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ch. 2: A Slightly In-Depth Explanation as to What in the Nine Hells is Going On
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Disclaimer: I neither own ACT II popcorn nor Days of Our Lives (thank God for that--I can't stand soap operas. for those who can't live without them, well, ^ " ^ **bows down** dunno HOW you do it, but rock on!).
DarkFlame136
Yusuke, being his usual cheerful self, was the first to greet Koenma and Botan. "This better be worth it, you two, because I'm missing out on some good shut-eye!"
"I'm sure your literature class can wait, Yusuke," Botan actually rolled her eyes.
"Damn. That's like, what, score number five?" Sairen tried counting off all the times her normally dormant, good-humored friend called someone out today. While she was doing so, Hiei caught a glimpse of her hand, which was still scarred. 'Wonder what she got into this time?'
Kurama picked up his thoughts by his expression. "Can't help but worry?"
"No. Just curious."
"It does look a bit painful..." Hiei turned to Kurama, who simply shrugged in his usual way. The former sighed, turning back around without a word. Then he saw who was trailing Yusuke, yawning and rubbing the sleep out of his own eyes. "Oh, great, THAT loser's here? Koenma must be getting desperate now."
"Ouch. Dunno whatcha did, but you've done and got him pissed off already," Sairen commented, turning to the newcomers.
"Nah; Hiei doesn't like anyone, but he especially hates Kuwabara for some odd reason," Yusuke explained, thinking that this was the first time she's met him. Whoever she was, he was sure HE'D never seen her before.
She laughed at his reasoning. "It's probably because he exists!"
"Can't argue with that." They both shared a laugh at that one. "Hey, I don't think I've seen you around before."
"I'm surprised you haven't arrested her for anything yet!" (three guesses who made that remark.)
Sairen waved her hand, "Don't listen to him, Yusuke, he's just mad because he got nabbed for stealing someone's girlfriend--"
"It was the SWORD, Sairen!"
"Suuurrre...but we all know WHY you stole it!" her laugh was absolutely unencouraging.
"You know what, love--"
"Woah, there!" Yusuke held up his hands, "What'd I miss?"
"It slipped, all right."
Sairen couldn't decide how to respond. She probably looked as confused as she felt. 'Dammit, Hiei, you just HAD to say that!'
Lucky for her, she didn't have the time to respond before someone else jumped in. Well, maybe not so lucky, given who actually saved her.
"Huh? What's going on?" Kuwabara was still rubbing his eyes.
"Nothing," Sairen said a little too fast, "go back to sleep."
"Huh? Wait--that's not Botan's voice!"
"You noticed."
"Don't get too excited--that's about as far as he'll get."
"What? Hiei?!" Kuwabara was fully awake now. "Oh, that's just great. Some faces are not meant to be seen as soon as you wake up, even if they are only one foot off the floor!"
"A foot and a half, if you count the hair!" Sairen muttered. Yusuke and Kurama, who both happened to hear her, snickered.
"What was that, Sairen?"
"Hmn?" she turned and smiled, "Nothing. You're just hearing things, dear."
"And I must be seeing things," a dazed Kuwabara breathed.
"What are you--" following his gaze, Yusuke realized that he was referring to that new chick. 'Well, she is hot, but still.'
"Can you ever NOT fall all over yourself when you see a girl?"
Normally, after a smartass remark like that, the latter would be in a headlock. This time, though:
"Can it, Yurameshi, you're just jealous because I saw her first!"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Hello there, pretty lady," Kuwabara walked straight up to an even more confused Sairen. Taking her hand (her injured one at that), he continued, "Koenma must not be getting his paperwork done right, since even angels have to wait around in the Spirit World. I'll be glad to show you the way to heaven, though."
"Whaaaa???" was all the elemental could manage. Kurama, on the other hand, was trying not to laugh. It would have worked, too, if he hadn't seen the "now-where-did-I-put-that-twelve gauge?" look on Hiei's face.
"Something funny, Kurama?"
"No," he lied. Then he started giggling. "Sorry. Excuse me." He got up to leave. After he passed Kuwabara--still clasping Sairen's hand--he barely made it out the door before he let it out. "Tee, hee, hee...HHAHAHAHAHAH!!!" (Yeah, I know what you were thinking **sniffs air** ewww!!!)
A low, primal growl emitted from the other side of the room. Interestingly enough, Kuwabara was not in that much of a stupor (for once ^^;; ), so he was the first to comment.
"Man, they have giant killer dogs up here, too?"
Sairen, knowing exactly what made that noise, shifted uncomfortably. Kuwabara, only halfway guessing her apprehension, straightened up. "Don't worry, angle, Kuwabara's here to protect you!"
"Actually, I was just wondering who's going to save YOU! I don't think that was an animal, but I know for a fact that Hiei hasn't had his shots in a loooong time."
