My Shining Star
I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Chapter 4 * Escape
-
I woke up. It was still dark. I had only been sleeping an hour. I would never get to sleep if I continued to think about him. I pulled my blankets tighter around me and tried desperately to forget.
-
I nearly fell asleep listening to Koenma ramble on about how important it was that Yuusuke keep training with Genkai. He already knew and had set his mind to it. I assured Koenma and he sighed, nodding to me. I leaned against the door after I closed it. No sleep really kills one.
"Botan-chan!" Kin's cheerful voice shattered the fogginess in my mind. I looked over at her and smiled. She frowned worriedly at me. "Are you okay? You have circles under your eyes." I nodded, too tired to listen to a word she said.
"I'm fine, Kin-chan. I just need a nap."
"Have you been working too hard? I barely see you anymore, what with those humans needing your assistance all the time." She crossed her arms, not looking happy at all.
"Listen, Kin-chan, I'm sorry. It's been a tough week. I need some sleep. I'll see you later." I waved to her as I walked down the hall. The last thing I needed was to stand in the hall and talk. I unlocked my door and opened it, turning the light on. At my feet rested a letter. The little white envelope was upside down. I bent down and picked it up, closing the door as I did so. I flipped it around to see that it was addressed to me in neat writing. I flipped it back around and opened it.
-Botan,
I will issue you to do something for me. Kurama and Hiei have been here for a few days and refuse to listen to anything the others, and I have said. You will be assigned to help them and release them when needed.
Koenma-
I scowled. The letter was clutched in my hands so tightly that it crinkled. I couldn't do it. I didn't even realize they were here in Reikai. No wonder I couldn't sleep. I felt the familiar stinging sensation in my eyes. There was no way I would be able to do it. I had just talked to him! Why didn't he tell me!?
"I see the gratitude." I knew that I had to do it, but how was I supposed to? How did he expect me to do this? Of course. He didn't know that the turmoil in my very soul was raging a war. I crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it into the garbage. I needed to think this over.
"Botan?" I sighed. What now? "Its me, George." He knocked and I opened the door, irritated.
"What?" He blinked at me, surprised. I gave him a look.
"We need you to go to the prison."
"Great." I turned the light off and walked out, beside him, slamming the door. He led me to the prison. At the very back, I saw the mane of fiery red hair. The jade eyes turned to look at us. My heart was thumping loudly in my chest. It might've just been my head, telling me that he was the right one. I doubted that theory.
"Why, if it isn't another-" He stopped. I don't know why, but he stared at me as though he was afraid of me.
"Don't you ever give up?" Hiei spoke up from the darkness. His gleaming red eyes sent shivers down my spine. I looked over at George.
"Thanks, but I'll take it from here." He nodded. I decided to be stern to them, not let them on that I even showed emotion. "So, you've been misbehaving." I narrowed my eyes at them.
"Hn." Hiei mumbled. "Why do you care?" I crossed my arms, giving them each a cold look.
"I don't."
"Fine." I clenched my fists. Whistles could be heard throughout the place. My cheeks flushed red and I angrily turned around.
"Shut up, you multi-colored freaks!" I screamed. "Leave me the hell alone and don't even think of sticking your hands out here. I'm not afraid to slap you silly!"
"Temper, temper." Hiei hissed from behind me. I whirled around to face him. Kurama's eyes were slightly wide. I could tell that I was being insensitive, but I didn't care. I'd had enough.
"Shut up, you little idiot. I am not going to deal with any projects that have to do with you. I just got notice that I was doing this. I'd rather cart souls than be here with you goons." I hissed back. I crossed my arms again.
"Well, then, why are you wasting your time here?" I sighed and sat down in the chair that had been placed near the cell.
"It's my job and I have to do it."
-
Tired. So tired. Its no wonder I blew up yesterday at the jail. I had been there all day, arguing with Hiei. Kurama hadn't said a word. I wasn't sure if he noticed my little glances. He just continued to stare at me. At one point, I had threatened him, but he didn't heed to it. I sighed.
"How were they?" I turned my head to meet a blue-eyed gaze. "The demons, I mean." I shrugged.
