Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Strange and Unexpected Beginnings ❯ Escape ( Chapter 14 )

At last, I have made it to Chapter 14….I might have gotten it up a bit sooner if I hadn't gotten banned from the computer…but I also had to worry about that damn essay for the FMA contest, which I didn't win. Oh well. I've also been playing around with fic ideas. It's easy to come up with them, but harder to plan the specifics/write out. What's important is that it's up, though. Whatever, just relax and read.

 

“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

Makai: Demon World

Ningenkai: Human World

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:

Youko smirked at the expressions on Natsumi's face, as he came inside of her with a loud groan. He licked his fangs as he finished. After a while he slowly pulled out. He withdrew carefully, so as not to disturb the dozing vixen. A pang of guilt struck him.

 

`What's done can't be undone.'

 

They both got what they wanted…He brushed it off, starting to turn to get comfortable, when an arm found it's way around his waist. He felt something move closer to him, pulling him back. He turned to find a bleary-eyed Natsumi eyeing him. She moved so that her head rested on his shoulder and an arm was draped over his chest.

 

“You're not going anywhere.”

 

He supposed that this was meant to sound more threatening. She draped one of her legs over his. Half of Youko found the situation quite humorous while the other half had no idea what to do. He never cuddled with lovers. What a lovely, and yet, fucked up situation at the same time…. He looked down at her to find that she was asleep again. After much mental debate, he decided to let his right arm wrap around her waist. Why not? He lay awake, staring up at the ceiling. He sighed, brushing some stray locks away from his face. He hoped there wouldn't be any…complications after tonight. After awhile he pulled the covers over both of them and finally went to sleep.

 

 

Chapter 14: Escape

 

Kurama was the first to rouse several hours later. He lay there for several moments, blinking and adjusting to the light. It was nice to see that no one was standing over the bed, waiting to gut the pair of them. He shifted the covers off of himself gently,so as not to disturb Natsumi, who maintained the same position from the previous night. That was the easier part; the challenge lay in moving away from her without waking her, as she seemed to have somewhat of a grip around his waist. He tenderly pried her hand off. Shifting ever so slightly toward the edge of the bed, he let her arm slowly slide off his chest, moving inch by inch for several minutes until he was at last free. He sat up, the remainder of the blanket sliding down so that he was well exposed.

 

“nnnnnnhhh…”

 

He turned back at the sound to see if he'd woken her up after all. Natsumi seized the pillow on which Youko previously rested and clung to it with an iron grip, wrapping her legs around the bottom. Relieved and amused, Youko turned away again to get to his clothes, lying in a neglected pile by the foot of the bed. He was fully clothed within a few minutes. After making sure his hair was in order he looked back over at Natsumi again. She was lying on her back now, although her left arm was still clutching the pillow. He saw that the blanket had slid down to expose her bare breasts; he rolled his eyes and walked over to her side of the bed to replace the covers. He knelt to observe the dozing vixen for a few minutes. He could just barely see her eyes under her disheveled hair. It was pretty cute how she still managed to look so innocent. Actually, it wasn't so much the act of last night that bothered him, but Natsumi's comprehension of how such things worked. He stood. Now was not the time to be wasting his thoughts on this sort of thing. What had happened happened, and they'd both have to deal with the consequences, which certainly weren't a higher priority than staying alive. He decided that it might be better if he waited a while before he woke her up, as they still had a long way to go and hey both needed their strength. He needed to check into what was going on in this area anyway. He rose again, and tread softly across the room to the door, shutting it softly behind him.

 

() () ()

 

Natsumi purred as she turned over on her left side, basking in the warmth of the blankets. As she grew more alert to the living world, she reluctantly opened her eyes. She made no move to leave the comfort of the blankets, however.

 

`Damn, I can't get back to sleep!'

 

She tossed and turned in the mass of covers, rolling all over the bed, until she finally sensed that something was missing. She rubbed her eyes and looked around.

 

`Where'd he go?'

 

She sat up on the edge of the bed, holding the blankets around herself. There was no sign of him. Deciding that it was too cold and she was still too tired to actually get up, she curled back into the blankets. The room was kind of creepy when she was the only one there.

 

`Eh, he'll come back eventually.'

If he didn't, well fuck him.

 

() () ()

 

Damned useless fools…he'd been traipsing through the area for hours without any real information. It seemed no one had any idea of the hunters' whereabouts. There was an area about a mile or so west of the inn that had a few small markets. It wasn't a large town or anything, mainly a cluster of old buildings, to pick up food, clothing and such, and a place that forged weapons. He'd spent the morning in the search for rumors, facts, anything that might help their awareness of the Hunters. He stopped along the way to get a new outfit for Natsumi, having seen the condition of her original clothing. He'd worn his cloakof course, not willing to let himself get caught after all this work; it did attract curiosity, especially because of his height, but no one took a particularly strong interest in him. He reached into a hidden part of his cloak and pulled out a small, rectangular burgundy box. It was still safe, although it would be pretty ironic if someone stole it from him. He replaced it, turning to head back to the inn.

