Chapter V
The vehicle pushed against the wind while its pneumatic tires made their monotonous hiss over the asphalt of the Chiba-Kaido Highway. Street lamps, the occasional glare of traffic signs, and passing beams from both automotive and architectural lightings came as a choreographed blur around the tinted windows while the city breeze flowed through the filters of the automobile air conditioning systems. Mounted on the dashboard, a cat ornament bobbed its head in time with the movement of skillful hands that stroked the steering wheel, expertly weaving the kei car through the gaps in traffic as the driver's eyebrow twitched in irritation at the continuous racket behind him.
"WHAT IN SPIRIT'S NAME IS POKING AT MY ASS?!" Kuwabara bellowed while angrily swaying his rear to push off the blunt object that prods his hole.
"STOP TWERKING, YOU GOOFED-UP FACE!" Shishiwakamaru cried out, prying the hilt of his sword away from the tall man's butt, 'accidentally' elbowing Chu on his jaw who pulled on his ponytail in revenge.
"Be... still... you guys." Touya reprimanded albeit muffled, the side of his face flat on the window as he kneels on one corner beside a laughing Jin.
"I can't breeeaaatthheee..." Rinku's eyes swirled when he was pushed under Chu's armpit, falling back, unconscious, onto Suzuki's graceless crouched form.
"Damn it! Could you have chosen a bigger car?!" Yusuke's nitpicking was thrown while pushing his hand on Kuwabara's cheeks, unaware that Hiei is doing the same on the other side.
Amanuma looked up from his portable game console, grinning and tittering at the tangled mess of their bodies while crossing his arms on the cushioned backrest of the middle row. "It was not originally in our plan to let you tag along, you know. Come to think of it, you should be thankful that we let you hitch a ride with us. Wouldn't want you to exchange sweat with strangers now, would we?"
"At least we have air conditioner..." Mitarai chimed in as he craned his neck to take a peek at the huddled men, trying to alleviate their discomfort, sighing at the collective grunts and curses that followed his attempt. He rearranged the baggage in his lap before shifting his gaze towards the pair on his left and smiled. Kurama-san and Botan-chan seems comfortable enough. Seaman thought prior to plugging in his earphones and covering his head with the hood of his jacket.
"What is it, Botan?" The deity in question shifted, yet again, on the fox's lap in hopes of finding a less troublesome position for the man before meeting his inquisitive gaze to respond. "Err...Kurama, aren't I heavy? Eh heh...Do you need me to transfer to Mitarai for the meantime?" Botan implored with a little embarrassment, disquieted by the awkward angle of his folded legs due to the uneven piles of backpacks, rucksacks and duffle bags on the car's floorboards.
"You're not heavy, and it may look otherwise but I am quite comfortable here." Kurama reassured eventhough the nerves in one of his legs were already asleep, letting out an amused chuckle when the deity threw a half-hearted glare at the mazoku who snorted behind them. Ill at ease, sure, but he wouldn't trade this intimacy for anything. Effortlessly, he adjusted the woman on his lap by wounding his arms around her back and under her jean clad thighs, biting back a groan when his pelvis met the softness of her derrière as he pulled the deity close, smiling nonetheless at the chaste kiss that landed on his jaw.
"We should arrive at the hideout in no time if the traffic stays light." Kamiya propounded, sitting cozily in the front passenger seat while browsing through his cellular phone.
"Pray tell us, where and how long would that be?" Hiei spat the sneering inquiry while gritting his teeth in irritation, shoving the offending face away when Kuwabara's cheek touched his own after the vehicle made a soft turn.
Hagiri spared a brief glance at the rear view mirror before returning his eyes on the road, driving. At their current pace, he could get them there in as early as 40 minutes, give or take. However, based on the current situation and their combative socialization, he couldn't think of a better way to properly welcome their guests. A devious smirk found its way on his lips as he soundlessly changed the gears and directed the micro vehicle to a longer and more congested route. Making himself comfortable in the driver's seat, he uttered.
"Tokyo. An hour, at least."
Poignant scent of sweat and musk filled the switch as a myriad of bodies intersected randomly across the floor, by the wall, at the couch and even on the dance floor. Carnal howls and blasphemous notings filled the lustful ambience in varying crescendo, with the sensual bliss amplified by a heap of erotic furnitures, sexually-explicit sculptures and frescoes scattered throughout the night spot. The club was all rainbow lights, booming beats and a goldmine for polygamous, licentious sex that revved up the soul, but not his.
Ichiro casually winds his way through the large congregations of libidinous mortals, radiating sex appeal in the middle of the rave. Unaffected by the amorous pleas while declining every attempt of the unclad swingers who groveled at his feet until he reached beyond the luxurious red damask draperies, entering the exclusive wing for the finest patrons. He lifted a hand to push one of the black metal doors adorning the deserted hallway, inviting himself inside the quarters as it opens before moving his mouth in smooth utterance when he was greeted by the ruttish deed. "So this is your idea of fun."
