Thorns and Lilies
Chapter 5
by : Sakeena deathstalkker@yahoo.com
Legal disclaimers apply to all anime.
"What's going on with you, you --" was his name Genkai?
She watched him, her head slightly raised, adjusting to the blade on her neck. She struggled her wrists free, but the tips of the blade sunk very deeply on the trunks of the tree. She felt its sharp edges against her skin and she discontinued. Her right wrist was already bleeding. She felt her own blood trickle slowly on her hands.
He came closer. Miyuki did not know whether or not to be happy or to be angry or to be scared. She gasped when she failed to recognize him. It was not the crimsoned-eyed guy at all. He was a guy, clad mostly with metal, his lime-colored hair stuffed in the head gear he was wearing. Standing before her, he stared at her as though scrutinizing every part of her body. Finally, their gaze locked. He had a very dark eyes, poised with an intrepid physique and a very grim look . He crossed his arms over his chest and observed her.
"What the fucking shit are you?" Miyuki asked casually, grinning at him sardonically. He did not answer , and she roared. He was something else, not just an ordinary ningen. She could feel it. His presence radiated some other force she could only feel with the red-eyed guy. "Let me go," she ordered him silently. Aw, Miyuki, what made you think he'll listen? "Bastard. Listen to me. Lemme go. I have a cookie for you," she said again, giving out a foolish smile. The guy did not react as if he could not see anything. She was going to say another word when he pulled the blade off her neck. She raised a brow, a little astounded.
"Arigatou," she mumbled, watching him carefully.
"Don't thank me. I'm going to kill you," he responded for the first time.
She shrugged, muttering, "Aw , that's fine. You're welcome." Then she stopped shrugging and faced him. "What? Baka!" She went on struggling again, as the guy produced something from his back.
The guy laid his hand against her neck sharply and squeezed it. "Shut your eyes. This is going to hurt."
"Before I die, I want to ask you why do I have to die?" she asked him, looking as nonchalant as ever.
"You know too much," he answered simply.
She grappled and tried to wave his hands off, but he was too strong. She watched as his other hand produced a dagger and aimed it at her, with his arms raised. She could not understand what he had said, but she was sick of talking. Besides, she knew he was to feed her with but so little answers.
"I said close your eyes," he went on.
Miyuki stopped moving and sighed, shaking her head in disagreement . If she was to die, she was going to face it with her eyes peeled. She was still fortunate, though. She could not believe she was going to die in the hands of human-looking demon. Well, not so lucky, she had to admit in disappointment. What about her prince? Wasn't he gonna come and rescue her? She had always presumed to die in the hands of a monstrous creature in a horrid way. Ok, so she may die in a horrid way…but this time, her aggressor was pretty good-looking compared to her previous assailants.
Sasaki gripped on the hilt, raising his hand for a strong swing. He was to cut off her head. Finally. His work shall be through. Then he was going to look for his beloved Sayuri. He was going to struck her, avoiding her bold gaze. Her eyes brought so much upon him that sympathy flowed again. No. This could not be. It was his job to kill. It was his task. It was for Sayuri. He saw Sayuri's azure eyes in that girl. Oh no. She could not be. He conferred out a painful cry as he swung his arms down . He had to do his job. That was what Yomi had dictated.
A silver sword glistened in the air, stopping Sasaki's dagger in mid air. Miyuki spun her head, hope surged in her eyes. The two of them fought, Hiei leading the guy away from Miyuki. She struggled to be free. A pair of hands helped her. She turned to the owner of the hands. Michiko. The beautiful Takeda.
She grinned worriedly. "Are you OK, Miyuki?"
Miyuki nodded. "Yes," she lied with fabricated sincerity. She was not OK at all. She had never been OK since this things had started this way. Michiko shook her head and concentrated on releasing her from the blades. It took her a long time before she was able to pull the blades off off the trunk. Miyuki fell but Michiko caught her before her body touched the ground. "I'm tired,Takeda," she whispered softly. Her head was throbbing again. Her eyes hurt.
Michiko held her gently cautiously with her soft arms, smiling mildly at the platinum eyes of Miyuki. "Favor please, Miyuki?"
The other girl managed to raise a brow. "Hmmm?"
"I have a name. Call me Michiko."
Miyuki beamed simply. "Sure, Michiko."Then, her brows knitted . "But what is it do you have to tell me that you were not able to tell me three days ago?"
"Maybe later, when you're fine." The girl took Miyuki's right hand and gasped. She laid her down on the grass and tore a part of her skirt, bandaged it on her friend's bloody wrists. "Don't worry, Miyuki. I'm here now." She sneaked a glance at the two nearby who was in a duel. Hiei and the guy was fighting furiously, their swords clashing madly. The guy had met his match.
Yumiko strode to Koenma who was alone sitting on the swing on the playground, looking austere as usual. He appeared as though he was thinking of his paper works in Reikai . Poor Koenma, she thought to herself. Kentaro had told her all about she had to know about Koenma - the prince, Reikai, but it was Kurama who told her about his life : work , work, work and work. She hesitated in her steps feeling a pang of pity hit her along with that felt a wave of guilt . Am I going to do this? She hid behind the trees that surrounded the playground and squeezed her little finger. Am I going to make his life more miserable? She lurked a glance at him. What was the matter with her anyway? She was still hungry of course, and Kentaro's orders was to satisfy her hunger with the lad first and foremost. That was his order. But she couldn't get herself to do it. After Kurama told her about the Prince's lonely life.
He was still sitting down on the swing, wearing a pair of ningen jeans, a white shirt and a purple cloth wounded around his forehead. She shut her eyes and sighed. She hated doing this, but she had to. That was according to her master Kentaro. It was the job he had entrusted her. But it felt bad. On the contrary, this is the best time to do everything. Yusuke was still in school , Hiei was in a battle , Kurama had gone to Yomi and was not in her way, and Kazuma was too hooked up in that Yukina's beauty to care for the world. The report came from her master. This is absolutely the best time.
