Thorns and Lilies
Chapter 3
by : Sakeena deathstalkker@yahoo.com
Legal disclaimers apply to all anime.
Panting for breath, Miyuki ran. As fast as her remaining strength could allow. But deep down, she wanted to rake a rest. After school afternoon were supposed to be her snack time when she munched on all the cookies her obasan baked. But now what was she doing? This celebrity thing wasn't so fun anymore. She lost Michiko, thanks to that. She wondered where the other girl was. They'd be good friends, probably if she had not slapped the girl. Now she had another thing to worry about aside from the monsters - the girl she slapped was wealthy. Will she sue me?? Miyuki wondered as she ran. Gasping for more breath, she decided to higher her speed. The monsters, those damned monsters, were catching after her. For a while, she considered stopping . She was tired. All these past weeks, all she did was run. Endless run. Boundless nightmare zones. Numerous monsters. She ran for her life. But why? Her life wasn't such a great one. She was but a pain for her obasan. She had no friends. Only fans.
Maybe I better die. Who knows?? Maybe I can fly afterwards!!!
She laughed at her thoughts. No school. No enemies. No fans.
Why do I have to run? Maybe it's time I face whatever I have to face. I'm sick and tired of living life this way.
She contemplated for a while as she fled from her assailant.
Many reflection came to her. Her family. Her obasan. The mysterious guy. Michiko.
But wait a minute! Her thought landed on the mysterious guy who came to save her. Her made her think. What if he's the prince? If I die, he'll have no princess. She giggled at her fantasy. There are many better girls out there. Too bad. She didn't cry, but took a deep breath.
Finally, she has come to her decision.
I have to face those damned monsters!
She stopped her feet from racing.
All things should come to an end.
She spun around. To face the rancorous eyes of doom .
The demons behind her came approaching fast. She couldn't help guffawing. Their creators had made them speedy-- far more speedy than the previous one. But with their flesh bouncing like that --
She roared pleasantly.
With a grim smile on her lips and both hands on hips, she smiled grimly. She never at all liked playing the role of the hunted. Now she was going to meet the hunter, once and for all. But as he came nearer and silver katana sliced in the air.
The prince! What's he doing here anyway?
"Duh?"
"Mind your own business, hotshot!" she snapped irritably. He didn't seem to care. Maybe he was deaf. The creatures after her were defeated. Almost too easily. Silent as ever, he sheathed his sword and headed away.
Miyuki watched after him, not long before chasing after him.
Koenma sucked at his pacifier. What is this that Kurama want to do that needs his presence? Well, whatever it was , he was a bit pleased his vacation wasn't going to a waste. At least Kurama seemed interested in hanging out with him. Rather weird, he mused to himself silently. He wasn't ignorant of Kurama and Hiei's …um ….. somewhat close relationship.
The sweet air brushed against his smooth face as he stood, with his hands shoved deep in the pocket of his trousers. Then he heard a feeble snap form behind. He turned around and gave out a grin when he recognized the owner of a pair of green eyes.
Kurama. He never fail to surprise me.
Kurama grinned back, but as quickly as his grin appear, it disappeared and his face settled to a sober expression which told Koenma he wasn't there for senseless reasons. Kurama cleared his throat in a business-like manner and turned his back to him. "Uh, Koenma ," he started almost doubtfully. He never liked the idea of having to work for Yomi. He had a strong feeling something bad will happen. Whatever Yomi's plans were, he better watch out. He could sense Yomi's intentions were far from good. And anything far from good is malicious. Still, he couldn't stop his mind from wondering. What could it be that Yomi wanted from Koenma? Whatever it was, he didn't bother telling the fox. Maybe it was just a dream. A nightmare. And once he opens his eyes, everything stupid will vanish. It was all planned. He had known Yomi for a long time. He knew what was in Yomi's head. It was dumb overlook Yomi's adequacy and plots. But then, Yomi appeared to have changed. However, Kurama couldn't detect what in his old friend that changed. Yomi was wise enough not to reveal it.
