Insanity

"If you think I should then I'd be happy to oblige. Though now all I want to do is go home. I'm tired." She replied, smothering the yawn that bit at her throat so she didn't have to tilt her head back. "I don't really mind if it scars. At least it has an interesting story and I got it doing something worthwhile right?"

"I agree, lets get back as soon as possible, I'm exausted." Kana said, echoing Koda's yawn. "Sora needs to hurry up with the horse...I wonder what's taking him so long." She mumbled, biting her lower lip in a subconcious nervous jesture.
"Don't worry, we can wait until we all get some rest to work on your neck. If you would of let Sora look at it right away he might of been able to do something to prevent any scaring, but now I'm assuming it's healed to much." Kana said, tapping her lip with her index finger. "Not that I blame you for not wanting anyone to see it, I wouldn't want anyone to see it either if it were me. Sora should be able to make the scar fade, but it will still be there. His mother would of been able to make it dissapear completely, she was amazing." She beamed. "The Senshi's, Sora's fathers side, had a gift for healing themselves, regenerating. Sora's mothers side were healers, and amazing ones at that. To be true healers, and not doctors, that's incredibly rare among us. Hoshi-san had three tails, and the fact that she married Isao Senshi who only had one tail was scandalous. I wonder what the reaction will be when they find out a kyuubi is in love with an ichibi." Kana laughed. "Are we there yet?" Kana whined teasingly.

"I wish..." She muttered. "I'm sorry I can't move faster, really." Her voice grating across her throat. She felt the woodland begin to spin around. "Kana...I have to sit down." She gasped, falling to the ground with a bump, holding her head in her hands breathing deeply. "Guess I wasn't ready to move after all huh?"

"Koda!" Kana exclaimed, kneeling next to the woman, placing her hand on Koda's back to support her. "Just sit here and relax, there's no need to push yourself. We really haven't been gone that long yet, and Damian has to know you're damn near immortal by now, besides he has his hands full with Daichan. I'm sure chasing a small, very powerful kitsune child, who hardly speaks the same language around is keeping him from having to much time to dwell on horrible things that may have happened." Kana said reasuringly, smiling lightly at the thought of the other kyuubi trying to wrangle her baby sister.
She began to rub the Neko's back in usless comforting circles. "I'm really in no rush Koda. I know Daichan is in good hands with Damian, otherwise I would of never left her, not even to kill Aiko and free Sorakun from his slavery to my clan. I only said that because I was bored, you know how it is when the adrenalin rush finally leaves you, and because you seemed to want to get back so bad." She explained.
Kana looked at Koda, and realised how very drained the other woman looked. She frowned slightly. "I'm glad I decided to travel with you instead of returning to clean up the estate with Sora. The idea of you traveling alone like this...Why don't we rest here for the night? We can make a fire and I'll catch something for us to eat, maybe a rabbit or something. I can even bring it back live so you can kill it if you need to." She smirked. Kana's face went serious as she moved to kneel infront of Koda, taking her hands. "Let me know what I can do to help you Kodachan. I really must insist that we rest for a while, I don't want you pushing yourself, we don't have Sorakun here to help heal you if you collapse, and I'm to small to carry you very far." She reasoned. "If we're very lucky Sora will meet up with us soon and you can ride back. Either way, you coming back to Damian looking like you do now would only make him worry about you more. You really do need to rest. Please?" Kana implored, eyes sincere.

"Thanks, resting would be good." Koda smiled. "It's better if I did have you come along, otherwise would get up and carry on walking and that would be bad." She pulled her head back up as the woodland finally stopped spinning. With a sigh of relief, she crossed her legs knotting her arms around her waist. "I've looked a lot worse than this. I think the worst one was jumping off a cliff. I had to lay there until my back rehealed, it was an odd experience."

