by: Kawaii Kitsune
Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho and all the characters in the wonderful show do not belong to me, blah, blah, blah. You get the point. No money, don't sue, blah, blah, blah. Moving on.
Note: italics indicate thoughts.
"I'm sorry, Yusuke," a sad-looking Botan said, "but we couldn't find Kurama's location. We're still working on it, but so far, nothing; not even a clue. He could be anywhere."
"K'so!" swore Yusuke, "Well, at least we know he's not dead, or else his soul would have went to the Reikai." Botan shifted on her oar uncomfortably, which disturbed Yusuke. "What is it?"
"Anou...his soul may have been absorbed or captured somehow."
"NANI?!?" screamed the teenager, which caused the ferry girl to cringe. "How?"
"We found a file for a youkai by the name of Hikoku and, apparently, he can absorb souls into his body, sealing them away for as long as he wishes. This may be the Hikoku that Hiei mentioned."
"Great. Just great," exclaimed Yusuke sarcastically, "What can we do if Kurama's soul was absorbed?"
"We're still researching on it, but don't worry, we'll come up with something. We'll get Kurama back."
"Yeah, we won't give up."
A black shadow flitted away in the background, unnoticed by both speakers.
Well well, now can you deny your feelings for the fox? That voice was back again and as persistent as ever. Hiei, who, just moments ago, was listening to Yusuke's conversation with Botan, scowled as he jumped from branch to branch. Can you honestly say that you don't care about what happens to Kurama's life and soul?
Urusai! Hiei screamed at the voice mentally. Of course I care. Kurama is a great warrior and partner. It would be a waste if his life was lost and even a greater tragedy if his soul was absorbed. He doesn't deserve that.
You're getting to the truth, but you're still lying to yourself, Hiei, the voice replied. Is Kurama only a partner to you, a warrior?
He's...also a friend. The reply was hesitant.
Only a friend? Nothing more?
Yes, nothing more! It could never be more than just friendship between us.
How do you know, Hiei? You haven't even tried. In fact, you've tried very hard for it not to happen. You might be pleasantly surprised, if you just gave it a chance. With that, the voice faded away and disappeared from Hiei's mind.
Che! I don't have time for this now. The fox is still in enemy territory, dead for all I know. If he is still alive, I have to find him quickly. Hiei continued his search for the redhead.
Evangeline came to a halt at the gigantic tree where her 20-mile run began. Her speed, agility, and endurance have greatly improved. She completed her run in only five minutes, three minutes faster than the previous day, and without a rest, she moved on to the next part of her morning training: combat techniques. Because she easily defeated the previous group of 400 youkai, 100 more soldiers were added to provide her with more of a challenge. On Gento's mark, the army attacked the female youkai simultaneously. Evangeline immediately switched to battle mode, showing no hesitation or mercy to the pathetic band of low-class youkai. Her combat skills were unmatched by anyone in the army, and only after four hours did the group finally manage to detain the fierce youkai. Of course, if Evangeline were allowed to use her powers, none of the youkai would have stood a chance.
Pathetic, thought Evangeline, I don't know how Hikoku-sama can put up with such a weak army. Even though, she could not help but enjoy battling them every morning. They provided her with a source of outlet, a place to release all her aggressions and boredom.
Battling a group of soldiers may be fun, but nothing compares to the target practices. This was where Evangeline could truly have fun, using her abilities to the fullest. 200 Makai rodents were turned loose on the practice grounds and she had to kill every single one of them in one minute. It may not have been a very serious training method but that was precisely why Evangeline loved it so much. It provided Evangeline with a chance to kill, using her powers, while allowing her to experiment with her techniques without fear. The rodents were large, fast, and sneaky creatures, but by using her tracking skills and her incredible speed, she was able to find them easily. She shot them with balls of fire from a distance of twenty feet. She didn't miss once. The entire test was completed in forty-five seconds.
"Evangeline, that's all for today. You may rest for thirty minutes and then report back to me on the training grounds. Understood?" commanded Gento.
"Hai."
Gento left and Evangeline promptly jogged back to her room to take a nice, long shower. She stripped out of her workout clothes and stepped into the giant tub. The water slid down her toned body, refreshing her and cooling her down from the morning exercises. The feeling of cool water was so delightful on her skin that she allowed herself to be lost in her thoughts, forgetting everything else in the world in her moment of relaxation. This is the only time that I can truly be relaxed and comfortable. Evangeline sighed, turned off the water, and then reached for the towel hanging next to her. Well, I don't want to be late reporting back to Gento.
Five minutes later, Evangeline was all dressed and ready. This time, she took the effort to dry her hair and put it up to its usual ponytail, wanting to be presentable to her commander. She dressed in a simple dress, short, with slits to provide maximal flexibility. The dress was black, of course, with a halter, instead of sleeves or straps. However, what made this dress stand out from an ordinary one was the red dragon that coiled around the entirety of the article of clothing. Also, the dress was resistant against fire, to prevent her it from burning up during practice or battle. All of Evangeline's clothes were made to be fireproof, after numerous incidents when she was just beginning to control her powers. She put on her boots and walked to meet Gento.
