Hey Guys! ^-^
I sorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyyyy!
I've been wanting to post this chappie LIKE FOREVER! But I underestimated the amount of free time I would have to write and review chappie's, which is so typical of me, -_- ugh! But I've found the time and finished this one, which I hope you all will enjoy!
So read away and share your thoughts okay! :D
But oh, before I forget,
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN Yu Yu HAKUSHO OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS IN IT. (However, everybody else present within the story (Ziva, Vipiera, GeGe, etc…) are my original characters.)
AND
There happens to be and will be (in the near future) mature content (a.k.a lime and lemons). SO IF NOT PREPARED FOR THIS, DON'T READ MY STORY. KEEP YOUR INNOCENCE! (Hahaha LOL ^-^) ALSO, you should be made aware that there is profanity in this chapter and in all the other chapters that follow it.
OH! By the way, there may be times where I have characters portray their thoughts to you readers. So in general, their thoughts will be italicized with ellipses before and after what is being thought.
So now that everything is said, ON TO THE STORY! ^-^
ENJOY!
Can't Escape
Previously on Can't Escape…
Youko's presence spiked up in anger immediately and it took every ounce of control for Kurama to keep him at bay.
…Youko! Calm down!…
…If you don't tell this son of a bitch to recant his words, I fucking promise you I'LL KILL HIM WHERE HE STANDS!…
Taking a deep mental sigh, Kurama replied …Youko you can't do that. We are under a contract….
…You must be more stupid then I thought, if you ever believed I'd adhere to that fucking agreement. It means nothing to me and so does his good for nothing life…
Dropping out of the mind connection, Kurama focused once again on controlling Youko's anger. Youko disliked Koenma. And…Koenma disliked Youko. Point blank. Actually, dislike was probably a VERY light term to use for what they actually felt for each other. But nonetheless, Youko and Koenma were not the best of friends at all.
Wanting to know the reason behind Koenma's words, Kurama opened his mouth to voice his question, when Kuwabara beat him to it.
"Why can't Youko be let loose, Koenma? Wouldn't he actually be perfect to use on this mission? He knows Demon World way better than I do and he's also an awesome tracker—"
"Nalani doesn't take well to demons. She'll be terrified if she sees him and I don't want that. So Youko stays in, understand?"
Kurama stared Koenma down for a long while, before he smiled and replied, "I understand completely."
Chapter 7: "Promise"
"Exactly how are we supposed to find this little girl in this forest, let alone all of Demon World?" Kuwabara asked to no one in particular, his words a spoken thought.
"I'm not sure, Kuwabara. But we must find her…at all costs." Kurama answered, leading them both into the forest known for its death toll and its no-return-back-alive policy.
The Forest of Death. It was exactly that.
A. Forest. Of. Death.
Many have entered to never come out. And rightly so. It was essentially a massive death trap in eager wait of victims. And how does one become a victim? By falling prey to the scenery. It is quite misleading to say the least.
This forest was extraordinarily…beautiful. It had a wild, tropical fell to it, filled with numerous trees of all lengths and sizes. Their leaves were stunning, decorating the area with vivid colors that caught your attention every second of every minute. Birds, of the oddest shapes and colors, flew throughout the morning sky as other animals, lethal in nature, took to the trees, spying on those unfortunate to venture below. Billions of insects, unknown to man and life beyond, scurried along the dirt-filled grounds, allowing a chorus to be heard that was surprisingly soothing.
And it was because of this soothing, calm effect that many died. This forest gave a false sense of security and peace that has enabled many to let their guard down, therefore becoming the next meal of the day for all the insects, wildlife, and plant-life present within this forest.
But they were in all honesty the least of your worries compared to the demons that resided within these woods. They brought to you an even worse fate. Described as being absolutely stunning and appealing to the eyes of all who witnessed them, many become enraptured by such demons. But their beauty was a hoax that would only lead you to your doom.
Knowing this all too well, Kurama continued walking with his hands in his front pockets, his senses on high alert. Then without looking back, he warned, "Kuwabara, I advise you to step away from that plant before it sucks the very life you have out of you."