"Yeah ?" Koenma answered casually. The assertive tone that was usually present in his voice had withdrawn. He sounded much and much more like an ordinary human. Vulnerable to anything.
Kurama hesitated. Now is the time. He should make up his mind. He felt like a great decision was burdening on his soul. One wrong move, and someone might suffer. He should think carefully. Well, he was always careful.
" I was thinking, " Kurama went on, spinning to meet Koenma's eyes.
"Nani?" Koenma asked easily.
Sorry, Koenma.
"Would you, uh, like to meet someone ?"
A dull sound interrupted him from behind Koenma .
Koenma spun to meet the creature that caused some frail clink amidst the thicket to meet the cold dark eyes of a lovely girl.
Yumiko.
To Kurama's surprise, she was in a…..civilized clothes. Her rag clothing was gone. And to add to that, she was in a dress, a flowery one, which Kurama quickly recognized as his mother's. He was going to ask her when he remembered. She was staying over at his house. Kurama even lied to okasan , saying that Yumiko was a poor classmate with a parent working overseas who often failed to send money to her. According to his story, Yumiko was kicked out of the boarding house for not being able to pay the monthly rent. But his mother didn't seem to care about how poor Yumiko was. She was very happy - overjoyed, so to say - that Kurama finally brought home a girl for her to meet. With a light in her eyes, she accepted Yumiko very pleasantly as though the girl was already her daughter and gave her clothes to wear. How kind her mother was! She didn't even know what the girl was and how dangerous she could be. He only wished Yumiko will not do anything to his beloved okasan. Or she will pay.
"Konnichiwa, " she greeted solemnly, endowing an alluring smile.
Kurama gave her an arid glance. She didn't react to Kurama's mordant glare and instead gave out an even more dazzling smile at Koenma.
Kurama clenched his fists. He despised having to see Koenma fall to Yomi's bait. The lad's brown eyes changed from surprise to admiration. He stared at her in a length of time that quite told Kurama Yumiko's spell was working. Almost too easily. Well, Kurama had to admit, he himself had to fight the so as not to fall in her hands. Her loveliness was tempting. He spun around turning his back on the two. He couldn't bear to see Koenma gnaw on Yomi's filthy bait, slowly drawing on the thorny rope his own doom.
Being a Ningen made him conscientious enough so as at least not to behold when he himself was betraying a friend. He was right, though. Koenma was amazed with the view that filled his perception. They would all have the same reaction.
The greatest weakness of men is a woman.
Kurama sniggered angrily . He condemned himself. There are decisions which are very hard to make. A single wrong move and he was to risk his friend or his okasan. But he chose his okasan. That was because Koenma was the Prince of Reikai. He shouldn't fall to easily on Yomi's trap. And even if he did, he was the son of god of death. What harm could be done to him?
Life is not a fair a game. You never know what you're gonna get. It is the rivalry between the aces and the jokers.
To what Kurama had drawn, he couldn't distinguish yet.
He could change everything now. The power rested on him. He should act swiftly, before it's too late. Yumiko was already enslaving Koenma under her spell. One wicked spell.
"Yumiko " Kurama started, trying to sound patient. If Yomi would at least give him one day to sort everything out.....
The girl turned to Kurama sharply and gave him a venomous look. "I want to finish my assignment soon."
"In what school do you go to?" Koenma asked, watching the girl gingerly, obviously not noticing Kurama's uneasiness .
Kurama looked at her, somewhat hoping for her to falter, but instead she conferred an apologetic smile and blushed. "Gaikoudai Fuzoku High School," she answered timidly .
Kurama gripped his fists even more. How the hell did this bitch get to know that school ? "Yumiko," Kurama interrupted again, a little loudly this time. The girl gave him a devilish look.
"You know her, Kurama ?" Koenma broke in to the heat of their evil stares. The two broke out the spell that endangered to destroy the whole of Ningenkai and spun their heads to different directions.
Kurama scratched his forehead. "Uh, yeah. Sort of." Koenma gave him an expecting look. Kurama sighed to himself silently. Things were not turning as bad as he had anticipated. It was worse !