"I spent most of the day arguing.. actually.. the entire time I was there was reserved for arguing." I shook my head. "They'll never get out for good behavior." She looked at me worriedly.
"How was Kurama?"
"Fine." I gave her an irritated look. "He was the worst. He just kept staring at me. I mean, sure, I met him before this but that is no reason to stare relentlessly."
"He didn't say a word to you?" I shook my head. We reached my room and I pulled my key out. "Hmm.. He wouldn't stop insulting the other girls and me." She smiled then shrugged. "Oh well. Anyway, what are you doing tomorrow night?"
"Well.. I don't know." I answered truthfully. I was half-expecting to find a letter. There was one. I bent down and picked it up then straightened. I waved it around. "This might say." The same neat writing was written.
-Botan,
Sorry I need to do this to you. For the next few days, I want you to work this schedule.
8:00 AM - 8:35 PM * Kurama and Hiei
8:37 PM - 7:35 AM * Night shift on Ningenkai and Makai
Be very partial and do as the schedule says. I'll give you further instructions if they change.
Koenma-
I stared at the note in disbelief. No way. This was not happening. I need my sleep. I need a vacation.. an escape. Kin took the note from my limp hands.
"This definitely answers my question." She frowned at me. "I'll bully Koenma for you, if you want." I went limp.
"No, that's okay. I'll do it the next time I see him.. if I'm not asleep on my feet." I answered.
"'Kay. I'll try to get in on the night shift with you." She smiled at me. I pouted. "Keep awake. I'm sure that if you fall asleep on those two that they would wake you up."
"We'll most likely be doing other things than sitting in a jail room. I feel like I'm baby-sitting." I rolled my eyes. She giggled.
"Well, get your sleep. See ya for lunch. He can't deny you food."
"True." She handed me the letter and I watched as she walked away. I sighed and turned on the light. It had felt like forever since I had slept in my bed.
-
At 8 I was at the jail. George led us to a room in which we would be doing work. I frowned. This was definitely not my life.. wait. What life?
"If this isn't charming." Hiei said sarcastically. I turned and glared at him. "Look at it, I mean, I'd rather do the work in the cell."
"Shut up and don't complain." I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Fine, whatever." I took a look around the room and found it was of normal office space and there were papers scattered all over the place. My mouth dropped open. No way. Work..
"This is not happening to me.." I turned around and frowned at George. "Tell Koenma that I want to see him. The little twerp!"
"Yes, of course, Botan." He left and I sat down, banging my head on the desk in front of me. Since I am so lucky, the little letter with my lovely schedule on it happened to fall on the floor. I reached down but Kurama got there first. He opened it, read it, then looked up at me.
"You haven't gotten any sleep, have you?" He looked a little worried. I bit my lip and grabbed the paper from him. "Botan?"
"No, Kurama. I haven't slept at all. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to get done early so that I can sleep.. Not that I can." He stared at me with this peculiar look on his face.
"Is that the reason you wish to consult Koenma?"
"Hn, the toddler needs a nice whack on the head." Hiei said, crossing his arms as he sat down in a chair next to Kurama.
"Let's just get to work." We were working for a few minutes before Koenma got there. He gave me a curious look and I glared at him. I looked at the other two. "Keep working." I pulled him outside the office and took the paper out. "You expect me to do this!?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Botan, had it been my choice-"
"No, I don't want to hear it! What the hell do you think I am? I can't work this. I haven't slept yet!"
"What about last night?"
"You honestly think I could sleep? Have you ever heard of the word 'overtired'? Obviously not."
"Have you ever heard of the word 'stress'?" He crossed his arms. I really wanted to slap him. "Listen, we have a problem anyway. I need you down on Ningenkai to tell Yuusuke about this." He handed me a letter. "It's from Maze Castle. The Four Saint Beasts want out." I sighed.
"Fine."
-
I hit a green lizard creature over the head with my metal bat. I had changed outfits. From my pink kimono to a tight red shirt and tight black pants with black boots. I frowned as Yuusuke and Kuwabara raced toward me.
