[FFML] FFML][MISC][First chapter]

Now for that little info we all love to read =)
Hmm let's see...for I'm not making any profit with this, I just love to write!
And secondly Im not even sure if anything in this fic belongs to anyone but if it does, credit goes to them. The closest one I can think of is Yu-Yu-Hakusho since its the only anime where i've seen Youko's, Youkai's, Makaii and those. Since half fox are called Youko's in this I enjoyed the name and took it! (and now its mine all mine!!! mhuahaha...uhhh forget that!! *^-^*) Ok, so basically its my characters in a who knows "copyrighted background" So credit goes to YYH for being a very nice anime!...(still with me? sugoi!)
PG-13 for some (few) more mature contents.
And sorry for the long intro but It's my first post! Have mercy! All feedback is welcome to op4682@mail.telepac.pt but dont flame me down like a roast chicken!!! And I hope you enjoy =)

Hitomi was walking on the road to the village when it began raining. She stopped under a tree not because it was raining hard, but she just didn't want to get soaked. She walked into the woods, and came to the lake. Everything was quiet, the lake reflecting the grey clouds above her. Yet Hitomi felt something. Something faint, yet noticeable.

The rain had stopped, but it had left small puddles of water by the lakeside. Hitomi could hear quick splashing sounds, along with a few childish giggles, not far away. After looking for a while, she found out what it was.

A small Youko cub was running through the small beach the lake formed, jumping on every puddle he would find on his path, splashing water all around him.

He was very young, with his cute little ears perked up on top of his head, almost hidden amongst his medium white/light brown hair.

As the cubby Youko turned around on his path, he tripped on some stones and fell on the floor, yelping on impact.

Hitomi promptly came out of her hiding place, and came to his help.

The cubby was still lying on the ground, and as Hitomi got near him, he started staring at her, almost crying.

"Hey! You gotta be more careful!" Hitomi started.

The cub didn't say anything.

"You're lucky you didn't get hurt!" Hitomi kept, helping the kid up, still silent.

As he finally got to his feet, he stared at Hitomi and then he started looking down, fiddling around his fingers.

"What? Are you scared of me?" Hitomi asked.

"My Mama told me not to talk to strangers!!" the kid finally answered, in this super-cute and childish voice.

"Oh really?" Hitomi said. "So I guess we have to introduce ourselves, so we're not strangers any longer, ok?"

The kid looked at her again, and nodded his cute little head, now smiling.

Hitomi then got up, and bowed almost all the way to the ground. "I'm Hitomi Kusanagi! It's a pleasure to meet you, my kind Sir!"

The kid started laughing in this adorable way, only a child can. "How about you?"

"I'm Kayin and I'm 4!!" the kid said, as he lifted his hand with the matching amount of fingers stretched.

"So tell me, Kayin! What are you doing here, so far away from home?" Hitomi asked.

She figured that such a small kid could only be living on Youko Village, and he had gotten away from his mother, or something.

"I came here to play! "

"But you'll get all wet, if you keep jumping in those puddles, like you do!"

"Uh Uh!! No I don't!" Kayin said, as he got close to a big puddle near them. "My Papa told me a trick and I can do it and I don't get wet! Wanna see?"

"Sure!" Hitomi said, curious.

The little cub jumped in the puddle, but just before his little feet touched the water, it started moving aside, as some invisible force was pushing it away from the cub's feet.

Hitomi jumped back just in time, or she would've gotten all wet.

"Sugoii, ne??" Kayin asked.

"Yeah! Sugoii!!" Hitomi agreed. "Look, shouldn't you be going back to your home?? Your Mama and Papa must be worried!"

"Will you take me there?" Kayin eyed Hitomi with his cute, big hazelnut-brown eyes.

"...er... You forgot your way back???" Hitomi said, worried.

"No! I just don't want to go alone!" Kayin said, as he grabbed Hitomi's arm.

Hitomi really didn't felt like babysitting, but the kid was so cute and nice she couldn't resist "Ok then! I'll take you home!"

As Hitomi said this, the kid started cheering out loud and jumped on Hitomi's back, grabbing her neck. Hitomi got more than a few sweat drops on her head, but she had to put up with Kayin...after all, he was a kid.

She got up and started walking back towards the village.

The young cubby directed Hitomi to his house, at the centre of the village. It was a quaint little house, with two floors. There was a column of white smoke pouring out of the back of it, but as Hitomi got close to see what that was, Kayin got restless, and made her put him down.

He immediately ran towards the house, shouting for his mama.

The door immediately opened, revealing a very beautiful female Youko, dressed in a light green Chinese tunic, with extremely long light brown hair, and brown eyes to match.

"Kay-chan! There you are!" she said, in this soothing voice. "We were getting worried!" she said.

"I was playing by the lake..." Kay-chan started.

"Hmm! I can see that! As if washing your father's clothing wasn't enough!" she said, as Hitomi saw someone else at the door.

"Come here, you little squirt!" a low-pitched voice sounded from the inside. As the kid's mother got up, Hitomi could see whom it was.

A white-haired Youko, apparently the kid's father, was kneeling, inviting his son to his arms. He then started getting up.

Hitomi couldn't help her jaw from falling open. It was the biggest Youko she had ever seen. At least, the biggest she had seen on that village. Extremely tall, broad shoulders, massive arms... he was sure to be very strong.

