Chapter 23
Homura lunged at Kougaiji with his sword continously while Kougaiji swerved to avoid it. Finally, Kougaiji knocked his sword away with a kick and punched him several times. He held Homura by the shirt.
"What handicap were you talking about? You seem to have rusted even more!" Kougaiji mocked.
With a new burst of energy, Homura managed to release himself and release a blast of 'chi which knocked Kougaiji several feet away. Without hesitation, he retrieved his sword and held it. A red fire-dragon appeared and lunged its way towards Kougaiji.
The dragon collided with Kougaiji who seemed to have been caught by surprise and the whole area around exploded.
Homura stared, hoping against hope as the smoke cleared. Finally, when he saw there was no movement, he ran over to Ai.
"Ai! Shikkari shite!" He said worriedly, holding her in his arms.
She opened her eyes and weakly smiled at him. Suddenly her eyes widened in horror and with a great effort, she jumped in front of Homura.
A blast of 'chi met Ai full on, and the force knocked Homura against the wall.
"AI!!!!" He shouted till he was hoarse, shielding himself against the impact.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Stop this at once!"
The voice rang out and momentarily stunned all the youkai. Konzen stood, his arms folded looking very serious.
"It's all a trap! Hakkai, get Hakuryuu! We've got to go up to the Heavens fast! He's finally begin to take action!"
Hakkai eyes widened as he realized the situation. "Right!"
Yaone stood up, looking very determined blocking Hakkai's way out. "I'm sorry Hakkai-san, but I can't let you out. You've all cost Kougaiji-sama a lot of pain; I will not let it go."
"But Yaone-san, do understand. Heavens in in great turmoil!" Hakkai pleaded.
Her eyes remain solid, as if mesmerized, Konzen realized.
"She's been hypnotized by Akuma!"
Natsumi stared. Who is Akuma? Why is Yaone-san acting like that?
"I don't understand what's happening, but if you can bring Kou back, go. I'll stop Yaone." Dokugakuji stepped in front of Yaone, looking at the rest.
"Che... Dokugakuji... do you have to act so cool?" Gojou drawled before being whisked away by Natsumi. "Nani?? Natsumi, don't rush don't rush!"
"I want to know what is happening." Natsumi retorted as she pulled him onto the Jeep outside.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Homura held Ai in his arms, his eyes brimming with tears. (I haven't seen him look like that in the anime)
"Ai... Shikkari shite. Shikkari shite!" Homura sobbed. Ai lay lifeless. Tap tap. Homura saw a pair of shoes stop before hmi.
"Why don't you join your wife now? You're hindering me!" Kougaiji growled. A fire of energy released and hit Homura before he could defend himself. His last thought before falling to the ground: Ai... don't worry, I'll be with you.
Kougaiji laughed. "Finally got rid of them. Irritating brats." He made his way to the hall of the Sacred Room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Jeep landed at the edge of Heavens. There seemed to be a great disturbance, they could see mountains of dead guards everywhere.
"Who did all this?!" Natsumi cried out, her eyes widening.
Konzen suddenly jumped out of the Jeep and ran towards where else? Ai's garden. I hope he hasn't reach there yet. No, please....
He stopped in shock. Everywhere on the paths, flowers, rocks, blood was spattered everywhere. Gojou bumped into him. "Hey, what's the big deal...-"
Natsumi covered her mouth, feeling sick in the stomach. Suddenly she remembered. "O-nee-sama!"
Konzen was already at the other end of the garden, cradling Ai in his arms. Ai! Why... did he have to kill you?!
Hakkai propped Homura up, who was barely breathing.
"You... have to stop him... he's heading for... Destiny. We couldn't protect...." His hand dropped, his life gone out of him. Gojou stood, grim. Natsumi pushed Konzen away and sobbed into her sister's arms.
"Onee-sama! Why did it have to be like that?! You must have... suffered...." Natsumi turned to look at Konzen, who covered his face with his hand.
"Konzen! You know who killed my sister, don't you? Tell me NOW what is happening. Do you want me to find everyone DEAD before I know what's happening?"
"Natsumi-san, get a grip of yourself. We just couldn't find the right time to tell you."
"Hakkai! Great, so tell me!"
"All this while, the Kougaiji you see is not him. His body has been possessed by Akuma, the Lord of Hell. We wanted to tell you this, but were afraid that you couldn't take it. Also, Destiny told us not to."
Uso! Natsumi thought in panic. It can't be... then the person who's been kissing me all this while..? But.... She turned and ran towards the hallway.
"O-Oi, Matte!" Gojou ran after her.
"Natsumi!" Goku also ran into the hallway.
"Shit. Those kids." Konzen cursed as he finally regained his composure. "They seem to want to be killed by Akuma so much."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A light enveloped Kougaiji and when it dispersed, Akuma was standing there. He had trapped Kougaiji in a small bottle, which he now carried in his cloak.
Creeak. Akuma pushed open the door, squinting at the familiar bright light. As his sight became clearer, he noticed the oracle( yes, I found out the circle I meant was called an oracle!) glowing in the middle of the room. He worked his way up.
Yes, there were the beautiful dainty feet which had kept in pace with his a long time ago, the waist which his arms had encircled for many times, the beautiful soft hands which he had held....and there she was. Her face. The face that could not be rivaled by any other. Miramei.
Akuma smiled, almost tenderly as he walked slowly to her, his hands outstretched. You are forever mine, Miramei.
