6
Deja Vu
A tall young man entered his neat and orderly bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind him. Slowly, he ambled over to the window and leaned his worn-out medium frame against the pane. The full moon shone brightly on the dark velvet sky as Kurama stood watching through the clear glass. He had just been on a meeting with his teammates yet a new problem – or I mean, a new case ( so what’s the difference?) - rose up so quickly and unexpectedly that the errand proved to be strenuous.
Painfully, he closed his eyes, contemplating on their recent meeting.
Kuwabara probably felt so left-out after we walked out on him, Kurama thought. The truth is, he believed his story more than anyone else. All he needs is a concrete evidence that would support Kuwabara’s psychological findings.
His eyes narrowed, staring out at the nearby woods.
How could it be not over? They knew how much they risked on that battle. They knew very much how much power and strength they had given out just to defeat it. If their efforts were futile, then how on earth could they vanquish it now?
He bit his lip. It was exactly thirteen months ago when the horror happened. And it was during those months that most of them lived peacefully.
Most of them. Not all of them.
He turned his head to look at his reflection on the mirror. Gentle features of Suuichi Minamino stared back at him. How lucky he was, his male classmates would say, being the smartest and the cutest guy in his class. Girls would squeak for every bit of attention he gave to them. Like a simple cocking of his head, a nod, a smile or a short word. Oh yes, he was a heartthrob. A school babe.
" . .they had no idea. Never knew.", he whispered bitterly. " And they don’t have to know."
Gingerly, he walked towards his closet.
The moment he opened its doors, dozens of glittering objects came crashing down on the floor. Hmm, he wasn’t usually this messy. He would always make sure everything’s in order. A neat freak, as one might call it. Ah, but that was a year ago.
Carefully, Kurama knelt down and picked up something from the pile. He clasped a golden necklace in his hands. It was clearly a good find. He reached out and grabbed a number of the valuable pieces he kept and looked on the rest still lay scattered on the floor. There were all sorts of jewelry. From bracelets to earrings and other stone-studded ornaments. Some were placed in a clear plastic while others were placed on velvet-lined boxes.
Kurama took one wooden box and open its lid. Instantly, a stench or rotting flesh hung heavily in the air. What was inside seemed to open up conflicting emotions within him. Grimly, he eyed the large ruby on the golden band. The golden ring still being worn on the finger . . . by a rotting human hand.
A few more days and the flesh will decompose, turn to ashes, leaving the bones slim enough for the ring to slip through.
The owner was so stubborn, told him it was her wedding ring. Kurama snickered. She should have surrendered it to me, he thought. Should’ve saved her hand. Should have saved her life.
Kurama shook his head, rearranged his loot and closed the cabinet.
The full length mirror fixed on the closet’s door greeted him. He took a moment to stare at himself closely.
A face so attractive, they would say. His aquiline nose almost perfect. His skin unblemished.
And his eyes. Full of mystery. Deep and haunting.
He fixed his gaze on them.
Gorgeous emerald eyes which had been drawing admiration everywhere. Making ladies’ squeal, making opponents back out, . . . . making me insane, he added bitterly.
Kurama raised his hands to them and gently, took out something from both eyes. He laid both palms, the objects in full view. He frowned. They were a pair of soft, thin and transparent round objects with emerald hues.
Green contact lenses.
Lenses he had been wearing for a few months now.
Kurama raised his gaze to his reflection and sighed.
A pair of eyes stared back at him.
One was green. And the other . . . golden.
------------------------------------------------------------
" Ah, I could feel it. I could smell it. His fear. My power, flowing through me. It’s only a matter of time. The cunning, clever kitsune. No longer in control. No longer rational. No longer brave."
There was a short laugh as the silhouette moved effortlessly across the room.
" . . . a kitsune thriving without any strength. Any power. Soon . . . . very soon."
------------------------------------------------------------
Botan walked quietly down the hall of the Reikai palace. She rubbed her shoulders then took out her hanky to wipe the sweat off her forehead. She was perspiring like a pig yet she felt extremely cold. Unusually cold. And she knew why.
She was nervous. What if she ran into Yusuke? What would she tell him? Would he kill her?
Botan pushed open her bedroom door and quickly went inside.
" Botan, are you alright?"
She looked up and saw her roommate staring at her worriedly. " Oh boy! I must’ve looked like a total shag!", she thought.
" Something I can do?", Sakumi asked.
Botan shook her head. " Its nothing . . . really."
" You look a bit sick . . ."
Botan faked a laugh. " Maybe I’m coming down with a flu."
" Why don’t you go to the healers?"
" I’m heading there now, actually."
Sakumi stood up immediately. " I’ll go with you."
" Oh no!", Botan said quickly, then regretted it. " Um I mean, no. I can handle myself."
" Are you sure?"
Botan nodded. " Um, by the way . . . do you feel comfortable in here?"
" Yeah, really cool room. But . . . I need extra pillows though . . . if you don’t mind."
Botan smiled. " You could take mine. I’ll just get some on the other room."
" Thanks."
Botan left.
Sakumi watched her leave. She’s acting weird. As if she’s afraid of something, she thought.
" Oh well, its none of my business anyway.", she said to herself as she walked to the other side of the room. She looked at her roommate’s bed. It has a printed pink and lilac sheet with a couple of pillows. Sakumi grabbed one. Instantly, something soft landed on her feet.
She bent down to pick it up. " What is this?", she murmured. Sakumi sat on Botan’s bed and inspected the object. It was a small golden pouch. It was quaint and pretty. " Wonder what’s inside . . ." Slowly, she pulled the string and opened it.
Sakumi dug her fingers unto the pouch and took out its content.
She gasped, seeing a fresh rose on her palm.
Sakumi stared hard at it. " It can’t be . . . .’, she whispered.
The pale purple rose with white and pink streaks on the base.
Yes, it is striking. And very beautiful.
But there’s something much more significant about it.
She knew somebody who possesses the same special rose. That one of a kind flower given by her lover. Sakumi looked at her roommate’s picture on the bedside table, shock, surprise, and excitement all written over her face. " Botan.", she whispered. " Botan IS Ayuri . . ."
