The palace towered around on all sides. Strange as it was, the guards
were gone. That worried me a little bit. Something had unmistakably
happened here. I kept my guard up. The firmament was a green mass
blanketing the Reikai through a giant hole in the tall ceiling. The clouds
swirled around, pitch black as it blurred into the sky.
"It looks like someone or something tried to escape. I wonder what happened." Yusuke said as he stared at the gaping hole.
As we approached Koenma's office, I heard banging and some muffled shouts. With a startled look on his face, Yusuke opened the door. I almost did a double take.
"Oh Yusuke! Thank goodness you guys came!" exclaimed a disturbed Botan who was whacking everything out of some creature, which was convulsing on the floor with her oar.
Koenma was pressed against the wall, in baby form, with nervous brown eyes. But when he saw us, he immediately calmed down. His hat was a bit crooked and his clothes were soiled. Whatever had happened had made the Reikai prince practically chew up his pacifier.
Kuwabara closed his eyes with what looked still like worry and spoke quieter than usual, "Koenma, do you know what happened?"
"Demons from Makai," Koenma answered grimly, "The balance has been completely ripped apart."
That statement made at least me a bit awed. I had a feeling this would result in the tumult of all this. But only Koenma would be able to control something like that, and not even by himself. Enma Daioh would be in charge of this world, as long as he wasn't too busy with, literally, some otherworldly concerns.
Why could something like this just pop up like any other situation between the worlds?
"But, can't you control that? What happened to all those things only you could do?" Yusuke said suddenly, barraging Koenma with questions.
The prince shook his head sadly at all of us and announced, "Nothing can be done. When something like this happens, it's practically undo-able."
I then noticed something odd about Koenma. His aura; it too was peculiar in its accompanying ki. From then I knew what it was. Just like what I sensed Hiei with, that weird power I couldn't define or completely understand. I kept my suspicious stare as I tried to figure him out.
As if to throw me off, Hiei stirred from his place on Kuwabara's shoulder. His eyes opened slowly, and drowsily inspected the surroundings. Kuwabara, knowing how Hiei would probably punch him or something since he was holding him, quickly placed him on the floor. Hiei gave a grunt as he rose to his feet. I didn't feel a thing on him. Just barely enough Rei ki to sustain consciousness. Some of it should be coming back, slowly anyway.
As his eyes took in the scene, with Botan still poking the monster, and surveying the giant blown-out hole where the window should be, he said the only thing logical: "What the hell happened?"
Yusuke and Koenma turned to him. Kuwabara thankfully kept silent. He probably would've started something, and that's not what we need right now. Relief washed over Yusuke's face when he saw that Hiei was okay. But he still didn't seem like he sensed that power on Koenma. That bothered me further. Was I the only one who could feel that? I started to grow uneasy, and I found my head filling with suspicions, keeping my lookout.
Koenma's eyes narrowed, and his pacifier looked as though it would fly out of his mouth, "Like I was saying, Yusuke, there's nothing you can do about it. You'll just be wasting your life."
I saw Hiei's eyes widen. He then kept a watchful observation of him. Botan was standing next to him, also looking confused.
"Huh? What's wrong with you, Koenma?! Don't you want us, the Reikai Tantei, to help?" Kuwabara asked, his voice doubtful and wary now.
Yusuke's expression hardened, "Koenma."
Koenma then set his stone face on me, his brown eyes settled on mine. I stared right back, and once again I searched his aura. Black, nestled around a thin ray of Rei ki. His face contracted into a more severe glare, and I could see right through him. Could anybody else realize the fault in his appearance? Those eyes.they gleamed bright red and froze me still long enough for him to do his work. I doubled over, the pain increasing everywhere. All this had been done in just a few seconds' time. The red glow faded and he closed his eyes in a smirk.
"Kurama, what just happened?" Kuwabara asked, and I felt his hand on my shoulder.
"Bastard! You're not Koenma!!" Yusuke growled, "Who the hell are you?!"
Koenma chuckled, his voice unusually low, "Botan. I'm telling the truth, am I not? Am I wrong?"
"K-Koenma," She said, quivering, "You--you're wrong!"
In just a split-second, her throat was in his now growing hand. He had become his more advanced form. He grew three feet taller, and was soon the familiar Koenma that one would see in public. Botan choked out a sob of shock and horror. Somehow I was waiting for this, and so I chose now to act, my wounds temporarily controlled. I could feel the Rei ki growing in me, and I felt confident. I was also more than glad that hadn't been robbed of me twice.
"Botan!" Yusuke yelled as he stepped closer, raising his right arm.
"Rose Whip!" I called, and my whip appeared loyally in my right hand. I jumped towards him, and slashed the whip across his body. I could feel it make contact. I had been successful, and he twitched, dropping Botan. But those new gashes were not evident on his body, but on mine. I gripped my whip tightly, and kept my stance, all the while cursing louder than I would have liked.
Koenma's grin grew wider still, "Stupid youko. I thought for sure that you would have known better than to attack me with that."
No one, especially Koenma, had ever addressed me like that. Now I have that to take that into account. After that weak attack, I was left with barely any Rei ki once more. There's only one person I can think of who'd say that to me..
