9
So Hungry
" Ah, Yusuke, are you craving? Hmm . . . I’ll give you enough meat and nectar. Just do as I say. Now’s the time. Take her blood, pure and innocent. Make your move now. Your death, fear not. I’ll protect you all throughout. Go on, my slave. I’ll let you take the first bite."
------------------------------------------------------------
A pair of brown eyes flew open, the clouds overcast greeting his sight.
" Wake up sleepyhead!", a voice called.
He shifted his gaze to a tall girl carrying a large food basket. " Have you seen my brother?"
" ‘think he went to the kitchen."
" Thanks.", she said. " And oh, Keiko’s ---- "
" Yusukeeeee!!!!!!"
" . . . looking for you.", Shizuru finished, smiling as she took the way to the kitchen.
Yusuke groaned. Keiko really know how to push his buttons.
He hurried to meet her on the front lawn. Her expression seemed unreadable. Was that disappointment? Disapproving? Worried? He doesn’t know. But he felt as if he needed to talk to her. She's his girlfriend. His confidant. And at this moment, maybe she’s the one he needed to get things going.
The picnic is definitely over anyway. Might as well spend some quality time with her, he decided.
The air smelled fresh and salty. Narrow wisps of dark clouds snaked across the hazy afternoon sky.
Without a word, Yusuke held Keiko’s hand as they strolled barefoot on the beach.
Yusuke glanced at her. Her long brown hair flew softly ‘round her pretty face. Her short sundress lifting high on her slender legs as a warm sea breeze blew in their direction.
She’s so beautiful, he thought. Sometimes he wondered what she saw in him. Sometimes he found himself admiring her loyalty. More often than not, he was left thinking how she managed to take in all of his bad attitudes. Name it, he’s got it. Short temper, delinquency, irresponsibility, his reputation being the most hard-headed student in school. That and the fact that he was a spirit detective.
I mean, its not everyday that you could find an ordinary girl rooting for her not so ordinary boyfriend as he fought a throng of monsters in a totally strange place.
That kind of thing happens only in sci-fi movies.
But yet she was so real right here beside me, Yusuke thought as he squeezed her hand.
Keiko turned to him and smiled. It seemed ages since they first met. They were playmates then, just a couple of kids, goofing around, unmindful of the hardships of everyday life.
They’ve known each other long enough to feel the other’s sentiments, read each other’s minds without voicing them out. They’ve known each other so well that it didn’t surprise her to find him in battles opposite the bulliest among the bullies to all sorts of hideous beasts whether to protect his own ego or better yet, to save the whole world.
She chuckled. No, she wasn’t that surprised. But she had to admit he amazes her like no one else does.
" What’s so funny?"
Keiko shook her head, smiling. " Nothing."
Yusuke couldn’t help but smile back, wondering what she’s thinking at the moment. Me, I hope, he thought.
" Yusuke, I’m afraid for everyone.", Keiko said.
He raised his eyebrows in question.
" The rest seemed so down. I’m worried. Specially about Kuwabara.", she went on.
" He’ll be fine."
Keiko didn’t say anything. She could still remember Kuwabara’s voice and facial expression when she saw in the kitchen a while ago. He looked extremely different compared to his behavior hours ago.
Yusuke sighed, seeing her troubled expression.
" As soon as we’re through with this case, we’ll get married.", he proposed. " I promise."
Keiko placed two fingers over his lips. " You don’t have to promise me anything."
Yusuke took her hand and kissed it. " No, I’ve waited long enough. This time, I’ll call the shots. We’re going to get married."
" Whatever you say . . .", Keiko blushed, he looked so serious, she thought. He really mean it this time.
Without a word, he grabbed her waist and pulled her close.
" Yusuke, ah ---"
He covered her mouth with his, silencing her.
The kiss was short but sweet. Then he kissed her again, pecking her on the lips. Gentle, teasing.
Suddenly, his fingers hovered lightly on her nape.
" Don’t ---" Keiko recoiled, giggling.
Yusuke grinned mischievously. " Tickles ‘eh?", he whispered in her ear.
He touched the back of her ear, sending Keiko into a giggling frenzy. She took a few steps backward as he moved closer. Before they knew it, they were chasing each other on the seashore. Each stride was playful. Their laughs flirtatious.
Keiko looked over her shoulder and saw that he was closing in, his arms outstretched, grinning devilishly. A second passed and together, they plunged on the soft white dune, laughing.
