*Aki stretched and blinked her eyes open. She squeaked when wide brown eyes filled her vision. Toru immediately scrambled off Aki clumsily then he fell on the floor with a thud.*
Aki: What the-- Toru-kun? *Aki went on her knees and peered at the neko boy on the floor, one hand rubbing away the sleep in her eyes.* Are you okay?
Toru, groaning a little: I'm fine Aki-san.
Aki, getting off from the bed: I'm sorry, I guess you startled me. I'm still not that used to you waking up so early.
Toru, smiling: Aki-san isn't much of a morning person, is she?
Aki, grinning: Nope, Aki-san would much rather sleep until noon. *Aki sighed. She ruffled Toru's hair as she passed by him.* But we can't do that.
Toru: Aki-san...after you bring me back home where will you go?
Aki: I don't know Toru-kun. I told you I was looking for someone very important.
*It had been three days since Aki had met with the little neko boy, she promised that she would bring him home to his village before she continued on their way. Problem was Toru wasn't absolutely certain the way to his village which made looking for it a problem. They had been staying in inns with Aki disguising Toru so that they wouldn't be harassed.*
Toru: Will Aki-san visit Toru when she finds that person she's looking for?
*Aki smiled at the neko's voice. She smiled gently.*
Aki: Of course I will.
*Aki went to wash herself, she changed her clothes and stuffed her pajamas back in her bag.*
Toru: You know Aki-san...
Aki: What is it?
Toru: Toru wonders how all those things fit inside that one bag.
Aki, chuckling: Normally they wouldn't. I used a spell so that the things wouldn't take up too much space.
*Aki slung the bag on her shoulder, she checked the room for anything she left and when she found none she went out Toru behind her. She told Toru to stay at the door while she went to pay the manager. She gave the middle-aged woman behind the desk the payment for the room.*
Manager: Where are you headed young one? Surely not deeper into the forest.
Aki: I am...is something wrong?
Manager: Usually there is none but lately attacks have been more frequent. The others blame it on those nekos that built their nest farther north.
Aki: A neko village? Up north?
Manager: Why yes, young one. It was a long time ago but the others think that the nekos are bothering demons and spirits and they are attacking us.
Aki: I see...well thank you for the warning.
Manager: Be careful then child.
*Aki gave a smile before she went to Toru. Finally a lead.*
Aki: We're heading north Toru-kun. The manager said something about a neko village there. Maybe that's your village.
Toru: I hope so. I miss my Mama, Aki-san. I hope you can stay long enough to meet her. She's a very nice neko.
Aki: I'm sure she is. *Aki extended her hand and Toru took it. They walked on the narrow path that cut through the forest heading north.*
---
*It was already several hours since Aki and Toru left the inn. When both their stomachs rumbled Aki decided that they should stop and have lunch. Aki picked a clearing. It was unusual but not unwanted. She sat down on the large boulder situated at the side and pulled out some food from her backpack. She handed a riceball to Toru.*
Aki: Sorry, they're a little squished.
Toru: They're fine Aki-san.
*The two happily ate and chatted for several minutes. All was peaceful until Toru heard a hissing sound. He jumped and whirled around. Aki, immediately on guard, stood up and trained her gaze to where Toru was looking. She had also heard the sound.*
Toru: What was it Aki-san?
Aki: I'm not sure Toru-kun...get my bag and stay behind me.
*Toru took the bag and rushed behind Aki. The kitsune narrowed her gaze and looked at the dense foliage. She couldn't see anything definite but she knew something was there. The hissing sound came nearer, Toru pressed closer to Aki. Aki widened her stance.*
Aki: Come out, whoever or whatever you are...
???: SSSSSSSssssssss
Aki: I don't have time for games...come out now!
*Seemingly as if obeying her a large snake-like creature leaped out from the thick bushes. Toru yelped and clutched Aki's leg. Aki swallowed. What was that thing?*
Snake: SSSSSSSSsssssssssssaaaaavvvviiioooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrr...
*Aki's face scrunched up, she couldn't understand what the thing was saying. She didn't really care. She wanted it gone...now.*
Aki: Fox fire! *Blue flames shot out from Aki's hands and straight to the snake demon's chest. It burned two holes. The snake hissed one last time before slumping to the ground.*
*Aki blinked. She looked at the lump on the ground wondering what that was about. It was too easy. It wasn't right.*
Aki: That was too easy...
Toru: What do you mean Aki-san?
