The Demon Enchantresses
Chapter Sixteen
He walked through the streets of his beloved hometown. He loved it here. It was beautiful, and it wasn't crowded. Everyone seemed to know one another and be friendly. The only bad thing was that you could tell when you're a visitor. But he was born here. He knew people here. But he came here to find only two people: his mother and father. He knew them both, but his father sent him away when he was only a baby. He'd come by and visit him when he was able, but most times he was too busy watching out for his mother. He hadn't seen him in years. He wanted to know them better, and he wanted them to remember him.
He arrived at a palace, and went to ask the leader if he could help. Guards were everywhere. Warriors were going in and out of the entrance.
"Excuse me, do you have an appointment to see our dear leader?" one guard asked as he approached a door.
"I'm sorry, but no. I'm just here to see if he can be of service for helping me find my parents," he replied.
The guard chuckled. "You're a man of not but twenty winters, and you're asking to see the leader to find your parents? You poor boy!" the guard mocked. "Oh, look at me! I'm twenty winters and looking for my parents! I seem to have lost them!" The guard let out a giant hoot of laughter.
He was getting annoyed. His eyes flashed red. "You will let me see the dear leader, or your head will be cut off," he said seriously and in a tone that froze the guard.
A horrified look upon his face, the guard knocked on what appeared to be the leader's door. When it was answered, a couple was just leaving.
"Once again, thank you, dear leader," the female said cheerfully.
"Yes, and take care! I'm glad to see you two back together," the man who he guessed was the leader said. "Can I help you, sir?" the leader said after the couple left.
"I am looking for my parents, dear leader. My father sent me away when I was but a baby and I hardly remember my mother. But I know they're here. My father told me several times. He would stop by for visits occasionally, but he hasn't for several winters."
"Hm, I see. Do you know their names?"
He nodded, and gave the leader their names. The leader told him where to go, and that house would become his beautiful and trusting home. The leader also wished him luck at getting along with them.
He walked through the streets and found the house. He took a deep breath, paused for a while, then lifted his fist and knocked on the door...
Kohana opened the safety hatch and opened the door, then sank back in her seat and let out a breath. She was glad she was finally able to breathe her home air again. She looked to her sides, seeing Kurama asleep, and Kuwabara had his arm around Kusha, both of them asleep, on the other side of her. She sighed once more, and closed her eyes. She didn't want to get up just yet, but she knew she couldn't fall asleep. She'd only gotten a few select hours of sleep, since she had to pilot the vessel and make sure Hannah was still behind her.When Kohana opened her eyes again, she saw Hannah standing in front of her.
"It took you long enough," she said.
"What do you mean? I didn't fall asleep, did I?"
"No. I meant that it took you long enough to notice me standing here."
"Oh. Sorry, I guess I was just enjoying our home air."
Hannah snorted. "Leave it to my brainiac sister to enjoy the simple things in life..." She turned around and started walking away.
"Hey! Hannah, wait for me!" Kohana said, and started getting up. Her legs wobbled a little bit as she first got out and took a few steps, but she quickly adapted to the land she knew, and the familiar feel going through her body. She looked for Hannah, who had disappeared into some trees in the forest nearby.
A scream sounded from behind Kohana. She immediately turned around and saw a girl of no more than fifteen years being hung around the waist by a rope hung over a branch. The girl screamed again, and Kohana ran towards her, using her spirit energy to make the tree branch lower. Once she got to the girl, she noticed the girl was crying.
"Oh, dear rescuer! Please, save yourself! He shall be back soon and I cannot bear the torture he shall give you should he find out you have helped me!" the girl said.
"Don't worry, little one," Kohana said, using Plutonian language. That was one thing about Rithanka: English, Plutonian, and many other languages were commonly spoken. Dialects were considered mostly Rithankian, but sometimes it was hard to tell when someone was using one language than another. One more thing was that Rithankian people usually spoke quite formally.
"But he will—"
"I shall hear nothing of it!" Kohana untied the rope and set the girl free, however she stayed by Kohana, almost as if she were afraid to leave the one that rescued her.
An evil laugh was sounded through that particular part of the forest. "So," a deep, loud voice resounded. "You have been saved, have you, my dear? Well! That will all soon be changed!" The evil laugh once again dominated that part of the forest.
"You do not frighten me, old bag. I will fight you. Shall I lose, you may have me, however if I win, you shall let the girl and I both go, and anyone else you have enslaved. You will also be gone from this world and into the world you will eventually see soon, anyway," Kohana said. She didn't have any fear in her voice, and she didn't, and she wasn't afraid. That made the girl's hope increase.
Another evil laugh. "So you shall challenge me?! A little girl such as yourself?! Why, you cannot be much over seventeen winters! Are you sure you wish to challenge me?"
Kohana's fists clenched. "I said I challenge you, you evil doer!"
Finally, the demon appeared, and with another evil laugh. He was tall, but not much taller than an average man. "Very well, I accept your challenge." The demon smirked and moved a hand into his pocket and withdrew something. "This shall be your last fight, foolish little girl!" The demon threw his hand out, and with incredible speed, darts started flying towards Kohana and the girl.
Kohana pushed the girl out of the way and dodged all of the darts herself. She shoved the girl behind a tree and told her to stay there. Then, she went back out and jumped from tree branch to tree branch, gaining height. Once she was concealed by branches, and the demon was looking around, Kohana jumped out and attacked.