"You're Hitomi right?! Don't you remember us? " He asked.

"Uh!! Not really" Hitomi said, looking a bit surprised.

"Well, I wouldn't worry about that. You're still young, you got other things to think about. I'm Garron Drey, and this is my wife Arista. You already know Kay-chan, over here!" the male Youko said.

"I suppose!" Hitomi said. "I found him down near the lake! I thought it might be best if I brought him home! You never know..."

"Yes! And we're grateful for it!" Arista said. "He keeps running to the lake, no matter what we say to him!" she kept, as the little kid made a funny face and pouted.

"Well..." Garron started. "...The least we can do is offer you lunch!"

"I...I don't know!" Hitomi started.

A slight expression of disappointment filled the Arista's face. Hitomi gave it a second thought.

"Are you sure you don't want to have lunch?" Arista said. "It'll just be a few more minutes, until it's ready!"

"Well, if you insist!!" Hitomi smiled, as little Kay-chan started cheering again.

"Yay!! She's staying! She's staying!!" the cub kept shouting.

"That's enough, Kay-chan." Arista told her son.

"YAAAAAAAAYYYY!"

"Kay-chan!" Garron called.

"YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!"

"KAYIN!!!!" Arista shouted, widening her eyes in a way, even Hitomi got a bit scared.

The little cub got silent immediately, and went inside the house, looking down. Arista then turned to Hitomi, returning to her pleasant smile.

"Gomen nasai! Small kids often need such reminders of good manners!" Arista said.

Hitomi just stood there, motionless.

"You two can go and do something, while I take out lunch, ok?" Arista said, going back inside the house.

"Right!" Garron agreed, as he came out. "Come, Hitomi! It'll be a while, before lunch is set!"

Garron took Hitomi to a shed not far from the house. As Hitomi got near it, she started smelling a strange scent, not altogether unpleasant.

Garron noticed the look on Hitomi's face.

"You like it, huh?" Garron started.

"Huh?" Hitomi asked.

"This smell... You like it?"

"Sort of.what is it?"

"Molten steel!"

"Really??" Hitomi said, in disbelief.

"Yep! That's right!" Garron said, as he turned to Hitomi. "I'm a blacksmith!"

Hitomi got close to the shed, and saw a whole apparatus of big stone containers, molds, everything a small foundry would need. Hitomi also noticed some weapons on display on the wall. Staves, Daggers, Swords...

"Sugoii" Hitomi said looking around.

"Everything is brand new. Only the best materials of all Makkai" He continued. Hitomi looked at him. "It's kinda nice to know that every iron dependant object on this village will soon be in my hands, for fixing!!" Garron kept talking, dropping a few blacksmith jokes, Hitomi didn't even listen.

Her mind was drifting away. Somehow, that looked familiar, but she was sure she had never been there.

"Garron! Stop bugging Hitomi-chan with your job and come to the table. " Arista screamed from the house.

Garron and Hitomi went inside. Garron sat at the head of a rectangular wood table, with Kay-chan and Hitomi by his left, and Arista by his right.

Arista took a tray with some rice and meatballs that looked just delicious. She served her husband first, then she followed to serve Kay-chan and Hitomi, leaving herself for last.

She noticed Kay-chan, sitting by his side. Unlike what he had imagined, he got along eating pretty well, for a guy with only 4 years old. She found herself staring at the cubby Youko.

Time went by very fast, and soon, Hitomi was leaving the Drey's house, to return to her own.

"Well, Hitomi-chan! Come back anytime now!" Arista said, politely, as usual.

"I will, Arista-san!" Hitomi said smiling

"Mata ne!"

Hitomi walked away from the house, just as Kay-chan peeked his head through his parents legs and started shouting "JAAAAAA!!!!".

"Jaa!" Hitomi laughed and kept on walking.

**********************************************************************

Sixteen years later.

"Concentrate for a bit. Damn it, how do you expect to learn anything if you don't even try." -Yuugi shouted.

"But Mom.I." - A young girl replied.

"Forget it Hitomi. Go out and play or something. I've got important things to deal with." Yuugi turned her back to Hitomi and walked to a shelf were she picked a book. Hitomi looked at her for a bit, turned away, and left.

"Ahh sucks. I did how she told me." Hitomi left the house and ran down the path to the village. Suddenly she heard a cry and stopped. She looked to the right, in the direction of the sound. She heard it again and ran towards it. She found a big wolf roaring at a baby one. It was about to attack him. Hitomi closed her hand and opened it, this time with a small atrun(dark energy ball) energy. She threw it against the wolf who yelp with pain as the ball hit him and run away. Hitomi walked over to the baby wolf and crouched.

"Hi there. Don't be afraid. The bad wolf is gone."She stretched her hand to the little wolf that looked at it and sniffed a bit suspicious. Hitomi noticed a scratch on the back leg. "Are you hurt little one?"

She grabbed the baby and held him in her arms. The scratch wasn't very deep, but she decided to cover it. She walked back to the house and cleaned the wound with some fresh water before covering it with a small bandage. The baby wolf sniffed it curiously and looks at Hitomi.

"Now we gotta find your mommy." She grabbed him and returned to the place where she had found him. She put the little wolf on the ground and crouched.