"Hey! It's the pretty lady." I heard Kuwabara say as they neared me. I ignored it.
"Botan, what's up?" I switched my gaze to Yuusuke.
"Listen, Yuusuke, this is important. Koenma-sama has another mission for you." He frowned.
"I just got out of grandma's evil boot camp! I need a vacation. Come back in two years." I wanted to hit him with the bat but I knew that it would solve nothing.. however, it would give him a headache.
"Sorry, Yuusuke. But you have to do this. Makai insects are taking over the city. How would you feel if someone got seriously hurt?" I frowned. "Besides, if Keiko got hurt it would be all your fault." I crossed my arms. I was not in the mood to play games. I guess that convinced him..
-
I was having a rough time keeping everyone calm back in Reikai. I tried to assure them that everything was going to be fine.
"Botan, a wave of Makai insects-" He never got to finish. I nodded and summoned my oar. "Take this and use your metal bat." Smirking, I nodded again. I departed. I wondered how Yuusuke and Kuwabara were doing.. Wait.. Where were Hiei and Kurama? I shook my head. They were probably down there helping. Hopefully.. if they weren't how were Yuusuke and Kuwabara supposed to survive in Maze Castle alone?
"Botan!" I looked over and noticed Kin running toward me.
"Hey!" I was happy to have some help. We landed and jumped off our oars. "You gonna help me?" She nodded with a smile.
"Be glad to." She was still holding her oar. I leaned on my baseball bat. "Besides, Reikai is going to be a mess. People are being killed.."
"I know." I went rigid. The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight on end and a chill ran through my body. I turned around but saw nothing. What went wrong? Was it.. I pulled out my communicator. My heart was racing so fast that I was having trouble breathing. "Yuusuke!"
"Botan?" His face came up on the screen. "What's wrong?"
"What's happening?" I asked, frantic. He looked away from the screen then he directed it so that I could see the fight.. Kurama had just gotten wounded. So they were there.
"This is only the first beast. We just got past the Gate of Betrayal, thanks to Hiei and his speed." He explained. "Listen, I have to go." The screen went blank. I cried out in frustration. Kin cleared her throat.
"I'm sorry.." I shakily put the communicator back and took a deep breath. I held onto the bat and took a practice swing. My limbs were shaky. No matter what, I couldn't fight this feeling. I was worried.. and that feeling of mine about Kurama. It wouldn't seem to leave me. It was haunting me.
"Botan!" Kin grabbed my hand and pulled me along with her as we ran. She ducked behind a corner and used her oar to knock the guy flat. "Are you okay? You really shouldn't let yourself be distracted. I'm sure Yuusuke still wants his assistant whole."
"You're right. I'm just letting something get to me, that's all. Come on. We need to get them and fast."
"Would it be better to split up? I don't think you're in the condition to be doing it alone." I honestly didn't want to be alone.
"It would be best." I looked at the ground. My feeling was empty.. a pain that I had felt before. I could feel it more now. It was like a dark void of fire burning away at my very soul.
"You should be okay, right? I'd hate to leave you like this but it's the only way to cover more ground." I nodded. She turned around and, with one last look back, ran off. I knew then that it was a mistake to insist on doing it alone. I slumped against the wall and regained my composure. Then I stood up straight and ran down the street.
-
The feeling was still there. Now I was being chased. I felt like my soul was in danger.. It wasn't the guy chasing me either. The more I thought about it, the more logical my other theory was. I recalled when Yuusuke showed me the battle. Kurama was hurt.. It was almost as if I could sense it. Now that I knew they were all in danger, it made my heart pound.. and with each beat came a new round of pain. My breath was now coming in short gasps and I could hardly run any longer. I felt a hand on my shirt, yanking me to a stop. I whimpered then swung my bat with all my might. It may have knocked him out, but I still felt as though I was still trapped.
"I can't do this.." I whispered. Tears fell from my eyes. The others were getting killed and here I was being a coward. I furiously brushed at my tears. These people were depending on me. Right then, I was one of the only people who were able to see the Makai Insects.
