-Tricked-
-Disclaimer- Don't own. Nope.
-This is going to be a wonderful chapter filled with KB! I know that's what you want. Come on! I dare you to say otherwise! Just kidding. ^_^ Enjoy your chapter!-
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Chapter 27 - Magic Arts
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Botan sat with Kurama in their room, embracing each other as if the shadows themselves might devour them at any moment. Botan's hand clutched his as her free arm wrapped around him. He twirled her hair in his fingers and trailed kisses down her face. She felt warm tingles run down her body whenever he did that. She then pulled both of her hands free and gently took his face in her hands. He gazed into her eyes. He felt like he was drowning in an amethyst ocean whenever he looked into her eyes. She gave him a small smile and let her hands fall to his chest. She gave him a gentle, teasing kiss on his lips then pulled away. He smiled, leaning forward and kissing her tenderly. She pulled away and hugged him, resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on hers. He could smell her scent. Peonies. He closed his eyes and let his mind wander. She moved, and he could feel her looking at him. He looked at her, brushing her long cerulean hair away from her face.
"It's nice to have some time alone with you." He whispered. She nodded and gazed around, taking in the dancing flames of the candles around them. He watched how her eyes reflected whatever she looked at with perfect clarity. He took one hand and gently pulled her gaze to his. He smiled at her, feeling himself drown in her scent and in her eyes.
"I love you." She whispered.
"I love you, too." She could feel the heat radiate from his body. She saw golden sparkles in his eyes. He tightened his grip around her dainty figure, pulling her closer, if it were possible. He loved the feeling of her in his arms. He felt her lips brush against his once again.
"You okay?" She asked quietly. He nodded, a smile coming to his face.
"Fine, love." He poked her nose and chuckled when she went cross-eyed. "Don't worry about me so much." She pouted.
"I can't help it. You give me so much to worry about." She played gently with some strands of his red hair. Her heart was racing. She felt so warm and safe in his arms.
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Kuwabara and the others sat out in the living room. They were bored. More than bored. Hiei was fast asleep on the floor in his corner, Yuusuke was sitting next to Keiko and they were playing a card game. Kuwabara, Yukina, and Shizuru were flicking through the channels on TV.
"You win again.." Yuusuke said with a yawn. Keiko dropped her cards from her hand.
"Yay." She said sarcastically. "Where's Botan and Kurama?" Everyone looked around and shrugged.
"I think they went to their room." Yukina answered quietly. Yuusuke nudged Keiko.
"Think he's gettin' lucky?" She rolled her eyes and slapped him.
"Don't be thinking things like that, Yuusuke." She stated. She found herself wondering what they were doing.
"Oh, please. Can we just shut up about them? Let them have some time alone. Imagine how they must feel to barely have any time together by themselves." Shizuru said, eyeing them distastefully. "You need to have a girlfriend or boyfriend to understand."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Kuwabara said with a wave of his hand. "I just wanna know what they're doing in there alone."
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Botan giggled and playfully slapped Kurama's arm.
"You dork." She whispered gleefully. They had been talking for a while, about things that they would normally talk about if they were alone.
"That's not what you said two minutes ago." He said slyly.
"That was because you tickled me until I became breathless."
"Just the way I like it." He grinned. He gently pushed her down and sat on her, smirking evilly.
"Excuse me?" She narrowed her eyes up at him. "Brat."
"Hm?" He raised an eyebrow and leaned down. "Did you say something?" She shook her head, leaning up and giving him a quick kiss.
"I'm beat. I think I'll go get a drink before I pass out." She easily pushed him off of herself and got up with a sigh. She walked out into the living room.
"Hello!" Kuwabara greeted her with a grin. She raised an eyebrow. Kurama walked out next to see what was up.
"So, pal, did you get lucky?" Wrong move, Yuusuke..
SLAP!
"YUUSUKE, YOU JERK!" Botan screamed, her eyes glowing red with anger. Kuwabara hid behind Yukina. Botan had Yuusuke backed into a corner..