At the megabed situated in the middle of the room, four naked women were on all fours with their head bobbing up and down, occasionally kissing one another. Slurping and spitting sounds accompanied the erotic actions as the swingers relentlessly gave pleasure to the men, half-propped up on the mattress and engaged in their own lip-lock.
"There are other ways to dominate mortals, brother." Jirou, one of the males on the bed, with features similar to Ichiro, save for his silver mane and lavender eyes, uttered after disengaging his mouth from his partner. "Moreover, we orchestrated her successful capture, didn't we? So, you should cut us some slack."
"Hn. Fair point. Though I did not expect you to waste your abilities and settle with the tang of insipid flesh." The dark head remarked while taking his seat on the vintage club chair at the foot of the bed, crossing his legs and regarded the humans who are greedily lavishing the men's cocks.
"Aww. Such harsh words, Ichiro-kun. Eventhough stoned by deadly amounts of ecstasy and under the influence of yours truly, they could still hear you, you know." Shiro, the other male occupant of the bed, commented in his sultry tone of voice while petting the head of the woman currently curled in between his legs before grabbing a fist full of hair as he shoved his thick length deeper in her mouth. The woman gagged while his bright yellow eyes fluttered close at the surge of pleasure when the tip of his shaft met her clamping and vibrating throat wall. Long ebony locks pooling behind him as he tilted his head back, mouth agape in silent moan before moving to speak after easing up in the fellation. "What's more, humans are victims of prejudice. They may be simpleton, weak and predictable but some of them are quite remarkable with the proper stumili. Not to mention, very delicate and extremely beautiful..." Eyes dancing in mischief while throwing a teasing smirk at the seated man, he added. "...specially hybrids like her, wouldn't you agree?"
Ichiro leaned back against the backrest while gracefully crossing his legs. Resting an elbow on one of the armrest as a hand supported his chin, prompting the other reaper. "Indulge me, Shiro."
Elation was evident in his face when Shiro thought of other ways on how he could indulge the delectable man. The concupiscence was instantly forgotten, however, when his lover went behind him and grabbed his waist, effectually prying himself away from the humans with a gentle tug. Conforming to the silent command, he repositioned himself and settled comfortably in between Jirou's legs, rubbing his rear against the dampened rigidity while the other man stroked his cock. "Being the first and second sons made you the left and right hands of Death. Your powers may be suppressed when it was sealed but some of your abilities are still accessible. In other words, even without it, you knew that my dearest Jirou is capable of, not only manipulating thoughts and actions, but also extracting the lure together with the stabilizing energy out of her. We didn't need to perform the rite on the woman, yet, you hesitated. I assume you wanted to keep the image alive."
Ichiro smirked, eyes trailed to the tribing women at the far edge of the bed. "I fancy her. Is that what you are implying?"
"My, and here I thought I am the one with the power of insight!" Shiro giggled before gasping in surprise when his back was suddenly and forcefully planted on the mattress, legs hung on Jirou's strong arms while being penetrated anally. "Ngnhhhh... You're so hard, Jirou-kun."
"Shiro." Jirou grunted in return as he thrusted ruthlessly, nipping on the pebbled nipples of his lover.
Impassive charcoal grey eyes briefly flashed with annoyance as Ichiro considered the bold display, fingers drumming impatiently on one armrest. Later on, his mouth twitched in suppression of a reprimand upon hearing their rumbustious groans of carnal delight, syncing with the lustful noises from the humans as the pair climaxed.
"Your delusions of intimacy eludes your rationale, brother." Ichiro uttered disapprovingly as they came down from their high, watching with indifference chiseled in his visage while Shiro sucks the remaining semen out of Jirou's flaccid member as the latter reached for their clothes. The silver-head, unremorseful of the impetuous exploit, urged him to continue when their eyes met. "Our power, even in portion, is pure, potent to the extent that it couldn't be contained without the sacred receptacle. Even with our capabilities, none of us would be able to control, let alone hold it without turning into dusts. The Elders were able to covet our power in its nakedness with the help of the gods. Manipulated it for their own convenience, shaping it according to what their realm necessitated. However, they made a single error in spite of exercising prudence. A terrible mistake that they unwittingly did without considering the repercussions..."
Ichiro paused his litany when a hapless wight kneeled in front of him then unabashedly pried open his crossed legs with petite hands, reaching to unbuckle his belt afterwards. With lips forming a malicious slant, he leaned forward in his seat before extending a hand to trace along the facial features of the stupefied woman, flashes of amethysts teasing his thoughts at a sudden memory. "Perhaps fancy is not the right word..." He muttered, watching closely as the unblemished flesh gradually turns into blackened cinder, following the feather-light caress of his fingertips. The dying embers spreading until the mortal disintegrated into nothing more than ash particles that swirled around the enclosed space before vanishing without a trace in the stagnant air, soul utterly obliterated. "I am rather fascinated by her. The woman is resilient and exquisite in nature to be able to contain such an immense energy. Furthermore, as stated before, it is impossible to manage our power without its primary container, thus, it would be a shame to dispose the only luxury that the Spirit World has willingly provided."
