Warped
by Ookami no Kokoro and xDarkxMagicianxGirlx
Disclaimers: If you don't know what I am about to say already... then.. Tough luck.
Sorry about the last paragraph, ya know, how it was all bunched together, but I fixed it ^_^
Chapter Six
Yusuke slipped off the bed. "What's going on?"
"The portal that will take you both home. My brother has left for a while, but we must be quick if you want to get home."
Nodding, Yusuke found his shoes on the floor and pulled them on.
Getting off the bed, Kurama fished out his own slip-on shoes.
"Where are we going?" the younger teen asked.
"Just follow me."
Nodding once again, Yusuke walked over to the hooded figure, turning and waiting for Kurama.
He walked next to the younger teen.
Taking hold of the older boy's hand, Yusuke nodded. "I'm ready." And this time, I won't be afraid to lose him..
Kurama nodded as well.
The figure turned around, looking at the two over his shoulder. "This way." He left the room, moving down the passage way.
Following the figure, Yusuke tried to keep his thoughts on getting home and off from the dangers that might be ahead.
As they walked, Kurama noticed, at the end of the tunnel, some light ahead.
Yusuke also noticed this. A light at the end of the tunnel.... typical..
As they reached the light, the hooded figure turned to them both. "Stay as quiet as you can," he whispered. "And do your best to keep out of sight."
Nodding in response, the younger teen looked back at Kurama, who was slightly behind him.
Kurama, joining the younger teen, watched as the hooded figure cautiously looked around, before swiftly moving behind a nearby rock. Looking at the two, he nodded to them to follow him.
Taking in a breath, Yusuke followed the hooded figure, his hand still holding Kurama's tightly.
They crouched behind the boulder, next to the hooded figure.
Looking over the rock, the cloaked man pointed to a strange white light. "That's the portal that will take you two back. And they...." he added, pointing to elf-like demons, "are the guards assigned by my brother to prevent you both from entering it."
"So what do we have to do? Fight them?" he whispered.
He shook his head. "I will take care of them. They are.... not very intelligent." He looked at the two. "But when I lead them away from here, you two head to the portal."
"And what will happen to you?" Kurama asked. "I'm sure it's only a matter of time before your brother discovers what you've done."
"Let me handle that." And he stood, floating over to the demon guards.
I hope this works.. Yusuke thought, gently squeezing Kurama's hand. "I want you to go first, I'll be in after you." he whispered to the red head.
He watched as the hooded figure led the demons away, before standing. He knew he couldn't argue with Yusuke, and there was no time for that. "You promise?"
"Yes, I promise."
Nodding, he jumped over the rock, making his way towards the portal.
Yusuke quickly stood and followed the older boy over the rock.
As they both ran, the fox suddenly sensed something, causing him to stop in his tracks.
Yusuke saw him stop. No, Kurama, please don't stop! "Keep going!" he said, as he neared the older teen.
The fox teen turned around to look behind him, just in time as a lightning-fast black energy beam came in contact with him, trapping him in an explosion.
"Kurama!" Yusuke yelled, forgetting about the hooded figure's warning to keep quiet.
As the smoke cleared, a hooded figure arose from the ground, hovering over the redhead.
The younger teen ran as fast as he could towards Kurama, his heart beating fast in his chest. "Leave him alone!" he yelled, his eyes narrowing into a glare.
Turning to the younger teen, the figure extended his hand, creating a barrier around him.
Stopping before the barrier, Yusuke tried his best to get through, but failed. "Leave him alone! Take me instead!" he yelled, eyes still locked on the figure.
"Now why would I want you?" the figure asked, a mocking tone in his voice. "You know, Yusuke, you are a very lucky person." His eyes turned to the unconscious teen. "A very lucky person indeed......"
"Don't you dare lay a finger on Kurama," he growled, his voice dripping in hatred for the man before him.
He turned back to Yusuke. "Why should I? After all, I can have Kurama coming to me by himself..."
"I doubt it," he scoffed as he tried to get through the barrier once more.
"Do you? I mean, after all, my mind controlling powers ARE formidable, even against the great Kurama....."
"What do you mean by 'the great Kurama'?"