"Well...damn. I can only imagine what kind of state you were in after that." Kana said, eyes wide at the mental image. "I would still prefer not to let Damian see you like this. Seeing people you care about injured, even remotly, hurts your heart." She explained.
Kana pulled a silver flask out of the bag Sora had given her before they parted ways. It only contained basic supplies such as water, dry rations, and some basic first aid supplies, but it came in handy. She screwed off the cap, taking a sip of water, then handed it to Koda. "It's just water. The silver keeps bacteria from growing and making you ill." She explained.
Kana looked at the darkining sky. "I'm going to gather some wood for a fire. I'll also catch us some dinner. You've lost a lot of blood, you need some protine to help bring your iron count back up. Do you need me to do anything specific with the food? I remember you saying something about having to kill your own prey or you would get sick?" She asked, standing up, brushing off her yukata. She really hoped Sora brought a change of clothes for Koda. Knowing the man like she did, he probably would. Sora was one of the most thoughtful people she had ever met.
Kana looked around the area, trying to discren the best way to go to gather fuel for the fire, and to catch food. "Once we eat you should sleep. I'll keep watch, the whole nocternal thing and all, I wont be able to sleep anyways." She smiled.

"Thanks." She smiled, taking a sip of the water, the cool liquid numbing the fire that was burning in her throat. "I don't need anything to eat, I'll be fine for another few days." She caught the disbelieving look on Kana's face. "Seriously I'll be fine!" She protested.

"If you say so..." Kana said, knowing better then to argue with the woman by now. She wandered a bit from what would be their camp site, picking up sticks and branches as she went. She found what she thought she had scented when she was with Koda, a nashi tree. She set the gathered wood at the base of the tree and kicked off her geta's, climbing the tree. She hadn't climbed a tree since she was a child, and almost fell once, but finally was able to snag two large golden pieces of fruit. Kana loved nashi's, and had not had one since she ran away from home. She was able to find apples, and pears, but not nashis, otherwise known as apple-pears. The fruit looked like an apple, and had the texture of an apple, but the skin and flavor were more like that of a ripe pear.
Once Kana had safely reached the base of the tree, she gathered the wood and returned to Koda. "Are you still feeling okay? Dizzyness leaving you?" She asked, still worried about the woman.
Kana pilled up the wood, lighting a fire with a touch. She slipped off her geta's again, sitting down, pulling her knees to her chest. She took a bite of her nashi, chewing it thoughtfully. "I'm pretty sure you're going to refuse, but I have another nashi if you want one. Just thought I would offer." She offered Koda, smiling softly, already knowing she would probably say no, but not wanting to be rude. Kana stared at the dark sky, frowning slightly. "I'm worried about Sora. It's taking him a long time to return. It shouldn't take that long to burn a body. Though finding my 'baachan might be more time consuming..." She said, sighing.

Koda shook her head at the offer of the fruit, taking another sip of the water instead. "I'm sure it won't be long before Sora's back and that horse is light footed when she chooses to be. He could be really close and we just can't hear them yet-" Koda's head dropped forwards mid sentence, falling into a light slumber.

