Jessica's hazel eyes gazed intensely at the screen of the television, sprawled acrossed her unmade bed, Autumn and Shanta sitting beside her, though not quite as enthused as she.
[As seen on television]"This has always been my favorite part of the trail, watching the way you squirm as your muscles begin to pop and tear under the ceiling's weight . . . But of course, the best is your eyes; seeing the gears of thought turn in desperation . . . . thinking . . .questioning yourself? How long can I hold this? Will I die this way? Will one friend betray us and escape while we flatten . . . ? Or shall I be the one?" The odd, one-eyed, flying demon taunted.
"Just ignore that punk, stick together. And if anyone tries to run; I swear I'll bring 'um back my self." Kuwabara growled, his arms quivering, sweat making his palms slip. He shot a nasty glance at Hiei.
"Hah! And I sopose you think'd be noble if we died as a team?" Hiei spat, shaking his head at the pathetic nigen. His whole body strained to keep upright.
"That's right!"
"Here's a thought, lets shut up and find a way out." Yuskue cried, turning around. His gaze came to rest on a rather conveniently placed switch. "If we could just find a way to that switch . . . Hiei! Yer a lot faster than any of us. We'll hold the ceiling up while you go and flip the switch!"
"You crazy? We can't trust that guy, just look, he doesn't care at all about us." Kuwabara said, shooting yet another glare at Hiei.
"Yer ugly friend has a point, detective," Hiei chuckled.
"Who's ugly? C'mere you mouse!"
"Are you sure you wanna trust me? I've already vowed my revenge on you, maybe I'll handle that now." Hiei continued, ignoring Kuwabara's angry muttering.
"Yeah, but I don't think quick deaths are your style." A red, glowing aura surrounded Yuskue's entire body as he spoke, "I'll let all of the spirit power I have left to buy us a little time while you run to the switch, just don't trip. . . . I trust you." Yuskue grinned, his face aglow with childish trust, " Now go!"
Hiei blinked, his long lashes glinting in the light. Then, all at once, he dropped his arms from the stone and bolted. A smile spread across Kurama's lips, approving Hiei's choice. As soon as Hiei dropped, the strain on the other's arms increase, causing them to shift and groan in pain as their muscles tore. Hiei ran with speed like the gods, unmatched by any other being. Upon reaching the switch, he reached his hand out cautiously. A grin had stretched itself on his face, but now it faded to a look of perplexity. It hung there, in midair, for several seconds. His fingers splayed, then contracted once more. His hesitation frightened Kuwabara and Yuskue. Kurama wasn't in the least surprised.
"Whats the deal?! Pull the stupid switch already!" Kuwabara cried, enraged.
The flying demon descended, levitating just beside Hiei's shoulder, and spoke with cunning softness into Hiei's ear, "Theres no need to make snap judgments, my friend. What have they ever done for you?" Hiei gazed at his comrades as they stared back at him, fear in their eyes. Would he allow them to be crushed? "Leave them, and you can come with me into the castle." Kurama had gotten down on his knees in effort to keep the wall from killing them; he was so tall. Hiei gritted his teeth, unsure as to his own feelings. Yuskue focused entirely upon the weight, so as not to think about Hiei's possible betrayal. Kuwabara tilted his head to the side, no longer able to stand erect. They all pleaded silently with Hiei: HELP! "With the invasion of earth, the four saint beasts will control the future, be smart; join us. Perhaps you can be the general of our demon army."
"D-Don't you dare . . . you creep! If it hadn't been for our help, you'd still be screaming with the rest of us!" Kuwabara, of course, groaned that. He panted with the effort of holding up the ceiling.
That did it. Hiei's hand fell away from the switch, resting at his side. An evil chuckle aroused from his lips.
"What are you laphing about?" Kuwabara screamed faintly.
"Take a guess, you fool." Hiei inclined his head, his face shadowed.
"DARN YOU!"
"Yes," Crooned one-eye, "You take amusement from their pain, now imagine the satisfaction that'll come from their final scream. Whuhahawuhaha!"
