Author: babyg @ babygxpress

Chapter 18: Deal with The Devil

"Now, where did that source of light came from?" Kougaiji thought aloud to himself as he searched the area. I'm pretty sure they are around here.... somewhere.

"Homura, you sure we are on the right track?" Ai asked worriedly as she tugged as some branches in her way.

"Should be... the only time I came was to take the Holy Sutra.... and it was long ago." Homura pushed away some bushes to reveal a small glade. "Lets rest here first, okay? I'll go check out the area." He disappeared.

"Okay." Ai sat down gingerly and took out the mirror. "Natsumi, we're here. Just that we don't seem to be able to find the palace just yet, but soon."

"Onee-sama.... thanks for doing all this for me."

"What are you talking about? We are sisters right?"

"Right....I wonder what's Kougaiji doing right now...."

Kougaiji stepped on the branches impatiently. I'm pretty sure its somewhere here.... He stopped as he spotted a darkened patch. That's probably where the light appeared. He didn't notice that the patch was actually the shape of a crest.

Suddenly blinding red light flashed out from the patch. Grass and nearby trees flew with the impact. Kougaiji put out his arms to shield him from the impact. Worked, but he still got pushed back, nonetheless. Homura? No, its too strong.

He opened his eyes, and saw some silhouettes. As the smoke cleared, they became clearer, and soon, he made out a figure, with long hair, a black crow on his left shoulder and.... horns????

"Kougaiji." The figure licked his lips, as if savouring something sweet.

The voice sent chills rushing through him. I can feel pure evil. "Who the hell are you?"

"You don't know me? Hmmm.... I thought I would be pretty popular by now...."

"Temee! Stop delaying my time and tell me! If not, get out of my way!"

The crow stared at him in distaste. "How dare you speak so impolitely to our Prince of Ultimate Darkness. You should be punished in Hell!"

Kougaiji's eyes widened. Okay, a crow just talked. Probably someone who can shift shapes. But... Prince of Ultimate Darkness?

"Ch! I don't care. But I am the Prince of Darkness myself! Are you trying to claim my title?"

The figure with the horns cackled joyfully. "That's the attitude!"

The crow spat, "You should feel honoured by being visited by the Prince of Hell himself, Akuma!"

"Akuma?!?" No way. The leader of Hell? "But I heard that Akuma always dress in black,carrying the three thronged thing, with red horns, and no one can see his face. Your horns are like... a reindeer's antlers or something! It's not even red! Don't try and kid me, baka!"

"Don't be impertinent to the Master!" The crow furiously pecked him.

"Aie.....of course, times have changed. What you heard's the olden time fable." The figure smiled. He snapped his fingers and the smoke cleared in an instant. This Akuma looked young, had long raven-black hair, reaching to his waist, sleeveless black shirt and jeans, and a long, huge red cloak billowing behind him. And of course the cheesy antler-like horns.

"Let me make this clear. I've come to grant you a wish. But of course, terms and conditions apply." A scroll magically appeared in front Kougaiji.

He slapped the scroll away furiously. "What, trying to be so good to me? No way am I going to believe that! Just stop bothering me !" The scroll still hung persistently in front of him.

"I'm sure.... you would want a beloved to be alive again... am I right? And that one is a god. As far as I know (and there's nothing I don't know), god and youkai mix as well as fire and water. Get it? Oh, I'm so smart!"

*sweatdrop* Is he really Akuma? This guy is so different from the tales that were told.

"So what? We could overcome all this if we tried!"

"You tried. And yet, you couldn't save her."

Kougaiji stepped back as if he were stung.

"That's right. You couldn't save her. And you're feeling remorse and regret now. Believe me, Kougaiji, all you need to do is wish (and sign). I'll grant anything you want."

"Not even Kami can do that. And you look so much... more inexperienced."

"Nan da to??!" Fire appeared suddenly around Akuma. "You just hear this, boy. I'm much more powerful than that old geezer who relies on others' power, and I will prove it soon enough!" Tongues of fire shot out and hit Kougaiji. He flew back and crashed into a tree full force. He slid down, looking shocked.

Akuma approached him, with an evil smile. He moved closer until his face was just inches away from Kougaiji's.

"I know what you want, Kougaiji. And you have what I want. I will let you meet your beloved goddess." He whispered. "But in return......"

"In return.... what?"

"You have to give me your body."

~*~*~*~*~*~

"*chomp chomp* Destiny, where are we supposed to be going?" Goku asked curiously as he ate. The jeep was on the road again, with five people this time.

"Zaru, don't talk with your mouth full!" Gojou said, clobbering him.

Destiny sweatdropped, then smiled nervously. "We have to find Ai and my mirror now. I'll tell you later what we have to do."

Sanzo folded his arms in annoyance. "You disrupt my journey, brought back some stupid past, made us go with you to goodness-knows-where, and now you don't want to tell us?"

"A-er-hm, did we just hear 'my' journey?" Goku, Hakkai and Gojou crowded around him, eyes wide open.

"Yes."

*more sweatdrops*

"So are you going to tell us or not?"

"No."

