Well, this extra long chapter is the result of a number of story threads coming together. It's one of the more complex ones, story wise- so there ended up being a lot of ground to cover. I labored over this one for a while and had to do re-write a some scenes a few times before I felt satisified with the final product. I hope you all enjoy it.
.o.o.o.
YU YU HAKUSHO: DARK SEASON
EPISODE 09: "Entrapment"
.o.o.o.
"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world. You impoverish yourself if you forget this errand."
-Woodrow Wilson
.o.o.o.
Kurama looked at the sheathed katana in his hand and nodded to himself. He carefully placed it at the foot of an old tree in the courtyard- it was large and close to the center. It was a pleasant day, with the sun shining down warmly and a breeze moving gently throughout the area. Behind the redhead, Hikari watched silently as he looked down at the weapon in silent reverence.
"This was Kagamaru's sword," He began to explain as he slowly rose to his feet. "While he may have been our enemy... he told me something before he passed on, something very important..." He added, turning to face the tall girl. She was wearing a pair of jeans and sneakers, along with a simple t-shirt and jacket. Her unruly main of reddish-brown hair hung down around the sides of her face and just above her eyes. He moved in closer towards her while she watched him intently.
Kurama paused at her side and smiled. "He helped me remember just how fragile our lives are... as well as how easy it for dispossessed spirits like us to become pawns in the games of others." He added, as she turned to look him in the eyes. "If we are truly part of something bigger then ourselves, we must be willing to fight."
The fox spirit continued. "When we're part of something important, we can become more then were... in my case, it's my family and friends that motivate me to better myself." He explained. "I would go to any lengths to defend those around me- the people I most care about." he added, holding his hand to his chest.
Kurama paused and closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the feel of the wind against his face as a breeze swept between them. "But it's not just out a sense of familial gratitude- I'm also looking after them because that is nature of compassion- to care for others unselfishly." He continued in a soft tone, looking back at the young woman before him "I've come to deeply cherish my mother, and I also want to be someone that my younger brother can depend on."
Hikari blushed faintly- taken back by his gentleness and how candid he was being with her. "I think I understand," she replied in a slightly nervous tone while rubbing the locket hanging around her neck. "For me- I'm not really sure just yet." She admitted. "I know that I want to try to become someone that my mother would be proud of... but I think I'd like to become someone that others can depend on as well." She added, scratching her head nervously.
She was quiet again for a moment. "When I look at the world around me, it's like I'm seeing it for the first time... everything seems so different now." She added. "...I want to be part this. I want to feel alive again- to know the difference between blindness and blinding beauty." She continued, still somewhat unused to being so open with another person. "But I also have to make amends for the things I've done." She looked intently at the redhead. "I never really believed in fate before now... but somehow, I know that there has to be some sort of plan at work- meeting you is proof enough. Don't you think?" She then asked.
Kurama smiled and nodded. "Anything is possible, and I believe your intentions are sincere." He added, reaching out and brushing a hand against her cheek. She blushed, but didn't pull away. "Somehow, being with you seems so natural, so perhaps this is fate..." He began softly. "I know this may sound terribly forward, but I'd really like to get to know you."
She blushed darkly, but smiled at his words and nodded. "I'd really like that..."
.o.o.o.
Botan observed that Yusuke was still sporting the sunglasses that Keiko had lent him. His hair still hung down loose- a look that Botan thought rather suited the young man he was becoming. She did note that he appeared to have shaved recently- something that Keiko must have insisted on. She smiled at her own thoughts as she joined him on the walkway that looked onto the courtyard.
Yusuke regarded her for a moment and smiled, before looking back at the two former spirits and noting how comfortable they seemed with each other. He also observed that they both now seemed to be on distinctly friendly terms... if not something more. The dark-haired boy's smile suddenly broadened, prompting the blue-haired woman beside him to give him an inquisitive gaze.
"Well I'll be," Yusuke began with a wide grin and turned to face a still confused Botan. "In all the years I've known him, Kurama's never shown any interest in a girl before." He explained in a hushed tone as Botan gradually began to grasp what he was implying. "I would have sworn he was gay, but now this happens." He continued with a shrug. "So much for my powers of deduction..." He continued with a sigh of mock defeat.