"Koenma, this is Yumiko Abe," he introduced as politely as he could muster. He sneaked a peek at the girl. She looked calm and sweet as ever. She gave him a smug smile behind a candy-coated one when their gazes locked. Kurama fought the impulse to hit her with his fist. " And Yumiko, this is Koenma."
Phew! He had said it. He was through with his job. But everything was clear now.
Jokers.
"How do you feel?" Yukina asked gently to the red-haired girl who was sitting with her head on her hands.
Miyuki looked up, shrugged her shoulders, and beamed. "Miserable," she answered nonchalantly. But she chortled merrily.
Yukina gave Genkai a puzzled look which seemed to ask, "Is she nuts?" Hiei just came in, bringing the girl he saved twice. As always, Hiei refused to speak and say anything, much more, relate what happened, leaving Genkai and Yukina to fit the puzzles in to pieces. Genkai raised a brow which answered, "We'll find out." Yukina left for the kitchen, still looking confused, shaking her greenish hair.
Miyuki stood up from her sitting position and headed for the door.
"Where are you going ?" Genkai asked in a sedate voice. This girl was not much of help. Genkai couldn't get the faintest clue if she was kidding, being sarcastic or lying. Her expression rarely change and her brief wordings were always interrupted by a giggle. She didn't seem interested in sharing anything and was only more than ready to laugh to anything they say or ask. What a weird girl, Genkai fumed. She have had slight problems analyzing Yusuke's character and the course his mind was taking - if ever he had one - but this girl was a lot ..... more bizarre. She had presumed that she was but a minor Yusuke, but when she scrutinized it, she found them but two different persons. On one point , Yusuke takes his enemies seriously with a little humor. Miyuki, on the other hand scarcely takes anything seriously and with but most humor -- even when there was absolutely nothing humorous. Maybe just like Hiei? No. Hiei never smile, much more, laugh. But they both refused to speak. What is going on?
"Outside. Wanna come along?" Miyuki invited Genkai as she opened the door.
"Yes, yes." Genkai joined her as she called out to Yukina , telling them they were outside.
Miyuki sat on the steps of Genkai's temple , with both of her elbows against her knees. Genkai remained standing some feet away from her.
Miyuki gazed at the stars above. Odd. The breeze was a lot cooler from what she had anticipated. She chuckled a little, realizing her mistake. She had committed a limitless a number of mistakes, but she never learned. How ironic. She should be perfect by now. Why did he have to save me anyway? She had asked herself that question for what seemed like the hundredth time. I shouldn't have been here. This place was too quiet for her. Like her obasan's. Well, why did you follow him? a cynical voice retorted in her head. She chuckled again. Genkai sneaked a glance at her. How come that voice was wiser than her? Whose is that voice anyway? Isn't that supposed to be mine? Then, why precede me? Stupid. The voice was right though. Yeah. I have a point in that. Why did I follow him, in the first place? You're thanking him, remember? the voice snapped again. Shit. The voice is right again. I-correction- am right again. She laughed loudly. It was very funny how she was battling to herself because she embarrassed herself to herself. " Awwwww. Stupid," she moaned.
Genkai, this time, gaped at her. "Sumimasen?"
"I was wondering --uh, what's your name again--?"
"Genkai," Genkai answered simply, turning her head at the girl.
"I was wondering, Genkai, why did that, uh-- what's his name -- saved me?" she asked, drifting her big ochroid eyes to the older woman. She was pretty and looked extremely innocent and absolutely just like a common girl, like Yukina. But Genkai wasn't fooled. She knew the girl by now. Laughing to herself. Talking to herself. That wasn't the behavior of "a common girl." This girl she was next to was anything but ordinary.
"I don't know, Miyuki. I am not sure. Hiei is full of surprises." Like you.
"Hiei," she mumbled repeatedly as though getting her tongue used to the name. "It's really crazy, you know," the red-haired crowed suddenly. Genkai sat down next to her, watching her attentively. "Why things like this happen ?! I mean, I-I never expected this. "
Genkai gravitated her eyes away from her, nodding wordlessly, motioning for her to continue.