"Damn you." Hiei trailed off, but he didn't attack. This further supported my suspicions.
I continued to study Koenma. Whatever he was, definitely not what his appearance portrayed, had the exact same aura as the supposed deceased monster back in the Makai. Then where was the real Koenma when this was happening? I couldn't really think anymore, since Kuwabara had lunged out, Rei ken in hand.
"Ass hole!! Where is Koenma?!" he exploded, and it appeared as though he had sliced right through Koenma.
I caught a glimpse of red-blood-spurt up before his image faded away. Before disappearing, though, the "Jr." mark returned to his forehead, and I could've sworn those warm brown eyes returned. Also, the black power evaporated. But as we soon learned, our problem was still here with us. Now I could feel that energy growing on Hiei.
"What?! Hiei, don't! Fight it!" Yusuke said, realizing what was happening.
Before I had a time to decipher the complete transfer, Hiei rushed at me, engulfed in the black flames of that mysterious power, and had a completely blank expression. I jumped, thinking I had just barely cleared his blow, and landed on the opposite side of the room. Suddenly, it felt as though a needle had been jabbed through my head. It seeped into my brain, and invaded my mind. Completely mentally overwhelmed, I sank to my knees, clutching my head. The pain wouldn't go away. My head felt as though it would explode, and I found myself losing control. I drifted away, no longer in charge of my body. I tried to move my arms, but nothing happened. But then I heard thoughts, not my own, and then, distantly, I could sense my body rising up to stand. I had now been refined to the very back of my mind. Silently, I shouted, cursed and threatened, but to no avail. I could still see through my eyes, and hear my voice, but I was not causing it. I wasn't even capable of blinking my own eyes. Then, a familiar feeling reached me. I felt like a spirit again, one with no body. Like when I was seeking a human body after being killed in Makai. I had been there still, but I had no arms or any kind of physical evidence showing my existence. Instead of moving to a new body, I was restrained within my own. I was fighting a battle of wills. Or was it something more?
I saw Hiei stumble, and apparently return to normal. He glared at me, eyes narrowed. Kuwabara grabbed Hiei's shoulder, but was repelled. Yusuke turned to me, and I could tell that from his expression he knew what had occurred. He was bracing himself for a struggle.
"What's wrong?" said the voice that came from me, "Hiei, why don't you explain what's going to happen? It's not like you don't know. I think you owe your friends an explanation!"
All of the sudden, my power was completely re-boosted, going higher than ever before. Only there was one thing I recognized. Something was happening that I had dreaded the creature would discover. The body I had lost was morphing. Changing into something greater than this human body. It grew taller, and my hair melted into a familiar silver shade, growing. Fox ears mounted at the top of the head, and a tail formed, also that silver color. My ki electrified the room, and I was surprised that it held its shape. As I faintly felt the keen senses return, I could tell this creature was very fond of this newfound power. ~ Yes, why wouldn't I? No wonder you were a thief. This body is fantastic! ~ I was startled to hear his real voice for what it was, but more so inside my head, not out loud. It sounded so familiar.
"Kurama! Damn, now it's got him! Hiei, do you have any idea how to stop it?" Yusuke asked, his voice shaky. That very thought made me want to laugh, or actually the thing possessing me did. Maybe I did, too.
It had been staring at him until Yusuke broke his gaze, and I could no longer see those golden eyes reflected in them. A sudden wave of dread and anger washed over me. I didn't feel the usual, bold confidence of this power; it was not mine to use now. If I only knew what his intentions were! Everyone could end up dead. Then who knows what would become of me when I would have to face all the central powers of this world and maybe even Makai's. ~ I'll be sure to get the most out of you that I possibly can. Yours and Hiei's power combined is the best feeling ever, and I'm sure you know, too! I guess we'll see who needs to stay in this world.and who doesn't.~ Those threatening words echoed in my head.
"The only way to get that fucking bastard out of Kurama is for him to find a more powerful host or to be killed in his current body." I heard Hiei respond, still keeping his Jagan on me.
"But, then how did you get rid of it?" Kuwabara asked, still pointing his Rei ken at me awkwardly.
I saw Hiei twitch in annoyance, and this pleased the creature inside me. Even more was he entertained at our situation.
"He sensed Kurama's power and fled from my body," Hiei reluctantly explained, which surprised me, "I guess he just couldn't stand me." He raised his eyebrows, and I could tell he only said this because he knew I would understand what he meant by that.
I cursed when Botan woke from her fall. "Huh? Where did Koenma-sama go? Hiei seems all right now.." She spoke with a relief she wouldn't be retaining for much longer; she hadn't noticed me yet.
~ Ooh, I was going to get her before; she looks delicious! Don't you think so? What should we do with her? ~That damn thing was toying with me! I can't give in..
"STOP!!" I heard my own voice, from my own thoughts, project across the room. I blinked, and I could move my head. I dropped my arms, limp at my sides now.
"Kurama! Is he? Oh no." Botan trailed off, staring at me with frightened pink eyes and she put her hand up to cover her mouth.
