Another update. Only a few more chapters left of this story then I'm going to begin working on a Bleach Fic that's been spinning around in my head for some time.. Anyway, here we go..
Cosmic Dissonance
Chapter 9-Truth
Mukuro… I need your help..
The voice of her second in command woke the Demon Queen of the Northeast and Mukuro rose up from her bed, eyes still closed, inner voice soft and puzzled.
Hiei… How pleasant to hear from you so soon after leaving. But what is so pressing that you must contact me in this way?
The fire demon smirked a bit at the sound of Mukuro's telepathic voice, his own still calm as he replied, What do you know of spiritual poisons?
Mukuro quirked an eyebrow at the question. My, my. You certainly know how to pique a girl's curiosity, Hiei. Why do you ask?
Kurama has become infected with some type of spiritual poison that is affecting his ability to be around the ferry girl Botan.
At this, Mukuro paused, in thought before responding in a slightly teasing voice. Oh really? That is most interesting. The fox and the ferry girl.. sounds like a twisted fable... Tell me, Hiei, does Kurama have feelings for Botan?
Hiei's smirk widened at the images that formed in his head from Mukuro's words, snorting as he answered. Is water, wet? Of course he does. What does that have to do with anything?
If that poison is what I think it is, emotions play a large part in it's design and use. Why don't you start from the beginning and tell me exactly what is going on.
Hiei related all that had transpired up to the present and Mukuro listened, her brow furrowed when he'd finished.
If all that you've revealed is true, Hiei, I fear what your friend has been stricken with is not a poison at all but a curse.
A curse? Hiei murmured. How can that be? He was wounded in the side. Obviously whatever weapon cut him had to have been covered in a poison. There's no other way it could get into his system.
Hmm.. I suppose that is still a possibility. Mukuro conceded. But there are no poisons I know of that attack the victim on an emotional level. Something man made could, perhaps. But my bet is more on magic of some kind. A curse sounds more likely to me.
But you're not sure? The fire demon asked, tone a bit more irritated than he meant it to be.
Mukuro was nonplussed. There is someone I will need to speak to before I can give you a solid answer. I take it the symptoms are not life threatening for the kitsune at the moment?
He is safe at the moment, yes. But I fear his strength is fading rapidly. If he continues to linger around the ferry girl, he will lose his energy completely and fall into a deep slumber that no one will be able to pull him out from.
Mukuro smiled at the sage words of her second in command. You truly do care about your friend, don't you, Hiei?
Hn.. The koorime muttered. I care about him maintaining his strength. We will need him in this battle. Nothing more..
You're such a horrible liar, Hiei. Mukuro teased, laughing lightly at the fire demon's growl before her inner voice grew serious. Do not worry, I will help you in anyway I can but the information may take a bit of time. I will contact you once I have the answer you seek. Be patient and be careful, Hiei. I want you back at my side in one piece. She cut off contact, opening her eyes and rose out of bed, slipping into her outfit then out of her room, marching down the hallway and up the steps that led to the top of her fortress. Once out into the open air, she leapt up disappearing into the Makai night, on a mission to find the one who held the key to her second in command's questions.
Meanwhile, Hiei opened his eyes slowly as the telepathic line was cut, looking up at Yusuke who asked.
"So? What did Mukuro say?"
The fire demon straightened his legs, rising, voice low and soft. "Mukuro suspects that Kurama was cursed, not poisoned, but cannot say with certainty what is causing this loss of spiritual energy on the fox's part. Only that he needs to stay away from Botan for the time being. Once she has an answer, she will contact me and we can deal with the situation then."
Yusuke rubbed his temples. "Great. More delays. We can't screw around here any longer. We have to go after Kuromoto and kick his ass before whatever he has planned gets put into motion."
"I agree." Hiei replied. "We can get the information to Botan just as well when we're on the hunt as standing here doing nothing."
"Yeah." Kuwabara chimed in, cracking his knuckles. "I want a piece of those jerks. They need an ass kicking after hurting our friends."
"Contact Botan, Yusuke. Let her know that she must stay away from Kurama until we can get more information on his condition." Hiei said, watching the taller man flip open the communicator. It continued to beep for several seconds with no answer and the head detective growled in frustration.
"Dammit, Botan! Answer the freaking communicator, will ya?!"
The fire demon shook his head after two more tries were unsuccessful. "Forget it, Yusuke. She's probably busy with something else. Let's get going. We'll contact Botan once we have something solid to help with Kurama's situation."
Yusuke sighed and stuffed the communicator angrily into his jean pocket. "Fine. Let's go."
The three men took off, using their power to move at a pace beyond the sight of mortals, searching for any trace of energy that would lead them to the whereabouts of their prey.
XXXXXXX
He walked along the moonlit path, bare feet silent as they moved upon cobbled stone. A soft breeze swept through, tugging at the strands of silver hair. His ears twitched, attuned it every sound. This was his world.. his domain.. Youko's.. his gaze snapped to the left, gold eyes catching sight of a lady in white. Tilting his head back the kitsune took in her scent and grinned, baring his teeth as he chased after the object of his lust. He watched as she danced around the trees, taunting him to follow. And so he did, consumed by his need of her, hand outstretched as he leapt and missed, tumbling to the ground. The fox spirit caught himself, frowning at the soft laughter from Botan's lips, blinking at the sudden pair of feet in front of him.