Yusuke swept back her thick mane of brown hair. His face above hers, his eyes staring down into her own lovely brown eyes.
He’s so handsome, Keiko thought, loving the way his bangs falling over his face. Involuntarily, she raised her arm and sifted her fingers through his straight black hair.
Slowly, Yusuke slipped his arms beneath her then leaned over and pressed his lips so tenderly against her own.
This time he didn’t hurry.
Mildly at first. Then harder. More demanding.
Yusuke tightened his arms around her as he moved to her cheek. To the corners of her mouth then moving back up to nibble on her earlobes.
" Yusuke . . ." Keiko tingled with excitement. He has done this many times before but it always felt so good. Always felt as if it was the first time. Her eyes drifted shut as his soft, wet lips touched her chin. She knew that the sun's already hidden behind the dark clouds but the sand still felt warm against her back.
Wonder what the others would say once they caught as making out here on the beach, she thought as she tilted her head back, moaning.
Yusuke brought his hand over her shoulder, tracing her collar bone with his fingers as he brushed his lips on her chin. Her neck. Down to the base of her throat. Ravishing. Loving her soft, smooth skin. He opened his mouth wide, his lips quivered in anticipation . . .
. . . as two sharp pointed fangs emerged, gleaming against the faint sunshine. Gently, he tilted her chin up and dug his fangs deeply into her tender throat.
He bit. Sipped. Just a little.
His stomach suddenly rumbled. Oh, he like it so much. So tasty and sweet.
He dug in deeper. Drinking more.
A little more.
" Yusuke . . .?", Keiko groaned. She placed her hands on his shoulders and pushed him gently.
But Yusuke held on, buying some time to hide his fangs.
He saw red droplets on her punctured throat. So fresh. So tempting.
He bit his lip, struggling to pull himself off her, willing his fangs back into his mouth. He has to stop. Has to stop now!
" Yusuke . . . .", Keiko spoke weakly.
He embraced her lovingly. " I’m sorry. I got carried away."
Keiko closed her eyes and leaned her face against his soft hair as Yusuke buried his on her chest.
" I’m sorry.", he whispered apologetically. Yet somehow . . .
. . . . he doesn’t feel like he was.
------------------------------------------------------------
Shizuru walked along the hallway then rounded a corner to the kitchen. She has taken upon herself to watch each and every move of her brother since he started acting like . . . well like . . someone on the verge of insanity. She pushed open the door and there she saw him, sitting on a chair by the kitchen table.
Kuwabara was staring out in space, in deep thought of something a sane person couldn’t imagine.
" Kazuma . . .", she called.
No response.
Shizuru moved closer. He was fine a while ago and . . . Her thoughts were cut short as she stepped on something. She looked down and saw shards of broken glass right beside Kuwabara’s feet. Instantly, Shizuru raised her eyes to the table. There were the peelings she and Botan had left. The knives. The cutting board and . . . a cork.
The vial! She almost exclaimed, staring at her brother. " What did you do?"
Still no answer.
" What did you do to the onyx? What did you do?", she demanded. She doesn’t know why she felt extremely agitated. It is indeed to their advantage to get rid of the onyx for good. But the fact that she hadn’t seen any trace of the liquified gem made her think that he had done something wrong. " What did you do with it, Kazuma?!"
Kuwabara’s expression instantly turned angry. " Don’t disturb me! I’m busy!"
" Huh?", Shizuru looked confused. Busy? " Cut it out! This isn’t funny!"
" You’re right it isn’t funny! You’re meddling with my activities!"
A bitter taste hit the back of her throat. He’s not making any sense. She doesn’t want to think about it but his actions were proof enough. He has gotten worst. She doesn’t know what he’s done but one thing’s for certain, she has to do something now or she might lose her brother forever. " C’mon let’s go home."
" I don’t want to. I have more important things to do!"
" I’ll bring you to the hospital. Kazuma, this is your big sister talking!", Shizuru pressed.
Slowly, Kuwabara turned his head to her, his eyes narrowing into slits. Sister? He racked his mind for a name he could associate with that word. But he couldn’t find one. Because he has none. " I have no sister! And I don’t take orders from this strange woman!", he thought angrily.
Without warning, he grabbed a lock of her hair, pulling her with it.
Shizuru screamed as her brother threw her against the table, causing her to roll over it. " Aaahhh!!!", she winced, clutching her bruised arm.
Kuwabara took one last look at her then rushed outside.