Botan sighed wearily and shook her head- feeling vaguely disappointed in the spirit detective's comments. "Yusuke, I pray that there's more depth to you than what I'm seeing right now..." She said in a week tone. "Otherwise, you really are hopeless."
Yusuke frowned at her words. "Give me some credit," He implored. "I'm a modern twenty-first century kind o' guy." He added proudly, gripping the front of his jacket and making it jut out flamboyantly in an attempt to amuse her. "But you must admit that his mother would be pretty relieved to see something like this." He reasoned, giving her a cool expression while leaning back on his elbows against the wooden railing.
.o.o.o.
The majority of Genkai's compound was built in the style of a classical Japanese country estate- with multiple wings and traditional roofs. The path that lead up the compound brought visitors under a large tori and then to an arched gateway that opened into a picturesque front garden full of sakura trees and a small pond with fish. At the far end of the enclosed area was the elevated front entrance.
The main hall was two stories high with a massive facade built into the high arch of the roof and sturdy columns held up a heavy sloped wooden awning over the front deck. The inside was full of relics- some were weapons or instruments used by Genkai herself while others were simply decorative gifts from bygone friends or things she had acquired during her adventures when she was younger.
From the main hall, grew the east and west wings- stretching straight back like arms around the courtyard. These two wings were comprised mainly of living quarters, baths, and commons areas such as dining rooms or lounges. Both the rooms and halls were warmly lit and the outer walls made from a fine dark wood while the inner walls and doors were tradition paper constructs. Open-air walk ways led out to the courtyard between them from either side.
The courtyard itself was large and had numerous plants, flowers, and trees of varying type and age spread throughout it. A simple stone path snaked through the area, allowing for a leisurely walk while stone benches offered rest or quiet reflection. The furthest end of was open and led out into a grassy expanse that ended with a gently sloping hillside with a river a short distance from the base of it.
Hikari crossed her arms and sighed while looking at the scenery around them. The fox spirit noticed this gesture and moved in beside her. "You seem troubled, is something wrong?" He asked in a gentle tone.
The young woman looked over at him, briefly glancing into his brilliant green eyes, and shook her head. "I'm not sure..." She began slowly. "I should be happier... but something about all this doesn't seem quite real... as if none of this was real and I was dreaming." She offered, her words tinged with frustration.
Kurama nodded. "Yes, I can see what you mean." He replied. "No matter what species one is, it's often hard to transition from way of life to another." He continued, his soft gaze never leaving her as he spoke. "But I promise that all of this is very real," He said, looking at the flowers and trees around them. "You've been given a second chance... a rare opportunity to do things differently."
She nodded, uncrossing her arms. "I know... I'm just worried that I don't have the strength to become a better person." She explained and looked away.
He shook his head. "Don't worry, I have faith in you." The redhead offered. "In time, you'll learn to harness the strength inside you to accomplish something positive... It just takes time."
She reached out nervously, fumbling for his hand yet unwilling to risk meeting his gaze- eventually the fox moved closer and took her hand in his. Standing side by side, the tall woman practically stood shoulder to shoulder with him. She blushed again before speaking up. "...Thank you."
At that moment, Yusuke suddenly appeared- running frantically into the courtyard and skidding to a stop before the two of them. Both of the former apparitions turned to face him- Hikari noted both the concerned look on Kurama's face and the panicked expression of the dark-haired young man. "Yusuke, what's wrong?" He asked.
Yusuke regarded the two of them briefly while trying to collect his thoughts. "Kuwabara just called me," He began in a panic-stricken tone. He looked down at his feet and muttered an incomprehensible curse before looked back up at them. "...Shizuru's been kidnapped!"
.o.o.o.
The door to the dark room swung open and the Puppet Master and Kugutsuko entered. The tall man made a gesture and the cloaked figure moved forward and tossed Shizuru onto the floor. The brunet hit the ground roughly but still turned around to glare at the two of them.
The older girl's hands and feet were bound, so the best she could do was to get back up into sitting position. "I don't know who you guys are or what you're trying to do, but kidnapping me isn't going to help!" She spat in a dark tone. "Just so you know, I'm not going to cooperate with you!" She added angrily.