Should I grab the chance? She shook her head. No. This is wrong. There were so many humans out there to serve as her food. It didn't have to be him. But those ningen didn't have what Lord Kentaro desired. It was Koenma's power that he wanted, so he could defeat the descendant of Raizen. Her lord Kentaro had went to the mountains some centuries ago to seek the oracle which had portrayed a descendant of his long-time rival . This descendant who shall exist by the late 20th century was going to crush his empire and unite the whole of Makai. He shall be known all over Makai for his formidable strength and power. It was said that he was Raizen's only son who was going to revive his father's glory, with much power that surpassed Kentaro's and Raizen's altogether. Only the power of Enma Daiou's son could level his.
She walked toward him, but stopped again as she remembered Kurama's okasan. She had patted her cheek lovingly and had hugged Yumiko as though she was her child. It was very hard to let people down, especially those people like Shiori. Kurama is lucky to have a kind mother, she thought morosely to herself. An obscure image of her otousama appeared before her and she fought back the tears. Shiori reminded her of her otousama who had perished in Raizen's hands. The thought brought much anger and agony in her and she clenched her fists in rage. No. She was not going to let her Lord Kentaro down. She had seen his frustrated look when he had heard the oracle. The future of his empire was in her hands. She should make her move.
She went on walking. Koenma turned his head to her direction when he heard her footsteps. He grinned and patted the swing next to him.
"Am I disturbing you, Koenma-sama?" she inquired lightly, smiling back at him as she sat down on the swing.
Koenma shook his head, his brown hair waving. "Not at all, Yumiko. You don't have classes today?"
"Nah. I got classes. Just didn't feel like it. Needed a break," she responded simply, keeping the little smile on her face. "What about you?" She looked down , playing with her fingers in her lap.
There was a long silence, before he answered again, his voice unruffled. "If Shuichi Minamino had not told you yet, well, I don't belong here. I am not a ningen, Yumiko. "
Yumiko observed him in her dark eyes, amazed. She had presumed he was going to lie as she did, but he did not. He was looking far away as though he was seeing the world differently from hers. She felt a flicker of admiration for him stream to her. He was a very nice creature, and it became even a lot harder for her to do her mission. He twirled his head suddenly and caught her looking at him. Her cheeks flushed a shade of crimson and she turned her eyes reluctantly back to her hands on her lap, bowing her head.
"It's fine if you don't believe me. There are things which are very hard to believe," he went on.
His words echoed back to her ears menacingly. Her smile disappeared as she thought of herself. She felt a pang of guilt stab her in the chest. Why did it have to be like this? All of a sudden, she felt close to the guy beside her and she could no longer bring herself to hurt him. He was the son of Enma Daiou, the prince of Reikai, yet he was kind and lowly. He doesn't deserve any of these. She already felt like confiding to him with all the troubles within her and all the sorrows and grief she could not divulge in her lord Kentaro . The thought of her lord brought her back to herself . She just had to accomplish her mission, even if it felt bad. She owed Kentaro a lot and had sworn an oath to submit her whole entity to him. It was an oath by the river Sanzu that neither she nor Kentaro should and could break. But then, she regretted for having said such oath.
"I believe you, Koenma-sama, "she stated firmly.
"You do?" He asked her, gyrating to her, unable to hide his surprise.
She kept her head down as she nodded, her dark hair caressing her face. Koenma reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear and inspected her carefully. She lifted her head and turned to him , grinning lightly as she met his resolute gaze. They had only met three days ago, but a bond seemed to have formed between the two of them. He seemed a lot easier to approach than Kentaro, that was for sure. They looked at each other for a long while, the little grin slowly disappearing form Yumiko's pretty face. Koenma glanced at her, affection and fondness growing inside him. It was Yumiko herself who broke the spell, whirling her eyes away from his, a pink glow visible on her cheeks. She concentrated on her hands again, thinking of something to say. There was a long silence that neither of them spoke. She already wanted to tell him everything about her, but she could not bring herself to mutter the words out. She stood up suddenly ." I have to go, Koenma-sama," she announced waveringly, keeping her eyes on her hands. She spun on her heels abruptly , not bothering to stop to hear what he had to say, but she felt him grasp her wrist.
"You have to go already?"
She didn't turn to face him. "I, uh, yes," she stammered, pulling her wrist free, but Koenma held it firmly.
"Can I see you again?"
Yumiko shut her eyes for a while. Her head started to ache and her stomach rumbled. She had to eat. That was what she lived for. And that was also her job. But it felt bad. Terribly bad to have to go through that again. She would never want to have to hurt anybody again just to satisfy her hunger. She was sick and tired of having to live the life Kentaro's ancestors had --a savage, brutal , barbarous, primitive life. Things flashed in her mind as she battled whether to perform her assignment or not. There seemed to be every reason to and but a single reason not to. " I have to go," she repeated faintly. She was beginning to feel dizzy and sooner or later all she could be able to think of was food.
"I want to see you again," Koenma proclaimed in an adamant voice, declining to let her go.
She shook her head, unable to voice out her refusal. The next time they meet, it might be his end. She couldn't stand that. But he was insistent and wouldn't let her go. If she didn't accept his invitation, then her hunger might eat up all her self-control and he might perish NOW. No. That can't be. She finally nodded, still incapable of saying the words out loud as she was breathing hard. Koenma pulled her and spun her around not noticing her heavy breathing. He looked alarmed at her pale face.
"Is anything wrong?" he asked worriedly at her.
She managed a feeble smile, shaking her head. "Yes. I'd like to -- " she coughed , interrupting her words.
Koenma caught her, concern running in hs eyes. "What's wrong?"
She didn't bother to answer his question and instead, pulled herself up with sufficient support from him. "I have to go," she muffled out, and staggered away from him as fast as she could.
She ran hurriedly off to the trees that enclosed the playground, hearing Koenma's faint footsteps following her. She hid herself behind a tree and landed on her knees, gasping. She felt sick, one of those signs that she needed edibles. But it's afternoon. I shouldn't be hungry yet, she thought dolefully. Then she remembered. The very first reason she was here was to eat and absorb Koenma's power. That was all.