Shizuru scrambled to her feet, wincing in pain. She was at the main door of the dojo when he saw him running towards the nearby hills. Quickly, she followed him. He might hurt himself. Run into an innocent bystander or probably . . .
" Shizuru . . .?"
She turned her head as Yukina walked towards her. " Are you alright?"
" Yeah, I’m fine. But I have to catch up on Kazuma. He’s not himself." She moved forward, not intending to slow down.
" I’ll go with you.", Yukina offered, running next to her.
Both tried to ran faster but Kuwabara's figure seemed to go smaller and smaller before them.
Shizuru looked worried. " We’re losing him."
" Wait." Yukina stopped then outstretched her arms. Instantly, a wall of solid ice appeared right in front of Kuwabara.
The burly guy stopped dead in his tracks as the two finally catch up on him on top of a hill.
Kuwabara glared at them venomously. " Stay back!"
" Kuwa-chan, we’re here to help you.", Yukina said gently.
" I don’t need help!", he shouted angrily. His eyes were wild, his arms slashing the air aimlessly like a madman. Without any word, he tightened his fist and rushed towards his sister.
Shizuru swallowed hard, awaiting the impact. Kuwabara was inches away when swiftly, she dodged low and threw him over her shoulder. He landed hard on his face. " Yukina, now!"
The ice maiden then created a chain made of ice to bind his hands together.
Realizing he had been defeated, Kuwabara struggled to break free. He kicked his legs at them while thrashing his head from side to side, growling and yelling.
" Do you have any formula or medicine to calm him down?", Shizuru asked Yukina, knowing they couldn’t keep him for long if his rampage continued.
Yukina shook her head. " No. But we have medicines in the dojo. I might find something in there. I’ll go get one."
" Thank you. I’ll wait here.", Shizuru said, glancing fearfully at the infuriated Kuwabara. " And hurry!"
Yukina made a quick nod then hurried down the hill.
10
Of Shadows and Sisters
" Yusuke, where are you going?", Keiko yelled behind him.
" Don’t worry I’ll be fine! Go inside the dojo. Talk to Yukina or whoever. I’ll be back in a minute!" Yusuke ran as fast as he could. He left her on the beach, ran towards the lawn and farther the estate. He crawled uphill, digging his fingers on the earth. I have to get away from her, he thought desperately. Dropping on his sides, he raised his mud-caked fingers and clutched his belly. He growled painfully as saliva poured down the sides of his mouth. He was hungry, terribly hungry. It took all his strength to stop himself from biting Keiko’s head off. From drinking up all of her blood.
" I almost killed her! God, I almost did!", he wailed as hot tears filled his pained brown eyes.
He tried to sit up, his head buried in between his knees, trying to calm himself. He must get hold of himself. Nobody has to know. Nobody. At least . . not yet.
" Get some meat for me. I-in the city. Take a small piece. Enough to fill me. That’s all. Hurry.", Yusuke mumbled to no one in particular. A few seconds passed when he walked over an a narra tree. He leaned his body on its trunk, feeling so drained.
He closed his eyes and waited. Half an hour passed when a bloody piece of meat landed on his lap. He grabbed it impatiently. But as soon as he took his first bite, he started spitting it out.
" What is this?", Yusuke growled, holding a piece of raw chicken breast. " I said, human! I want human flesh not this tasteless animal stuff!!!!" He angrily threw it in front of him.
The chicken breast rolled forward, leaving a trail of dark red liquid. It stopped a few feet from him.
A dark, almost transparent hand reached down to pick it up.
" You said meat. You didn’t give us any specific orders.", a voice, almost identical, spoke.
Yusuke narrowed his eyes. " I want human!!!"
An identical shadow hovered closer. " We have no time. We must go now. Master’s calling on us."
This seemed to have irritated the detective. " I am your master!!! I’m hungry and you have to feed me!! Give me human flesh!! Give it to me!!!"
" You had your chance with that pretty girl. Why didn’t you finish her off?", a third shadow asked.
Yusuke growled low in his throat. " You have no right to tell me what to eat and what not to eat!"
The shadows lapsed into silence, staring at the person before them. The person from which they owe their personality. Their powers. Their faces. Their entire existence.
He is Yusuke Urameshi. And them. All five of them. Were mere shadows of him.
" We have to go now.", one spoke.
" You give me my meal right now or I’ll vanquish you all!!", Yusuke threatened, his face reddening with pure anger. A classic expression when one’s extremely craving for something. One that calls to any being, human or otherwise.
Hunger it is.