The two of them were silent for a moment. The strange tall man seemed mildly amused by her outburst, while the one in the dark coat- whom she guessed was a woman just stared impassively down at her. Resting his hands on his hips, he glared down at her. "My dear, your very presence here is more than enough- I kidnapped you to use you as bait for your brother... who I plan to kill." He explained, waving a hand casually. "Now, for the time being- you'll be staying right here... that is, until I need you." He explained.
Gesturing toward his silent accomplice. "She will be guarding you- I recommend that you do not take Kugutsuko lightly." He explained. "Do not mistake her silence as lack of intelligence- I assure you, she is quite adept. So if you're smart, you wont try anything funny..." He paused. "Because, if you try to do something foolish- then I can't really guaranty your safety." He added in a dangerous tone before departing from the room and leaving Shizuru alone with the mysterious being.
For a while after his departure, there was only silence as the seemingly mute capture simply stood in the doorway while Shizuru remained silent, trying to think of something. To be sure, she was worried...
Her presence would likely complicate things... a multitude of scenarios played out in her mind. Logically, she was going to used as a hostage and a bargaining chip against her brother. The concept made her ill. She knew her younger brother well enough to know that while his emotions could be a powerful asset, they could also be a dangerous liability. Shizuru wasn't so much worried about her own death... what troubled her was the possibility that she might be used against him- and thus be part of the cause of his death.
She tried to focus her thoughts... The aura surrounding the tall guy was classic- another text book example of an evil demon with delusions of grandeur... In short, just another villain. In that sense, there was nothing shocking about him...
However, there was something strange about the other one... a strange aura around 'her', though she couldn't work out specifically what was so odd about it. She glanced over at the dark form and then looked back at the ground... She focused on the sensation again, trying to get a clear picture. Slowly, she noted that the aura itself seemed rather bland and washed out- like there was no deeper aspect to it. The closest she could come to describing it was as if this one's aura was a blank slate- nothing evil or good about... just neutral.
'No, I'm sure I'm missing something... something important.' She thought silently and tried to focus. She wasn't even sure what she was hoping to achieve, but she kept getting this odd feeling that she missing some bit of crucial information. Her instincts told her that she needed to figure it out... somehow, it might make some difference. She sighed and continued to mull over the aura. It was like the surface was sleek and pristine, and yet she got this nagging urge that if she could just scratch the surface... that she'd find something.
.o.o.o.
"Dammit!" Kuwabara swore, before collapsing onto the floor of the large room. His head slumped in defeat as he sat in silence. He had gone to the house to check up things and see how Shizuru was doing. He sensed something was wrong and the open front door only fueled his fears. The final detail was the lingering presence of an evil aura and even a note telling him where to go.
Yusuke and Kurama had rushed over to the house and convinced him to return to the compound- if not for the intervention, he might have set off on his own and end up walking right into a trap. For the moment, they couldn't risk spreading out, and thus creating other targets for their enemies. For the time being, the safest choice was to fall back and try and work out some sort of strategy. Kuwabara could do little more then sit dejectedly while Yusuke and Kurama spoke with Botan about what to do next. For the moment, however, it seemed as if the abductors had the upper hand.
It was hard for Yukina to see the turmoil on his face, and it was even harder for her knowing that she couldn't do anything to help. She just sat down beside him and placed her small hand on his. The contact pulled him out his pit and he looked over at her, noting the helpless look in the little Ice Maiden's eyes. He glanced down at his other hand and sighed, his head dropping down again as the small woman tried to offer him some degree of comfort.
Hikari approached Yusuke and Kurama. Standing before the two of them put her on edge- not because she felt threatened, but rather because she felt partially to blame for what had happened. She cleared her throat and looked back at the two of them. "I know a little about him... the one who kidnapped your friend's sister..." She offered nervously while the two listened intently. "He's called The Puppet Master. I met him, along with Kagamaru when we were hired to... eliminate the three of you." She added with a degree of difficulty.