------------------------------------------------------------
Her brown hair blew across her pretty face, coming to rest just above her shoulders shortly after the cool wind died down. There was a merry skip on every pace as Keiko took the street towards her boyfriend’s apartment building.
It was Sunday afternoon, and although Koenma had a new mission for them, the Urameshi team hadn’t received any new instructions from the prince. So they decided to push through their previous plan. A picnic right on the beach beside Genkai’s temple.
Keiko ascended the stairs to the second floor and knocked at the wooden door of the Urameshis’ apartment. There was a soft scuffle within, then a momentary silence before a long-haired middle-aged woman ushered her in.
" Keiko!", Mrs. Urameshi greeted.
" Good Morning, ma’am!"
The woman smiled, holding the door open as she ran her fingers through her long hair. " Um, I’ll be on my way to a gathering. Just wait on the living room, Yusuke will be out in a minute."
Keiko nodded as Mrs. Urameshi left.
She seated herself on the sofa, grabbed the remote control and flicked on the television.
" Keiko! Just a sec, I’ll be right out!", Yusuke yelled as he passed by his bedroom door on her right.
Keiko had just tuned in to the fashion channel when Yusuke passed by her left then disappeared through the front door without any word. He was gone by the time she turned her head.
" Yusuke!", she called. " Where are you going?!!!"
" Nowhere!!", he yelled back.
Keiko turned her head to the direction of his room down the hall on her right. His voice had come from that direction. Still confused, she turned her attention back to the spring fashion show on the tube. Before she knew it, she was admiring every night clothes. Wishing she could own one. All models had exited to the wings and the backdrop was now a glaring white with a faint silhouette of a young man a little on the left . . . .
" Wait a minute . . ." Keiko quickly turn around just as the kitchen door closed. She blinked. Did she just saw Yusuke in the kitchen? And on the front door at the other side? How did he arrived there?
She was jolted from her seat when a loud knock at the door echoed throughout the house.
" I’ll get it!", she yelled. She walked to the door and opened it.
She was surprised to see two police officers just outside. " What can I do for you, sir?"
The taller policeman held out his badge. " I’m officer Murasaki and this is my partner, Kojima. We’re here to talk to a certain Yusuke Urameshi. Is Mrs. Urameshi present?"
Keiko gulped. Now what did Yusuke had done now? She thought. " Um, Mrs. Urameshi just left but Yusuke’s in here."
The officer nodded as Keiko ushered them inside.
At this point, Yusuke emerged from the kitchen. " Who’s th ---" he stopped when he caught sight of the two police officers in the living room. Immediately, he bowed in front of them. " Sorry, sorry . . we’re very sorry, sir! We didn’t mean to cause any damage to that shop down the avenue, I just defended myself from those bullies! He challenged me into a fight then he threatened some of my classmates. Then he whacked me in the head and I just ----
" Whoa, boy!", Officer Murasaki interrupted. " We’re not here to arrest you because of that!"
" Although you’re the first one to admit that indeed there was a teener’s brawl in that area.", Officer Kojima said sternly.
Yusuke gulped. " Then what is it that you want?"
" You’re in for questioning about the murder of millionaire, Tokashi Yamamoto.", Officer Murasaki stated.
The couple appeared stunned.
" M-murder?", Yusuke stammered. " I could attest to that brawl last week . . .b-but murder?"
" Tokashi Yamamoto? Isn’t he the owner of the largest entertainment complex in Tokyo?", Keiko asked.
The officers nodded. " He was found in pieces, chopped to bits on a dark alleyway. Only his insides and some remaining parts like the lower torso, an arm, part of his left leg and the head were recovered."
Keiko restrained herself from gagging. Just the thought of it makes her want to puke.
" But I don’t understand! How did I get involved in this?", Yusuke asked shakily.
" You’ll have to answer that question yourself.", Officer Murasaki announced grimly " A lot of witnesses said that they saw a group of well-known criminals dragging the millionaire ‘round that area so we brought them to the headquarters. But these main suspects denied the allegations and told us a shady story of a brown-haired, brown-eyed young man in his early teens who came and beat them with this . . . ‘huge fireball from his finger ’ thing."
" Fireball from the finger ‘eh? And you believed him?"
" Not really. But we never found any trace of the murder weapons anywhere in their hideout so we decided to check it out, just to make sure.", Officer Murasaki explained. " We’re rounding out the entire city for this alleged young man. And you, Yusuke Urameshi, along with twenty-seven others, happens to fit that description perfectly."
Yusuke gaped at them. " So I’m a suspect? "
" Yes, that’s why we’re asking you where were you on the night of May 28.", Officer Kojima said seriously.
" What time?"
" Between 7:00 to 10:00."
Yusuke rubbed his jaw. " I had a date with my girlfriend."
Officer Kojima wrote down the information. " What’s her name and where does she live?"
At this Keiko stepped forward. " I’m Keiko Yukimura. Yusuke and I went to Lisette’s to buy me a pretty blue dress then we ate at that new fancy restaurant, a few blocks from there. And oh! . . . We watched a movie before that."
" Movie? What movie?", Officer Kojima questioned.
She thought for a moment. " Um . ."
" Lovebirds.", Yusuke muttered.
The officers suppressed their giggles.
" It was horrible!", he moaned.
Keiko placed her hands on her hips. " It is not!"
" Oh yes it is!", he fired back.
Officer Murasaki cleared his throat. " Okay that’s enough! What time did you reached home?"
" Around nine forty-five.", he replied.
There was a momentary silence as the officers wrote down notes and discussed in hush tones.
" We could go to those places to confirm our statement.", Yusuke offered.
Officer Murasaki shook his head. " No need." Both officers stood up and headed for the door.
" Um, so . . . am I off the hook?"
" With the murder case, yes but that incident on the avenue, you’ll still be held liable if in case the owner files a case.", Officer Murasaki said firmly. " If I were you, I’ll try not to run into any more trouble or we’ll be forced to arrest you."
Yusuke nodded. " I promise."
The police officers left.
Keiko heaved a sigh of relief. She firmly closed the door as Yusuke dropped heavily on the sofa.