Aki: That thing didn't even put up a fight. It's just weird. *Aki sighed before she turned to smile at Toru.* But I guess that's good. I didn't think it was good for you to see bloodshed. But maybe we should get going just to be sure. I hope nightfall doesn't get to us. *Aki looked at the sky.* I suppose I could stay at your village if...Toru-kun? Are you alright? You look pale. *Aki crouched down to examine her neko charge better. Toru's skin was as pale as snow and his eyes wide saucers.* What--
Toru: Th--there...behind...*the little hand pointed behind her.*
*Aki didn't want to look. She had a feeling it wouldn't be good. The snapping of a twig didn't help. She turned her head to look and found herself facing with a horde of demons.*
Aki: Oh shit... *Aki was on her feet in a blink. She backed away from the demons, Toru shielded from them. They weren't from one race that was sure. There were large wolf-like demons, snake-like demons, demons that was a cross between a very huge bat and a crab and there were demons that she just couldn't describe very well.*
Aki: Okay...we can survive this.
Toru, clutching Aki's hand: We will?
Aki, gulped: Positive thinking will help Toru-kun.
Toru: Yes...we...we'll live through this.
Aki, smiling nervously: That's it.
*The demons moved in closer to the two little things. Aki was only half the size of them and poor Toru was only a fourth. They looked like they were going to be squashed by the large horde.*
Aki: Okay...Toru, listen to me. I'm going to put up a spell. It's a barrier. You will stay inside.
Toru: And Aki-san?
Aki: I will fight them...we won't be able to get away if I can't open a path through them. Maybe they're just like that snake thing...maybe they won't put up a fight.
Toru: What if they fight?
Aki: I'll worry about that Toru-kun. I just want your word that you'll stay inside the barrier I'll make.
Toru: I will.
Aki: Okay. I'll make up an initial barrier. But that's all. I want you to look inside my bag and look for a bottle, it has a greenish-cream powder, I want you to make a circle with it around you. That'll reinforce the barrier. They won't be able to get to you. Did you get that? I will shout to you anything else I might need. I need you to listen well and to focus. We can't slip this up.
Toru: Yes, Aki-san.
Aki: Okay. * Aki clasped her hands together as she chanted a barrier spell, within moments a pinkish dome covered Toru. Aki did several chants as she attacked the demons. Toru watched worriedly and listened attentively to what was happening. He said a little prayer to the gods to keep Aki safe.*
---
*Aki dodged as a large clawed hand came crashing down. She blasted another fox fire as she kicked a demon beside her in the gut. She tried to catch her breath as she leaned a little on a tree trunk. The flow of demons seemed to keep on coming and Aki wasn't sure anymore how long she had been fighting. She pushed away from the tree as a sharp-blade like arm came slashing, it cut the tree in half cleanly. Aki managed to get glimpses of Toru, he was still protected inside the barrier and while some demons had realized that they couldn't get to the little neko boy some were still very persistent. For the first two times she checked she was sure the barrier would hold. The third time scared her. She had saw the little spark of magic, like a little crack in the barrier. She let out a curse and did a back flip effectively dodging an attack and moving closer to Toru.*
*Another spark and Aki heard Toru yelp. She hurried over to the barrier, burning and blowing up the demons that were in her way. She stayed in front of the barrier fighting off the advancing demons.*
Aki: Toru, did you put the powder?
Toru: Yes...
Aki: All of it?
Toru: Not yet.
Aki: Put all of it, now! The barrier is weakening.
*Toru nodded but Aki didn't see, she was shooting blue flames at the demons.*
Aki: Toru! Look in the bag for a pair of Sai. Yell when you find them then toss them to me.
*Hurriedly Toru looked for the weapons, when he found them he yelled. Aki did a half turn, Toru threw the weapons. The barrier crackled as the weapons passed through. Aki caught them in the air. She landed nimbly on her feet. She was already panting and sweat trickled down the sides of her face.*
*Using the weapons she easily blocked the sharp claws the demons had. She shifted pressure and used it to stab the demons. Using some spells she continued her attacks. She was doing quite well until she tripped. Aki fell hard to the ground, her foot caught in a large root.*
Aki: Of all the----
*Aki blocked a oncoming claw with the Sai. She might be stronger than a human but she was not stronger than the demon looming above her. The claw made it's descent to her face with an effort. She managed to roll away before she lost her head. Unfortunately the other demons were just waiting for a piece of her. Large pincers came flying towards her face, she managed to deflect it away from her neck again but it left a good sized gash on her arm. Aki let out an expletive, vaguely she hoped Toru wouldn't pick up her language.*
*Aki was battered by the time she was able to get near Toru again. The large wound on her arm was starting to heal but then that was the least of her worries. The large bat-crab demon managed to get her on the side by its pincers. She was bleeding very badly. She could even taste in her mouth. Her faces were filled with little nicks from both nature and the close calls from the demons. Her limbs were brown and red; a film of dirt covered them with red wounds and bruises standing out. Her clothes were torn and dirty.*
Toru: Aki-san...