Shiro laughed demurely as he set his foot on the floor, now fully clothed with a three-piece burgundy suit, crossing his arms against his chest while seated at the edge of the bed, facing his superior confederate. "So, she's the fetching indispensable vessel and you are the knight of noir that delivered her from the clutches of manipulative masters. How romantic."
She will be more than a vessel when we merge the halves. Ichiro mentally countered, darting his gaze to Jirou as the man sauntered towards the frenzied humans.
"If the girl is an essential instrument in taking over the Spirit World and reimpose the command of Underworld, why leave the search to the spirit realm?" Jirou asked as he crouched beside the women.
"It is more of an experiment. They may or may not bring her to Spirit World. If they do, the branding will make it seem like a magnetic substance entering a magnetic field." Ichiro divulged.
"If they don't?" Shiro queried while flirtatiously winking at Ichiro who raised a disinterested brow in return prior to his reply.
"We will know her whereabouts and it will be a means of facile retrieval.
"That does not make it less difficult to acquire the second half, brother." Jirou countered, eyelids dropping close while hovering a hand over the oblivious debauchees, mouth moving to deliver a deadened incantation.
Ichiro tilted his head upon hearing the familiar chant, letting out a dark chuckle prior to releasing a small wave of his energy. Such a barbarian. He mused as the screaming starts. The sounds of agony muted by his death cloak lining the walls, rendering the room non-resonant. "I assure you, preemptive measures has been taken into account. Either way, Goro already planted himself amongst the unsuspecting reigens." He said nonchalantly as he stood from his seat.
"Goro-kun?! No wonder I haven't seen him since we were rejuvenated!" Shiro excitedly jumped in delight before throwing himself at Ichiro, whispering seductively in his ears while running a hand through the man's comb back. "Your intelligence makes you even more desirable and sexy, Ichiro-kun. Make love to me, will you?"
Ichiro only shook his head in amusement having been used to the sexual advances, smirking when Jirou unceremoniously tossed the coquettish man over his shoulder as he led them out of the door. Leaving behind the humans who clawed and chewed on one another, bathed in blood as the murky liquid gushed out of their skin avulsions, mixing with the endless streams of tears that fell from wild and widened eyes. Their cries for help tore from their throats, unheard and unheeded, until they went rigid, laid motionless on the floor as mangled carcasses who answered the siren of Death by indulging themselves in the transmuted desires for flesh.
"RUKA-CHYYAAAAANN!!!"
Jin exclaimed as he leaped out of the vehicle and onto the blushing barrier practitioner, lifting the demoness and spinning around to pull off a romantic twirl.
The rest of the gang were too soar to care of the sudden appearance. Groaning as they stretched, standing on tiptoes, shoulders straining back, stiff from the long journey while crammed in an overloaded car. Heads snapping all at once when the front door clicked open, simultaneously shooting a vehement glare while mumbling a string of savage curses towards Hagiri as the man alighted. Their agitation amplified at the sight of a satisfied smirk plastered on the man's face, visible until he disappeared upon passing through the single door in the basement parking.
"How did you end up here?" Touya queried, eyes redirected to Ruka as she led them inside.
Ruka cleared her throat, collecting her composure when the wind master threw an arm around her shoulders as they strolled. "I worked at a local hospital since the conclusion of the Dark Tournament in hopes of finding a virtuous purpose of my existence. Subsequently meeting Kamiya-san on one of his lectures about 'The Art of Healing'."
How ironic. Yusuke rolled his eyes in recollection of his previous bout with the doctor. "It still doesn't answer Touya's question, lady."
"I think the interview can wait until we settle down in the meeting room, Yusuke." Botan chastised while walking alongside Kurama.
"Whatever." Yusuke mumbled before crossing his arms at the back of his head, scruitinizing the twisted pipes lining the concrete wall like bundles of artificial veins, blinking when he noticed the subtle markings on the vertical brick of the hallway. "Why choose an incineration plant as a hideout, by the way?"
Kamiya regarded the inquiring mazoku before shrugging. "The structure and the nature surrounding it is merely a semblance of sustainable architecture to fool authorities and to hide its real purpose. It is also convenient, considering this is a man-made island in the metropolis — "
"Kyaaaaahhh!!!!!"
The crowd stood at attention, some springing into battle stance before sweat dropping when Kuwabara merrily skipped in the direction of a stray cat, cooing like a father to an infant while petting the feline, uncaring to the howls of laughter that erupted from the gang.
"Hn." Kamiya backchanneled with an amused chuckle.