 

Natsumi finally woke from her second sleep, feeling more refreshed than when she first woke up. She shoved the covers off of her and sat up, looking to see if Youko had come back yet. He hadn't. There was still no sign that he'd been there. Natsumi scowled.

 

“He could have at least told me where he was going!”

 

She reached for her clothes, her legs getting caught up in the blankets in the process. After some struggling, she pulled herself free from the offending cloth, and draped her legs over the bed as she grabbed her outfit. It was only now that she's realized that the outfit wasn't in very good shape. There were tears in multiple places, and the mud stains were pretty noticeable, although no one said anything about it the previous night.

 

“ Hmmm….doesn't look that great, but I don't have much of a choice.”

 

She had to get of here as soon as possible, and seeing that he still hadn't shown up there was no need to wait any more. She stepped into the outfit, scowling at everything in the room.

 

“Feh…what was all that crap about caring and staying together?”

 

She tugged at the outfit, trying to slide her hips into it. After several attempts she was successful; she wiggled into it. She slid the sleeves over her shoulders.

 

`Was I so bad that he had to leave? I thought we both had fun.”

 

She walked over to the mirror, blowing some of the dust away so that her reflection was visible for the most part. Her hair was disheveled; her locks stood up in several places, and her bangs were spread out in opposite directions. She pressed her hair down to the best of her ability and played with her bangs. It looked a little better after several minutes of administration. She double checked her appearance. Finally satisfied for the moment she turned to leave the room. Halfway there however, the door opened, and in stepped Youko, carrying a small bundle. He removed his hood, eyeing her curiously.

 

“Going somewhere…?”

 

“I guess not, now that you've actually come back.”

 

Youko frowned in confusion.

 

“Of course I would. Why wouldn't I? Unless…”

 

A thought occurred to him.

 

“…You thought that I abandoned you?”

 

“Well, you were gone when I woke up.” Natsumi frowned, willing to smack him if he started to make fun of her. “What was I supposed to think?”

 

“That I simply had to go out for a little while?”

 

He approached her.

 

Natsumi stared down at the floor, shifting uncomfortably.

 

“I'm sorry, ok? You scared me…”

 

He played with her locks.

 

“I had to go find out how close by the Hunters were. I wanted you to rest some more since we've got a long way to go. Neither of us can afford for you to be too weary. That being said, I got something for you.”

 

He handed the bundle over to Natsumi.

 

“I got you a little something.”

 

With unsuppressed curiosity she examined the bundle. It contained a black outfit; a short black sleeveless suit that cut off a few inches just below the hip, with a black belt strap wrapped around it. A short sash hung from the strap.

 

“You were in desperate need of a new wardrobe,” he said, watching her study the outfit.

 

She set it down on the bed and started to undress again without any warning; Youko turned his back, feeling slightly uncomfortable. After sliding the sleeves down her arms, Natsumi shimmied out of the outfit, letting it fall to the floor with a soft thump. As she was reaching for her new clothes, she looked up and saw Youko standing with his back to her.

 

“Why won't you look at me?”

 

He cringed slightly.

 

“It's inappropriate… how about I just leave the room?”

 

He started to move toward the door.

 

“Nah, it's all right….why should you?”

 

Natsumi couldn't fathom why he was worrying about something so stupid now. She shrugged it off and slipped into the outfit.

 

' It fits pretty well.' She finished securing the belt.

 

“Heh…what do you think?”

 

He turned around cautiously, making sure it was safe.

 

“Not bad…but I think it lacks a little something.”

 

“Eh? Like what?”

 

She watched curiously as he pulled out a small case.

 

“Turn around.”

 

She felt him put something around her neck; she jumped a little as she felt something cold drag along her skin.

 

`What's this?'

 

She ran over to the mirror to get a more proper glance as soon as it was fastened. The necklace was made of silver chain links, ending at the pendant dangling over her chest, which resembled a woman. The woman seemed to bemade of sapphire, although it was framed by silver. Two wings protruded from this figure, whose arms were stretched above her head, almost as if they were bound. The left wing seemed to be made of some black stone (maybe onyx) while the right one looked as if it were made of some transparent crystal ( it couldn't be diamond, could it?), both of these also framed by silver. Natsumi fingered the piece with silent awe.

 

`Wow…it's gorgeous!'

 

“I picked it up on the way back…I thought you would like it. It seems I was correct.”