"Hiei!" Kuwabara begged as the ceiling lowered, the three unable to hold it up any longer. His eyes shone bright with fear, as did Kurama's. But Yuskue did not fear death, no, he felt a wave of disappointment. He had trusted Hiei with their lives . . .
"A wise choice; the boulder would have crushed you anyway." The demon confided. Hiei's eyes narrowed, anger suddenly sparking within him. He let out a growl and leapt, his eyes flaming, at the demon.
"Thanks for the clue!" He roared, poised midair, hand at his side, reaching for his sword hilt. With a merciless slash, he nearly cut the demon in half. It let out a hissing sound of agony. As soon as Hiei's feet landed with a soft TAK on the ground, he yanked the switch upward, freeing the them from their predicament.
"He came through!" Yuskue said happily, letting his arms fall to his sides. But- no! An enormous boulder crashed down on their little savior, apparently crushing him, "HIEI!"
"Uhnya?" Kuwabara gargled. Kurama stared in horror as dust billowed from around the rock. Yuskue and Kuwabara's expressions came to match his. They rushed out, fairly tripping over each other in their haste. But atop the rock stood Hiei, his sharp voice shouting at the dying one-eye thing, "Tell your masters: this is their chance to beg for mercy!" It flew off, a bit off track.
Yuskue let out a sigh, bending over. Kuwabara leaned over beside him, friendly concern on his face. "Hey, are you alright?"
"Yeah," Yuskue said weakly, "I just can't feel my arms right now."
Hiei stepped lightly into their presence.
"I knew you'd save us; you punk." Yuskue winked and held up his hand, poised in a thumbs up. Hiei's answer as his shoulders lifting ever so slightly, a pout on his face. He blinked again, slow and cool. Yuskue walked over and put his hand on Hiei's slim shoulder, "But you did have me worried," He shook his shoulder playfully, Hiei giving him a murderous look, "Such a good actor." Yuskue released him, "You know, not every body can pretend to laph at their friends while they're dying."
"Humpf. Friends are just a crutch for the weak," Hiei growled, sauntering away from Yuskue's grinning face, "And I wasn't acting."
"Say what?!" Kuwabara's hands clutched into fists.
Hiei spun on his heel and pointed threateningly at him, "Don't confuse it. The only reason I saved you is because I MIGHT need your help." He strode away.
"Heh." Kurama smiled, "Its his way of saying 'you're welcome'. You will learn."
"Rrriiigghhttt." Yuskue laphed.
"Well, he still ticks me off." Kuwabara said huffily.
"Enough of this," Autumn said dully, her eyes half closed. She picked up the remote, switching the television off. Jessica snarled her protest, if looks could kill, Autumn would have dropped dead. "Come on, Jess! We've seen this one a zillion times."
"Its. My. Favorite. You. Jerk." She hissed through gritted teeth, her eyes flashing dangerously. "A. Zillion. And. One. Is. A. Good. Number."
Shanta snickered, "You know that Kurama fights next. Let her watch the rest before she really gets mad." Her tone was more than enough to get her started. Jessica growled at the sarcasm.
"YOU THINK I CAN'T GET ANGRY?!" She bellowed, her hands clenching into fists.
Autumn shrugged her shoulders without much emphasis, "No, we just don't think you'll do anything about it, that's all."
"I CAN TOO!" She screeched, leaning over as she reached for her pillow, "I'M GONNA HIT YOU WITH THIS PILLOW!"
Autumn sniggered. "Are you? I thought you were going to put me to bed."
"SHUT UP!"
"Chill out." Shanta muttered, rolling off the bed to saunter off to her own, rolling her eyes as Jessica dove at Autumn, who had stuck her tongue out at her. Autumn easily evaded the older girl, causing Jessica to fall off the bed onto her face. Autumn bust out laphing, clutching her sides in effort to keep from splitting in half. Jessica moaned and turned onto her back, hastily wiping her eyes so as not to let them know she started crying from the pain searing in her face. She returned to her bed, shoving Autumn off it.
"Good night," Shanta mumbled as she pulled the covers up to her chin.
"Nightie Night!" Autumn chirped, switching off the light and hopping into her own bed.