"Remind me not to deepen my association with this fool." Hiei mumbled under his breath before tearing his gaze off the sight, eyebrows twitching in disdain. These shenanigans makes me want to puke.
"You idiot! This is not the time for that!" Yusuke admonished albeit stifling a laugh while pulling one of Kuwabara's ears.
They resumed their way on the stainless steel, sleek floors of the narrow hallway, passing identical doorways edged in grey. Above the ceiling, LED lights shined in full illumination, the bulbs installed in the strategically placed sockets on the grid-like frame of polystyrene. The clattering noise of their footsteps came to a halt when they reached an iron door adorned with a carelessly scribbled note of 'meeting room' taped on its smooth surface.
"I bet you did that, kid." Chu chuckled as they entered. Pertaining to the game master who expelled a puff of breath albeit smiling while rubbing his forefinger on his nostrils.
They circled around the wooden table and took their seats on the swiveling chairs, making themselves comfortable in preparation for the impending conversation.
"Well?" Yusuke prompted while resting an elbow on the table to prop his head, eyeing Ruka expectantly.
"A year ago, Kamiya-san contacted me and sought my help in creating a special barrier for them." The demoness said as she crossed her toned legs. Her skirt hiking up, thus, revealing more tantalizing flesh, capturing the attention of Jin who was seated beside her.
"A barrier?" Shishiwakamaru echoed with a raised brow.
The gang looked over as Mitarai rolled up the sleeve of his jacket, showing them the white marking inside his wrist. "This protection sigil."
"Hey! I saw that symbol when we entered the hallway!" Rinku pointed out prior to snatching Mitarai's wrist to inspect the embossed pentacle.
"The branding depicts protective imagery and hides our spectral powers from the legion and other formidable entities." Hagiri supplied as he entered the room, languidly walking and settling himself on the available seat next to Botan. All too aware of the warning gape coming from the other side of the woman.
Suzuki peered over Rinku's shoulder to take a glimpse on the tattoo before muttering. "That's a cool looking ink. Are we going to get one of those?"
"You could, if you want to join forces against the common foe." Kamiya stated through interlaced fingers, purposely ignoring Hagiri's look as the man crossed his arms, obviously unimpressed.
"Nice! I wonder what will Yukina-chan think of me having a tattoo..." Kuwabara thought aloud while executing a childish thinking pose, pink dusting his cheeks as the mental image of lady koorime entered his mind.
Fool... Hiei clicked his tongue in annoyance, displeased at the fact that his sister was frivolously brought on the conversation by such a nincompoop. "You're still repulsive to look at with or without the marking, moron. On second thought, might as well let the onna draw it on your face to liven it up a bit, just in case." He taunted with the intention of clearing his sister off the oaf's thoughts, smirking when the pompadour-head sputtered before giving him, yet again, the finger.
"Shut your mouth, you midget." Kuwabara uttered through gritted teeth when the rest of them snickered, adding to his chagrin.
Kurama smiled at the usual display of 'camaraderie' before darting his gaze towards the giggling woman beside him. "You have that too, Botan?" He asked softly.
"Yup!" Affirmed the deity while presenting him the ivory skin of her wrist, blushing when the fox demon gently held the back of her hand while nimble fingers traced the pattern. Her lower lip jutting forward in a pout when the man gave her an all too innocent look. His teasing touch, however, unwavering on the sensitive flesh.
"I take it that it is only temporary, considering the amount of energy needed to sustain such conjuration and the number of attunement." Kurama surmised to the group after a closer inspection. His impassive facade belying the cheeky grin that threatened to manifest itself on his lips after interlacing his fingers with the deity's.
Ruka's lips painted a knowing smile, perceiving the angle of their arms as well as the faint flush on Botan's cheeks. "That's right. Adding your group, it may only take a couple of days before the marking lose its effectiveness."
"Ruka-chan is going to mark us?!" Chu exclaimed in misplaced excitement. The connotation making the wind master straighten up in his seat prior to pointing an reprimanding finger at the drunkard, peeved. "Hey!"
"Idiot." Shishiwakamaru grumbled, massaging the bridge of his nose with the hilt of his sword, grimacing after recalling where it prodded before.
"Hn. That's settled then. We will wait until the existing wears off to synchronize the duration of the attunement." Kamiya stated while leaning back on his seat, expecting further questions from the newcomers.
The assumption was met when Yusuke opened his mouth to voice out the questions that hangs in the air. "I get how you knew of the dagger. I get why Ruka is here. What I don't get is your involvement in all of these? And why Botan is with you in the first place?"
As if asking for permission, Botan glanced at Kamiya and Hagiri, smiling when the men merely nodded their heads in acknowledgement. "The legion went out of their sanctum after... getting what they wanted, leaving me alone for a couple of days. That's when Hagiri helped me escape." Botan said with equivocation. The hint of wary not lost to the group.