Hiei sighed but kept his guard up, still studying me, "Well? Are you?"
I didn't say anything, but from my expression he could tell it was really me, and he'd apparently answered his own question. I flexed my fingers and swished my tail, just to be sure. For the moment I had my body back. The excess power I felt was gone, but was on another being in the room once again. Wait Botan! He just said he was going to.
"Kurama! You did it! What was that all about?" Yusuke was asking me questions already,
"Kurama?"
Kuwabara, who had probably gone over to help Botan, jumped back. Actually, he didn't jump; he was hurled into the wall by a small but powerful beam of energy from the possessed Botan.
"Botan-" I started to say, but I stopped, for nothing came out of my mouth.
"No, damn it, no! He just went to Botan!" I heard myself one more time, but that was it.
~ I told you. I am very powerful, so don't think you can stop me! Now you know. And if you still don't understand, I'll make you!! ~ My Rose Whip had been summoned; it actually was an enhanced form, of which thorns were elongated and containing a paralyzing substance and it was entwining around Yusuke's waist. It seemed that he had already figured out how to call upon my special demonic plants, too, the most dangerous. I tried not to recall the majority of them into my memory, for I didn't want to give him any ideas. I could feel his satisfaction, and it was not only his but it appeared to be mine, too. That sickened me further, and I kept forcing all of my energy to win back my mind, but it wasn't working. Yusuke's cries of frustration and pain continued ringing in my ears, but the demon didn't seem to notice, or maybe he was purposely channeling it all to me, just to see more than one person suffer. Kuwabara was limp on the ground, and I was restraining Yusuke; only Hiei was left standing and unharmed. Hiei should know something about dealing with this thing. It had apparently stolen him for a long time.~ You think so? Hmm, who do you think gave you that wound? ~ That voice chuckled, heartened in my head once more. All my thoughts halted as I rethought those words. My wound.that was from Hiei?! Then I hadn't been talking to Hiei at all, but to that demon that stole his mind! And he was currently toying with mine. All that.the attack, everything he said to me, everything he did, from the time I woke up after finding him in the forest.that wasn't Hiei! I felt so stupid, no longer feeling like the keen youko I was. But nothing seemed peculiar about him. He was the same old Hiei though.I saw no contrast or flaw in his behavior of any kind! ~ Shit, youko! That was the little punk. I just let him take charge again and he didn't seem to notice I was still there! Ha, the fool! Might I add it was interesting to be in that body; though that arrogant brat needs to be lowered a few notches! ~
"Damn you! Will you stop your weak games and come out?!" Hiei hollered suddenly, and I then noticed my whip had stopped contorting around Yusuke, but still had him in a firm grip.
"What if I like it? Stupid little shit, do not deny my power! Kurama knows damn well not to, don't you?" my voice said, cruel, and icy, dripping with confidence, which reminded me of long ago.
While that demon had been "talking" to me, he had paused my body from whatever he was making it do. My guess was he could only do one at a time. His taunting voice didn't pop in to correct me, and I felt I might have a chance. That burning feeling was ever present, but had become bearable enough for me to at least think. For now, anyway. Who knows what else this guy has up his sleeve. He's going to use up all my power. Or I guess I should say his power. And when he does, there'll be nothing left for him to suck up. No one would be left for him to feed on. When my body gets that weak, I'll have my chance to try and regain what's rightfully mine. ~ We'll see what happens, won't we? There won't be anything left to use my energy on once I'm done here! ~ This is bad. He had figured out what my plan was, and that was easy to do since he was in my head. Now he knew better that to listen to my thoughts. ~ How stupid do you think I am? Koenma was no fun at all! He didn't even put up a fight! Now this is enjoyable! I'll make sure you don't get killed. Now doesn't that sound reassuring? ~ Apparently he could go on and on in my mind but he wouldn't be able to hear me.or not? ~ Hell I can hear you! Shut up already! An animal like you can't have that much on its brain, can it?! ~ I'd have thought a freak like him would've been used to this by now.
When I was pulled away from all this, Hiei took this time to attack. Out of the corner of my vision I saw him, sword upraised, as he brought it down upon me, something I had never seen through my eyes while knowing I could do nothing. I hoped my captor was too preoccupied. You'd better be. He turned my head towards the threatening blade that was about to slice my face. I winced when it made contact. But the tip of the sword barely embedded itself, for I had jumped back, avoiding most of the attack. I could feel the warm blood flow down my face from the gash just below my right eye. I shuddered at the added pain, but a smile was playing my features.
Hiei jumped back, and he growled, "You're only using him because you're too weak to do anything any other way! How low is that?"
"Actually, it's more smart than low. If you want to talk low, I suggest we talk about your mother." My voice mocked, really asking for the ultimate painful package from Hiei. But, as always, he had already calculated how he would deal with him if he attacked again; the youko form was just too strong.