"Botan?" I gasped lightly, looking up a little.. almost afraid. My communicator had dropped open on the ground. My pain-filled expression.. Yuusuke must have seen it by the look on his face. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine." I picked it up and used my bat to steady my shaking body. "How are you doing?"
"We just got by the second beast."
"You have to hurry! I-" I was cut short when the little mirror was thrown to the ground and hands were wrapped around my neck, pushing me against the brick building behind me. The man was suspending me in the air and I pulled at his hands.. clawing at them to get myself free. It was then that I realized that I had no weapon to defend myself with. I could hear Yuusuke and the others screaming through the mirror at me but I was helpless. My breath was being cut short and the rapid beating of my heart didn't help much. I was suddenly overcome with fear.
"Botan!" I could hear Kurama's voice. I tried to gasp for breath but his grip was just too tight. "Botan, listen to me! It's Kurama!" The screaming of other people in the streets cut off the rest of what he said. I couldn't hold my breath for much longer. I suddenly swung my foot out and kicked him right in the groin. He hunched over and I grabbed the communication mirror and my bat and ran for my life.
"I'm fine now.. I can't run for long.."
"Find yourself a place to hide!" Yuusuke's voice carried over the screen.
"No, I won't. I have to fight them! Now, go destroy that whistle before-" The metallic ring of my bat cut off the rest of my sentence as I hit another guy over the head. I closed the mirror and put it back in my shirt, preparing to fight and kill more insects..
-
My new mission was to save Keiko. We hid and ran all over the school. I could feel weariness come over me. Keiko was scared, I could tell. She probably wanted Yuusuke to be here. If he were, we would be worse off because then he wouldn't be able to destroy the whistle. I wanted to scream and yell and have all of it just vanish or at least be a dream. But dreams didn't hurt this much. I could hear them outside the room we were hiding in. I pressed my finger to my lips, signaling to Keiko to be quiet. She nodded, biting her lip. All I could seem to think about were the boys and how they were doing. I was worried about them.. and Keiko, of course. I had to get her out of here as fast as possible.
-
This is the end of this chapter! How will they get out of there? Will they get out?
I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Chapter 4 * Escape
-
I woke up. It was still dark. I had only been sleeping an hour. I would never get to sleep if I continued to think about him. I pulled my blankets tighter around me and tried desperately to forget.
-
I nearly fell asleep listening to Koenma ramble on about how important it was that Yuusuke keep training with Genkai. He already knew and had set his mind to it. I assured Koenma and he sighed, nodding to me. I leaned against the door after I closed it. No sleep really kills one.
"Botan-chan!" Kin's cheerful voice shattered the fogginess in my mind. I looked over at her and smiled. She frowned worriedly at me. "Are you okay? You have circles under your eyes." I nodded, too tired to listen to a word she said.
"I'm fine, Kin-chan. I just need a nap."
"Have you been working too hard? I barely see you anymore, what with those humans needing your assistance all the time." She crossed her arms, not looking happy at all.
"Listen, Kin-chan, I'm sorry. It's been a tough week. I need some sleep. I'll see you later." I waved to her as I walked down the hall. The last thing I needed was to stand in the hall and talk. I unlocked my door and opened it, turning the light on. At my feet rested a letter. The little white envelope was upside down. I bent down and picked it up, closing the door as I did so. I flipped it around to see that it was addressed to me in neat writing. I flipped it back around and opened it.
-Botan,
I will issue you to do something for me. Kurama and Hiei have been here for a few days and refuse to listen to anything the others, and I have said. You will be assigned to help them and release them when needed.
Koenma-
I scowled. The letter was clutched in my hands so tightly that it crinkled. I couldn't do it. I didn't even realize they were here in Reikai. No wonder I couldn't sleep. I felt the familiar stinging sensation in my eyes. There was no way I would be able to do it. I had just talked to him! Why didn't he tell me!?
"I see the gratitude." I knew that I had to do it, but how was I supposed to? How did he expect me to do this? Of course. He didn't know that the turmoil in my very soul was raging a war. I crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it into the garbage. I needed to think this over.
"Botan?" I sighed. What now? "Its me, George." He knocked and I opened the door, irritated.