" This damned hand’s fucking itchy.", he complained, clawing impatiently on his right palm.
" Oh good thing you reminded me! I brought an anti-itching lotion for that!", Keiko said, taking it out from her handbag.
Yusuke took the bottle graciously. " Thanks!" He quickly spread a small amount across his palm.
" Um, Yusuke . . .", Keiko hesitated, sitting herself right beside him.
" Yes?"
" Those suspects told the police that the teenager emitted a ‘ fireball from his finger’.", Keiko said. "Isn’t that supposed to be you Rei-Gan? I don’t understand, you’re with me the whole time stated by the police and I don’t think you’ll ever touch an innocent man, so who could that teenager be?"
Yusuke shook his head. " I don’t know. I’m bothered, too. He looks like me. Acts like me. And hell! . . has a power like mine? It’s a bit confusing!"
" Why don’t you found out what really happened? That murderer might still be at large, preparing for his next crime. Why! I’m convinced that he might be posing as you!", Keiko said worriedly.
Yusuke looked at her thoughtfully then nodded. " You’re right. It might be connected to the new case. C’mon let’s go. I’ll ask the others for help as soon as we get to the picnic."
They had both gone out the door when Keiko remembered something. " Oh, my handbag!"
Yusuke fished out the keys from his pocket. " Alright I’ll wait for you in the lobby. I had to leave a message for my mom."
Keiko nodded and went back to the Urameshi’s unit. Knowing Yusuke’s impatience, she quickly unlocked the door and headed straight to the living room.
" There you are!", she murmured, seeing her cream-colored handbag sitting on the sofa.
She was walking towards the front door when she heard footsteps.
Surprised, she turned around just in time to see a glimpse of a brown-haired man exiting the hallway. He disappeared into one of the bedrooms.
A second later, the same brown-haired man followed.
" W-Who’s there?", she called nervously.
Silence.
" Who are you?" She called again.
Keiko waited for a few seconds, alerting her senses for any kind of movement within the unit. The place remained quiet. After a couple of minutes, she realized she may have been imagining it all and reluctantly headed for the door. All the time, keeping an eye on the hallway just in case the person shows up. But there was no one. Not even the faintest sound.
" Hmm . . . déjà vu.", Keiko shook her head, flicked off the light switch and closed the door.
7
Reclamation
Yukina gently placed a large basket on the large checkered cloth. She sat for a moment, sniffing the air for a while.
" Hmm . . nice weather.", she murmured, glad that the group had decided to push through with their previous plan despite the new case Koenma told them about yesterday. Botan and Shizuru had already arrived. They’re probably on their way now from the dojo, carrying the paperplates, utensils and their refreshments. In a few minutes, the others would be here. She was also hoping that her brother would come. She knew that he’s a bit anti-social but still he wasn’t too distant to completely ignore the invitation.
She looked up into the bright and clear late morning sky. Perfect for a Sunday picnic.
All of a sudden, a chilling breeze wafted through her hair. She frowned, suddenly feeling a little jittery. She felt a sinking feeling the moment she woke up early that morning. Knowing that the weather looks perfect and that her friends would surely enjoy themselves, why does she felt that way? Yukina wondered.
She sat still for a few moments then shook her head and started unpacking the large food basket.
" Need any help?"
Yukina turned to see a tall redhead walking towards her.
" Kurama!", she greeted.
Kurama noticed her cheery expression. Usually, the ice maiden had a shy and prim face but right now she looked extremely elated, an expression he would usually associate with Botan. " You seemed a little perky. Anything special happened?"
Yukina instantly flashed him her cute little smile.
Kurama raised his eyebrows as he took out a large tupperware from the basket. " So?"
" I found my brother."
Kurama almost dropped the container. " Y-you . . . w-what?"
Yukina giggled. " Hiei visited me the other day."
He swallowed hard, he actually thought that his friend had presented an impostor but he never guessed that he would actually present himself now. " Uh . . H-he admitted it?"
She nodded. " I don’t know what inspired him to do so. But I don’t really care."
" Good for you.", Kurama said. " Y’know I’ve stopped bugging him about it so I really didn’t expect him to do it now. By the way . . . how do you plan on telling Kuwabara about this?"
Yukina sighed. " I was hoping Kuwa-chan knew who my brother really is but as I thought of his relationship with Hiei, I guess he never had the slightest idea. I wish they’ll get along alright when he found out."
Kurama laughed. " That would be quite a scene."
Meanwhile, one block away, at Genkai’s temple.
" One of you almost got me into trouble!", Yusuke hissed from within the restroom. Silence. Or was it? There was a faint voice being heard as though, it was having a heated argument with the spirit detective.
" Next time, make it clean!", Yusuke said as he almost banged the door closed. He looked on both sides then walked into the kitchen to get that heavy ice bucket, Keiko told him to carry.
" You looked a little flushed. Got up on the wrong side of the bed, huh?", Shizuru asked as he entered the kitchen.
Yusuke laughed. " Not really. I just had a slow morning." It wasn’t his intention to ignore Botan, who was standing right beside Shizuru. Its just that the deity seemed distant, constantly avoiding his gaze. But whatever the reason is, he has to ease it up. " How’s your day, Botan?"
" Fine." Was the curt reply.
" Good." Yusuke waved then left the kitchen.
Botan saw his face. She heard his voice loud and clear. It sounded a bit forced. She didn’t know whether to forget about the entire episode within his room or start telling one of her friends about it.
" For the meantime though I'll have to keep my mouth shut and act cool.", Botan said to herself. But heck! How could she act normally after seeing dozens of skulls, those of innocent murdered people, stashed in Yusuke’s room? How could she feel normal after the late Enki confirmed Yusuke’s evilness in the past months? " How? How?"
" Botan, are you okay?", Shizuru’s voice cut in her thoughts.
" Huh?"
" You’re mumbling.", the taller girl eyed her closely. " Something’s bothering you?"
Botan quickly shook her head and forced herself to smile. " It’s nothing. Just . . ." Just what? " . . . s-something personal.", she finished, avoiding her friend’s eyes.
Shizuru raised her eyebrows. " Lovelife?"