"Youko, of course. Most everyone who've been to the Demon World has heard about him. But I think my mind controlling powers are enough to take him....."
"No, they won't. Because I won't let you!" he yelled, his fist was suddenly enveloped in a red aura as he punched the barrier, making a long crack in it.
His blue eyes seemed to smirk as the crack replaced itself, becoming as flawless as it was before. "The barrier will continue to fix itself if you break it, so don't get any ideas. Besides, I have a more interesting way to win the fox over....."
"What do you mean?" Yusuke glared back.
"I figure, that if I were to do something to you, he would do anything to make sure you were alright. But I suppose I should test that theory..."
The barrier dome was suddenly filled with electricity, aimed for the younger teen.
Yusuke's heart started pounding quicker in his chest, Kurama would do anything to make sure I am all right.. but I can't leave, I have to protect him.. Making up his mind, the younger teen stood there, eyes filled with hatred.
The hooded figure looked on, watching with curious eyes as the electricity descended upon Yusuke.
Slowly, the fox opened his eyes, for a moment wondering what was going on.
When the electricity hit him, Yusuke fell to his knees, clenching his teeth, his eyes closed tightly. Opening his eyes briefly, the younger teen looked up at the hooded figure. But instead of the chocolate orbs being filled with pain, they were filled with determination and hate.
Groaning, the redhead sat up, rubbing his temples slightly. As he did, he gasped at the site in front of him. "Yusuke!"
"Kurama, I'm.... all right.." He struggled to get to his feet, but fell back to his knees. "Whatever you do.. you can't give in..." He glanced up at the older teen. "Promise me.. you won't.."
"I wonder how long he can hold out......" the hooded figure said.
Kurama looked at the cloaked man, before back at the younger teen. Tears began to fill his emerald eyes. "I..... I can't..... Yusuke. I can't see you get hurt......."
"Promise me.." His words sounded almost like a hiss through clenched teeth. "If you don't.. wanna see me hurt.. then promise me.."
"Yusuke......." The tears began to fall down his cheeks. What will I do? If I promise him, he could die, but if I don't..... He looked down at the ground.
"Please Kurama.."
More tears continued to descend, as he nodded slowly.
"I'll.. hold you to that.. Kurama," he replied, closing his eyes and falling forwards onto his hands, his knees remaining on the ground.
"Yusuke!"
The hooded figure chuckled. "So, a promise not to surrender, eh? Well, no matter. Once you die, the fox is still mine anyway......"
"Who says I am gonna die?" he growled, struggling to his feet, eyes shadowed by his ebony bangs.
"You don't know?" the hooded figure asked. "After all, the electricity IS slowly taking your soul away. Bit by bit...."
Kurama looked up at him, then at the younger teen in the barrier.
Yusuke laughed slightly. "I have no problem with death.." He quickly glanced at Kurama, then to where the figure's brother had gone. 'Maybe I can stall long enough for the other to come..'
"But if you die, what about your beloved fox? Who would protect him?"
"I've died so many times before, what's to say I couldn't come back again?" His eyes quickly glancing back to the place they had been before.
"But by the time you do, who knows what I would have done to him by then?" Yusuke growled lightly. 'What can I say? I have to stall for as long as I can.. Our only hope lies in his brother..' The pain from the electricity was ripping through his body, but he pushed it to the back of his mind.
"Stop it...." Kurama whispered suddenly. "Please, just stop it....."
The younger teen suddenly looked at Kurama.
He looked at the shadowed figure, his voice growing stronger as he said, "Please, stop it. Just leave him alone."
The hooded figure looked down at him "Well, I suppose I could....for a price...."
"Kurama... no..." Yusuke whispered.
Kurama looked down at the ground, before getting to his feet.
"So, fox....What will it be?"
"Kurama.. please, don't..." the younger pleaded.
'I promised Yusuke that I wouldn't give in.....But, I can't stand to see him hurt any more. It's always the same, he's always getting hurt for me.....'
He snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a hand slip under his chin, lifting his face up as the figure kissed him harshly. His eyes widened as he tried to pull away, but a hand on his back trapped him there.
"Kurama! No!" A feeling he had never felt before welled up inside him as he ran to the barrier, trying desperately to get out.
