Chapter 57
Ninja Attack
Four months had passed since Muraku and Kairi left the team at Seiga's palace. It was now November. Yusuke was still trying to juggle missions, training, fooling around, and going out with Keiko with little success. Kurama and Botan were still a couple and closer than ever since Botan knew Muraku was still alive. Nami's pride and self-esteem had also been wounded by the battle with the shadows. She thought she was getting weak and soft and Hiei made it his mission to help Nami through it. Kuwabara and Crystal still weren't and official couple though they spent a lot of time together. Yukina hadn't changed much and was still madly in love with Riku. Genkai still trained Yusuke and sometimes trained Riku. No one had heard from Muraku or Kairi so they didn't know how they were doing. Rogato, Lila, and Sakura retuned to the pack but not until after Rogato paid Riku for losing the bet. He was a nervous wreck while Sakura was being born.
Riku had been going through some changes. He transformed more often now but still hadn't fully mastered it yet. He'd also changed physically as well. Because he had stopped training to become stronger and spent most time trying to keep his power at a certain level, his muscles weren't as big. His eight-pack had gone back to a six-pack but Yukina didn't really mind. Though he wasn't quite as muscular, he was still just as powerful as before if not more.
Riku had spent most of his time training himself, spending time with Yukina and his friends, and training Kuwabara at wielding his sword. Kuwabara had been a good student and was now more skilled with his sword. He didn't charge around swinging and extending his sword anymore but fought with some decent skills.
At this moment Kuwabara was in the middle of one of Riku's training sessions. "Alright let's see if you can keep up with me" Riku said as he readied the Crescent Edge. He disappeared while Kuwabara stood ready in the middle of the clearing they were in. He spun around and blocked a swung. Riku jumped back and continued to travel at high speed. The next swing was followed up with a thrust that would have impaled Kuwabara's chest if Riku hadn't stopped.
"Your improving but you have to be ready for me to follow up" Riku said. "Your just to fast" Kuwabara said. "My speed shouldn't matter. You have the best spirit awareness of us so you should be able to sense what I'm about to do and get a good defense up" Riku replied.
Just then Crystal appeared from the woods. "Riku lunch is ready" she said. "Alight we'll continued our training tomorrow" Riku said as he sheathed his sword. "So how's training going?" she asked. "He's improved but there's still a lot of work to do" Riku replied. "So would you like to join us Kazuma?" Crystal asked. "I'd love to but Shizuru's making one of her special lunches today and she'll kill me if I don't eat it" he replied. He then clasped her hands in his. "But I will returned to you my love" he said. Crystal blushed a little. "Well I'm heading back to the temple" Riku said as he walked away. "I'd better go to. If I'm not hurry Riku will eat all the food" Crystal said before running to catch up with her brother. Kuwabara headed home.
In another part of the woods, Hiei sat in a tree watching Nami train. He winced when she grunted in pain and fell to one knee. She shouldn't push herself so hard he thought. Nami struggled back to her feet. "I'm not giving up" she said as she charged forward and sliced through trees with her scimitars. She was so preoccupied she didn't notice a large branch falling toward her. Hiei saw it and rushed to Nami. He picked her up and out of the branch's way.
He put her down. "That's enough for today" he said. "No I can still go on" she said as she struggled to her feet. She took a few steps and fell to one knee. Hiei rushed to her side. "Nami, your exhausted. Get some rest before you hurt yourself" he said. He may have pushed himself in training before but at the rate Nami was going she'd die a slow death from exhaustion. "I have to get stronger" she said. "I'm not about to let you go kill yourself waisting your time like this" Hiei said. "How could you want someone as weak as me? I can't even handle a few shadows" she replied. "Nami, your anything but weak. Remember the first time we fought? I still haven't beaten you" he said. Nami smiled at him. "I guess your right. I'll take a rest" she said. She then fell asleep on his chest. "Sleep well Nami" Hiei said. He lifted her in his arms and took off toward the temple.
At the Demon King's palace
"Ace, where is that son of mine" the King demanded. "Haven't seen him all day my lord" Ace replied. "Go find him" the King orders. Ace bowed and left the throne room to find the prince. Must be screwing that half fox again Ace thought as he walked through the palace halls.