SLAP!
"OW!" Yuusuke howled in pain and covered his head with his hands. "I'm sorry!" Botan hit him once more in the head and turned around.
"Anyone else have a comment?" Hiei watched, amused, as the room grew deathly silent. She smiled cheerfully. "Okay, then! I'm gonna get a drink then go off to bed." She left the room. Kurama sighed, sweat-dropping when Yuusuke rubbed the hand-prints on his face. "Good night, everyone!" She gave Yuusuke a death glare before closing the door. Kurama let out a sigh.
"Glad I wasn't him."
"You said it." Kuwabara agreed.
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Botan punched at Yuusuke and missed. She did a backflip in order to avoid his punch. Yuusuke ran at her, ready with a fist raised in the air.
"STOP!" Yuusuke skidded and tripped, falling flat on his face. "Guys! You'll never believe this!" Botan relaxed and turned to look at Kuwabara.
"What is it now?" Yuusuke asked, rubbing his head. "Did you get dressed on your own?" Kuwabara growled.
"No! Kurama went missing.. Shorty tried to get a fix on him with that eye thing but he couldn't.. I saw him vanish myself!"
"Now I heard everything." Yuusuke stood up and brushed himself off. "So, how did he vanish?" Kuwabara looked at Botan.
"He was there and then.. he wasn't." He frowned. "I'm sorry.. but Shorty couldn't find him.." Botan picked up her katana and secured it in her belt.
"Then I will. He couldn't have just disappeared." She closed her eyes. "Maybe Koenma can find him." The familiar silver-tipped white wings spread from her back and she crouched down when Yuusuke stopped her.
"I want to help." She nodded and stood up fully, picking him up. "You're making me feel like a girl.."
"Shut up." She lifted off. "Tell Hiei we went to Reikai and that we'll be back with news." He nodded and watched as they disappeared from sight.
"This doesn't feel right to me." Yuusuke complained. He felt like the bride at a wedding. Botan growled and glared at him.
"Don't make me drop you." He panicked when he looked down and quickly wrapped his arms around her neck.
"As I was saying, this ride is really smooth.. I-I like flying.." He grinned nervously. She rolled her eyes and quickened the pace. The faster they got to Reikai, the better. "What do you think happened to Kurama? I mean, he can handle himself, right?" She shrugged.
"I can't say what happened to him. And I'm not about to take any chances that he might be able to handle it. There's Styx." Yuusuke looked down at the river and then ahead. "And there's Reikai."
"Finally.." He let out a sigh. Botan flew up a little then spread her wings out to land them safely on the grounds of the spirit world. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he smiled. "Where's pacifier breath?"
"Koenma should be in his office. I doubt that he knew we were coming." She folded her wings against her back and led the way. She pushed the doors open and ogres stopped to stare. Whispers ran through them.
"What are the chances that he's just hiding?" Botan looked back at Yuusuke, a glare set on her face. "I'll take that as slim to none." Looking around and putting his hands behind his head, he followed the demon through the white halls. Botan stopped in front of two oak doors. She knocked then opened them. Her frown never left her face. "Where is he? I'll bet the toddler's getting a diaper change." Yuusuke's mirth was immediately replaced by a dumbfounded look when George, the blue ogre, came into the room.
"Botan? Yuusuke? What are you two doing here?" He asked, blinking.
"Kurama's gone missing." Yuusuke said. "Kuwabara said he just vanished. I say he inhaled too much car exhaust." Botan elbowed him and he shut his mouth.
"We're here to see if Koenma-sama might know something.." She trailed off when George's expression changed.
"I haven't seen Koenma all morning. He was in his office just an hour ago.." Botan growled and sat down at the computer. She typed in stuff for a while then turned to the two. Yuusuke raised an eyebrow and walked over to peek over her shoulder.