 

She nodded absent-mindedly, still fiddling with the necklace. Youko smirked.

 

“Think of it as a promise to remain my partner. And I'd appreciate it if you started believing me. I don't want to go through this on a daily basis. ”

 

She stared at him for a minute before speaking again.

 

“All right, all right….but try and pull something on me and I'll kill you…”

 

The discussion of this particualr subject ended in silence for several moments. Natsumi was the first to speak again.

 

“What do we do now?”

 

“The sooner we leave, the better.”

 

She followed his lead out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

 

() () ()

 

Natsumi stretched, taking the opportunity to enjoy the sun's warmth. They'd been hiking through yet another forested area beyond the inn, although there was hardly any shade here (not that it mattered, because it was only moderately warm and barely humid at the moment). In several places the paths diverged, but the thieves continued straight ahead; they'd only made one or two turns the entire time. The eager Natsumi had ended up ahead of the ever-cautious Youko.

 

“Slow down a bit! It's not wise to be quite so reckless.”

 

He frowned. Did he just hear leaves crunching? Natsumi sighed and slowed her pace, so that she now walked side by side with him. Youko thought he picked up a scent that didn't quite fit the environment, although he couldn't be totally sure. He stopped and looked around, ears twitching as they strained to pick up any odd sounds. Natsumi simulated him.

 

“There's nothing else around,” She said, puzzled at his behavior.

 

“They're very skilled with concealment. Let's go...Wait a minute…”

 

He had completely forgotten about Natsumi's little `vision' ability, as she never used it on occasions other than thefts. How the hell did he not think of it sooner….

 

“Can you see them?”

 

Natsumi stared, clueless as to what he was talking about at first, but then snapped to attention as she remembered. She closed her eyes, focusing on the area around them. Deep in her mind she could see the forested area….green, green…..

 

`Wait! What's that?'

 

She saw something dart through the trees; it was too swift to get a decent look. There was nothing now, but the leaves and branches flapping in the wind. She looked down past the trunks closer to the ground, searching, seeking….'

 

“That's enough!”

 

Natsumi's eyes snapped open, as her mind opened itself to the current surroundings again.

 

“I have a bad feeling about this….”

 

They started off again; Natsumi noticed that he was pulling her along now. As they moved onward, the forest became a lush-green maze once again, while the path still went on. Finally, they reached a moderately sized clearing where the path ended. Youko dropped her hand and turned to speak, his eyes grim.

 

“This is the point where neither of us can afford to be reckless. It's only too easy to get lost in here… I want you to stay as close behind me as you can, got it?”

 

Natsumi nodded. They walked across the clearing; Youko forced the plant-life aside so they could enter. All of a sudden Youko lifted her and whipped her around so that she stood in front of him. A pair of silver sickles hit the ground where Natsumi stood previously. Kurama swore as something struck him suddenly, sending him sprawling onto the ground. Natsumi ran to him, but he waved her off, picking himself up unscathed. A new voice spoke up.

 

“I can't believe we caught up to this guy so quickly! Some thief. It's probably old age kicking in, but they've all got to go some time.”

 

A tall figure emerged several feet from where the kitsune stood. His deep blue eyes glinted maliciously. They either lacked pupils, or the pupils blended in very well. His hair (the color of his eyes) ended just above his posterior, partially covering his very human-looking ears. The man wore a sleeveless blue top that resembled a vest, attached to dark slacks by a large black leather belt, around which several types of chains and bladed objects could be seen. Youko moved to stand in front of Natsumi, glaring at the Hunter.

 

“Run,” He ordered her, summoning his Rose Whip.

 

“What?”

 

“You heard me. I'll catch up to you later.” He kept his eyes on the Hunter before them.

 

“How cute….trying to save your whore… Or maybe you're trying to make a bargain…her in exchange for your life? I'd always heard that you were a self-centered bastard.”

 

The man smirked. Natsumi shot him a filthy look.

 

“I know where you're going...As soon as I finish you and this adorable vixen I plan to cross over. You filthy criminals should learn to keep your mouths shut about such places, although I admit that you managed to keep it from me for quite a while…”

 

Natsumi snarled.

 

`This arrogant prick is who he was worrying about! I'll take care of him for the both of us!'

 

“Leave us alone!"

 

Natsumi lunged, ignorant of Youko's protests.

 

“Heh.”

 

With graceful agility he turned and pulled a long, dull chain from his belt, whipping it sharply, to catch Natsumi's wrist. As soon as she was caught, he slammed his fist into her jaw, sending her falling back. He roughly swung her around, letting her go when he got enough momentum to send her flying out of the clearing. Instead of hurtling into the forest however, she bounced off something.