"And why are you wandering in their den, hm?" Kuwabara raised a brow in question, eyeing Sniper suspiciously.
Hagiri considered him for a moment, feigning thoughtfulness before blowing a soft air through his nose, smirking. "I have my reasons and none of it is your concern."
Kuwabara was about to offer a satirical retort but stopped when Botan slightly shook her head while an entreating smile ghosted her lips. He soon relaxed upon discerning her silent request. "Jerk." Kuwabara mumbled dismissively instead.
"They sure have a primitive mindset for an ancient being, leaving their bread and butter unguarded like that." Touya commented, thoughtful.
Unless... Kurama stared at his lap in contemplation. If there is anything positive that he could derive from his thieving days, it would be his acquisition of the uncanny ability to construe criminal minds. And based from millenia-old experience, his gut tells him that the legion is only providing a wily subterfuge. "It was deliberate." He blurted out before turning to Botan. "I suspect you share the same sentiment since you do not want Spirit World to know of your whereabouts. Am I right?"
Botan mutely nodded at the red-head. Astute as always, Kurama. She thought before offering an explanation. "When they finished the ritual and when I was bordering unconsciousness, one of them mentioned something about planting a mole in Spirit World."
"Are you saying that Spirit World is now compromised?" Yusuke balled his fists at the table when the deity confirmed his suspicion.
"That is a serious problem." Suzuki remarked, watching as Mitarai adjusted a sleeping Amanuma in his seat, flicking his eyes over the child demon who yawned thereafter. Kids... "Is there a way to verify reigens? Or identify an imposter without causing alarm?"
"Hmm... Not that I know of. Though we can narrow down the suspect list to the SDF, active ferry girls and, unfortunately, Koenma-sama and Jorge." Botan enumerated before carrying on her explanation when she was met with a bunch of questioning brows. "The higher ups are wary in utilizing such degradation but found it necessary in providing somas to reigens with special missions." Her head tilted in confusion when silence followed her statement. Now what...
"In other words, those stated has material-bodies and frequently leaves the Spirit World." Kamiya expounded with a small quirk of his lips after more inquiring gaze settled on the deity.
"Annoying." Hagiri chuckled, flicking a finger at Botan's forehead when she turned to face him with an indignant sputter. "Speak human, onna."
Failing to brush aside the familiar exchange, Kurama settled his eyes on his lap where his lone appendage stared at him in mockery. The creeping jealousy, however, receded to the deepest part of his being when lissom fingers returned to fill the void in his hand. "I see." He smiled when an idea formed in his thoughts, facing the table once again to plug the gaps of their curiosity. "The legion technically falls into supernaturals — spirit entity to be precise. All known facts considered, safe to assume that without their full-capacity and no matter how invincible they may seem to be, the rules of possession is still restricted to mortals alone."
Green irises briefly shined with reverie when he discerned the curious gape of his intended boring into his eyes. "I came across an ambiguous account in Spirit World Archives when I was investigating your case." Kurama explained himself with a tender smile before neutrality took over his features once more just as Touya spoke his understanding on the matter.
"Which also explains why their... activities are condensed in this world."
"Well that makes perfect sense. Possession is useless without influence over an outer shell." Chu added, lazily picking on his ear before flicking his pinky towards Shishiwakamru who gracefully avoided the bit of ear wax that flew his way.
"Exactly. Moreover, successful infiltration to Spirit World but yet to acquire the other half of their power denotes that their plant is someone who belongs to the less influential in the realm, taking Koenma out of the equation." Kurama deduced further, followed by the collective nods that supplemented his postulation.
One less thing to worry about. Kamiya mused while looking at the pensive expression in Hagiri's face, noting his usual imperious demeanor despite the underlying air of acceptance which proves that making the clever red-head an ally was a wise decision. "If that is the case, then we can use it to our advantage and buy us sometime in locating and eliminating the legion."
"Speaking of which, you do have the dagger, don't you, Botan?" Yusuke asked.
"Oh! Ehehe...I almost forgot." The deity scratched her cheek before reluctantly releasing Kurama's hand, reaching for the bag in between her and Hagiri to take out the jeweled dagger, placing it on top of the table afterwards.
The weapon laid on the surface, glimmering as the seven inches meteoric cold steel reflected the light. Its ornamental handle was bounded by gold with a single but notably sized ruby stone protruding in its pommel.
"What's that?" Ruka asked, referring to the inscriptions along the fuller of the blade. The rest of them stood from their seats to further inspect the dagger.
"Runes." Kurama stated, running his hands across the symbols. "It is believed to be used as magical signs for divination."
"Are you sure it's safe for you to touch it like that? Being a demon, I mean." Kuwabara put forward, scratching his chin in a parody of scrutiny afterwards. "But if you think about it, you're half-human."
"You need not think about it, dumbass." Hiei admonished before evading the series of punches from the tall man.