"Konnichiwa," a familiar voice greeted her. She looked up to meet the emerald eyes of Kurama who was standing in front of her an egotistical smile written on his face.
"Konnichiwa yourself," she retorted furiously, looking at him through her dark rumpled locks. A thousand and one curses . What the hell is that fox doing here? I thought he's with Yomi. She remained immobile in her position but kept a steady eye at him, watching his every move at the corner of her eyes.
"Don't you worry, Yumiko. You'll suffer no more," he went on in his usual sedate voice. His hard eyes softened. It was very hard for Shuichi Minamino to hurt a lady, especially those who appeared helpless against him. He faltered over himself whether to strike or not. Her beauty still looked pure as her 'innocence'. Maybe he should just kill her with his bare hands instead of using his whip. Yes. That's what he'd do.
"Yes, Kurama. I'll suffer no more," she hissed sharply, lunging at him suddenly. They both landed on the ground, Yumiko atop of Kurama, trying to get to his neck.
Kurama wrestled against her, craving to kick himself. I haven't learned my lesson, or have I? What a big mistake! I let her deceive me again! Baka! He pushed her off him, using much of his human strength. Finally, he got control of her , pinning her on the ground. She seemed weaker this time than her first attempt.
"I talked to Yomi. You're right about what you said," he stated, gulping for breath, looking at her straight in the eye.
"Yeah?" she grumbled irritably. If she was going to die, she have to die with her stomach full.
"So that leaves me no other option but to kill you," he continued in a matter-of-factly tone.
She struggled to be free again, but Kurama held her tightly. She stopped twitching and made a face at him menacingly. "Oh, yeah? Do it then!" she challenged him ardently. She knew how warm-hearted had Kurama had been. It was going to take much more time and determination before he could bring himself to slay her. And as she had anticipated, he was unable to strike. She grabbed the chance and pushed him off her , sending him down on the ground. She stood up, dusted her skirt and went after him, a wicked grin forming in her red lips. "I'm really hungry, Kurama. I can't wait. You came to end my sufferings right?" She stood in front of Kurama who was still sprawled on the ground. "Well, I'm here. What are you waiting for?" Before she could lunge at him again, he swept her foot and she fell on the ground upon loosing her footing. He stood up quickly and went over to her before she could stand up again. Maybe he have to use his whip after all. He raised his hand and aimed it at her who was lying on the ground, shaking her head .
"Yumiko?" Koenma's voice suddenly cut in. Kurama froze. Yumiko sighed with relief.
"Kurama?!" he called out in confusion, catching the scene. Neither of them spoke.
Where is Botan? Kurama though disgustedly. She was supposed to be here to distract Koenma. Now it's too late. I'll kill you, Botan!
"What the bloody hell is going on?" he asked with much surprise.
"I can explain Koenma," Kurama stammered, raising his hand down. "We were just, uh --" Where are you, Botan? ????!
Yumiko remained silent. Oh, damn. Kurama would have been tasty. But she was thankful for Koenma's intervention. She would have been hurt, much more dead if he did not come. But wasn't that what I was waiting for? For my end?
"Let her go," he ordered sternly, giving Kurama a disapproving look.
"We were just playing," Yumiko said suddenly.
"Koenma-sama!!!" Botan's cheerful voice filled the air as she glided from her oar.
Kurama watched her in astonishment. Koenma looked relieved but still astounded. Then Kurama's thoughts drifted back to Botan. DAMN it, Botan! I'll KILL you! Kurama thought , fighting the impulse to grab Botan's neck and shake her. Botan stole him an I'm-very-very-very-sorry- I'll never-repeat-this again look. Kurama just shook his head, watching Botan fly down from her oar to Koenma's direction. Koenma stopped on his way to comfort Yumiko as he granted Botan the same disapproving look he had given Kurama.
"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing in your oar?" he hissed at her silently.
Botan sweat dropped. "Oops. Sorree," she mumbled, scratching her head. Before Koenma could reach Yumiko, she had stood up and ran. "Nice game, Shuichi. You're the it."
"Koenma --" Botan and Kurama both started before anything else.
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Koenma exploded irritably.
Kurama gave out a little grin, hiding his whip behind him. "We were just playing."
Koenma stepped forward to follow Yumiko, but both Botan and Kurama blocked his way. "Let's play too," they chorused.
"Take care of her, Genkai ," Michiko bid benignly at Genkai, after helping Miyuki to the temple. The other girl lay, sleeping soundly in one of the mattresses in one room at the temple. She felt sad she had to go without hearing Miuyki's cheerful voice or seeing Yukina and .......simply leaving Yusuke... She still had not told Miyuki what she had to say, and same goes with Yusuke..... But what do I have to tell him??
"Yes, I will," Genkai nodded obediently, watching Michiko head for the door.
The girl spun on her heels after bowing politely at Genkai and opened the door. "I am now going, Genkai. So long."
Genkai bowed back to her. There was something uncommon about Michiko's voice. She sounded ........sad. But Genkai was unwilling to press her into saying something she didn't want to say, so she let Michiko be. The girl spun her head around before stepping out, hesitating. "Uh, Genkai, I -I-" then she shut the door quietly, looking at Genkai as though begging for something. She looked down at her feet, seemingly seeking for the words to say. "Tell Yusu- forget it," she shook her head and suppressed an apologetic smile. "I am going now." She opened the door again and almost slammed on to Yusuke.
"Hoa!" Yusuke yelled in awe.
"Yusuke?!" Michiko stammered looking amazed and shy at the same time. A spark of longing crowded in her blue eyes, appearing as if she was gong to throw her arms around Yusuke and cry. But she didn't. She just unveiled a rueful smile, avoiding his eyes. "I have to go Yusuke." She stopped and waited for him to give way, but he didn't move and instead, and watched her carefully.
"Go where?" Nevertheless, he did not hear a reply for a long time, until finally, she opened her mouth to speak.
"Get out of the way, " she ordered, trying to sound stern, but the compassion in her voice was still evident. Yusuke gave in and followed her with his gaze as she strode off.