"What?" He blinked at me, surprised. I gave him a look.
"We need you to go to the prison."
"Great." I turned the light off and walked out, beside him, slamming the door. He led me to the prison. At the very back, I saw the mane of fiery red hair. The jade eyes turned to look at us. My heart was thumping loudly in my chest. It might've just been my head, telling me that he was the right one. I doubted that theory.
"Why, if it isn't another-" He stopped. I don't know why, but he stared at me as though he was afraid of me.
"Don't you ever give up?" Hiei spoke up from the darkness. His gleaming red eyes sent shivers down my spine. I looked over at George.
"Thanks, but I'll take it from here." He nodded. I decided to be stern to them, not let them on that I even showed emotion. "So, you've been misbehaving." I narrowed my eyes at them.
"Hn." Hiei mumbled. "Why do you care?" I crossed my arms, giving them each a cold look.
"I don't."
"Fine." I clenched my fists. Whistles could be heard throughout the place. My cheeks flushed red and I angrily turned around.
"Shut up, you multi-colored freaks!" I screamed. "Leave me the hell alone and don't even think of sticking your hands out here. I'm not afraid to slap you silly!"
"Temper, temper." Hiei hissed from behind me. I whirled around to face him. Kurama's eyes were slightly wide. I could tell that I was being insensitive, but I didn't care. I'd had enough.
"Shut up, you little idiot. I am not going to deal with any projects that have to do with you. I just got notice that I was doing this. I'd rather cart souls than be here with you goons." I hissed back. I crossed my arms again.
"Well, then, why are you wasting your time here?" I sighed and sat down in the chair that had been placed near the cell.
"It's my job and I have to do it."
-
Tired. So tired. Its no wonder I blew up yesterday at the jail. I had been there all day, arguing with Hiei. Kurama hadn't said a word. I wasn't sure if he noticed my little glances. He just continued to stare at me. At one point, I had threatened him, but he didn't heed to it. I sighed.
"How were they?" I turned my head to meet a blue-eyed gaze. "The demons, I mean." I shrugged.
"I spent most of the day arguing.. actually.. the entire time I was there was reserved for arguing." I shook my head. "They'll never get out for good behavior." She looked at me worriedly.
"How was Kurama?"
"Fine." I gave her an irritated look. "He was the worst. He just kept staring at me. I mean, sure, I met him before this but that is no reason to stare relentlessly."
"He didn't say a word to you?" I shook my head. We reached my room and I pulled my key out. "Hmm.. He wouldn't stop insulting the other girls and me." She smiled then shrugged. "Oh well. Anyway, what are you doing tomorrow night?"
"Well.. I don't know." I answered truthfully. I was half-expecting to find a letter. There was one. I bent down and picked it up then straightened. I waved it around. "This might say." The same neat writing was written.
-Botan,
Sorry I need to do this to you. For the next few days, I want you to work this schedule.
8:00 AM - 8:35 PM * Kurama and Hiei
8:37 PM - 7:35 AM * Night shift on Ningenkai and Makai
Be very partial and do as the schedule says. I'll give you further instructions if they change.
Koenma-
I stared at the note in disbelief. No way. This was not happening. I need my sleep. I need a vacation.. an escape. Kin took the note from my limp hands.
"This definitely answers my question." She frowned at me. "I'll bully Koenma for you, if you want." I went limp.
"No, that's okay. I'll do it the next time I see him.. if I'm not asleep on my feet." I answered.
"'Kay. I'll try to get in on the night shift with you." She smiled at me. I pouted. "Keep awake. I'm sure that if you fall asleep on those two that they would wake you up."
"We'll most likely be doing other things than sitting in a jail room. I feel like I'm baby-sitting." I rolled my eyes. She giggled.
"Well, get your sleep. See ya for lunch. He can't deny you food."
"True." She handed me the letter and I watched as she walked away. I sighed and turned on the light. It had felt like forever since I had slept in my bed.
-
At 8 I was at the jail. George led us to a room in which we would be doing work. I frowned. This was definitely not my life.. wait. What life?