" Sometimes, I was thinking what have I done wrong for these things to happen. I mean -- " her voice trailed off, as she laid her head to her hand, chuckling a little. Genkai caught a note of grief in her merry voice. There. Genkai nodded to herself in realization. She hadn't been to observant to notice that earlier. Miyuki was hiding all her miseries behind her happy appearance.
She is miserable.
Genkai waited for her to go on, but she only laughed gleefully with a tinge of sorrow. A crest of clouds blurred the stars and the moon which resembled a dark shade of sanguine. Miyuki lifted her head from her hand and looked up. It felt like someone was watching her. The moon. Something was really wrong with the moon. The cool breeze sent chills to her skin and she trembled flimsily. She tugged at her arms and shut her eyes. Wait a minute. Since when was the moon red? Illusions. She opened her eyes. No. Not another illusion, but the eyes was still red......Eyes? It took her a long time to realize she was staring at the figure beneath a tree. He was silent as ever and he was wearing mostly black. Miyuki couldn't shake the feeling that she was dreaming. Why, Genkai was so silent and -- she turned to Genkai -- but no Genkai. Where the heck --?
"Genkai ?" she called out, beginning to panic. She didn't trust her own eyes anymore. That gallant figure -- it could be something else ...... She stood up and went for the door.
"Are you afraid of me?" the guy chimed in, his voice was still calm.
She stopped and turned back, sighing. "N-n-no," she grumbled in an uncertain voice . She could feel her heart beating wildly in her chest. A wonder the guy didn't cover his ears.
"Why? " he questioned . He seemed to be moving forward.
Uh-oh. She hated questions, much more reasons. She dashed for the door again. She was hearing things. Maybe even Genkai was just an illusion.
"Why?" he asked again.
The coldness in his voice froze her. Shit. It's happening again. Wait a minute. She was wanting to die. What the hell's the matter. Am I scared? Shit. No. Me? Scared?! She stepped back and spun on her heels. She giggled to herself. Fear was what normal people feel. I'm nothing like normal . She has to face what she has to face. She bent her head to meet him. "Just because," she answered. She sat down again at her old position. The guy was nearing her. So what? Why, he's cute in the darkness!
He leaned his back to a the nearest tree he found closest to her and was speechless. He watched her cupped her chin to her hand. Something told him that this girl was no common one. She was beginning to interest him. "Why?"
She looked thoughtful. She was having a hard time seeing him, but she didn't care. Maybe that was for the best. Somehow, she could still feel him watching her, even when a cloud of darkness came between them. But she didn't reach for him nor did did he attempt. Distance didn't matter. If he was her prince, then he was even from far away. She grinned. Prince? She chortled sadly. "I don't know why. You know, sometimes --" She stole a peep at him. He seemed to understand her whole being with out trying to scare or annoy her. Without words. Their eyes locked. Darkness was in the way, but it obstructed them not. Trust was building in strange people in strange ways . Distance never mattered, she realized. She was seeing clearly now despite the vagueness that dawdle amidst them. And for once, she was certain of what she saw. Sadness. Sadness also dwelled within him. She could feel it. And for once, she knew she was never alone.
The air whistled humbly , swaying the thriving trees that fostered the beauty of Ningenkai. A dauntless figure loomed by the charm the shimmered with the magnificence of nature alone. He sat by a rock, nudging one elbow on his knee as his thoughts drifted away. His brown hair appeared to be raven along with his chestnut eyes that darkness caused. The dim light was soft on his eyes and he couldn't help grinning as he conceived the splendor of Ningenkai that silence entitled him to appreciate. In Reikai, there was no such thing as beauty . Everything was work, work and work. He woke up to start his work and slept to energize himself with more work to greet him by morning. He was beginning to forget all the beauty that life has to offer. Well, he almost did. But that girl, that lovely girl he met the night before , made him see that this life isn't just all about work itself. There are things which need a solid attention just to relish the ultimate grandeur of its nature . He heaved a sigh. His head was clearing of it's foggy records of spirits and their destinations. This is an authentic break. It should be one. He deserved it, after all. He failed to comprehend the real meaning of life solely much more the significance of existence, along with its purposes and reasons. Because in Reikai, it all landed to a single door : work. Vivality understood his necessity of rest and cooperated with him. It was its reward to him for his obedience and virtue that he treasured. His grin disappeared gradually. Perhaps he had been too harsh to Botan? After all, she was only being nice when she offered to keep him company. But he snapped at her and told her to get lost for just once. He just desired to be alone. That, however, was not a right excuse to be rude to her. Damn. I blew it. I wasn't myself. I should apologize, he reflected to himself. He didn't want Serenity to turn him into a selfish boss, only wishing to keep everything to himself.