"You're not interested to know?" Genkai, who witnessed everything, interrupted at the puzzled Urameshi.
Yusuke turned to her looking confused, then back to Michiko. "Oh, yeah," he grumbled to himself and followed her.
"Michiko!" he called out. She paused in her paces, battling the surge to turn back. Then she went on with her paces again. "Michiko!" Yusuke went after her, but she denied to stop. He pulled her and spun her around, locking his gaze with hers. "Where are you going?"
She shook her head, her brown hair messing. "Nowhere." She pulled her eyes away from his, looking down at the ground.
"Then you're not going anywhere," Yusuke declared firmly. His words made Michiko look up.
"You don't understand, Yusuke," she mumbled sadly.
"That's why you're not going," he insisted grimly, gripping her arms to her side. Michiko felt his arms surrounding her for an instant, and she looked up to come upon Yusuke's determined brown eyes. He sealed her tightly in his arms, looking at her azure eyes, and for a moment, it all appeared that their lips are going to meet. Michiko pulled away, shattering the charm that her own eyes created.
"So long, Yusuke," murmured the brunette, denying his eyes again. She waited for Yusuke to release her, but he didn't move nor stirred to do so. She wriggled herself free gently from him.
But Yusuke tightened his arms even more. "Tell me. "
The girl was about to say her excuses, but his austere look prevented her from her lies. It seemed to tell her Yusuke won't stop until he gets what he wants. "Can we go somewhere else?"
He released her and led her to the quiet grove of Ningenkai not far away from Genkai's temple. She sat down daintily on a rock as he leaned on the trunk of a tree whose leaves shaded them from the warmth of the sun.
"What is it, Michiko?" he started as casual as possible.
She sighed after a long time, shaking her head. "You see, Yusuke, I -"
He didn't interfere, sneaking a worried glance at her. It appeared as though she was using all her strength to tell him and not burst into tears. "Go on."
"I don't belong here," she whispered simply.
Yusuke remained immobile. "So do I."
Michiko's eyes lit up with a little piece of hope that flew to her chest upon hearing his words. Could it be? Yusuke waited for her to go on, and as he did, his mind flew to the conversation he had with Genkai some days ago. Is what Genkai said true? She's from Makai, Yusuke . I can feel a different wave of energy during her presence. That means you should control yourself. We are not certain of what she really is yet, Genkai had warned him. Is she really from Makai? But why can't I feel it with my reiki? he wondered. Perhaps Genkai was kidding? Guh. Genkai don't give out foolish jokes. And if she happened to be kidding, why? Why for? Who for? Ahhhh! Baka!!! He threw his arms out in frustration, getting more and more confused. Come what may! If there's one thing he despised much, that's thinking hard. When he fights, he didn't make much use of his head. He just fight, as in every sense of the word. Fighting is never similar to thinking, yes?
"What do you mean?" she asked him in an astonished voice.
He gave out an idiotic grin that comforted Michiko. "I belong to fantasy world, that's what!" He laughed at his own joke wholeheartedly as the damsel looked confused for a minute, but after a while, she shook her head and giggled.
"C'mon, Michiko! Tell me whatever!!" he challenged her, regaining his serious expression again. "Where do you belong?"
She lost her smiles immediately, replaced by a sympathetic grin. "Don't think this is nuts, Yusuke, but I belong in some other world out there. Not really a fantasy world like yours."
Yusuke snorted, making a sour crumpled face. "Aw, Makai?? That's no-"
Michiko's blue eyes widened. "Rats. You know?"
Yusuke shook his head back and forth uncertainly, puffing out his cheeks ridiculously. "Hell, I do. But that ain't not my fantasy world, Michiko. I'm tellin' ya! "
"I can't believe you do, " she gasped, standing up to level his gaze.
He beamed. Hell. Genkai's right. Michiko was a demon. At least, the creatures in Makai were supposed to be demons. How could he have not known? But boy! He whistled to himself. She was fantastic and pretty and beautiful and gorgeous demon. He pulled her in his arms , pressing his forehead against hers. "But that's not my fantasy world," he whispered at her softly. "My fantasy world is with you, where you are my sole princess."
She grinned lightly. Yusuke had that ability to wipe out all her sorrows and fears. He had made it sound like it was the most usual thing on earth. There was no much safer place but in his arms that warmth her and protected her from the bitterness of reality. "And you're my prince, Yusuke. "
"You bet, princess," he retorted playfully, drawing her closer. "Together in fantasy world." And with that, he closed her eyes gently as his lips touched hers. For a brief moment, Michiko was but a common girl going to a common school with no promises to keep nor fearful worlds to face whose only problem was how to respond to her lover's kisses. Yusuke had lifted her spirits up, leaving all her burdens behind as she explored the sweetness and beauty of that fantasy world. Nevertheless, it was all a dream that had to end. Michiko opened her eyes, no longer entertaining Yusuke's lips .
"I have to go Yusuke. This isn't my world." She gave out an apologetic smile as she said out the stinging truth .
"Wait a minute, oh, my beloved princess, " Yusuke mumbled. He lowered his voice and fixed his eyes at hers. "There is a rule in fantasy world that you have to know."
Michiko couldn't help grinning at him, trying to look as dread serious as the character of Urameshi could possibly sustain. "And what is that rule I may ask, oh, my beloved prince?"
"Tell me what you have to confront so that I, your prince, can battle it for you," he stated in the same poetic tone, not bothering to lift his view off her.
She chuckled, shaking her head gently. "I can't, Yusuke. I can't let you battle it. It's my problem alone."
"Then let's do it together, or I shan't let you go," he persisted assertively, tensing his hold on her .
