The Fox's Son

Chapter 32 - The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend

Kagura gasped as her eyes slowly opened. Numb....that was the only true word that she could use to describe how she felt at the moment. It was like she was detached, her mind wondering into a realm beyond her physical body. It was as if she was floating amidst a sea of endless fog, her sight, touch, and smell, all rendered useless. All the woman could do was wait. She wondered if that was what death felt like......an endless wait.

She didn't know how long she remained in that state, but eventually her sight began to slowly return to her. Her vision was blurry and she felt a slight throb in her head. The first thing she noticed was the rotten wood of an old, worn down hut and the soft glow of sun rays that filtered through an opening that acted as a window. 'Where am I?' she thought to herself as she tried to move her head to look around. She groaned at the sore stiffness of her neck.

"So you're finally awake." a voice said as the walked toward her.

Her eyes widened in surprise at the familiarity of his voice. It was the voice of the man who was able to hold her captive for three days. The one who had returned her to her master. The masked man she knew as Naruto.

Naruto walked up to the demoness with a bowl of food in his hand. He felt her tense as he approached. He went to grab the bottle of water that wasn't too far from were the woman was resting before taking a seat beside her. As she quickly sat up, he heard the girl wince in pain. It was also at that moment that Kagura realized that she was dressed in a regular yukata. Someone had obviously dressed her while she was out.

"You shouldn't move so much." Naruto said. "You suffered some serious injuries. Your body is still in a healing process."

"Wha-What do you.." Kagura tried to speak, but her voice was too hoarse and dry. It felt as if someone was scraping her throat with sand paper.

"Settle down." Naruto said, silencing her as he grabbed the bamboo water bottle. "You are still recovering. Save your energy." he said as he placed the water bottle to her lips.

She looked at him suspiciously before giving in and opening her mouth to drink. After he made sure she had enough to drink. He put the water bottle down and grabbed the bowl of food he had sitting beside him. He then handed it to her. "Eat." he ordered.

Kagura complied and grabbed the bowl of food. It was stew and a piece of bread. SHe hesitantly took a bite out of the stew. She was a little shocked at how good it tasted. She could tell by its warmth that it had been made not long ago. Whoever prepared it, sure did a good job on it.

He could see the look of contentment on her face and lightly smiled at that. He stood up and began to walk to the other side of the hut. As he left her side, Kagura continued to stare at the red head as she ate. She didn't understand him. This was the second time he had shown he compassion like this, knowing that she was an enemy. Why would he do so?

Naruto grabbed his cloak and put it on before placing his conical hat on his head. "Everyone else is outside, packing up camp. We will be leaving soon. I suggest that finish your meal quickly so that we are not delayed." he said with his back still facing her.

Kagura said nothing. However, the quickening of her consumption of her meal, let Naruto know that she understood. Once she was finished, Naruto walked back up to her. "I am going to have to move you, now. You are not fit to move on your own at the moment, so I am going to carry you." he explained. "Is that okay?" he asked.

Kagura slowly nodded her head in consent. She was shocked to see two forms appear out of nowhere beside her. Looking at them, they were exact replicas of the man. She concluded they were clones. She felt the clones pick her up, surprising her gain with the fact that they were physical. They gently lifted her up onto Naruto's back in a piggy back position.