He stood up and dusted off his jeans. He was in Ningenkai, after all. He should dress and act like one. Do what Romans do. And almost easily, he was beginning to adapt to the humanly environment and behaviors around him. He used his baby form rarely nowadays. Girls like the way he looked. They giggle on his pacifier. They blush on his eyes. He like seeing delight about him. He didn't want to disappoint them.
He rotated to the way he knew was the route to Genkai's temple. He mumbled quietly on what he was going to say to Botan.
Yumiko stood by a tree, watching Koenma. Kentaro had ordered her to suck Koenma's power. Her master needed that for his ultimate plan ,whatever it was. And now was the perfect time. No stupid Kurama to interrupt her. Of course, to get Koenma's power, she had to take a bite first of his flesh and a drink of his blood. That could satisfy her growling stomach. She was hungry. Vampires couldn't settle for human food. They were good, alright. Especially Shiori's cooking. But not enough to keep her full for the next twenty minutes.
She wasn't originally a vampire. But Kentaro turned her into one. Just like him. He and Raizen made a great pair, actually. She wondered why Raizen didn't eat her. He never touched her either. Maybe he had his intentions, but Kentaro had already had her in his hands and it was too late. Kentaro was a vampire, from a race as barbaric as ever. He was the last one of his kind. Much vampires, though how tough creatures they were, had come to their end. To turn one into a vampire, he must make love to the creature. Kentaro loved women and a great womanizer himself, but he'd rather eat them after having sex with them , quickly, while they were still weak. She was afraid he'll do the same to her. But he didn't, to her surprise and puzzlement. Her just came to her one night as she took a bath and made love to her. She was a virgin and Kentaro was the first to touch her. That was the first and the last time she made love with someone. She never liked Kentaro, but through out the years, she learned to love him. She hated it when he first kissed her that night. But she kept silent and allowed him to do what he wants. He was her lord, after all. She had a vow to keep. And she feared him. She didn't know she would turn into a vampire, though she was aware her master was one. She just thought she was just going to die afterwards. But instead, she lived. She never seemed to grow older. She stayed the same, looked the same and possessed the body of a youth. Just like him.
However, they were able to control their hunger. From an oracle, Kentaro found a new way to make them full for more than century. An herb was what they ate. After that, they never became hungry again. Not until then. Kentaro would like to formulate plans - best plans for his dreams. In his territory, he, with slave rested for a long time, that many Makai residents thought they were dead of starvation. But no, Kentaro was actually waiting for the time when he becomes strong again and the effect of the herb would vanish. It was then that he decided to let Ayane lose to do him another assignment. Surely, Ayane should be tempted to eat , no matter what. And he was right.
She moved to Koenma. Kentaro warned her what he was. But she didn't care. He was in Ningenkai. He should taste like Ningen.
"Going somewhere ?" she interrupted his thoughts.
He raised a brow. He didn't notice anyone sneak past him or even felt someone watching him. A hand reached out from the murky path and stopped briefly before his chest, palms spread out in a manner which stopped Koenma. "Yeah?" he muttered. He couldn't recognize the voice but it was awfully familiar.
The figure took a step forward, revealing a part of his body to the comforting *rays* of the moon. His long dark hair flew carelessly caressing his face. Koenma narrowed his eyes but no assimilation came to his head. The creature took another step forward. Koenma tread backward. The creature's dark eyes was becoming observable with the help of the moon's light. Koenma gasped, recognizing those eyes. "Yumiko? ?"