Tilting his gaze upward, Youko's eyes trailed up the lithe form of the deity, surprised as she knelt down and cupped his face. He rose as if at her command, watching as the ferry girl stood on tiptoe, and kissed him. So slow at first.. teasing, then deeper, bolder, and the kitsune groaned, body come alive and he wrapped his arms around her, possessive and lustful as he returned the kiss, losing himself in the taste of her.
Yes.. Give in to it.. let the lust consume you.. take her.. That's what you want.. stop denying who you are. A demon.. powerful.. wanton.. take what is yours.. she belongs to you.. so claim her.. claim her now!
That voice.. that voice again.. tormenting him.. Reason broke through and Youko growled and let go. Silver became red, gold became green, his body smaller, more vulnerable.. human..
The deity vanished in a puff of mist, the night becoming dark, pressing down and Kurama fell into the abyss, screaming, clutching at the air, helpless, body racked in pain.
"No!" He cried, eyes snapping open as he bolted upright. His gaze darted about, disorientated, heart racing as a cold sweat formed on his skin.
A dream.. just a bad dream and nothing more.
Kurama panted, collapsing back down onto the bed, the familiar scent invading his senses and he groaned. Botan's bed.. Botan's room… Botan.. where was she? He wondered, resting his forearm over his brow, willing his heart to slow. The pain was starting to subside and he let out a sigh of relief, tossing the covers off his body. He rose, gripping the headboard to steady himself, making his way to the bathroom. Once finished, he headed back towards the bed, sitting down on it's edge, resting for a moment. He spied his shirt folded neatly on top of the deity's dresser and he shifted, going over to scoop it up and slipped it on, buttoning the shirt up with slightly shaky hands.
"Where are you going, Kurama?"
Botan's voice made him jump and Kurama turned around, surprised at his failure to notice her enter the room. Have my senses dulled that much already? He wondered, eyes gazing on the tray of food in the girl's hands. "Is that for me, Botan?"
The ferry girl nodded, sitting the tray on the dresser. "Yes.. but you really shouldn't be out of bed." She reached out, gently clasping his arms and the kitsune shook at the contact, heat rising in his body and he panted a bit. "Botan.. I told you.. you shouldn't.. touch me.. when I'm like this.."
"Hush, Kurama, and let me help you." She guided him toward bed, gently pushing him to lay down.
"Botan… it's not that I don't want you to.. it's that you shouldn't.. It.. pains me to be touched by you.."
The deity frowned, rising up to sit on the edge of the bed. "My touch hurts you?"
Kurama looked away, voice soft. "It burns.. It is not that I don't want it.. You know how I feel about you.. and I know how you feel about me.. but until I can figure out how to reverse or cure this poison, we shouldn't be in the same room together."
Botan bit her lip. "I am working on finding out what is wrong with you."
The red head turned to study her. "In what way?"
"Yusuke called here earlier, looking for you. I told him of your situation and Hiei mentioned he could get some answers on what was ailing you. But I haven't heard back from them yet, so I don't know if they found out anything that would solve your problem." She replied, leaving out the fact she had forgotten to bring the communicator with her when she went to prepare the fox spirit's meal.
Kurama frowned. He had hoped to keep his condition a secret. Still, he could not fault Botan from informing his teammates. "That was smart of you to do, Botan. I am sure Hiei will contact Mukuro in hopes of finding an answer that way. That is probably the best course of action."
"You think so?" The deity asked with a blush.
The fox spirit smiled. "I know so, Botan. They will contact us the moment they get an answer. Perhaps it is as you said. I should just rest." He paused, gaze shifting to the tray on the dresser. "And have something to eat, yes?"
Botan beamed and hopped off the edge of the bed, walking over to retrieve the tray and watched as the red head sat up. "Here you go, Kurama. It's not the most fancy meal in the world but it is rather yummy."
The kitsune took the tray from her, noting the grilled cheese and tomato soup and inhaled. "This is a good combination. My mother would often make me this on a chilly day. Comfort food. Simple yet delicious."
The praise made Botan blush. "It wasn't anything really.. Just wanted you to have something that would make you feel better."
He found her blush endearing, despite the fatigue he felt and he murmured. "You're rather cute when you blush, Botan. Should do it more often.."
The ferry girl's cheeks darkened even more as she whispered. "Kurama.. stop.."
The way she said his name made his heart flutter and he had to focus on the food to ease the pain that came with such intense emotion. He winced but did not cry out.
Botan however noticed and frowned, rising. "I am sorry.. I will.. I will leave you be so you can eat.."
Kurama's features became saddened. Don't go.. he wanted to say but knew it was best that she left and he nodded. "As you wish, Botan.. why don't you try to get into contact with Yusuke and the others.. see what they have to say.. that would be most helpful."