"You know were your burrow is? Go on go." The baby looked at her and run into the woods, followed by Hitomi. They reached its hole. At the entrance there was another wolf, lying on the ground. The little baby walked to it and started licking its face. Hitomi noticed several wounds on the wolf. She walked slowly to it. She crouched and touched it. The wolf was dead.

"Was she your mommy?" Yuugi patted the small wolf that yelp looking at her mother

"Don't worry. Ill take care of you. You know, my dad died when I was very young and now I live with Mom. You can live with us. She likes wolves too. How should I call you?" Hitomi grabbed the little wolf. "Hmm you a girl ey? Do you like Kage?(shadow)"

She replied with a bark and trying to lick Hitomi which caused her to laugh.

"We gonna be best friends right Kage?"

"Be�!" Hitomi buried Kage's mother near their hole and left carrying Kage. She ran back home.

"Mom! I'm back." There was no reply and Hitomi climbed the stairs to the upper floor.

She found Yuugi reading the same book when she had left.

"Mom?" -She asked

"Nani?" -Yuugi replied without looking at her.

"Look I found her in the woods. Her mother was killed and I decided to keep her with me. Her name is Kage." Hitomi put Kage on the table. Yuugi looked. She noticed the little baby wolf sniffing around curiously.

"Very well. I hope you treat her properly. Don't forget, they need freedom and independence." Yuugi put a hand on the table and Kage ran towards her, licking her.

"Sugoi!" Hitomi said a bit surprised. Yuugi pat Kage and waved towards Hitomi.

"Go on. I can't play right now." Kage looked at her and then at Hitomi. She crossed the table and Hitomi grabbed her.

"Bye mom!" Hitomi said, already on her way out. Yuugi replied something but Hitomi didn't listen.

**********************************************************************

A couple of months passed, Hitomi kept studying with her mother, playing pranks at Kayin or with Kayin, always with Kage by her side.

"Hitomi! Wake up!" Screamed Yuugi once more.

"It's early.lemme sleep for a little while." Answered Hitomi, turning around in bed and covering her head with the sheets. Yuugi could kill her right there. Instead she just opened and closed her fist imaging Hitomi's little neck. She touched the sheet and closed her eyes. Her hand acquired a crimson tone that spread through the rest of the sheet. In less than a second Hitomi jumped out of the bed screaming.

"AH HOT HOT" She looked at Yuugi. " Nani?"

"Rise and shine. You better have those eyes wide open today. I warned you for more than a week." Yuugi replied.

"Oh yeah.training again.But why is today so special?" Hitomi asked, followed by one big yawning still a bit sleepy. Yuugi turned around and left. When she was at the door she said.

"I want you downstairs in 10 minutes."

"Sure mom." Hitomi sat on the floor and lay against the bed rubbing her eyes. "So I still have 5 more minutes to sleep". She thought.

10 Minutes later

"Oh no, Oh no, Oh no, She's gonna kill me. Hitomi ran around her room like mad, throwing her pyjama to the bed and changing into her usual outfit. She jumped down the stairs, trying to lace her boots.

5 Minutes later

"I told you 10 minutes." Yuugi said looking at Hitomi as she entered the room.

"No way. You told me 15 Minutes" Hitomi argued with a very serious look on her face.

"Hmmf. Just eat something. We're late." Yuugi replied. Hitomi grabbed some fruit and literally swallow it, hitting her chest not to choke. Yuugi looked at her like if she was some weirdo.

"Nani mom?" Hitomi asked.

"Iie.(nothing)" When Hitomi finished eating Yuugi got up followed by Hitomi. As they left the house Hitomi asked.

"Where are we going mom?"

"Training. I want to see how you fight." Yuugi replied putting one hand on Hitomi's shoulder. She didn't reply and just walked with her mother to the lake. When they arrived there Hitomi noticed Nazo on top of a tree lying on a branch. She waved at him. He was always very quiet but was always around. She didn't knew much of him but Yuugi probably did since she always refused to talk about him when Hitomi inquired. Nazo nodded back looking at the two carefully. Yuugi also looked at him, but didn't say or did anything.

"You ready Hitomi?" Yuugi asked looking straight at her.

"Sure" She answered with a smile, not looking very concerned.

"Listen Hitomi. You can get hurt. I expect you to fight with all your strength.

Hitomi realized Yuugi was serious. She threw her coat to the ground to be able to move faster. She knew it was an unfair match. Hitomi never saw Yuugi fight and she usually kept her aura to a minimum so she had no idea of what her mom was able. Yuugi on the other hand had taught her everything she knew. " I guess it's time to see if all the practice with Kayin was useful."

"Ready when you are." Yuugi told her. Hitomi waved affirmatively and took a deep breath. She closed her hand and created a tiny atrun energy throwing it like if it was a marble at Yuugi. She didn't even move as the ball suddenly "hit" something invisible and disappeared.

"You're kidding right?" Yuugi asked. She hadn't finished talking when Hitomi ran towards her, hands behind her back not to reveal her attack. When she got close to Yuugi she threw two more atrun energy, this time larger and more powerful. Yuugi avoided them easily, catching Hitomi vulnerable since she had gotten too near to make sure her attack hit. She slapped Hitomi throwing her to the ground.