"Rose Storm!" she yelled, and billions of roses appeared out of nowhere and started hitting the demon and his surrounding area. The roses seemed to be of metal. The thorns had poison on the ends, and once they struck, the thorns grew until they hit blood and even then kept growing for just a bit more while injecting the poison. The thorns would break off into the body, and it was almost impossible to get them out.
The demon cried in pain as he struck by several hundreds of these roses. Finally, after all the roses fell, the demon could be seen laying on the ground, holes all over his body, and his eyes open wide in shock.
Kohana hit the ground, and once she did, she heard a voice she wished she hadn't right then.
"Very nice, Kohana," Kurama said. "I never knew you could do such an attack."
Kohana was frozen. That was one of her best attacks, and she knew Kurama hadn't even mastered that one yet. She didn't even know if he knew about the legendary Rose Storm technique.
"Th-thank you, Kurama..." she managed to say.
He came up behind her, and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Where did you learn such a technique?"
"Here. We're on Rithanka now. We're...I'm home..."
The girl emerged from behind the tree. She had seen the roses and was smart enough to find a boulder nearby. This section of the forest loved to play tricks, and would create boulders or springs at any given time, but it could easily make them disappear, as well.
"Um...thank you, dear rescuer," the girl said.
Kurama looked at the girl, not knowing what she said.
"It wasn't any problem at all, dear girl," Kohana replied.
'What language are you speaking in?' Kurama asked Kohana in her mind.
'This girl is currently speaking Plutonian to me. She has studied this particular language and has decided to dominate it. Rithankians have a choice of what language to dominate. However, you can dominate all the languages, if you really want to. That's what I did. Most people here would use Ritahnkian, which is basically just dialects of Japanese, English, and Plutonian, mostly. Sometimes it's also mixed with Indian and other languages.'
'Quite an explanation.'
'I know.'
"Please, may I know your name? I'd love to tell tales of you!" the girl inquired.
"I am a daughter of Sir Mercutio and Madam Planeicia Donamaya, Kohana Donamaya. And who might you be, fair girl?" Kohana said in Plutonian.
"I am the daughter of Sir Etyer and Madam Lina Crimado, Mai Crimado. Thank you for saving me," she added in Japanese.
"Oh, so you do speak more than just Plutonian," Kohana said in Japanese as well.
"Now I can follow along," Kurama said, a small smile playing on his lips. Kohana looked at him, looked at his smile, and faintly blushed.
"I can speak many languages," the girl said in Rithankian.
"I know you can," Kohana answered back. Kurama looked confused, so Kohana explained. "That was Rithankian. You really should learn these languages. They're quite fun!"
"Can you help me, please?" Mai asked.
"We'll try," Kohana answered.
"I need to know where someone named Yusuke Urameshi is."
"He's sleeping, but we know where he is. Why?" Kohana was alert now. She didn't want Mai to end up a demon and the other demon helping to set up a trap.
"I must warn him," she said. "About Kentaro. He's stronger, and now has the beloved Yoshiko under his control. I'm sure you're familiar with her name, at least. I heard about the vessels landing, and I was sent to warn him. Yoshiko will help them both, however she shall be torn between the love of her life and the one who lusts for her."
"I see. So because Kentaro has Yoshiko under his control, then I guess that means Kentaro will use her not only as a toy and for her body, but to get back at us. Jee, that's real joyful..."
Kurama spoke after a few moments of silence. "I assume Kentaro will be hiding somewhere, Yoshiko with him, of course. Also, I think Yoshiko won't leave Kentaro's side. So if we find one, we're bound to find the other."
"Yeah, I suppose that's—" She didn't get a chance to finish, as Hannah suddenly appeared in a tree and spoke.
"So you found a girl. Who is she? She looks kind of familiar..."
"Hannah!" Kohana yelled. "Why'd you run off without me?! This girl could have used your help!" She turned toward Mai and said, "That's my annoying older sister. She likes to joke around a lot. Then again, she doesn't like it. She's really confusing."
"Shut up, Kohana!" Hannah yelled to her sister. Kohana stuck her tongue out, and Hannah jumped down. "You wanna try that again, little girl?"
"You can't hurt me. You're not strong enough to hurt your own sister too much."
"Wanna bet?" Hannah had a small glint in her eyes as she drew her sword.
"Girls, please," Kurama butted in. "I'm sure we can find another time for you two to duel. Right now, we need to warn Yusuke."
"About what?" Hannah asked as she sheathed her sword. Kurama told Hannah what Mai told Kohana and him. "Ah, I see. Then what are you waiting for? Let's go warn him!" She jumped off towards the vessels.
"Hey! Hannah, get back here!" Kohana screamed as she ran after her sister.
Kurama sighed. "Well, shall we go?" Mai nodded.
Once the four were at the vessels, the others were starting to awaken.
"Where are we?" Yusuke called from his spot. He sat up, looked around, then saw Kohana, Kurama, Hannah, and Mai. "Who's that?"
"I'll tell everyone once they're awake," Kohana said, indicating the other three waking up.
"Where are we?" Kuwabara repeated, as did Kusha and Hiei. Kohana couldn't help but giggle. She always thought "parrots" were funny.
"Jee, there must be a ton of parrots in this region!" she said, giggling.
"What ya mean?" Kuwabara asked. Kohana cracked up even more.