Kana shook her head, moving to lay the woman down so she wouldn't hurt her neck more then it already was. "Koda wa, bakagete iru. Anata wa jibun ga amarini mo haado ni pusshu." (Koda you're ridiculous. You push yourself too hard.) She whispered, sitting next to the neko, gently laying her hand on the womans back to moniter her breathing. Koda had basically proven that she couldn't die, but Kana still worried about her. Kana had been accused of being the mothering type more then once.
She stared at the dark sky. It was a new moon, which made the stars shine all the brighter, but they failed to illuminate the forest floor. But her night vision was excellent, and her hearing and sense of smell more then made up for the lack of light. Kana sighed, stoking the dying fire. She could of gotten more wood, but it wasn't really necessary. It was warm enough that they didn't need it, they weren't cooking, and there were no large preditors in this area of the land.
Kana perked up as she heard the light sound of hoofs approaching their position. Koda was right, the horse was quiet. If she hadn't been listening for danger, she wouldn't of hear it. She lept to her feet, moving towards the sound. "Sorakun!" She whispered excitedly, spotting the man atop the stallion. Sora slid off the horse, running towards Kana, hugging her protectivly. "Are you okay Kanachan? Nothing has happened to you?" He asked, voice dripping with concern, looking the woman up and down for new signs of damage. He glanced at the sleeping woman, remembering something. He removed the bag slung across his chest, handing it to Kana. "These are for Kodasan. It's a clean kimono and a yukata. I didn't know if the kimono would be to warm, or to delicate. They were your kakasama's, I hope you don't mind. I would of borrowed some of yours, but most of your clothes are at Lord Aiko's, and Kodasan is closer in height to your okaasan then you. I thought they would fit better." He explained. Kana bowed, taking the bag. "Arigato Sorakun, but why were you so worried about if I was injured?" She asked curiously.
Sora moved to sit, pulling Kana to the ground with him. He grasped her shoulders, giving her very direct eye contact. "Kanasama, we have a problem." He began. Kana's eyes narrowed at him using her correct title. "What is wrong Sora? Is it 'baachan?" She asked, getting nervous. Sora shook his head, closing his eyes. "Iya, your Obaasama is fine. She feels like she has dishonored you and your clan for what she allowed to happen, and has locked herself in her quarters. I had to beg her not to attone for her sins, convince her that you needed her to remain on this plane. She agreed." He answered. "Then what's the problem Sorakun? Why are you so worried?" She asked again, moving Sora's hands from her shoulders, clutching them in hers. "It's Lord Aiko...He's gone. There's no trace of him anywhere. Your Obaasama said that no one entered the compound, and there was no trace of a grave or funeral pyre. None of the servants or lesser clan members report hearing or seeing anything after we left. Kanachan it's as if he just...vanished. I even checked his estate, nothing. His own people aren't even aware of his death yet..." He paused, closing his eyes again. "Kanachan, I don't know what could of possibly happened to him. I mean he was dead, right? You're absolutly positive he was dead?" He asked, eyes wide when he opened them. "He was dead Sorakun. I tore his heart from his chest and burnt it to ash. No one could survive that. Not even me, I don't even know if Koda could, and she's damn near immortal. You can't live without the heart, it's just not possible." Kana answered, voice dropping to a whisper. "I know..." Sora breathed out.
Kana jumped to her feet. "We need to go. I need to see Daichan, make sure she's all right." She said suddenly, walking towards Koda's sleeping form. She knelt down, shaking Koda gently. "Koda, Koda I'm sorry, you need to wake up. We need to go. Something has happened." She said, quietly but firmly. "Sora's back and he's brought a change of clothes for you. I'll explaine once you're changed." Kana said, voice rushed, setting the bag next to the woman. She turned to Sora, who had followed her to the sleeping Koda. "Sorakun, could you take a look at Koda's neck after she changes? She says she's healing, but you may be able to help keep it from scaring to badly." She asked, then turned back to Koda. "I hope the clothes are okay. Sora said he grabbed a kimono and a yukata of Kakasama's. The two of you were pretty similar in height, and width wise kimono's are very easy to adjust. If you need help, I'll help you. The obi's can be tricky to tie if you're not use to them. I'm sorry they aren't clothes you're use to, but the state your clothes are in..." She made a sweeping motion, smiling sadly at Koda's blood covered attire.

"I was asleep?" She questioned, noticing she was laying down she realised that it must in fact be true. She picked up the, pile of clothes with a grateful smile and forced herself to stand up. "Thank Sora. Any change of clothes would be a good change. Besides who knows, I might look good in clothes I'm not used to." Stumbling out of the small camp she walked into the forest slipping off her clothes and pulling on the new. I fitted her rather well, if a tad too long.

"Not bad. add some higher geta's and it will fit perfectly." Kana said, looking the woman over. "Kodasan, may I please take a look at your neck?" Sora asked, bowing, when the woman returned. "Please allow Sorakun to look Koda...we may have a problem, and if we do, we need you in top physical shape." Kana implored, eyes sincere.

Koda touched the makeshift bandage on her neck with apprehension. She slowly unknotted the back and let it fall into her hand. Parts of her skin hand already reattached, but with others you could clearly see the veins and muscle inside.
"It's not as bad as it looks. Really." She said, moving closer so Sora could get a better look.