My whip had retracted after taking the blow, and Yusuke was still able to gain his footing. For now anyway. It took awhile for the poison to take affect. I wasn't able to see his reaction to that last comment. I was angrier than ever before in my entire life. Being used was the worst feeling ever. My whole body felt as though it was burning, but not from just now. ~ No, it's not. This is what you get the pleasure of feeling when I'm in control! You've handled it the best out of anyone so far. But I'm sure you'll feel the pain all the more than I ever will! How does that suit you? ~ That's why he'd acted as though he hadn't been affected. He wasn't. All the pain he encounters goes straight to me. Even though I'm not in control of my body, he just gets to direct it while I take the damage internally! I guess I'm lucky it's my youko form that is suffering. I wouldn't last as long if I was in my human form still. Not to mention that my wounds from before were still present and draining me, so this worsens my situation. I knew Hiei wouldn't be able to fatally wound me, but if they all attack, I can't really be sure. It just keeps getting better. Great, now I'm growing sarcastic.
I saw Yusuke, and he must've seen Hiei's reaction to this, "Hiei! Kurama's not the one saying this you have to remember! He could be the one hurting in there, not this evil bastard that's controlling him!"
How am I supposed to tell Yusuke he's right? My emotions were welling up in me and I was getting too frustrated to think. ~ I can just use your body until you are too weak to annoy me in here! Then this body will be completely mine, without your pestering thoughts! You'll be my first successful body transfer, so feel privileged! ~ Successful?
"Lucky for you I know what would happen if I were to kill you," Hiei said with a dead voice, Jagan furiously glowing, "I'd kill Kurama but you'd still be there. Can't use the same trick around the same people."
Kuwabara came into view, and was just short of hysterics, "What?! How are we supposed to get that damn thing out of Kurama?! Hiei, what do we do?!"
All of the sudden, I blinked.
"Hiei's right! The more this body is attacked, I'm injured, not him! There's no way to get him out, and even if you give it all you got, I'll be gone but he'll be here to wipe everyone out! Before long, all the worlds will be overruled and the Ningenkai converted! Koenma, if not dead already, will be and that'll be the end of everything! There's nothing I can do, and if I can't, who?!" Words exploded out of my mouth rapidly, and I had been shouting. Trembling, I put my hands to my face, eyes tightly shut, without even realizing I could move. Then it rushed to warn me, as if I didn't know already. He's still messing around with me!
"Kurama? It's Kurama!" Kuwabara exclaimed.
Then I heard Hiei's voice, "For the moment. Stay on your toes, you never know what it's going to do."
I couldn't define how Yusuke sounded, but it made me feel terrible, "Kurama, we're going to do whatever it takes to free you. He's still there, right?"
I was falling apart, "Yes! Just kill me! Anything is better than this! I don't know why he's allowing me to talk to you, but it's just further torment!"
"Even if we could, that body would still be here along with the bastard that's doing this to you. It's better for you to stay alive and distract him, and that way you'd have a better chance at ridding yourself of it!" Hiei said, trying to help, and I was fighting to do the best thing I should be doing instead of giving up. But I was overwhelmed with the weight of losing my mind and being killed slowly at the same time. This included the fate of my friends. Here I am, having a free chance at beating this by being able to talk to them, and I don't know what to do.
Taking my hands down, I looked at them all. Botan came to, and she too stared at me. Suddenly, I could feel my keen senses drift away. I became two feet shorter, hair and body shifting to my familiar human form, once again the Shuichi all the ningens knew. Why had this happened? And where had the demon gone? Any strength that I had gained from before was sucked from me because of those wounds. My thoughts were my own, and I had my body back. It felt so good, being in charge. I don't know how long I stood there, but the minutes just passed by and I was trying to hold myself together. When I finally reverted to the present, I was laying on the rough, cracked floor of Koenma's office, where it had all happened. It was Yusuke who startled me out of my reverie, but I still stared at the floor, slightly shivering.
"Kurama, are you alright? He doesn't look so good, guys." he said, but I could tell he was hesitant to approach me.
"What about you, Urameshi? Do you think we can, I don't know, maybe take him somewhere?" Kuwabara answered.
Yusuke sounded less tense, but I couldn't be certain, "And where would that be? Certainly not your used-to-be house! We can't take him to his house. I'd know what to do if Koenma was here.."
"What happened to Koenma-sama? He had an evil power surrounding him.not of this world, or of any of the worlds. I guess we just have to wait here; where else can we go?" Botan had apparently found herself after waking, because I heard her concerned voice.
"We should go to Mukuro. Let's see if she knows anything about this, or maybe she's already done something about it." Hiei then suggested, still cautious.
"But.what about Kurama? Do you even have any Rei ki left from that attack in the Ningenkai, Hiei? This isn't going to go well." Yusuke said glumly, his face suddenly contorted into pain. I remembered the poison as Yusuke fell to the ground, motionless.
I could only watch as Botan ran over to his side, saying, "Yusuke! What's wrong?"
"W-what is." he stuttered, utterly bewildered.
I mustered my last bit of strength to say, "Paralyzing poison from--my Rose Whip.."
Hiei sat down against the wall, apparently settling down for a rest. Kuwabara gave me a helpless frown as he too settled against the opposite wall. Now I really felt to blame for postponing something so important that shouldn't-couldn't wait. I was never sure what they did decide to do once Yusuke's poison wore off, or that I could've taken part in it, because when I tried to speak once again, darkness ensued and I did nothing but welcome it.