 

“ Aaaaaaaaah!”

 

Natsumi a horrible jolting sensation in her torso as she slid down whatever it was that had repelled her. It stopped when she moved forward, away from the invisible “wall,” although she was still shaking from the impact. Youko moved to help her, but the Hunter began to throw punches at the kitsune, making sure not to give him time to do anything more than block. Agitated, Youko tried to slam his kneecap into his stomach. Before he could cause any damage, the Hunter's right hand was engulfed in a light blue aura, which blindedthe kitsune; the Hunter's knuckles connected with his stomach. Youko's attacker then kicked the Rose Whip out of his hand; it landed a few feet away, although it still maintained its shape. He fell back, but didn't allow himself to hit the ground again. The Hunter leaped into the air, probably planning a deathblow from above; there was a faint aura around him now. Youko rolled out of the way, but couldn't escape a kick to the side. The hunter pressed his foot into his stomach.

 

“Seishirou, can we cut the crap and get this done and over with? Enough is enough.”

 

Both kitsune looked up. Another Hunter stood in a tree on the opposite side of his partner. He had lengthy hair, tied in a loose ponytail with bangs that somewhat obscured his narrowed hazel eyes, which had small flecks of black. His outfit was similar to his partner's except that it was a light shade of gray. He had thin silver armor around his torso and legs. Seishirou smirked up at the newcomer.

 

“What did I tell you about relaxing, Aromaru? If your barriers are still of any decent quality at all….”

 

He gestured to the kitsune.

 

… They're not going anywhere.”

 

Aromaru leaped out of the tree.

 

“Very well. Have your fun then, but I won't sit idly by while you get all the credit as usual,” Aromaru responded sharply.

 

His partner paid no mind, turning his attentions back to the matter at hand. BeforeYouko could attack, Seishirou removed his foot from his stomach and sstomped on his right wrist. The said kitsune didn't scream as it shattered, but could not muffle his groaning. Seishirou's smirk grew.

 

Natsumi moved to help him but found herself blocked by Aromaru, who scowled.

 

“Why do I get stuck with the whore?”

 

Natsumi attacked, aiming a series punches which never found their target, as Aromaru proved to be adept at blocking, occasionally just side-stepping the blows. He yawned unappreciatively as she tried to slam her elbow into his face, grabbing her arm and wrenched it around with unhidden vehemence. Natsumi winced noticeably, whirling around to try and knock him away. He kicked her in the stomach; she fell on her back but immediately rose and ran back into the battle. He summoned a pure-white colored reiki, which engulfed his entire body. As Natsumi approached she saw his eyes flicker white for a moment before the force of the aura knocked her back. She summoned her own respective violet youki to protect herself as Aromaru's reiki took the shape of several orbs. He began hurling the throwing spirit spheres everywhere, his stamina never wavering. Natsumi had very little time to catch her breath dodging these; several times she had to do back flips and somersaults to avoid them. After several minutes of this assault, Aromaru brought forth a sphere much larger than its predecessors. To Natsumi's dismay, he formed a second one identical in his opposite hand. She heard someone yelling. A quick glimpse across the clearing revealed Youko trying to pull something from his hair while trying to avoid/block Seishirou's relentless advances. Aromaru's voice brought her mind back to the battle.

 

“You're slightly better than I imagined, but still too pathetic.”

 

He launched himself forward. Natsumi tried to move quickly enough to get behind him, but this proved impossible. Natsumi leaped out of his way as he lunged, but before her feet touched the ground again, the area blew up, catching Natsumi in a blast of rock remains. She managed to land on her feet, her arms held over her head to avoid the last of the debris. Another shot hurtled toward her. She forced her energy to form a stronger barrier as she moved to block it. Suddenly, the area where she stood presently exploded as well. Youko was somewhat aware of the explosions but still too occupied with his current battle.

 

“She's probably dead, that one.” Seishirou grinned. “If I'm wiping the floor with you, what chance does she have?”

 

“Like I would be foolish enough to allow unworthy fighters in my band,” Youko responded, seemingly undaunted by the situation despite the numerous deep cuts and bruises on his body. His hand whipped into his hair and threw out several seeds, hastily throwing his youki into them; they sprouted into a pair of black and purple trees. He took several blows in the process, getting knocked back to the ground. He scowled up at the Hunter; his nose was bleeding heavily, and there were noticeable mars on his face. Seishirou failed to noticethe plants.

 

“Not going to fight back? Have you given up already?”

Seishirou looked behind him as the branches crashed into him, throwing him away a few meters as they gained a grip on him. Youko saw Aromaru some distance away, looking around for Natsumi. Although his injuries slowed him down considerably, Youko approached, hoping to get the other one from behind. He didn't notice a blooded Seishirou returning to the clearing, bleeding heavily from his shoulder and one of his eyes. He also walked with a severe limp but maintained a victorious expression.