"Say what? Little Man made that big growl?"
"Honestly, Sairen, I don't see why you even care to entertain that loser for as long as you have. Just throw a ball if you want to get rid of him."
"Hey! listen here, shrimp--"
"Hey, both of you!" Yusuke interrupted, "You can tear each other apart after we find out why we've been called here. I for one would like to get back to sleep!"
"I second that," Sairen added, "I'm even more curious now, especially since all of you know each other, but do not seem to get along very well. Besides, all this talk about shrimp's making me hungry."
Both Koenma and Botan lost a few shades of color from THAT new piece of information. The former was the first to recover. "Um, well, let's get Kurama back in here before we begin. And make it snappy, because I do NOT want to be stuck in here when her stomach starts growling!"
"Feh, you're not even an appetizer," flipping her azure hair over her shoulder, she got serious. Sortta. "For those of you who don't know, I'm Sairen. For those of you who DO know, well, deal with it," she pointedly glared at a cringing Koenma.
Yusuke pointed to himself. "Yusuke Yurameshi, though I noticed you already know."
She smiled ironically, "I don't think there's a demon around that does not. You seem like a neat kid, so don't try to challenge my own reputation."
Kuwabara blinked. 'HER reputation? What's she talking about?' A rough nudge from Yusuke brought him out of his own thoughts. "Oh, right. I'm Kuwabara. Nice meeting you no matter what anyone says, sweetheart."
Hiei sighed loudly, rolling his eyes. "Can we find the fox and get on with this before I vomit?"
"He probably stepped outside for a moment," Botan guessed. "I'll find him." She quickly left, wanting herself to get on with the meeting. 'I don't want to miss any more of "Days of Our Lives"'
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The five fighters and Botan were sitting around Lord Koenma's (Dad's) desk (**authoress gets hit with projectile from hostile audience member for repeating the obvious** Ouchie! Die!!! **throws it back**). Everyone's equipped with a soda and a bowl of popcorn. Somehow or another, the poor Sairen ends up between Kuwabara and Hiei and across from Kurama, who has been giving her uneasy glances ever since she tore up the first two bags of ACT II on her own. Not being able to stand it any longer, she spoke up.
"Anything I can help you with, Kurama?"
He remained nervous. "Now that you mention it...Since there's no other way I can ask this, I'll just be blunt. When exactly was the last time you've eaten?"
"Tell me about it," Yusuke remarked, reaching for another soda, "I don't think I've EVER seen anyone eat that much in under a half an hour!"
Sairen chewed a bit more slowly, eyeing Botan. The latter shrugged, as if to say 'I didn't tell them anything yet'.
"I didn't tell them anything yet," Botan admitted, "since I figured you'd want to keep some things to yourself for now, like what's going on between you and Hi--"
Botan was suddenly cut off by two absolutely vicious stares that took her breath away--figuratively and literally.
Kuwabara, watching her eyes bulge out, her hand grasping her throat as if she were choking, cried out, "Hey, Botan, did popcorn get stuck in your throat or something?"
"Well, if she's choking, stupid, she can't answer!" Yusuke jumped up to try to help her. However, she just waved him back; catching her breath, she answered, "It's all right, I'm fine now."
"That's a relief," Sairen said dryly.
"Is there anything else that we should not discuss, Sairen?" Kurama asked pointedly.
"Actually," she disagreed quietly, "that was an accident. It's been a long time since I've given anyone that kind of stare, and it was an automatic reaction." Seeing the confused look on the faces of half the people in the room (and how unnerved the other half looked), she sighed. "I'm an air elemental, so I can control wind and the like, including the air you breath. Long story short, by having a strong desire for Botan to shut up, I inadvertently cut off her air for a second by glaring at her."
Yusuke twitched slightly. 'Is it me or did she sound a little too much like that ill-tempered hag Gen Kai?' He shuddered a little, recalling his mandatory enrollment in the psychic's boot camp from hell.
Botan, in the meantime, huffed, "Well, excuse me! You know I have a tendency to gossip!"
"More the reason we were hoping you wouldn't find out too much," Hiei muttered, scowling at Sairen, who shot back,
"And you think I told her?"
"If not just to spite me, then simply because you tell her everything else."
"No," she sighed, "that was, well, you know who I'm referring to."
He made a small noise, nodding understandingly, but not without bitterness. 'She was like a soul mate. Second soul mate, actually.' He shook his head. 'Wait, what am I thinking? I'm through with Sairen. This time.'
A well-aimed piece of Act II hit him square in his Jigan eye, which, lucky for him, was under wraps.
Kuwabara laughed, "Haha, great shot, Yurameshi! hit him again!"
SMACK!!!
A well-aimed soda can hit him square in his face, which, lucky for him, had been hit so many time the extra damage wouldn't be noticed.