"If this isn't charming." Hiei said sarcastically. I turned and glared at him. "Look at it, I mean, I'd rather do the work in the cell."
"Shut up and don't complain." I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Fine, whatever." I took a look around the room and found it was of normal office space and there were papers scattered all over the place. My mouth dropped open. No way. Work..
"This is not happening to me.." I turned around and frowned at George. "Tell Koenma that I want to see him. The little twerp!"
"Yes, of course, Botan." He left and I sat down, banging my head on the desk in front of me. Since I am so lucky, the little letter with my lovely schedule on it happened to fall on the floor. I reached down but Kurama got there first. He opened it, read it, then looked up at me.
"You haven't gotten any sleep, have you?" He looked a little worried. I bit my lip and grabbed the paper from him. "Botan?"
"No, Kurama. I haven't slept at all. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to get done early so that I can sleep.. Not that I can." He stared at me with this peculiar look on his face.
"Is that the reason you wish to consult Koenma?"
"Hn, the toddler needs a nice whack on the head." Hiei said, crossing his arms as he sat down in a chair next to Kurama.
"Let's just get to work." We were working for a few minutes before Koenma got there. He gave me a curious look and I glared at him. I looked at the other two. "Keep working." I pulled him outside the office and took the paper out. "You expect me to do this!?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Botan, had it been my choice-"
"No, I don't want to hear it! What the hell do you think I am? I can't work this. I haven't slept yet!"
"What about last night?"
"You honestly think I could sleep? Have you ever heard of the word 'overtired'? Obviously not."
"Have you ever heard of the word 'stress'?" He crossed his arms. I really wanted to slap him. "Listen, we have a problem anyway. I need you down on Ningenkai to tell Yuusuke about this." He handed me a letter. "It's from Maze Castle. The Four Saint Beasts want out." I sighed.
"Fine."
-
I hit a green lizard creature over the head with my metal bat. I had changed outfits. From my pink kimono to a tight red shirt and tight black pants with black boots. I frowned as Yuusuke and Kuwabara raced toward me.
"Hey! It's the pretty lady." I heard Kuwabara say as they neared me. I ignored it.
"Botan, what's up?" I switched my gaze to Yuusuke.
"Listen, Yuusuke, this is important. Koenma-sama has another mission for you." He frowned.
"I just got out of grandma's evil boot camp! I need a vacation. Come back in two years." I wanted to hit him with the bat but I knew that it would solve nothing.. however, it would give him a headache.
"Sorry, Yuusuke. But you have to do this. Makai insects are taking over the city. How would you feel if someone got seriously hurt?" I frowned. "Besides, if Keiko got hurt it would be all your fault." I crossed my arms. I was not in the mood to play games. I guess that convinced him..
-
I was having a rough time keeping everyone calm back in Reikai. I tried to assure them that everything was going to be fine.
"Botan, a wave of Makai insects-" He never got to finish. I nodded and summoned my oar. "Take this and use your metal bat." Smirking, I nodded again. I departed. I wondered how Yuusuke and Kuwabara were doing.. Wait.. Where were Hiei and Kurama? I shook my head. They were probably down there helping. Hopefully.. if they weren't how were Yuusuke and Kuwabara supposed to survive in Maze Castle alone?
"Botan!" I looked over and noticed Kin running toward me.
"Hey!" I was happy to have some help. We landed and jumped off our oars. "You gonna help me?" She nodded with a smile.
"Be glad to." She was still holding her oar. I leaned on my baseball bat. "Besides, Reikai is going to be a mess. People are being killed.."
"I know." I went rigid. The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight on end and a chill ran through my body. I turned around but saw nothing. What went wrong? Was it.. I pulled out my communicator. My heart was racing so fast that I was having trouble breathing. "Yuusuke!"
"Botan?" His face came up on the screen. "What's wrong?"
"What's happening?" I asked, frantic. He looked away from the screen then he directed it so that I could see the fight.. Kurama had just gotten wounded. So they were there.
"This is only the first beast. We just got past the Gate of Betrayal, thanks to Hiei and his speed." He explained. "Listen, I have to go." The screen went blank. I cried out in frustration. Kin cleared her throat.
