Niwatoko: The Elder Tree

Chapter 3: Nora Vs. Kurama!

"Osore! Can we go?" Nora begged her companion.

"Aren't you the leader?..." Osore sighed.

"Oh yeah...we're going!" Nora decided she wanted to check out the festival and see if it was any fun.

"Then I guess it's settled! When is it?" Osore asked KK.

"Uh...it begins in 2 minutes." KK told them.

"Then why are we waiting around here!" Nora yelled as she dragged Osore outside. They were in amazement at how fast the Kyubi's prepared.

"W-Wow..." Nora was star-struck by the pretty décor as she looked above. The lush canopy of the trees prevented any sunlight from seeping in and cleverly placed lights made the village appear to be bathed in starlight.

"Isn't the village so pretty?! It's my first Foxfire Festival since they only happen every once and a while." KK explained. The group of 3 explored around for a bit. They stopped by some booths selling candy apples, special fruits from the forests, and some candy Nora had never seen.

"Osore! I want it, I want it! Buy it for me!" Nora begged him.

"Don't you have all of the money..." Osore sighed in defeat.

"Oh yeah..." Nora walked up and purchased a bar of candy before turning around and buying 4 more.

"Why did you buy 5?!" Osore yelled at his captain and she giggled.

"It's a party so let's party!" Nora cheered and threw the bars into a group of some kids who all rushed to get one. Osore shook his head and laughed, admiring her kindness. KK led them to some main seating area and they sat down. KK followed her father onto the stage.

"We'd like to welcome you to our 7th Foxfire Festival! It means a lot you'd go all out for the Kurama this year." Kirin Kitsune exclaimed and Nora felt on edge for some reason.

"Who's ready to give our leader the sacrifice!" Kirin yelled and everyone cheered.

"This year's will be my lovely daughter, Kaen Kitsune!" Kirin said and KK was shocked. She turned to run but her legs have been chained by a guard. She vainly struggled to free herself and fell to her knees in tears. Suddenly, from the forest, a loud roar was heard.

"What the hell..." Osore was in disbelief at the scene before his eyes, hand on his dagger and ready to fight.

"It's the Kurama!" Kirin cheered as he pulled a knife from his pocket. Before he could swing, a loud crack was heard and everyone looked. Nora had a glare and the crack was her bending her legs and cracking the wood under her.

"Die..." Her words slipped out effortlessly as she shot off the seat and slammed her fist into Kirin's face.

"Osore! Protect KK! I'll go fight this Kurama thing!" She waved at him and shot off Kirin like a springboard, leaving him passed out.

'Good luck Nora...' Osore thought as he jumped over to the stage.Nora zipped through the forest, looking for the sound. Branches slapped across her face but she ignored them. This beast wouldn't get away with almost getting her friend killed. She suddenly saw a giant metal thing behind some branches and stopped. She walked towards it and saw a young man operating it. He had short black hair and brown eyes. He was about 5'7 feet and wore robes and sandals.

"Hey! Are you Kurama?" Nora asked him. He stopped in his tracks. This person wasn't a Kyubi.

"W-Who are you?!" He yelled to her.

"I'm going to kick your ass apparently." Nora said as she rushed in, arm back and fist cocked like a gun. The man yelped and ran away. Nora sighed and sped up.