(author's note--Sorry, I couldn't resist! ^^'
::kuwabara:: "hey, no fair! I'm twice as good-looking as that pointy-haired freak!"
::hiei:: "I beg to differ. I think you need a haircut--allow me!!"
hiei pulls out sword, chases a frightened kuwabara.
::authoress:: -_-;;;)
"Wow, that was a bull's eye!" Botan congratulated before she realized what she was doing. Afterwards: "I mean, be nice, Hiei!"
"That WAS nice!" Sairen and Yusuke both said at the same time. Almost everyone had a good laugh at that. Except Kuwabara, who was whining about the giant print the soda can left on his face ("I don't even like grape!"), and, well, when exactly was the last time Hiei laughed, anyway?
After calming down, Yusuke spoke. "I was trying to get Hiei's attention, since he spaced out. I guess Koenma's finally going to get started."
The little guy with the pacifier cleared his throat. "In truth, I was going to say, in relation to what just happened with Botan, that maybe it would be a good idea to get everything out in the open so no surprises come up later." Noticing Sairen's sour look, he added, "You may end up working with them for more than a few days, so you might as well explain a few more things. Preferably BEFORE any of them catch you on a lunch break."
"Fine; I suppose you actually ARE right for once," she admitted. "But it's probably better if you just give them the files to go over in their own time."
"WHAT?! Nobody mentioned any reading assignment to go with this lecture!" Yusuke complained.
Sairen just stared at him. "I know after that last stunt I pulled that you two are just dying to know what the hell I am. Well, here's your chance. Besides, I'm sure the records are thorough enough to make me want to burn them--"
Both Yusuke and Kuwabaras' whining cut her off. "I also get pissed off when people interrupt me with their snoring, and Botan tells me you two sleep like rocks with chain saws!"
she finished with a growl.
"She hasn't changed a bit in all this time, has she?" Kurama whispered to Hiei.
"That depends on how far you go back, Kurama."
Koenma waited for everyone to quiet down. "Now, if we're all settled, I'll get started. Now, a few centuries ago--"
"Wait a minute!" Sairen held up a hand. DING! the microwave sounded after a few seconds of silence. She jumped up, took out the bag, and walked back in the room shaking it.
Hiei's nose twitched. "Is that extra butter?"
She paused. "Yeah. You're not taking the whole bag, though."
"Works for me."
After she and Hiei finished diving up the spoils (which Botan and Kurama noted was done without too much squabbling other than "I wanna keep the bag!"), Koenma began again.
"Now, assuming no one has to get up for anything else..." he trailed off.
"Don't look at me; I used the men's room before I sat down," Kuwabara reassured him.
"Good God," Hiei sighed, throwing a handful of popcorn in his mouth. Sairen laughed, almost choking on her own mouthful.
Koenma, growing impatient, gave it a third shot. "Anyway, like I was saying..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
"A few centuries ago, a group of humans with very strong spirit energy were training to learn how to channel their power and form it into elemental spells. Since these types of techniques are probably the most formidable, they are very hard to learn if one is not born an elemental. Obviously, the group busted their asses in perfecting their respective techniques, especially since if they lost concentration for even a second they would be devoured by their own energy.
"Of course all four of them survived, since if they had not we wouldn't be in this mess today. The only way for their knowledge and techniques would survive, though, is if they in turn passed what they knew on to students of their own. However, all successors had to have certain criteria:
One--at least a little psychic power had to be present, though a high amount of spirit energy, tapped or untapped, was a definite must.
Two--they had to have some sort of attunement to one element or another
Three--the candidates absolutely had to possess a strong will and a ridiculous amount of self-control. and, finally,
Four--no one hoping to gain this type of power could have any sort of violent and/or criminal history.
**********
Sairen's sudden burst of laughter jerked everyone back to the real world.
"Personally, Sairen, I think you're the last person that should be laughing about anything," Koenma chided.
"That's exactly why I find that so hilarious," she gasped, "No criminal record or violent history? HAHAHAHA!!!"
Kurama smiled ironically, "I suppose that means none of us would have been eligible."
"There have been a few exceptions to that," Koenma informed, "but the majority of the time, the candidates with certain flaws ended up dying a horrible death either because they lost control or they had to be stopped before they did something unthinkable. Getting back to the story..."
**********
"...A reasonable while after their own mentors passed away, this particular group of four began looking for people to pass their secrets on to. Unfortunately, none could find anyone worthy for one reason or another. Fearful that they may grow too old before finding the next generation, they all decided to do the next best thing: write down everything they had learned so it would not be lost in time.
"Keep in mind, though, that elemental magic has been around for a VERY long time. However, what started out as incantations somehow ended up entwined directly with spirit techniques. Either way, the four had learned both the old and new ways, even coming up with some of their own tricks. All of this was recorded in a set of eight scrolls, though rumor has it that a ninth exists, but no one is sure what it contains. They are all sealed by a special form of magic that only a few know about today, and even fewer can use it. Also, as Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Botan can attest to, they cannot even be tracked except in unique circumstances, and their hiding places are not easily found. Until recently, that is.