He tried pushing the figure away from him, but couldn't. His eyes shut tightly, the kiss suffocating him, as he felt a hand snake its way down his chest.
"Stop it!" Yusuke yelled, his rage overflowing and a crimson aura surrounding him as he continued to try to get past the barrier.
Suddenly, another hooded figure rose from the ground, though half of his body still below, behind Yusuke.
Not noticing the figure behind him, he continued to try and get to the two, tears running down his cheeks.
Reaching out, the figure grabbed Yusuke's wrist.
Feeling the hand on his wrist, Yusuke spun around quickly. Seeing the hooded figure, he stuttered through his tears, "P-please! You have to help me! Kurama n-needs help!"
"Shh!" he said in a desperate whisper. "I will help you, but you must remain quiet! If my brother finds out, then we won't be able to do anything!"
He gulped down another sob, and nodded.
Still holding Yusuke's wrist, he began to sink into the ground, taking the young teen with him.
Feeling himself sinking into the ground, his eyes widened. 'Kurama, I'm coming.'
Unwillingly, the fox moaned into the kiss, his chest starving for air. He shuddered as he felt the figure's hand below his waist, tears stinging his eyes.
With Yusuke beside him, the shadowed figure rose from the ground outside the barrier, right behind his brother.
"He's dead.." Yusuke whispered, barely even audible. Sending all his energy into his fist, Yusuke ran at the figure, punching him HARD upside the head in a surprise attack.
The figure let out a yell of pain, cursing slightly as he disappeared into the ground. Kurama fell onto his back, his chest heaving as he gasped for air.
"Kurama!" The younger teen ran over to him, a few tears still dripping from his eyes.
He lay on the ground, still panting. His face was turned away from the delinquent, fear and shame grasping his heart.
Dropping to his knees in front of the fox teen, Yusuke asked, "A-are you all right?"
Sitting up, he suddenly embraced the younger teen. "I-I'm sorry!" he sobbed, tears falling from his eyes once again. "I.....I d-didn't.....he....I'm so sorry!"
Tears falling from his own eyes, he embraced the older teen back. "No Kurama.. it wasn't your fault. I don't blame you, and I love you no matter what."
"I love you too. But I'm really sorry. I...I really was willing to do anything, just to make sure you'd be alright.....I'm sorry...."
"Please don't be sorry.. I would've done the same.." His embrace tightened slightly.
"I.....don't mean to burden you both...." the other hooded figure said to the two teens, ".....but my brother IS still about somewhere....."
Yusuke growled and nodded slightly. "He isn't leaving this place alive.."
The hooded figure's eyes held a surprised look, before looking away. "I.....Y-yes, I agree...."
Looking back, he sighed. "I'm sorry... but he must be stopped.. and I WON'T forgive him.. if it comes to that, I won't hesitate.."
"That's not it, though," Kurama said. He looked at the figure. "If your brother dies, then you do as well, don't you?"
Yusuke looked at Kurama. 'I.. I can't kill him.. after he's done so much for us.. but what about..'
The figure nodded. "Yes, that is true...." He looked at them. "But if that's what it takes to stop my brother, then that's the way it has to be. I don't care what happens to me, just as long as my brother doesn't get away with this, nor does he commit these crimes again."
The younger teen gulped slightly.
"The problem is....no matter how evil he is, I can't bring myself to kill him."
Yusuke blinked slightly, a little confused. Though, deep down, he knew how the figure felt.
"My poor, weak brother."
Kurama gasped looking behind him to see the other hooded figure standing there, his piercing blue eyes glaring through the fox's soul.
The younger teen looked also, his chocolate orbs narrowing. Leaving his hands on Kurama, he moved in between them.
The glaring figure then looked at his twin. "I should have known you were helping them.....Yang."
"Yang..?" Yusuke was a little surprised, but his eyes never left the figure before him.
"Yin and Yang," Kurama said. "The bad and good energy of any living thing."
He nodded in response to the older teen.
The evil figure nodded. "As you can supposedly tell, I am Yin, while my brother is Yang. Of course, we were never equal when it came to power."
Yang returned his brother's glare.
"Do you even know the reason for that?" Yusuke asked, his glare centered on Yin.
