He watched as Akira closed the heavy iron lid and locked it. He let out a huge sigh, pretty soon, everything will go back to normal. He took the lantern from its hook by the hearth and made their way out into the night. He knelt beneath the acacia tree and with a spade, began to dig up the moist earth.
         Akira stood beside him clutching the case nervously, glancing over her shoulder from time to time, as if somebody would pounce on her from behind. I can’t blame her, he said to himself. Bitter memories leapt up to his mind as he worked under the tree. Screams and howls echoed in his ears. Those of people he loved . . . and killed. She handed him the heavy black case, snapping him out of his reverie. He stopped digging and shoved the iron box in the hole. Then scooped the dirt back on top of it.
         The box is its coffin. This shallow hole, its grave. This secret ceremony is its funeral. It will be buried here forever. He finished filling the hole and smoothed the dirt.
         It is done, he thought. He stared at his companion’s brown eyes and knew for certain, that it is the end of all the horror. He gazed at the site for the last time. The suffering’s over.
         Evil will thrive no more.

         I hunched over my writing paper, my lids starting to go heavy. I eyed a small stack of papers on my desk, and sighed. A few more. I have to get it done. I lowered my pen and took a moment to stretch my fingers. " George!! "
        My assistant rushed to my side breathlessly. " Koenma, sir , you need anything?"
        " Get this book on shelf 207!", I ordered, thrusting a slip of paper into his face.
        He twiddled his fingers and asked reluctantly. " Ah, um . . boss . . I thought I’m still on vacation, s-sir?".
        " Well, not until I’m through with this papers!" , I spat. Suddenly losing my patience. Boy, I must be really tired. I glanced wearily at the grandfather clock across the room.
        " . . . and besides I presume you may be heading there yourself." , I added, noting the big black book in his arms.
        " Uh . . .um . . you’re absolutely right sir. Uh, some of the spirit guides asked me to put this in the library.", he said. "I’ll go now.", he announced after I gave him a get-outta-here-or-else-look.
        I furrowed my eyebrow as I watch him slunk away with his tail between his legs. He could be really annoying sometimes. A classic feeble-witted monster, I should I say. But his loyalty to me has always been the major reason why I still keep him here.
        All of a sudden, I regretted losing my temper at the slightest mistake. It’s not fair. I shouldn’t take my anger out on my servants. This morning’s incident rushed back to my memory like a raging river.
        " I thought you’re old enough to take care of the job I have assigned you to.", the Enma Daioh reprimanded. " You’re growing up fast but frankly speaking you’re turning for the worst!"
        My father’s stern voice echoed in my ears as I brought my attention back to the paper I was studying. Stamp! I slammed it down on the paper too hard. I couldn’t forget my father’s disappointed face as he uttered those words. I know I have disobeyed him many times in the past but as he had always told me, I only stood up for what I believed in. I involuntarily took another paper from the pile as I thought of how much I believed back then that Yusuke won’t turn against the spirit world and destroy Ningenkai. Since then, he had always kept a watchful eye on me, checking on the littlest thing. I don’t understand, everything turned out alright anyway, I thought, bringing down the seal once more. Anyway, I have accepted any punishment he had imposed. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to change his opinion of me. Even as I tried so hard to redeem myself, he . . .
        I was interrupted as a loud crash erupted from a nearby room. Which room? Must be the library. That dumbo must have knocked a whole shelf. How many times has he done that? I sighed.
        I read the next paper, lightly tapping my foot on the marbled floor. Strange. I don’t hear any sound from the library. No movements or whatsoever. I started to worry. Maybe I should check out what happened, I decided. Without wasting any moments, I stood up and made my way down the hall.