"She means someone repeated something. Only in this case, we all apparently repeated something," Kusha said.
"Hn," Hiei said, jumping up and landing on the ground. But as his legs hit, he stumbled to the ground, his arms just fast enough to catch him before his face hit. "What's the meaning of this?"
"Rithanka's gravity level is a bit higher than Earth's. Plus, it likes to change. Everything on this planet changes on its own. Well, except the cities and towns and villages and synthetic things," Hannah said. "And you've been riding in a vessel the last few days, so of course you're going to end up not being able to walk very well. Unless you've had as much experience as we've had."
"Then why is Kurama able to walk and stand just as easily?" Hiei persisted.
"Um...that's a good question..." Kohana said, and turned towards Kurama. "Why?"
Kurama gave a small chuckle. "I'm well experienced, you know. I haven't been living for thousands of years for nothing."
"Oh yeah... Heheh! Kinda forgot..." Kohana said. She and Kurama broke out laughing.
"Well, while those two have a laughing fit," Yusuke said, "Now that we're all awake, who is this girl? She's not Yoshiko, is she?"
Hannah shook her head sadly. "She's someone Kohana picked up while you guys were sleeping. I don't know the whole story, but I know that we're supposed to warn you about something."
At this point, Kurama and Kohana were just giggling here and there. They were holding each other, trying to keep balance and not have another laugh attack.
Mai stepped forward. "I'm Mai. I take it you're Yusuke?"
Yusuke nodded. "What do you want? How do you know my name? Have we met?"
Mai let out a small giggle. "We haven't met, and I know your name because I kept in contact with Yoshiko for some time after she left. She told me about you. Since she came back, I decided to find out what happened. She was pretty vague, and Kentaro didn't allow us to talk long. But he's using her. He has her under one of his spell-type things. I'm sorry, Yusuke, but it seems as if the only way to get her back is to either destroy him or somehow get her to turn on him. And neither one of those will be easy. If you destroy him, Yoshiko might become furious and seek revenge. Then it'll be a waste of time and all of you could be destroyed yourselves. But his spell upon her may turn out to end if he's destroyed.
"Now, if you get her to turn on him, that's easier said than done. I never did like the baka. Anyway, if you can get Yoshiko to attack Kentaro, that may be the answer to breaking the spell. The waves coming from his mind into hers are the key. If she attacks him, the waves may be disturbed, and therefore leading to the break. I cannot guarantee any of these will work, but it's your choice. If you want her back, go get her. I'll do whatever I can to help. If you don't want her back, or you don't want to take the risks, then turn back and go home. You wouldn't be worthy enough to have her if you do, though." Mai shrugged, and started walking towards the forest again. "I need to go train. I honestly don't want to be trapped by a baka demon again."
Yusuke stared after her. He hadn't heard a speech that long since Keiko had disappeared. "Wait! Can you tell us where she is?" he finally asked.
Mai stopped and turned around. "I can show you to her old village, though I cannot be sure she's still there."
"Please, just do so. I'd really appreciate it."
Mai nodded and came back. She led the others in a different direction. After about an hour's walk, they came to a clearing. In the distance, they could see buildings and a huge castle-type building.
"That's the village. The biggest one is in the center, and it's the castle. You're bound to end up there, so we should go there first and speak with the dear leader," Mai said.
"That's our home village!" Kohana and Hannah both exclaimed at the same time. They had tears of joy in their eyes.
"Then let's get going. I'm sure they have family that they wish to see," Kurama said.
So, they all crossed the desert that decided to appear and finally made it to the village. As they entered, they got several stares. Some people even ran up to Hannah and Kohana to welcome them back.
They made their way to the castle. The guards looked especially annoyed. "Apparently, it's a busy day for the castle," Mai said.
"I don't think I've seen it this busy in a long time," Kohana said.
"No kidding," Hannah added. "At least, not since we started our training."
Mai gave a small glare of warning at them. She looked from the girls to the others, then back.
"They know," Kohana said, knowing what Mai was implying.
Mai continued on with just a sigh. They made it to two giant doors decorated with many symbols and animals. "This is the dear leader's visiting quarters." She turned to the guards in front of the doors. "We must see dear leader immediately."
The guards asked for clarification, and Mai gave it to them. Then, they entered the doors.
"Ah, Mai! So good to see you back so soon! And you've brought company!" a man from inside said.
"Yes, I have. You know two of them, and the others have decided to come along as well. One is the Yusuke Urameshi you wanted me to warn," Mai said.
"Yusuke..." the man said thoughtfully, looking the group over. He walked over to Kuwabara and looked into his eyes. "You are not he, are you? You do not have potential I have heard about."
Kuwabara looked a little confused. Then Yusuke stepped forward. "That's Kuwabara. I'm Yusuke Urameshi."
The man turned around and looked at Yusuke. "Ah, you must be! I can sense the potential, the motivation, the anger, the loathe, everything. Your spirit energy is incredible! I am quite sure you could easily destroy this city should you wish to."
"Yeah, I probably could."
The man let out a big chuckle. "That's my boy! Good energy, good spirit; oh, you're wonderful!"
Everyone but Mai, Kohana, and Hananh looked at the man a little awkwardly. "Dear leader, these are Yusuke's friends," Mai said. "And you know Kohana and Hannah. They have come back as well."
