The cloud of dust eventually settled and cleared to reveal a pile of rubble and debris. For several minutes, the place was quiet and still. Silence reigned. It was soon shattered by a gentle rumble from deep within the mess. The inexplicable happened.
The pile exploded outwards with a roar and a young man floated out like a phoenix rising from the ashes. He paused in midair, and then, using his uncanny telekinetic powers, lowered himself gently down onto the ground.
Hitsuki's eyebrows knitted themself together as he frowned ever so slightly. Shutting his eyes, he tried to scan for Kurama's presence again. There was nothing. Kurama had either escaped the fate of being crushed or he was...or he was...
Hitsuki's eyes widened in horror.
No! I must have gone overboard by bringing the house down upon him! If he is dead...
With the help of his incredible telekinetic power, which had formed a shield around him when the house collapsed, Hitsuki began to sieve through the mess. He did not have to search long.
The splatters of deep red liquid upon the debris was enough to convince him that Kurama had somehow managed to escape after he was crushed by the rubble. Kurama must have had changed into his smaller fox form and squeezed his way out.
Hitsuki heaved a sigh of relief. If the youko had died, all his plans would have gone to waste.
Almost immediately, eyes hardened once again. He had come so close to obtaining the magnificient creature and now, all was lost.
Kurama...I'll get you yet. Wait and see. Just wait and see. You won't be able to escape from my clutches quite so easily the next time round.
Kurama limped over to the thick leafy bushes that were growing wild. They would serve to hide him from Hitsuki while he rested.
He crawled into the bushes and laid still, licking his wounds occasionally. His glossy fur was stained scarlet with the crimson liquid that was flowing freely from his wounds. He had been grievously injured during his encounter with Hitsuki.
Kurama was tired. He was completely exhausted. As he lay quietly, hidden among the bushes, an image of a young boy with red hair pulled back in a ponytail flashed into his mind. Kurama smiled inwardly. His current situation had reminded him of the time when he had been discovered by a young boy while he was hiding in the bushes. Kurama had been injured at that time and had badly needed medical attention. During the time they had spent together, they had forged a firm friendship. Ten years or so had passed since then. Kurama could not even be sure if the youth was still alive.
If only Kenshin could appear before me right now and help me like before. If only...
Kurama let out a barely audible sigh and lost himself in dreams of the past as sleep claimed him.
If only Kenshin were here...
End of Part 3