not yet anyway. It was easy to misconstrue the events. Someone would have to educate her soon enough, but not now.

“They were not attacking e,” He explained. “We were merely involved in...playtime, so to speak.”

“Then why didn't you invite me?!”

This was going to be far more complicated than expected.

“Adults play quite differently from young ones such as yourself, and you are far too young for such activities.” He would kill the bastard that so much as looked at her...

“....”

“Mmm, I'll explain it to you when you're older...”

“You're always saying that! Why aren't I old enough now?!”

“Just trust me for once, will you?” He laughed. “And by the way,, why did you come to my tent in the first place?”

“Had `em again...”

“I'm flattered that you're trusting enough to be willing to share a room with me.”

“Hn...I trust you.”

“What about us?! You gonna get rid of her or not?!” Akina didn't appreciate being ignored like this, like she was nothing. The others didn't look pleased either. Youko's ears gave an irritated twitch.

“Are you giving me orders...?” He inquired in a dangerously calm voice. Something about his eyes told her she'd better shut up.

“No....it's just, we were.”

“WE were done, I think.”

The others started to interject but he gave them `the look' as well.

“I think you're making a big mistake...”

“You're the only one.”

All of the women stormed out, furious that they were cheated out of their night of entertainment, and wishing Natsumi a violent death. Natsumi however, couldn't care less as she immediately climbed into his bed. The war was over; now she could finally get some rest.

I am so sorry about the delay with this chapter! First my computer wasn't working, then there was a ton of schoolwork and I had wanted to add a bit more for you guys. It won't be long before the end now, and I have no clue what I'm going to do after this story. I tried my best with this chapter and hope you guys like it. You know what to do! If I don't get reviews my depression skyrockets ( dead serious). Anyway, see you guys in Chapter 8!

P.S.: This story may undergo a title change...I'll let you know next chapter, which should be up by early December. I'm trying to commit myself more.