"Not bad, but you were too slow and got too near. You're still too young to rely that much on those atrun tricks of yours" Yuugi said coldly. Hitomi looked at her rubbing her cheek.

"Yes mom." She got up trying to figure what to do next. If she could avoid her attacks easily maybe she had to make sure she couldn't move. The sky was full of clouds covering the sky but there still was enough light to cast a shadow. Pausing for a second to concentrate on her little move. She ran to her mother again, throwing a few more of her attacks at her as a diversion. As she got near she tried to kick her, causing Yuugi to jump back skilfully. Hitomi crouched and managed to hit on Yuugi's shadow, trapping her.

"YES!" Hitomi threw another ball at Yuugi, this time hitting her. She jumped back and looked at Yuugi.

"I guess I've won!" She told her, scratching her nose. Yuugi just laughed.

"If you're just going to use these tricks I think I better let you fight a puppet."

"Your bluffing. You can't move!" Hitomi replied.

"Can't I? Even so.I don't need to." Yuugi continued.

"Oro?" Hitomi didn't have the chance to do anything as she was hit in the back. She turned back but there was no one there. She was hit again and again, each time she faced one side, something hit her on the other. She has hit again collapsing on to the ground. She looked at Yuugi. She walked to her and crouched.

"Interesting trick you got there. But requires too much concentration and energy to keep it. And there's another problem. If you use it on someone with a stronger Ki, it's pretty useless. Which happened to be the case." Yuugi put her hand on Hitomi's head and she closed her eyes. Hitomi felt as if all her strength had come back and got up.

"Nani?" She asked.

"Just a simple trick. Let's try again this time I won't use magic.for a while." Yuugi replied. Hitomi didn't argue, it was clear her mother was very powerful.

"No magic? That means no magic barriers" Hitomi couldn't help but to smile as she hold her hands together and formed and huge mass of darkness. Yuugi noticed and run towards her.

"Not that easy"

Hitomi barely had time to jump back before Yuugi was right in front of her. She threw the ball at her and Yuugi jumped at an amazing speed over it landing behind her. Hitomi turned around and was able to stop a punch from Yuugi.

"Pit of darkness." She screamed. Yuugi jumped back avoiding her daughter's trap. As she touched the ground she saw two more atrun energy coming right at her. It was too late to avoid them. She grabbed them with bare hands throwing them to the sides. One hit the water splashing everywhere and the other passed right in front of Nazo's nose, who complained.

"Ey watch it will ya?"

The two girls didn't reply as Hitomi was already trying to hit her mother with kicks, that Yuugi easily avoided, holding them with her hands. She punched Hitomi in the stomach but she was still able to hit her with one of her dark in the chest, Yuugi didn't even showing any signs of pain. Hitomi jumped back and created several dark projectiles witch she threw again and again at Yuugi trying to keep her at bay. Yuugi noticed the attack and opened her arms.

"lux lucis contego" (Shield of light) An bright light appeared in front of Yuugi, looking almost as a curtain witch absorbed Hitomi's attack. "Damn. I hate to use this" Yuugi gazed at Hitomi angrily.

"Aduro"(burn) As Yuugi screamed, a fireball appeared in front of Hitomi hitting her in the chest throwing her to the ground. She coughed and looked at her chest red from the burn.

"No magic?" She asked as she managed to get up.

"In a fight you can never assume anything." Yuugi replied. "Glacialis" She shouted, causing a burst of ice to fly into Hitomi's direction. This time she saw it and opened her hands, creating a barrier of shadows between them that held Yuugi's attack. She walked towards Hitomi, causing her to step back. She created and threw several other balls, but Yuugi just slapped them like if they were flies.

"We still have a lot of work to do." Yuugi started " I'm going to make sure you get stronger. Now fight." Yuugi moved so quickly, Hitomi barely noticed. She kicked at Yuugi but she avoided it and slapped her.

"Try harder." Yuugi said. Hitomi threw two balls and tried to kick Yuugi again. One of them hit her in the hand. Yuugi closed it and opened it a couple of times and pointed the other one at Hitomi. When she opened it Hitomi almost fell backwards, pushed by an unknown force.

"Try harder." As soon as she finished talking she felt pain on her belly. Hitomi had hit her, and she didn't even noticed her moving. Hitomi jumped back quickly to avoid her mother's response but Yuugi didn't try to attack her. Instead she looked up. The clouds were disappearing and the sun was shining. She covered her eyes with her hands. Hitomi also noticed. She knew of her mother's dislike for sunny days. Her hands grew darker as two balls grew in her hands. She threw them at Yuugi, who was able to stop one. The other one hit her right in the chest, trespassing her. Yuugi moaned with pain and fell to her knee.

"Mom?" Hitomi run to her. "Mom. Gomen ne, I." She looked scared. Yuugi got up and pushed her.

"You can't worry about a enemy during a fight. You think I can be beaten by those attacks of yours? The sun can weaken me, but I'm still powerful enough." Yuugi answered. Hitomi swallowed. Yuugi looked angry.

"Heads up." Yuugi clapped her hands and looked at Hitomi before closing her eyes.