Botan didn’t say anything. Let her think what she wanted to think, she thought.
" Hmm, oh right I wouldn’t bother you anymore." Shizuru picked up a large food basket loaded with all sorts of refreshments.
Botan had her arms filled with a paperbag, where all the paperplates and other utensils are.
Together, they went out from the dojo, down the long flight of stone stairs to the white sand beach a few meters from the estate.
The rest of the gang where already there, talking animatedly at each other. It seemed like forever when they last held a gathering like this. Each individual had tight schedules and a reunion seemed impossible . . . until now.
" Ohhh. I’m famished! What took you so long?", Kuwabara asked, eyeing a large dish of tempura.
" Well, I couldn’t imagine a humongous guy like you just sitting duck here, while we females were sweating it out just to bring the all too heavy baskets down to the picnic grounds?!"
Yusuke swallowed an entire sushi. " Eheh, you didn’t . . . ackk . . ask . . kockkkk."
Keiko immediately patted his back while Kurama gave him a glass of punch.
" Thanks!", Yusuke breathed as he gulped down the beverage.
" Don’t worry, you brought the cooler out.", Shizuru assured him.
" . . . And Kurama helped me with the spread.", Yukina but in.
" So that leaves you." Botan pointed at the blushing Kuwabara. " You hog!"
" Hey, watch the words!", Kuwabara protested. " Alright, I’ll clean up later!"
" Good.", Botan said.
Kurama grinned. " I say let’s dig in. I must admit, I’m really hungry."
" Ahhh, that goes for me, too.", Yusuke licked her lips as he took a bowl of rice.
" Mmmm." Kuwabara quickly grabbed a fried chicken.
" Hold it right there!", a voice boomed. " That chicken breast is mine!"
Kuwabara, instantly dropped the piece, crunching up his face. " Auurghh. Here comes the devil."
Hiei jumped down from the tree and took the place right beside his sister.
Yukina smiled. " It’s so nice you came. It wouldn’t be the same without you."
" I didn’t come here for the reunion! I came here to eat!", Hiei said, grabbing a large piece of fried chicken unto his plate.
Kuwabara cleared his throat. " Manners, please."
Hiei frowned. " With a face like that on a spread, we’ll surely lost our appetites right away!"
Kuwabara growled. " Why you---!"
" Kazuma . .", Yukina cut in, offering him another piece of chicken breast.
The burly guy blushed. " Thanks."
Hiei chose not to say anything against his sister’s affection towards his stupid teammate.
Kurama nudged Yusuke by the elbow. " Still going strong?"
" Yeah.", Yusuke grinned devilishly.
Keiko frowned. " What’s that sneer supposed to mean?"
" Ulk!", her fiance gulped.
" Aren’t you supposed to be married?", Shizuru asked bluntly.
Keiko blushed wildly as Hiei looked at Yusuke sideways. " Hn! He chickened out!"
Yusuke gritted his teeth. " I did not!" He looked at Keiko. " Tell them!"
Keiko crossed her arms in front of her chest. " I told him to find a descent job first . . uhrm, not that being a spirit detective isn’t a descent job. What I mean is a practical, ordinary occupation. So we decided to postpone the wedding."
" See? She’s the one who proposed it!", Yusuke said.
Kurama chuckled. " Alright we got it."
" So have you been looking for a job?", Shizuru asked.
" Wrong question.", Botan corrected. " What KIND of job?"
Yusuke glared at them but then he smiled and looked at Keiko lovingly. " I’m going to graduate next month from Tokyo school of medicine."
" Yeah, and I’m going to be a doctor!", Hiei sneered. The others laughed.
" Huh! I’m serious! I’m going to be certified nurse!", Yusuke insisted. " And surely by that time, we’ve already wrapped up this case. He, he, if we ever wrap it up.", he added.
Suddenly the laughing died down.
" Yeah, kickin’ the enemy back to where it belongs.", Kuwabara piped in, unaware that the others had taken on a somber look. After some time, he finally noticed their silence. " Huh? What’s wrong?"
" Sorry, I shouldn’t brought it up.’, Yusuke murmured.
Nobody answered.
" I’m going to check up on Master Genkai.", Yukina announced. She stood up and headed into the dojo. Keiko was on her feet in a flash. " I’ll go with you."
Hiei suddenly disappeared.
Kurama looked at each of them sideways, knowing very well what they’re thinking. Though none of them had really voiced out their own fears, he could feel it with his own. They don’t want to talk about the case, that was clear. And quite honestly, neither does he. With a heavy sigh, he stood up and said in a low voice. " I’ll take a walk."
Without a word, Kuwabara jumped on his feet and headed inside the dojo.
Shizuru lighted a cigarette. Quickly, she placed it on her mouth and took it with her fingers, blowing out the smoke. She held her shaking hand in mid-air, staring at their unfinished food. Their picnic has been unexpectedly cut off. It was inevitable. She stood up as well and left, yelling her brother’s name.
Botan clasped her hands nervously. Minutes ago she felt safe with all her friends around her. Seconds ago she was so worried about the case but after a few moments she realized that the others had gone inside or somewhere else. And all that was left was she . . . and Yusuke. She felt rooted to her spot, unable to move. Too scared to talk or even raise her eyes to look at him. Beware! Enki’s voice played over and over her mind. The picture of that skull-filled trunk haunted her no end.
" You shouldn’t have messed with my things.", he snarled.
Botan froze. Yusuke’s voice was so cold that she could almost feel his steely gaze on her.
" H-how . . .?"
" I have my shadows, y’know. They told me everything.", Yusuke cackled then his voice dropped to a threatening whisper. " You little snoop! I could kill you now if I want to."
Tears brimmed on her eyes. Botan wanted to stand up and ran. As far away from him as possible. I could kill you now if I want to. It was the second time those words were said out loud to her. The last time was when Youko Kurama chased her in the woods. The evil is definitely back, she thought fearfully.
" Do you want to play, Botan?"
Botan raised her head. But as soon as she did, she wished she hadn’t.
Yusuke was staring at her with a pair of glowing red eyes. He bared his teeth, exposing two sharp- pointed fangs.