"I'm sorry.." I shakily put the communicator back and took a deep breath. I held onto the bat and took a practice swing. My limbs were shaky. No matter what, I couldn't fight this feeling. I was worried.. and that feeling of mine about Kurama. It wouldn't seem to leave me. It was haunting me.
"Botan!" Kin grabbed my hand and pulled me along with her as we ran. She ducked behind a corner and used her oar to knock the guy flat. "Are you okay? You really shouldn't let yourself be distracted. I'm sure Yuusuke still wants his assistant whole."
"You're right. I'm just letting something get to me, that's all. Come on. We need to get them and fast."
"Would it be better to split up? I don't think you're in the condition to be doing it alone." I honestly didn't want to be alone.
"It would be best." I looked at the ground. My feeling was empty.. a pain that I had felt before. I could feel it more now. It was like a dark void of fire burning away at my very soul.
"You should be okay, right? I'd hate to leave you like this but it's the only way to cover more ground." I nodded. She turned around and, with one last look back, ran off. I knew then that it was a mistake to insist on doing it alone. I slumped against the wall and regained my composure. Then I stood up straight and ran down the street.
-
The feeling was still there. Now I was being chased. I felt like my soul was in danger.. It wasn't the guy chasing me either. The more I thought about it, the more logical my other theory was. I recalled when Yuusuke showed me the battle. Kurama was hurt.. It was almost as if I could sense it. Now that I knew they were all in danger, it made my heart pound.. and with each beat came a new round of pain. My breath was now coming in short gasps and I could hardly run any longer. I felt a hand on my shirt, yanking me to a stop. I whimpered then swung my bat with all my might. It may have knocked him out, but I still felt as though I was still trapped.
"I can't do this.." I whispered. Tears fell from my eyes. The others were getting killed and here I was being a coward. I furiously brushed at my tears. These people were depending on me. Right then, I was one of the only people who were able to see the Makai Insects.
"Botan?" I gasped lightly, looking up a little.. almost afraid. My communicator had dropped open on the ground. My pain-filled expression.. Yuusuke must have seen it by the look on his face. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine." I picked it up and used my bat to steady my shaking body. "How are you doing?"
"We just got by the second beast."
"You have to hurry! I-" I was cut short when the little mirror was thrown to the ground and hands were wrapped around my neck, pushing me against the brick building behind me. The man was suspending me in the air and I pulled at his hands.. clawing at them to get myself free. It was then that I realized that I had no weapon to defend myself with. I could hear Yuusuke and the others screaming through the mirror at me but I was helpless. My breath was being cut short and the rapid beating of my heart didn't help much. I was suddenly overcome with fear.
"Botan!" I could hear Kurama's voice. I tried to gasp for breath but his grip was just too tight. "Botan, listen to me! It's Kurama!" The screaming of other people in the streets cut off the rest of what he said. I couldn't hold my breath for much longer. I suddenly swung my foot out and kicked him right in the groin. He hunched over and I grabbed the communication mirror and my bat and ran for my life.
"I'm fine now.. I can't run for long.."
"Find yourself a place to hide!" Yuusuke's voice carried over the screen.
"No, I won't. I have to fight them! Now, go destroy that whistle before-" The metallic ring of my bat cut off the rest of my sentence as I hit another guy over the head. I closed the mirror and put it back in my shirt, preparing to fight and kill more insects..
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My new mission was to save Keiko. We hid and ran all over the school. I could feel weariness come over me. Keiko was scared, I could tell. She probably wanted Yuusuke to be here. If he were, we would be worse off because then he wouldn't be able to destroy the whistle. I wanted to scream and yell and have all of it just vanish or at least be a dream. But dreams didn't hurt this much. I could hear them outside the room we were hiding in. I pressed my finger to my lips, signaling to Keiko to be quiet. She nodded, biting her lip. All I could seem to think about were the boys and how they were doing. I was worried about them.. and Keiko, of course. I had to get her out of here as fast as possible.
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This is the end of this chapter! How will they get out of there? Will they get out?