The man, who apparently was the leader, turned around and embraced Hannah and Kohana, all three with tears of joy in their eyes. "How could I forget these wonderful girls? All three of them—Hannah, Kohana, and Yoshiko—have guarded this village and this planet for as long as I can remember!"
"Then your memory must be getting quite awful, dear leader," Kohana said jokingly.
The leader let out a chuckle again. "It might be! But ever since you three were little and in training, you helped save Rithanka. I couldn't believe how you girls did it! And you didn't really even need the boys' protection! Oh, and please, call me Leon. You girls deserve it."
"Thank you, dear—I mean, Leon," Kohana said. The Rithankians all laughed.
Leon turned to Kusha, his expression a mix between serious and joyous. "You have a familiar vibe to you, you do. Are you not an enchantress like these girls? It seems to me as if you have the same potential and everything else that these girls have. Are you not Rithankian?"
"I am not, sorry," Kusha said. "I'm an earthling. I hadn't even heard of Rithankia until I met the three girls."
"You seem like you know this area, though. It's that vibe you have. As if you've been here before. You may not know it, but I think you have."
"I'm sorry, dear leader, but—"
"No, no! Please, I insist you all call me Leon!" His expression turned joyous and excited.
"Okay. I'm sorry, Leon, but I am nothing but an earthling."
"I'm just saying what I think. There's no reason to deny my thinking, is there?"
"Well, no...I suppose not..."
"Good! Then what can I help you all with?"
"We're looking for Yoshiko and Kentaro," Hannah said.
"Ah, yes! They came by earlier. So happy they are." Leon shook his head. "They're only happy because that bastard Kentaro has her under his spell!" Everyone looked wide-eyed at Leon. "Sorry, I never did like that baka." He shrugged.
"Okay, well," Kohana said, shaking her head a couple times. "Are they still in Kentaro's old house?"
"Indeed they are! And this boy came by earlier, too. A man of no more than twenty winters! I don't even think he was fifteen! But he was smart, young, handsome, too. He said he was looking for his family. His mother and father. I don't know who he was, but he looked a bit like Yoshiko. Maybe a bit like Kentaro, as well. I am not sure, I just think so. Maybe I've just missed the young lady so much. She was always the ditz of you three." He chuckled.
"Yeah, and she still is, I bet. Well, when she's not under Kentaro's spell..." Kohana said.
"Indeed! But we aren't here to talk about who has been here and whatnot! You need to go find Yoshiko! They are still at Kentaro's old house. Do you remember where it is?"
Mai, Hannah, and Kohana nodded, then laughed along with Leon. He dismissed them, and they went off to Kentaro's home. As they approached, they saw a boy standing in front of the door. They were at a far enough distance for the boy to not notice, but close enough for Mai, Hannah, and Kohana to know he was going to knock on the door.
"Hannah! Kohana! Oh, my beautiful babies!" a woman cried, running up to the group.
"Mother!" Kohana and Hannah both cried at the same time. As the woman approached, all three embraced each other.
"My darlings! Oh, thank goodness you're back!" She pulled away to look at them, tears streaming down her face.
"We're glad to be back, Mother," Kohana said, tears streaming down her face as well. Hannah had tears rolling down her cheeks, also.
"I assume Yoshiko is with you?"
"No. We were just going to see her. She's back with Kentaro right now," Hannah said.
"Oh, that's right! They arrived not but two weeks ago, they did. Come! Everyone must be starving and wanting to bathe!"
"Mother, could that wait until we're done, please?" Kohana asked.
"Why? You must reunite with your family! You're back! That's what Kentaro did, he did!"
"Yeah, Kentaro. Mother, we know you hate him. He took Yoshiko from our care. And her brothers'," Hannah said.
"Oh, you girls are too smart! Just too smart! You come with me now, and we'll have you all ready and tidied up before you see them!"
The sisters sighed. "Fine," they said. The group went to the sisters' house, was fed, and even had a wonderful bath—all at separate times, of course. Kohana and Hannah didn't want their mother to have ideas just yet, and Kusha caught on and followed.
It was getting dark now, and the group was too tired to face Kentaro and Yoshiko at the time. So, they all went to separate rooms. The house was huge, and had many empty rooms used for guests. They each slept a restful night. All except Yusuke and Kusha, that is.
Kusha had dreams of her past. Leon's words had haunted her after they left the castle. Yusuke had dreams about what Kentaro was doing to Yoshiko. He wished he could get her back without force, and just kill the evil baka. But he knew it would be more difficult than that. Especially since Yoshiko was on the enemy's side...
Author's Note: Ello! I know I haven't done one of these since I started writing this story, but that was because I was going to maybe change a few things and get this story published... I decided against it, mainly because of the content and because I'm working on another one by hand that'll be better and more fun to have as a book. But thank you all for your reviews so far! I might change my decision and publish this story, but I don't know...
Yusuke: Just change the part where you leave, and it'll be fine!
Yoshiko: (ME!) whacks Yusuke Only in your dreams would I do that! It kinda gives the story a good side, ya know? I mean, Kohana and Hannah are reunited with their family, Kentaro's no longer on Earth, the Yu Yu gang and Kusha get to see another planet, Yoshiko will meet with her brothers probably in the next one or two chapters...
Hiei: Hn. You have an imagination, ya know that?
Yoshiko: Well duh! rolls eyes Anyways, I'm going to do review answer thingies in the next chapter, cause this one is already nine pages... ;; Until then, see ya!