Hitomi readied herself to Yuugi's next attack. But Yuugi didn't move and it didn't seem as if she was going to use other types of magic. Hitomi realized too late what Yuugi was thinking. Her heart beat faster and she tried to attack Yuugi before she could concentrate. It was too late. Suddenly all of her body seemed as if on fire. She didn't resist the pain and fell to the ground twisting. Her veins seemed to carry acid, not blood.

"Moth.arghhhh" she tried to speak but was unable too. Nazo who had been looking at the whole fight also noticed Yuugi's intentions. He jumped down of the tree and looked at her. Yuugi opened her violet eyes. They were glowing with a strange light. She looked at Nazo, and he realized it was better not to interfere.

Yuugi whispered softly unknown words. It was one of her most powerful spells. Hitomi was contorting with pain barely being able to breath. She tried to get up, but couldn't do more than drag herself on the ground.

"Mom." Hitomi looked at Yuugi. She looked so different, so cold and distant. Yuugi smiled before closing her eyes once more. She took a deep breath and relaxed. Hitomi felt the pain vanishing slowly. She was breathing fast, covered in sweat. She was crying compulsively without even realising it. Yuugi walked to her and put her hand on her forehand.

"You're gonna be fine dear. I didn't expect you to take it so strongly. Wash your face in the lake. I'm tired of this sun." Yuugi walked past towards Nazo. She stopped for a second as she passed next to him.

"Hmm, never saw you that worried about anything." She said.

"I didn't expect you to use that on her." Nazo replied. Yuugi nodded and walked to a tree leaning against it, enjoying its shadow. Yuugi was also sweating from the sun.and the fight probably. She looked at her hand. It was still hurting a bit, she should've been more careful. Hitomi had proven stronger than she taught. She looked at her by the lake and at Nazo behind her.

"Shuji. If you were here, you' be fooling around with her, driving me crazy. And I would just laugh at your jokes and pranks." Yuugi closed her eyes trying not to think about those things but someone else appeared as she did. Laughing at her, there she was. Shivara once again. Yuugi opened her eyes and looked around. She shivered and realized she was dead. Yuugi was felling better again, away from the sun. Hitomi on the other hand, was still exhausted. Her body was still hurting. She washed her face with the cold water, drinking a bit.

"Feeling better?" Nazo asked her. She looked at him and waved affirmatively.

"Hai, domo Nazo-kun." She looked right at him and smiled.

"Nani?" He asked.

"You. Worried about me. It's not like you." She said as she washed her face.

"Hmf." When Hitomi looked at him again he was already leaving into the woods. She finished washing herself. After she recovered her breath she walked to Yuugi. She didn't know exactly what do say or do, so she just looked at her silently.

"You did well. But I still need to teach you other things. I'm going back home. You do whatever you want." She passed her hand by Hitomi's head and left. Hitomi watched her as she left, always careful to stay on the shadows cast by the trees.

"Mom." Hitomi turned around and took the same path as Nazo. It led into the cemetery. She arrived at it shortly after, but didn't see Nazo anywhere. She walked slowly to a familiar grave.

"Dad. I miss you." She looked at the statue that was right behind his grave. So cold and lifeless. Hitomi felt sad. She tried to picture how her father was, but she couldn't. Yuugi once told her he looked like Nazo, only prettier. Yet somehow she felt he was different. She wiped a stubborn tear. She looked at the tattoo on her arm. She remembered what Mom had told her. Yuugi first only wanted a son because that would grant her more power. But that power came with a cost. A sacrifice. Her sacrifice. Yet Shuji died trying to protect her from a woman who wanted to kill Yuugi and her family. She was too young to remember but when she was told the story, she loved her Dad even more, like if he was there with her ever since she had been born.

"Farewell father." Hitomi was about to leave when she felt someone behind her.

She turned around and saw whom it was. Nazo. She smiled at him but he looked very serious. It happened so fast she barely noticed. He slapped her so hard she fell down. And then she passed out. A lot happened after that moment. A lot changed in her life, without she even realising it, or wishing it. Several weeks later.

**********************************************************************

"Cya later Mom. Bye Dad. Hitomi waved bye to her parents and left the house. The two youkos watched as she ran out, walking towards the village.

"Are you sure this is the best for her?" Her foster father asked.

"Yes. She's too young to bare with so much suffering. And it would just bring back old wounds. Besides she's the daughter we never had. It's best for everyone."

"Even so.she believes us to be her parents."

"And now we are! We've talked about this before."

Hitomi ran down the path to the village. She was going to meet his friend Kayin. "I wonder what he's doing." She left the woods and arrived at the village right next to Settzer's house. He saw her and waved.

"Hi Settzer. Have you seen Kay-chan?"

"Hmm no, not today. He's probably at home."

"Domo. Cya." She said walking towards Kayin's house.

She stopped by Shiro's place, where she grabbed two of her famous pies.

"Arigato" She said, leaving with the two pies on her hands. She arrived at Kayin's house. She knocked at the door and Ms. Drey opened.

"Ohayo. Where's Kay-chan?"

"Hello Hitomi-chan. He told me was going to Settzer's when he left."

"Nani? Settzer? But..." Hitomi began. "Oh I see. Settzer's place ey? Arigato." Hitomi turned her back and walked away. Ms. Drey didn't notice her face as she walked away.

"Settzer.Rin that's more likely." She concentrated for a bit and traced Kayin not far away. It didn't take her long to reach the place where he was. Hitomi was on the outside of Rin's place. She noticed Kayin on top of a tree, peeking down.