Jessica sighed and lay down, keeping silent. She wrapped her arms around herself, closing her eyes and willed herself to sleep. It didn't work.
Shanta's eyes also refused to close long enough to let her sleep. The day had been rush, rush, rush, and she hadn't even a second to think of her dream. But now, in the dark, silent room, the memories flooded her mind, the horror of the nightmare once more filling her with dread. She prayed it was only a dream, as Autumn said. But what if it wasn't?
Autumn snored softly, her mind not among theirs as far as contemplation was concerned. Not a thing hindered her sleep, unless you counted the fact that she woke up some time during the night, drenched in sweat. But despite everything, she could not remember what she had dreamt. She needn't have bothered putting such an effort into trying to recover the dream; it was not in the least a vision. Not unless she planned to go to school with just her underwear on anytime soon.
* * *
Hiei watched with his cold, red eyes, a slightly malicious glint to them. Each of the nigen girls lay sleeping peacefully, the shortest one snoring. He leaned his gaunt frame on the wall, his hands deep within the pockets of his black robe. How he longed to kill the one who held Aoitsuki's stone… Then he could go about his own business, rather than have to be stuck here, babysitting. He let his head fall back onto the wall, a sigh escaping from his lips. Hiei lifted his head from the where it rested on the wall, slowly bending forward, then bashing it back onto the wall in irritation. He repeated this several times until he whammed particularly hard and swore. He leaned back, his eyes closing in a forced calm as he attempted to even-temper himself. He exhaled again, allowing his anger to drain away.
"… Aoitsuki…"
Hiei bristled at the sound of Shanta's voice, her head snapping in her direction. She lay sleeping, muttering in her sleep again. He calmed down considerably, but now kept a closer eye on this girl. "How is it she knows that name?" Hiei's eyes narrowed, his scowl deepening. "This isn't right…"
* * *
Koenma covered his eyes with his hands, muffled sobs coming from behind his fingers, "What are we going to do? My father won't allow us to kill her, but what happens when the girl wizens up and takes control of the power she's got in her pocket?!"
"May I suggest something sir?" Kurama said soothingly, the drum of his voice calming the midget prince. "Bring them here, to spirit world."
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Koenma screamed, flecks of spit dotting Kurama's face.
"No." Kurama answered calmly, very calm, owing to the fact he was covered with spit. "But we may be able to persuade her to give us the orb."
Koenma sighed, shaking his head. "If it comes to that…"
* * *
Yuskue peered into the open door, shivers going up and down his spine. Something was seriously wrong here, a demonic aura surrounded Kuwabara's house. He walked cautiously down the hall, his arms poised at his side as though he were on a tightrope. He held his breath as he reached the stairs, taking it one step at a time. The rancid smell of blood met his nostrils and he coughed. He made his way to the bedroom that was so familiar to him, one he had spent countless hours in, throttling Kuzuma at any video game he could dish up. As he opened his door, he steeled himself for a horror he did not want to see, but he was sure he would despite his wishes.
"U-Urameshi?" Kuwabara's throaty voice mumbled, thicker than usual. He lay on the floor in the center of his room, a pool of blood at his side. His loyal cat sat on its master's stomach, mewing softly.
"Kuwabara!" Yuskue was at his side in an instant, "Man, what did they do to you?"
"Dude, you got to get that stone…" Kuwabara's body shook as he coughed, blood bubbling in the corner of his mouth. His eyes closed as he attempted to get his words acrossed to Yuskue.
"Stone? What stone?"
"That psychic's stone… The one that contains her soul… They want to revive their master, at all costs."
"Who? Who did this to you, and I'll kill them!" Yuskue thundered. Kuwabara lifted a weak hand, setting it atop his. Yuskue blinked, sincerely touched.
"Just some old followers of hers…. Yuskue, you have to get that soul from that girl…… They'll use her as the host body…"
"H-Host body?"
"The carrier of her soul… You have to save her, Urameshi! I heard them talking, they said she was the perfect host for her soul……. They're going to attack her tomorrow. They're going to use her friends to force her to… to…" Kuwabara's eyes flickered and then closed as he slipped from consciousness.