"This is where you all come in: Our sources tell us that someone--or something--is trying to locate these records. In fact, it is highly possible that they already have one of them, though which one, assuming this is even accurate, is unknown. Your mission: Find and secure the remaining Scrolls of Eternity (mind you, there are two of each element, earth, air, fire, and water) before whoever else is looking for them does."
**********
For a while, no one spoke. Sairen and Kurama especially appeared disturbed. Finally, someone said what was on their mind:
"If all we have to do is find eight or nine pieces of paper, then why do you think it will take six people?" Hiei asked Koenma. "I mean, it's not like Yusuke can't fight. And besides, Botan can heal and Kuwabara's practically a punching bag, so it's not like he doesn't have backup."
"PUNCHING BAG?!" Kuwabara yelled indignantly.
"I'm afraid it's not as simple as that," Botan talked around him.
Surprisingly, though, it was Sairen that clarified, "Supposedly, the scrolls can only be detected during a full moon, and even then only certain ones are vulnerable in each season."
Yusuke was confused. "What do you mean?"
"They are sealed with a very old and complex form of magic," Kurama explained, "and because the seals were designed to never wear-off on their own, they are vulnerable around the time they were cast--"
"--which happens to be one or two less than a few centuries ago this year," Sairen finished. "It took them a decent amount of time to write everything down, and they decided to hide everything at the last minute. That last minute didn't come until after a hundred years or so, since their power somehow or another gave them a much longer life span than normal people."
"Precisely. But, how do YOU know that?" Koenma asked suspiciously.
"Oh, please, it's not like I don't know history or what's going on now."
She paused. "There is something that I'd like to know, though."
"Yes?"
"You mentioned that Yusuke, Botan, and Kuwabara had already started looking for the scrolls. How exactly were they supposed to find them? From what I've heard, neither of the three can sense this type of power, or, if they can, would have no idea what it is or what to do."
"That's another problem," Botan admitted. "Kuwabara, who's been our locater, says he hasn't sensed ANYTHING so far and that he may not know it if he does later on or has already."
"Well, I wouldn't go THAT far!" the redhead quickly claimed, waving his hands.
Hiei, who looked desperately as if he wanted to put in his own two-cents, was silenced by a look from Sairen. Instead, he actually said something helpful. "Don't worry about it, Botan, Sairen and Kurama should be able to take care of that."
"Actually...I don't think we have to worry about waiting until any full moons or season changes before we can find the remaining Scrolls of Eternity."
That got everybody's undivided attention. All eyes were fixed on Sairen, who made a face. "Quit staring at me like that. I'm an elemental, for crying out loud; I think I should be able to sense any type of Air magic."
Koenma narrowed his eyes. "Is that right?"
Sairen kept her expression neutral. "Damn straight it is. Don't believe me, Lord Koenma?"
"It's not that. I just think you should get used to being completely honest with everyone, at least for now."
"Hey, I made a promise, all right!" she suddenly exploded. "Even if we weren't as close to each other as we are, I STILL wouldn't tell you everything simply because we all agreed to keep some information under wraps."
Botan gasped. "Are you saying that-?"
"It appears so," Hiei anticipated her question. "You better let us handle this by ourselves, then, since they're used to us by now."
"Now, hold on a minute, Hiei!" Yusuke stood up suddenly, "this is MY case!"
"More the reason the Twins may not be so reasonable."
"Though Hiei has a point," Kurama interrupted, "we still may be able to work something out. Sairen can just have her famous 'Don't kill the outsiders' talk with them, and that should do it."
She was already shaking her head before he even finished. "You and Hiei are apparitions, and they like you, anyway. There's no real guarantee how they will accept Kuwabara and Yusuke, especially with their growing fame in the demon world."
"But, what about Botan? She's Yusuke's assistant."
"Koenma, even if YOU showed up, SHE'LL be fine," Sairen assured him. "Besides, I think Rashim has a crush on her or something-eep!" she squeaked, turning a little red (though not nearly as red as Botan herself).
"What did you say?!"
"Er, nothing, Botan, just forget it, heheh."
Feeling a need to save them both, Yusuke stretched noisily. "Well, then, we might as well get started. Now that everyone's up-to-date, we shouldn't waste any time."
"That's the spirit, Yusuke!" Koenma congratulated. A little prematurely, one might add.
"Yup, yup. First order of business: Let the Spirit Detective get some much needed shut-eye!"