And oh, how many things you could do just to get hold of a meal that would quench that empty feeling down the pit of your stomach.
The shadows took on his outrage in silence and it wasn’t after his yelling died down that one of them spoke. " If you can then you would have done it long ago."
Yusuke gritted his teeth.
How dare this useless silhouette!, he fumed, glaring venemously at them.
Barely a few weeks after the Reikai Tantei had ‘beaten’ their invisible evil enemy, he started to feel a presence in almost all places. At first, he wasn’t taking it seriously. But then one day, the presence showed up. And what could be the best place but a mirror! As he was checking himself in front of it, a person who looked exactly like him, literally stepped out of the full-length mirror.
Yusuke narrowed his eyes. He was so surprised, angry and even scared, all at the same time. And if he had thought it was the worst, the next few months proved to be horrifying. The next five weeks, another shadow emerged from his mirror. The events continued until the fifth and last one showed up. Yusuke tried to beat them but they are all his shadows and each of them has the same characteristics and power as he possessed.
Throughout the entire year, Yusuke has grown to accept their companionship. Not out of pure friendship but basically of frustration and practicality. He decided that it's best to keep them where he can see and speak with them than allow these five to go wandering into the city.
All six of them seemed to move, think, . . . eat identically.
Until now . . .
Yusuke eyed them carefully as the wind picked up. It became cold when the shadows moved effortlessly as if pushed by the breeze. Slowly, they formed a straight line.
One shadow flew straight into another. Moving together. Until they seemed to merge. Forming the same identical features they had separately.
The process repeated. Each silhouette merging with one another.
Another. Then another.
Until all that was left was a single shadow hovering before him.
Yusuke stared at his own identical face. Brown eyes met with the same stormy ones.
Suddenly, his right palm lit up with a strange glow. A bright light surrounded his body then moved on to fix its glaring rays onto the shadow before him. Yusuke stood watching. The shadow then turned distorted as it elevated itself. It hovered for a while. Then started to fly away.
Without hesitation, Yusuke followed. Its smoky features flew gracefully against the steady wind. Before he knew it, he was running, chasing his own shadow. It slipped in and out of his sight. Passed the thick shrubs. Over the tall tress.
Yusuke tried to run faster. But the shadow was so fast. Too fast.
He stopped to catch his breath. Feeling really tired all of a sudden, he flopped down on the grass, finally giving up the chase.
------------------------------------------------------------
Deep in the dark thick forest. Where shrubs were abundant and trees stood majestically close to each other. A secluded spot. An overgrown clearing, a place which bore witness to the first encounter over a year ago has shards of scorched metal lay scattered on the ground. Here, an uncharacteristic mist, the shade of blue, appeared.
Suddenly, the breeze blew cold, still leaves were rustled as something smoky and almost transparent floated. It lay suspended above the blue mist, encircling its irregular shape. Then as if it finally made its decision, it went through the mist. Snaking its way within it. It lingered for a while. Then coming to rest in its final destination at the core.
Instantly, the blue mist thickened. Its shape shifted. Almost similar to that of a human. Though still . . . not quite.
A cold voice, so hauntingly chilling echoed. " One down. Three to go. Oh, the time passes so quickly. I can’t hardly wait!"
------------------------------------------------------------
" She’s so cute and pretty. Who is she?", Botan bent down smiling, her face inches from a small girl with dark blue hair and dark purple eyes.
" My daughter.", Sakumi answered.
Botan looked surprised. " D-Daughter? How come she don’t live with you in the palace?"
" I left her here. She’s happy with her friends and I really don’t want to drag her into my problems."
" But . . . who’s taking care of her?"
" I come here everyday.", Sakumi replied, gesturing over her humble hut by the cliff where the priest was found dead. " I’ve got powers too, y’know. I make sure she’s alright twenty-four hours a day." Sakumi started combing her daughter’s long dark blue hair. " She’s my life, the only company I ever had. "
" Well, now you have two.", Botan said sincerely.
Sakumi looked up in surprise. " Botan . . ."
Silence.
" Um, wait. I brought you here because I wanted to show you something.", Sakumi finally said as she went inside her room. She came back a minute later, carrying a large book.
Botan gasped, recognizing the gold trimmings of the manuscript. " The golden book!"
" Yes, it is. My daughter found this on the river.", Sakumi said.
The deity was speechless for a moment. " Uhm, I hope you don’t mind me asking but . . . why didn’t you surrender it to Koenma like the onyxes?"