***
"It looks like someone or something tried to escape. I wonder what happened." Yusuke said as he stared at the gaping hole.
As we approached Koenma's office, I heard banging and some muffled shouts. With a startled look on his face, Yusuke opened the door. I almost did a double take.
"Oh Yusuke! Thank goodness you guys came!" exclaimed a disturbed Botan who was whacking everything out of some creature, which was convulsing on the floor with her oar.
Koenma was pressed against the wall, in baby form, with nervous brown eyes. But when he saw us, he immediately calmed down. His hat was a bit crooked and his clothes were soiled. Whatever had happened had made the Reikai prince practically chew up his pacifier.
Kuwabara closed his eyes with what looked still like worry and spoke quieter than usual, "Koenma, do you know what happened?"
"Demons from Makai," Koenma answered grimly, "The balance has been completely ripped apart."
That statement made at least me a bit awed. I had a feeling this would result in the tumult of all this. But only Koenma would be able to control something like that, and not even by himself. Enma Daioh would be in charge of this world, as long as he wasn't too busy with, literally, some otherworldly concerns.
Why could something like this just pop up like any other situation between the worlds?
"But, can't you control that? What happened to all those things only you could do?" Yusuke said suddenly, barraging Koenma with questions.
The prince shook his head sadly at all of us and announced, "Nothing can be done. When something like this happens, it's practically undo-able."
I then noticed something odd about Koenma. His aura; it too was peculiar in its accompanying ki. From then I knew what it was. Just like what I sensed Hiei with, that weird power I couldn't define or completely understand. I kept my suspicious stare as I tried to figure him out.
As if to throw me off, Hiei stirred from his place on Kuwabara's shoulder. His eyes opened slowly, and drowsily inspected the surroundings. Kuwabara, knowing how Hiei would probably punch him or something since he was holding him, quickly placed him on the floor. Hiei gave a grunt as he rose to his feet. I didn't feel a thing on him. Just barely enough Rei ki to sustain consciousness. Some of it should be coming back, slowly anyway.
As his eyes took in the scene, with Botan still poking the monster, and surveying the giant blown-out hole where the window should be, he said the only thing logical: "What the hell happened?"
Yusuke and Koenma turned to him. Kuwabara thankfully kept silent. He probably would've started something, and that's not what we need right now. Relief washed over Yusuke's face when he saw that Hiei was okay. But he still didn't seem like he sensed that power on Koenma. That bothered me further. Was I the only one who could feel that? I started to grow uneasy, and I found my head filling with suspicions, keeping my lookout.
Koenma's eyes narrowed, and his pacifier looked as though it would fly out of his mouth, "Like I was saying, Yusuke, there's nothing you can do about it. You'll just be wasting your life."
I saw Hiei's eyes widen. He then kept a watchful observation of him. Botan was standing next to him, also looking confused.
"Huh? What's wrong with you, Koenma?! Don't you want us, the Reikai Tantei, to help?" Kuwabara asked, his voice doubtful and wary now.
Yusuke's expression hardened, "Koenma."
Koenma then set his stone face on me, his brown eyes settled on mine. I stared right back, and once again I searched his aura. Black, nestled around a thin ray of Rei ki. His face contracted into a more severe glare, and I could see right through him. Could anybody else realize the fault in his appearance? Those eyes.they gleamed bright red and froze me still long enough for him to do his work. I doubled over, the pain increasing everywhere. All this had been done in just a few seconds' time. The red glow faded and he closed his eyes in a smirk.
"Kurama, what just happened?" Kuwabara asked, and I felt his hand on my shoulder.
"Bastard! You're not Koenma!!" Yusuke growled, "Who the hell are you?!"
Koenma chuckled, his voice unusually low, "Botan. I'm telling the truth, am I not? Am I wrong?"
"K-Koenma," She said, quivering, "You--you're wrong!"
In just a split-second, her throat was in his now growing hand. He had become his more advanced form. He grew three feet taller, and was soon the familiar Koenma that one would see in public. Botan choked out a sob of shock and horror. Somehow I was waiting for this, and so I chose now to act, my wounds temporarily controlled. I could feel the Rei ki growing in me, and I felt confident. I was also more than glad that hadn't been robbed of me twice.
"Botan!" Yusuke yelled as he stepped closer, raising his right arm.
"Rose Whip!" I called, and my whip appeared loyally in my right hand. I jumped towards him, and slashed the whip across his body. I could feel it make contact. I had been successful, and he twitched, dropping Botan. But those new gashes were not evident on his body, but on mine. I gripped my whip tightly, and kept my stance, all the while cursing louder than I would have liked.
Koenma's grin grew wider still, "Stupid youko. I thought for sure that you would have known better than to attack me with that."
No one, especially Koenma, had ever addressed me like that. Now I have that to take that into account. After that weak attack, I was left with barely any Rei ki once more. There's only one person I can think of who'd say that to me..
"Damn you." Hiei trailed off, but he didn't attack. This further supported my suspicions.