"Our little weapon's powers have grown tremendously, haven't they, Gento?" Hikoku smirked at his question, already knowing the answer.
"Yes, Master," bowed Gento, "However, with all due respect, she still has far to go. Her control over the fire aspects of her powers has indeed improved immensely, but she still has trouble controlling plants. Her powers are far superior than all the plant wielders we have here that she can only achieve their limit, not hers. This may provide a problem." Gento paused to wait for his master's reply.
"On the contrary, this poses as no problem at all." Hikoku surprised the figure standing before him. "Actually, it is quite convenient. I want Evangeline to be accompanying Kurama after her morning training from now on. I imagine he will want to spend most of his time in the garden, where Evangeline may pick up a trick or two."
"Yes, my lord," Gento bowed as he replied, "Brilliant, as usual. It shall be done as you ordained." He bowed once again and promptly left the room to execute his new orders.
"And so it begins." The laughter that followed was pure evil.
"I'm allowed to leave this room?" Kurama asked in a puzzled and suspicious tone.
"Hai. You may travel as far as the courtyard garden," replied Evangeline.
"I'm assuming you will be accompanying me," Kurama said.
"Of course. Hikoku-sama said that you couldn't be left alone outside this room. And the wards will have to be reapplied on your person."
"Naturally," sighed Kurama, "Well, this may be some kind of trick but it's better than being locked up in this room all the time. Let's go."
After the youkai reapplied the wards and activated them, Evangeline opened the locked door and the two figures walked out of the room, with Kurama in the front and Evangeline behind him. They walked silently down the dreary corridor and turned at the corner unto a path. The path led to the elevators, since Kurama's chamber was high up on a tower. The kitsune hit the down button and the elevator descended.
"Where do you wish to go, Kurama-san?" asked Evangeline.
"You mentioned that I could go to the courtyard garden," answered Kurama, "I want to see it."
"As you wish. Follow me, if you please."
The elevator doors opened at the lowest floor and the two figures walked out, this time with Evangeline leading the way. She led the redhead down the hallway and turned left into an open area with a stone path. At the end of the path was a wall of rose thorns, blocking the way. The female youkai walked up to the thorns and waved her hand, commanding the plant to provide passage. The wall of thorns obeyed and moved to create a doorway for their mistress, and her guest.
"After you, Kurama-san." Evangeline stepped aside to allow Kurama to walk through the doorway.
"Arigatou," Kurama said as he entered the garden, quickly followed by Evangeline.
The garden was nothing like the rest of the fortress grounds. It was lively and colorful, filled with life and spirit. The entire garden was surrounded by walls of roses, enclosing the sanctuary from the rest of the depressing atmosphere. Roses of all colors carpeted the garden floor: red, pink, white, yellow, blue, and even black. Plants of other varieties also occupied the garden. Tulips, daisies, peonies, orchids, practically any kind of flowers one can imagine thrived in the paradise. The aroma of the flowers filled the air, mixing and combining, forming a unique scent. It was this aroma that helped to calm Kurama and made him forget for a minute that he was a prisoner. He was free among his beloved plant life.
Kurama turned around and faced Evangeline. "This is a beautiful garden. Whose is it?"
"It belongs to Hikoku-sama, just like everything in and around this fortress," answered Evangeline.
"I refuse to believe that someone like Hikoku created something this peaceful and beautiful," retorted Kurama.
"I did not say that Hikoku-sama created it. I only answered your question: Hikoku-sama owns this garden. It was I who created it."
"You?"
"Is it so hard to believe? I told you I could control plants."
"Forgive me, I'm just very surprised," explained Kurama. "You stated before that you liked the sight of blood and death, but here you've created a garden full of life and beauty. It's a very large contrast."
"We all have our secrets."
"Indeed." Kurama walked up to the closest rose to him and felt its petals. The rose happened to be red, the exact shade of his hair. He bent a little to get a closer look of the flower. "This rose is beautiful but it doesn't have the healthy shine that my roses have."
"I know," admitted Evangeline, "My powers over plants are not as advanced or developed as I would like them to be. All the plant wielders here are far too weak to do half the things I am capable of, so I have had a difficult time developing my abilities. This garden is the result of my efforts. Although not perfect, it is a start."
"I'm not condemning or criticizing you; I was simply noting the details," said Kurama. "If you would like, I could show you how to make these roses look healthier. It'd provide me with something to do while I'm a prisoner here." And an opportunity for me to be free from these wards outside the chambers.
"I would like that. I will ask Hikoku-sama for permission," answered Evangeline. The plan is working already. He's fallen for the trap and now I will discover all his secrets.
"Of course."