Stunned, Kuwabara took several steps back from a huge, vibrant yellow plant, freckled with orange and blue dots. It was such a rare beauty, absolutely alluring. How could such a thing do him harm, especially that which could kill him?
Oddly compelled to ignore Kurama's warning, Kuwabara found himself taking a few steps closer towards the unique plant, unable to help himself. He surprisingly took a liking to it and was drawn to its potent aroma of sweet honey and maple. His hand moved quickly, only a foot away when what looked like sharp, little teeth coated the rim of the petals. The plant suddenly came alive, screeching to the trees above it before lunging straight for Kuwabara, ready to take in his blood as nourishment. And it would have succeeded in doing so if it wasn't for Kurama and his rose whip, which reduced it to pieces in seconds.
Shocked beyond belief, Kuwabara just stood there frozen, unable to move. What the hell had just happened here?!
Retracting his whip, Kurama continued on walking, saying, "Everything in this forest, to the very last insect beneath your feet, will kill you the instant you let you guard down. Things are not what they seem here, Kuwabara. Remember this well, or you will lose your life in a heartbeat."
Slightly traumatized by the event that just occurred, Kuwabara took his place next to Kurama, eyeing everything he saw in a different light.
"Geez, man. Nobody told me there was going to be evil, hungry plants out to kill me on this mission. What the hell was that thing anyway!?"
"It's a variation of the dionaea muscipula plant. Essentially it's a Venus fly trap, but made for beings, whether they be demon or human."
Completely weirded out, Kuwabara asked, "And we're searching here, for this little girl?!"
Kurama kept silent as the unspoken question lingered in the air.
…Do you still believe that this child is still alive?...
…Men of our expertise and strength have not made it through this forest alive or at least fully intact. What makes you think a child the age of one will survive?…
…What happened to your optimism, Youko?... Kurama teased.
Ignoring him, Youko kept silent. There wasn't much to be hopeful for when dealing with this world.
Kurama smirked a bit, but it left as quickly as it came as his thoughts wandered off.
Thinking back to this morning's meeting, Kurama knew something was amiss, but he couldn't tell you what. It revolved around the little girl though, Nalani, who was a mystery to them all.
Who was she? Was she Koenma's daughter? If she was that would explain the episode Koenma had this morning. His mother had reacted like this once and he smiled at the memory.
One day, when he had been 16 years of age, he had arrived home late from a mission. There was a demon, and average level C demon, who somehow made it to the human world, his plans to drain the souls of high spirited students at Shugo High, Kurama's former High School. Currently ending a demon at such a level would be light work. But when he was 16, it took longer than expected—seeing as how he had just discovered his powers as well as Youko's presence within him just a few days before this incident. As a result, he arrived home way later than usual and let's just say that his mother's episode trumped Koenma's by a long shot. And remember, he was 16 then and had a least arrived home safe and sound…for the most part.
Nalani was the tender age of 1 and there was no guarantee she would be given the same opportunity.
Koenma's anger, fears, and frustrations would be deemed appropriate if one looked at the situation this way. However, the looks Koenma gave him on multiple occasions that were filled with contempt, hatred, and much more, weren't so. He had no idea where these looks had come from or why they were given. Heck, Kurama hadn't even known Koenma could give one and mean it! And as a trusted friend, who was considered family, this not only puzzled him…but hurt him has well.
But then this had him thinking. Could this unknown hostility Koenma apparently has against him and Youko be the reason for such secrecy about his daughter? Assuming, he had a wife to the three children that were mentioned, why would he keep such important information hidden from his team? This team who over the years grew in their friendship and had become, in some abnormal way, a family? It wasn't like Koenma to keep such a thing from all of them. But then again, was it only he that did not know?
Kurama quickly glanced behind him at Kuwabara. Kuwabara was preoccupied with the scenery, highly vigilant to defend himself from other possible attacks by the overbearing plant life which surrounded him. Kurama smirked then faced forward once more, deciding against his claim. The others would have told him about this for sure. This he was certain about, especially Hiei. If Hiei knew, he would have told him.
So the question still remains.
Why all the secrecy?