"Of course. The negative feelings people feel often outweigh their positive feelings. Because of that, I was able to grow stronger than my already weak brother."
Yin's eyes passed over the fox, looking deeply into his soul. A shiver ran through the red-head's body, and he began to tremble slightly.
Yusuke's gentle grip on his shoulder's tightened as he felt the teen start to tremble.
Yin's eyes seemed to smirk. "It seems I have your red-head friend a little scared."
Kurama looked down at the ground, ashamed, still trembling.
"Don't worry, Kurama, I promise I'll protect you," Yusuke replied, his eyes still locked on Yin and his arms still grasping Kurama's shoulders reassuringly.
"Well, good luck." And Yin sank into the ground, disappearing.
Quickly turning to the other, Yusuke bent down. "Kurama, you have to listen to me. You can't be scared. Yin only grows stronger with your bad feelings." He kept one eye on the teen, while his other wandered the room.
"I'm sorry, Yusuke," he whispered, still trembling. "I can't help it...."
"I wouldn't be surprised," Yang said suddenly. "My brother often draws the fear out of others, and uses it to his advantage. I'll see if I can find him." And he disappeared into the ground.
"I know it's hard.. but please try.. for me?" he asked, both eyes now resting on the teen before him.
Looking at the younger teen, he inhaled deeply, doing his best to stop his trembling. "I'll try......"
"Thank you," he replied, placing a kiss on the other's cheek then standing up, alert for the slightest sound.
Still sitting on the ground, the fox also kept his senses open for anything. He gasped when a hand from the ground suddenly grabbed his ankle.
Yusuke gasped also and turned around. "Kurama!" He grabbed hold of the older teen's hand.
His legs were pulled into the ground, as the fox grasped the younger teen's hand.
Keeping a firm hold, Yusuke used his other hand to get closer and wrap his arm around the older teen's waist for more support.
Closing his eyes, a green thorny vine appeared from his hair, descending into the ground.
The detective watched as the thorny whip went into the ground, wondering what Kurama was up too.
The vine retreated back in his hair, as he opened his eyes and looked up. "The good news....I stopped Yin from pulling me down. The bad news......I'm stuck......"
Smiling slightly, Yusuke let go of the older teen's hand, wrapping it around his waist and pulling the boy up.
Suddenly, Yang appeared from behind the redhead, helping him out of the ground. "Are you alright?" he asked, helping the fox to his feet.
Dropping his arms, he looked at Kurama, eyes asking the same question.
But the emerald eyes of the fox narrowed, as he hastily pushed himself away from the hooded figure. "Get away from me!" he hissed.
Noticing this, the younger teen looked at the hooded figure. 'Why did Kurama do that?... Unless this isn't Yang..' His eyes also narrowed.
Kurama glared at the hooded figure, backing away slowly. "You're Yin, aren't you?"
He chuckled slightly. "I'm surprised you figured it out......."
Yusuke stepped in front of Kurama again. "Why do you have to keep doing this?"
"I thought that would have been obvious to you."
The fox's heart pounded in his ears.
The younger teen glared. "You're sick..." His arm was ready, hand positioned into a gun, which was pointed at the figure.
Yin laughed, melting back into the ground.
Kurama growled slightly. "How are we supposed to beat someone like that?"
"Maybe if I can grab him.. You can get him with your Rose Whip.." Yusuke replied, looking around.
"If he can melt into the ground, he could easily slip away from you....."
"What else can we do?"
"I'm not sure....."
Yin reappeared behind the fox, grabbing him.
Feeling something was wrong behind him, Yusuke turned, seeing Yin. "Kurama!"
The redhead struggled, trying to break free. "Release me!" he growled through his teeth.
Chuckling, Yin held out his hand, which transformed into a blade, holding it to the fox's throat.
Feeling his heart pound fiercely against his ribs, Yusuke stood frozen, afraid to move.
Yang suddenly arose from the ground, appearing next to Yusuke. "Yin, stop it!" The other figure chuckled, as he began to descend into the ground, taking the fox with him. "No! Kurama!" the younger teen yelled, still afraid to move because of the blade. "Yusuke!" he cried back, just as he and Yin disappeared into the ground.
by Ookami no Kokoro and xDarkxMagicianxGirlx
Disclaimers: If you don't know what I am about to say already... then.. Tough luck.