She laughed. "Right. How did you know it was me? " she leaned her head forward, gazing at Koenma straight in the eye, giving a mischievous beam.
Koenma stepped back. "I-I don't know. I just do," he stammered uncertainly.
"Grrrrr," she chimed at him, stepping forward and forward as Koenma retreated. She grabbed Koenma's shirt and pulled him close, staring at him in an enticing eyes . "What do you say, hmmmm?"
"Hi, Koenma! And, um, Yumiko?!" a merry voice chimed in.
Yumiko released him and looked disgusted. Kurrrrrrama! That baka is here again! A virile figure came to appearance as Kurama neared. Yumiko stalked after him, glaring at him furiously, muttering curses. Koenma looked confused, and trailed after her, but Botan stopped him.
"Koenma-sama!" she greeted cheerfully.
"Uh, Botan?" he asked rather surprisedly. Then he stopped and went over to his apology.
"Kurama!" Yumiko thundered in fierce voice that cut through the cold wind of the night. Kurama's beam disappeared and he faced the girl seriously.
"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded with the same rate of anger in his calm voice. He had chosen a lengthy distance from where Koenma and Botan were. If this was to be a fight, then he did not want disturbance.
"I'm doing my job," she answered rigidly meeting his emerald eyes.
"You're quitting it," Kurama ordered sternly at her.
She sniggered sardonically and rolled her eyes, putting both of her hands on hips. "It's none of your business," she complained sadly , looking down at her feet.
"I think it is now. If it concerns Koenma then it concerns me," he insisted , unwilling to give up.
She looked up sharply and glowered at him. She pushed him suddenly to the ground and he landed abruptly, unprepared for her attack. She grasped his wrists and pinned them on the ground, securing him between her knees. "NONE of your business!" she boomed, her hair falling down at Kurama.
Their eyes locked for a moment as they both gasp for breath. Kurama blinked. Was his eyes playing tricks on him or did he saw a mark of melancholy in her dark eyes? He shook the thought out of him. She was perhaps starting to bind him in her wicked charm again. Trusting his judgment was an extremely hard task with her around. He struggled free, but she pushed him back.
"Get off me, "he hissed at her.
She smirked and lowered her head even more at him. "It's not what you think it is , Kurama," she purred. She shook her head.
"I'm quitting this deal," he coaxed dryly at her. "I'll talk to Yomi."
"It's not what you think it is," she repeated. Kurama caught a trail of bitterness in her icy voice. "I don't work for Yomi. It is Yomi who works for me."
He winced. What is this crone talking about? He couldn't get the heads and tails of the things going on. "What do you mean?"
"I mean you're wrong about what you're thinking. It's all the other way around," she explained simply.
"Oh? Then why don't you let me go ?" he asked her. Besides, you're staying in my house. Talk about gratitude! He struggled to be free again. He wasn't using his energy to the fullest but he did not wish to have to. He did not like hurting women, but it was all in Yumiko's hands if she would let him. Being a human made him see the comeliness of the world and the unfading beauty of women. He did not want to hurt her as much as possible even though he knew she was but a demon from Makai and was dying to harm him.
She gave a sympathetic grin. "Because that's not according to my job," she purred quietly. Kurama decided to take the advantage to get free by jerking up suddenly as she clarifies her side with as less and arcane words as imaginable , but she slumped him back to the ground. "Don't dare," she warned harshly, gripping his wrists. He imparted her a dirty gaze. She leaned down at him. "Don't ever dare. I'll kill you next time," she whispered more softly this time in his ear in a menacing voice. Kurama felt her warm breath in his neck. He struggled to free himself again, but she growled lifting up her head to meet his gaze. "You never learn or do you? Then maybe I have to kill you. You'll be delicious."
He watched her , her white teeth sparkled and her dark eyes glittered under the sterling moon . Instantly, he realized what she was. Vampires. Damn. Why get in trouble with one? Just great, Kurama. Now you're her dinner. What could I ask for more? She tilted her head closer to his neck. Kurama gritted his teeth. How could Yomi have a vampire as his worker? Then her voice echoed back on his ears.