**everyone else falls over anime-style**
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that'd be it for the second chapter. It's longer than the two before it, but the third one's probably going to be shorter. Chapter four should be one of the longer ones. Why am I so worried about reporting on length? **shrugs** R&R peoples!
ch. 2: A Slightly In-Depth Explanation as to What in the Nine Hells is Going On
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Disclaimer: I neither own ACT II popcorn nor Days of Our Lives (thank God for that--I can't stand soap operas. for those who can't live without them, well, ^ " ^ **bows down** dunno HOW you do it, but rock on!).
DarkFlame136
Yusuke, being his usual cheerful self, was the first to greet Koenma and Botan. "This better be worth it, you two, because I'm missing out on some good shut-eye!"
"I'm sure your literature class can wait, Yusuke," Botan actually rolled her eyes.
"Damn. That's like, what, score number five?" Sairen tried counting off all the times her normally dormant, good-humored friend called someone out today. While she was doing so, Hiei caught a glimpse of her hand, which was still scarred. 'Wonder what she got into this time?'
Kurama picked up his thoughts by his expression. "Can't help but worry?"
"No. Just curious."
"It does look a bit painful..." Hiei turned to Kurama, who simply shrugged in his usual way. The former sighed, turning back around without a word. Then he saw who was trailing Yusuke, yawning and rubbing the sleep out of his own eyes. "Oh, great, THAT loser's here? Koenma must be getting desperate now."
"Ouch. Dunno whatcha did, but you've done and got him pissed off already," Sairen commented, turning to the newcomers.
"Nah; Hiei doesn't like anyone, but he especially hates Kuwabara for some odd reason," Yusuke explained, thinking that this was the first time she's met him. Whoever she was, he was sure HE'D never seen her before.
She laughed at his reasoning. "It's probably because he exists!"
"Can't argue with that." They both shared a laugh at that one. "Hey, I don't think I've seen you around before."
"I'm surprised you haven't arrested her for anything yet!" (three guesses who made that remark.)
Sairen waved her hand, "Don't listen to him, Yusuke, he's just mad because he got nabbed for stealing someone's girlfriend--"
"It was the SWORD, Sairen!"
"Suuurrre...but we all know WHY you stole it!" her laugh was absolutely unencouraging.
"You know what, love--"
"Woah, there!" Yusuke held up his hands, "What'd I miss?"
"It slipped, all right."
Sairen couldn't decide how to respond. She probably looked as confused as she felt. 'Dammit, Hiei, you just HAD to say that!'
Lucky for her, she didn't have the time to respond before someone else jumped in. Well, maybe not so lucky, given who actually saved her.
"Huh? What's going on?" Kuwabara was still rubbing his eyes.
"Nothing," Sairen said a little too fast, "go back to sleep."
"Huh? Wait--that's not Botan's voice!"
"You noticed."
"Don't get too excited--that's about as far as he'll get."
"What? Hiei?!" Kuwabara was fully awake now. "Oh, that's just great. Some faces are not meant to be seen as soon as you wake up, even if they are only one foot off the floor!"
"A foot and a half, if you count the hair!" Sairen muttered. Yusuke and Kurama, who both happened to hear her, snickered.
"What was that, Sairen?"
"Hmn?" she turned and smiled, "Nothing. You're just hearing things, dear."
"And I must be seeing things," a dazed Kuwabara breathed.
"What are you--" following his gaze, Yusuke realized that he was referring to that new chick. 'Well, she is hot, but still.'
"Can you ever NOT fall all over yourself when you see a girl?"
Normally, after a smartass remark like that, the latter would be in a headlock. This time, though:
"Can it, Yurameshi, you're just jealous because I saw her first!"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Hello there, pretty lady," Kuwabara walked straight up to an even more confused Sairen. Taking her hand (her injured one at that), he continued, "Koenma must not be getting his paperwork done right, since even angels have to wait around in the Spirit World. I'll be glad to show you the way to heaven, though."
"Whaaaa???" was all the elemental could manage. Kurama, on the other hand, was trying not to laugh. It would have worked, too, if he hadn't seen the "now-where-did-I-put-that-twelve gauge?" look on Hiei's face.
"Something funny, Kurama?"
"No," he lied. Then he started giggling. "Sorry. Excuse me." He got up to leave. After he passed Kuwabara--still clasping Sairen's hand--he barely made it out the door before he let it out. "Tee, hee, hee...HHAHAHAHAHAH!!!" (Yeah, I know what you were thinking **sniffs air** ewww!!!)
A low, primal growl emitted from the other side of the room. Interestingly enough, Kuwabara was not in that much of a stupor (for once ^^;; ), so he was the first to comment.
"Man, they have giant killer dogs up here, too?"
Sairen, knowing exactly what made that noise, shifted uncomfortably. Kuwabara, only halfway guessing her apprehension, straightened up. "Don't worry, angle, Kuwabara's here to protect you!"
"Actually, I was just wondering who's going to save YOU! I don't think that was an animal, but I know for a fact that Hiei hasn't had his shots in a loooong time."