Michiko laughed, this time, a real genuine laugh she had lost with her love. Or was it former love? For now, she had found someone. Someone she could spend an eternity with. Someone she was more than willing to carry the torch for. Baka! That foolish love again! Or was it? Is it? Will it be? But whoever said it was foolish? It wasn't. It was painful, but never foolish. But I can't let my emotions get in the way, Michiko argued to herself. Her cerulean eyes, which was locked with Yusuke's, suddenly flew free and visited the miserable past she had. She saw, once again, her Hiro. How he came. How he saw. How he conquered. He was the only sole individual that conquered her heart. But ,that was, in her other life. Now , another creature had succeeded in doing so too. Despite of the beautiful grove that surrounded them, she saw the horrible scene in the terrible past that changed her life -- the death of her Hiro, repeating over and over again. Then another scene played before her, the horrendous future that she might cause -- the death of her Yusuke. She should not love him, for she was but an unfortunate lover. What happened to Hiro might happen to Yusuke and she could not stand that. But how can I stop that from happening to Yusuke? A loathsome voice screamed in her head, which was too agonizing for her, commanding her an order which was one of the hardest to do for a Ningen and for a demon :
Don't love him.
Oooh. Those tormenting three words. How could it have such a powerful dominion. Maybe because it made sense? Or did it? Who knows? Maybe if she had listened to that voice, Hiro would have been alive. It was her love that brought misfortune and anguish to his life. She should quit it. It was a curse. A curse she had to live for the rest of her -- was that lives? Oooh. Dammit!! But on the other hand, there were those three words that made her life a colorful one , those words that might fall down her lips any moment now. But I shouldn't say it. It will be the start of his misery, if I say the words. So she blinked her eyes from the scene and casting a sheep's eyes on him, pulled him and kissed his fine lips. She will not say the words, even for all the pleasures in the world. It will surely bring her pleasure, but on the ill-starred creature on whose ears she shall whisper them, it shall bring him but distress, adversity and fill his life with much hardships and troubles. She just have to shut up. And that was what she did, as she answered Yusuke's kisses with much intensity and enthusiasm.
"Hey! You still haven't told me what it is," Yusuke reminded her friskily, lifting his lips from hers.
She sighed, rolling her turquoise eyes snootily, a merry beam painting on her face. "Your princess doesn't wish to share. "
He wagged a finger at her in his dread serious manner. "Uh-oh, but you have to follow the rule. Worry not, my beloved princess. I promise I'll help you if you tell me. " He stared at her for a long time, grasping her hard , and finally, after making faces, Michiko gave in.
"OK , OK," she chortled. Immediately her lovely face saddened to a grim expression, and her eyes went somewhere further than the Ningen eyes can follow. "I was a lover of a warrior before when I still lived in Makai, Yusuke. And...."
He watched her intently, gradually releasing his clutch at her slender body. He noticed deep melancholy was visible in her face as she narrated. "And...??"
She sighed out sympathetically. "And he died. "
His hand enveloped hers which was already knotted into fists. "I'm sorry to hear that," he cut in suddenly.
She nodded. "Oh, no, no, that's fine. He was killed, actually. He wasn't given justice," she beamed tenderly. "Ooops. Maybe there isn't such thing as 'justice ' in Makai, ne? But still, I want to avenge his death. The killer remained unpunished until his death, if he happen to be dead now, and I vowed to myself I'll take vengeance on anything or anyone related to the him if not on him himself."
A single tear slid down her cheek, and Yusuke wiped it away. "I swore to myself I'll get even. I should keep my word, and now is the time. "
"Hey, I promised to help you, right?" his joyous strenuous words fan the hopes that threatened to be extinct in Michiko's entity. He winked at her. "It's retaliation time."
She hoisted up her delicate hands and stroke his cheeks. "You will ? Are you sure of that? "
He grinned mischievously. "You bet."
Her eyes enlarged. She threw her arms around Yusuke's broad shoulders, giggling gleefully. "Domo arigatou gozaimasu, Yusuke-kun!!"
Yusuke spun her around, carrying her by the waist . Then he stopped. "By the way, who is the killer?"
Michiko gritted her teeth angrily, clenching her fist. "Raizen."
"Ho ho! What happened to the world?" Miyuki asked out loud, rubbing her head. Her lying position gave her skin temporary marks from where she had tossed. She stood up after massaging her hand which was wrapped with bandage. There were some marks of blood on her blouse and skirt.
"Where are you going ?"
Miyuki spun around to the owner of the amiable voice and located Shuichi Minamino's figure right behind her. He was standing as still and as unruffled as a clam, crossing his arms over his chest.
Miyuki made a sour face ridiculously. "What do you care?" She spun around again.
Kurama pursed his lips, extending his patience which almost vaporized at Botan's failure not so long ago. That crone never learns to say a teeny weeny thank you, or does she? He had watched over her for the past hour and half as Genkai went out to attend to a business she did not bother to tell Kurama. Plus his efforts to endure his self-possession on not strangling Botan for her neglect. And , shit, this is what I get?? Then, the thought of Yumiko sailed to him, which really angered him. He was angry at her for being so clever. He was angry at Botan for not coming on time. And finally, he was angry at himself for letting Yumiko go. He had her, and all that was left was the single hard strike. But what did I do ? I blew it, that's for sure. Yet, he calmed himself down and lengthen the rope of his patience. "Wait a minute, Sakuwa. I need a word with you. " The girl did not stop. Kurama bit his lower lip. "About Hiei."
That caught the damsel's attention. She did not turn but she halted in her haughty steps to listen to Shuichi's lowly words, for he just said such a meaningful name. "A-about Hiei, I mean him?"
"Yeah. About him," Kurama replied simply. Smart move, Kurama. He had said the right word at the right person - and at the right time-? Uh-oh. Maybe not so smart after all as he watched her in her steady position, not pestering to converge Kurama's eyes. Just a little more. "You like him?" Good question. But from the tone of his sedate voice, it was not a question at all. It was a statement. A statement that twisted Miyuki in her fixed position.
"So?" She finally rotated and crossed her golden eyes at his which was emerald.
"I just want to -"
"You like him too, I know," she pierced in coldly.
The remark made Kurama lock his gaze with hers. It was as hard and as cold as the old Kurama's, Shuichi almost shuddered. If looks could kill, he would have been buried. But he fought himself and produced a glare that was leveled hers - same intensity, same severity, same temperature . "So?" He swallowed. Was that a wrong word at the wrong person?