"But why'd they attack Kuwabara? Oh man!" Yuskue moaned, "How do I know this is going to be painful before the end…?"
[As seen on television]"This has always been my favorite part of the trail, watching the way you squirm as your muscles begin to pop and tear under the ceiling's weight . . . But of course, the best is your eyes; seeing the gears of thought turn in desperation . . . . thinking . . .questioning yourself? How long can I hold this? Will I die this way? Will one friend betray us and escape while we flatten . . . ? Or shall I be the one?" The odd, one-eyed, flying demon taunted.
"Just ignore that punk, stick together. And if anyone tries to run; I swear I'll bring 'um back my self." Kuwabara growled, his arms quivering, sweat making his palms slip. He shot a nasty glance at Hiei.
"Hah! And I sopose you think'd be noble if we died as a team?" Hiei spat, shaking his head at the pathetic nigen. His whole body strained to keep upright.
"That's right!"
"Here's a thought, lets shut up and find a way out." Yuskue cried, turning around. His gaze came to rest on a rather conveniently placed switch. "If we could just find a way to that switch . . . Hiei! Yer a lot faster than any of us. We'll hold the ceiling up while you go and flip the switch!"
"You crazy? We can't trust that guy, just look, he doesn't care at all about us." Kuwabara said, shooting yet another glare at Hiei.
"Yer ugly friend has a point, detective," Hiei chuckled.
"Who's ugly? C'mere you mouse!"
"Are you sure you wanna trust me? I've already vowed my revenge on you, maybe I'll handle that now." Hiei continued, ignoring Kuwabara's angry muttering.
"Yeah, but I don't think quick deaths are your style." A red, glowing aura surrounded Yuskue's entire body as he spoke, "I'll let all of the spirit power I have left to buy us a little time while you run to the switch, just don't trip. . . . I trust you." Yuskue grinned, his face aglow with childish trust, " Now go!"
Hiei blinked, his long lashes glinting in the light. Then, all at once, he dropped his arms from the stone and bolted. A smile spread across Kurama's lips, approving Hiei's choice. As soon as Hiei dropped, the strain on the other's arms increase, causing them to shift and groan in pain as their muscles tore. Hiei ran with speed like the gods, unmatched by any other being. Upon reaching the switch, he reached his hand out cautiously. A grin had stretched itself on his face, but now it faded to a look of perplexity. It hung there, in midair, for several seconds. His fingers splayed, then contracted once more. His hesitation frightened Kuwabara and Yuskue. Kurama wasn't in the least surprised.
"Whats the deal?! Pull the stupid switch already!" Kuwabara cried, enraged.
The flying demon descended, levitating just beside Hiei's shoulder, and spoke with cunning softness into Hiei's ear, "Theres no need to make snap judgments, my friend. What have they ever done for you?" Hiei gazed at his comrades as they stared back at him, fear in their eyes. Would he allow them to be crushed? "Leave them, and you can come with me into the castle." Kurama had gotten down on his knees in effort to keep the wall from killing them; he was so tall. Hiei gritted his teeth, unsure as to his own feelings. Yuskue focused entirely upon the weight, so as not to think about Hiei's possible betrayal. Kuwabara tilted his head to the side, no longer able to stand erect. They all pleaded silently with Hiei: HELP! "With the invasion of earth, the four saint beasts will control the future, be smart; join us. Perhaps you can be the general of our demon army."
"D-Don't you dare . . . you creep! If it hadn't been for our help, you'd still be screaming with the rest of us!" Kuwabara, of course, groaned that. He panted with the effort of holding up the ceiling.
That did it. Hiei's hand fell away from the switch, resting at his side. An evil chuckle aroused from his lips.
"What are you laphing about?" Kuwabara screamed faintly.
"Take a guess, you fool." Hiei inclined his head, his face shadowed.
"DARN YOU!"
"Yes," Crooned one-eye, "You take amusement from their pain, now imagine the satisfaction that'll come from their final scream. Whuhahawuhaha!"
"Hiei!" Kuwabara begged as the ceiling lowered, the three unable to hold it up any longer. His eyes shone bright with fear, as did Kurama's. But Yuskue did not fear death, no, he felt a wave of disappointment. He had trusted Hiei with their lives . . .