"Surveillance." She clicked the mouse and they looked to the big screen to their right. When the tape was finished, their mouths dropped open. Botan slowed it down as much as she could and zoomed in. "A magic spell.. Who would use the transportation spell?"
"Transportation spell?" Yuusuke asked, blinking. "Could you.. uhm.. maybe explain for those of us who are slow?"
"Sure." She turned to look at him. "Some demons study martial arts and others study spells. Those that study spells are usually the ones that isolate themselves from everyone else, believing they are superior." She paused. "Not too long ago, we had a few cases of soul disappearances. They turned out to be kidnapped by those demons that use magic." She bit her lip. "Many of them like to take the power of those that they capture."
"It's only power though, right?" She shook her head.
"I'm afraid not, Yuusuke. The power in you spirals along with your spirit and soul. If they drain you of your power.. I don't think I need to tell you what will happen." George began panicking and Yuusuke remained thoughtful.
"Why wouldn't they take someone like you or me?"
"Because certain demons need certain power. For all I know, these kidnappings could have nothing to do with each other and could be coincidental." Her eyes clouded over with worry. "I just hope that they are still alive."
"Why couldn't Hiei find them?" She looked back at Yuusuke.
"The Jagan, like anything else, has its limits. If there is a spiritual barrier around the person or people, then the Jagan eye cannot fix on them."
"Spiritual barrier?" Yuusuke was new to all of this. "What does it do? Does it hide their spirit energy so no one could find them?" Botan nodded.
"It goes deeper than that, however. The spiritual barrier does not send out a signal so Hiei couldn't lock on the barrier, either. It looks like we're better off going to Makai right now by ourselves." She explained, standing up. "There is nothing more we can do."
"You mean.. we're flying to Makai?"
"I will make a breach with my power and take us down myself." George felt really useless standing there. "George, we'll take these so that you can contact us if you get any more information." She held up communicators.
"Okay." He said with a smile. "Good luck, you two."
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Hiei closed his eyes. He scowled deeply at the irritation caused by Kuwabara. The moron was trying to get him to try again and again with the Jagan to locate the two. He was like a bug that wouldn't go away.
"Moron, shut your loud, annoying mouth!" Hiei growled. "I cannot locate Kurama! Shut your mouth!"
"Why not?" Shizuru cracked her knuckles and hit her little brother over the head.
"If he said he can't, then he can't, baby brother. Let it go. Botan and Yuusuke can do it. Just relax." She sighed. "Just calm down."
"Imagine how poor Botan must feel.." Keiko said worriedly.
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"Could we fly?" Botan shook her head.
"We need to be able to find them. We don't know where they might be located but I do have a little idea. Most of the demons who study spells moved out toward the Amethyst Ocean so that they could use the water in their spells." She said with a frown as she hacked away at thick patches of brush with her katana.
"Fly us toward there, then."
"But some of them isolate themselves from even those that do use spells. They like to think that they are superior." She said, taking the pace up a notch.
"But we'll take longer this way and they could be dead by the time we reach them!" He tried to reason. She had a solution for everything he said.
"Would you rather we fly and not find them at all? Besides, I made the breach next to the part of the barrier where the Amethyst Ocean lies. It is supposed to be this way." Yuusuke sighed. Once again, she was right and he was wrong. He looked up but the branches of the trees were too thick and he hardly see the light that shone through. "Hm. We're not going to make it if we continue on in this pace."
"Why not?"
"Because this crap is just too thick and the sun is setting."
"How can you tell? I can't see the sun at all! You probably couldn't if it was in the sky!" He sighed. "Besides, what do you plan we do before nightfall? This place is probably full of demons."
"We'll have to find a place to start a fire and rest." She looked down. "This is probably the best spot we would find anyway. Get some rocks and put them in a circle then start a fire."
"Is there anything edible here?"
"That's what my job is. I'll get food and find a river while you start the fire. Remember the rocks."
"Right."
"And the wood."