        I counted to three, trying to restrain my anger. "#@&%George! If there was a contest for the most clumsy creature in the spirit world, he would have won the top prize.", I muttered.
        I found the door of the library wide open when I reached it so I decided to walk in as gingerly as possible. As expected, the whole room was in disarray. All shelves were on top of one another. Books and sheets of paper lay scattered on the carpeted floor.
        " George! ", I called. He was nowhere in sight. I heard a grunt at the back. Immediately, I went in the direction of the sound. There he was, half buried beneath a pile of shelves. I frowned. He stopped groaning. He’s not moving! I thought with panic. I kneeled down to feel his pulse when . . .
        " Uh um.. I got your book sir!", he grinned sheepishly, raising his free arm to hand out a small hard-bound manuscript.
        I almost choked him to death for having me worry. My lips twitched then a few seconds later, I heard myself burst into laughter, unmindful that it was all his fault anyway. " Well, I guess you really need a vacation right now.", I said in a resigned tone.
        I helped him pull himself out of the debris and right there I noticed that he had bruises on his arms and legs. He insisted that he could walk without difficulty and that he would straighten out the mess himself. I firmly declined, telling him to call on one of the healers and some maids to do the job. Thinking that some of them may still be awake at this time of the evening.
        My golden eyes watched as he went out of the room, slightly limping. I turned my attention at all the mess, slightly amused that I didn’t blew his head off despite his lumpish display. Wonder how my father would react on this one, I thought bitterly. I felt exhausted. I don’t even have the energy to scold my assistant.
        I started heading for the door as well, when suddenly the air grew heavy. Sensing something, I spun around and walked towards the toppled shelves were I found George. The same untidy picture greeted my sight. But something aroused my senses this time. A presence. A strong one. So strong I could almost imagine it breathing down my neck. I glanced at the window. Then back at the shelves again. There’s something out of order here.
        I chuckled, everything’s out of order, stupid, silently berating myself.
        Hmm. There.
        My gaze fell on shelf 207, lying on its side. Its books have either stayed in place, scattered next to it or stuck beneath the other shelves. But there’s something else. There on top of it sat a single volume. Or was it a small black case? It was so undisturbed. Like somebody had deliberately placed it there. I approached the shelf and took it. It was the same book George had been carrying a while ago. It looked really dusty and old. I’ve never seen this before. Nor did I know that we possess this kind of material in here. Wonder where the spirit guides got it. Noting a couple of rubies embedded in front, I blew on the cover to clear it. I squinted. Was it my imagination or did I saw the gems glow?
        " SIR?"
        " Huh?!", I turned around and found myself staring at one of the servants. Her squeaky voice always scares the hell out of me.
        " S . . .Sir, George told us what happened. Are you okay? Do you need anything else here, sir?", she asked. She must have noticed how pale I was.
        Recovering from my surprise I said, " Uh no, I already have it." , glancing at the books at hand. " You can clean up now and . . Um . . next time don’t sneak up on me, okay?"
        " Uh . . . D-Did I scared you? S-Sorry . . sir .. I-I didn’t mean to" , she stammered.
        I nodded. I went back to my office, both books tucked under my arm. The black book feels really heavy. It must have weighed a ton. I sat on my cushioned chair and continued working on the papers. I could check out the book later. Read. Stamp! Read. Stamp! Re . . . .
        Clunk!
        I looked up. What was that?
        It stopped. Must’ve been my imagination, I thought. I turned back to my papers.
        Clunk! Clunk!
        I slowly raised my eyes, half expecting to see some hideous beast in front of my desk.
        Clunk!
        I found myself staring at the black book.
        My eyes widen. What?
        Clunk!
        I froze. It can’t be!
        The sound.
        I-It’s coming from the book!