Just then, his feet touched the side of the oracle. A burst of light sprouted up and created a shield around her. Akuma frowned in annoyance. He pulled back a punch and threw it with all his anger. The weak shield dispersed.
I see. You've shut yourself in again, Miramei. You could break the seal easily, but yet, you don't want to. As if to reimburse your sins. But whatever you do, that old fart of a Kami won't take your excuse. You're just wasting your precious time here.
"Akuen." A voice like the wind, drifted faintly in.
He looked at Miramei, surprised. "Miramei?" Her eyes still remained closed, she didn't seem to be moving at all. But the voice appeared again.
"Akuen. Leave me. The past was the past. We can't go back anymore. You've got to release it-"
"NO! I won't hear anything! Miramei, how could you? What we had last time, that was priceless! Am I wrong if I want it back again?"
"..... We didn't have anything at all. Never."
Akuma's eyes burned with fury. " It's Konzen, isn't it? That stupid worthless god who can't do anything for his own sake? You love him? I'll take him away from you! Yes, and you will have to love me again."
"Who's worthless?"
Konzen stood at the doorway, looking pissed off.
Akuma turned and faced him, a wicked grin on his face. "You came even without me having to invite you. How nice."
"Konzen! You are no match for him! Please, don't confront him now!" Miramei's voice rang out worriedly.
"I'm not a coward, and I'm certainly not stupid or worthless. He'll have to eat back his words."
"Oh? What if I won't?"
"Then, eat this!" He shot several shots at Akuma, who simply opened his mouth and swallowed the bullets.
"Thank you. My turn to feed you now." Akuma shot out several bursts of energy which Konzen maanged to avoid. Suddenly Akuma ran with lightning speed, and punched Konzen in the stomach. Konzen fell to the ground, speechless. Akuma released his anger, kicking him relentlessly.
"Take this, you son of a bitch! Want to defeat me? Not ever in your dreams!"
Suddenly he kicked against a shield which had formed itself against Konzen. A burst of light threw him to the opposite wall.
Konzen looked up. "Miramei?"
The girl stared down at him, smiling gently. "Hey."
Konzen threw himself at her, trying to hug her.
"Miramei! Ai.... was killed!" But only felt empty air before he came crashing to the ground, to his shock.
Miramei turned around, a pained expression on her face. "You still love her only, Konzen?"
Konzen was taken aback. He never thought of it. Do I love Ai?
She noticed his confusion and hesitation. "I see." She turned towards Akuma.
"Akuen, I'll defeat you with my own hands! Do stop being so childish already!" She charged towards him.
Akuma gaped in astonishment, but he suddenly realized something. Konzen couldn't touch her. Meaning, this is just a mirage so no matter what I do, I can't hurt her. But.... He stared up at Miramei's body.
A split second before Miramei reached him, he jumped up and with his immense power, broke through the shield of the oracle again, and grabbed Miramei's body, holding her in a strangle hold.
Miramei's spirit suddenly stopped, gasping. "*cough cough* Akuen!"
"So, your power's from here, huh? What if I do this?" He grinned evilly and with his 'chi, destroyed a part of the oracle. With it, Miramei's spirit screamed in despair, her power getting weaker, the light that surrounded her body getting weaker.
Konzen watched helplessly. What can I do? Suddenly he heard footsteps.
"Konzen! What happened?" Goku burst through the doorway, and stopped in surprise at Konzen's blood splattered face and robe. Hakkai noticed Akuma immediately.
"Minna! Akuma has Miramei there!"
Gojou looked angrily. "Kusoo! I'll get him!" His sickle started to fly out of its handle but Hakkai stopped him. "No! He has Miramei; who knows what he will do."
Akuma laughed. "That's right. They don't call you sensible for nothing, Cho Hakkai."
Natsumi burst through. She stared at the red cloaked guy in shock. "You are... Akuma? Where's Kougaiji!?!" She screamed frantically charging towards him, Hakkai grabbing at her in vain.
Akuma's red 'chi shot out, hitting Natsumi who flew back and hit Hakkai.
"Don't come near me." He commanded. He collected an orb of red 'chi again, and destroyed another part of the oracle.
The ground started to shake, explosions everywhere.
"No, Akuen! If you destroy that, the balance of this world! Will come to an end!" The spirit Miramei cried out.
"Soo ka? Release your hold from here and come willingly with me. Then, I won't do anything to your beloved oracle. But if you don't...." He cackled maliciously.
Miramei turned at the group, staring forlornly. "I have to do what he says... before he destroys the oracle completely. Please, protect the oracle, Tenpou, repair it please. The information can be found in your old library."
Hakkai stared in surprised before nodding slowly.
"Miramei! Miramei! What are you doing?!" Konzen yelled as he saw the spirit Miramei fading.
"Until you realize it... Konzen.... until you realize... only then can my full powers be restored. Try, Konzen...." She smiled before fading completely.
Akuma grinned and destroyed the last light-string that had been holding Miramei back. "Goodbye, everyone. I'll be bringing her back with me; come if you want to find me! HAHAHAHA" He laughed before disappearing with Miraimei's body in tow.
"MIRAMEI!!!!!!"
babyg: See, Miramei's in again ^_^ Will have more of her next chapter; I think I pictured Konzen a little too wimpy, didn't I? Homura's gone, Ai's gone ! ;_; Couldn't help it....