Sorry about the last paragraph, ya know, how it was all bunched together, but I fixed it ^_^
Chapter Six
Yusuke slipped off the bed. "What's going on?"
"The portal that will take you both home. My brother has left for a while, but we must be quick if you want to get home."
Nodding, Yusuke found his shoes on the floor and pulled them on.
Getting off the bed, Kurama fished out his own slip-on shoes.
"Where are we going?" the younger teen asked.
"Just follow me."
Nodding once again, Yusuke walked over to the hooded figure, turning and waiting for Kurama.
He walked next to the younger teen.
Taking hold of the older boy's hand, Yusuke nodded. "I'm ready." And this time, I won't be afraid to lose him..
Kurama nodded as well.
The figure turned around, looking at the two over his shoulder. "This way." He left the room, moving down the passage way.
Following the figure, Yusuke tried to keep his thoughts on getting home and off from the dangers that might be ahead.
As they walked, Kurama noticed, at the end of the tunnel, some light ahead.
Yusuke also noticed this. A light at the end of the tunnel.... typical..
As they reached the light, the hooded figure turned to them both. "Stay as quiet as you can," he whispered. "And do your best to keep out of sight."
Nodding in response, the younger teen looked back at Kurama, who was slightly behind him.
Kurama, joining the younger teen, watched as the hooded figure cautiously looked around, before swiftly moving behind a nearby rock. Looking at the two, he nodded to them to follow him.
Taking in a breath, Yusuke followed the hooded figure, his hand still holding Kurama's tightly.
They crouched behind the boulder, next to the hooded figure.
Looking over the rock, the cloaked man pointed to a strange white light. "That's the portal that will take you two back. And they...." he added, pointing to elf-like demons, "are the guards assigned by my brother to prevent you both from entering it."
"So what do we have to do? Fight them?" he whispered.
He shook his head. "I will take care of them. They are.... not very intelligent." He looked at the two. "But when I lead them away from here, you two head to the portal."
"And what will happen to you?" Kurama asked. "I'm sure it's only a matter of time before your brother discovers what you've done."
"Let me handle that." And he stood, floating over to the demon guards.
I hope this works.. Yusuke thought, gently squeezing Kurama's hand. "I want you to go first, I'll be in after you." he whispered to the red head.
He watched as the hooded figure led the demons away, before standing. He knew he couldn't argue with Yusuke, and there was no time for that. "You promise?"
"Yes, I promise."
Nodding, he jumped over the rock, making his way towards the portal.
Yusuke quickly stood and followed the older boy over the rock.
As they both ran, the fox suddenly sensed something, causing him to stop in his tracks.
Yusuke saw him stop. No, Kurama, please don't stop! "Keep going!" he said, as he neared the older teen.
The fox teen turned around to look behind him, just in time as a lightning-fast black energy beam came in contact with him, trapping him in an explosion.
"Kurama!" Yusuke yelled, forgetting about the hooded figure's warning to keep quiet.
As the smoke cleared, a hooded figure arose from the ground, hovering over the redhead.
The younger teen ran as fast as he could towards Kurama, his heart beating fast in his chest. "Leave him alone!" he yelled, his eyes narrowing into a glare.
Turning to the younger teen, the figure extended his hand, creating a barrier around him.
Stopping before the barrier, Yusuke tried his best to get through, but failed. "Leave him alone! Take me instead!" he yelled, eyes still locked on the figure.
"Now why would I want you?" the figure asked, a mocking tone in his voice. "You know, Yusuke, you are a very lucky person." His eyes turned to the unconscious teen. "A very lucky person indeed......"
"Don't you dare lay a finger on Kurama," he growled, his voice dripping in hatred for the man before him.
He turned back to Yusuke. "Why should I? After all, I can have Kurama coming to me by himself..."
"I doubt it," he scoffed as he tried to get through the barrier once more.
"Do you? I mean, after all, my mind controlling powers ARE formidable, even against the great Kurama....."
"What do you mean by 'the great Kurama'?"