"I don't believe it!" She walked over to the tree where Kayin was standing. She leaned against it eating her pie.

"EY KAY-KUN! Don't you want your pie also?" She screamed as she finished her own. Kayin looked down scared and lost his balance. He tried to grab the branch but failed and fell down hitting his head violently.

"Now that's gotta hurt. " Hitomi said looking at him, barely containing a laugh.

"Auuchhh" Kayin moaned as he got up rubbing his head looking at her angrily.

"The view was good up there?" She asked. Kayin lost his angry look suddenly replaced by embarrassment

"It's nothing like that. Er hum, Settzer asked me to give a message to Rin. I was just making sure she was at home." He said so quickly Hitomi barely understood.

"Couldn't you've knocked?" She asked.

"Huh I. yeah I." Kayin started

"Forget it. Don't you want your pie.?" Hitomi cut him.

"Sure thanks!" Said Kayin reaching to the pie. Hitomi raised it and smacked it right on to Kayin's face as she walked away. He just stood there looking foolish.

"Apple pie.hmm. what a waste." He said licking his lips, and trying to clean his face with his hands. He looked at Hitomi and ran up to catch her.

"Boy, we're having a bad day?" he asked.

"You have no idea." Hitomi replied. She looked at Kayin and laughed.

"Nani?" - He asked.

"You're covered with pie." She said taking a little bit of cream from him and tasting it.

"I wonder how it got there." Kayin answered looking at her angrily again.

"It's not my fault you're such a pervert." Hitomi continued crossing her arms behind her head.

"Who's the pervert? It's not like you're a Saint or anything."

"I'm not the one stocking Rin." She said sticking her tongue out.

"I told you! I wasn't spying on her. I was just." Kayin stopped, as he saw Hitomi tripping. He ran to her and helped her getting up. " Daijoubu? (You alright?) What happened?" He asked a bit worried.

"Huh.Nothing. I'm just a bit tired and tripped." Hitomi replied looking at her hands.

"You tired? That's something new." Kayin looked at her admired. She was the only one that could drive him to exhaustion.

I've been practising some new moves.. You just wait until the next time we practice." Hitomi said teasing Kayin.

"Yeah yeah. Ey, you wanna go to the lake?" Kayin asked smiling.

"Sure" Hitomi replied. They began walking and Kayin put his arm around Hitomi.

"Nani?" She asked.

"I don't want you falling again." Kayin replied looking at her with a smile. She smiled back, laying her head on his shoulder. They arrived at the lake and sat under a tree. All the clouds had disappeared and the sun was shining. Hitomi took her coat off and laid down looking at the sky, with her head on Kayin's lap.

"The day sure got beautiful don't you think?" Hitomi said.

"I don't get it." Kayin started.

"Nani?" Hitomi asked.

"You. You love the dark. All your powers are related to shadows and dark things. And yet you love sunny days."

"I love every day and night. I'm stronger at night, I like the warmth of the sun and sadness of a clouded and rainy day. I never told I was easy to understand." Hitomi winked at him as she answered.

"And I never told you how I like that on you." He smiled, but suddenly looked at her seriously.

"You never told me lot's of things." Hitomi sat straight looking at Kayin. Suddenly she heard a noise behind her, but before she could do anything she was pushed forward towards Kayin, falling on top of him both looking remarkably stupid at each other. She felt a hot wet thing licking her neck.

"Get off me!" Hitomi screamed as she got up quickly. "What are you thinking?"

Two loud barks came as a response as Kage tried to lick Hitomi's hand.

"Hitomi-chan." Kayin started.

"Yes?"

"Can you please step off my leg!!!? "Kayin screamed in pain." Hitomi looked down for a second realizing she was stepping on Kayin knee.

"Ops. Gomen n�." She said scratching the back of her neck. Kayin got up rubbing his knee eying both Hitomi and Kage evilly. They didn't seem to bother as Hitomi crouched patting Kage.

"Were have you been all day? You aren't betraying me are you?"

"NANI?" asked Kayin, sweatdrop on his head.

"You don't know? We are lovers and gonna get married." Hitomi answered naturally, with Kage barking as confirmation while Kayin collapsed on the ground. Hitomi looked down at him curiously.

"Kayin-Kun.you ok? I was kidding you know?" Kayin just stood there laying on the ground, thinking in very painful ways to kill both girls.

"Now here's a cute couple." A familiar voice said. The two youngsters look up and saw Settzer coming from the path, along with Rin who continued.

"You knocked him down Hitomi-chan. I won't even ask how."

Kayin got up in a jump

"Rin-chan! Settzer-sensei. It's nothing like that. I err I" He mumbled.

"He just trip that's all." Hitomi replied.

"Yeah. that." Kayin confirmed looking down embarrassed.

"Ok ok, we believe you. No need to blush." Rin said smiling

"WHO'S BLUSHING?" The two young Youkos replied.

"You know." Settzer started changing the subject." You should be more careful. This area can be a bit dangerous for two kids like yourselves."

"I can handle any wild beast that comes by." Hitomi stated.

"I'm not referring to wild beasts. You never know who might be wandering these woods." Settzer continued.

"Blergh, I can handle any drifter who comes by." Hitomi replied.