In Demonus's room Amai lay asleep with her back pressed against his chest and a smile on her face. He smiled and held her closer. Demonus loved being with his mate and dreamed of the day he would rule over all demons with her as his queen. Anyone who disagreed would answer to him. Amai may have been a good fighter but Demonus knew she hated killing others. I promise, once I'm king you'll never have to kill again he thought.
"Prince Demonus, are you in there?" Ace said from outside. Demonus carefully rolled Amai off him, put some pants on, and opened the door. "What is it Ace?" he asked. "Your father wishes to speak with you" Ace replied. "Tell him I'll see him soon" Demonus replied. Ace bowed and walked away.
Demonus went to his dresser and pull up a tight black top, baggy black pants, and his signature black leather jacket. He was putting his boots on when Amai woke up. "Good morning sleeping beauty" Demonus said. She smiled at him. "Good morning to you to" she replied. "Did you have a good sleep?" he asked. "We didn't do much sleeping remember" she replied. Demonus laughed. "Why don't you head back to your room? I'm meeting with my father" he said as he stood up and walked to the door.
He made his way to the throne room. I wonder what he wants now? he thought. He walked into the throne room and bowed to his father. He wished he could see his father's expression. When the Demon King was on his throne a dark aurora hid his features from view. All one could see was a shadow with red eyes, two massive wings, and a pair of large horns. It was outlined by an eerie purple glow.
"You called for me father?" Demonus said. "Yes I've come across some interesting information" The King replied. "And what might that be?" Demonus replied. "Rumor has it that you and that servant of yours Amai have become mates. Is this true?" the King asked.
Demonus internally winced. He knew he'd have to lie to his father and make himself sound convincing. He didn't want to say what he was about to but he had to for Amai's protection.
"Don't tell me you believe a few silly rumors father. Like I'd ever take a weak bitch like her for my mate" he said though he wanted to kill himself at that moment. "Really?" the King asked. "She can't even kill without crying. I've even thought about getting rid of her. Weaklings like that have no place here" Demonus said. The King remained silent. "And besides, we all know I can only take another devil as my mate. I'm not one to go against tradition unless it's in battle" Demonus said. "Very well. You may leave" the King said. Demonus bowed and walked out promising to give himself a good beating for what he just said.
His senses picked up a strange aurora. "That fells like Amai" he mumbled as he walked to the source. He found her in her room crying on her bed. Luna was at her side trying to comfort her. "Amai, what's wrong?" he asked. "Stay away from me" she said coldly. "Amai?" he said. "Don't act like that. I heard every word to you said to your father" she said. Demonus froze in place. "How could you, I thought you loved me" she said.
Demonus walked to the bed and gabbed her shoulders. "Let go" she cried. "Amai listen, I never meant what I said back there" he said. "*sniff* You didn't?" she asked. "I had to say those things so he wouldn't suspect. If he found out about us I'm convinced he'll have you executed and there'd be nothing I could do to stop him. I love you more than life itself and I was only trying to protect you" he said. Amai relaxed against him. "You mean it?" she asked. He placed a finger under her chin and raised her face to look at him. "Yes" he said. Amai smiled. They both closed their eyes as their lips touched.
Back at the throne room Dusk appeared from the shadows. "You called for me my lord?" he said. "Yes, I've decided the time has come. You and your clan will attack the Devil Wolf and his friends. Leave none alive" the King said. "Understood" Dusk said before disappearing into the shadows. Now the Second Great Demon War begins the Demon King thought.
The Night Shadow clan's temple
It was another average day at the clan. Naien and Lita were doing there best to stop Azeri from killing Shade. He had proposed to her older sister Serena and she wasn't happy. Draco was sulking in a corned. How come I get stuck fighting the missing link he thought. Javik was training in the dojo. Shade was in the garden with his fiancée.
In a puff of smoke, Dusk appeared. "A good you're all here" he said. "What is it Master Dusk?" Lita asked. "It's time. Suit up. Today we Attack Riku and his friends" he replied. The clan rushed to get into their combat outfits except Javik who was already in his and Draco who was still sulking. "Draco get ready" Dusk said impatiently. "Easy for you to say. You don't get stuck fighting a weak moron" he said. "GET READY" Dusk yelled. Draco yelped and ran to get in his gi.