Kurama sighed at their petulant act before a yawn drew his attention towards the sleepy deity. "Tired?" His lips procuring a gentle smile when Botan nodded her reply, sweeping his gaze over the rest of the room's occupant and noticing the slumbering forms of Rinku and Amanuma. "I think we should call it a night." He proposed.
"Agreed. If you wish to stay, Botan can see you to your quarters." Kamiya stated before taking a hold of the dagger. "I need to verify something, if you don't mind." He said then waited until the rest of them nodded in agreement before sparing a glance at Hagiri.
.
.
.
"This feels nice..." Chu moaned as he fell on top of the mattress, joining the wind master in tossing and turning over one of the beds in the dormitory type accommodation. Grinning sheepishly after dodging a pillow thrown by an interjecting Suzuki with respect to the sleeping Rinku whom he had just tucked in for the night.
"Were you expecting visitors to uphold something like this?" Shishiwakamaru inquired as he took his seat on one of the beds, following the initiative of Touya. His question directed to the deity standing at the doorway.
"Hmm...No. But I think Kamiya-san asked Ruka-san to arranged this beforehand." She answered in return before turning to Yusuke who just came back from his phone call.
"Thanks, man." The mazoku said while returning the device to Kurama who smiled in return before asking. "How was it?"
Yusuke sighed in exasperation before prodding his ear with his pinky. "I think I'm deafened but after telling her that we found Botan and to keep her mouth shut about it, Keiko just told me that she still wants to marry me."
Kurama chuckled at his blatant reply while Botan chortled beside him. The trio then turned their attention towards Kuwabara who apparently came from similar predicament. "My sister says 'hi', Botan-chan. I need to head back first thing in the morning though. Graduation is drawing near, so as the final exams. Nee-chan will kill me if I get a GPA lower than 99.9%."
"I wonder where those 99.9% worth of brain cells go when you step outside the university." Hiei, who had just reappeared from nowhere, remarked coolly as he walked past them claiming the bed nearest to the door.
"You better sleep tight so that you won't feel it when I stabbed you with my sword, twerp." Kuwabara hissed as he flopped down the bed across the fire demon, followed by Yusuke who settled himself beside his best friend.
Kurama shook his head in amusement, feeling his mood lighter than before. He was about to enter the room when a diffident tug restrained the sleeve of his jacket. Blinking in wonder, his green eyes trailed from the feminine fingers that seized the garment and onto the blushing face of the deity. "Botan?"
Botan went rigid upon receiving his questioning gaze, mortified at the sudden boldness that surprised even herself. She audily gulped before opening her mouth to speak though no words came out when Kurama shifted to face her fully, concern written all over his face. Clearing her throat, she tried again. "K-Kurama... Do you —... Uhm..." She managed to croak out, stammering before whirling around to hide her embarrassment. Her hand coming up to simultaneously slap either side of her cheeks in hopes of reducing the heat on her face and put some sense to her thoughtless episode. What am I thinking? I'm a lady. What would he think of me if I do that?
Pertrubed by the sudden display of bashfulness, Kurama lifted a hand to reach forward, determined to render her act before stopping himself midway. Eyebrows that had scrunched together, disappearing behind renegade bangs as jubilation crossed his features. Little minx. He thought delightfully while biting on his lower lip to suppress a chuckle prior to smirking. His playfulness breaking the surface as he stealthily closed the door to offer the moment some privacy before moving to stand directly behind the still self-engrossed deity, relishing her sharp intake of breath as he bent forward to nuzzle her neck.
"Lead the way, kitten."
.
.
.
"Err... So... Which side do you prefer?"
Botan asked as soon as they had changed their clothes and got ready for bed. Darting her timid gaze from the shirtless Kurama onto the innocent looking bed while fiddling with the hem of her silk camisole.
"Seriously, Botan?" Kurama deadpanned as he sat on the edge of the twin-sized mattress, briefly admiring the exposed skin of her arms and legs. Not that they had done the deed for him to be so cool as a cucumber, but he expected that they are way past unfamiliarity. Adding the fact that he really wanted to be intimate with the deity after all the lingering stares and subtle caress that they shared throughout the day since they had that intense make out session on board the ship.
"I mean. It's our first time to sleep together..." Blood immediately rushed to her head as soon as the words left her lips, gasping upon realizing the implication of her words, back pedaling with a shiver when a distinct heat darkened the pools of his vibrant green eyes. "I-I meant, sleep. As in sleep, sleep. Not the sleep that they use when people sleep together —"
The blabbering stopped when Kurama reached for her flailing hand, jerking her forward to let the deity straddle his lap. "I am not adverse, either way." He husked against the skin of her neck, breathing in her scent, empowered when her accelerating heartbeat permeated his sensitive senses. "Though I would gladly show you what sleep together means to me."
"Kurama..."
