The river stretched before him, an endless expanse of surging waves
and primal fury barely held in check by the steep, rocky bank. The
little kitsune padded closer, mesmerized by the frothy mass. He
stared, entranced, as the swirling currents formed and reformed
patterns on the water's surface.
With an oversized paw, Kurama poked at the swiftly running water,
yipping happily as it tickled the sensitive places between his toes.
This was fun-!
Before he could get down to some really constructive frolicking,
he heard a thin wail of distress over the low rumbling of the river.
His ears perked up, swiveling to detect the source of the sound. Eyes
narrowed, he slowly scanned the riverbank--there! Tangled up in that
half-submerged log--it was the squirming black bundle he'd seen before!
He quickly scampered over to it, carefully making his way along the
slippery trunk. The bundle stopped moving as it registered his
presence. He edged closer, nosing the dark cloth aside...
A small fist connected with his nose, and he jerked back with a
startled yip. Blinking, he stared into a pair of large, crimson
eyes that gazed back at him suspiciously. He cocked his head to one
side, studying this strange creature. He idly wondered why its lips
were turning blue...
-----------------------------------
It hadn't run away. If he could have, and if he'd actually *known*
any profanities, Hiei would've cursed. He eyed the furry little
creature warily. It cocked its silver head to one side and regarded
him with curious amber eyes. He shivered. He was cold, wet and
miserable--and painfully aware that if he didn't get warm soon, he
was going to wind up sick or worse. A whimper escaped his lips before
he could bite it back. That seemed to prod the creature into motion.
Hiei eyed it fearfully as with slow, deliberate steps, it moved closer,
mouth opening wide...
-----------------------------------
Kurama studied the tightly wrapped bundle. It seemed to be mostly
hairless, save for a shock of white-streaked black fuzz on its head.
How weird...maybe it was wrapped up because it was ashamed of its lack
of fur...? The kit suddenly felt sorry for it. He wouldn't want
anyone to know too, if *he* were mostly bald like that.
The other one suddenly whimpered, and Kurama could hear its misery in
that small sound. With sudden determination, the little kitsune
decided to take a chance and bring it along with him. Even though it
was hairless and all, maybe it could still be his friend. With that
thought in mind, Kurama stepped forward, opening his mouth to grab at
the tangled cloth...
-----------------------------------
Hiei gave a squeaky growl and tried to bonk the furry creature again.
It deftly avoided his blow and gave him a reproachful look.
:Don't hit me again! I *am* trying to help you, you know!:
Hiei blinked at the voice in his head. Had it actually talked to him?
:Of course I did, silly! Who else could it be?: The mind voice sounded
just a bit exasperated. :Now do you want my help or not?:
Hiei bit his lip uncertainly. He didn't feel inclined to trust
*anyone*, especially after just being thrown away by his people like
some sort of trash. But...
:Could you make up your mind a little faster? I'm really getting wet
here...: Mild distaste colored the sending.
That made up Hiei's mind for him. Anyone who didn't like being soaked,
*and* who offered to take him out of this disgustingly wet river to
somewhere dry couldn't be all that bad. He relaxed and let the silver
kit untangle him from the log. As it dragged him towards the forest
flanking the riverbank, he thought to ask it its name.
:Kurama desu.: The mind voice sounded cheerful now, a bright and
perky feeling in his head. :You?:
:Boku wa Hiei desu.:
The kit,
:Hey! Watch what you're doing!: Hiei mind-growled in annoyance.
Kurama gave him an apologetic look. :Gomen.: He silently padded over
and started tugging at the cloth covering Hiei. :We'd better get this
off you. It's soaking wet.:
Hiei tumbled out of the constricting cloth with a sigh of relief. He
rolled around in the grass, drying himself in record time. Kurama
shook his head and grinned at him, shooting him a mind-sending of
bubbly laughter. Then the kit plopped down next to him and snuggled
close, generously offering him the warmth he needed. He tentatively
reached out and sank his fingers into the thick furry coat. Kurama did
not seem to mind. With a silent word of gratitude, he pulled the
little kitsune closer and went to sleep. He could get to like this...
-----------------------------------
Kurama stared at the small form curled up next to him. Hiei might not
have been what he'd had in mind when he went off to look for a
playmate, but he *was* funny. He was even sort of cute, for a hairless
creature, that is. He yawned, mind growing fuzzy. It was time for
his afternoon nap. Gently, he nudged the sleeping baby over to his den
and rolled him inside. Before Hiei could grumble at being moved, he
lay down next to him and nestled close. Hiei sighed and wrapped his
little arms around the kit. With a contented smile, Kurama closed
his eyes and followed his new friend into oblivion.