 

Aromaru swore.

 

“There's only so far she could have gotten to...at this rate, I won't even get a shot at the other one….”

 

He felt someone behind him and turned around to get punched in the eye by a beaten-, but angry Kurama. He reformed the white reiki, hurling a continuous series of blasts at Youko, who was able to summon a plant to take the attacks for him, although it was completely disintegrated in the process. Aromaru leaped into the air; Youko looked around warily, leaping back as the Hunter suddenly landed at his side.

 

“That idiot should have just ended it,” He muttered as he reshaped his energy into what looked like a spear. Youko kept ducking and dodging until they reached the edge of the clearing.

 

“He should have, shouldn't he…?”

 

Aromaru threw more strength into this next attack. He raised his arms, brought them rapidly down and…. hit the barrier. He pulled the weapon out quickly, but it was too late. The barrier sizzled and crackled before dissolving. Infuriated by the situation, he glared around for several seconds, in search of the silver fox. He felt something slam into the back of his head, andfellto the ground, cursing both kitsune. Youko stood above him, watching him coldly. Seishirou quietly approached swinging something around in the air.

 

`I do believe it's time to end this after all…'

He flung the objects at Youko, who was occupied with smashing in the still struggling Aromaru's face. He was just beginning to feel the pleasant crack of a caved-in skull when he heard something swishing in the air. Before he had a chance to get the smallest glimpse something knocked him away, sending him falling to the ground. It took him a moment to realize that some one was screaming. Natsumi was standing directly in front of him, or she was; she seemed to be kneeling and clutching at something.She was bawling uncontrollably as she continued to slump lower and lower. He pushed himself up and hurried over, kneeling beside her. Some of Seishirous's sickles had missed, but three of them were imbedded in her flesh; the first dug into her shoulder blade, deeply enough so that it wouldn't fall out easily. The second was impaled in her hip…there was no telling if it hit the actual bone. He removed her hands to look at the last one. The third one was the worst…this one was buried in her stomach; not only was her life force gushing out in spades from this injury but as he felt her stomach, he was horrified to discover that it felt as if her torso were ripped open. This sickle also looked like it had gone the furthest inside of her. He caught her before she fell all the way to the ground (putting as little pressure on his wrist as possible). She buried her face in his chest still writhing and shrieking.

 

Seishirou laughed.

 

“She must really care about you to do something so idiotic….imagine someone dying for a murderer."

 

He yanked the sickles out before Youko could jump him.

 

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! AHHHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!”

 

He took the split second he was given and tossed something at Seishirou, which flared upon contact; he turned and ran, running over the barely conscious Aromaru.

 

“I don't recall any healers being anywhere near here,' He panted, hurriedly dodging trees left and right. It would only be a matter of time before they caught up… while he wasn't in Natsumi's condition, he wasn't doing too well himself. He'd expended an unnecessarily large amount of youki fending Seishirou off. Who knew how much time he had to regain some of his strength? He felt his outfit being soaked and focused onthe sobbing vixen in his arms, clutching at him.

 

“Try your best not to think about it…I'll take care of it soon.”

 

Natsumi looked up at him for an instant, face bloodied and puffy with tears, which were still falling heavily. He didn't like the way they were beginning to glaze over. He also noticed that she was gasping for air between her sobs. She whimpered loudly as he leaped over a stump, burying her face again. Her clothes were probably soaked in her blood now…. there was no way this could be delayed any longer. He stopped, gently lying Natsumi on the ground, and propped her up against a tree.

 

`I have to stop that bleeding.'

 

The injuries couldn't wait any longer. It would be better to alleviate her pain a little bit first, however, or she'd suffer even more He dug around in one of his hidden pockets, and pulled out a tiny brown sack. He untied the string wrapped around the top,withdrawing ahandfulof small, multicolored leaves.

 

“I need you to eat these…”

 

He held them up to her mouth. She coughed, spitting up blood on him. She continued to hack for several moments, simply lying and crying, unable to do much else. He stroked her face gently.

 

“It will alleviate the pain for awhile…”

 

She stared at him for a few seconds before opening her mouth, still whimpering and moaning.

 

“Good girl…”

 

He slipped the herbs into her mouth, not wanting her to aggravate the wounds by lifting an arm to eat them herself. He took a moment to eat a few himself before watching her again. She chewed slowly, eventually swallowing everything. Her sobbing ceased after a few minutes. She did look very tired, however.