"Fine."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Ai sat, talking to Natsumi, she looked around anxiously. Where's Homura? He should be back. I've got a really bad feeling there's someone else here.

"Onee-sama?" No answer.

"Onee-sama?"

Ai jerked suddenly. "Yes, what is it?"

"I... feel scared. There's something happening. Something..... the feeling of fear. My body felt numb until now."

"Are you okay? Don't worry, we'll get you out of there soon, and you'll be your own cheerful self again."

"How are you getting me out?"

"Remember the Goddess of Destiny? She's helping us."

"Are you sure there's nothing behind this whole scheme?"

"She just asked us to release her for one day. "

"..... If she's that powerful....why can't she release herself?"

"I don't know... she didn't tell me the details."

"....... That was really too rushed you know, Onee-sama. I feel something is wrong."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"So, do we have a deal, my little Prince?" Akuma lifted an eyebrow.

"S-stop it.... I won't trust you."

"Oh? And you can trust Kami? Who killed his own daughter after trying to kill you? Is he really that good? Have you ever seen him destroy anything on his own? And apparently... that was his beloved daughter too.... if he can bear to sacrifice his own daughter, what makes you think he won't sacrifice everything else for himself?"

"...... I'm a youkai. I don't believe in anyone, especially not Him."

"That's right..... You don't have to believe in anyone. You can make decisions on your own. And I'm sure you're just dying to see Natsumi. I can fulfil your wish, my dear boy."

"............"

Kougaiji faltered under Akuma's immense eyes. Natsumi... I do really want to see you.... even if it means sacrificing myself.... He reached out for the scroll, his hands trembling greatly.

"Yes...yes.... that's it my boy. Follow your heart."

Kougaiji took the quill that was hanging in mid-air beside the scroll, and.... signed.

"Waahahahaha.....oh hhheehehhe..... you have done the right thing, my boy! Very good... very good! Hahahhaha!"

Akuma dissolved into fire, and the fire went through a very surprised Kougaiji's body. He screamed as the power united with him. The whole area around him exploded, and the explosion could be seen from above the treetops. He cackled loudly and evilly.

Homura stood some distance away, hiding himself behind some trees, watching them. He couldn't believe his eyes. I have to get back. He backed away hurriedly, accidentally stepping on some dried branches *krrack*.

The crow which was flying around let out a warning cry. Kougaiji/Akuma stopped laughing, and glanced right at him. Homura stared back. Before he could disappear himself though, Kougaiji appeared in front of him.

Taken aback, Homura didn't have time to dodge the attacks that were now furiously given to him. He got hurtled back and hit against a tree. The whole tree cracked, and fell. Before he could get up, Kougaiji was there in front of him again, delivering a kick.

This repeated itself several times. Finally Homura hit the floor with a great thud and couldn't get up. He tried shakily, but fell down again. Blood splattered everywhere.

Kougaiji stood above him, cackling icily. Just as he was about to deliver a fatal blow, he suddenly stopped, as if he smelled something. He turned back, looked at Homura, gave him an evil smile, then disappeared in a flash, the crow with him.

Homura groaned and trembled with pain. He tried to get up but fell again. Using enormous effort, he finally managed to haul himself up. He... found her. I have to save Ai. He's.....immensely dangerous. I've never fought with anyone other than Son Goku's true form that has so much power, no hesitation and no mercy before.

A/N: Just a short note. Since Akuma is in Kougaiji's body now, there are actually two people in one. I will use Kougaiji's name as overall, but when Akuma speaks, its Akuma/Kougaiji, and vice versa.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Ah, Destiny, I think we have a little problem. Which way is it now?" Hakkai asked ,smiling apologetically. The jeep was in the middle of some trees, and their path had been forked into three.

Destiny closed her eyes and thought for a while. "That way, " she said pointing to the middle path. The jeep rattled on again.

Suddenly, Destiny coughed. Terribly. She tried to cover her mouth, but it was too late. Blood splattered out.

"Ah-hoi! Destiny! Daijoubu ka?!" Gojou asked, looking horrified.

"*cough* Dai....dai *cough*...joubu...."

Sanzo looked at her for moment, then took out a cloth from his robe. He handed it to her, trying to look very nonchalant. Destiny looked surprised, then took it.

"A-rigatou....*cough* gozaima..su."

"Betsu ni...."

Destiny turned serious, and tapped Hakkai on the shoulder. "Tenpo, go faster please. This is a bad omen. We have to find my mirror as soon as possible."

Suddenly..... *BOOOOOMMM*

"Wahsai! What the hell was that?" Gojou exclaimed, seeing that some miles away, the treetops could be seen, burning.

Hakkai and Goku stared in horror. Destiny started coughing again, worse than before.

"Miramei.... what's happening?"

"I.... can't believe it... it's begun. And I couldn't even feel he was so near. This human form is getting weaker."

"So change back to your goddess form."

"Not here, I can't. I won't. For if he finds me down here, without my weapons of power, he can kill me easily."

"Kami?"

"No. An evil one. Akuma, Prince of Hell."

"Akuma?" The other three now stared at Destiny in astonishment.