I continued to study Koenma. Whatever he was, definitely not what his appearance portrayed, had the exact same aura as the supposed deceased monster back in the Makai. Then where was the real Koenma when this was happening? I couldn't really think anymore, since Kuwabara had lunged out, Rei ken in hand.
"Ass hole!! Where is Koenma?!" he exploded, and it appeared as though he had sliced right through Koenma.
I caught a glimpse of red-blood-spurt up before his image faded away. Before disappearing, though, the "Jr." mark returned to his forehead, and I could've sworn those warm brown eyes returned. Also, the black power evaporated. But as we soon learned, our problem was still here with us. Now I could feel that energy growing on Hiei.
"What?! Hiei, don't! Fight it!" Yusuke said, realizing what was happening.
Before I had a time to decipher the complete transfer, Hiei rushed at me, engulfed in the black flames of that mysterious power, and had a completely blank expression. I jumped, thinking I had just barely cleared his blow, and landed on the opposite side of the room. Suddenly, it felt as though a needle had been jabbed through my head. It seeped into my brain, and invaded my mind. Completely mentally overwhelmed, I sank to my knees, clutching my head. The pain wouldn't go away. My head felt as though it would explode, and I found myself losing control. I drifted away, no longer in charge of my body. I tried to move my arms, but nothing happened. But then I heard thoughts, not my own, and then, distantly, I could sense my body rising up to stand. I had now been refined to the very back of my mind. Silently, I shouted, cursed and threatened, but to no avail. I could still see through my eyes, and hear my voice, but I was not causing it. I wasn't even capable of blinking my own eyes. Then, a familiar feeling reached me. I felt like a spirit again, one with no body. Like when I was seeking a human body after being killed in Makai. I had been there still, but I had no arms or any kind of physical evidence showing my existence. Instead of moving to a new body, I was restrained within my own. I was fighting a battle of wills. Or was it something more?
I saw Hiei stumble, and apparently return to normal. He glared at me, eyes narrowed. Kuwabara grabbed Hiei's shoulder, but was repelled. Yusuke turned to me, and I could tell that from his expression he knew what had occurred. He was bracing himself for a struggle.
"What's wrong?" said the voice that came from me, "Hiei, why don't you explain what's going to happen? It's not like you don't know. I think you owe your friends an explanation!"
All of the sudden, my power was completely re-boosted, going higher than ever before. Only there was one thing I recognized. Something was happening that I had dreaded the creature would discover. The body I had lost was morphing. Changing into something greater than this human body. It grew taller, and my hair melted into a familiar silver shade, growing. Fox ears mounted at the top of the head, and a tail formed, also that silver color. My ki electrified the room, and I was surprised that it held its shape. As I faintly felt the keen senses return, I could tell this creature was very fond of this newfound power. ~ Yes, why wouldn't I? No wonder you were a thief. This body is fantastic! ~ I was startled to hear his real voice for what it was, but more so inside my head, not out loud. It sounded so familiar.
"Kurama! Damn, now it's got him! Hiei, do you have any idea how to stop it?" Yusuke asked, his voice shaky. That very thought made me want to laugh, or actually the thing possessing me did. Maybe I did, too.
It had been staring at him until Yusuke broke his gaze, and I could no longer see those golden eyes reflected in them. A sudden wave of dread and anger washed over me. I didn't feel the usual, bold confidence of this power; it was not mine to use now. If I only knew what his intentions were! Everyone could end up dead. Then who knows what would become of me when I would have to face all the central powers of this world and maybe even Makai's. ~ I'll be sure to get the most out of you that I possibly can. Yours and Hiei's power combined is the best feeling ever, and I'm sure you know, too! I guess we'll see who needs to stay in this world.and who doesn't.~ Those threatening words echoed in my head.
"The only way to get that fucking bastard out of Kurama is for him to find a more powerful host or to be killed in his current body." I heard Hiei respond, still keeping his Jagan on me.
"But, then how did you get rid of it?" Kuwabara asked, still pointing his Rei ken at me awkwardly.
I saw Hiei twitch in annoyance, and this pleased the creature inside me. Even more was he entertained at our situation.
"He sensed Kurama's power and fled from my body," Hiei reluctantly explained, which surprised me, "I guess he just couldn't stand me." He raised his eyebrows, and I could tell he only said this because he knew I would understand what he meant by that.
I cursed when Botan woke from her fall. "Huh? Where did Koenma-sama go? Hiei seems all right now.." She spoke with a relief she wouldn't be retaining for much longer; she hadn't noticed me yet.
~ Ooh, I was going to get her before; she looks delicious! Don't you think so? What should we do with her? ~That damn thing was toying with me! I can't give in..
"STOP!!" I heard my own voice, from my own thoughts, project across the room. I blinked, and I could move my head. I dropped my arms, limp at my sides now.
"Kurama! Is he? Oh no." Botan trailed off, staring at me with frightened pink eyes and she put her hand up to cover her mouth.
Hiei sighed but kept his guard up, still studying me, "Well? Are you?"