"Say what? Little Man made that big growl?"
"Honestly, Sairen, I don't see why you even care to entertain that loser for as long as you have. Just throw a ball if you want to get rid of him."
"Hey! listen here, shrimp--"
"Hey, both of you!" Yusuke interrupted, "You can tear each other apart after we find out why we've been called here. I for one would like to get back to sleep!"
"I second that," Sairen added, "I'm even more curious now, especially since all of you know each other, but do not seem to get along very well. Besides, all this talk about shrimp's making me hungry."
Both Koenma and Botan lost a few shades of color from THAT new piece of information. The former was the first to recover. "Um, well, let's get Kurama back in here before we begin. And make it snappy, because I do NOT want to be stuck in here when her stomach starts growling!"
"Feh, you're not even an appetizer," flipping her azure hair over her shoulder, she got serious. Sortta. "For those of you who don't know, I'm Sairen. For those of you who DO know, well, deal with it," she pointedly glared at a cringing Koenma.
Yusuke pointed to himself. "Yusuke Yurameshi, though I noticed you already know."
She smiled ironically, "I don't think there's a demon around that does not. You seem like a neat kid, so don't try to challenge my own reputation."
Kuwabara blinked. 'HER reputation? What's she talking about?' A rough nudge from Yusuke brought him out of his own thoughts. "Oh, right. I'm Kuwabara. Nice meeting you no matter what anyone says, sweetheart."
Hiei sighed loudly, rolling his eyes. "Can we find the fox and get on with this before I vomit?"
"He probably stepped outside for a moment," Botan guessed. "I'll find him." She quickly left, wanting herself to get on with the meeting. 'I don't want to miss any more of "Days of Our Lives"'
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The five fighters and Botan were sitting around Lord Koenma's (Dad's) desk (**authoress gets hit with projectile from hostile audience member for repeating the obvious** Ouchie! Die!!! **throws it back**). Everyone's equipped with a soda and a bowl of popcorn. Somehow or another, the poor Sairen ends up between Kuwabara and Hiei and across from Kurama, who has been giving her uneasy glances ever since she tore up the first two bags of ACT II on her own. Not being able to stand it any longer, she spoke up.
"Anything I can help you with, Kurama?"
He remained nervous. "Now that you mention it...Since there's no other way I can ask this, I'll just be blunt. When exactly was the last time you've eaten?"
"Tell me about it," Yusuke remarked, reaching for another soda, "I don't think I've EVER seen anyone eat that much in under a half an hour!"
Sairen chewed a bit more slowly, eyeing Botan. The latter shrugged, as if to say 'I didn't tell them anything yet'.
"I didn't tell them anything yet," Botan admitted, "since I figured you'd want to keep some things to yourself for now, like what's going on between you and Hi--"
Botan was suddenly cut off by two absolutely vicious stares that took her breath away--figuratively and literally.
Kuwabara, watching her eyes bulge out, her hand grasping her throat as if she were choking, cried out, "Hey, Botan, did popcorn get stuck in your throat or something?"
"Well, if she's choking, stupid, she can't answer!" Yusuke jumped up to try to help her. However, she just waved him back; catching her breath, she answered, "It's all right, I'm fine now."
"That's a relief," Sairen said dryly.
"Is there anything else that we should not discuss, Sairen?" Kurama asked pointedly.
"Actually," she disagreed quietly, "that was an accident. It's been a long time since I've given anyone that kind of stare, and it was an automatic reaction." Seeing the confused look on the faces of half the people in the room (and how unnerved the other half looked), she sighed. "I'm an air elemental, so I can control wind and the like, including the air you breath. Long story short, by having a strong desire for Botan to shut up, I inadvertently cut off her air for a second by glaring at her."
Yusuke twitched slightly. 'Is it me or did she sound a little too much like that ill-tempered hag Gen Kai?' He shuddered a little, recalling his mandatory enrollment in the psychic's boot camp from hell.
Botan, in the meantime, huffed, "Well, excuse me! You know I have a tendency to gossip!"
"More the reason we were hoping you wouldn't find out too much," Hiei muttered, scowling at Sairen, who shot back,
"And you think I told her?"
"If not just to spite me, then simply because you tell her everything else."
"No," she sighed, "that was, well, you know who I'm referring to."
He made a small noise, nodding understandingly, but not without bitterness. 'She was like a soul mate. Second soul mate, actually.' He shook his head. 'Wait, what am I thinking? I'm through with Sairen. This time.'
A well-aimed piece of Act II hit him square in his Jigan eye, which, lucky for him, was under wraps.
Kuwabara laughed, "Haha, great shot, Yurameshi! hit him again!"
SMACK!!!
A well-aimed soda can hit him square in his face, which, lucky for him, had been hit so many time the extra damage wouldn't be noticed.