She briefly thought of how inappropriate it was but her inhibitions gradually decreased when heat rose from her stomach to her chest, heart skipping a beat as Kurama drew nearer. His face inching close ever so slowly while his scent enveloped her, the hypnotic fragrance overwhelming her senses. When he pressed their lips together, all thoughts seems to be lost and her body reacted almost immediately, instinctively.
Adrenaline rushed as she parted her mouth, feeling his lips brushing expertly against her like an artist painting his most-prized canvass, smooth passionate but controlled. Until everything precipitated when her hands took a mind of its own and wandered across the heated planes of his torso.
He stroke the hollow of her neck with his thumb prior to threading his fingers on her bob cut as he pulled her in. The warmth of his tongue explored the depths of her mouth, unraveling her again and again, hungry and intense. A wave of unadulterated lust washed over him when his other hand discovered the absence of undergarment inside her camisole causing the fox demon to shudder, producing an animalistic growl at the back of his throat before he abruptly broke the lip-lock. "I want you, Botan." Voice hoarse and wanton, eyes half-lidded with desire as he scanned over her face for any signs of dissent. Giving her a chance to escape the snare of his impassioned reality, but one look at the raw emotion and lust governing her pools of amethyst gave him all the permission that he needed. She wanted more.
Kurama lowered his face once again, purring when Botan draped her arms around his neck as she met him halfway. Her muffled gasp fueled his desire as he maneuvered them on the bed while keeping her against his body, tugging down her shorts when he reoriented himself on top of the deity. Before they know it, their hips were molded together as they moved against one another. She dug her fingers on his silky locks, whimpering like an overindulged child when he pulled away to pepper her neck with open-mouthed kisses, trembling when his hand slipped between her thighs to reach for the unsullied jewel that the thief in him had longed to rob. His groan of approval vibrated against her sensitized flesh when the pad of his fingers met the wetness of her folds, his rigid cock painfully twitching in its taut contraints as he envisioned the slick walls enclosing his shaft like vice. He rubbed her through the dampened crotch, savoring the sounds of pleasure he unabashedly elicited from her glorious mouth. Fingers drawing close to the band of her underwear just as a muffled thumping sliced through their euphoric venture, pulling them out of their sensual universe.
"Onna." Came Hagiri's voice from the other side of the door.
In spite of the interruption, a moan resounded from Botan when Kurama resumed his pleasurable exploration. Blatantly ignoring the interlude as he claimed her mouth once more in hopes of regaining their momentum to pick up where they left off.
"Open up or I will."
The unwarranted interference made Kurama stop his movements all together, eyebrows twitching at the sight of his woman stifling a laugh, the libidinous mood turning whimsical in a flash. After another round of persistent knocking, the fox demon begrudgingly peeled away from the deity, uttering a string of curses as he walked towards the door, footsteps heavy with aggravation. "What?" He uncharacteristically snapped as he opened the iron panel, subduing the urge to rip off the smug smirk and rearrange Hagiri's face just to satisfy his displeasure.
"I thought I might find you here." Hagiri drawled while eyeing his disheveled appearance in mock consideration.
"What do you want?" Kurama questioned, yet again, willing himself to not get caught in his taunting, eyes mottled with suppressed anger. He blinked when the man merely gestured his head to a specific direction, speaking before turning his back on him.
"You. Come with me."
Kurama cupped his chin in his usual completative stance while inspecting the scattered monochromatic images on the table of the meeting room, briefly darting his calculative gaze to the dagger before lifting a photograph at his eye-level. Consciously diverging his thoughts from the nagging clairvoyance to the task at hand. Albeit in common ground, he didn't know why he felt edgy, it's as if his gut is telling him that this evening isn't going to end well. "It is carbon copy, no doubt." He stated before looking at Kamiya who stood on the other side of the table.
"I thought so. It depicts the same linear and angular shapes of the alphabet but what is fascinating is that in the photos, its seems like it was arrayed backwards." Kamiya pointed out while arranging a couple of prints and comparing the markings to the runes on the dagger.
"Now that you mentioned it, yes. The symbols are in the same chronological order, although reversed. If we are able to read the inscriptions it would not be a surprise that whatever result we may obtain, it will be mutually incompatible." Kurama surmised as he placed his palms on the table, leaning forward to further examine the doctor's disposition.
"I think it's not relevant anymore." Hagiri interjected, pushing himself off the wall a little ways beside Kamiya, adding a thought just as he reached the table. "Because if the Dagger of Death takes life away..."
"...The inscriptions in the photos brings back life." Kurama finished after the expectant pause. With their patented manner of coaxing, it seems like they're steering the conversation to a specific tangent and slowly leading him towards a missing piece of an important puzzle. I do not have time for this. "My apologies, but I have to be blunt. I do not appreciate redundancy. Why the need for my opinion if you seem to have already figured it all out?"
"Your expertise in breaking codes precedes you and it is right to seek for a competent second opinion, wouldn't you agree?" The doctor uttered while fixing his specs on the bridge of his nose.