"Nothing. So what's this about him?" She paced back and forth, waiting for Kurama to start.
It took him a minute before he could get his voice to work again. He should have written down and memorized what he was going to say. The way that Sakuwa was striding was tensing him. Sakuwa had the body of a magistrate and the way she was walking was like that of an investigator. And she just happened to fire a question that was so much harder for Kurama to answer. All of a sudden, he did not know what to say. What is about Hiei? You know, Sakuwa, Hiei has red eyes. So? she would answer. Sheesh. As if she's blind. Ok. Ok. here's another try : his eyes are nice, isn't it? So? she would answer again. Duh, Sakuwa! Don't you know another word? "Ugh. Don't 'so' me again!!!" He threw out his hands in frustration.
Miyuki stopped in her strides and gave him a bewildered look. "Sumimasen, Minamino ?Moo ichido?"
Kurama shook his head, his locks flying carelessly. "Uh, nothing." That was embarrassing.
Miyuki watched him in with a twinge of interest. Kurama felt himself reddening. Oh no. He's turning to violet. Then sooner or later, he shall be loss of words, so he would open and close his mouth like a helpless fish drowning in water. Wait a minute. I'm a fox. Ohhhhh. How did that Miyuki acquire such abilities to make a man conscious? And why, in the first place, was she making him conscious? Of all people!! Wait a minute. I said I'm a fox. I shouldn't be like this. BAKANA KITSENU!!! I'M A FOX A FOX A FOX A FOX A FOX!!!!!
Then Miyuki laughed. No. Roared. She looked up at the ceiling and roared. She laughed so hard that she fell on the mattress on the floor. Kurama watched speechlessly as her mirth filled the empty pagoda, tears spilling on her cheek. Just watching her laugh made him laugh too. Laughter is contagious, huh? Shuichi was but a quiet person and Kurama laughs only when he was to murder somebody. Now, the two personalities seemed to vanish for a while as he laughed with Miyuki. For what? For no reason at all. At least, no reason was apparent enough for him to see. But it mattered not. The reasons behind mirth was hard to explain - for a Ningen, a Youko, a fish or a fox. It took several moments after they calmed down.
Miyuki shook her head. "I'm scared, Shuichi," she announced suddenly, beaming.
Kurama raised a brow. it was still hard for him to understand her. One moment, she was laughing, the second, she was scared. But if she really is scared, it is clearly not evident. She was smiling brightly, as though the word 'scared' was not what it was. "Of what?"
The scarlet-haired girl crossed her legs in her sitting position, facing Kurama. She brushed back her hair. "I don't know."
They both beamed in meeting each other's eyes. "Ok, ok. So that was nuts. But I am scared, Shuichi. You know, you get that feeling that ........" her voice dawned gradually as she seek the room for the right words. "I guess I am scared for Hiei."
Kurama looked at her deep in her golden eyes. He saw his old self in her. No, not merely a reflection, but his old identity. Those golden eyes belonged to Kurama. The youko that was Kurama.
"Look, I guess that's nuts again, but that's --"
He sliced in comfortingly "I understand." And, gosh, he did. Every sense of the word .
"Yeah?? You know, I always tried to hide my feelings...oops." Kurama nodded for her to go on. She placed her eyes somewhere else, smiling as she narrated. "I have to admit, I like him, you're right. But, shit, I'm scared for him, even though he's a great warrior himself. I'm afraid that if I -" she sighed. Uh, no no no. She wasn't going to say it. Nay. Iie. Negative. Non. Never. "love him, I'll -" she paused and blushed.
Ahhh. So Kurama can make women conscious too, yes?
Or was the credit supposed to be attributed to the *word* love itself?
"lose him," she continued. "I'm a big coward. I was always afraid. I am always afraid" She gyrated to Kurama again, locking her eyes with his. "But I can't deny it anymore. If I love him, I'll lose him. I'm scared for him, Shuichi." Her eyes were suddenly full of compassion, not the hard eyes of Kurama, but the kind eyes of Shuichi Minamino. "What should I do? Shit, Shuichi, what?"
Kurama watched her , then looked at his hands. Things were still hard for him. He had been a lover himself to a creature who was ....... what the world forbid. It hurt much to stop their affair, but he just had to. He had also felt all the insecurities a faithful lover owns. It was still fresh in his heart - all. The pains. The joys. The bitterness. The sweetness. The pleasure and pressure. It was still there. The memories that scarred his ass but also wiped his sorrows away. Nevertheless, it all lasted for a mere moment, then it was gone.
"Go for it, Miyuki. Don't be scared. But please be careful." I don't want to lose him either .
Miyuki grinned, studying Shuichi. They were two different people. Two very different people. He had been open to her, but there were some things he wasn't telling. Yet, there were things that shouldn't be told. It didn't have to be told. It was all clear. It was lucid in Shuichi Minamino's eyes. He had a past that wrecked him, and Miyuki could clearly perceive that devastated part in Shuichi's entity: He had been someone like her. Been to road she had been. Felt the harsh weather of life. Wanted the same door she did.
But, unlike her, he did not go on, and would not go on, even though he knew he would be safe and warm once he get in that door. If he gets in the door. And that was, indeed, a wise move. The riddle remained : if.
Still , his discontinuing was probably the main rationale of why she was there on that same road, and held the same reasons : to reach that portal which shall warm her whole being. And she was thankful, though , for if he had not stopped, she would not have been there. For every door, there was only one key.
Sasaki watched as a pretty girl walk off to one side of the grove. He had been watching her for the past hour, her blue eyes attracting much of his undivided attention. He had left his opponent alive when he saw her walking away, trying to help that Sakuwa to the pagoda. He had watched her took care of the scarlet haired girl he attacked, bandaged the wounds he caused and watched her patiently and lovingly look after the soundly sleeping Sakuwa . Then came that guy with slick hair as she was about to leave . He had strongly disagreed for her to leave and had insisted she stay. Then, Sasaki hesitated in following her. Miyuki Sakuwa was alone and was so vulnerable. He had stayed, contemplating whether to kill her or not, but he decided to spare her for the lack of time in seeing a guy with red locks coming. He left quickly , leaving no chance for the newcomer to even see his shadow. Abruptly , he searched for the brunette girl, and in no time, he found her.