Botan looked on in shock at his sudden transformation. She opened her mouth to scream but she heard none.
" Run . . .", he hissed.
She swallowed hard.
" Run!", Yusuke repeated as a number of dark figures suddenly hovered behind him.
Scared out of her wits, Botan scrambled to her feet and ran towards the woods. Taking a grassy path she had never seen. For a few minutes, she ran blindly, her mind fogged with fear. She doesn’t care anymore of her destination, all that matters was to stay away from him as far as possible.
Seconds later, as she stepped further on a hill she heard laughter. Louder and meaner. Too scared to look back, she wasn’t sure who’s laughing with him. It sounded like a chorus. And its so scary, so scary.
Crying non-stop, Botan willed herself to go on as she neared the woods. The same woods where Kurama chased her thirteen months ago.
Suddenly an individual bumped on her.
She screamed.
" Botan!! Botan!!!" Botan felt arms shaking up her shoulders. She forced herself to look, expecting Yusuke. But all she saw was her indigo-haired roommate in the Reikai palace.
"Sakumi!", she voiced out her name with such relief.
" Are you alright? Is someone after you?", Sakumi asked worriedly.
Botan glanced over her shoulder. There was no one. The lawn was deserted. She looked back at Sakumi and said. " Let’s get out of here. He’s going to kill me!"
------------------------------------------------------------
Kuwabara entered the kitchen. Usually, he and Yusuke would raid this part of the house right after a picnic. Ravishing every bits and pieces of leftover. But right now, he doesn’t feel like eating. His stomach couldn’t hold any food for now.
So, if that’s the case then what is he doing here?
Something seemed to have ushered him directly in it. He doesn’t know why but it appears as if he was being commanded by an invisible presence lurking near him.
He doesn’t know his purpose, at least, that’s what he thought. Until a small vial on top of the kitchen table caught his eye.
Slowly, he ambled towards the table then carefully raised the small bottle.
" The onyx.", he murmured, seeing the dark liquid inside. " My onyx."
Quickly, he uncorked the vial. He raised it to his nose and took a sniff.
Suddenly, he felt his head snap back, the liquid flew out of the bottle, forming a suspended blob of moisture on thin air. It hovered before his face for a while, making wavy moves that sent semi-transparent reflections rippling against the walls of the kitchen. It continued its strange display for a few seconds before moving towards a certain direction in high speed. Rushed to his forehead. Back to his forehead to reform the solid dark stone.
Kuwabara’s eyes became blank, the vial slipped from his hand, shattering in pieces on the floor.
The newly formed onyx emitted a faint glow beneath his skin. A raging sensation instantly enveloped his body, making him close his eyes.
And there he slipped into a dream . . . .
From a distance, he could hear his sister’s faint call but decided to keep his eyes closed. Just to savor the moment. For what he felt that instant was one that he never felt before. One that was so new and wonderful. He felt renewed, revitalized, relived by a certain outside force.
Maybe it’s his problems. Maybe it’s him. Or maybe, as anyone would have guessed, it’s the onyx.
Kuwabara heaved a huge sigh.
Whether it was due to that gem or just his condition, which his friends would rather call insanity, the root cause doesn’t really hold any weight. Not even the slightest of importance to him. All he knew is that somewhere, there is a special place within where he would find absolute peace and satisfaction.
Kuwabara took a deep breath. The dark endless void was so overwhelming, so inviting that his mind started seeking shelter in it.
A faint voice sounded out of nowhere but he quickly ignored it as a flash of light drifted near his inner sight.
He gasped. Is that it? He wondered.
Without hesitation, his consciousness dove in its path, chasing its graceful rays as it slipped in and out of his head. He was curious. So drawn by its beauty that he can’t help but smile.
Roughly minutes had passed and Kuwabara was paying so much attention on his 'inner' quest that he failed to realize that he was being thrown deeply into a world he now called home. A home where he felt safe. Safe from his oppressors, prying eyes of her friends . . . from the shadows.
" Kuwa? Are you alright?", the voice echoed once more, louder and clearer, cutting into his thoughts.
His eyes flew open, determined to find out who disturbed his silence.
He blinked, momentarily blinded with the strong daylight.
When he regained focus, he saw a brown-haired girl peering at him with a worried frown on her face.
Keiko. He recognized.
He looked around him. Printed tiles grazed the wall while dozens of plates and drinking glasses was placed on a single rack on the counter. A small table filled with vegetable peelings along with a chopping board and a couple of knives sat in the middle of the room.
Kitchen. He’s in the kitchen.
" But there’s something different.", Kuwabara whispered. It looked kind of ugly. Distorted. Unwelcoming for him.
" Are you alright?", Keiko asked again.
Kuwabara slowly turned to her and whispered. " Friar Mari’s death. Who do you think did it?"
" Huh?", Keiko looked surprised. " Uh, I-I don’t know . . ."
Kuwabara snickered. " He, he, I know who . . ."
" Uh, w-who . . .? ", Keiko asked.
Kuwabara's voice dropped to a whisper. " Batman did! He rode that bat mobile and ran over the friar with it."He bobbed his head and smiled childishly." Uhum, believe me! I saw it! I tried to call Superman but I can't get to his cellphone!"
Keiko felt a cold chill ran up her spine. " Uh, yah o-okay. Um, I-I’m going to f-find Yusuke." She hurried out of the kitchen. Weird, she thought. Definitely weird.
8
Echo of the Foxes
" I think he’s gone.", Botan breathed heavily, leaning on the tree trunk.
" Who are you referring to? The one you said who wanted to kill you?", Sakumi asked.
Botan studied her fingers. " Yusuke."
Sakumi looked shocked. " Isn’t he your friend? Why? You had a fight?"
Botan nodded. " It’s a lot more serious than that."
" Tell me."
The deity of death shook her head. " Sorry. I can’t. I really can’t."
" It’s okay. But don’t worry. I’m here if you need any help."
" Thanks."
" You know, my parents once told me that your worst enemies can be those people around you. Like friends, relatives and sometimes, someone in the family. Like siblings and parents."
" Did it happened to you?"
" No. I always made sure that they’re all out of danger. And that every squabble be patched up before the day ends."
