Sibling's Demise

Chapter Three

"Aliens and Bad Dreams"

Author's Note: Wow, I can't believe I haven't updated this story since 2005. And to think, it was one of my favorite projects. (rolls eyes) Well, I'm a douche. Anyway, I'd like to thank the people who reviewed me, even though they probably don't even remember, they deserve thanks. So, to Yukino Amida, CenasNakedInMyBedWithMe, Ishimaru Amon, Seeyu, JoannaKuwabara, shadow-5-girl, and foxykurama0555 for your wonderful reviews! Hopefully, at least one of you will remember and drop me a line. XD Anyway, on with the very long-delayed chapter three….

…

Oh great…what did big brother tell him? Autumn thought as she stopped abruptly on the sidewalk, glancing nervously at Kuwabara who was walking with her--on the sidewalk across the street.

I hope he didn't use the line about poison ivy and acupuncture…that was always one of his favorites.

She waited for the traffic to stop, before crossing the street and walking silently behind Kuwabara. She stuffed her hands in her pockets, watching him walk, studying his body language. Was he afraid of what Kurama told him…or afraid of her?

"You're friends with my brother, aren't you? Whatever he said he'd do…he probably won't."

Kuwabara froze, turning around slowly and letting out a yelp when he saw her. "Hey! What're you doin' over here? I thought…"

She held up her hands, "Shut it and walk on the same side walk with me, will ya? I am going to be staying in the same house as you, you know." She smirked, walking past him.

"I take it you're the brat of the family." He mumbled, raising an eyebrow as he walked in-step next to her.

"Well, I did die because I just had to have that pretty necklace, and I just wouldn't leave without it." She laughed, "What does that say about me?"

"Heh…betcha learned your lesson, though."

"I like to think I did." She nodded, shrugging, "Ah, forget about me…I'm boring. How about you? You live alone?"

"Uhh…"

"Oh yeah, you live with your sister, right? I forgot…I'm dense, sometimes." She stopped, looking up at him, "Aw man, how's she gonna take me coming to stay with you?"

He chuckled, "Heh, she'll be ok with it. She's a laid-back kinda gal."

Her eyes widened, before she burst out laughing.

"Geez, what's so funny?"

"N-Nothing…just!" She continued laughing, "Who says 'gal'?!"

"Oh, so now you're gonna make fun of my vocabulary?" He yelled playfully, shoving her lightly, "English ain't exactly my best subject."

"Really? What is?"

He thought a moment, "Heh…lunch."

Kuwabara cringed at her Earth-shattering laugh-slash-snort.

"I'm sorry!" She said, continuing to giggle, "I didn't see that one coming."

"Man, you'll laugh at anything."

"You have to understand, humor in the demon world is a very rare thing." She nodded, looping her arms around his arm and lying her head on his shoulder.

Kurama's threats crept slowly back into Kuwabara's mind as he looked down at the young demon, Kurama was right…she's not shy.

"I used to never laugh…unless it was at my brother." A dreamy smile played across her face as a gaze overcame her, "I used to think I had nothing to laugh about. Then I died. Now, I try to laugh as much as possible. Dying really puts things in perspective for a person." She shook her head, "I'm sorry…I tend to ramble. Feel free to slap me next time."

Then she went silent, only making the noise of small sighs every now and then until they arrived at Kuwabara's home.

"Sis, we're home!" Kuwabara called as he and Autumn walked in, removing their shoes before walking any further into the house.

"And who exactly is 'we', Kazu?" Into the room stepped Shizuru, cigarette hanging loosely from her lips as she walked over to Autumn, "Hmm…sorry, Kazu. She's cute, but I told you--no girlfriends allowed over at night."

"Gah!" Kuwabara groaned, slapping his forehead.

Autumn smiled nervously, quickly letting go of Kuwabara's arm and stepping away from him, "No, we just met!"

Shizuru raised an eyebrow, "So…you're an escort? Kazu, what are you thinking?!"

Kuwabara literally fell over, and Autumn blushed a color red unknown to man, "Heh, no!" She laughed nervously, "My name is Autumn--I'm Kuram…err, Shuichi's sister! And your brother said that I could stay with you."

"Shuichi? You mean Kurama? Huh, I didn't know he had a sister. Hmm…" Shizuru smiled softly, "Are you a fox, too?"

"Cat, actually." Autumn grinned, "How else would I have gotten the attention of 'Kazu'?"

"Heh. Well, I'm Shizuru and you're welcome to stay. Just don't drink my alcohol and no hanky-panky."

Autumn blushed again.

Shizuru knelt down next to Kuwabara, who still lay on the floor, "And bro…you can sleep on the couch. Let the lady have the bed, ok?" She stood up and turned to Autumn, "Well, good night!"

"Good…night? Oh!" Another nervous laugh from Autumn, "Oh, by the way, I don't know how to thank you for letting me stay here. I appreciate it so much, Shizuru."

"No problem. Just follow the rules and nobody gets hurt." Shizuru winked before walking out.

"Gosh darn it…" Kuwabara mumbled, "I already said you could have my room…"

"Well, I knew that. It's not Shizuru's fault that she didn't." Autumn laughed, extending her hand to help him stand up.

"Still…she didn't have to be so darn snotty about it!" He took her hand and stood up, still frowning.

"You're a trip, Kuwa." She said, laughing again, before walking away.

…

I see you, little girl…little tattle-tale. You thought you could run…from me? Ha! You half-breeds are even more foolish than I thought! You thought you'd tell big brother, and he would protect you? Him and his merry little posse of wannabes?

THINK AGAIN!

I will get my hands on you again, and when I do, I will not let you go. You will pay for what you've done, but more importantly, for what you haven't done. You betrayed me, you disregarded your duties, and you will pay.

I will kill your brother, and everyone else you care for.

And I will make you watch.

I want to hear you cry.

I want to hear you beg and scream for their mercy.

I want to taste your sweet, pitiful tears as you hold the lifeless body of your brother in your arms. You brother…the fox demon!

No! Autumn yelled as she sat up, breathing heavily as she remembered the horrifyingly vivid dream she'd just experienced. "Kurama…what have I done…? Dragging you into this…"

She gasped when she heard footsteps, and let out a sigh of relief when Kuwabara burst in.

"Autumn! I heard you scream! What's wrong? Demon attackers? Burglars?" He gasped, "ALIENS?!

She laughed, "Sorry Kuwa…I just had a bad dream, that's all."

His face fell, "Oh. Darn it! You had me ready to kick tail for no reason at all!"

"Kurama told you he'd infect you with slow, painful toxins if you let anything happen to me, didn't he?

"Yeah, pretty much."

"Oh, boy."