"I'm not Kuwabara!" She smirked at him and walked away, hacking away at bushes. "I hope she gets something that tastes like food.." He took one look around. "Doubtful." The place was like a cave. The ENTIRE place. He would swear that even the shadows were watching him. He got to his job, thinking that the sooner he lit the fire, the better.
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Botan blinked and eased down on the tree branch. She was lucky she came upon this little prize. She gripped her katana in her hand. One of the edible animals here. A buck. Animals lived in Makai. There weren't too many but there was enough if you found them. She raised the blade and positioned it so that the blade was pointing at her prey. She aimed and threw. Bulls- eye. She sighed and hopped out of the tree.
"I hope Yuusuke didn't get into any trouble while I was gone.."
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Yuusuke moved closer to the fire and shivered. The temperature dropped dramatically in the last two hours. He rubbed his hands together and frowned. He was worried. Botan should've been back by now. He grabbed a stick and put the tip of it into the fire. When it lit up like a torch, he stood up and held it out in front of him, peering toward the path that Botan had cut. He couldn't see anything. The darkness was so thick that not even the firelight could penetrate it. He chewed on his lip.
"If you don't come back.. when and if I find Kurama, he'll kill me." He sat back down and poked the fire with the stick. He was worried sick.. Suddenly, he heard something and blushed. "Oh, shut up! I didn't ask your opinion!"
"It seems it wants to be heard." He turned to see Botan carrying a deer over her shoulders. "I'm definitely gonna rinse off in the river tomorrow." She heaved it over her head and set it on the ground. "You know, hunting in the dark isn't easy."
"I'm so lucky you're skilled." He remarked with a frown. She glared at him.
"Ms. Hand and Mr. Cheek want to be friends again, don't they?" He twitched.
"Uhm.. NO! Yeah, that's right.. Mr. Cheek doesn't like Ms. Hand.." He smiled nervously at her. She rolled her eyes.
"Shall I do the honors?"
"While I sleep.." He made a face and curled up, facing away from her.
"Your welcome." He gave a sigh and curled up tighter, feeling the chill get to his bare arms. He closed his eyes. When Botan thought he was asleep, she looked up at the tree branches blocking out the night sky.
"Kurama.. wherever you are, please be okay." He opened his eyes and felt sort of guilty. She was a demon. She could stay up longer than he could. She had no weaknesses now that she was getting used to her powers. He felt like he was dragging her down. He pushed those thoughts aside. Now was not the time to think of things like that. He yawned and closed his eyes again, falling asleep.
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Botan poked Yuusuke with a stick and watched as he rolled over, blinking his eyes. He yawned.
"It's your watch. You slept clean through dinner but I kept some warm for you." He smiled and nodded, yawning. She lay down and rolled over, folding her wings around her body. "Wake me up when in a few hours." He nodded, knowing she couldn't see him. "There's some water in a water bottle for you. It'll help keep you awake."
"Thanks." After only a few short minutes, he saw her breathing slow. He fed the fire a little more, keeping it bright. He wasn't about to let it go out and be left in pure darkness. Especially not in this place. There was no telling what was watching them. He sighed. His stomach growled. He growled back but grabbed the food and ate it. It didn't taste too bad. He blinked away the sleepiness. He took the water bottle and squirt himself in the face. "Damn sleep.." He felt a chill wind blow across him. "Stupid cold.." It was keeping him awake, though. He yawned again. "Why am I so damn tired?" He shrugged in reply to his own question. He only needed to stay awake until Botan woke up. How hard could that be?
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"Tired.." Yuusuke felt himself drift off for the fifth time in three minutes. He couldn't stay awake any longer. He yawned every five seconds. "I'm more awake in Biology class.." He mumbled to himself, rubbing his eyes. He threw another stick on the small fire. He heard a rustling noise and stood up quickly, panicking. Botan sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"You can go to sleep again, Yuusuke.." He fell flat on his face, not caring if it hurt or not. He was tired.
"'Night.." A small drop of drool dripped out of the corner of his mouth. Botan twitched. She sighed.