And normally, Kurama would not have cared so much about this. He was not one to butt into people's business and liked to give everyone their own space. But when he remembered the look Botan gave him before she left, something in him couldn't let any, of what transpired today, go. Somehow he was connected to whatever was going on here, the confirmation written all over Botan's face when she left them. The look she gave him was purely an apology. A sincere apology, backed up with guilt and pain that passed right through her eyes as she departed. And that look wasn't for anyone else. Almost anyone could have seen that.
But then why? Why had she looked at him that way?
Something was going on here without his knowledge and he was somehow involved. He didn't like this. At. All. And he wanted answers. Now.
Annoyed with his constant thought processing, Youko replied …Enough. Soon you'll be dragging us both mad with your incessant thinking. And just so you know, I value my peace, so could you shut down your brain and refrain from thinking?…
Kurama smirked …That's equivalent to me saying, 'Youko, could you refrain from participating in thievery?'…
…No, human. Those are two different things…
…How so?...
…Thievery is a valuable skill that has done more for me than you could ever know…Your thoughts on the other hand, have no value whatsoever…
Kurama laughed internally, not taking his words to heart at all. Why? Because Youko had changed. After the past 25 years, a chip had nicked his cold armor, allowing for the development of humor, trust, comradeship, and respect towards not only Kurama but a handful of others critical to his life. Was there compassion?...Ummm, maybe next year. Patience?...Yeah, no. That was asking for too much.
Smiling, Kurama inquired, …Can you honestly say that you did not think of today's events as strange, especially the look Botan gave us?...
…No…
Kurama restrained the urge to roll his eyes. Youko was always so damn direct sometimes.
…Are you certain? The names Nalani, Tsuyoshi, and Kiyoshi, don't sound familiar? I'm actually quite sure those are Koenma's children, but then my memory of how frequently you sate your desires or indulge in sexual endeavors—due to pure boredom I might add—resurfaces and then start to wonder—…
…You've cross the line, human…
If Youko's tone hadn't been dipped in a cold threat, Kurama would have assumed his reply to be one in response to his teasing.
…If I bore kits of my own, I. Would. Know. I would not choose just any female, especially not one chosen out of pure boredom, to bear them… Youko growled, royally pissed.
…I apologize, Youko. I wasn't aware of your feelings towards this matter in particular…
He didn't reply.
…Are you giving me the silent treatment now?...
Again he said nothing.
Sighing, Kurama said, …And here I was ready to let you out to fight—…
…You act as if you had a choice…
Kurama smiled before replying, …Then after you, King of Thieves…
But before he did, he inquired …You would willingly disobey Koenma's orders?…
There was a moment of silence issued between them before Kurama answered …I don't believe Koenma gave us that command because of the girl's fear. Personally…I think he is the one who does not want you out for reasons of his own. And we can't risk this child's life for personal reasons unknown to us…
Youko smirked. …My thoughts exactly…
Within seconds, Youko came to the forefront, taking complete control over Kurama's body while Kurama willing succumbed to the depths of his mind.
Boy did he love to be in control.
…Don't let it get to your head…
Youko snorted. …Insolent br—…
There was a roar so loud it threatened to shatter eardrums as it rang through the forest, about six miles in.
Without thinking, Youko took off in its direction, closing in on the fight that was evidently taking place due to further roars, inhumane in nature, and trees dropping like flies left and right.
"Hey, man!...Uh..uh, Youko?...Why are you—Hey, wait up!" Kuwabara shouted, desperately trying to keep up with Youko's sprints to no avail. Youko didn't even bat an eye lash in Kuwabara's direction as he continued on, getting closer to the scene. And when he arrived, what a scene it turned out to be.
There stood a smaller, female demon, dodging the attacks of a larger demon which looked like a cross between a lizard and a dragon, definitely three times her size. But the she demon was quick, so quick actually that Youko—even with his acute eyesight—had trouble keeping up with her. She was able to deflect the drago-lizard's balls of flame, flipping in a controlled spiral, above the demon's head. In mid-air the female yelled, "Clamp!" before landing behind it weightlessly.
Within seconds, rocks in every shape and size collected together in the shape of clamp, large enough to bind the drago-lizard demon. And it did, squeezing it tightly with no chance of escape. The demon roar in utter rage, trying but failing miserably to release itself.
The she demon laughed and dare he say it…
He found it quite…sexy to say the least.
