Only took me a week to update, not really bad...at least compared to the nearly two months it took me to update Trapped at Kai's. *nervous laugh* Anyway...I had to get this up other wise it would have been deleted when we change computers. Enough of my stupid explanations! I just have two things to say before I let you read this chapter (if you don't read these notes, then it doesn't really matter does it?). I realize that in the beginning part it could be taken as Kurama x Botan. I honestly did not mean it to, and I am not trying to include anything like that in my fic! They make an okay couple, but I don't support them. Okay? So your welcome to think that this is proof they're a couple, or just take it that she's upset that he's hurt and going out to fight more. I don't care, just don't flame me cause you might hate Kurama x Botan and this may sound like it to you. Second, please review and enjoy, as I always say.

Don't disclaimers get monotonous?

*I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho*

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Chapter 5 : My Turn to Play


Clouds. They were spread like a blanket over the once shinning blue sky of the Makai. The swirling gray black masses signaled the soon to arrive storm they would be receiving. The first crash of thunder could be heard clear in Koenma's office as the boys explained their dilemma to the child ruler, while Botan watched nervously from around the corner. Koenma wished them best and let them leave to begin searching. Botan's worry half turned to rage at his words, and dashed into the room.

Koenma! How...how can you let Kurama leave? He's injured! He can't very well fight to his fullest, he could be killed! Botan pleaded desperately.

I know, Botan. But I'm sure you know he could die where ever he is, and his skills are still an asset to them. I asked him myself if he was sure he wanted to go through with this instead of staying behind. His mind is made up, Koenma reasoned with the almost hysteric girl.

But...Koenma! What if - Botan's eyes started to glisten with tears and her resolve to keep him in safe walls weakened.

He's leaving Botan, Koenma said solemnly. She refused to accept that answer. One of her best friends could be walking into death, and that was something she could not accept easily. Botan ran after the boys as quickly as she could from Koenma's office.

Botan's voice wavered as she called his name. The boys stopped as Kurama turned to her. You can't leave! Your hurt, something terrible could happen! Kurama, please don't...le-let them take care of it. Just please...I don't want to have to take another close friend... Botan started to break down.

I'm not going to die, you don't have to worry. Even if I were to stay here I could be attacked anyway, Kurama tried to comfort her.

No...something, Kurama please! Botan could barely speak above a harsh whisper, still trying to fight back her tears.

I have to leave, Botan. I'll be alright, Kurama said, and Botan fell to her knees in defeat. The last she saw of him was his feet turning and walking out of her view. The soft, slow sprinkle of rain could not compare to the torrent of tears falling from Botan's face.
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She was pretty broken up back there, Yusuke said to Kurama as they were walking.

She'll be okay, Kurama replied.

You don't really know that now do you? Nobuaki taunted in Kurama's head.

I've already warned you. If you harm any of my friends or family then I will be the one getting revenge, Kurama thought threateningly back.

Uh, guys, the rain is getting harder, Kuwabara complained.

Yusuke answered.

We're gonna get soaked! Kuwabara shouted.

Just pretend your a little kid again. Or did you always hate being wet? Yusuke teased.

Shut up Urameshi! I don't mind the rain it's just I think Kurama may not like it that's all! Kuwabara tried to cover up.

I don't mind it, Kurama said.

Then, Hiei won't like it!

Since when have you given a damn about what Hiei thought? Yusuke asked. Kuwabara opened his mouth to answer, then closed it again unable to think of a believable response. Exactly, now let's keep going.

Kuwabara asked.

To find the bastard that's haunting Kurama, Yusuke said.

And where is he? Kuwabara said. Yusuke stayed silent.

Wow, Kuwabara actually thought of a good question! Where the hell is he anyway? Yusuke asked.

Probably a gate between the worlds, Kurama said.

Yeah, where? Yusuke questioned back.

That's why Hiei is in the lead, Kurama stated, and continued walking. The fire demon was already far ahead of them.