I don't work for Yomi. It is Yomi who works for me.
Could it be? Did that demon tell the truth or was she lying? But it was a more suitable explanation and he himself could not find a better one. Vampires. They were one of the most barbaric of the demons in Makai. They were Makai's worst nightmare, outstanding disaster, worst-case scenario, number one aggressor and the most hard-hearted enemies .They were Makai's principal dilemma that caused a great loss of millions during their reign. Makai was not a *quiet* hell when vampires existed. They slaughter, eat , slaughter , eat without mercy nor tenderness . They butcher one another at the scarcity of edibles and the most ferocious demons in Makai that even Raizen's army was not known to have defeated them in a fair game or not. No single weakness did they seem to possess and the whole of Nether world burned with hatred upon a hungry vampire's eyes. They see things the same way -- food and power. For themselves, they showed no exceptions when it comes to killing. They lived to kill. They kill to live. But they were no similar to other vampires known to ningen. These creatures suck blood at the same time absorbing their victim's power and strength. The only visible prospect of their existence was to satisfy their limitless hunger and thirst , entitling themselves with much pleasure they get upon knowing that they cause all the griefs and sufferings of the fellow demon around them. They mainly live to slay out of their hunger and thirst.
Kurama grappled free, feeling her breath on his neck. But she was too strong, her hunger providing much force that he could not exceed using the maximum of his human strength. Gee. Kurama. What a nice way to die. Finally, he felt her cold teeth pressing against his skin. Damn. I got to do something before her teeth sinks deeper for my patience to sustain. But she stopped abruptly as though she smelled something undesirable. He felt her gulping for breath as she lifted her head from his neck, rolling her eyes to the corner.
"Don't move, " a rigid voice warned from behind her. Kurama distinguished the balmy voice immediately. Yumiko felt a cold blade pointing by her nape, it's tips toying with her skin. She jiggled suddenly, but she felt the cold blade dipping in her nape. She sensed blood trickle down and she bit her lower lip, battling the pain.
"Did she do anything to you?" Hiei asked Kurama , standing in a repose manner, ready to strike any minute.
Kurama beamed gratefully at Hiei. "Iie, Hiei. Don't hurt her."
The koorime snarled, a little disappointed, but withdrew his katana. Kurama hoisted himself up, pushing the girl off him cautiously. Yumiko looked away and slumped on the ground letting her nape bleed carelessly. Hiei walked off after mumbling a little "hn" . Kurama offered a hand to Yumiko but she refused it and strolled over to a rock after declining to meet his eyes. Kurama's eyes followed after her as she neared a little rock under a tree beside the lake shore, sheltering her from the moon's silver beams. She sat by a rock, nudging one elbow on her knee as her thoughts drifted away.
"What's going on?" Botan asked red-haired lad as they walk along the narrow path to Genkai's temple. She had just walked Koenma back to the temple and had stolen away secretly to Kurama who had not yet returned.
"Nothing," Kurama responded absently.
Botan gave him a disgruntled look, obviously discontented with the answer. She had helped him distract Koenma and Yumiko when she heard of Kurama's assumptions. And now , a small "nothing" is what she gets? "That's not fair, Kurama. I'm part of this too."
He shrugged. "Nothing. She just have her motives to your master."
"Motives, eh? What kind of motives ?" she inquired, her brows furrowing along with her pink eyes thoughtfully. She wondered what kind of motives. Well, she was aware how good-looking her master could be, but she never thought a girl would take him seriously. After all, he has a pacifier.
They walked to Genkai's temple for a long time with out words. The dry leaves crunched crisply beneath their feet as they sauntered their way through the dark woodland. Botan sighed disgustedly at Kurama. Kurama was too distracted in his own thoughts to bother thanking her much more talking to her. He sensed her annoyance, realizing he had not yet answered her question. He turned to her. "Nah, Botan. It's not for you to know."
Botan glared at him.