"A wise choice; the boulder would have crushed you anyway." The demon confided. Hiei's eyes narrowed, anger suddenly sparking within him. He let out a growl and leapt, his eyes flaming, at the demon.
"Thanks for the clue!" He roared, poised midair, hand at his side, reaching for his sword hilt. With a merciless slash, he nearly cut the demon in half. It let out a hissing sound of agony. As soon as Hiei's feet landed with a soft TAK on the ground, he yanked the switch upward, freeing the them from their predicament.
"He came through!" Yuskue said happily, letting his arms fall to his sides. But- no! An enormous boulder crashed down on their little savior, apparently crushing him, "HIEI!"
"Uhnya?" Kuwabara gargled. Kurama stared in horror as dust billowed from around the rock. Yuskue and Kuwabara's expressions came to match his. They rushed out, fairly tripping over each other in their haste. But atop the rock stood Hiei, his sharp voice shouting at the dying one-eye thing, "Tell your masters: this is their chance to beg for mercy!" It flew off, a bit off track.
Yuskue let out a sigh, bending over. Kuwabara leaned over beside him, friendly concern on his face. "Hey, are you alright?"
"Yeah," Yuskue said weakly, "I just can't feel my arms right now."
Hiei stepped lightly into their presence.
"I knew you'd save us; you punk." Yuskue winked and held up his hand, poised in a thumbs up. Hiei's answer as his shoulders lifting ever so slightly, a pout on his face. He blinked again, slow and cool. Yuskue walked over and put his hand on Hiei's slim shoulder, "But you did have me worried," He shook his shoulder playfully, Hiei giving him a murderous look, "Such a good actor." Yuskue released him, "You know, not every body can pretend to laph at their friends while they're dying."
"Humpf. Friends are just a crutch for the weak," Hiei growled, sauntering away from Yuskue's grinning face, "And I wasn't acting."
"Say what?!" Kuwabara's hands clutched into fists.
Hiei spun on his heel and pointed threateningly at him, "Don't confuse it. The only reason I saved you is because I MIGHT need your help." He strode away.
"Heh." Kurama smiled, "Its his way of saying 'you're welcome'. You will learn."
"Rrriiigghhttt." Yuskue laphed.
"Well, he still ticks me off." Kuwabara said huffily.
"Enough of this," Autumn said dully, her eyes half closed. She picked up the remote, switching the television off. Jessica snarled her protest, if looks could kill, Autumn would have dropped dead. "Come on, Jess! We've seen this one a zillion times."
"Its. My. Favorite. You. Jerk." She hissed through gritted teeth, her eyes flashing dangerously. "A. Zillion. And. One. Is. A. Good. Number."
Shanta snickered, "You know that Kurama fights next. Let her watch the rest before she really gets mad." Her tone was more than enough to get her started. Jessica growled at the sarcasm.
"YOU THINK I CAN'T GET ANGRY?!" She bellowed, her hands clenching into fists.
Autumn shrugged her shoulders without much emphasis, "No, we just don't think you'll do anything about it, that's all."
"I CAN TOO!" She screeched, leaning over as she reached for her pillow, "I'M GONNA HIT YOU WITH THIS PILLOW!"
Autumn sniggered. "Are you? I thought you were going to put me to bed."
"SHUT UP!"
"Chill out." Shanta muttered, rolling off the bed to saunter off to her own, rolling her eyes as Jessica dove at Autumn, who had stuck her tongue out at her. Autumn easily evaded the older girl, causing Jessica to fall off the bed onto her face. Autumn bust out laphing, clutching her sides in effort to keep from splitting in half. Jessica moaned and turned onto her back, hastily wiping her eyes so as not to let them know she started crying from the pain searing in her face. She returned to her bed, shoving Autumn off it.
"Good night," Shanta mumbled as she pulled the covers up to her chin.
"Nightie Night!" Autumn chirped, switching off the light and hopping into her own bed.
Jessica sighed and lay down, keeping silent. She wrapped her arms around herself, closing her eyes and willed herself to sleep. It didn't work.