Youko smirked. …After this mission, I need release. Quick. And the kid is just gonna have to deal with it…as always… And deal with it Kurama would because unlike Youko's past encounters—which were truly initiated out of pure boredom—this encounter was necessary. A man needed to let loose once and a while and Youko was no exception to this fact.
Kurama strongly dislikes Youko's womanizing ways and had him refrain from doing so after a certain situation occurred, which do to the severity of it pushed Youko to agree wholeheartedly. But if he was having such a significant reaction to a mere female's laugh then maybe it was about time he paid his old habits a visit.
But all personal matters aside, there came the million dollar question of the day. What was a female demon—especially one of her size—doing in the Forest of Death?
It was rare to come across one in these woods. Youko had met many a female who could take care of themselves just fine in the demon world—actually depending on the situation they could be quite ruthless—but to enter the Forest of Death? Not many would even dare, let alone last. They would either fall prey to handsomely, attractive male demons who inhabited this forest or be quickly overpowered. And since the forest did in fact inhabit mostly if not all male demons, there were urges that unfortunately would be met, viciously.
So with such knowledge known worldwide, why would a female fox—
Youko's eyes widened, wide. He hadn't spotted it before, but now as she stood there with a grin on her face, taunting the drago-lizard demon she held captive-which was seriously spiking up his lust-o-meter—he saw a white fluffy tail, decorated with a strips of deep silver that branched off along her body, which he noticed—with eager eyes—was covered in the most revealing pieces of clothing, leaving nothing to one's imagination, especially of the slender physic she sported. Her clothing made out of pure cloth and dyed blue in nature, covered her chest, leaving her flat stomach bare to the naked eye, and her nether region, which accommodated her tail and also wrapped itself around her toned right leg in a unique design. Her ears—small on the back of her head—were splashed with that same hue of deep silver as her talons were sharp, ready for a kill. In all honesty, she was an admirable sight to behold and what fixed his interest were the light silver eyes she possessed with flecks of amber shining through them. Who the hell was she?...
…ama…
Youko stilled, frozen and on the alert, listening for the young, soft voice that filled his head, once again. Had he imagined it? Because the next second he hadn't heard it. And with the exception of Hiei, no other being could speak to him telepathically.
Under much pressure and during a time of great peril, Youko had been forced to indulge in a blood sharing with Hiei. From then on, Hiei possessed the ability to speak to him telepathically, directly through a line that now connected them both. An ability held in such high regard and valued greatly within Youko's clan, telepathy was shared between family lines and on rare occasions allowed between trustworthy allies or friends. And at the time, Youko and Hiei were anything but. But over the years, Hiei has come through time and time again and has proved his loyalty and friendship towards Youko. So this turned out for the better. However, their mind link is used in limitation, if rarely so. Why? Because this method of communication was too…intimate. To have someone speak within your mind was to have their essence practically in sync with yours. Also, telepathy takes much talent, practice, and energy to perform, especially if doing so for several hours, let alone minutes. To became a natural—if not already equipped with this ability through blood—took time. Therefore, what he heard could only have been his imagination—
…Mama! Mama! Where are you? Please, please find me! Mama please! Mamaaaaa!… Intense sobbing was heard as the pleas continued.
A little girl. That voice was the voice of a little—
It was her.
…Little one? Can you hear me?...
The sobbing stopped instantly. Then a small intake of breath occurred. Seconds ran by before she suddenly asked …Mama? Mama! Is that you?...
The desperation and fear etched in her voice gnawed at Youko unknowingly.
…No. It isn't, Nalani. I was sent to—…
…Who are you?! How do you know my name?... She inquired quickly, her voice soft, filled with apprehension and uncertainty, her level of fear skyrocketing out of control.
With an inexplicable need to comfort her, Youko replied …I was sent here to find you by Prince Koenma and ordered to take you back home…
She gasped. …Prince Koenma!... She then exclaimed, her fears lessening somewhat. …He find out I was kid-di-napped and then he sent you to save me…right? You not lying to me?...
Without any hesitation, Youko sent a feeling of comfort through the mind link. It took the form of two large, welcoming arms that wrapped itself protectively around Nalani's whole entire being as silent tears of relief and hope streamed down her little face.