Kana cringed. Not at how it looked, but how painful it must be, even now. "Nothing to worry about Kodasan, I can tell it's healed much. Let me know if I hurt you." Sora said, stepping up to Koda, carefully tiling her chin back to get a better view. "Can you heal it Sorakun?" Kana asked, looking over his shoulder. Sora nodded. Kana took a deep breath and stepped back, busying herself with other things.
"This may feel odd to you, or not, come to think about it. I suppose you're use to fast healing." He smiled gently. Sora rubbed his hands together, eyes closed. He began to run his hands sofly, barely touching flesh, more touching the chakra over her neck. He began to push his own chakra in, forcing more energy to heal her faster. A look crossed Koda's face, and he stepped back. "Are you okay Kodasan? Is it to fast? Causing pain? I can try to control the chakra more." He asked, bowing. Kana looked up from where she was eating her second piece of fruit, eyes concerned. She didn't want to cause Koda pain, if that was what it was.

"No, just the sensation is odd, like something is forcing itself into my neck. Brute force rather then timid prodding. But don't worry about it, it won't hurt if it's done quickly." She smiled, winding the piece of cloth around her hand. "Don't worry about hurting me. Really." She assured him, knowing it would make no difference anyway.

Sora nodded, bringing his hands back up to Koda's neck. He began to push his energy into the wound again, but slower this time. He could actually watch the flesh and tendons reknit...it was kind of disconcerting. He had healed deeper wounds, and wider wounds, but each time bothered him to some degree. The fact that people could even survive such horrendous wounds...He had not survived. He was greatful that he had inhareted his mothers abilities, if only a fraction of her skill.
Kana stood, checking on Sora's progress. It never failed to amaze her that he could do something so intricate. She took a deep breath, not exactly knowing how to tell Koda about Aiko. "Koda, Sora discovered something when he returned to the estate...Aiko's corpse is gone. No one knows what happened. None of the family or servents, not even 'baachan. Sora even checked the Nakamura compound. I don't know what has happened, but I'm worried." She explained slowly, not wanting to upset the other woman while Sora was doing such delicate work. She wanted to wait until he was done but...she just wasn't that patient at the moment.
"Done." Sora breathed out, moving his hands away from Koda. He collapsed to the ground, landing on his behind. He bent his head so it was between his knees, arms resting atop them. "Sorakun!" Kana breathed out, dropping to her knees next to the man, resting her hand on the back of his neck. "Watashi wa daijoubuda yo, Kanachan. (I'm fine) I just need a minute to regain my strength, that's all. I tried to work slower this time, it took more energy then I'm use to. Sadly, I am not my mother." He explained, sheepish grin on his face. Kana looked up at Sora's handywork. Koda's neck was completely healed, a thin, shiny pink scar remaining. "Oh I don't know about that Senshi-san, watashi wa anata no okaasan wa hokori ni omoimasu." (I think your mother would be proud.) She said with a grin, kissing Sora's bent head. She looked back at Koda, "I wish you could see it Koda, it's such a change from how it was. Does it hurt?" She asked couriously. "The scar should fade with time...I think." Sora mumbled.

Koda tried to stay as still as possible for Sora, but why Kana chose that moment to tell her was beyond her intellect. Stepping back the minute Sora was finished she ran her hand across her neck and over the raised scar. "You have an amazing gift Sora. Thanks." She bent down to kiss his cheek in gratitude. "It doesn't hurt much, just like a pinch now. Even if it doesn't fade it's still one amazing scar with an even better reason why I got it right?"

Sora blushed when Koda kissed his cheek, "Sore wa nani mo nakatta." He whispered. Kana grinned, amused by Sora's reaction. "He says it was nothing." She translated. "Arigato Kanachan, I keep forgeting." He mumbled, bowing his head.
"Indeed Koda. It's definatly an honorable mark." Kana smiled. She looked at the sky, noticing that it was begining to lighten. "We should probably head out soon. I want to make sure Damian and Daichan are okay. Are the two of you alright to travel?" She asked, looking between the two. Sora nodded his dark head, climbing to his feet. He swayed slightly, steadying himself with a hand on Kana's shoulder. "I'm fine." He smiled reassuringly.