"Youko, of course. Most everyone who've been to the Demon World has heard about him. But I think my mind controlling powers are enough to take him....."
"No, they won't. Because I won't let you!" he yelled, his fist was suddenly enveloped in a red aura as he punched the barrier, making a long crack in it.
His blue eyes seemed to smirk as the crack replaced itself, becoming as flawless as it was before. "The barrier will continue to fix itself if you break it, so don't get any ideas. Besides, I have a more interesting way to win the fox over....."
"What do you mean?" Yusuke glared back.
"I figure, that if I were to do something to you, he would do anything to make sure you were alright. But I suppose I should test that theory..."
The barrier dome was suddenly filled with electricity, aimed for the younger teen.
Yusuke's heart started pounding quicker in his chest, Kurama would do anything to make sure I am all right.. but I can't leave, I have to protect him.. Making up his mind, the younger teen stood there, eyes filled with hatred.
The hooded figure looked on, watching with curious eyes as the electricity descended upon Yusuke.
Slowly, the fox opened his eyes, for a moment wondering what was going on.
When the electricity hit him, Yusuke fell to his knees, clenching his teeth, his eyes closed tightly. Opening his eyes briefly, the younger teen looked up at the hooded figure. But instead of the chocolate orbs being filled with pain, they were filled with determination and hate.
Groaning, the redhead sat up, rubbing his temples slightly. As he did, he gasped at the site in front of him. "Yusuke!"
"Kurama, I'm.... all right.." He struggled to get to his feet, but fell back to his knees. "Whatever you do.. you can't give in..." He glanced up at the older teen. "Promise me.. you won't.."
"I wonder how long he can hold out......" the hooded figure said.
Kurama looked at the cloaked man, before back at the younger teen. Tears began to fill his emerald eyes. "I..... I can't..... Yusuke. I can't see you get hurt......."
"Promise me.." His words sounded almost like a hiss through clenched teeth. "If you don't.. wanna see me hurt.. then promise me.."
"Yusuke......." The tears began to fall down his cheeks. What will I do? If I promise him, he could die, but if I don't..... He looked down at the ground.
"Please Kurama.."
More tears continued to descend, as he nodded slowly.
"I'll.. hold you to that.. Kurama," he replied, closing his eyes and falling forwards onto his hands, his knees remaining on the ground.
"Yusuke!"
The hooded figure chuckled. "So, a promise not to surrender, eh? Well, no matter. Once you die, the fox is still mine anyway......"
"Who says I am gonna die?" he growled, struggling to his feet, eyes shadowed by his ebony bangs.
"You don't know?" the hooded figure asked. "After all, the electricity IS slowly taking your soul away. Bit by bit...."
Kurama looked up at him, then at the younger teen in the barrier.
Yusuke laughed slightly. "I have no problem with death.." He quickly glanced at Kurama, then to where the figure's brother had gone. 'Maybe I can stall long enough for the other to come..'
"But if you die, what about your beloved fox? Who would protect him?"
"I've died so many times before, what's to say I couldn't come back again?" His eyes quickly glancing back to the place they had been before.
"But by the time you do, who knows what I would have done to him by then?" Yusuke growled lightly. 'What can I say? I have to stall for as long as I can.. Our only hope lies in his brother..' The pain from the electricity was ripping through his body, but he pushed it to the back of his mind.
"Stop it...." Kurama whispered suddenly. "Please, just stop it....."
The younger teen suddenly looked at Kurama.
He looked at the shadowed figure, his voice growing stronger as he said, "Please, stop it. Just leave him alone."
The hooded figure looked down at him "Well, I suppose I could....for a price...."
"Kurama... no..." Yusuke whispered.
Kurama looked down at the ground, before getting to his feet.
"So, fox....What will it be?"
"Kurama.. please, don't..." the younger pleaded.
'I promised Yusuke that I wouldn't give in.....But, I can't stand to see him hurt any more. It's always the same, he's always getting hurt for me.....'
He snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a hand slip under his chin, lifting his face up as the figure kissed him harshly. His eyes widened as he tried to pull away, but a hand on his back trapped him there.
"Kurama! No!" A feeling he had never felt before welled up inside him as he ran to the barrier, trying desperately to get out.