        There were so many nights when I could not sleep. So many nights when bad dreams would awaken me.
        I would climb out of bed and light a stub of a candle. Then I would dig in under the pillow sheets and pull out a small golden pouch. Such a nice little pouch. I held it firmly in my palms as if some cruel being would come and snatch it away. I laughed at my self. Who on earth would take an interest in such a tiny little pouch? Nobody. Nobody but me.
        I remembered when my mother gave me this pouch a few minutes before she died. " Take this Botan, guard it with your own life, treasure it like the greatest wealth in all the world, for these are like a thousand mirrors in front of you, telling you everything you need to know, telling you something that you never noticed, telling the truth to those who open their eyes and look closely. Telling you who you really are."
        Those were her last words. So deep and poetic. So strange yet so strong and true. Who am I? I never asked myself that question. I stared at the pouch as if waiting for it to answer back. I opened it and took out what was so kept inside. A rose. Light purple in color with white and red shades at the base. I have never seen a rose of that shade. It intrigued me so much as to how it managed to stay fresh. I once thought that it was plastic. But the scent and texture disprove my theory. It even retained its shape even if it was being kept under the pillows.
        A faint crash was heard from one of the top floors. I chuckled. George must have knocked something again. Obviously, Koenma hasn’t finished his work yet. It was so considerate of him to let some of us retire early. He even gave me a whole week off. I’m planning to spend it in Ningenkai.
        I looked through the small window and gazed out at the vast evening view of the Reikai. I thought of my bad dreams. They weren’t that bad actually. Just . . . strange.
        I closed my eyes as I remembered flashes. Yes, flashes. That’s how my dream is being portrayed in my sleep. Flashes of an image. Of long silver hair. Of light purple eyes. Of full, pinkish lips. Calling. Calling at me.
        One. The woman would whisper softly.
        Who are you? What do you want? I would ask.
        One. That’s all she could say. I felt helpless as she would drift away without a reply.
        Every night I would dream about it. Every night I would beg for answers.
        One. It doesn’t make any sense. I wish she would give a much better clue than that three letter word.
        I brought the flower to my nose. So fresh. So sweet. All of a sudden I began thinking of someone. A powerful being who has become a friend or more than a friend ---- to me anyway. An image of Youko Kurama flashed in my mind. I felt my face warming again. I really wanted to ask Kurama about the woman in my dream. She’s a youko, no doubt about it. But what is she doing in my dream? Does Kurama fit anywhere into this? I chuckled at the last thought.
        Botan, there’s no sign of any connection between his past and yours! Its just not possible! I chided myself.
        Hmm, right. This little fantasy of mine is getting out of hand. Driving me nuts. Making me think there was, is or will be anything other than friendship between me and that red-haired young man. I sighed, fingering the soft petals. I never had the courage to ask anyone about this. Something inside always held me back. Telling me to forget about the past. Telling me to move on. And there’s something else. Why do I feel a little ---- scared? Sometimes I almost felt myself trembling? What am I afraid of? Am I Afraid that they would give me answers? Answers I don’t even want to hear? Or maybe I’m afraid to know the real me. My head starting to ache. Questions. So many questions. I choked back a sob. Oh mom help me. How can I look for something I don’t even know? I placed the rose inside and tucked the pouch back under the sheets .
        I blew the candle and lay myself to bed. I hugged my favorite pillow, silently praying that things would come to light soon.
        I felt myself drifting off to sleep, succumbing to the chilling breeze of the night.

----------------------------------------------------------------

        The candle flickered low. Oh boy, I have to finish this. Candle wax puddled on the wooden tabletop. Why am I using candles? Ah yes, there was a power failure. Some accident at the other side of the block. The generator has surely picked the wrong time to work improperly. I set down my pen and stretched. My shoulders ached. I rubbed my tired eyes. Shadows cast by the single candle danced around the room.
        I raised my green eyes to the window and gazed at the full moon. Bold and regal. The only light in the midst of the totally dark sky. It looks bright. Luminous in its light gray color. I could say it’s almost silver. Silver? I frowned as an image of a female version of me filled the face of the moon. Long silver hair. Attractive light purple eyes. Full pinkish lips. What a waste of beauty. How could a traitor be blessed with such grace? I closed my eyes as a wave of anger wash over me, a piece of the past, trying so hard to resurface. I clenched my jaw as I watch it unfold itself in my memory.