They soon came back with weapons in hand. "As you know we'll be going against the Devil Wolf Riku, the Sprit Detective Yusuke, the kitsune Kurama the kitsune, the fire demon Hiei, and the demon slayer Nami" Dusk said. "You forgot one" Shade said. "Oh yes and the human with the sword" Dusk said. Draco whined. "Now let's go" Dusk ordered. The clan concentrated and turned into shadows. They melted into the ground and were off to the temple. "Be careful" Serena said as she watched them go. A gold ring with a blue diamond glimmered on her left ring finger.
At Genkai's Temple
Riku walked out of his room wearing a dark blue shirt with sleeves that fit tightly around his arms and stopped three inches past his elbows and dark blue pants. His hair was in its usual ponytail.
Just about everyone was in the living room. Kurama and Botan were snuggled on the couch, Hiei was holding a sleeping Nami in the corner, Kuwabara and Crystal were watching T.V, Yusuke was in the kitchen trying to get a snack, Keiko was chasing him off with a frying pan, and Yukina was humming while washing the dishes.
Just then George came bursting through the door. "We got trouble!!!" he said. "What is it?" Botan asked. "Our satellites have picked up a group of power readings heading here. And they don't seem friendly" he said. "Are they powerful?" Yusuke asked. "We don't know how powerful they are" the ogre replied. "So we're going in not knowing what we're up against" Kurama said. Riku came walking up in his red trench coat and his sheathed sword in his hand. "The only way to find out is to face them" he said. Yusuke, Hiei, Kurama, and Kuwabara nodded.
Hiei looked down and shook Nami awake. "Ugh…what is it?" she asked sleepily. "It seems trouble's heading here" Hiei said. "So we're gonna fight" she said. Hiei nodded. "Bout time" she said as she got to her feet. "Think you've healed enough?" he asked. "Devil's heal fast" she replied. Hiei smirked.
"Looks like I get to test my new moves" Kuwabara said. "They have one more than us. What if that one decides to attack here?" Keiko asked. "Then I'll take care off them" Crystal said. "What?" everyone except Riku said. "I'm a demon and Riku taught me how to fight. So relax I'll protect everyone here" she said. "Let's get going they'll be here soon" Riku said. "Koenma's sent a few of our troops to intercept them but I doubt they'll last to long" George said.
"Be careful Kurama" Botan said as she hugged him. Since seeing Muraku again Botan had been plagued by nightmares about what he did to her. She and Kurama rarely separated. "We'll come back safe and sound" Kurama replied before kissing her.
"Don't go and kill yourself or I'll kill you Yusuke" Keiko said. "Relax, it's them who should be worried" Yusuke replied before kissing her check and heading out.
"I will return to you Crystal" Kuwabara said. "I'll keep that in mind" she said. She then kissed his check. "For good luck" she said.
"Try not to hurt yourself to much" Yukina said as Riku embraced her. "You know me" Riku replied. "That's why I'm worried" she said. "As long as you're here, I'll have a reason to return" he said. "I love you" she said. "I love you to" he replied.
Hiei and Nami waited at the door for them. "Don't get yourself killed" Nami said. "I could say the same for you" he replied. "I'll watch your back if you watch mine" she said. "Agreed" he replied. They all headed out and ran into the forest.
The Night Shadow clan had just come across some of Koenma's troops. "There all yours Lita" Shade said. "Why thank you" Lita said as she prepared her swords. "Let's keep going" Dusk said. The others nodded and continued while Lita fought of Koenma's troops.
"There they are" Azeri said when she saw the team up ahead. "You all know what to do" Dusk said. The clan took off in various directions.
"It's them" Riku said when he saw shadows leaping from branch to branch. "They're everywhere" Yusuke said. One of the shadows caught Riku's eyes. "I got mine" he said before disappearing. "We'd better stick together" Hiei said to Nami. She nodded and they flitted off. "I think we should split up as well and take them one on one" Kurama said. "Alright then" Yusuke said. They ran in opposite directions.