Shanta's eyes also refused to close long enough to let her sleep. The day had been rush, rush, rush, and she hadn't even a second to think of her dream. But now, in the dark, silent room, the memories flooded her mind, the horror of the nightmare once more filling her with dread. She prayed it was only a dream, as Autumn said. But what if it wasn't?
Autumn snored softly, her mind not among theirs as far as contemplation was concerned. Not a thing hindered her sleep, unless you counted the fact that she woke up some time during the night, drenched in sweat. But despite everything, she could not remember what she had dreamt. She needn't have bothered putting such an effort into trying to recover the dream; it was not in the least a vision. Not unless she planned to go to school with just her underwear on anytime soon.
* * *
Hiei watched with his cold, red eyes, a slightly malicious glint to them. Each of the nigen girls lay sleeping peacefully, the shortest one snoring. He leaned his gaunt frame on the wall, his hands deep within the pockets of his black robe. How he longed to kill the one who held Aoitsuki's stone… Then he could go about his own business, rather than have to be stuck here, babysitting. He let his head fall back onto the wall, a sigh escaping from his lips. Hiei lifted his head from the where it rested on the wall, slowly bending forward, then bashing it back onto the wall in irritation. He repeated this several times until he whammed particularly hard and swore. He leaned back, his eyes closing in a forced calm as he attempted to even-temper himself. He exhaled again, allowing his anger to drain away.
"… Aoitsuki…"
Hiei bristled at the sound of Shanta's voice, her head snapping in her direction. She lay sleeping, muttering in her sleep again. He calmed down considerably, but now kept a closer eye on this girl. "How is it she knows that name?" Hiei's eyes narrowed, his scowl deepening. "This isn't right…"
* * *
Koenma covered his eyes with his hands, muffled sobs coming from behind his fingers, "What are we going to do? My father won't allow us to kill her, but what happens when the girl wizens up and takes control of the power she's got in her pocket?!"
"May I suggest something sir?" Kurama said soothingly, the drum of his voice calming the midget prince. "Bring them here, to spirit world."
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Koenma screamed, flecks of spit dotting Kurama's face.
"No." Kurama answered calmly, very calm, owing to the fact he was covered with spit. "But we may be able to persuade her to give us the orb."
Koenma sighed, shaking his head. "If it comes to that…"
* * *
Yuskue peered into the open door, shivers going up and down his spine. Something was seriously wrong here, a demonic aura surrounded Kuwabara's house. He walked cautiously down the hall, his arms poised at his side as though he were on a tightrope. He held his breath as he reached the stairs, taking it one step at a time. The rancid smell of blood met his nostrils and he coughed. He made his way to the bedroom that was so familiar to him, one he had spent countless hours in, throttling Kuzuma at any video game he could dish up. As he opened his door, he steeled himself for a horror he did not want to see, but he was sure he would despite his wishes.
"U-Urameshi?" Kuwabara's throaty voice mumbled, thicker than usual. He lay on the floor in the center of his room, a pool of blood at his side. His loyal cat sat on its master's stomach, mewing softly.
"Kuwabara!" Yuskue was at his side in an instant, "Man, what did they do to you?"
"Dude, you got to get that stone…" Kuwabara's body shook as he coughed, blood bubbling in the corner of his mouth. His eyes closed as he attempted to get his words acrossed to Yuskue.
"Stone? What stone?"
"That psychic's stone… The one that contains her soul… They want to revive their master, at all costs."
"Who? Who did this to you, and I'll kill them!" Yuskue thundered. Kuwabara lifted a weak hand, setting it atop his. Yuskue blinked, sincerely touched.
"Just some old followers of hers…. Yuskue, you have to get that soul from that girl…… They'll use her as the host body…"
"H-Host body?"
"The carrier of her soul… You have to save her, Urameshi! I heard them talking, they said she was the perfect host for her soul……. They're going to attack her tomorrow. They're going to use her friends to force her to… to…" Kuwabara's eyes flickered and then closed as he slipped from consciousness.
"But why'd they attack Kuwabara? Oh man!" Yuskue moaned, "How do I know this is going to be painful before the end…?"