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Kurama opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was something red. He looked around and saw that it was surrounding him.. and Koenma, who was in his teenage form, unconscious. He then sat up and peered through the red barrier. A man stood not too far from it.
"You are awake, I see." He smirked and hand began to glow. "Just in time for your friends to be joining you." Suddenly, Shizuru, Hiei, Yukina, and Kuwabara appeared inside. They were unconscious, as well.
"What do you plan on doing with us?" Kurama growled. He wondered where Botan and Yuusuke were.
"I will reveal it when I wish." The man turned around. "Pleasant dreams." All went black.
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Botan felt a headache coming on. Yuusuke's snoring wasn't as bad as Kuwabara's but.. it was enough to alert everyone of their presence. She went over and shook him awake.
"Yuusuke, we better get a move on. The sooner we find them, the sooner we can leave." He opened his eyes and looked sleepily at her. He stared at her, trying to see which one of the three were real.
"Okay.. give me another minute." She stood up and took his feet in her hands. Then she began to drag him. "OI!" He gave a startled cry and was immediately wide awake and offended. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING!?"
"I was trying to wake you up." She replied calmly. His face was red from anger and embarrassment.
"Well, don't do it again." He scowled and dusted himself off as she packed their stuff in a sack. She had taken one from Reikai before they left. She tossed it to Yuusuke. "Gee, thanks."
"Your welcome."
"To what do I owe this gift?" He shouldered it and she looked back at him.
"You slept longer so you get to carry it. Besides, it hurts my wings." She drew her katana and began her hacking away. Yuusuke trekked behind her, wondering silently if they would ever find Kurama and Koenma.
"Are you worried?" He asked suddenly. She stopped and looked back at him.
"Huh?" She blinked.
"About Kurama? Are you worried?" He saw a flash of sadness in her eyes then she turned around and began hacking away at the brush again, remaining completely silent. A few minutes later, she stopped and lifted her gaze to the branches above.
"Yes.." She clutched the hilt of her katana until her knuckles were white. "I am worried. I can't sense a single trace of him.. It bothers me." He set his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
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End of 27. What's going on? Will Botan and Yuusuke get there in time to stop that magic-using demon? Or will Kurama and the others be sucked dry?
Tricked
Chapter 28 - Falling
Preview - Botan tried to work the stiffness out of her arm and shoulder. Yuusuke fell over and hadn't moved for five minutes.
"Big deal, so we walked for six miles but do you think that matters?" She scowled at him. "I can't sense anything, give me a break."
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That's it for now, my wonderful reviewers! Thank you for reviewing!
-Disclaimer- Don't own. Nope.
-This is going to be a wonderful chapter filled with KB! I know that's what you want. Come on! I dare you to say otherwise! Just kidding. ^_^ Enjoy your chapter!-
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Chapter 27 - Magic Arts
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Botan sat with Kurama in their room, embracing each other as if the shadows themselves might devour them at any moment. Botan's hand clutched his as her free arm wrapped around him. He twirled her hair in his fingers and trailed kisses down her face. She felt warm tingles run down her body whenever he did that. She then pulled both of her hands free and gently took his face in her hands. He gazed into her eyes. He felt like he was drowning in an amethyst ocean whenever he looked into her eyes. She gave him a small smile and let her hands fall to his chest. She gave him a gentle, teasing kiss on his lips then pulled away. He smiled, leaning forward and kissing her tenderly. She pulled away and hugged him, resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on hers. He could smell her scent. Peonies. He closed his eyes and let his mind wander. She moved, and he could feel her looking at him. He looked at her, brushing her long cerulean hair away from her face.
"It's nice to have some time alone with you." He whispered. She nodded and gazed around, taking in the dancing flames of the candles around them. He watched how her eyes reflected whatever she looked at with perfect clarity. He took one hand and gently pulled her gaze to his. He smiled at her, feeling himself drown in her scent and in her eyes.
"I love you." She whispered.