Riku stopped at some temple ruins. "Where is he?" he mumbled. "So you're the mighty Devil Wolf. You haven't changed much" Shade said from behind him. Riku turned around and saw the ninja standing on top of a headless statue. "I recognize you. Your one of those guys I had a food fight with at the restaurant" Riku said. "Ah so you remember. Really I'm touched. The name's Shade, the future leader of the Night Shadow clan. My clan and I were there to choose who we were going to fight. The guy with silver hair was our boss's son and the blond was his girlfriend. Now we've come to take you guys down" Shade said. "Who are you working for?" Riku asked. "If you want to know beat me" Shade said as he unsheathed his ninja sword. Riku unsheathed the Crescent Edge and prepared to fight. With a battle cry they charged.
Elsewhere Hiei and Nami stopped at a cliff edge. "Nothing" Nami said. "Well, well, what have we here?" Naien said. Hiei and Nami turned around and saw Naien and Javik standing in front of them. "Who are you?" Hiei asked. "I'm Naien of the Night Shadow clan" Naien replied. "Javik" the water demon replied.
"Enough talk" Naien said as flames gathered in her hand. "FLAME WHIP" a whip made of flames formed in her hand. She swung it over her head and charge Nami. Nami pulled out her scimitars and jumped to the side to avoid the swing. Hiei tried to help her but Javik jumped in his way with his twin swords in hand. "Your mine" he said before charging. Hiei unsheathed his katana and charged.
Kurama stopped in front of a lake. "He's somewhere around here" he said. "You mean she" Azeri said. Kurama jumped to the side to avoid a fire covered throwing star. He landed at the same time as Azeri. "And you are?" he asked. "Azeri" she replied. "So you're my opponent. I won't go easy on you because you're a girl" Kurama said. "I wouldn't want it any other way" Azeri said as she readied her quarterstaff for a charge.
Kuwabara stopped running in the middle of a forest clearing. "The tickle feeling is going crazy he must be here somewhere" he said. "My, my you figured it out all by your self" Draco said as he walked out from behind a tree. "I found you" Kuwabara said. "I walked out you idiot. Man how come I and up fighting the weak ones?" Draco asked himself. "I almost feel sorry for you. You're the first to face Kazuma Kuwabara and his new moves" Kuwabara said as he activated his Spirit Sword. Draco pulled out a Walkman and placed the headphones over his ears. "Hey what are you doing?" Kuwabara asked. "I'm tired of hearing your voice so I'll be listening to a few of my tunes while I beat you down" the dragon replied. He pressed play and ZZ Top's 'Sharp Dressed Man' started playing. "You'll regret mocking the great Kazuma Kuwabara" Kuwabara said. Draco tipped his sunglasses and gave Kuwabara a cool measured look. "Let's just get this over with" Draco said as he prepared his Bo.
"He should be here" Yusuke said as he stopped in front of a water fall. "Yusuke Urameshi, I've come to take your life" Dusk said from a rock at the top of the waterfall. "Nice mask" Yusuke said. "I'm am Dusk leader of the Night Shadow clan. The most skilled ninja clan of any world" Dusk said. "I don't know, Jin and his clan are pretty tough" Yusuke said. "I don't consider them true ninjas. They rely on other powers to much. A true ninja uses the shadows in battle. Prepare to fight a true ninja" Dusk aid as he leaped into the air. "Here we go" Yusuke said.
"Hurry up Muraku we're almost there" Kairi said. "I don't know how you talked me into this" Muraku replied. "I'm sure they'll forgive you soon" she said. Muraku merely snorted. "Just a few more miles" Kairi said. Muraku's head jerked up. "What is it?" Kairi asked. "It seems a great battle has started" Muraku said. "Where?" she asked. "Right where we're heading" he replied. "You mean they're fighting someone?" she asked. Muraku nodded. "You head for the temple. I'll see who they're fighting" he said before running toward the battles. And I thought today was going to be uneventful. Looks like I finally get to fight he thought.
So it's Lita versus Koenma's troops, Riku versus Shade, Hiei and Nami versus Javik and Naien, Kurama versus Azeri, Kuwabara versus Draco, and Yusuke versus Dusk. Who will win? And who will end up fighting Muraku? Find out next chapter. Next Chapter, the battles between the team and the Night Shadow clan. Review please.