Kuwabara perked up this, but remained silent a she continued to speak. "While I don't really know much about his actual abilities... I do know that he is very dangerous." She explained, crossing her arms nervously. "That man has no sense of honor and cares for nothing but his own interests... he's in this for the money." She added. "Whatever he's planning- you should expect that it's going to be a trap." She concluded gravely before uncrossing her arms.
Yusuke nodded. "Don't worry, we figured that he's going to try and pull something like that." He offered. "Unfortunately, we have little other choice then to play by his rules... well, for the moment at least." He added, running a hand through his dark hair. "Of course, it's not as if there there really is any other way to go about this."
Hikari stepped forward, her reddish-brown locks shifting as she moved in. "Please, you must understand that you are all in grave danger- if any of the other Disciples show up, you'll be dangerously outnumbered." She exclaimed in an imploring voice. "...Even if you successfully stop the Puppet Master... the remaining members- Gado and the others- are even more dangerous and ruthless!"
Kurama nodded in agreement. "I appreciate your concern... and the information you've given us." He began thoughtfully. "However, in truth- fighting at a disadvantage is something that we have a good deal of experience in." He continued as Kuwabara rose up onto his feet. "But as you can imagine, we have little other choice in the matter- we must do everything we can to rescue Shizuru from the enemy." He added in a serious tone.
"They're right, the odds are always stacked against us." Kuwabara remarked- he had been listening to their conversation. He looked at the three of them and then before briefly looking through the open door to the courtyard. "Most of all, I have to go... this guy you're talking about- he took MY sister hostage." Kuwabara explained in a determined voice.
He continued. "Regardless of how dire the circumstances are, I won't back down or shy away from any possible danger." He explained, clenching his fist. "It's my duty to save her." He added solemnly. "That's why I'll go no matter what, even if it is a trap."
.o.o.o.
Gado was standing out on the balcony, looking out across the city scape as the sun slowly descended into the distant horizon. Nawari effortlessly touched down behind him, not making a single sound as his boots made contact with the ground. "Just as we predicted- the Puppet Master has made his move against Kazuma Kuwabara." He explained. "And so, with his sister kidnapped- a confrontation is all but assured. Kuwabara will most likely come for her before the end of this day." He added calmly.
"Excellent," Gado replied, grinning dangerously- his sharp teeth visible as he turned to face the smaller demon. "Still, I expect that they'll move in force against the Puppet Master- they'll try and help him." He added as he stepped back inside the building- Nawari moving in step along with him. "We'd better gather the others- just in case either one of those other two boys try to get involved, I intend to be there to run interference..." He added calmly. "And of course- it'll be a good chance to give them a taste of what the Disciples can really do." He added, gesturing dramatically with his arms as he moved.
The Stray Cat nodded, the metal on his jacket rustling as he walked along. "Yes of course," The Shapeshifter replied. "Most of them are in the building right now." He added as they crossed the dark room- moving past the bar and the television- and stepped out into the dimly-lit hallway. "As for the others, they should be in range of my familiars- so contacting them shouldn't be any trouble." He offered coolly, smiling back at the taller demon ahead of him. "Plus, our late friend will be arriving soon."
Gado nodded. "Speaking of those things- I want them deployed around the area to gather data." He instructed. The two of the stopped at the elevator and Gado pressed the button to call it up. "The intel we gathered from Kagamaru and Makimbi's fight more than made up for their failures... So I expect that any data we can gather on the human should be of great importance." He explained as the doors slid open in a quick motion. The two of them stepped into it- Gado pressing the button for the first floor.
"Agreed, we're approaching a crucial stage now," Nawari coolly explained. "Word is that they're almost ready to begin the preliminary test runs of stage one, so it's more important then ever that we know who we can depend on when the time comes." He offered, leaning against the wall and sticking his hands into his pockets as he spoke.
Gado nodded and glanced over at the button panel- watching the different round displays light up in descending succession. He glanced back at the other demon. "I assure you that I most certainly appreciate the importance of our great mission- nothing must be allowed to get in our way." He began. "The others know just as well as we do... They are all followers of the True Path, who share our vision of the future. Every single one of us knows just what's at stake." He explained. "Still... more than that- we all know that what we're doing today will also effect countless others as well... we'll be changing history soon." He added.