" Your family. Where are they?", Botan asked.
" Gone. But I’m not lonely. I know they’re watching over me and that someday I’ll be able to meet them again."
Botan smiled. " You seemed to have such a positive outlook in life. You shouldn’t have agreed to the job in Reikai."
" Why not?"
" Its complicated. Sometimes fun but mostly dangerous. You’re a simple woman, living a simple life. I don’t see why you should complicate it."
" I’m not complicating it. I’m just trying to help. I want other people to have a good life as I do that’s why I accepted the job."
Botan grinned. " You’re really nice."
Sakumi laughed. " And you are, too. You’re my best friend in Reikai."
" Really?"
Sakumi nodded.
Riiing!!!!
Botan fished out her communicator from her pocket. She flipped it open and saw Koenma’s angry face on the monitor.
" Botan!!!", his panicked voice blared. " Where are you?"
" In the picnic. What’s wrong?"
" There has been a serious theft."
Sakumi looked over Botan’s shoulder. " Theft?"
" The onyxes were stolen."
Both girls gasped.
" S-Stolen?"
" Yes. Listen, tell Yusuke and the others about it. I’ll just call again for further details and I may go there a little later."
" Alright." Botan turned off her communicator and stared blankly before her. " Tell Yusuke . . . and the others . . ."
Sakumi eyed her closely. " Botan . . . ?"
" Um, I hope you don’t mind. Could you accompany me?"
" Sure. Didn’t I tell you that you could count on my help?"
Botan flashed her a wide grin. " Thanks."
" Botan!!"
She raised her head at the sound of a familiar voice and felt suddenly nervous and uncertain upon seeing who the speaker was.
" K-Kurama . .", she stammered.
Sakumi quickly moved forward and smiling radiantly, extended her hand. " Hi! I’m Sakumi!"
Kurama looked surprised but he immediately broke into a smile and shook her hand. " I’m Kurama. Nice meeting you, uh . . . Sakumi."
Sakumi’s eyes twinkled admiring his calm voice. He’s much more handsome in person, she thought, eyeing him closely.
Kurama, on the other hand, looked uncomfortable.
Botan blinked, not knowing whether to be thankful of Sakumi’s presence or be jealous of their current exchange. Still, her roommate had given her enough time to collect her wits.
She cleared her throat. " Um, listen. Koenma directed me to inform you about the stolen onyxes."
" Stolen?!". Kurama looked alarmed. He himself had broken into the Reikai palace before and he knew so well that it wasn’t easy. He, along with Hiei and another youkai were not as powerful then as they are now. Which means that the palace has an unreliable security system. Of course, that was then. Surely Reikai had already learned from that incident.
" How? How did that happened?", he asked.
" Someb---", Botan answered.
" Somebody broke in.", Sakumi cut in. " We don’t know the full details. Koenma’s in hurry but he told us that he’ll be coming down to Ningenkai to talk to you." She paused. " He might be here any minute now."
Kurama tipped his head. " Alright. I guess we should wait for him then."
" Uh,.", Botan started. " Why don’t you go ahead and wait for him at the dojo. Um. . ." She glanced at Sakumi, whose eyes remained fixed on him. " Me and Sakumi have some errands to do."
Kurama looked disappointed. " Sure. Don’t worry, I’ll tell the others about it."
" Thanks." Botan avoided his gaze and pulled Sakumi’s arm. " Let’s go."
" See you later.", Kurama said.
Botan nodded curtly as she and her friend started to walk towards the deep woods.
" Yes, see you too, Kurama!", Sakumi waved, her arms being pulled a little forcefully by Botan.
Kurama smiled at the woman, his eyes wandering over her long indigo-colored hair, flowing her pretty face. He watched them both leave, all the way not taking his eyes off the new girl whose gaze still locked in his, still grinning over her shoulder until they disappeared through the thick foliage.
Kurama sighed as he took the path back to the dojo. He knew that look very well. The way that girl, Sakumi stare at him was the same look his female classmates give him whenever he passes by the campus hall.
But Sakumi seemed different from the rest of them. She exudes this enigmatic aura he had already seen somewhere else. Her attractive eyes seemed to bear mystery, an element in those dark purple hues that seems to say ‘I have a secret’. Kurama shook his head, trying to jog off that strange feeling under Sakumi’s gaze.
" Kurama!"
The redhead lifted his face at the prince. " Oh, its you."
" Do you know where Kuwabara is?", Koenma asked, out of breath.
" He’s inside I think. With his sister. Why?", Kurama’s gaze fell on the black case Koenma held firmly in his arms. That was the second time he saw it. The first time was that day they brought Yukina to Reikai for a treatment. It was sitting right on top of Koenma’s table. They thought it was just one of the odd things lying everywhere in the palace. They had no idea. Never had the idea that it bore such powerful relics. Powerful enough to corrupt their minds and turn them against the three worlds.
Kurama stared at the prince. " Botan told me about the stolen onyxes. What’s going on?"
" We have to talk." His quivering lower lip had gone unnoticed to Kurama.
" About what? The culprit?"
Koenma nodded. " He was right. Kuwabara may be right about what he saw." There was a long pause as he swallowed hard, fighting back the tears. " M-Mother . . . mother may be the killer."
Kurama looked surprised. The other day he looked ready to explode after Kuwabara told them that his mother was the killer. But now, Koenma doesn’t look anywhere near that person. In fact, he looked so sad and broken.
" So . . . you believe him now?", he asked.
Koenma looked defeated. Slowly, he nodded. " I saw her royal insignia on the fifth division of the black case."
Kurama didn’t say anything. Simply because he didn’t know what to say. To give him hope or probably words of encouragement and support might be the only things he could offer to the prince right now. " Um---"
" Would you keep this for me?", Koenma cut in, handing him the large and bulky black case.
Kurama looked surprised. " Why?"
Koenma shrugged. " I don’t know. Its just . . . I don’t even know whom to trust.", he bit his lip. " I couldn’t even trust myself."
" Stop it, Koenma. Your theory may still be proven wrong. Only time will tell."