See Kuwabara! If you would just keep your questions to yourself you wouldn't have to look like such an idiot when Kurama answers you! Yusuke scolded jokingly and ran to catch up.
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That looks like a good spot, Yusuke shouted. The drizzle from before had evolved into a full out storm in a very short time that night. The quiet sprinkle plagued them the entire day, but was never as punishing as this rain. The boys ran to the cave Yusuke had just pointed out. Kuwabara had no idea how he saw it, the darkness of night had already fallen and combined with the storm made it almost impossible for the tallest boy to see a even few inches from his own face.

Once inside the Tantei got a fire going (a/n: amazing fanfic magic...I shall never figure out how it works...) and dried off. Hiei kept watch at the entrance to their shelter while the rest of them settled in. They had been traveling all day, and Hiei seemed to be leading them aimlessly through the forests of the Makai. Along the way the boys had been assaulted by a pack of low level demons. They were easy enough to defeat, but Kurama had to rebandage his arm once he found time due to it's beginning to bleed through the fabric again.

'Night all, Yusuke said, lying down next to the rock he and Kuwabara had lovingly dubbed in their few hours of boredom in the cave. The two slightly hyper teens had gone around the cave moving rocks and plants to make it seem more like a house, joking all the way of each others interior design skills. Kuwabara slept on the other side of the cave with the pet moss Sir StinksALot, mumbling for awhile about how he had decided the rock's name should be Norbert and that he should get to sleep next to the pet rock. It was well past midnight by the time everyone was getting very tired, and Yusuke and Kuwabara were ready to sleep.

Sleep is a curse on me now, and I'm dreading it. Even though I feel so tired...Kurama thought when he picked his corner of the cave. Hiei was still sitting next to the entrance, watching for some unseen threat that could harm them, when the rest had fallen asleep. Some more willingly then others.
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So nice to torture you again Kurama, Nobuaki greeted the sleeping Fox. Kurama had decided to stay silent for as long as possible tonight. No witty retorts? You wound me Kurama, I enjoy seeing the icy glares from those jade eyes of yours. The glares that can only be gained through a pure loathing of me.

Silence filled the air thick with tension.

Have I dulled your senses too much with this blade? Nobuaki lifted the dagger again, the razor edge glistening in the moonlight from his ruby red blood. If you are truly incapable of speaking, then the fun is over and I would have to end your misery here and now. But I don't think you'd like that would you? Kurama bit his tongue to keep from responding. He knew he was denying Nobuaki the pleasure he longed for by staying silent. He was denying the demon of the rush he got off of Kurama's vocal battles.

Maybe...that's what your here for then? For me to end this? Your human body still has many years ahead of it Kurama, you are just a boy in the Ningenkai. (a/n: human world) Do you want to leave the world of mortals so soon? I know of one human that would be devastated of your loss, he said slyly. Kurama shot a death glare at Nobuaki. The kind of hostility showed in his eyes that the demon had been waiting for.

There's the Kurama that I love to torment, I'm so glad he's returned. It's true then, that filthy mortal woman is your greatest treasure, he said. Kurama began to lose his composure at the threats of his mother's life. It would be so unfortunate for her to meet with an fatal accident wouldn't it?

If you harm my mother, I will take the greatest joy imaginable in ending your pathetic existence, Nobuaki, Kurama threatened coldly, completely forgetting his vow of silence.

Don't you remember? Ghosts cannot bring harm to the living, he taunted.

Possession is an easy craft to master for a former demon, Kurama said.

Even for a demon of your former power, to posses a body strong enough to over power me would be beyond doubtful, Nobuaki replied confidently.

To over power you would be a simple task for even a human child. You lurk in shadows, and use mind deception. Your physical power is minute. I could use a plastic sword to kill you as easily as I can create a rose, Kurama spat defiantly.

Your ignorance never ceases to amaze me, boy

I'm wiser then you think

I know of your past as a thief, I know the knowledge you possess. I'm not ignorant. You know nothing of me, or of my full strength, despite all of your assumptions

Mind repeating that for this boy? Kurama was putting up an act, stalling for time.

They say the legendary Youko Kurama is so clever, and his human form carries the same wit. I see now that they have lied, he said steadily, then his eyes widened. Kurama stepped forward while the ropes that held him fell limply to the ground, his arm bleeding once again.