Chapter Sixteen
He walked through the streets of his beloved hometown. He loved it here. It was beautiful, and it wasn't crowded. Everyone seemed to know one another and be friendly. The only bad thing was that you could tell when you're a visitor. But he was born here. He knew people here. But he came here to find only two people: his mother and father. He knew them both, but his father sent him away when he was only a baby. He'd come by and visit him when he was able, but most times he was too busy watching out for his mother. He hadn't seen him in years. He wanted to know them better, and he wanted them to remember him.
He arrived at a palace, and went to ask the leader if he could help. Guards were everywhere. Warriors were going in and out of the entrance.
"Excuse me, do you have an appointment to see our dear leader?" one guard asked as he approached a door.
"I'm sorry, but no. I'm just here to see if he can be of service for helping me find my parents," he replied.
The guard chuckled. "You're a man of not but twenty winters, and you're asking to see the leader to find your parents? You poor boy!" the guard mocked. "Oh, look at me! I'm twenty winters and looking for my parents! I seem to have lost them!" The guard let out a giant hoot of laughter.
He was getting annoyed. His eyes flashed red. "You will let me see the dear leader, or your head will be cut off," he said seriously and in a tone that froze the guard.
A horrified look upon his face, the guard knocked on what appeared to be the leader's door. When it was answered, a couple was just leaving.
"Once again, thank you, dear leader," the female said cheerfully.
"Yes, and take care! I'm glad to see you two back together," the man who he guessed was the leader said. "Can I help you, sir?" the leader said after the couple left.
"I am looking for my parents, dear leader. My father sent me away when I was but a baby and I hardly remember my mother. But I know they're here. My father told me several times. He would stop by for visits occasionally, but he hasn't for several winters."
"Hm, I see. Do you know their names?"
He nodded, and gave the leader their names. The leader told him where to go, and that house would become his beautiful and trusting home. The leader also wished him luck at getting along with them.
He walked through the streets and found the house. He took a deep breath, paused for a while, then lifted his fist and knocked on the door...
Kohana opened the safety hatch and opened the door, then sank back in her seat and let out a breath. She was glad she was finally able to breathe her home air again. She looked to her sides, seeing Kurama asleep, and Kuwabara had his arm around Kusha, both of them asleep, on the other side of her. She sighed once more, and closed her eyes. She didn't want to get up just yet, but she knew she couldn't fall asleep. She'd only gotten a few select hours of sleep, since she had to pilot the vessel and make sure Hannah was still behind her.When Kohana opened her eyes again, she saw Hannah standing in front of her.
"It took you long enough," she said.
"What do you mean? I didn't fall asleep, did I?"
"No. I meant that it took you long enough to notice me standing here."
"Oh. Sorry, I guess I was just enjoying our home air."
Hannah snorted. "Leave it to my brainiac sister to enjoy the simple things in life..." She turned around and started walking away.
"Hey! Hannah, wait for me!" Kohana said, and started getting up. Her legs wobbled a little bit as she first got out and took a few steps, but she quickly adapted to the land she knew, and the familiar feel going through her body. She looked for Hannah, who had disappeared into some trees in the forest nearby.
A scream sounded from behind Kohana. She immediately turned around and saw a girl of no more than fifteen years being hung around the waist by a rope hung over a branch. The girl screamed again, and Kohana ran towards her, using her spirit energy to make the tree branch lower. Once she got to the girl, she noticed the girl was crying.
"Oh, dear rescuer! Please, save yourself! He shall be back soon and I cannot bear the torture he shall give you should he find out you have helped me!" the girl said.
"Don't worry, little one," Kohana said, using Plutonian language. That was one thing about Rithanka: English, Plutonian, and many other languages were commonly spoken. Dialects were considered mostly Rithankian, but sometimes it was hard to tell when someone was using one language than another. One more thing was that Rithankian people usually spoke quite formally.
"But he will—"
"I shall hear nothing of it!" Kohana untied the rope and set the girl free, however she stayed by Kohana, almost as if she were afraid to leave the one that rescued her.
An evil laugh was sounded through that particular part of the forest. "So," a deep, loud voice resounded. "You have been saved, have you, my dear? Well! That will all soon be changed!" The evil laugh once again dominated that part of the forest.
"You do not frighten me, old bag. I will fight you. Shall I lose, you may have me, however if I win, you shall let the girl and I both go, and anyone else you have enslaved. You will also be gone from this world and into the world you will eventually see soon, anyway," Kohana said. She didn't have any fear in her voice, and she didn't, and she wasn't afraid. That made the girl's hope increase.
Another evil laugh. "So you shall challenge me?! A little girl such as yourself?! Why, you cannot be much over seventeen winters! Are you sure you wish to challenge me?"
Kohana's fists clenched. "I said I challenge you, you evil doer!"
Finally, the demon appeared, and with another evil laugh. He was tall, but not much taller than an average man. "Very well, I accept your challenge." The demon smirked and moved a hand into his pocket and withdrew something. "This shall be your last fight, foolish little girl!" The demon threw his hand out, and with incredible speed, darts started flying towards Kohana and the girl.
Kohana pushed the girl out of the way and dodged all of the darts herself. She shoved the girl behind a tree and told her to stay there. Then, she went back out and jumped from tree branch to tree branch, gaining height. Once she was concealed by branches, and the demon was looking around, Kohana jumped out and attacked.