" Because like you, I couldn’t trust anyone.", Sakumi responded.
" What are you saying . . .?"
" Tell me, Botan.", Sakumi said. " Which of your friends do you fully trust?"
" Ah . .", the deity was taken aback by her question.
" Aside from wanting to help people, I accepted the job in Reikai so I could find out if the prince himself could be trusted.", Sakumi continued.
Botan swallowed hard. She was voicing out exactly what she’s feeling right now. After their encounter a year ago and knowing that its back, she seemed to have lost her trust on the people who had been directly involved. Those people who had been possessed. And yes, Koenma’s included.
" I understand how you feel.", she finally said. " And your right I couldn’t trust anyone."
" Yes you can."
Botan raised her eyebrows in question. " Huh?"
" I said, you can trust someone.", Sakumi smiled. " You can trust me."
Botan looked at her inquisitively as Sakumi took out a small painting of a woman from the display table.
" I have a sister. We’re the only one left after our parents where killed in a tribal war in Makai. We were very young then.", she narrated as Botan seated herself on a chair across the room.
" She’s younger and a lot more prettier than I but I’m not really bothered by that. We enjoy each other’s company. We were very happy.", Sakumi continued. " Until she fell in love with a cruel youkai who did nothing but hurt her feelings. He doesn’t care about her at all. He had a long line of screaming women on his doorstep."
Botan strained her ears. " A cruel youkai?"
" He’s a power hungry monster. A thief. Ruthless. He used my sister's knowledge of the tribe. One day, he and his men attacked, looted our camp and . . .", Sakumi paused. " . . . and killed my sister."
Botan gasped. " Merciless!!!"
Sakumi nodded grimly. " We found her bleeding in his arms so I ordered my soldiers to chase him. They managed to wound him. My sister was still alive but I know she won’t last long. You see, my power is time travel."
" You control time?"
Sakumi nodded. " I opened a time portal. And through that, the first pregnant youkai or human will be her shelter. In that way, she can escape death." She paused. " But I was too young to use that technique then. I was unsure of her destination. That was the last time I saw her."
Botan swallowed hard. She heard that story before. Kurama sought shelter on a womb of a human. So . . . maybe she’s in Ningenkai right now! " Sakumi, you wanted to look for your sister. Well, she might be here!"
" Yes, she’s here.", Sakumi handed her the frame.
Botan squinted at the woman on the painting. " She’s a youko? That means you’re . . ?" She felt his pulse quickened. Sakumi’s sister looked hauntingly familiar.
So pretty. So familiar.
Botan stared hard at the painting.
Long silver hair. Light purple eyes. Full pinkish lips.
One. Suddenly, she remembered the lady in her dreams.
One. She would always whisper.
One. Yes, now she knew. Maybe . . .
" She owns a purple rose housed in a golden pouch.", Sakumi said, as she dug into her purse and held out the pouch. " Something like this."
Botan gasped. " That’s mine!"
" Yes, and this is how I found you, my sister.", Sakumi said. " My real name is Anika. And yours is Ayuri. You are my sister, Botan and your lover was none other than ----"
" Kurama.", Botan finished. Its all getting clear now. Those words her mother said before she died. Something about her real identity. And Kurama’s hatred on me, saying I betrayed him. When all he told her that day were pure lies.
Without any word, Anika a.k.a. Sakumi grabbed Botan’s hands. She turned them over and ran the tip of her forefinger along her palms.
" What are you ----?", Botan asked.
" You’re not pure anymore.", her sister cut in.
" What are you talking about?!"
Anika stared at her sister grimly. " You were raped."
Botan sucked in her breath. " Look, um Saku--, I mean Anika. It never happened."
Anika gripped her tightly. " The abuser erased your memory of that evening. I’m serious. This gift was given to me by our parents. Yours is the gift of dreams."
" D-dreams?", Botan stammered. She couldn’t argue with that. She do have that gift but what she’s saying right now is definitely impossible.
" You were molested in your sleep.", Anika said. " By Youko Kurama. He took advantage of you when you were sleeping. He was kissing you and you couldn’t move. You felt so weak and powerless. He was ravishing every part of your body as you lie there, half-conscious."
Botan immediately pulled back her hand. " H-how did you---? That was my dream!"
" He touched you, Ayuri. Touched by evil."
" No he didn’t!", Botan cried out indignantly. " It was a dream!"
" Are you sure it was just . . . a dream?"
Botan laughed nervously. " Of course! It was just a silly fantasy. I haven’t slept with him! I haven’t slept with anyone!"