        " Kurama? ", a soft feminine voice called, weak and dying.
        I took her in my arms and held her tightly. " Don’t worry, Ayuri, everything’s going to be fine ", I said. It sounded so weak, as if I’m reassuring myself.
        " Kurama, I have longed and dreamt to die in your arms and now that you’re here, I’m not afraid anymore.", she said with passion and sincerity.
        I stared at Ayuri’s lovely face and think. Why am I so nervous? She’ll come back to me after a few days. She’ll live again and we’ll be together. I gave her a percentage of my power to sustain her. But her slender body couldn’t take all those serious wounds she incurred when her village was attacked by a rival camp.
        She had to die in order for my power to revive her. She’ll resurrect in seven days. I’m sure of it. Am I? My voice seemed to quiver. Why? Is it because I lost a lot of energy? Or is it that I’m afraid I might fail her? True that I was insensitive. So cold and indifferent towards everybody even to her who has always been loyal to me. But this is different. I looked in her eyes and realize that I have fallen.
        Some of our servants called it love. Is this what they call love?
        I snickered.
        Youko? Harsh and cold hearted Youko? In love?
        Maybe loving her wasn’t my real intention. My real plan was to use her to gain their wealth but . ..
        I kissed her forehead and told myself--- yes, I do love her, finally admitting it to myself.
        Suddenly I heard footsteps from behind. I turned around. An older female youko with long gray hair and violet eyes, her face marred by a long slash mark across her left cheek. Ayuri’s sister, Anika. I couldn’t believe they’re related. This one’s unattractive. A few more scars and someone may regard her as grotesque.
        With a sweep she took Ayuri from me. How could I resist? I’m still weak. And with all those bodyguards behind her, I don’t stand a chance. Besides, as much as I hate her she’s still Ayuri’s sister. I could get rid of her after anyway.
        " How many times did I tell you to leave her alone? I bet you’re one of them. You engineered all these to destroy our village. You killed my sister!! , Anika shouted at me.
        Shocked and outraged by her accusation, I started to explain everything that has happened.
        Anika shut me out by saying that Ayuri’s going to be married to their chief’s son.
        I scowled at her vicious lie.
        I looked at my love’s half-closed eye, looking for an answer.
        But something made me stop.
        She looked sorry.
        No it can’t be. Couldn’t it?
        Was it an expression of pain? Or was it of pure satisfaction?
        I couldn’t believe it! I don’t want to believe it!
        " Tell me cher, it’s not true." , I choked.
        Silence.
        I closed my eyes and counted to three. It didn’t work. I felt my knees buckling, my hands starting to shiver.
         " Guards, Kill him!!! "
        At the sounds of hooves approaching I instantly transformed myself into a full kitsune and started to run.
        Running away from the bullets. Running away from her betrayal.
        I howled as a bullet hit me. Winced as I felt pain.
        Pain that is of pure anguish. Pain that was made by the woman I loved. And I ran, ran as fast as I could. Ran into the world besides this.
        I ran into the Ningenkai.