 

“You should try and stay awake for now,” He warned, shifting to check her stomach wound. Her clothing was completely drenched in blood around the torso area. His head whipped around quickly, looking for any other demons in the area, and then began to unfasten the top part of her outfit. Whatever he did, he'd have to do it fast. As he suspected, there was a noticeable hole in Natsumi's stomach. There was no telling if the sickle hit an organ. He tore off a large part of his cloak, tying it around the hole as tightly as he could. He did the same for the shoulder and hip injuries. He needed a healer quickly; there was only so much he could so in this situation. He dressed her again and lifted her once more so they could be on their way.

 

() () ()

 

It was impossible to tell how much time had passed, but once night had fallen he decided to stop for awhile and see how Natsumi was holding up. He looked around for any suitable shelter.

 

`What's that?'

 

An oval-shaped cave lurked in the distance. Upon closer inspection, he saw that itwas more of adome structure.

 

`It will do for now.'

 

A wave of exhaustion washed over him, and he entered the dark cave, placing Natsumi down against one of the walls as far back into the 'dome' as possible. He used yet more plants to provide some kind of bedding for them….he was really starting to feel the drain in youki now. He ignored it and went back over to Natsumi, again sliding her top down. His heightened sight allowed him to see that the blood still soaked through his makeshift bandages. He ripped up more strips of cloth, until the cloak was no more. He tied them on even tighter, making Natsumi gasp a little bit. The shoulder wound was pretty bad as well. He scowled.

 

`The little idiot never listens to what I say…'

 

Natsumi looked up at him and smirked weakly.

 

“Are you angry at me? I was just trying to save your ass.”

 

She spoke softly, without any of her usual vigor.

 

“Well because you `tried', we're going to fall behind.”

 

He shifted Natsumi onto the leaves, taking care not to touch her left arm. He took two large leaves and wrapped them tightly around her shoulder blade, hopefully binding it for awhile.

 

“Well, what the hell was I supposed to do if you kicked the bucket? I would have been all alone…”

 

“You could have hidden yourself for a while, and then made a break for it. I've told you where you need to go. Why the hell are you so dependent all of a sudden?”

 

Natsumi glared.

 

“Fine!”

 

She shifted, turning way from him. She winced.

 

“Let the damn Hunters get you next time!”

 

She slumped, curling up on the ground as best as she could. Youko moved around to face her again.

 

“Don't move around to much, you'll make it worse.”

 

Natsumi stared blankly ahead out the cave-dome's entrance. Kurama's expression softened.

 

“What am I supposed to do when my partners get these kinds of injuries? You won't be doing anything for awhile, and I need you.”

 

Natsumi's eyes rolled back to him.

 

“I'll heal like I did before…” She forced herself up; Youko moved to support her.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

Natsumi sat crookedly between his legs, gazing up at him, while he held her up. She forced herself higher, ignoring the other kitsune's objections.

 

“We'll train some more and get revenge on all of `em!”

 

She threw herself at him, catching him in a kiss, although one with almost no force Youko noted. He put up no resistance, far more concerned with her condition, as he could feel her body quiver with the strain of sitting up. After a few split seconds before she started hacking again, spraying blood on Kurama's face, and started to slump again, despite her best resistance. He caught her long before she sustained any new injuries she was still coughing up while Kurama observed grimly. There was definitely nothing he could do about that. He tore off part of his clothing and wiped the blood from her face (and then his), after which he lay her down again.

 

“Stop overexerting yourself.”

 

Natsumi's breath was heavy, ragged again. Her voice was barely a notch over whispering.

 

“I'm fine! I just need to rest for just a little while… I'm so tired,” she moaned.

 

Kurama grabbed some more plants and propped them under her head.

 

“I guess it's all right if you go to sleep for a little while….”

 

The rest might help her regain a little strength for the time being.

 

“Lie next to me.”'

 

“For someone who's supposed to be in such shitty shape you sure are demanding.”

 

“Please….?”

 

"Give me a moment."

 

He took a few more leaves and bound them around his own arm, making sure it was tight enough before stretching out opposite her, the better to keep an eye on her. He brushed some stray bangs out of her face.

 

“Just go to sleep for now. I'll wake you.”

 

Natsumi slid closer, wrapping her arm around his waist. She moved up so she could lay her head on his shoulder.

 

“`Night.”

 

She drifted into unconsciousness. Youko lie there for awhile, wondering if he could get somewhere and get some more supplies to help her. What if they waited for a little while before starting again?

 

`No,” He thought. They needed to get out of here quickly… this wasn't the time or place for recovery. He looked over at the dozing vixen, listening to her silent breath. A part of him worried about her making it through the night. He instantly forgot about this worry however, and laid a hand lightly on her side. He watched her for awhile, trying unsuccessfully to keep awake.