Do not patronize me. Kurama narrowed his eyes at the men, further lamenting the fact that they managed to engage his curiosity. "Where did you get these photos?"
He just had to ask that. Kamiya thought prior to expelling a disappointed sigh. He honestly thought Kurama got the idea. Give it to Botan to hide something like this from the person who would go to any lengths for her.
"Hn. She will be upset with you, Kamiya." Hagiri remarked, following the measured stride as the physician treaded to the filing cabinet, the sound of grinding metal reverberated in the room as he opened one of the steel drawers.
"I failed to reiterate my purpose here. Though I did not wish to be the one disclosing this to you but I supposed it can't be helped." Kamiya cryptically stated while his deft fingers sifted through the documents, pulling a particular sealed packet out of the bunch.
"After going out of his way and rescuing Botan, Hagiri went to me and asked for my assistance. I was surprised to say the least, when Hagiri, out of all people, asked for my help." The doctor narrated, pushing the steel drawer back on its frame before facing them once again, opening the top flap of the un-dyed manila envelope as he neared the table. "But what was even more astonishing was to find Botan, still alive after sustaining such injuries."
Kurama felt his hackles rising as the trepidation began like a cluster of spark plugs in his abdomen. She... "What — " The words died on his throat when Kamiya presented a colored photograph of a bloodied human legs covered in runic markings.
"This was engraved in the crus of her legs." Kamiya stated. His tone somber, a feat uncommon to the maniacal doctor. Boring his bespectacled gaze onto the shell-shocked red-head as he guage his reaction. He reached inside of the envelop once more to procure a photo, recounting the images one after another while placing them strategically across the surface of the table in similar fashion of laying out the pieces of a fragmentary human puzzle. "This, in her thighs..."
Kurama's human heart hammered in his chest like a rabbit running for his skin as Kamiya continue on his morbid exhibition.
"In her chest and stomach..."
Knuckles turning white from clenching his fists too tight. Breath coming out in a form of deep and heavy pants.
"Her arms..."
Teeth gritted from the effort to remain silent, his fangs elongating as his mind was bombarded with static. Kamiya's haunting revelation, the only sound he caught in reality.
"Whole back..."
The crimson tips of his hair receding, allowing silvery white to dominate his mane. His muscles painfully stretched as he slowly began to transform.
"Scalp, where the instrument they used scraped her occipital, thus, rendering her bald..."
His hunched form exuded an acid-like animosity, potent and scalding as swirls of white smoke began to engulf his form, sparks of black electricity cackled around the room.
"And lastly, her most life-threatening trauma...In the neck... and face..."
'I know because I experienced it first hand...'
The fragile peace was over before it had the chance to take root as Botan's words echoed in his mind. Slanted eyes slowly opened, effectively dispelling the mist of his demon energy, leaving the room in deadly stillness that the air became so brittle it could snap. The smothering sets of gilded orbs threatened to consume everything that it sets upon, moving with alertness while his hands remained clenched in subconscious demand.
"They didn't do this to Botan just to get their powers back." Kamiya prompted, gently breaking the pulsating tension, a little wary to provoke the demon in their first meeting. He held his breath when Kurama fixed him a scorching gaze before the golden probe transferred to an equally stoic Hagiri, lingering for a few seconds prior to falling on the table.
The fox demon lifted a dangerously clawed hand, robotically picking up the image of Botan's heavily lacerated face. Thoughts dancing in infinite directions, filled with ferocity and malice as he went over the mutilated features of his intended mate, memorizing every cut and tear on her flesh, fueling the burning rage that overpowered the mortal body of Shuichi Minamino. When he spoke, his rich baritone boomed across the room, vibrating with power and command...
"They want to bring Death back to life."
...And Kamiya briefly wondered if it was yet to happen or death already swept its wings and made itself known.
A/N:
My apologies if this part of the story seemed to drag on for foreveeerrr...Just wanted to reiterate some important details. So. Yeah...
Planning on revealing Hagiri's main purpose soon. Praying to the spirits so I could update before 2020 ends (But I highly doubt it...)
heartluv - I am glad to have piqued your interest. Still undecided if I will include a BotanxHagiri lovin' lolllsss
sweetcanines - You're certainly right on the diet part! XD I have to apologize for my lateness. I struggled writing this chapter, honestly. But alas! I hope you enjoyed it.
Ringo Shion - It's fine though. I am not fond of keeping anybody from waiting. That's why I feel bad when I couldn't update frequently.
Tashio - I absolutely support you on that. That's why I am finding ways to trigger Kurama into coming out of his shell.
h114 - The doujins are also the main culprits on my late update! I'm sorry! XD
kyolihk - No. Unfortunately. Botan SDF is stuck on Trigger. This is kinda like Botan-Ditzy-turned-Badass version... :D
I hope you liked this chapter.
Thank you for reading, loves!
Xoxo