"Rose Storm!" she yelled, and billions of roses appeared out of nowhere and started hitting the demon and his surrounding area. The roses seemed to be of metal. The thorns had poison on the ends, and once they struck, the thorns grew until they hit blood and even then kept growing for just a bit more while injecting the poison. The thorns would break off into the body, and it was almost impossible to get them out.
The demon cried in pain as he struck by several hundreds of these roses. Finally, after all the roses fell, the demon could be seen laying on the ground, holes all over his body, and his eyes open wide in shock.
Kohana hit the ground, and once she did, she heard a voice she wished she hadn't right then.
"Very nice, Kohana," Kurama said. "I never knew you could do such an attack."
Kohana was frozen. That was one of her best attacks, and she knew Kurama hadn't even mastered that one yet. She didn't even know if he knew about the legendary Rose Storm technique.
"Th-thank you, Kurama..." she managed to say.
He came up behind her, and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Where did you learn such a technique?"
"Here. We're on Rithanka now. We're...I'm home..."
The girl emerged from behind the tree. She had seen the roses and was smart enough to find a boulder nearby. This section of the forest loved to play tricks, and would create boulders or springs at any given time, but it could easily make them disappear, as well.
"Um...thank you, dear rescuer," the girl said.
Kurama looked at the girl, not knowing what she said.
"It wasn't any problem at all, dear girl," Kohana replied.
'What language are you speaking in?' Kurama asked Kohana in her mind.
'This girl is currently speaking Plutonian to me. She has studied this particular language and has decided to dominate it. Rithankians have a choice of what language to dominate. However, you can dominate all the languages, if you really want to. That's what I did. Most people here would use Ritahnkian, which is basically just dialects of Japanese, English, and Plutonian, mostly. Sometimes it's also mixed with Indian and other languages.'
'Quite an explanation.'
'I know.'
"Please, may I know your name? I'd love to tell tales of you!" the girl inquired.
"I am a daughter of Sir Mercutio and Madam Planeicia Donamaya, Kohana Donamaya. And who might you be, fair girl?" Kohana said in Plutonian.
"I am the daughter of Sir Etyer and Madam Lina Crimado, Mai Crimado. Thank you for saving me," she added in Japanese.
"Oh, so you do speak more than just Plutonian," Kohana said in Japanese as well.
"Now I can follow along," Kurama said, a small smile playing on his lips. Kohana looked at him, looked at his smile, and faintly blushed.
"I can speak many languages," the girl said in Rithankian.
"I know you can," Kohana answered back. Kurama looked confused, so Kohana explained. "That was Rithankian. You really should learn these languages. They're quite fun!"
"Can you help me, please?" Mai asked.
"We'll try," Kohana answered.
"I need to know where someone named Yusuke Urameshi is."
"He's sleeping, but we know where he is. Why?" Kohana was alert now. She didn't want Mai to end up a demon and the other demon helping to set up a trap.
"I must warn him," she said. "About Kentaro. He's stronger, and now has the beloved Yoshiko under his control. I'm sure you're familiar with her name, at least. I heard about the vessels landing, and I was sent to warn him. Yoshiko will help them both, however she shall be torn between the love of her life and the one who lusts for her."
"I see. So because Kentaro has Yoshiko under his control, then I guess that means Kentaro will use her not only as a toy and for her body, but to get back at us. Jee, that's real joyful..."
Kurama spoke after a few moments of silence. "I assume Kentaro will be hiding somewhere, Yoshiko with him, of course. Also, I think Yoshiko won't leave Kentaro's side. So if we find one, we're bound to find the other."
"Yeah, I suppose that's—" She didn't get a chance to finish, as Hannah suddenly appeared in a tree and spoke.
"So you found a girl. Who is she? She looks kind of familiar..."
"Hannah!" Kohana yelled. "Why'd you run off without me?! This girl could have used your help!" She turned toward Mai and said, "That's my annoying older sister. She likes to joke around a lot. Then again, she doesn't like it. She's really confusing."
"Shut up, Kohana!" Hannah yelled to her sister. Kohana stuck her tongue out, and Hannah jumped down. "You wanna try that again, little girl?"
"You can't hurt me. You're not strong enough to hurt your own sister too much."
"Wanna bet?" Hannah had a small glint in her eyes as she drew her sword.
"Girls, please," Kurama butted in. "I'm sure we can find another time for you two to duel. Right now, we need to warn Yusuke."
"About what?" Hannah asked as she sheathed her sword. Kurama told Hannah what Mai told Kohana and him. "Ah, I see. Then what are you waiting for? Let's go warn him!" She jumped off towards the vessels.
"Hey! Hannah, get back here!" Kohana screamed as she ran after her sister.
Kurama sighed. "Well, shall we go?" Mai nodded.
Once the four were at the vessels, the others were starting to awaken.
"Where are we?" Yusuke called from his spot. He sat up, looked around, then saw Kohana, Kurama, Hannah, and Mai. "Who's that?"
"I'll tell everyone once they're awake," Kohana said, indicating the other three waking up.
"Where are we?" Kuwabara repeated, as did Kusha and Hiei. Kohana couldn't help but giggle. She always thought "parrots" were funny.
"Jee, there must be a ton of parrots in this region!" she said, giggling.
"What ya mean?" Kuwabara asked. Kohana cracked up even more.
