Chapter Three - I stood in front of Toguro, no control over my own body. It was like I was put under some kind of trance. I had to follow any direction, any order from him. It was weird. My mind was still working but my body was useless. I was like his puppet, I was his servant... I replayed that one moment in my mind. "My name is Toguro, don't forget it. You will be my servant whether you like it or not." I guess he wasn't kidding.
"Your spirit energy is incredible." Toguro raised his hand and placed it on my cheek. How I wanted to rip my face away. "Koenma's team shouldn't expect a surprise attack from a young beauty." He withdrew his hand. "Your energy and power remains dormant for now but will soon be released." That was all he said before he walked away. Spirit energy? Remains dormant? My eyes followed his figure until he turned the corner. I was very much confused with everything.
For the thousandth time, a dizziness feeling crept over me and my head began to pound. I heard an unusual, high-pitched screech circulating my mind. I clenched my teeth and dropped to my knees, closing my eyes in distress. The pain was unbearable, intolerable. A dark cloud swept over my vision.
My vision became clear after a while. The screeching sound in my head dissipated as well did the pain. I was in a new location. I was no longer at Toguro's huge mansion. Trees surrounded my every direction and I hadn't a clue to where I was, but my feet were leading me somewhere. The scent of roses suddenly became extremely strong. I thought it strange to be smelling roses in the middle of autumn and the fact that I was in the middle of a forest.
As I was walking, I happened to notice that someone was straight ahead. Creeping behind a tree, I peered out to spy. I recognized him immediately. He was the tall, red-head kid from the other day. That glowing around his body was immense. I could see his aura raising up pass the trees. It was incredible and beautiful at the same time. He seemed like he was concentrating and I felt guilty for spying but my body was being dumb. I had no idea what Toguro's intentions were but I didn't have a good vibe about it.
I watched as the young, red-head meditated. I dared not to bother him but, that was too much to ask. I stepped closer. Regrettably, underneath my foot a twig had snapped and leaves had ruffled. Immediately, the young man broke out of his trance. His gaze was direct at me. I looked back at him with no expression on my face, my eyes swallowed with darkness. My heart was now racing. I could feel it crash violently against my chest.
"Hello," he said questionably. As much as I wanted to respond my lips remained shut. He furrowed his brow in uncertainty, still sitting on the rock with his legs folded. Just run away! I advanced closer. That's not running away… Another step closer. With every inch I neared, his posture stiffened and the expression of his face became more aware. His eyes were locked on me intently. My legs stopped moving once I was a few feet away.
"Hi?" The curiosity in his voice was significantly noticeable. Just by looking in his eyes, I could tell that he felt a bit uncomfortable. I could feel a small smile perch on my lips.
"Hello!" My voice was oddly animated. "I'm kind of lost, this is embarrassing." The smile on my face widened. I wasn't intentionally saying those things. They were just coming out without my consent. Inside my mind, I was totally embarrassed but my body didn't show it. I had no control whatsoever. The only thing private was my thoughts or at least I hoped so.
The red-head slid off the rock and smirked. "Oh, would you like me to lead you out," he asked politely. The expression of his face was now very sincere and angelic. My head selfishly nodded.
"Yes, that would be fantastic!"
The sun began to set and inside the forest was becoming noticeably dark. I hadn't realize how far in I was. Two hours have already passed and the forest wasn't getting any thinner. I was surprised that Shuichi, he introduced himself, was that far out. He must have wanted some major privacy. The both of us talked. Actually, he did most of the talking. I really only did the answering. Of course, my answers weren't fully true. It wasn't me talking. I would ask the questions too but I couldn't. Stupid Toguro guy… I wanted to ask so many questions: What is that glowing around your body? Why are you so deep in the forest? Why was that woman flying on a broom and how was she doing that? Are you just some nerd or are you on drugs? I wouldn't really ask that last one but I was thinking it.