I didn't say anything, but from my expression he could tell it was really me, and he'd apparently answered his own question. I flexed my fingers and swished my tail, just to be sure. For the moment I had my body back. The excess power I felt was gone, but was on another being in the room once again. Wait Botan! He just said he was going to.
"Kurama! You did it! What was that all about?" Yusuke was asking me questions already,
"Kurama?"
Kuwabara, who had probably gone over to help Botan, jumped back. Actually, he didn't jump; he was hurled into the wall by a small but powerful beam of energy from the possessed Botan.
"Botan-" I started to say, but I stopped, for nothing came out of my mouth.
"No, damn it, no! He just went to Botan!" I heard myself one more time, but that was it.
~ I told you. I am very powerful, so don't think you can stop me! Now you know. And if you still don't understand, I'll make you!! ~ My Rose Whip had been summoned; it actually was an enhanced form, of which thorns were elongated and containing a paralyzing substance and it was entwining around Yusuke's waist. It seemed that he had already figured out how to call upon my special demonic plants, too, the most dangerous. I tried not to recall the majority of them into my memory, for I didn't want to give him any ideas. I could feel his satisfaction, and it was not only his but it appeared to be mine, too. That sickened me further, and I kept forcing all of my energy to win back my mind, but it wasn't working. Yusuke's cries of frustration and pain continued ringing in my ears, but the demon didn't seem to notice, or maybe he was purposely channeling it all to me, just to see more than one person suffer. Kuwabara was limp on the ground, and I was restraining Yusuke; only Hiei was left standing and unharmed. Hiei should know something about dealing with this thing. It had apparently stolen him for a long time.~ You think so? Hmm, who do you think gave you that wound? ~ That voice chuckled, heartened in my head once more. All my thoughts halted as I rethought those words. My wound.that was from Hiei?! Then I hadn't been talking to Hiei at all, but to that demon that stole his mind! And he was currently toying with mine. All that.the attack, everything he said to me, everything he did, from the time I woke up after finding him in the forest.that wasn't Hiei! I felt so stupid, no longer feeling like the keen youko I was. But nothing seemed peculiar about him. He was the same old Hiei though.I saw no contrast or flaw in his behavior of any kind! ~ Shit, youko! That was the little punk. I just let him take charge again and he didn't seem to notice I was still there! Ha, the fool! Might I add it was interesting to be in that body; though that arrogant brat needs to be lowered a few notches! ~
"Damn you! Will you stop your weak games and come out?!" Hiei hollered suddenly, and I then noticed my whip had stopped contorting around Yusuke, but still had him in a firm grip.
"What if I like it? Stupid little shit, do not deny my power! Kurama knows damn well not to, don't you?" my voice said, cruel, and icy, dripping with confidence, which reminded me of long ago.
While that demon had been "talking" to me, he had paused my body from whatever he was making it do. My guess was he could only do one at a time. His taunting voice didn't pop in to correct me, and I felt I might have a chance. That burning feeling was ever present, but had become bearable enough for me to at least think. For now, anyway. Who knows what else this guy has up his sleeve. He's going to use up all my power. Or I guess I should say his power. And when he does, there'll be nothing left for him to suck up. No one would be left for him to feed on. When my body gets that weak, I'll have my chance to try and regain what's rightfully mine. ~ We'll see what happens, won't we? There won't be anything left to use my energy on once I'm done here! ~ This is bad. He had figured out what my plan was, and that was easy to do since he was in my head. Now he knew better that to listen to my thoughts. ~ How stupid do you think I am? Koenma was no fun at all! He didn't even put up a fight! Now this is enjoyable! I'll make sure you don't get killed. Now doesn't that sound reassuring? ~ Apparently he could go on and on in my mind but he wouldn't be able to hear me.or not? ~ Hell I can hear you! Shut up already! An animal like you can't have that much on its brain, can it?! ~ I'd have thought a freak like him would've been used to this by now.
When I was pulled away from all this, Hiei took this time to attack. Out of the corner of my vision I saw him, sword upraised, as he brought it down upon me, something I had never seen through my eyes while knowing I could do nothing. I hoped my captor was too preoccupied. You'd better be. He turned my head towards the threatening blade that was about to slice my face. I winced when it made contact. But the tip of the sword barely embedded itself, for I had jumped back, avoiding most of the attack. I could feel the warm blood flow down my face from the gash just below my right eye. I shuddered at the added pain, but a smile was playing my features.
Hiei jumped back, and he growled, "You're only using him because you're too weak to do anything any other way! How low is that?"
"Actually, it's more smart than low. If you want to talk low, I suggest we talk about your mother." My voice mocked, really asking for the ultimate painful package from Hiei. But, as always, he had already calculated how he would deal with him if he attacked again; the youko form was just too strong.