(author's note--Sorry, I couldn't resist! ^^'
::kuwabara:: "hey, no fair! I'm twice as good-looking as that pointy-haired freak!"
::hiei:: "I beg to differ. I think you need a haircut--allow me!!"
hiei pulls out sword, chases a frightened kuwabara.
::authoress:: -_-;;;)
"Wow, that was a bull's eye!" Botan congratulated before she realized what she was doing. Afterwards: "I mean, be nice, Hiei!"
"That WAS nice!" Sairen and Yusuke both said at the same time. Almost everyone had a good laugh at that. Except Kuwabara, who was whining about the giant print the soda can left on his face ("I don't even like grape!"), and, well, when exactly was the last time Hiei laughed, anyway?
After calming down, Yusuke spoke. "I was trying to get Hiei's attention, since he spaced out. I guess Koenma's finally going to get started."
The little guy with the pacifier cleared his throat. "In truth, I was going to say, in relation to what just happened with Botan, that maybe it would be a good idea to get everything out in the open so no surprises come up later." Noticing Sairen's sour look, he added, "You may end up working with them for more than a few days, so you might as well explain a few more things. Preferably BEFORE any of them catch you on a lunch break."
"Fine; I suppose you actually ARE right for once," she admitted. "But it's probably better if you just give them the files to go over in their own time."
"WHAT?! Nobody mentioned any reading assignment to go with this lecture!" Yusuke complained.
Sairen just stared at him. "I know after that last stunt I pulled that you two are just dying to know what the hell I am. Well, here's your chance. Besides, I'm sure the records are thorough enough to make me want to burn them--"
Both Yusuke and Kuwabaras' whining cut her off. "I also get pissed off when people interrupt me with their snoring, and Botan tells me you two sleep like rocks with chain saws!"
she finished with a growl.
"She hasn't changed a bit in all this time, has she?" Kurama whispered to Hiei.
"That depends on how far you go back, Kurama."
Koenma waited for everyone to quiet down. "Now, if we're all settled, I'll get started. Now, a few centuries ago--"
"Wait a minute!" Sairen held up a hand. DING! the microwave sounded after a few seconds of silence. She jumped up, took out the bag, and walked back in the room shaking it.
Hiei's nose twitched. "Is that extra butter?"
She paused. "Yeah. You're not taking the whole bag, though."
"Works for me."
After she and Hiei finished diving up the spoils (which Botan and Kurama noted was done without too much squabbling other than "I wanna keep the bag!"), Koenma began again.
"Now, assuming no one has to get up for anything else..." he trailed off.
"Don't look at me; I used the men's room before I sat down," Kuwabara reassured him.
"Good God," Hiei sighed, throwing a handful of popcorn in his mouth. Sairen laughed, almost choking on her own mouthful.
Koenma, growing impatient, gave it a third shot. "Anyway, like I was saying..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
"A few centuries ago, a group of humans with very strong spirit energy were training to learn how to channel their power and form it into elemental spells. Since these types of techniques are probably the most formidable, they are very hard to learn if one is not born an elemental. Obviously, the group busted their asses in perfecting their respective techniques, especially since if they lost concentration for even a second they would be devoured by their own energy.
"Of course all four of them survived, since if they had not we wouldn't be in this mess today. The only way for their knowledge and techniques would survive, though, is if they in turn passed what they knew on to students of their own. However, all successors had to have certain criteria:
One--at least a little psychic power had to be present, though a high amount of spirit energy, tapped or untapped, was a definite must.
Two--they had to have some sort of attunement to one element or another
Three--the candidates absolutely had to possess a strong will and a ridiculous amount of self-control. and, finally,
Four--no one hoping to gain this type of power could have any sort of violent and/or criminal history.
**********
Sairen's sudden burst of laughter jerked everyone back to the real world.
"Personally, Sairen, I think you're the last person that should be laughing about anything," Koenma chided.
"That's exactly why I find that so hilarious," she gasped, "No criminal record or violent history? HAHAHAHA!!!"
Kurama smiled ironically, "I suppose that means none of us would have been eligible."
"There have been a few exceptions to that," Koenma informed, "but the majority of the time, the candidates with certain flaws ended up dying a horrible death either because they lost control or they had to be stopped before they did something unthinkable. Getting back to the story..."
**********
"...A reasonable while after their own mentors passed away, this particular group of four began looking for people to pass their secrets on to. Unfortunately, none could find anyone worthy for one reason or another. Fearful that they may grow too old before finding the next generation, they all decided to do the next best thing: write down everything they had learned so it would not be lost in time.
"Keep in mind, though, that elemental magic has been around for a VERY long time. However, what started out as incantations somehow ended up entwined directly with spirit techniques. Either way, the four had learned both the old and new ways, even coming up with some of their own tricks. All of this was recorded in a set of eight scrolls, though rumor has it that a ninth exists, but no one is sure what it contains. They are all sealed by a special form of magic that only a few know about today, and even fewer can use it. Also, as Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Botan can attest to, they cannot even be tracked except in unique circumstances, and their hiding places are not easily found. Until recently, that is.