" Yeah, but still . . .", Koenma insisted. " I couldn’t entrust Kuwabara and Hiei with this. It seems kind of strange but I don’t feel inclined to trust Yusuke. You seemed to be the remaining ‘normal’ person around here, at least for me . . so . . would you?"
Kurama felt a cold chill shooting up his spine. He hated the thought that no one really knew about his condition. The remaining ‘normal’ among the others? He felt like laughing. He was as broken up as everyone else is. But he kept it to himself. No one has to know. At least . . . not yet.
Kurama nodded and took the black case. " Yeah, alright. I promise I’ll take care of it."
" Thank you.", Koenma said. He waved to him and turned his back.
Kurama was watching him leave when he remembered something. " Uh, wait!"
Koenma turned. " What?"
" Would you mind, looking up the records about your new employee?"
" Sakumi?"
" Yeah."
" We already did and she’s clean." Koenma eyed him closely. " Why? You like her?"
" No!", Kurama said quickly. " I just felt as if . . . I’ve already met her . . . somewhere. Try running over her records again. And this time ask your staff to look over the records of youkais from Makai, ‘round my former turf, who entered Ningenkai. Would that be too much?"
" No, I’ll give you a ring as soon as we closed in on something.", Koenma said. " Be careful."
" Yeah, you too.", Kurama said as he left.
Kurama headed to the bush land a little farther from the dojo and just the opposite direction from the hills. From his view point by the walkway to the bushes, he saw the picnic grounds. It was deserted. He sighed. Their Sunday gathering had been a total disaster. The case ruined it. He sat down on a large smooth rock situated on the spot where bushes were thick and the pine trees stood close to each other. He gazed up into the sky and frowned, seeing gray thick gray clouds obscuring the faint rays of the sun.
" Even the weather seemed to illustrate the events that has transpired hours ago.", he whispered.
It was so peaceful here, he thought, inhaling the fresh air.
All of a sudden, something clouded above him. He raised his gaze and saw something, seemingly transparent, hovering near him. In seconds, he was wincing in pain as clumps of his red hair gradually became silver. One of his ears stretched up high, taking the shape of a fox ear. And as if they have a mind of their own, his muscles popped in and out of his body. His legs, on the other hand, seemed to lengthened. Every revolution taking place on his body was of pure agony.
Kurama gripped his head, resisting the conversion. He pressed his fingers hard on his temples, willing himself to revert back to his human form. His transformation looked half-baked. It would remain that way for days, just like for the past months. But he can’t allow it this time! He might be in a secluded place right now but his friends were nearby and its not impossible for anyone to come across the same path and see him in that state.
No! He won’t allow it. Not now. Not yet.
" Ouch!!", Kurama yelped as a burning sensation bored painfully on the palm of his right hand. He brought it before his eyes and saw a faint dark glow beneath his skin.
His eyes widened, recognizing its dark light. " A-An . . . o-onyx?" Hurriedly, he took out his contact lenses, wanting to make sure it wasn’t just a dirt or plainly an illusion.
Kurama peered at the embedded gem on his right palm with both green and gold eyes. Yes, it’s for real. It was really in here on my hand, he thought unbelievingly.
Promptly, he created a thorny stem of a rose and ran its tip across his palm. He bit his lip as thick red blood oozed out from the thin wound of not more than an inch long.
Kurama broke down in cold sweat. His eyes wandered around frantically. Was he alone out here? Did anyone noticed that he has an onyx on his palm? Or was he losing his mind just like Kuwabara?
Quickly, he flipped the stem, now holding the tip down, his thumb pointing upwards.
He bit his lip and brought down the stem hard against the small wound he already made.
He has to take it out now! He has to get rid of the onyx before he started acting like before. He doesn’t want to end up like a lunatic just like one of his friends.
He scraped the thin flesh. Slow at first then getting impatient, he moved the sharp edge back and forth. Scraping and peeling the skin and flesh. Blood spurted, gushing down from it. Spraying all over his hand.
Suddenly, he stopped. He eyed the onyx carefully. Still intact within his skin. Its glow unwavering.
What’s going on? The wound’s deep enough. He should have grazed even the surface.
Has he been imagining it all?
" Auwww!!!", a loud haunting noise echoed.
Kurama’s head popped up. " What is that?", he asked loudly. He would have dismissed that noise as nothing but a wild animal wandering in the forest. But he was a fox, too. And he knew how to tell the difference between an ordinary one and the . . . not so ordinary types. He knew very well that it was the howl of a fox, calling and taunting him.
He swallowed hard, awaiting for it to call again.
Silence.
Suddenly, a faint sound of footfalls emanated from the deep portion of the woods. It seems to echo all around him. Closer and closer. Louder and more persistent.
They’re back . . . but they shouldn’t be here! We had an agreement! Kurama exclaimed in his mind. " This is what I get from participating in that kind of bargain.", he muttered, regretting the time he made that pact with the shadow foxes to save himself.
They probably don’t want to keep their part of the bargain so here they come bugging him more. Kurama made a quick pass across the bushland, looking for their distinct animal silhouette as the footfalls continued.
Chirp! Chirp!
Suddenly, he flung his arm and grabbed a small bird flying low on the thicket.
It chirped loudly, dodging away.
With a growl of frustration, Kurama lunge after it. He captured and held it tightly in his hand.
The sound of incoming footfalls sounded faintly, drowned out by the bird’s own sound as it squealed in pain.
" Shut up!!", he hissed, squeezing harder as blood spurted out of its mouth. Silencing it. His grip tightening, crushing its puny frame.
The bird stopped wriggling. It was dead. And already silent.
Good. He sat still on the rock, barely breathing. His senses were on alert, eyes closed. Feeling. Groping. Searching for any sign of life other than his. Aside from the constant dripping of his blood and that of the bird’s plopping down on his lap, not a single movement was made.
Kurama suddenly felt an itchy sensation on his right cheek. But he didn’t dare scratch it. It would cause a noise. Too much noise for him.
He waited for seconds. Minutes . . .
" Owwwrrrr!!!!"