Botan nodded, looking forlornly at the kitsune as he kept his head down and began to eat. I'm this close to him and I can't touch him or kiss him… or express how much I love him… this just isn't fair at all.. Scooping up the communicator on the nightstand, the ferry girl headed towards the door. "I'll be back as soon as I can, Kurama.." She replied over her shoulder then left the red head to finish his meal.
XXXXXX
Mukuro raced through the Makai forest growth, leaping and twisting around trees with natural grace. She had traveled for three hours at top speed, driven by a desire to help Hiei and to answer her own curiosity. She jumped off a ledge, landing silently on the banks of a fast moving river, her gaze lingering on the waterfall that tumbled over the edge of the nearby rock formation. Walking with measured steps, Mukuro steadied herself, a faint red glow outlining her frame as she stepped under and through the cascading water, untouched by its harsh coldness.
Lifting her hand, Mukuro allowed it to glow red, faint light dancing along etched walls of the tunnel of darkness. Each step felt more heavy than the last, scripts and wards erupting on either side of her, the energy bouncing off harmlessly until at last, the tunnel widened, spilling into an open ravine, where water flowed and plants danced in a gentle wind. Small birds flittered about, the species unfamiliar to the demon queen of the northeast and she grew still as a woman's voice echoed in a harsh tone.
"You're rather brave to come into my domain, Mukuro."
Looking down into the ravine, the orange haired woman blinked as the moss came alive, rising, sloughing off to reveal a middle aged woman with eyes as black as her hair. Mukuro said nothing, watching as the female demon moved up the carved stairs to the upper level where she stood.
"But you are certainly rather powerful.. you defeated my ward spells so easily.." The blacked haired woman paused, studying the taller female before her. "So what is it you want? Why do you bother poor Monashi when all she wants to do is rest, hmm?"
Mukuro did not ease her defensive posture, though her voice was soft. "I need some answers on spiritual poisons." She began, watching as Monashi moved to sit at the stone table in the corner near an alchemy stand. "You are known for your.. expertise on poisons and spells.. who else but Monashi can give me the answers I seek?"
The older woman cackled and slapped her leg. "Hah! Since when does someone as powerful as you need poison to do her dirty work? That fire demon of yours must be a handful if you need some kind of spell to control him.. or.. is it.. something more.. primal.. you seek, hmm?"
Mukuro's features grew cold and her spiritual energy spiked. "This has nothing to do with him, crone. I need answers from you and either you give them to me willingly or I beat them out of you.. which do you prefer."
The witch's lips twisted into a nasty smile. "You certainly are rather ruthless.. but then again.. I suppose you would have to be.." She waved a hand. "So be it.. what do you wish to know?"
Mukuro relayed all the information Hiei had passed on to her, watching as the witch took it in, nodding and eyes sparkling with delight. "Oh yes.. that's a right doozy of a problem for that fox demon.. But it is not something that can be cured by conventional means."
"So it is a poison then?" Mukuro asked, frowning when the witch shook her head.
"No.. with what you've told me, no poison can cause two different effects. What you have here is a dual spell most likely caused not by any liquid on the blade but the blade itself."
"So you're saying whoever attacked Kurama, used a cursed blade to pass on the spell?"
"Yes." Monashi replied, grinning. "Rather ingenious way to go about it, really. Someone as strong as Youko could not be affected by outward spells. But cut a man with a cursed blade and the spell bypasses all defenses, going straight to the spiritual energy and life force and affecting him in whatever way the curse was designed to inflict. He lusts and loves a certain woman.. yet the closer he gets to her, the more intense the feelings and the more painful the experience, attacking the nervous system and the energy source of his power. The more he taps into it, the more the pain is amplified."
"Why would someone create such a curse?"
Monashi snorted. "Obviously, you've never been in love or cast aside for someone younger or more.. beautiful.." She began, ignoring the glare of the taller woman. "This type of spell is usually used to exact a tormenting revenge on a cheating lover or a jilted one. Quite an effective way to deal damage and watch the object of your hatred writhe in pain."
"You seem rather impressed by this spell. Perhaps you were the one who created it? Or maybe.. sold it?"
Monashi blinked then laughed. "My dear girl, why would I do that? This spell is older than the foundations of the three kingdoms.. I am not the only one who uses magic.." Her laughter died off, features serious. "Nevertheless, this spell is of Makai origin. Whoever attacked your friend, has vast knowledge of our world. They may be old.. and powerful.. or young.. and arrogant.. You will need to find them though, in order to break the spell."
"Why is that?"
Monashi sighed as if dealing with a child. "Because you must make the spell caster reverse the curse.. either willingly or by force. Killing them will do no good."
Mukuro frowned. "And there is no other way?"
The witch grinned. "Well now.. there is another way.. but I doubt your friend is willing to do that.."
"And what is this other way?"
"He must kill the object of his desire.. or himself.." The witch replied, still grinning and cackling, even as Mukuro turned and exited back through the tunnel as fast as her legs could carry her.
Alright.. a kind of transition chapter.. nothing too exciting but a bit faster than my usual updates. Lots of followers and few reviews.. do please leave a few lines.. it helps motivate me to hear other people's opinions.. Thanks for reading.