"Yeah, we can handle them!" Kayin also said taking a step further.

"There's nothing wrong in being brave, kids but you should be careful nonetheless."

"Whatever." Hitomi stated indifferently.

"Just stay sharp Kids. We're going now. Mata ne." Rin said, leaving with Settzer.

"They were blushing." Rin said to Settzer as they walked away driving Hitomi mad.

She created one ball of darkness and was about to throw it at Rin when Kayin jumped in front of her.

"Yamete!" He screamed.

"What? Why does Ms. I'm-so-hot-and-powerful-with-800-and-something-years-and-you're-not-even-a-century-old, thinks we are a bunch of useless?"

"You know age matters. We get stronger as we get older. And Rin was some bodyguard or something." Kayin continued.

"Blergh, you just drooling over Rin

"You want to get into a fight miss?"

"Anytime anywhere." Hitomi replied promptly.

"You got it miss. I won't forget this." Kayin said with a smile. Hitomi looked at her hand, still holding the ball.

"Now what do I do with this?" She paused for a moment and released a evil smile. "Hey Kayin-kun. Catch!" she said throwing the ball up.

"Nani?" Kayin tried to grab the ball instinctively, only to see it falling down to the ground, disappearing afterwards. "AU" he shouted holding his hand. "THAT HURTS!"

"Don't start crying now"

"Shut up." Kayin finished angrily.

"I hit a nerve?" Hitomi continued not even looking at Kayin.

"That's it." Kayin jumped at Hitomi who dodged him and ran to the woods followed by Kage.

"Catch me if you can." She screamed, Kayin running after her. He followed her into the woods but lost her. He looked around carefully, expecting her to do a sneak attack at him. He prepared himself concentrating his ki. He couldn't lose to her. There was a noise behind him and he turned quickly releasing it.

"Aura Blast" The tree behind him took the impact, some branches snapping and falling down. He missed? How? He looked down and realized what happened. A small and cute Kitsune was looking at him provocatively. She ran past him and stopped shortly after, looking at Kayin.

"You wanna play that game ey?" Kayin closed his eyes, changing himself into a white Kitsune. Hitomi ran away again, followed by Kayin and Kage who was used to those changes. They ran very fast heading north for some time. They didn't even notice the sun going down. Hitomi was the first one to realize and stop. Kayin caught up with her shortly after jumping at her. They rolled like two-baby cats playing around, Kage looking at them. Hitomi bite him in the front leg and turned back to normal. Kayin also changed.

"That hurts!" He shouted looking at his hand with two small holes from the bite.

"Stop whining. We're in trouble." She said pointing up. Kayin looked up and noticed it was getting dark fast.

"Hu hu." Kayin whispered looking a bit worried.

"You know were we are?" Hitomi asked.

"No.I think we're south of the village." Kayin answered.

"I think it's north." she replied not very sure.

"Trust me. We gotta do something. I don't want to stay here."

"We can't go back now. It's two late. And we can't sleep here..arghhh This sucks!"

Hitomi said kicking the ground. Kayin looked around trying to find a way out.

"We must think. We must find someplace to spend the night."

"I think I saw a cave a little bit down that way." Hitomi said pointing.

"Ok, what are we waiting for?" He said taking the path she said. In 5 minutes they found the cave and settled in. Kayin gathered some branches trying to set a fire.

"Let me try it." Hitomi said.

"I know how to do this. What can you do?"

"Let ME try it." I don't want to freeze to death out here. There's enough trouble already." Hitomi shouted kicking Kayin's butt. He shouted while he run away to a safe distance.

"Aduro (burn)" The branches emitted a pale light for a second before they began burning. Hitomi looked at Kayin with a large smile on her face.

"Don't even say a word." He said.

"I didn't say anything." Hitomi replied.

"But you were going to."

"Just shut up. I'm going to sleep now." She finished, knowing how those little arguments always ended, and right now she was to tired to even argue.

"Yikes! Sleep? We're in the middle of nowhere." Kayin continued looking back.

"Don't worry you baka. The fire will keep any wild creature at bay." Hitomi replied as she tried to find a soft spot to sleep. Kage laid next to her feet.

"I'm more worried about civilized creatures."

"Just relax. Like you said, it's the middle of nowhere. No one is around. Now sleep. Good night." She continued, nicely settled. Kayin sat against the wall looking at the entrance until he finally fell asleep. It was late night when Hitomi heard some noises and woke up. Kage was also awake, snarling.

"Kayin.shhh. I want to sleep. After a while she heard the same noise again, like as if someone was dragging something. She opened her eyes looking to the end of the cave. Even though her eyes could see very well in the dark, she couldn't see anything.

"Baka. He went to sleep that further down? Chicken." She turned around to the entrance and felt a cold shiver. Kayin was there sleeping as a baby against the wall. She got up very slowly looking in the direction of the noise. She ran to Kayin, Kage stepping back always snarling to the bottom of the cave.

"Kayin-kun. Kayin-kun."

"Hmm.It's still early mom.let me sleep." He mumbled not opening his eyes.

"Wake uuupp I said!" Hitomi pushed him causing Kayin to jump and get up.

"Nani nani??" He asked. Hitomi made him shut up while pointing to the inside of the cave. The noise was getting stronger.