        I could feel my eyes burning with hatred. Stupid fox, I scolded myself. Why did you let her fool you? Why don’t you find her and avenge your misery?
        I opened my eyes and looked up in the moon again. The image’s still there. So calm. So loving. I smirked. " And who told you I still love you? What makes you think I EVER loved you?", I said out loud.
        " Love who?"
        I glanced at the little fire demon on the windowsill, almost startled by the sound of his deep, booming voice. " Hiei!"
        " What did I miss? A friend of yours or a little trip to dreamworld?", he teased.
        Silence.
        I don’t want to answer. What would I say? Like ‘yeah I was dreaming about that chick who dumped me’ ?
        " Uh-huh, skeletons in the closet, eh?", he sneered.
        I glared at him. Why don’t you just leave me alone, you little scamp!
        " Hey! Easy redhead, I could take a hint. If you don’t want to talk about it, fine!", he said quickly, obviously getting the message.
        " Yukina’s been doing badly these days.", I said, changing the subject.
        " Is that the reason I was summoned?", he said impatiently, trying hard to disguise his apprehension.
        " Nobody knows what’s wrong with her. I tried to find out but even Genkai couldn’t make her well.", I said, studying his face.
        A mask of concern was clearly placed over it.
        He’s always been aloof. Indifferent. So hard and arrogant.
        Sometimes I felt relieved at the time when he’s like this. Times when he shows up with his caring and sensitive side. Somewhat relieved to see his eyebrows not so drawn together. I wonder if his relationship with Mukuro, if they ever have one, has changed him a bit. I smiled. He would never admit it anyway.
        " We’re all going to visit her tomorrow morning. We might stay there until all’s sorted out.", I said, breaking into his thoughts. I already knew better than to ask him to come with the rest of us.
        I gazed outside. Shadows from old trees danced on the concrete walls of the houses across the street. I looked up at the moon, its surface now tinted with pale yellow. The image was gone. Replaced by thick black clouds, slowly engulfing the light as if depriving the world of its guidance. It feels awfully eerie. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through the open window.
        I shivered. Weird.
        I suddenly have a strange feeling, a feeling like something’s hovering nearby. Something . . .dangerous.
        " I don’t know but something tells me there’s more to your sister’s situation than just plain illness. ", I whispered, almost without thinking. Suddenly confused about my own predictions.
        I glanced at Hiei, surprised to see he has taken off his bandanna. His jagan wide open. Those eyes, a few seconds ago reflecting his worry, now an expression of sheer terror.
        A shroud of fear replaced his usually smug face.
        He felt it too.
        There.
        A puff of cold air.
        Slow, even breathing.
        What is it?

        Koenma stared at the black book for what seems like an eternity.
        It had stopped clunking.
        Take it
        " Huh?! Who’s that?", he asked out loud.
        Take it, you sucker.
        A man’s voice. Low and firm. He gasped, nearly swallowing his own pacifier.
        You can sense its power don’t you?
        Who are you?
        Ha! Ha! Ha!
        His maniacal laughter rang in his ears.
        Aren’t you curious?
        Wait a minute . . . .
        Go on Prince of Rekai! What are you afraid of?
        That’s my voice! He shuddered at the revelation.
        Take it! Open it!
        " My thoughts? Am I having these thoughts?", he asked himself in panic.
        Koenma took the book in his hands.
        Still dusty. With rolls of clean paper towels, he started wiping off centuries worth of dust. The intricate design becoming more and more evident with each stroke. He noticed the carving on the deep black cover. He noticed the two gems were actually part of a whole intricate centerpiece. An insignia. Those two gems posed as the eyes of a face. A distorted one. Inhuman. He then remembered how it glowed back at the library. He shuddered. Those eyes stared at him. Their color seemed to waver, making them looked almost real.
        He studied the black covering and found out that it is a case and not a book like he had earlier thought. The carving on the sides must have been purposely done to make it look as if it is a large book.
        The prince stared at it, flipping the heavy manuscript over. No marks. No inscriptions. No locks.
        " How in the world can I open this?", he turned it and stared at the image in front. Almost impulsively, he ran his fingers through the center image. The eyes glowed. He heard something clicked. The case jerked. And as if some force inside had pushed it, the lid flew open, emitting a strong and nauseous putrid odor.
        Suddenly his head was beginning to ache, and the room seemed to waver before his eyes. D-Danger. Huh? W-Why . . . Uhm . . . do I-I feel d . . .di . . .zzzz …zy?

        The helpless son of Enma slumped on his mahogany desk as a shadow slowly drifted near him.
        " Hmmm . . . It has begun!", it rasped, its voice deepened. The shadow had made him believe that he was having his own thoughts. It uttered a low snicker. Poor Koenma. Don’t worry I’ll let you rest for a while. After all, you’ll need the energy! " Oh my dear prince, we have so much to do!"