" Really? Not with anyone or anything? Not with any animal? A dog, a cat or a kitten maybe?"
Botan started. A picture of that beautiful animal, long silky silver hair covered its body. It was strangely gentle that she took care of it in her bedroom. It stayed with her for a couple of days then one morning she woke up and found out that it had disappeared. Slowly, a lump formed on her throat. " D-did you . . did you say, a k-kitten?"
Anika remained silent, realizing she had hit upon Kurama’s cover.
" But it was just a stray animal. It was so cute, very tame . . .", Botan whispered.
" . . and deceptive.", Anika finished. " Youko Kurama was our enemy, Botan. And still IS the enemy. He knew you’re Ayuri, right from the beginning. He doesn’t want you to regain your memory. And sadly, I don’t think you will."
Botan sat in silence.
Anika smiled. She could see the hatred building on her purple eyes. Everything’s going according to her plan.
" We could get even. And we could regain our power."
Botan raised her head. " How?"
11
A Little Squabble
" Listen, you bastard! Listen well!" Koenma was blaring on a young punk-looking youkai’s ears. They were at his office in the Reikai palace where the punk was brought to him by the guards. It was learned that the youkai is the alleged culprit behind the stolen onyxes.
" We’ll let you live once you return the onyxes. We could even let you go.", the prince of Reikai proposed.
The robber ignored him.
Koenma gritted his teeth. " Don’t you realize that even your life or those of your cohorts doesn’t even worth half the cost of the valuable gems you stole?!!"
The robber turned angry. " Valuable? Oh give me a break! You’re gems are fucking fake, man!"
Koenma’s golden eyes bulged. " W-What?!!!"
" Didn’t you hear me? You’re precious onyxes are nothing but fuckin’ imitations made by some freakin’ ass-holes smart enough to fool a stupid prince like you!"
" Why you ---! Get him out of here!", Koenma roared, his face red with anger.
The Reikai guards escorted the robber, who kept on resisting the arrest. But his captors were more powerful as they brought him out of the room without so much effort.
A palace official whispered on the prince’s ear. " Prince Koenma, we found the onyxes in their hideout. And I’m sorry to say . . . they were not authentic." The official quickly left the office.
Koenma himself banged the door close, his face reddening with anger.
" How?!!!! Tell me how!!! How did the onyxes turned out fake!!!", he yelled to no one in particular, throwing up his arms in exasperation.
A dozen shaken onis lined up next to the wall, wondering who among them would be held responsible.
George hesitantly approached him. " B-boss . . ."
" What George?!!!", Koenma boomed.
His assistant gulped. " Um, maybe that new girl, Sakumi has something to do with all these."
" What do you mean?"
" I don’t know. There hasn’t been any history of inside theft and there aren’t anybody other than the four of us who knew that the onyxes were kept in that safe."
The prince seemed to have calmed a bit as he seated himself behind his desk. " If she really wanted the gems then why did she gave them to us in the first place? And given that she changed her mind and stole them back, she couldn’t just escape our cameras. We’ve been watching her closely and if she’s acting suspicious then we have Botan to tell us about it."
At this, George cleared his throat. " But Botan refused to answer our call. She’s not reporting anything about Sakumi. . ."
" Hmm . ." Koenma leaned over his desk, gently rubbing his jaw in concentration. " Come to think of it . . Botan hasn’t been reporting anything at all!" He paused to stare at him. " Do you think she has something to do with this, too?"
George shrugged. " Why don’t you contact the others. I think they’re just lounging at Genkai’s temple."
Koenma nodded. He was almost out of the door when Ayame rushed to his side.
" Sir!", Ayame panted, handing out a manuscript. " We found a very important detail about Sakumi!"
------------------------------------------------------------
Yukina rushed inside the dojo. She has to get it quick. Kuwabara’s in rampage. Her feet seemed to fly over the wooden floor of their house. She never knew she could run as fast as she could right now.
" Oh!" She felt a soft but firm object hit her toes. She accidentally tripped on a duffel bag lying on the floor. She flailed her arms, struggling to keep her balance.
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms encircled her waist, preventing her fall.
" Whoa! Who's after you?", Hiei asked.
Yukina looked at her brother. " Hiei! Kuwa-chan . . . .!"
Hiei wrinkled his brows. " What about him? Did he hurt you?!!"
" No!! I’m looking for something to calm him down. He’s running amuck. Shizuru and I can’t stop him!"