Nawari smiled. "You really are a visionary, eh Gado?" He asked, prompting a smile from the taller man. The door promptly slid open and the two of them stepped out...
.o.o.o.
Shizuru silently cursed, regretting having never properly refined her spirit sense. She was aware of the times when her brother seemed to be privy to events and information that no one else was aware of- like when Yusuke had died the first time or during the Dark Tournament. Slowly, things began to become clear. Still, it lacked proper order or coherence... it was as if she knew all the notes in a song, but nothing about the order they went in.
"The truth is staring me in the face... just below the surface." She commented to herself, only to snap to attention at her own words. 'Below the surface'- that was the key somehow. The 'true nature' of the other kidnapper was hidden beneath the surface... somewhere, deep down. Somehow, she now understood that if she could reach this secret- as it were- then she might even be able to influence the mysterious accomplice, perhaps even enough to effect the outcome of the inevitable confrontation. It was a long shot, but for her- it was the only option she had.
...Elsewhere, Kugutsuko paused momentarily when she felt a strange sensation she was not accustomed to. It was like a fleeting electrical shock- it only lasted for split second, but in that instant... she felt something. This proved troubling as she tried to make sense of it. Soon, however, she remembered that she had a task to perform. She told herself that this was her purpose- to perform the tasks she was given. Still, she realized that if she were really in her normal state- then she wouldn't even be having any sort of internal dialogue to begin with.
She returned her focus to making sure that the prisoner remained where they had left her. The Puppet Master was currently occupied with preparing for the arrival of the prisoner's brother- whom he most likely planned to kill... once he had fun with him. Another unusual thing (in this case, unnoticed by her) was that by simply thinking, she had recognized herself as separate being... Something that the Puppet Master would not have wanted- were he to become aware of this.
For Kugutsuko, the unknown was something dangerous. She didn't like the idea of random factors influencing her... She was supposed to be a tool for her master to use- and a tool was not supposed to have any sort of will of its own or concept of itself. She reasoned then that the prisoner must have something to do with it... somehow, she had to put a stop to this before it endangered her ability to perform her tasks.
She would confront her and resolve the conflict, one way or another...
.o.o.o.
Shizuru watched as the door swung open and the familiar cloaked figure entered. She went pale as realization donned on her- just now, she'd seen something. A vision from the past...
She struggled to her feet as Kugutsuko advanced towards her, yet she made to attempt to run or hide as she looked at her. Her captor's body language was very different now- more frantic and uncertain. Shizuru looked at her with a grave expression. "I understand now," She began. "I know what that man did to you." She continued as her captor closed the distance between them and grabbed hold of her by her shirt.
"What are you doing to me?!" Kugutsuko blurted out in a strange voice that seemed to surprise both of them. It was strained and somewhat mechanical- as if a once monotone voice was now struggling with an unfamiliar array of tones.
Shizuru looked at her, trying to maintain her composure. "I know what happened to you... I know that you weren't always like this... he changed you." She added, noting the sudden silence in the cloaked figure. "I also know that you would never have done something like this if that guy out there hadn't 'altered' you!" She added.
Shizuru stumbled back as Kugutsuko pulled away. "...Altered...?" She blurted out, holding her head as she suddenly lurched forward, kneeling over. "...He did something to me... did something..." She muttered. "NO!" She exclaimed. "This is wrong- I was not designed to experience something like this... I don't know what to do any more..."
Shizuru watched with a mix of horror and concern. "Wait, what do you mean by 'designed'?" She asked in a confused voiced.
.o.o.o.
With little choice, the three Spirit Detectives had set out to rescue Shizuru from the Puppet Master. The three of them knew the dangers- they would likely be walking right into a trap. Unfortunately, they had little other choice at this point. After working out where their enemy was holed up, they set out after him. Still, Kuwabara knew that they would find both his sister and her captors... it wasn't arrogance- simply the young man's faith in his ability to seek out his sister through his powers. As they ran, he recalled what Hikari had told him...
"Kuwabara, in your case- you only have to contend with the Puppet master and whatever 'followers' he happens to have with him." Hikari had explained in a grave tone. "Since he was contracted the kill you- the other Disciples won't interfere in your fight one way or the other."