You associated roses to pain, to blood. But only by color. Would you allow me to demonstrate the true pain plants can deliver under my control? Kurama smirked and dropped two seeds to the ground that sprouted into vines instantly and coiled around Nobuaki.

he yelled as the vines moved up his waist. Kurama revealed a shabby red rose from behind his back, the stem held a razor edge with small strands of thread from the bonds. The demon glared deadly daggers at the Fox as he began hacking away at the vines with his dagger. For the first time Kurama could make out his every feature clearly. Nobuaki was surrounded by medium length ebony hair flying wildly about him as he struggled futilely, dressed completely in jet black tattered material. His skin was snow pale, his blood red eyes raging. It would have been nearly impossible to tell he was a demon if it were for his almost elf like ears.

I told you to kill him early on Nobuaki but you wouldn't listen would you? I could have toyed with him better then you. If I could have gotten here on my own, Kurama turned in the direction of a female voice and to see a young woman swing down from the tree and kick his wounded arm. Kurama cried out again and held his arm as he dropped to a knee, giving Nobuaki enough time to fight off the vines while they weren't growing. He walked over to Kurama, held him up by his neck, and slammed him against the tree. Kurama gasped when the wind was knocked out of him, but couldn't pull anything in as his feet dangled inches from the earth reddened by his bleeding arm.

Here Chisa, happy? I'm done now, he dies here! Nobuaki thrust his dagger at Kurama's chest. He closed his eyes and prepared for the shock of the steel piercing his heart.

The girl, Chisa, intervened and held his arm centimeters away from Kurama's heart. Both their eyes were wide, put him down!

Nobuaki boomed and loosened his grip on Kurama's neck.

I want to play too.

Let go.

You know I'm a better fighter then you.

I'll wake him up just to get you out of here!

Then I'll kick your ass in the real world, little brother, Kurama was dumbfounded.

These two are siblings? Should I be thankful she saved me, or worried of what she'll put me through? Kurama wondered. This girl was his older sister? They looked almost nothing alike. She was dressed in a tight black shirt with loose white pants, mid back length dark violet hair, and her skin had a much deeper tone. She had small fangs, and considerably long sharp nails red as blood. The only thing they had in common was the same blood red eyes. But even those held a difference, his were raging flames and her's seemed to carry a playful yet vicious nature.

We agreed this was my job! Nobuaki yelled.

We agreed that if you could do it. You just couldn't be prouder could you? Getting to the elusive Kurama this way. And yet you manage to blow even this! I don't understand it, you've been doing fine, then you blow it because you fell for his stupid little boy' act?! Your worse then I thought, Chisa scolded, It's my turn now. She removed the knife from his stunned hands and walked closer to Kurama, who had fallen to his feet gasping to replenish his oxygen supply.

I, unlike my brother, know how to break a man in ways that Nobuaki couldn't even conceive, she said. Her voice made him flinch, it carried a strange power with it. Despite how uneasy it made him feel there was something alluring about it. Something perhaps Kurama alone could easily resist. She brought the blade to his stomach and made a cut in the fabric of his as she pulled it by, leaving his skin unharmed.

What do you think of me? she asked. Kurama stayed quiet. He sensed something seriously wrong with her. Chisa brought the blade by is stomach again in the same location, only this time Kurama felt the cold steel on his flesh. Do you thank me for saving your life? without an answer she continued in the same fashion, but made a small slice. A drop of blood escaped and seeped into his clothes. If you won't answer me with your words, you'll answer me with your blood, she said maliciously, continuing her pendulum like motions. Each time she brought the knife to him she went deeper in the same cut. He could feel his skin being pulled in the direction of the knife, and winced every time she came back for more. Once the cut was bleeding steadily she turned to her brother, and he nodded with a glare.

Until we meet again Kurama! Chisa said, and sunk the knife into his side. Kurama could feel the icy steel ripping through his flesh excruciatingly slow, making sure every severed nerve tormented his brain with the signals of immense pain and a nearing demise. She the sick pleasure she received from her act showed evidently on her face the entire time he was screaming in agony.