 

() () ()

 

Youko awoke abruptly; well, not quite abruptly…he still felt a little weary, but more awake than usual.

 

`How odd, I-'

 

He looked out the entrance of the cave and saw that it was already either late in the morning, or early in the afternoon. Not only did he fall asleep, but he slept late. They had to leave immediately. Something was awry , he just couldn't put a finger on it…perhaps that was why he had awakened so suddenly. He brushed his hair away, startled to find he was covered in a cold sweat.

 

`What the hell?'

 

He shook it off.

 

`I don't have time to analyze my subconscious,'

 

He sat up and moved over to the apparently still sleeping Natsumi and knelt down, shaking her lightly.

 

“We have to move on.”

 

No response.

 

“Natsumi,” He said a little louder, moving around to the other side in order to see any movement from the vixen. She probably slept like a rock. He noticed that her face looked extremely drained than before. There was dried blood all around her mouth while fresh rivers continued to drain from the orifice. Highly concerned, he began to shake her a little harder.

 

“ Wake up!”

 

He looked at the ground around Natsumi and saw that it was covered in a large pool of blood. He pulled her clothing down and saw that the cloth around her stomach was soaked to the point of no longer clinging to the wound. There wassomething poking out of the wound, although he wasn't sure what it was and didn't want to know. I t was only then that he finally noticed that he could no longer sense Natsumi's youki.

 

“Oh no…”

 

He looked down at her body, not bothering to move for several minutes, frozen where he sat. His whole body felt drained all of a sudden, like something very vital was taken away and left him with emptiness. It still didn't feel quite….real. After all these years, his kit couldn't be gone. Not after one nasty incident. Finally he knelt and lifted her, cradling her in silence. He buried his face in her hair. The sense of loss grew steadily with each passing moment, as it finally started to sink in that she was gone.

 

`Great,' He scowled. `Another death on my conscience.' His expression relaxed.

 

“I hope you at least had the rare privilege of being asleep,” he said softly, holding her even more tightly. It was more than likely that she had died in her sleep, but whether it was from the bleeding or choking he would never know. He'd fed her a bunch of lies about continuing their partnership elsewhere and staying together…or maybe she lied to him about sticking around to get revenge. He smiled weakly at this. It wasn't important now. He sat there for what seemed like at least an hour before he picked her up and exited the cave. He lay her down against the walls of the entrance, looking around for a moment. He walked behind the cave; a few meters away, a massive tree (maybe three feet in width) stood, its thick branches casting shadows over the cave-dome. Directly beneath this tree was a small trench, no more than seven or eight feet in length, and two feet wide. He went back to the front of the cave, and brought Natsumi's body back to the trench, stopping to look down on her once more. His eyes stopped when they caught a glimpse of her blood-stained necklace. He pondered taking it, but then decided against it. It was hers.

 

He succumbed to his dark silence again, thinking about all that happened in the years he had known her; their fist meeting…the numerous “ whore wars”, and their night of “passion,” if you could call it that. He smiled slightly for a brief instant, his bangs falling to hide his eyes.

 

“You and Kuronue were both idiots,” he croaked. “I don't know why either of you thought you didn't mean anything… That's probably why you didn't get along. You fools had more in common than you realized. ”

 

He studied Natsumi's lifeless face with unwavering attention.

 

“I have to go….”

 

He kissed her forehead, staying bent for several seconds, not budging an inch. Then, ever so slowly, he moved down, until his warm lips interacted with hers. They were so cold; it was now painfully clear to him that she'd never be able to appreciate the moment. He nuzzled her lightly, and started to rise reluctantly. He lifted her and gently placed her in the trench, brushing her hair out of the way; he traced her features with his fingers one last time, before he stood upright again, tossing something into the indented ground with his good arm. Several large green and violent plants sprouted, covering the grave and its contents; they spread and rose so that any trespassers would merely think it was a particularly large brush. Youko staggered, having felt yet another massive loss of youki because of this but remained standing.

“Goodbye, Natsumi-chan...”

 

He ran out of the area, not looking back, swallowing the sudden burst of emotion that rose in his chest.

 

() () ()

 

“Damn it! Relentless sons of bitches!”

 

He'd had to veer eastward off course to avoid another group of hunters who were unfortunately aware of his presence. He found himself fleeing through a barren plain , making use of the three good legs he had. The sky faded to a deep reddish-brown, lightening crackling every now and then. Youko could make out some large shapes in the distance; as his rapid footsteps brought him gradually closer, he discovered that they were cliffs. If only he could get there….He growled as he heard footsteps behind him.

 

“Take him, dead or alive! No more games like that idiot Seishirou!”

 

“This shit ends today!”