------------------------------------------------------

        " Kazuma Kuwabara, will you take Yukina as yo . . . ."
        " OF COURSE!! I, the GREAT, all too HANDSOME Kazuma Kuwabara would forever serve my DEAR Yukina. The Lo . . ." , I was cut off by the priest’s stern expression. Why is he looking at me like that? Yusuke’s snicker vibrated to my ears. I turned my head and saw all my friends, red-faced, biting their lips to prevent a surely tremendous outburst. I could feel myself reddening as well. The priest cleared his throat, snapping my attention back at the altar. I must’ve looked like a total fool. What would my bride say? I stole a glance at the pretty maiden beside me.
        " Yukina . ." , the priest addressed the small ice youkai fitted in a simple white silk gown.
        She looked lovely with all those sweet-smelling daisies adorning her soft light green hair.
        " Will you take Kazuma Kuwabara" , the priest continued. " as your lawfully wedded husband according to the Holy Mother of Church?"
        Her dazzling red eyes flashed as she prepares to answer ‘ I do’. I looked at her pretty face in anticipation.
        I could almost imagine the two of us living in a wide spacious chateau, surrounded by a beautiful garden of fresh-scented flowers. But judging from the prices of basic goods these days, that may not be practical. Ok then, maybe a lovely, average sized house would do. I mean, it doesn’t really mat . . . .
        " NOOOOO !!!!!!!!!"
        " Huh?!" , I gulped. " Y-Yukina?!!"
        " NOOO!!! PLEASE!!! NOOO!!!!
        " What the . . . . ? ", I opened one bleary eye and found myself staring at my room’s newly painted ceiling. " Just a bad dream.", I sighed. It sounded so real. Of course it’s a dream! She would never refuse me like that.
        " NOOOO!!!!"
        I blinked. Wait a sec . . .That’s Shizuru! Now fully awaked, I rushed to her room next to mine.
        My large frame burst through the door and saw my sister, in her bed, eyes closed, thrashing her arms wildly. She’s dreaming!
        " Oi! Wake up!" , I yelled, grasping her shoulders. I started shaking her, trying to snap her out of her nightmare. When suddenly, like a mechanical doll, her eyes flew open!

--------------------------------------------------------------

        How long has he been sleeping? Koenma checked his watch. Five minutes? He gazed at the black case sitting on his desk.
        Why does he feel so jittery all of a sudden? Probably of the fact that it lay open and seemed to emit such an unusual aura?
        " What happened anyway?", he silently asked himself. " Funny. I don’t remember anything."
        Go on take a peek.
        The voice. There it is again. He now realized it wasn’t his own. But then again, it doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, it had successfully perked his curiosity.
        He peered inside the case. A dark purple linen cloth with ancient weave designs sat on top. He raised it cautiously, not knowing what to expect.
        In full view of the interior, he found out that the case was divided into five sections. Each having a cover of its own. Koenma stared at the carvings on each cover. Fox? Yes, it is a fox. He then looked at the other. A dragon. Then another. A man holding out a sword. Wha .. …. Curious, he checked on the other. It was what he had expected. A phoenix.
        Koenma’s golden eyes searched the intricate carvings for answers. His cautious fingers lifted each lid. A series of gasps escaped from his lips. Every division housed an exquisite item. Except for the largest section which was empty. Koenma gazed in awe at the four other relics. He brought one of them in front of his face for closer inspection.
        It is a ring. Its intricate design consisted of two finely carved bird’s claw clutching a black stone in the middle. Inside the band was a well-worn initial, together with an indistinct figure sitting on a crow.
        Next, he took out the other, a scepter. The staff has serpent engravings on it. It was surmounted by a human skull made of gold and a black stone on its forehead.
        Then he carefully lifted an armlet. It is a silver spiral bracelet of two dragons whose tails are tied in a Hercules knot that is decorated with an onyx in a bezel setting.
        Lastly, he held a silver pendant in his palms and let the chain of silver lotuses hang on the side. It depicts a human death mask inside a rectangular background bordered with lotus flower. An onyx was encrusted at the mouth of the mask.
        " Weird . . . Where did all this pieces come from?", Koenma murmured as he placed them back on the case.
        What baffled him most are the symbols engraved on each relic. Dragon. Serpent. A human skull. Lotus. Even the mask. All of them speak of one thing.
        Death.
        Evil.
        He was returning the ring to its section when he accidentally touched the bottom of the case. Instinctively he ran the tip of his fingers on the velvet covering. As he was doing so, the whole bottom sprang open, revealing a hint of gold.