My whip had retracted after taking the blow, and Yusuke was still able to gain his footing. For now anyway. It took awhile for the poison to take affect. I wasn't able to see his reaction to that last comment. I was angrier than ever before in my entire life. Being used was the worst feeling ever. My whole body felt as though it was burning, but not from just now. ~ No, it's not. This is what you get the pleasure of feeling when I'm in control! You've handled it the best out of anyone so far. But I'm sure you'll feel the pain all the more than I ever will! How does that suit you? ~ That's why he'd acted as though he hadn't been affected. He wasn't. All the pain he encounters goes straight to me. Even though I'm not in control of my body, he just gets to direct it while I take the damage internally! I guess I'm lucky it's my youko form that is suffering. I wouldn't last as long if I was in my human form still. Not to mention that my wounds from before were still present and draining me, so this worsens my situation. I knew Hiei wouldn't be able to fatally wound me, but if they all attack, I can't really be sure. It just keeps getting better. Great, now I'm growing sarcastic.
I saw Yusuke, and he must've seen Hiei's reaction to this, "Hiei! Kurama's not the one saying this you have to remember! He could be the one hurting in there, not this evil bastard that's controlling him!"
How am I supposed to tell Yusuke he's right? My emotions were welling up in me and I was getting too frustrated to think. ~ I can just use your body until you are too weak to annoy me in here! Then this body will be completely mine, without your pestering thoughts! You'll be my first successful body transfer, so feel privileged! ~ Successful?
"Lucky for you I know what would happen if I were to kill you," Hiei said with a dead voice, Jagan furiously glowing, "I'd kill Kurama but you'd still be there. Can't use the same trick around the same people."
Kuwabara came into view, and was just short of hysterics, "What?! How are we supposed to get that damn thing out of Kurama?! Hiei, what do we do?!"
All of the sudden, I blinked.
"Hiei's right! The more this body is attacked, I'm injured, not him! There's no way to get him out, and even if you give it all you got, I'll be gone but he'll be here to wipe everyone out! Before long, all the worlds will be overruled and the Ningenkai converted! Koenma, if not dead already, will be and that'll be the end of everything! There's nothing I can do, and if I can't, who?!" Words exploded out of my mouth rapidly, and I had been shouting. Trembling, I put my hands to my face, eyes tightly shut, without even realizing I could move. Then it rushed to warn me, as if I didn't know already. He's still messing around with me!
"Kurama? It's Kurama!" Kuwabara exclaimed.
Then I heard Hiei's voice, "For the moment. Stay on your toes, you never know what it's going to do."
I couldn't define how Yusuke sounded, but it made me feel terrible, "Kurama, we're going to do whatever it takes to free you. He's still there, right?"
I was falling apart, "Yes! Just kill me! Anything is better than this! I don't know why he's allowing me to talk to you, but it's just further torment!"
"Even if we could, that body would still be here along with the bastard that's doing this to you. It's better for you to stay alive and distract him, and that way you'd have a better chance at ridding yourself of it!" Hiei said, trying to help, and I was fighting to do the best thing I should be doing instead of giving up. But I was overwhelmed with the weight of losing my mind and being killed slowly at the same time. This included the fate of my friends. Here I am, having a free chance at beating this by being able to talk to them, and I don't know what to do.
Taking my hands down, I looked at them all. Botan came to, and she too stared at me. Suddenly, I could feel my keen senses drift away. I became two feet shorter, hair and body shifting to my familiar human form, once again the Shuichi all the ningens knew. Why had this happened? And where had the demon gone? Any strength that I had gained from before was sucked from me because of those wounds. My thoughts were my own, and I had my body back. It felt so good, being in charge. I don't know how long I stood there, but the minutes just passed by and I was trying to hold myself together. When I finally reverted to the present, I was laying on the rough, cracked floor of Koenma's office, where it had all happened. It was Yusuke who startled me out of my reverie, but I still stared at the floor, slightly shivering.
"Kurama, are you alright? He doesn't look so good, guys." he said, but I could tell he was hesitant to approach me.
"What about you, Urameshi? Do you think we can, I don't know, maybe take him somewhere?" Kuwabara answered.
Yusuke sounded less tense, but I couldn't be certain, "And where would that be? Certainly not your used-to-be house! We can't take him to his house. I'd know what to do if Koenma was here.."
"What happened to Koenma-sama? He had an evil power surrounding him.not of this world, or of any of the worlds. I guess we just have to wait here; where else can we go?" Botan had apparently found herself after waking, because I heard her concerned voice.
"We should go to Mukuro. Let's see if she knows anything about this, or maybe she's already done something about it." Hiei then suggested, still cautious.
"But.what about Kurama? Do you even have any Rei ki left from that attack in the Ningenkai, Hiei? This isn't going to go well." Yusuke said glumly, his face suddenly contorted into pain. I remembered the poison as Yusuke fell to the ground, motionless.
I could only watch as Botan ran over to his side, saying, "Yusuke! What's wrong?"
"W-what is." he stuttered, utterly bewildered.
I mustered my last bit of strength to say, "Paralyzing poison from--my Rose Whip.."
Hiei sat down against the wall, apparently settling down for a rest. Kuwabara gave me a helpless frown as he too settled against the opposite wall. Now I really felt to blame for postponing something so important that shouldn't-couldn't wait. I was never sure what they did decide to do once Yusuke's poison wore off, or that I could've taken part in it, because when I tried to speak once again, darkness ensued and I did nothing but welcome it.
***