…No, I'm not lying and yes, he sent me. You're going to be alright…
Nalani wiped her face of her tears. …You promise?...
…I promise… Youko declared, swearing on the very air he breathed. He was going to get this little girl out of this mess if it was the last thing he did and kill whoever brought her into this situation to begin with.
He couldn't explain it. This little girl touched him on a level never felt before. And it happened instantly. So, so fast. This mind link between them started something that he for some reason, deep down in his gut, knew was irreversible. Because why else would the thought of her fear, pain, and sorrow literally bring him physical, emotional, and mental discomfort when he hadn't a shred of compassion for any—with only those his human half cherished the only exception. It didn't make one damn bit of sense to him. But he's think about it later. Right now his only priority was that little girl and her safety.
…Little one, do you know where you are?...
A few seconds passed by before she responded. …No. I..I do not know where I am. I remember I was…I was in the playroom that we usually go to with Miss Botan. Kiyoshi and Tsuyoshi were playing together. But me, I was playing with Clawdeen, my doll that Aunt Vi…Aunt Vi bought Clawdeen for me for my 1¾ birthday….
Youko chuckled. Her eager babbling and thorough explanations were…cute. Something he seemed to only tolerate from this little one. No one else. It warmed his heart to hear her and was a good indicator that she was for the most part…okay.
…I love Clawdeen! She very special to me you know and mommy holds her for me because I lose a lot of things and I didn't want to lose Clawdeen. But me and Clawdeen we were playing dress up when a lady came to talk with Miss Botan…
"The nurse." Youko muttered to himself.
..She was a nurse…a nice and friendly nurse that what I think before and Botan asked her to watch us while she go do something and everything was fine until the nurse…
…Took you away… Youko finished.
…Yeah. She kid-di-napped me! I yelled and screamed and fight her. Kiyoshi and Tsuyoshi tried very hard to help and save me but she blow them into the potty room and locked them there before she take me…
Youko's heart went out to her. It really did. It must have been a traumatic experience for such a young child to be taken away from familiar surroundings in a brutal way by a stranger, then placed in an unfamiliar location unsure whether this stranger would harm you or not.
…Do you see anything when the nurse took you here, Nalani?...
…N-no. She put a bag over…over my head…
Youko cursed to himself, vengeance at the forefront of his mind. But then fear dipped into his very stomach.
…Is the bag still over your head, little one? Can you breathe?...
…Yes, I can breathe. Cyrus took the bag off of me once she put me in here in my hiding spot. I like Cyrus. She took me away from the bad nurse lady but she put me in another hiding spot and not tell me where this hiding spot is. I got kid-di-napped twice! That is un-babbibable!...
With the fear gone…somewhat, amusement softened his features at her comment.
…Yes, I know little one. So you don't know where you are but Cyrus, what happened to her?...
Uncertainty and confusion touched his mind. …She gave me a piggy back ride and we run away but then she said I must hide, something bad was coming. I told her not to leave me I did not want to be alone, but she hide me, took the bag off my head and left me in this place that is dark... Aware of this, Youko could feel her fear spike up again. …I don't like this dark hiding spot…
…Hey, now. It's okay, Nalani, you're alright. Don't worry. I'm going to find you soon, okay…
It took her a while before she replied. …O-okay… She agreed, calming herself down as she gently swatted her hands across her cheeks in an effort to dry them again.
…That's my girl. Now Nalani, what does Cyrus look like?... As he asked her this question, Youko looked back for the she demon he believed was Cyrus, but right in the nick of time he side-stepped a few feet to the right just before the giant, drago-lizard crushed him flat. The ground shook as if the result of a mini-earthquake, causing the plant life around him to shake violently, while the various wild life present either screeched in fear or scurried off.
A small, startled whimper robbed Youko of his focus. …What's that!? What's happening!?...
...Shush. Everything is alright, little one. There is nothing to fear… And then a thought occurred to him. …Little one, you felt the earth around you shake just now?...
…Y-yes, but why did it do that? What is going on-…
…Little one, listen to me. Take a deep breath… Once she could get past her nerves and did so, he continued with his instructions …Now release. And know that I will let nothing happen to you. We made a promise remember?...