She had been in the guy's arms in just a second ago, then the wind just blew, that she suddenly pulled away from him. There was something from what the guy had said that surprised the girl. Sasaki wondered what was that?! How could little words have so much power over these moronic ningen? Hah!! Knuckleheads!! They deserved to be called ningen, did they not? And he meant the word 'moronic' as in every piece of the word. Ningen are moronic nincompoops. They were weak and was bounded by human follies such as 'love' and 'joy'. Brrrr. Now he despised that word. Cursed that word. Joy?! He had forgotten what that word meant. Aaaaah. Then he shut his eyes, trying to remember the definition of that word. But instead, Sayuri's beautiful figure inhabited his cognition. Hai. That was joy. When she was still with him. But he died anyway, and they were separated. That made him feel bad so he decided to walk nearer to listen instead.
"You can't be, Yusuke," she had muttered , looking helpless, tears forming in her eyes.
Sasaki observed her from where he sat in one of the tree branches. There were those beautiful blue eyes, so kind and gentle, that he abruptly felt close to the owner by just looking at them.
"But Michiko," the guy reasoned out. He was a young man adorned with those brown eyes and smooth black hair. He held some resemblance that badgered Sasaki. Sasaki slapped his head twice to get his memory functioning again. Had they met somewhere? "That is my real identity," the young man was saying.
The girl shook her head more than once, a hand displayed up her front to keep the lad from drawing closer. "Yes. And I guess that's all there to it."
"But -"
"Don't try to explain. You are a descendant of Raizen, for gosh's sake. Don't come nearer."
Sasaki hit his head again. Raizen. Raizen. Raizen. Now that sound awfully familiar. Who was he???? When Yomi revived him, a large portion of his memory was lost. Only some remained. However, Yomi refrained himself from reminding Sasaki. He wondered why.
The charming lass covered her hand with her face and burst into tears. Sasaki could feel the harsh personality of the reborn Sasaki dwindle as he sympathized her. The guy walked nearer, but she put out her hand. Good. Now I can take a closer look......
Hell, no.
It was him all right. They had not met before, but Sasaki recognized that face. He had seen that comely face before.
Hai.
There could be no mistake. He was the person who the oracle predicted was going to crush Kentaro's empire. Sasaki was there , and he could never forget the face of Raizen's only son. Sasaki had carved that image in his wrist some centuries ago for the last thing he wanted was for the oracle to come true. He had vowed to slay Raizen's son. In fact, he wanted to do it so badly that he pleaded for his former lord Kentaro to entrust that duty to him : to change the future.
But Raizen found out about that, and the very same week, just fresh from the victory of one of his battles, as the whole empire of Kentaro was beginning to celebrate , Raizen came and hit him in his greatest weakness : his heels. Now, how could have he forgotten the name Raizen and the face of his son on whose shoulders shall rise the great Makai empire which shall subdue Kentaro's? How could have he forgotten the name of his assassin? And his son? Well, for one thing, his son had changed his hairdo from shaggy long hair to slick short. The oracle showed the lad with long shaggy hair.
Now is the time. He should go after that descendant. So he charged himself from the tree where he was sprawled and readied himself. Then the girl ran. Sasaki shifted his gaze from the guy to the girl hesitantly. The lad was clutching his fist, shaking his head and was staring after her helplessly. The girl ran and ran, crying hard. She seemed to be lonely and depressed. Maybe he needed his help? On second thought, he should make his move to the guy before he gets any stronger. Yep. But on the other hand, neither was his business. Yomi had ordered him to kill that girl with golden eyes, that girl Sakuwa with Kentaro's slave, Ayane. Would Yomi be furious if he also kill that guy? On the contrary, his new master might not know about the oracle. How would he react to that? Curses. I'll do it now. But instead, he found himself following the girl. He ran quickly, that if the guy ever noticed anything from the waving of the branches , Sasaki was gone before he could think of raising his head to look at it.
The girl ran , but Sasaki had doubted she knew where she was going. She was going where her feet will take her. It was a good thing he was there. He was going to watch over her. Finally, she was out of breath that she slumped herself under a big tree. She leaned to its trunk and gradually sat down. She did not cover her face anymore, and he could see she was more than lonely. She leaned her head back to the tree staring up that he thought she had noticed him standing quietly on one of the tree's strong branches. But instead, more tears flowed down, clouding her azure eyes. She held the grasses by her hand inattentively, then she shook her head, saying something like, '.....Yusuke...' repeatedly. Then she placed her arms on her knees and fell her head on them, crying. "How could this be? How could this be?"
After a long time that Sasaki was fighting the impulse to jump down and out a comforting arms around her, she looked up again, a grim expression on her beautiful face. "But I don't wanna lose you just the way I lost my Hiro...................."
"Hiro............"
Sasaki's jaw almost dropped. Did she just mention his name? Oh, well, his other name before he was reborn? Or was she referring to another guy who happened to posses the similar name? "It can't be........." So he concentrated on her, watching her every move. Scenes flashed back in his eyes quickly. The last time he saw his Sayuri was during the time of his first death : her kind loving eyes. Her angelic face. She had waited for him, her arms widely opened, sincerely happy for his return. "Sayuri........"
"Hiro.........."
He watched her as she stared out somewhere else, her tears slowly drying as she seemed to see other things that only the eyes of the past could reach. Slowly , a grin painted on her lovely face. Hai. It could only be his beloved Sayuri. Sasaki jumped down from the branch he was sitting on abruptly, unable to contain himself. He decided to change his garments. He didn't want to scare her. In an instant, his metallic garments were gone and was replaced by ordinary street clothes and his long lime hair was neatly put back in a queue. He looked like an ordinary harmless ningen, and , in fact, was a lot good looking that way.