"What's that?" He asked.

"I dunno. But Kage doesn't like it" Hitomi answered.

"It's getting closer." Kayin continued.

"Let's get out of here!"

"I'm right behind you!" The two cubs ran to the outside of the cave. The noise was also coming from outside.

"I don't care what time it is it, I'm going back to the village. "Kayin stated.

"You never said something that right! That way." Hitomi said pointing.

"No. We must head north. That way." Kayin replied

"I don't care, just run!!" Hitomi shouted running away followed by Kayin and Kage. She ran easily through the woods at night, followed by Kayin who was having some trouble, bumping into almost everything. The strange noise was also behind them. They slowed down as the noise behind them faded away.

"What was that?" Hitomi asked.

"I don't care. I'm going home!" Kayin replied looking back and almost tripping again.

"You sure it's this way? I don't recall any of these parts." She argued looking around.

"Trust me. I have a great sense of direction." Kayin said, catching up with her. "Let's go, quickly. Whatever it was may come back again."

"Don't say that." Hitomi shouted, feeling as if dozens of eyes were looking at her. They walked for the rest of the night. The sun appeared, giving the cold woods some warmth. Tiny drops of water fell from plants and trees and some small animals came out of their holes. Hitomi and Kayin walked past them, not bothering with the sights. They reached a clearing and Hitomi stopped.

"I knew it! We're lost. It's your fault." Hitomi said sitting on a big fallen trunk.

"My fault?" Kayin argued." You didn't know which way to go. At least we got away safely."

"Safely? We're in the middle of nowhere, I'm starving, I'm cold and I need a bath. You call this safety?"

"Geez, just calm down. What a spoiled brat."

"Just who do you think you're calling a spoiled brat?" Hitomi jumped out of the trunk walking to Kayin angrily.

"You." He screamed back. Hitomi stopped, wishing to punch him right in the nose.

"We can't argue right now." She started. "We must get out of here first." Kayin looked at her for a second before answering.

"You right. But what are we going to do?"

"I have an idea." Hitomi said suddenly. She crouched, patting Kage. "Let's go home. You know the way right? Home. Yuugi." Kage seemed to understand and turned around walking. She stopped, looking back to make sure Hitomi and Kayin were following her.

"See? She's going to take us home." Hitomi said with a smile to Kayin. He looked at her but his smile changed quickly to a worried expression.

"Nani?" Hitomi asked. Kayin pointed behind her. She turned back and noticed they were not alone. Six Youkais were looking at them, all of them were armed with knifes and two of them were carrying bows. They were probably hunters. One of them took a step further and spoke.

"Hello there. You just stepped into our territory. Please be kind enough to give us whatever you carry and we will "escort you" out." The other Youkais laughed as he finished speaking. Hitomi replied promptly.

"We are not giving you anything. Just leave us alone." Hitomi turned her back to them and walked towards Kage. Kayin whispered to her.

"We shouldn't upset these guys. Let's just leave. We don't have anything valuable anyways." As they tried to walk out, the same man screamed.

"Stop them." Two more Youkais jumped out blocking their way.

"Not so fast pretty face." One said. Hitomi looked at them and replied.

"You're just a bunch of low-class Youkais. Go back to your rabbits and leave us alone." This caused the other Youkais to walk to them, surrounding the two. Kage was snarling at the Youkais. The same one spoke again, Hitomi thought he was the leader. He was the tallest and well built, his clothes were much better looking and there was something in his eyes that gave Hitomi an eerie feeling.

"You weren't so brave last night."

"It was you?" The two young Youkos said at the same time.

"Yes.we didn't want to drag you all the way here, so we decided to make you come here. Our little "camp" is right that way. " He gestured with his head to the other Youkais. Before they could do anything Hitomi and Kayin were grabbed by them. They tried to get free, but they were clearly out-numbered. Kage snarled at them and barked threateningly. The leader of the Youkais walked to Hitomi who was being held by two Youkais. He grabbed her by the chin.

"You have a big mouth "pretty face". You know how expensive someone like you can get? There's a high demand for young youkos like you." He said.

"Get your hands off me." She replied. He let go of her and looked at Kayin.

"And you. We know some cosy mines for you. Or maybe.What do you think guys?"

The other Youkais laughed. Hitomi and Kayin tried to break free again but this only caused the Youkais to hold them with more strength. One of them pointed at Kage.

"What do we do with her Eizo?" Eizo looked at Kage.

"Here girl. Shhhh." He said extending his arm. As he moved Kage jumped at him biting his hand. He shouted and reached for a knife. "Your fur is going to keep me warm this winter.

"Kage run. Go home. Home. Run!" Hitomi screamed. Kage hesitated for a moment before turning around and running away. She stopped a bit ahead looking back. One of the Youkais reached for the bow and aimed at her.

"RUN." Hitomi screamed once more. Kage howled before running away again. The Youkai shoot an arrow. Kayin closed his eyes. The arrow bounced against an invisible barrier missing and sticking against a tree. The Youkai named Eizo looked at Kayin and punched him violently causing him to faint.

"YAMETE(stop) Leave him alone." Hitomi screamed crying.

"I'll deal with you later." Eizo said angry holding his hand. He waved his head at the Youkais who were holding her. She felt a sharp pain in the back of her head and fainted.

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