"This is where you all come in: Our sources tell us that someone--or something--is trying to locate these records. In fact, it is highly possible that they already have one of them, though which one, assuming this is even accurate, is unknown. Your mission: Find and secure the remaining Scrolls of Eternity (mind you, there are two of each element, earth, air, fire, and water) before whoever else is looking for them does."
**********
For a while, no one spoke. Sairen and Kurama especially appeared disturbed. Finally, someone said what was on their mind:
"If all we have to do is find eight or nine pieces of paper, then why do you think it will take six people?" Hiei asked Koenma. "I mean, it's not like Yusuke can't fight. And besides, Botan can heal and Kuwabara's practically a punching bag, so it's not like he doesn't have backup."
"PUNCHING BAG?!" Kuwabara yelled indignantly.
"I'm afraid it's not as simple as that," Botan talked around him.
Surprisingly, though, it was Sairen that clarified, "Supposedly, the scrolls can only be detected during a full moon, and even then only certain ones are vulnerable in each season."
Yusuke was confused. "What do you mean?"
"They are sealed with a very old and complex form of magic," Kurama explained, "and because the seals were designed to never wear-off on their own, they are vulnerable around the time they were cast--"
"--which happens to be one or two less than a few centuries ago this year," Sairen finished. "It took them a decent amount of time to write everything down, and they decided to hide everything at the last minute. That last minute didn't come until after a hundred years or so, since their power somehow or another gave them a much longer life span than normal people."
"Precisely. But, how do YOU know that?" Koenma asked suspiciously.
"Oh, please, it's not like I don't know history or what's going on now."
She paused. "There is something that I'd like to know, though."
"Yes?"
"You mentioned that Yusuke, Botan, and Kuwabara had already started looking for the scrolls. How exactly were they supposed to find them? From what I've heard, neither of the three can sense this type of power, or, if they can, would have no idea what it is or what to do."
"That's another problem," Botan admitted. "Kuwabara, who's been our locater, says he hasn't sensed ANYTHING so far and that he may not know it if he does later on or has already."
"Well, I wouldn't go THAT far!" the redhead quickly claimed, waving his hands.
Hiei, who looked desperately as if he wanted to put in his own two-cents, was silenced by a look from Sairen. Instead, he actually said something helpful. "Don't worry about it, Botan, Sairen and Kurama should be able to take care of that."
"Actually...I don't think we have to worry about waiting until any full moons or season changes before we can find the remaining Scrolls of Eternity."
That got everybody's undivided attention. All eyes were fixed on Sairen, who made a face. "Quit staring at me like that. I'm an elemental, for crying out loud; I think I should be able to sense any type of Air magic."
Koenma narrowed his eyes. "Is that right?"
Sairen kept her expression neutral. "Damn straight it is. Don't believe me, Lord Koenma?"
"It's not that. I just think you should get used to being completely honest with everyone, at least for now."
"Hey, I made a promise, all right!" she suddenly exploded. "Even if we weren't as close to each other as we are, I STILL wouldn't tell you everything simply because we all agreed to keep some information under wraps."
Botan gasped. "Are you saying that-?"
"It appears so," Hiei anticipated her question. "You better let us handle this by ourselves, then, since they're used to us by now."
"Now, hold on a minute, Hiei!" Yusuke stood up suddenly, "this is MY case!"
"More the reason the Twins may not be so reasonable."
"Though Hiei has a point," Kurama interrupted, "we still may be able to work something out. Sairen can just have her famous 'Don't kill the outsiders' talk with them, and that should do it."
She was already shaking her head before he even finished. "You and Hiei are apparitions, and they like you, anyway. There's no real guarantee how they will accept Kuwabara and Yusuke, especially with their growing fame in the demon world."
"But, what about Botan? She's Yusuke's assistant."
"Koenma, even if YOU showed up, SHE'LL be fine," Sairen assured him. "Besides, I think Rashim has a crush on her or something-eep!" she squeaked, turning a little red (though not nearly as red as Botan herself).
"What did you say?!"
"Er, nothing, Botan, just forget it, heheh."
Feeling a need to save them both, Yusuke stretched noisily. "Well, then, we might as well get started. Now that everyone's up-to-date, we shouldn't waste any time."
"That's the spirit, Yusuke!" Koenma congratulated. A little prematurely, one might add.
"Yup, yup. First order of business: Let the Spirit Detective get some much needed shut-eye!"
**everyone else falls over anime-style**
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that'd be it for the second chapter. It's longer than the two before it, but the third one's probably going to be shorter. Chapter four should be one of the longer ones. Why am I so worried about reporting on length? **shrugs** R&R peoples!