Michiko looked up suddenly, fear forming in her eyes. "Who are you?" She stood up and grasped at the trunk of the tree behind her, ready to hide behind it.
Sasaki removed the metallic helmet from his head. His lime hair flowed out and played with the wind. "Don't be scared, Sayuri. It's me."
"Who are you?" Michiko repeated loudly.
"It's me, Hiro."
Michiko turned pale , then white, as if she had seen a ghost. Well, isn't he a ghost? But what the heck am I scared of? I was merely a ghost! I was a demon, for heaven's sake! She was full of shock and astonishment as well as confusion for more than a minute, still looking at him. Or maybe trying to see through him. Finally, she seemed to have regained her breathing again, and she swallowed, keeping her blue eyes at him. "Is it really you, Hiro?"
"Hai, Sayuri. It is me." He walked nearer to her, sensing she had lost most of her fears.
She strode off slowly from behind the tree, shaking her head gently, tears forming in her eyes as he reached out to touch her cheek. Michiko watched him carefully in his eyes, as though searching for something. "It is you, Hiro," she mumbled after a long time. She stroke his cheeks lovingly. No doubt. It is him. She had just found what she was looking for. Then she threw her arms around him, crying and laughing at the same time. Sasaki clasped at her waist and twirled, looking up at her happy face. She had succeeded in winning his heart for the second time. Surely, she was the only lady he could ever love, no matter how many lives he had to live. He pulled her head down at him to kiss her soft lips once more. She answered his passionate kiss eagerly. His mind drifted off to some meters away. Hey! Wait a minute! I just saw her kissing Raizen's son! What the heck --! She suddenly pulled her lips off his, turning her head away before he could even do so. She seemed to have read his mind and the thought brought her discomfiture. Sasaki laid her down, understanding her disposition but not saying anything. She turned her back at him, slightly bending her head to her shoulder. "I am sorry, Hiro about -."
"Yeah. I know," he trimmed in hoarsely, fixing his gaze at the ground.
"I thought you were gone."
There was a long silence . A silence that almost knifed at Michiko's soul. She wanted to turn, to see if he was still there, for she didn't want to be left alone again. Ever again. But she stopped herself. If she turn, she must face those things that might drove her insane. No. She wasn't ready for that yet. At least not yet. She should be insane right after she explain her side. But I am already insane, ain't I? For one thing, how I could I ever love the son of my lover's killer? She condemned herself once more.
"Sayuri, are you now wishing I have not returned? Are you regretting that you had a past with me?"
The question struck at Michiko like one of Zeus's thunderbolts. This time, she turned around abruptly, shaking her head. "No, Hiro. I never wished of that. Why did you think of that?"
He shrugged uncertainly, not looking at her eyes. "Nothing."
"Hiro -"
"Did you really love me, Sayuri?"
"Hiro, of cou -"
"Do you still love me, then?"
That question struck Michiko like a hundred of Zeus's thunderbolts. She remained speechless. Some minutes ago, she had almost told a guy she was in love with him. The minutes that followed , she was going to say the same words she had just said those minutes ago. She couldn't say those words twice to different people at the same time and maintain equal fidelity and love as the other. Certainly, only to one man it shall be true. On the other hand, she did not say anything. Oh, no. I won't say it. Hiro will die again if I do.
"Do you still love me?"
She pursed her lips, nodding. Probably it was stupidity - or was it superstition ? - but she wasn't going to risk it the second time. She had learned her lesson. It wasn't a mere superstition. It was a plague. But she wasn't going to prove it. She couldn't dare proving it. Again.
Sasaki looked at her, a bit confused. What the heck -!!!
"Yeah. I understand." He steadied his gaze at the grasses, ready to walk away.
Michiko shook her head, her eyes widening. "No, Hiro. I - I -" Oh, not again. Not one more time. But he was speeding away. She must choose- who is the man her heart desires? If she intend to keep both, then she'll end up losing both. Things were happening so fast. How come life seemed to be so kind to her one second and be so harshly cruel to her the next? Her life was changing its course so swiftly that she was afraid she may no longer be able to catch up. She couldn't decide. She still love that Urameshi, regardless of his real identity , history or background. But some part of her longed for Hiro, the one who conquered her heart years ago. Now, Yusuke was gone. And Hiro was gradually sliding away from life. She was going to be left with none, for her desires of both. She found herself walking after him, shouting his name, similar to the incidents that came to her in her sleep ....
just shouting his name……
But this time, he spun around, a spark of hope forming in his dark eyes. "Nani?"
"I loved you , Hiro. I still love you."
That was music in his ears. But was that music in her heart? Or was that chiefly lies?
He watched her as she opened her arms for him, for his return. Nevertheless, there would be no fucking assassins to interrupt his happiness. Unless of course, that son of Raizen comes back........
What would he do, then? What if Sayuri was not still over him? What if he claims her back? Would Sayuri choose him over Hiro? Now, he doubted her word. After all, he had seen the two of them. She couldn't forget him as easy as that. To add to that, Sayuri hadn't yet still kept her promise. He had heard that promise she had vowed to do right on the very spot he died. And he had been waiting for her to do it.
Ah, yes. He would ask her to kill Raizen's son herself. That would serve him many things: First, she will accomplish her promise. Second, Sasaki will be assured that she was no longer interested in him and another way to prove her words. Third, it will spare him his energy. The descendant still surely trusted Michiko with his whole heart, and unknowingly, he will perish in her hands. Fourth, he was going to be rid of his rival so easily. It was all well. He grinned, hugging his beloved Sayuri close to him, smelling her fragrant hair. It was all going to be his way now. He wasn't going to let Sayuri leave him again. She belonged only to him.
"Sayuri?"
"Nani, Hiro?"
"What do you intend to do with him?"
Michiko didn't answer.
"Are you going to kill him as you had promised when I died?"
Her eyelids lowered and a tear threatened to flow at Hiro's shoulder as she nodded. There was no choice. A promise remains a promise. Sasaki grinned to himself, tightening his grip on her body as he felt her nod.
November 1998 © Sakeena