He tried pushing the figure away from him, but couldn't. His eyes shut tightly, the kiss suffocating him, as he felt a hand snake its way down his chest.
"Stop it!" Yusuke yelled, his rage overflowing and a crimson aura surrounding him as he continued to try to get past the barrier.
Suddenly, another hooded figure rose from the ground, though half of his body still below, behind Yusuke.
Not noticing the figure behind him, he continued to try and get to the two, tears running down his cheeks.
Reaching out, the figure grabbed Yusuke's wrist.
Feeling the hand on his wrist, Yusuke spun around quickly. Seeing the hooded figure, he stuttered through his tears, "P-please! You have to help me! Kurama n-needs help!"
"Shh!" he said in a desperate whisper. "I will help you, but you must remain quiet! If my brother finds out, then we won't be able to do anything!"
He gulped down another sob, and nodded.
Still holding Yusuke's wrist, he began to sink into the ground, taking the young teen with him.
Feeling himself sinking into the ground, his eyes widened. 'Kurama, I'm coming.'
Unwillingly, the fox moaned into the kiss, his chest starving for air. He shuddered as he felt the figure's hand below his waist, tears stinging his eyes.
With Yusuke beside him, the shadowed figure rose from the ground outside the barrier, right behind his brother.
"He's dead.." Yusuke whispered, barely even audible. Sending all his energy into his fist, Yusuke ran at the figure, punching him HARD upside the head in a surprise attack.
The figure let out a yell of pain, cursing slightly as he disappeared into the ground. Kurama fell onto his back, his chest heaving as he gasped for air.
"Kurama!" The younger teen ran over to him, a few tears still dripping from his eyes.
He lay on the ground, still panting. His face was turned away from the delinquent, fear and shame grasping his heart.
Dropping to his knees in front of the fox teen, Yusuke asked, "A-are you all right?"
Sitting up, he suddenly embraced the younger teen. "I-I'm sorry!" he sobbed, tears falling from his eyes once again. "I.....I d-didn't.....he....I'm so sorry!"
Tears falling from his own eyes, he embraced the older teen back. "No Kurama.. it wasn't your fault. I don't blame you, and I love you no matter what."
"I love you too. But I'm really sorry. I...I really was willing to do anything, just to make sure you'd be alright.....I'm sorry...."
"Please don't be sorry.. I would've done the same.." His embrace tightened slightly.
"I.....don't mean to burden you both...." the other hooded figure said to the two teens, ".....but my brother IS still about somewhere....."
Yusuke growled and nodded slightly. "He isn't leaving this place alive.."
The hooded figure's eyes held a surprised look, before looking away. "I.....Y-yes, I agree...."
Looking back, he sighed. "I'm sorry... but he must be stopped.. and I WON'T forgive him.. if it comes to that, I won't hesitate.."
"That's not it, though," Kurama said. He looked at the figure. "If your brother dies, then you do as well, don't you?"
Yusuke looked at Kurama. 'I.. I can't kill him.. after he's done so much for us.. but what about..'
The figure nodded. "Yes, that is true...." He looked at them. "But if that's what it takes to stop my brother, then that's the way it has to be. I don't care what happens to me, just as long as my brother doesn't get away with this, nor does he commit these crimes again."
The younger teen gulped slightly.
"The problem is....no matter how evil he is, I can't bring myself to kill him."
Yusuke blinked slightly, a little confused. Though, deep down, he knew how the figure felt.
"My poor, weak brother."
Kurama gasped looking behind him to see the other hooded figure standing there, his piercing blue eyes glaring through the fox's soul.
The younger teen looked also, his chocolate orbs narrowing. Leaving his hands on Kurama, he moved in between them.
The glaring figure then looked at his twin. "I should have known you were helping them.....Yang."
"Yang..?" Yusuke was a little surprised, but his eyes never left the figure before him.
"Yin and Yang," Kurama said. "The bad and good energy of any living thing."
He nodded in response to the older teen.
The evil figure nodded. "As you can supposedly tell, I am Yin, while my brother is Yang. Of course, we were never equal when it came to power."
Yang returned his brother's glare.
"Do you even know the reason for that?" Yusuke asked, his glare centered on Yin.