"Akuma. On my journey, way back years ago, I met his father. This new Akuma killed his own father to get the throne and power. He is very dangerous. And he is now seeking for revenge. From me."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ai glanced around nervously. What was that loud explosion just now? This is getting weirder. Homura, where are you? Suddenly...

Something appeared before her. She gasped in horror, and then moved with reflex to protect the mirror. She held it close to her chest, staring agape at the mist.

It shape-shifted itself, and turned into Kougaiji.

"Kougaiji!" Ai nearly shouted with relief. "You scared me!"

"Onee-sama? Kougaiji is there?"

"Ai. A pleasure to meet you again. Was that Natsumi's voice there? Can I see her, please?"

Kougaiji smiled, then lifted his hand out, indicating for her to pass the mirror.

Ai hesitated. He... sounds different. Did he talk in this kind of sarcastic way before? It can't be. She glanced down at Natsumi in the mirror. Natsumi's longing to see him.

Trembling slightly, she held out the mirror. Just as Kougaiji was about to take it...

"Noo! Ai, don't give him the mirror!"

Ai jumped back, and Kougaiji missed snatching the mirror by an inch. He growled angrily.

Homura appeared, limping, full of bruises and blood. Ai looked at him in horror.

"Homura!"

"Kuso. I should have killed you just now, Homura." Akuma/Kougaiji's eyes narrowed.

"Kill.....Homura? But... but.. why?"

"He's been possessed, Ai. Don't believe him and don't give him the mirror."

"Onee-sama? Is Kougaiji there with you? You are calling his name. Can I see him?"

Kougaiji/Akuma's eyes widened for a moment. " Natsumi!!!"

Then he changed into Akuma/Kougaiji again. "Give me, that mirror !" He lunged for towards Ai.

Gathering his energy, Homura shot a 'ki blast at Kougaiji, which diverted his attention.

"Run, Ai! Leave this to me! Just go!"

"No! No, I can't leave you here!"

"BAKA! You have to protect the mirror and Natsumi, remember? Do you want her alive again or NOT!"

"I.....I.... but I can't leave you!" Ai exclaimed in tears.

"You can and YOU WILL. Just go!"

"Enough sweet talk, are you ignoring the great Prince!" Kougaiji released a blast which hit Homura straight in the stomach. He gasped but managed to hold on.

"Now, Ai! RUN!"

No, I can't leave you. She stood resolutely, collecting her own 'ki. Kougaiji spotted her, and released another blast, straight at her. She didn't have the time to dodge, but she faced her back towards the blast, protecting the mirror. It hit her full on, and she was hurtled back and hit a tree. That tree cracked, and fell hitting another and another.

"AI!!!!!" Homura, blind with anger, took out his sword and slashed around. Akuma/Kougaiji dodged it easily. He delivered a kick which sent Homura flying back. He was knocked unconscious.

Kougaiji/Akuma stared in horror. "Akuma! I was only here to see Natsumi, which is my wish! I do not want to kill them!"

Akuma/Kougaiji laughed horribly. "And so, you will get your wish after I retrieve that mirror. But I never did say anything about not harming anyone. You have given me your body in exchange, and I can do anything I want with it."

Kougaiji walked triumphantly towards Ai. She was rubbing her head painfully, and tried to get up. When she turned around, she saw Kougaiji right in front of her. Gasping, she backed away.

"Now, don't make things difficult. Just hand me the mirror, and you'll stay alive. Now don't tell me the Akuma has got no sympathy. Your 'husband' was lucky to get away unkilled twice." Akuma/Kougaiji held out his hand as he advanced closer.

"Never!" Ai shot a blast at him which she had been secretly keeping behind her back. Kougaiji dodged and the blast only scraped him by the side of his cheek. Blood seeped out from the cut.

He touched a finger to the blood, and to Ai's horror, licked it as if he was savouring a delicacy.

"Nice one there. I see you are very determined. But this has got to... STOP!" He lunged towards her like a wild animal and his punch sent her flying into a tree. She fell back, unconscious. The mirror, which she had let go, dropped on the grass nearby, unbroken.

"Easy prey. But then, the gods were never powerful anyway." He brushed his hands.

I can't stop Akuma. He's taking this too far. All I wanted was to see Natsumi. I've got to stop him!

"Oh, and Kougaiji, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. We'r one now, remember? Your body is mine; it won't listen to you anymore." He moved slowly towards the mirror.

I...can't stop him. my body's not listening to me. No....this can't be happening. Natsumi... I didn't know he'd go this far.

Akuma/Kougaiji stopped in front of the mirror. He cackled evilly and loudly which sent birds flying out of the forest.

"You are mine now, my darling."

babyg: Ooh, that Akuma's sending chills down my back! How evil can he get !? What does he want to get? Prove his immense power by trying to destroy Heaven? What is he going to do with that mirror? Poor Destiny! Find it all in the next chapter....... I'm not going to name chapters before I actually write them anymore. Its too annoying because the story always comes out different. I renamed this chapter Deal with The Devil, a more appropriate name. Just, wait for the next chapter then!

I just read this chapter myself, and its intriguing me too. How did I manage to think of all these?!? By the way, I wrote this at home today, I didn't go to school! Yikes!