 

Kurama shifted to his full kitsune just in time to avoid a sky-colored blast of reiki. He kept switching directions at random, vainly trying to throw them off, but of course to no avail…desperation had its effects even on him.

 

“Why don't you just give it up now?” A voice taunted behind him. “It looks like the great Youko Kurama's finally running out of steam!”

 

`Tch…pathetic attempts at distractions.'

 

He winced as more and more jagged rocks cut his paws, drawing blood, but he still kept straining to speed up. He couldn't use much of his youki now…he was conserving what little he had left; as a result, it was difficult to sense the shots being hurled at him from behind. He turned his head in time to duck a crimson- colored shockwave; it just barelygrazed him. He blinked as a few drops of blood fell into his eye. He preferred not to acknowledge the fact that despite his efforts he was indeed slowing down….

 

`Wait….why don't I hear them anymore……?'

 

He still kept running, well aware that they likely had some cheap plan to catch him….but in his condition, it might prove to be fatal. Three streaks of light ahead of him caught his attention.

 

`What are those…shit!'

 

All three beams were focused on him. He leaped over the first one, but was sent flying by the second one, getting knocked out of the path of the third one. Before he was able to land, something hit him in the side. He yelped in pain as he landed on his back, struggling to fight the immense pain reverberating in his spine . They gathered around, murmuring and bragging; he forced himself to his feet and attempted an assault on the closest one. Another blast caught him in the stomach; simultaneously the hunter kicked him in the mouth, smashing his fangs. Kurama slumped to the ground, as another Hunter stepped on his back. The group shared a laugh.

 

`Think you've got me, do you?'

 

His eyes rolled around frantically, straining to see the faces of his enemies, but his eyesight was already blurring. Now was the time to use that last bit of reiki. His closed his eyes and focused on leaving the battered body. He felt himself disconnect from his physical surroundings.

 

“Heh…. I can't believe it's taken this long to kill an animal.”

“Guess he was out of tricks….let's finish it then.”

 

“I'll do it,” said the Hunter who had stepped on his back. “He's mine.”

 

A small beam of light shot from the dead fox's body at the same instant the Hunter's foot snapped it's neck. The group paid little mind to it, discussing what kind of rewards they would get for this catch, now that the thief's reign of terror seemed to have ended.

 

() () ()

 

He would never have imagined he'd end up in such as the ningenkai; he would have laughed about such a thing long ago. Ironically however, this world ended up being his sanctuary, so to speak, and it would eventually lead to his `rebirth'. After he had broken through the barrier which supposedly protected the ningenkai from such creatures as him, he'd spent time desperately seeking some type of protection. His spirit form would be even more vulnerable. After some quick thinking he had ended up inside the fetus of an impregnated ningen. He couldn't think of a safer place when he had such limited time to do so, and his options were limited. He'd had to rid the body of the original soul that occupied it to secure this `safe spot', but what had to be done had to be done. Like it was going to be so pleasant spending the next several years living as a human… He curled up into the dark recesses of the underdeveloped child's mind, waiting to return to the living world. He'd return to the Makai eventually, when his powers regenerated properly… But for now, he would have to adjust to this body and bide his time.

 

' Life goes on,' he thought, somewhat bitterly, as he sunk into the child's subconscious to rest.

 

 

And that my friends, is the end of the story! I'm so sorry about the shitty ending though! I wanted to end it where he hid in the womb, but I guess I didn't do it too gracefully. But anyway, end of the road! I can't believe I made it to the end! I'm so happy! But I'll miss all your support and hope that you'll be around for my other works! I love every one of you who reviewed/ added me to your favorites/ added me to your alert/ etc. You lifted my spirits! And to those of you who simply read (and kept reading if you liked it) thanks you as well! As always, review and tell me what you think, and newcomers should review other chapters as well if they feel like it. I REALLY ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO REVIEW THIS STORY, NOW MATTER HOW MUCH TIME PASSES BY! Until next story! I'll miss you! Final random note: I was going to do a sequel, but I just didn't think it would work , and it would be too problematic. Maybe that's why the ending's not exactly super…

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Anaki Of The Blood Wolves

Ange34

Annjielita

Aru_kitsune

Blackfriday616

Boooba

Ceese

Darknesspirals

Eppy_dono

Hiei Lovers

Hinageshichankyoko

Moodswinger

Kiwiwfruit

 

Shadow runner

Shinigami_clylde

Teh Rin

YOU GUYS WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR REVIEWS MEANT AND STILL MEAN TO ME! TO ANY OF STILL MIGHT REVIEW IN THE FUTURE, I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY PESSIMISTIC HEART!

 

 

P.S: This chapter's dedicated to my Grandmother (on my mom's side), who passed away a few days ago. We hope she made it to heaven ok….