Aki: I'll...I---I'll be fine...just a li---little more Toru-kun...
*Aki groaned as she shifted, the side wound was beginning to become unbearable. She was about to launch into the group of demons again but her knees buckled and she fell on the ground.*
Aki: No! No...no...no...
*Aki tried to stand up but her body was so tired. And her vision was blurring. And she could still taste her blood in her mouth. She was going to die. There were still no shortage of demons and she was already at her limit. She turned to Toru to say that she was sorry. She couldn't protect him any longer.*
Toru: Aki-san! Aki-san! *Toru pounded on the barrier protecting him as he watched Aki smile sadly. The demons were still advancing towards her but she looked so tired.* Aki-san...they're coming closer!
Aki, softly: I know. I can't move anymore Toru-kun. *Aki leaned on the pink barrier that held the neko boy away from harm. She wondered how long the barrier would hold. She hoped the demons would leave when they killed her.* I'm so sorry Toru-kun...
Toru: Aki-san!
*Aki closed her eyes, she could feel the demons closing on her. Oh she was going to die. She was going to die and leave Toru all alone. And she hadn't even seen Mike.*
I wonder how he is...I hope he's safe...I hope...Oh I hope i don't die. I don't want to die yet. I can hear you Toru-kun...I'm sorry. I don't want to die but I can't fight anymore...my body is just too tired. *Aki waited for the blow that would kill her. She waited. And waited. And waited. And then she waited some more. When she felt like she had her eyes closed for a long time now and she felt no more pain she thought she was dead. She slowly opened her eyes. Bright light made them close. She groaned.*
Toru: Aki-san!
Aki: To--toru-kun?
If I can still hear Toru-kun then...
???: Finally you're awake.
*Aki blinked. She groaned when she moved. She rubbed away the weariness from her eyes and focused on the figure looming over her. The figure was a she. And she had long golden and and very familiar blue eyes.*
Aki: Wha--
???: Here...don't move yet. I'll heal you.
*Warmth spread through her whole body, soothing aching muscles and removing away the pain before it receded. Aki sat up without an effort and met the gentle gaze of the woman who saved her life.*
Aki: Sif...
Sif: Oh you remembered! How nice. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here. I'll admit I wasn't too vigilant on your situation, I suppose i underestimated those demons. I should have come the first I saw them.
Aki: It...It's alright Sif-sama. *Aki bowed her head. This woman was a legend. One of the ancient ones. A goddess. Also she was Mike's mother.* Thank you.
Sif: Now, now...none of that 'sama' stuff. You don't have to treat me like that. Simple courtesy is enough.
Aki: Ah--yes...Sif-sam--Sif-san.
*The little sound behind Aki reminded her of her charge. She whirled around to see Toru peeking at Sif. He looked mesmerized. She couldn't blame him. Sif was very beautiful with her golden tresses and sapphire eyes set on cream skin that glimmered under the sun.*
Sif: Oh dear...I have to go now Princess Aki...I can feel the pull of Asgard. I shouldn't be here really but I couldn't just leave you like that. You should hurry to the Neko Village. It isn't far from here, just a little up north more. You should stay there. It will be safer for you.
Aki: Huh...but I have to look for Mike.
Sif: He's there.
*Before Aki could ask any more questions Sif disappeared in a shaft of bright light. Aki and Toru blinked.*
Toru: Aki-san...that was...
Aki: An Aesir god Toru-kun.
Toru: Wow...*Toru suddenly realized that Aki had gone through a beating, he looked worriedly at her.* Are you okay, Aki-san?
Aki, smiling: Yes...Sif-san healed me pretty well. *Aki looked at her clothes. It was still torn and dirty, one side was cut open and was drenched with dried blood but there were no wounds or bruises anymore. Aki and Toru hurried to the north, Sif had said that the village was only close. Aki hoped that it was, she didn't feel like encountering another demon to fight for a while.*
((LONG POST!!!
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