Still, she had gone on to say that while the others wouldn't get involved in his battle- there was a good chance that both Yusuke and Kurama would be targets- especially after Kagamaru had failed to kill Yusuke and the fact that Shrapnel had essentially changed sides. According to her, they hadn't even met the true heavy-hitters of the group.
She had been especially insistent that they look out for the number two guy of the group- who she only knew as 'Gado'. Yusuke had gone on to ask her if he was truly as dangerous as she was making him to be... The sombre look she had given him was enough to quell any further uncertainty on the matter. To Kuwabara, it was almost as if a cold wind had passed between them after Yusuke had asked the question.
"The Disciple are stronger than you can imagine- they are all hand picked for the group- and are all formidable fighters." She had explained. "Especially their leader, Gado... He is a horribly dangerous man."
Just then, something struck the ground between- sending the three of them flying. The impact of the blast was like a mortar, yet it had glowed like a flare. The smoke around them slowly cleared as they got to there feet. The outline of a figure became clear in the dust.
A man stepped forward. He was dressed in a brown tasseled jacket along with dark blue jeans and cowboy boots, and had his brown hair pulled back into a braided ponytail. He flashed a toothy smile as he looked at them. "I am the acting leader of the Disciples, and from here on out- only Kuwabara may proceed." He announced calmly to the three of them.
Two other men were visible. One had long hair and was dressed in black leather and metal, like a punk rocker. The the other one had his face painted up like a skull and wore a top hat and cloak. Both of them simply smiled at the trio as their leader spoke. Yusuke looked at the tall man before him. "Like hell! We're not just sit back and do nothing!" He exclaimed in defiant tone.
Just as he spoke, he was struck by a blast of shimmering, multi-colored energy and fell back onto the ground with an audible thud. He looked up in time to see an attractive female demon with gray skin and long purple hair walk up and join the others. She was dressed in a skimpy outfit that showed of her figure. The luminous fabric of her costume shifting in the faint breeze as she looked at Yusuke with an intent gaze. "Sorry stud, but you're not anywhere." She cooed in a sultry voice as she held up her hand- the palm glowing with power.
A gunshot rang out across the area. Kurama staggered back as the shot grazed his arm back- covering the minor injury with his hand. A man (dressed like a cowboy) stepped out from under an old awning- his revolver already drawn and trained on the red-haired young man. "You heard the lady- don't try anything funny." Dalton warned, firing another shot- grazing Kurama's hand and causing him to drop the rose he was about to turn into a whip.
Dalton glanced down and shot the rose with his revolver, blasting it into pieces! At that same moment, Shimmer began walking towards Yusuke- her hands glowing with a strange radiant energy.
Gado held up his hand- to which Shimmer nodded and powered down her attack. The tall man suddenly vanished from their sights and reappeared beside Yusuke in a blur. Before the young man could react, the tall man struck him soundly in the gut- dropping him to his knees. Yusuke gasped, clutching his stomach as he fell forward. The other demons watched in amusement as he glanced down at Yusuke, before turning his gaze towards Kurama.
He leapt into the air and landed in front of redhead. He delivered a swift kick to the side of his head, dropping his with seemingly less effort then he has used to take out Yusuke. Gado glanced over at Kuwabara, giving him a dangerous looking smile. "You there- you'd better get going." He instructed. "...You wouldn't want to keep your dear sister waiting, now would you?" He asked coolly, resting his hands on his hips.
Kuwabara tensed as he looked around at the scene- both of his friends were hurt (probably unconscious by the look of it) and surrounded by the enemy... Still, as much as he hated to do it- he had no other choice but to go on alone and hope that the others would be alright. He swallowed hard and promptly bolted off down the dark street while Gado watched with an amused look on his face.
(- End of Episode 09 -)
.o.o.o.
I like the way the story is building. Still, in order to get it to the point that I wanted, it ended up being pretty long- over nine pages and just over 5500 words long. There's a lot of story to tell in just this one episode, but I have to keep the right pace, and that's the main reason why all these chapters have consistently been pretty long.
I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing. As usual, both reviews and criticism is welcome. Please let me know what you all think of this story. Thanks again,
-Bojack727