"So, do live around here? Actually, you must because I recognize that school uniform," he stated. "It's getting pretty late. Can I walk you home?" Home! The thought of Akira came to mind and how he must be worried. I mean, the guy was a slob and didn't really acknowledge when I was home, but still, he cared about me. Somewhat at least. I remember the last time I came home a couple hours late. He went ballistic and threatened to kill my date. I haven't been home in a day, maybe even more. I didn't want to know what he'd do this time. Probably go after Shuichi with his gun. Plus, he was a city cop. He'd probably already called out the whole force to search the city or throw Shuichi in jail for no reason. Yes, he was that dramatic but Shuichi didn't deserve that. He seemed to be a really nice guy. Akira wouldn't care though. It was his way or no way.
"Yes, I would appreciate that." What? No, no, no! How I wished I said no. This stupid curse-servant thingy! Ugh! Shuichi was going to be in for a surprise when we reached my house.
Thirty minutes passed and the forest was beginning to thin. I could see the lights from the city. Relief set over my mind. I thought we would never get out of that forest.
We walked down the city streets, silence hovering over us. I still had no control over my body, emotions, or speech. It was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. The closer we neared my house, the more worried I got. Akira was no doubt angry. What should I tell him? I slept over a Kali's house to do a biology project. He'll never believe me when he sees Shuichi… My thoughts are interrupted by a loud called.
"Hey, Kurama!"
Shuichi turned to look. My eyes locked on Yusuke Urameshi and that really ugly kid, Kazuma Kuwabara I believe his name was. They had just exited the arcade. Both of them ran to catch Shuichi. As that Kazuma kid came closer, I noticed that he had bandages all over his face and a fairly new, black eye.
"What happened to you, Kuwabara," Shuichi asked interested with a small smile that was placed unnoticeably on his face.
"Aw, nothing. I just got into a little brawl with some of the kids in Takanawa High. I kicked ass!"
"No you didn't. I was there, I saw everything. They hounded you like a dog chasing after a meat stick. I've never seen anything funnier in my life." Yusuke started to laugh hysterically, mouth open wide, and Kazuma tried shutting him up but to no avail. Shuichi stared at them as did I. Both of them looked like little kids fighting over a favorite toy. It was quite funny.
"Well, I'll catch up with you later!" Shuichi had to raise his voice so he could be heard over the fighting couple. They instantly stopped arguing as we began to walk away.
"Kurama, wait," Yusuke yelled out. We stopped walking. "Koenma needs to see us a sap. He needs to tell us something very important, I guess. Hiei is already there waiting for us."
Shuichi nodded his head. "Alright. Just let me walk ______ home first. I'll meet you there in ten minutes." He began walking again and I followed obligingly.
"Don't forget to wear protection!" I heard Yusuke shout that out, followed by some uncontrollable laughter by both him and Kazuma. Embarrassment set in. If my body was working the way I wanted, I would be the reddest of the red. Shuichi just rolled his eyes at the comment and shook his head.
"Don't mind those two. They're always like that. You kind of get use to it after a while." I nodded. When we turned the corner, my house was in view. I looked frantically at the driveway to see if Akira's car was there. It wasn't. I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.
"That's my house." I pointed. As we reached the old, rickety porch, Shuichi stared into my eyes and smiled.
"Well, I hope you have a great night, ______." His voice was so soft-spoken. I nodded, waved goodbye, and thanked him before entering the house. He waved back and started to walk back in the same direction. The house was quiet, too quiet. I went upstairs to my room. On the door, there was a small note. It read: ______, Tsuki and I on vacation. Be gone for six days. Won't be here when you get back from school. I left money on the kitchen counter. Should last you until I get home. Can you do a grocery? Thanks. Akira.
"Figures," I mumbled under my breath. I was relieved though. Akira didn't know I was gone for so long and he wasn't going to find out either. I dove on the bed, my head rushing with questions.
This weekend was awfully weird… And painful. Why did that Toguro guy kidnap me? And what is with that spirit energy crap and that fading aura? Shuichi's aura was amazing earlier. It was so bright and ostentatious. Why were Yusuke and Kazuma calling him Kurama? I thought his name was Shuichi…
I stretched my arm out in front of me, looking at my palm. I moved each finger consecutively. My body, it was working again. I could move whenever I wanted to. Figures… I dropped my arm back on the bed, to tire to be excited. Hopefully this is all just a dream. I just want to wake up tomorrow morning and have everything back to normal. I drifted into a heavy sleep, dreaming about everything that had happened.