"She means someone repeated something. Only in this case, we all apparently repeated something," Kusha said.
"Hn," Hiei said, jumping up and landing on the ground. But as his legs hit, he stumbled to the ground, his arms just fast enough to catch him before his face hit. "What's the meaning of this?"
"Rithanka's gravity level is a bit higher than Earth's. Plus, it likes to change. Everything on this planet changes on its own. Well, except the cities and towns and villages and synthetic things," Hannah said. "And you've been riding in a vessel the last few days, so of course you're going to end up not being able to walk very well. Unless you've had as much experience as we've had."
"Then why is Kurama able to walk and stand just as easily?" Hiei persisted.
"Um...that's a good question..." Kohana said, and turned towards Kurama. "Why?"
Kurama gave a small chuckle. "I'm well experienced, you know. I haven't been living for thousands of years for nothing."
"Oh yeah... Heheh! Kinda forgot..." Kohana said. She and Kurama broke out laughing.
"Well, while those two have a laughing fit," Yusuke said, "Now that we're all awake, who is this girl? She's not Yoshiko, is she?"
Hannah shook her head sadly. "She's someone Kohana picked up while you guys were sleeping. I don't know the whole story, but I know that we're supposed to warn you about something."
At this point, Kurama and Kohana were just giggling here and there. They were holding each other, trying to keep balance and not have another laugh attack.
Mai stepped forward. "I'm Mai. I take it you're Yusuke?"
Yusuke nodded. "What do you want? How do you know my name? Have we met?"
Mai let out a small giggle. "We haven't met, and I know your name because I kept in contact with Yoshiko for some time after she left. She told me about you. Since she came back, I decided to find out what happened. She was pretty vague, and Kentaro didn't allow us to talk long. But he's using her. He has her under one of his spell-type things. I'm sorry, Yusuke, but it seems as if the only way to get her back is to either destroy him or somehow get her to turn on him. And neither one of those will be easy. If you destroy him, Yoshiko might become furious and seek revenge. Then it'll be a waste of time and all of you could be destroyed yourselves. But his spell upon her may turn out to end if he's destroyed.
"Now, if you get her to turn on him, that's easier said than done. I never did like the baka. Anyway, if you can get Yoshiko to attack Kentaro, that may be the answer to breaking the spell. The waves coming from his mind into hers are the key. If she attacks him, the waves may be disturbed, and therefore leading to the break. I cannot guarantee any of these will work, but it's your choice. If you want her back, go get her. I'll do whatever I can to help. If you don't want her back, or you don't want to take the risks, then turn back and go home. You wouldn't be worthy enough to have her if you do, though." Mai shrugged, and started walking towards the forest again. "I need to go train. I honestly don't want to be trapped by a baka demon again."
Yusuke stared after her. He hadn't heard a speech that long since Keiko had disappeared. "Wait! Can you tell us where she is?" he finally asked.
Mai stopped and turned around. "I can show you to her old village, though I cannot be sure she's still there."
"Please, just do so. I'd really appreciate it."
Mai nodded and came back. She led the others in a different direction. After about an hour's walk, they came to a clearing. In the distance, they could see buildings and a huge castle-type building.
"That's the village. The biggest one is in the center, and it's the castle. You're bound to end up there, so we should go there first and speak with the dear leader," Mai said.
"That's our home village!" Kohana and Hannah both exclaimed at the same time. They had tears of joy in their eyes.
"Then let's get going. I'm sure they have family that they wish to see," Kurama said.
So, they all crossed the desert that decided to appear and finally made it to the village. As they entered, they got several stares. Some people even ran up to Hannah and Kohana to welcome them back.
They made their way to the castle. The guards looked especially annoyed. "Apparently, it's a busy day for the castle," Mai said.
"I don't think I've seen it this busy in a long time," Kohana said.
"No kidding," Hannah added. "At least, not since we started our training."
Mai gave a small glare of warning at them. She looked from the girls to the others, then back.
"They know," Kohana said, knowing what Mai was implying.
Mai continued on with just a sigh. They made it to two giant doors decorated with many symbols and animals. "This is the dear leader's visiting quarters." She turned to the guards in front of the doors. "We must see dear leader immediately."
The guards asked for clarification, and Mai gave it to them. Then, they entered the doors.
"Ah, Mai! So good to see you back so soon! And you've brought company!" a man from inside said.
"Yes, I have. You know two of them, and the others have decided to come along as well. One is the Yusuke Urameshi you wanted me to warn," Mai said.
"Yusuke..." the man said thoughtfully, looking the group over. He walked over to Kuwabara and looked into his eyes. "You are not he, are you? You do not have potential I have heard about."
Kuwabara looked a little confused. Then Yusuke stepped forward. "That's Kuwabara. I'm Yusuke Urameshi."
The man turned around and looked at Yusuke. "Ah, you must be! I can sense the potential, the motivation, the anger, the loathe, everything. Your spirit energy is incredible! I am quite sure you could easily destroy this city should you wish to."
"Yeah, I probably could."
The man let out a big chuckle. "That's my boy! Good energy, good spirit; oh, you're wonderful!"
Everyone but Mai, Kohana, and Hananh looked at the man a little awkwardly. "Dear leader, these are Yusuke's friends," Mai said. "And you know Kohana and Hannah. They have come back as well."