"Give me back my son, I pray, Lord Kentaro ," Yomi wailed pleadingly before the metallic throne that perch steadily in front him. He was sweating turbulently as if a storm flooded around his brow and neck as he knelt humbly before the wickedly smiling magnate. It was dark, everywhere and mists of fog roamed loosely , surrounding Yomi's body like fiercely tongues of fire whose smoke made him dizzy in head and his chest gasping for breath. He didn't know what was wrong; it was still Makai, only the part of Makai where Kentaro's palace was built . It made him somehow think of his death, one thing that never haunted him for the extensive years of his existence. He sneered silently to himself, as fogs wrapped around him. Once I get my son, I'll go with my plans. I'll wipe that hellish smile off that bastard's face. His mind soared away for a minute as he went over his plans, scanning quickly for a root of failure or a base for miscarriage. But there was none. He couldn't surely fail this time. He could feel fate shifting to his side, sliding a comforting around his seemingly doomed power. No. He's going to let all those people who had underestimated him see what a mighty emperor he was going to be. They just wait and see. And that Kentaro? He's going to punish him, torture him and let him feel all the pain hell had to grant. That metallic throne? It was going to be his, and Shura would sit beside him happy as a clam, watching the neared execution of the people who condemned them. They were going to rule over all of Makai; be respected, honored and feared through all the worlds of Nether world. With his power, life will not be miserable. At last. He could already taste the savor of authority and domination he was to exercise. People shall worship the ground they walk on . Right now, however, he just have to accomplish this. Power without Shura was a big foolishness. Besides, without Shura it was far from possible for him to reach the height of his dream.
"Ah, Yomi, you came to get your son," the dark eyed Kentaro had boomed, relishing every minute of seeing Yomi kneel before him. He scratched a hand over his chin, his silky dark hair falling around his face. "But I pray you haven't forgotten our deal?"
Yomi bit his lower lip. He was supposed to be blind. How come he could still see that devilish smirk all over that young lad's face? "I am aware of that. See for yourself, lord Kentaro. I have done my part. " He bowed his head lower with much hate and regret flowing in him. It felt stupid to kneel down to someone who appeared younger than him for decades. Kentaro surfaced more of as an adolescent like Kurama- Shuichi Minamino, he corrected himself. He was young but he had grown powerful. How he envy him! Authority, however, should rest to an adult's hand, not to a minor. He was not sure how old that Kentaro was, but it surely wouldn't show by judging his good looks. Nevertheless Yomi wished he was young, really young. It would simply mean he was ignorant.
A silver light glittered to Yomi's right. It was blurred for a moment, then it turned clear, showing a dark haired girl with a chestnut haired guy. The girl was wearing a simple dress while her companion wore a bandage around his forehead. She was stepping forward while the guy retreated. "Is that Enma Daiou's son?"
Yomi nodded despite the thought that Kentaro wouldn't be able to see him due to the fog that cloaked around them. "Yes." To whatever happened behind the fogs, he didn't know . Kentaro seemed to be quiet for a while , as though thinking. It was a long time, but there was no reply. Yomi's knees were already aching hard but he didn't dare to stand up even though he had lost sight of the lad. For a while he thought he was just seeing visions, and his mind tangled with confusion whether what happened was just a foolish imaginations. He was no longer sure if he was facing the right direction, for the metallic throne melted away with the fog that clasp on his chest.
"Bring his musuko here," a voice interrupted his thoughts. He recognized the voice as Kentaro's. To whom ever he was talking to, Yomi had no idea. If there was a response, he didn't hear it either. But no. It was not a vision. The fogs had somehow made a little way for him to see clearly the lad he was getting rid of, with not a servant nor a soldier beside him. Good. The mention of his musuko stimulated his spirits again. His confusions vanished as he waited for the arrival of his beloved musuko, Shura. It was as if forever lasted before Shura came into his sight. He saw a little figure obscure by the mists. The fog cleared gradually, as his son became more audible. Indeed, it was Shura , his fiery eyes glad upon seeing his father for a long time. The emperor dissolved in the thin air from Yomi's eyes, along with the metallic chair. The father along with his son strode off to their part of Makai to grant them their revenge.
November 1998 © Sakeena