" So?"
Yukina held his hand. " Help him brother. He might hurt himself."
Hiei frowned. Why would he waste his time taming that stupid buffoon? He said to himself.
" Um, I know you don’t get along very much, but we need your help. Kuwa-chan needs help.", Yukina’s voice cracked.
Hiei winced. It wouldn’t be long before she started crying. And he hated it when she cries. Specially for an insipid individual such as Kuwabara.
Yukina seemed to panic, fearing his silence means 'no'. " Please, he’s losing it and we have to get him to the hospital. I couldn’t find Yusuke or Kurama. Help us, my brother."
Hiei felt himself weakening. Rats!!
Silence.
" Please, Hiei . . .", she pleaded again, her eyes moistening.
" Oh, alright.", he finally consented. " Go find a medicine to calm him down with and I’ll go right ahead and help Shizuru. Where are they?"
Yukina smiled, glad that he’s cooperating. " Near the apple trees on the hill."
He sighed. " Okay."
" I’ll hurry.", she quickly disappeared into the hall.
Yukina went inside the store room where Genkai usually kept some medicines. Although both of them have healing powers, the elder gave her some lessons on using the usual way of healing. Just in case she lost her powers or in cases when she had to treat a patient in front of people.
She ambled towards a large closet filled with all sorts of medication. Yusuke’s mentor had also advised Yukina to use her healing powers only during extreme cases and in situations where the wound is not to too serious.
Kuwabara’s wound isn’t a physical, she thought grimly. She couldn’t do anything about it.
Yukina opened the door and searched for a depressant tablet.
" There you are . . .", she murmured. She took a small bottle from the top shelf just as she heard light footfalls behind her.
Suddenly, she felt herself being pushed forward. "Ah---" Taking the impact, she lurched into the closet, landing heavily on her face.
Instantly, someone kicked the closet door shut. The lock clicked, leaving the ice maiden pounding and screaming in darkness.
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Keiko went back to the dojo and walked straight to the bedroom assigned to her, still wondering why Yusuke took off so suddenly after their kiss. For some reason, her eyes felt as heavy as lead. She couldn’t keep it open. Suddenly a low voice sounded far away.
She tilted her head slightly to the side, hearing a faint cry somewhere within the dojo.
She frowned. Her mind seemed so foggy. She held her forehead and with great effort, approached the bed and tumbled on its soft mattress. Why does she felt extremely tired? Surely that sizzling kiss she shared with Yusuke didn’t take so much strength!
She coughed then choked. She rubbed her throat, trying to ease up the dryness within. To her surprise, her fingers felt tiny pricks down the base.
" . . .hmm . . insect bites . . .", she murmured sleepily as her vision started to waver. Everything around her seemed to tilt and sway. Then her head dropped heavily over the soft pillow.
And she dozed off.
It was so silent, not even the faintest sound could be heard. She couldn’t see a thing as the room was pitch dark. She closed her tired brown eyes for a moment, feeling so drained and woozy.
Maybe I’m dreaming, she thought.
Suddenly, a faint patch of light appeared. It drifted closer, becoming larger and clearer.
She rubbed her eyes as a human figure emerged. " Y-Yusuke? Is that you?"
He didn’t answer. His face was glowing in the pale light surrounding his body. He seems to hover, floating before her in slow motion.
Yusuke gazed at her lovingly. He looked as if he was the light himself. Bright and shimmering before her sight. His lips curved in a smile, his arms outstretched. Calling her.
She smiled back, reaching out towards him.
Yusuke’s eyes twinkled and his smile broadened as she moved forward.
Without warning, dark blue light swirled around them. It turned into a whirlwind, enclosing them in, as if shutting out the black endless space.
" Yusuke!", she cried out in alarm, quickening her pace to meet him. She raised her head to look into his eyes when suddenly, she saw his smile disappeared.
His face was blanketed in shadow. Devoid of emotion, his features altered and twisted.
She watched as his cheeks bled and peeled. Strips of decaying flesh melted away. The process was slow and horrifying but she kept her gaze on him, clearly mortified.
Seconds later, what was once Yusuke’s handsome face is now a gleaming grey skull.
His shirt hung loosely on his skeletal frame as Yusuke outstretched his bony arms, reaching for her.
" Keiko. Come to me, my dear Keiko . . .", he rasped, grinning. He continued to advance forward. Wanting to grab her.
She took a step backward and shrieked.