"Of course. The negative feelings people feel often outweigh their positive feelings. Because of that, I was able to grow stronger than my already weak brother."
Yin's eyes passed over the fox, looking deeply into his soul. A shiver ran through the red-head's body, and he began to tremble slightly.
Yusuke's gentle grip on his shoulder's tightened as he felt the teen start to tremble.
Yin's eyes seemed to smirk. "It seems I have your red-head friend a little scared."
Kurama looked down at the ground, ashamed, still trembling.
"Don't worry, Kurama, I promise I'll protect you," Yusuke replied, his eyes still locked on Yin and his arms still grasping Kurama's shoulders reassuringly.
"Well, good luck." And Yin sank into the ground, disappearing.
Quickly turning to the other, Yusuke bent down. "Kurama, you have to listen to me. You can't be scared. Yin only grows stronger with your bad feelings." He kept one eye on the teen, while his other wandered the room.
"I'm sorry, Yusuke," he whispered, still trembling. "I can't help it...."
"I wouldn't be surprised," Yang said suddenly. "My brother often draws the fear out of others, and uses it to his advantage. I'll see if I can find him." And he disappeared into the ground.
"I know it's hard.. but please try.. for me?" he asked, both eyes now resting on the teen before him.
Looking at the younger teen, he inhaled deeply, doing his best to stop his trembling. "I'll try......"
"Thank you," he replied, placing a kiss on the other's cheek then standing up, alert for the slightest sound.
Still sitting on the ground, the fox also kept his senses open for anything. He gasped when a hand from the ground suddenly grabbed his ankle.
Yusuke gasped also and turned around. "Kurama!" He grabbed hold of the older teen's hand.
His legs were pulled into the ground, as the fox grasped the younger teen's hand.
Keeping a firm hold, Yusuke used his other hand to get closer and wrap his arm around the older teen's waist for more support.
Closing his eyes, a green thorny vine appeared from his hair, descending into the ground.
The detective watched as the thorny whip went into the ground, wondering what Kurama was up too.
The vine retreated back in his hair, as he opened his eyes and looked up. "The good news....I stopped Yin from pulling me down. The bad news......I'm stuck......"
Smiling slightly, Yusuke let go of the older teen's hand, wrapping it around his waist and pulling the boy up.
Suddenly, Yang appeared from behind the redhead, helping him out of the ground. "Are you alright?" he asked, helping the fox to his feet.
Dropping his arms, he looked at Kurama, eyes asking the same question.
But the emerald eyes of the fox narrowed, as he hastily pushed himself away from the hooded figure. "Get away from me!" he hissed.
Noticing this, the younger teen looked at the hooded figure. 'Why did Kurama do that?... Unless this isn't Yang..' His eyes also narrowed.
Kurama glared at the hooded figure, backing away slowly. "You're Yin, aren't you?"
He chuckled slightly. "I'm surprised you figured it out......."
Yusuke stepped in front of Kurama again. "Why do you have to keep doing this?"
"I thought that would have been obvious to you."
The fox's heart pounded in his ears.
The younger teen glared. "You're sick..." His arm was ready, hand positioned into a gun, which was pointed at the figure.
Yin laughed, melting back into the ground.
Kurama growled slightly. "How are we supposed to beat someone like that?"
"Maybe if I can grab him.. You can get him with your Rose Whip.." Yusuke replied, looking around.
"If he can melt into the ground, he could easily slip away from you....."
"What else can we do?"
"I'm not sure....."
Yin reappeared behind the fox, grabbing him.
Feeling something was wrong behind him, Yusuke turned, seeing Yin. "Kurama!"
The redhead struggled, trying to break free. "Release me!" he growled through his teeth.
Chuckling, Yin held out his hand, which transformed into a blade, holding it to the fox's throat.
Feeling his heart pound fiercely against his ribs, Yusuke stood frozen, afraid to move.
Yang suddenly arose from the ground, appearing next to Yusuke. "Yin, stop it!" The other figure chuckled, as he began to descend into the ground, taking the fox with him. "No! Kurama!" the younger teen yelled, still afraid to move because of the blade. "Yusuke!" he cried back, just as he and Yin disappeared into the ground.