...Yes, I remember… Nalani uttered, her anxiety decreasing with every passing breath.
...Good. Now answer this question for me, okay. Did the ground around you shake very hard?...
…Yes, it did…
That meant… "You are close." Youko whispered to himself. Searching the forest around him, he tried to locate an area where one could hide a small child, but found none. The area was open, completely. So where was she?
He needed more information.
As he continued to search for her, he asked …Little one, could you answer my previous question. Who is Cyrus?...
…Cyrus is a nice woman…
…A human woman, Nalani? Or a demon?... Unsure how she would respond to this question—remembering Koenma's warning given to him before he left for this mission—he eagerly waited for her response.
…Um…ah no…Cyrus is a demon! She is a very nice demon. A really nice one. She promised to take me back home to my family after she rescued me from the bad nurse woman who took me away, when I was playing with Calwdeen…
Sadness suddenly hit him from the mind link. …I didn't get to take Clawdeen. I drop her when the bad nurse took me. She proba-ba-ly is there all alone with no one to take care of her. She all alone there like me…
…Little one, you are not alone. I am with you here, remember that…
…I talk to you yes, but you are not here with me. I could be crazy and making you up in my head like Mama says crazy people like Myra do…
Youko smirked while shaking his head in disbelief. This little angel definitely had a funny streak in her that not many possessed and he liked. But pushing that thought aside, Youko looked behind him, still hidden but able to see the fight between the two re-commence. When he secured himself in a safe location, high within the trees, where he would not be found nor crushed, he closed his eyes and concentrated, hard, on the link that was shimmery white, such a beautiful sight. It was…
Pure. Utterly pure. Just like the child at the end of it. So he sent it, his essence, to reassure her that he was in fact with her and would find and protect her. When it reached her, his warmth branched out all around her, showering her with security, protection, and something he was greatly unsure of. It was new to him and felt warm, abundant, and just so…beautiful. It was surreal and…
She gasped, then suddenly said …You're here! You're here! I can feel you here with me and you feel the same! Just like Mommy! Can you feel me?...
In an instant, Youko felt that overpowering warmth consume his senses, invading every part of his being to resonate completely within his heart, then suddenly…
He knew her location.
In a blink of an eye, Youko sprinted up north a few feet, flying through the dense forest like a pro, knowing every inch by heart. Then he made a sharp left and sprinted for about a quarter mile before halting in front of a huge daiwillow tree, a variant of a weeping willow, about 35 feet in height. The vine-like leaves stretched downward many feet and were decorated with splashes of red, orange, yellow, and gold, colors of the early, burning sun. And though a beautiful sight to behold, the daiwillow tree released a sweet, but lethal nectar, infused with the deadliest of poisons. If taken it literally kills within minutes and the fact that he felt Nalani, with intense enormity, in this area, was unnerving to say the least.
Scanning his surroundings for possible threats and finding none, Youko walked forward, sniffing the air and immediately picked up on a light rose, but sweet cherry scent that oddly came from below the earth, beneath him. Suddenly on all fours, Youko wiped away at the rich earth and dry leaves, digging and digging, until he uncovered a small, wooden door, which he opened once he found the opening to do so. Looking inside, he saw a pair of amber eyes, splashed silver, blinking rapidly in reaction to bright light that now flooded the large opening under the earth.
Releasing a breath he hadn't known he held, Youko felt a sudden rush of relief wash over him, from head to toe. And as a result of this profound feeling, he smiled, warmly for maybe the first time in…a long time. Kneeling at the mouth of the door, Youko extended both hands out to her, picking her up effortlessly to fall right into his arms.
Her little body shook as she giggled in reaction to him lifting her. "You found me just like you promised!" Nalani exclaimed, smiling brightly, showing all her tiny pearly whites.
"Yes," He said, lifting them both up off the ground. "Yes, I did."
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! Wouldn't Youko make the perfect father?! Yes? No? Maybe So? Could be? Possibly? LET ME KNOW!
Review, Review, REVIEW! And let me know what you think?
Thank you all for being patient with me! And stay tuned for more Can't Escape drama which has Ziva name all over it! LOL! ^-^
See Ya! :D