"I'm okay, a bit light headed though. Not used to healing that fast, but it should wear off quickly." She walked over to the horse who had seemingly stood there the whole time, idly watching the scenario. Wrapping the reigns around her hand, she walked back over to the others making sure the animal followed her. "Now I'm ready."

"Well then if he's up to it..." Kana looked up to the formibable horse "I suggest you and Sorakun ride on him. I'll be able to keep up on foot. I'm in the best shape out of any of you at this moment, and if need be, I can shift and become a true kyuubi." She explained, hoping the two would see her reasoning. She knew Sora wouldn't fight against her unless he could prove his point correct. Koda it seemed, would argue just to argue...but that was part of Koda's charm.

Koda sighed in reluctance. She knew Kana was right, she could barely walk straight let alone run. Without too much hesitation she pulled herself onto the horses back, adjusting herself and leaning against the horses neck to get comfortable. Waiting for Sora to mount she stroked the stallions nose gently.
"Not like you to be this cooperative." She mumbled with a smile.

"I'm going to change forms again. Sorakun, can you take my clothes?" Kana asked, already untying her obi. "Hai Kanasama." Sora answered with a bow, holding out his arms. He began to blush furiously, adverting his eyes as Kana slid the yukata off her shoulders. She couldn't help but laugh at Sora's reaction. "You've always been so shy. Remeber, you have to tell Koda what I'm saying once I change forms." She reminded, setting her clothes in his arms. "Hai." He whispered, eyes closed.
Okay Sorakun, I'm ready to go. Tell Koda I can run nearly as fast as the horse, but I may have to take a break. Kana told Sora, bumping her head into his shoulder, pushing him towards the horse. Sora bowed, then turned towards Koda. "Kanachan says she's ready to go and can run almost as fast as the horse, though she may need to rest sooner then him." Sora relayed, placing Kana's clothes and geta's in his bag. He climbed up on the stallion behind Koda, not exactly sure how he should hold on. You're going to have to hold on to her waist Sorakun, it's the only way you wont fall off. It's okay, you wont offend her. Kana laughed in her head, sensing the other kitsune's discomfort. He had never been very forward, being raised as barely more then a slave. "Please excuse me Kodasan, Kanasama said I needed to hold on." Sora whispered, tentativly wrapping his arms around the womans waist.

Koda nodded, shortening the reigns.
"He'll slow down when he realises Kana's falling behind, so it shouldn't be a problem." She yawned, kicking the horse into a walk. "Though I have a feeling I may fall asleep, I'm really quite tired. If I do, still don't let go Sora, okay? I won't fall but you might and it's actually a pretty long way down."

Sora's eyes went wide as he glanced at the ground. "Hai Kodasan." He said, holding on just a bit tighter. It wasn't riding the horse that was making him nervous, he had done that many times before. It was holding on to another person, trusting them to control the animal, to not fall off if they fell asleep.
Don't worry Sorakun, I've rode with Koda before, you'll be fine. Kana assured the man. She began to run next to the horse as they headed off. Anxiety started to coil in her gut as they started towards the people they cared about. She didn't want to let either of the others how much she worried, though she was pretty sure Sora shared her conserns. No one would hurt Dai, no Kitsune atleast, she was too valuable, but that didn't mean they wouldn't abduct her. Even if her fear that Aiko may be alive was wrong, his people may take her. There was no way Aiko could of survived what she did to him, unless...
She looked up at Sora, nearly tripping over a fallen tree. Sora's mother had the ability to take someones life to save anothers, did Sora? Aiko could leech off your gifts temporarily if you were close enough...was he ever close enough to Sora? Even Kana could take the life force of other things to fule her powers, like when she killed the grass under her feet. There were so many things that could of gone wrong now that she thought back.

Koda forced her eyes open, gripping the mane of the horse and trying not to give into the gentle rocking off the step. The sharp stinging in her neck was fading, but was substituted a dull ache.
"Does anyone have any clue where we are...or how far it is back?"