-----------------------------------------------------

        Shizuru stared at Kuwabara as if he was from another planet.
        " Sis? You … OK?", she kept staring. What’s wrong with her?
        " YOOHOO!!", he waved his arms before her face. He could imagine myself --- a combination of an exhibitionist and an asylum patient.
        Shizuru’s face was a complete blank. How can she do that? She didn’t even wink once!
        He started poking at her armpits, even pulling her face. Nothing. Not even a flinch.
        Kuwabara watched her expression, feeling really tired and exasperated.
        He realized he has no choice. He was about to raise his hand to give her a slap when she suddenly grabbed his collar, and stared at him menacingly!

------------------------------------------------------------

        " A secret compartment!", Koenma exclaimed. He gingerly took out the book and gazed at it admiringly.
        Compared to the case and its odd contents, this book was so immaculate. Its leather cover is gold in color. An intricately designed cross with glittering diamonds was situated at the center.
        He fingered the cross and started skimming the worn pages.
        " Huh?", he flipped the other page. Then another. Nothing.
        As he was closing the cover, he noticed the first page has something on it.
        Funny, it was blank a while ago. I must’ve missed it, he thought. Written on top of the page were a few words in blood-red ink. Four words to be exact. Four words that sent chills down his spine. On bold script was:

        IT WILL LIVE AGAIN !

------------------------------------------------------------

        " What’re you doing here, Kazuma?", Shizuru demanded. " Why don’t you go there and stop him?".
        Kuwabara looked puzzled. What the hell is she talking about? " Easy Sis. Whatever it is, its gone now. Its all a bad dream." He assured her.
        Bad idea.
        Her face turned from menacing to homicidal.
        " He should’ve opened it!! He had set it free!!!", she screamed, shaking her fist in front of his all too delicate face.
        " Uh, . .", he started. Sheesh! What am I supposed to say? He thought.
        " Stop talking and listen to me, you big oaf. He doesn’t know what he’s doing! ", she yelled at the top of her lungs.
        " Okay, Ok. Who’s ‘he’ are you referring to?", Kuwabara asked, giving in to her story. Maybe talking about it would calm her down.
        " Koenma. ", she replied bluntly.
        He blinked. " Koenma? That spoiled sucker, son of whoever, Koenma?"
        " Who else you moron!" she snapped.
        Now, he's mega-confused! " Goodness, my sister, Shizuru has gotten mad!", he muttered under his breath.
        " I’m not Shizuru.", she piped in.
        Kuwabara swallowed hard, realizing he had said it loud enough for her to hear. But that’s not what he's concerned about. What does she mean she’s not Shizuru? Has all that work pushed her over the edge? He knew he may not be the best brother on the planet but is it enough to drive her insane ? Or perhaps she’s been smoking too much? He mused, remembering the all too familiar slogan, ‘Smoking is dangerous to your health’.
        " Who . . .who are you then?", Kuwabara asked, expecting her to answer names like ‘Wonderwoman’ or the more idiotic ones like Dinky-Doo or Chooba-choo-choo.
        " My name . . ., she started, her brown eyes suddenly grew calm and serious. " My name is Akira."