The man, who apparently was the leader, turned around and embraced Hannah and Kohana, all three with tears of joy in their eyes. "How could I forget these wonderful girls? All three of them—Hannah, Kohana, and Yoshiko—have guarded this village and this planet for as long as I can remember!"
"Then your memory must be getting quite awful, dear leader," Kohana said jokingly.
The leader let out a chuckle again. "It might be! But ever since you three were little and in training, you helped save Rithanka. I couldn't believe how you girls did it! And you didn't really even need the boys' protection! Oh, and please, call me Leon. You girls deserve it."
"Thank you, dear—I mean, Leon," Kohana said. The Rithankians all laughed.
Leon turned to Kusha, his expression a mix between serious and joyous. "You have a familiar vibe to you, you do. Are you not an enchantress like these girls? It seems to me as if you have the same potential and everything else that these girls have. Are you not Rithankian?"
"I am not, sorry," Kusha said. "I'm an earthling. I hadn't even heard of Rithankia until I met the three girls."
"You seem like you know this area, though. It's that vibe you have. As if you've been here before. You may not know it, but I think you have."
"I'm sorry, dear leader, but—"
"No, no! Please, I insist you all call me Leon!" His expression turned joyous and excited.
"Okay. I'm sorry, Leon, but I am nothing but an earthling."
"I'm just saying what I think. There's no reason to deny my thinking, is there?"
"Well, no...I suppose not..."
"Good! Then what can I help you all with?"
"We're looking for Yoshiko and Kentaro," Hannah said.
"Ah, yes! They came by earlier. So happy they are." Leon shook his head. "They're only happy because that bastard Kentaro has her under his spell!" Everyone looked wide-eyed at Leon. "Sorry, I never did like that baka." He shrugged.
"Okay, well," Kohana said, shaking her head a couple times. "Are they still in Kentaro's old house?"
"Indeed they are! And this boy came by earlier, too. A man of no more than twenty winters! I don't even think he was fifteen! But he was smart, young, handsome, too. He said he was looking for his family. His mother and father. I don't know who he was, but he looked a bit like Yoshiko. Maybe a bit like Kentaro, as well. I am not sure, I just think so. Maybe I've just missed the young lady so much. She was always the ditz of you three." He chuckled.
"Yeah, and she still is, I bet. Well, when she's not under Kentaro's spell..." Kohana said.
"Indeed! But we aren't here to talk about who has been here and whatnot! You need to go find Yoshiko! They are still at Kentaro's old house. Do you remember where it is?"
Mai, Hannah, and Kohana nodded, then laughed along with Leon. He dismissed them, and they went off to Kentaro's home. As they approached, they saw a boy standing in front of the door. They were at a far enough distance for the boy to not notice, but close enough for Mai, Hannah, and Kohana to know he was going to knock on the door.
"Hannah! Kohana! Oh, my beautiful babies!" a woman cried, running up to the group.
"Mother!" Kohana and Hannah both cried at the same time. As the woman approached, all three embraced each other.
"My darlings! Oh, thank goodness you're back!" She pulled away to look at them, tears streaming down her face.
"We're glad to be back, Mother," Kohana said, tears streaming down her face as well. Hannah had tears rolling down her cheeks, also.
"I assume Yoshiko is with you?"
"No. We were just going to see her. She's back with Kentaro right now," Hannah said.
"Oh, that's right! They arrived not but two weeks ago, they did. Come! Everyone must be starving and wanting to bathe!"
"Mother, could that wait until we're done, please?" Kohana asked.
"Why? You must reunite with your family! You're back! That's what Kentaro did, he did!"
"Yeah, Kentaro. Mother, we know you hate him. He took Yoshiko from our care. And her brothers'," Hannah said.
"Oh, you girls are too smart! Just too smart! You come with me now, and we'll have you all ready and tidied up before you see them!"
The sisters sighed. "Fine," they said. The group went to the sisters' house, was fed, and even had a wonderful bath—all at separate times, of course. Kohana and Hannah didn't want their mother to have ideas just yet, and Kusha caught on and followed.
It was getting dark now, and the group was too tired to face Kentaro and Yoshiko at the time. So, they all went to separate rooms. The house was huge, and had many empty rooms used for guests. They each slept a restful night. All except Yusuke and Kusha, that is.
Kusha had dreams of her past. Leon's words had haunted her after they left the castle. Yusuke had dreams about what Kentaro was doing to Yoshiko. He wished he could get her back without force, and just kill the evil baka. But he knew it would be more difficult than that. Especially since Yoshiko was on the enemy's side...
Author's Note: Ello! I know I haven't done one of these since I started writing this story, but that was because I was going to maybe change a few things and get this story published... I decided against it, mainly because of the content and because I'm working on another one by hand that'll be better and more fun to have as a book. But thank you all for your reviews so far! I might change my decision and publish this story, but I don't know...
Yusuke: Just change the part where you leave, and it'll be fine!
Yoshiko: (ME!) whacks Yusuke Only in your dreams would I do that! It kinda gives the story a good side, ya know? I mean, Kohana and Hannah are reunited with their family, Kentaro's no longer on Earth, the Yu Yu gang and Kusha get to see another planet, Yoshiko will meet with her brothers probably in the next one or two chapters...
Hiei: Hn. You have an imagination, ya know that?
Yoshiko: Well duh! rolls eyes Anyways, I'm going to do review answer thingies in the next chapter, cause this one is already nine pages... ;; Until then, see ya!