Keiko snapped awake in the dwindling yellow light of the afternoon, still screaming. She bolted upright in her bed, her heart pounding against her chest. She wrapped her arms around herself and sniffled softly. " It was just a dream . .", she whispered. " Just a bad dream."
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Hiei hurried to the apple trees, seething with anger. He never dreamt of actually saving Kuwabara. Hadn’t been for Yukina -----, he thought angrily.
Finally, he saw a helpless Shizuru clutching the shirt of his orange-headed brother.
" Hiei!", she called, relieved.
" Where’s Yukina?", she asked, struggling to hold on to Kuwabara.
" She’s looking for medicine. Why don’t you help her find one or better yet find Kurama. He might be able to help us.", Hiei said. He cocked his head towards Kuwabara. " I’ll hold him for a while."
" Really? Thanks!!" Shizuru let go of Kuwabara after the fire demon had tied his arms and legs. The ice chains were already melted. And by placing a slight ki on his bandanna, he was able to secure his wrists and ankles.
" I’ll be back quick!!", Shizuru waved, running towards the direction of the dojo.
Hiei positioned himself up on the branch of the tree as Kuwabara sat on the base, staring blankly before him, making a gurlglish sound in his throat. He threw in weird facial expressions, his tongue darted in and out for no particular reason.
Hiei looked extremely pissed off. " Stupid!!", he muttered under his breath.
Suddenly, Kuwabara turned to him. " I heard that!! And I’m not stupid!"
" Hn! So you’re crazy then! Stupid!", Hiei spat.
Kuwabara roared, struggling to break free from the white bandanna binding his wrists. " Untie me! Untie me!!" Once again, he went berserk. He swung his wide torso from side to side while twisting his hands, attempting to break free.
Hiei jumped down in front of him. " I’ll let you go." He brought his face inches from his. " If you’ll give me the onyx."
" You’ll have to kill me first.", Kuwabara whispered harshly.
Reddish-brown eyes narrowed, pressing his lips together grimly. He’ll have to do just that. The fire demon straightened himself, hands on his katana. He never thought insane people could be so hard-headed. Tsk! Tsk! Too bad!
Kuwabara’s eyes widened in fear as Hiei pulled his sword off its sheathe.
" Say your prayers, you brainsick buffoon!!" Hiei held his katana on the side, ready to strike on Kuwabara’s neck. The onyx was surely embedded on his head. " If you won’t surrender it to me then I guess I have to take that empty head of yours to get it." He sliced his sword on thin air with terrifying swiftness. Its blade was only inches from his neck when suddenly, a sharp jab hit him on the arm.
" What the ---!" He staggered sideways, his katana fell on the ground. He turned his head abruptly, quickly surveying the grounds for his attacker.
Yusuke loomed before him. " What are you trying to do?!!"
Kuwabara sat straight. " He wants the ----"
In a flash, Hiei threw his katana, knocking him down.
Yusuke rushed to Kuwabara’s side. " He’s unconscious." He glared at Hiei. " You freak!!"
" Relax Yusuke. Its just the handle.", he said calmly, dusting his soiled cloak.
Yusuke wasn’t contented with that though. He laid Kuwabara against a tree then walked over to Hiei. " You’re trying to kill him! Why?!! What do you want from him?!"
" His life!" Hiei smirked. " He’s useless . . . and stupid!! We don’t need him anymore."
" You traitor!", Yusuke said angrily. He raised his hands and pointed his fingers directly at his teammate. He summoned his strength, creating a bright ball on the tip of his finger.
Hiei stood unfazed.
The wind picked up, leaves flew in circles. A deafening noise sounded as tremor seemed to rumble throughout the hills. The grass-covered plain shook beneath their feet.
Yusuke dropped his hands to the side, bewildered. " Are you making the ground tremble?"
Hiei appeared surprised as well. " No! Are you?!"
Yusuke shook his head slowly. If none of them is making the tremor then who . . . or what?
The two stared at each other for a moment. Then shifted their attention to the west just as a beam of black and blue shot up to the sky. It lasted for a few seconds then it turned into tall raging blue smoke, twisting and turning all in itself. The birds flocked out of the forest as the rumbling became intense. Some small animals ran out of the place as the smoke column jerked forward, beginning to move with a frightening force.
" From the woods!!", Yusuke shouted.
Hiei took a step backwards. " Its coming!!"
" What?!!", Yusuke asked, straining his ears.
Hiei responded and this time, he heard his voice above the noise. Loud and clear. " Its heading this way!!!"
To be continued . . . . .