Kurama’s eyes flew open. He sure didn’t imagine that. Quickly, he was on his feet, his eyes searched frantically for the fox. His chest, heaving nervously. Where was it? He thought in panic, throwing the limp animal unto the thicket.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw something moved. He stopped in his tracks and turned to that direction. He saw a dark, almost transparent figure moved effortlessly from one tree trunk to another.
" Where are they?", he murmured once more. He turned to his right. " Here? Where are they coming from? Straight ahead? From the side? Behind my back?"
The leaves swayed gracefully as the wind blew softly and steadily across the bushland. The clump of bush rustled as a pair of white rabbits scurried out of it. It was so tranquil right there.
Everything seemed so laid back and easy.
So simple . . . and silent.
Kurama sighed, his shoulders drooped. He hurried down the small stream a short distance from the bushland. Clear water flowed gracefully through the rocky waterway, rushing across the streams’ entire stretch.
He knelt down and washed his bloody hands on the stream, letting the clear liquid flow over his fingers. After making sure that they were perfectly clean, he cupped his hands and splashed some water on his face. He rubbed his palms against his slightly flushed cheeks, wiping off excess water.
He remained in that posture for a while, enjoying the way the cold water seemed to refresh his skin . . .and mind.
Now’s not the time to be delirious. This foolishness has to stop now, he ordered himself silently. A much more important case has to be dealt with. Sakumi’s aura bothered him a lot. She seemed so familiar. Not on a friendly side but just the opposite. If she’s the person he thought she is then Botan is definitely in great danger.
And if he didn’t get on his act right now, it might be too late.
For both of them.
------------------------------------------------------------
Hiei watched from atop a tree, a short distance from the agitated kitsune.
" Hn!" He could clearly see his distressed situation. He could smell his fear even from here. Just by looking at his state, the fire demon could almost feel the pain Kurama’s going through at that instant.
But he didn’t approach him to ask what was going on nor did he intend to offer any help. He wouldn’t be of any help anyway. Besides, he knew Kurama as much as he would know anything about his own sister. Hiei knew the calm and composed youkai has an expansive ego tucked carefully under his tail.
Hiei fingered the light blue pearl beneath his black shirt and rushed back to the dojo. He stepped unto the main hall where a large Buddha stood against the wall. Its golden surface gleamed against the low, yellow light of the empty living room. Blue and green stones dotted its entire frame, glinting in the pale, dimly lit room.
He didn’t know the significance of such image. But he had seen the others, including Yukina, kneeling in front of it with a string of beads at hand. She had seen her do just that when he arrived the other day. Praying, is what they would call it. They would say it was being done to ask for something from the gods or to thank them from the blessings received.
Hiei found himself staring at its glowing clear eyes. His red koorime gazes locked on its artificial ones. Suddenly, he felt cold. He stood still, feeling a strange presence enveloping him.
There’s something in the image. Much stronger than its supposed healing capabilities. Much deeper than the power it imposes, making devotees fell down on their knees.
No, he knew it wasn’t just that. There’s something else. Something . . .
------------------------------------------------------------
" That Kurama . . .", Sakumi started, as she and Botan walked along the dirt path in the shallow woods. " . . .is he nice?"
A lump instantly formed on Botan’s throat. " Yeah, he’s the nicest. A classic gentleman."
" Really? Does he have a girlfriend?"
Uh, oh, Botan thought, knowing that the kitsune charisma has struck again. " Um, no. He doesn’t have one . . ."
" Are you sure? How long have you known him? Is he a youkai?"
" One at a time!", Botan laughed. " We’ve met each other on Yusuke’s first case. And yes, he’s a youkai. He’s an accomplished thief. The one and only, Youko Kurama."
Sakumi inhaled sharply. " A-a y-youko?" Gosh, it can’t be!
" Oh, I know that feeling.", Botan said glumly. " Relax, He’s reformed now. His human mother taught him how to love." Yeah, right! She said to herself, reminiscing his cold, scary assault on her over a year ago. She wanted to tell her about how he locked her in the marbled coffin but she doesn’t want to scare her new friend.
Sakumi hid a sly smile. She couldn’t believe her luck! She never expected to find both of them. Obviously, Botan doesn’t have the slightest clue about her real identity or how did she ended up living in Reikai.
" Sakumi . . ."
She looked up. " Huh?"
Botan burst out laughing then she stopped and looked at her seriously. " Do you like him?"
Sakumi didn’t say anything. Instead, she stared deep into the deity’s purple eyes. " Do you?"
Botan instantly turned crimson. " I-I d-don’t know . . . um . . maybe . .", she stammered.
Sakumi looked disappointed but she forced herself to smile. " You like him a lot don’t you?"
Botan looked away. " Listen, I have this secret . . I just found out about it a year ago. You know about the previous encounter, right?"
Sakumi nodded.
" Well, Kurama was angry at me during the course of his possession.", she narrated. She doesn’t understand why she’s telling her all these yet somehow she felt this roommate of hers could be trusted. " Right then he told me that we were once lovers back in Makai and that I betrayed him by engaging myself with our tribe’s chief."
Sakumi listened intently. She was wrong to think that Botan doesn’t know anything about her past. " Um, do you love him?"
Botan played with the hems of her blouse nervously. " Um, I ---"
Riiing!
Both girls jumped.
Botan quickly fished out her communicator.
" Hey--?!" In a flash, Sakumi swiped it from her hand and pushed the off button.
" Well?"
" That call might be very important!", Botan protested.
" You’re changing the topic, Botan."
The deity sighed. " Yes."
Sakumi strained her ears. " What?"
" I said. Yes! YES, I love him! Still love him after what he did to me!" Botan’s face looked extremely flushed.
" But I’m still angry!", she added quickly. " And I knew I couldn’t trust him now. Not now when strange things started happening again."
Sakumi eyed her closely. This is serious, she thought. She must do something now before Kurama finally found the courage to tell her the entire truth about that incident. She must stop her from getting too involved with him. She must act now.
" Um, Botan . . . do you want to see my hut?"
" Your hut?", Botan looked confused. When was topic changed?
Sakumi ignored her confusion. " Yes, my humble home by the river. Come, I’m going to show you something that I’m sure you’ll be interested in."
To be continued . . . . .