"I love you, too." She could feel the heat radiate from his body. She saw golden sparkles in his eyes. He tightened his grip around her dainty figure, pulling her closer, if it were possible. He loved the feeling of her in his arms. He felt her lips brush against his once again.
"You okay?" She asked quietly. He nodded, a smile coming to his face.
"Fine, love." He poked her nose and chuckled when she went cross-eyed. "Don't worry about me so much." She pouted.
"I can't help it. You give me so much to worry about." She played gently with some strands of his red hair. Her heart was racing. She felt so warm and safe in his arms.
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Kuwabara and the others sat out in the living room. They were bored. More than bored. Hiei was fast asleep on the floor in his corner, Yuusuke was sitting next to Keiko and they were playing a card game. Kuwabara, Yukina, and Shizuru were flicking through the channels on TV.
"You win again.." Yuusuke said with a yawn. Keiko dropped her cards from her hand.
"Yay." She said sarcastically. "Where's Botan and Kurama?" Everyone looked around and shrugged.
"I think they went to their room." Yukina answered quietly. Yuusuke nudged Keiko.
"Think he's gettin' lucky?" She rolled her eyes and slapped him.
"Don't be thinking things like that, Yuusuke." She stated. She found herself wondering what they were doing.
"Oh, please. Can we just shut up about them? Let them have some time alone. Imagine how they must feel to barely have any time together by themselves." Shizuru said, eyeing them distastefully. "You need to have a girlfriend or boyfriend to understand."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Kuwabara said with a wave of his hand. "I just wanna know what they're doing in there alone."
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Botan giggled and playfully slapped Kurama's arm.
"You dork." She whispered gleefully. They had been talking for a while, about things that they would normally talk about if they were alone.
"That's not what you said two minutes ago." He said slyly.
"That was because you tickled me until I became breathless."
"Just the way I like it." He grinned. He gently pushed her down and sat on her, smirking evilly.
"Excuse me?" She narrowed her eyes up at him. "Brat."
"Hm?" He raised an eyebrow and leaned down. "Did you say something?" She shook her head, leaning up and giving him a quick kiss.
"I'm beat. I think I'll go get a drink before I pass out." She easily pushed him off of herself and got up with a sigh. She walked out into the living room.
"Hello!" Kuwabara greeted her with a grin. She raised an eyebrow. Kurama walked out next to see what was up.
"So, pal, did you get lucky?" Wrong move, Yuusuke..
SLAP!
"YUUSUKE, YOU JERK!" Botan screamed, her eyes glowing red with anger. Kuwabara hid behind Yukina. Botan had Yuusuke backed into a corner..
SLAP!
"OW!" Yuusuke howled in pain and covered his head with his hands. "I'm sorry!" Botan hit him once more in the head and turned around.
"Anyone else have a comment?" Hiei watched, amused, as the room grew deathly silent. She smiled cheerfully. "Okay, then! I'm gonna get a drink then go off to bed." She left the room. Kurama sighed, sweat-dropping when Yuusuke rubbed the hand-prints on his face. "Good night, everyone!" She gave Yuusuke a death glare before closing the door. Kurama let out a sigh.
"Glad I wasn't him."
"You said it." Kuwabara agreed.
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Botan punched at Yuusuke and missed. She did a backflip in order to avoid his punch. Yuusuke ran at her, ready with a fist raised in the air.
"STOP!" Yuusuke skidded and tripped, falling flat on his face. "Guys! You'll never believe this!" Botan relaxed and turned to look at Kuwabara.
"What is it now?" Yuusuke asked, rubbing his head. "Did you get dressed on your own?" Kuwabara growled.
"No! Kurama went missing.. Shorty tried to get a fix on him with that eye thing but he couldn't.. I saw him vanish myself!"
"Now I heard everything." Yuusuke stood up and brushed himself off. "So, how did he vanish?" Kuwabara looked at Botan.
"He was there and then.. he wasn't." He frowned. "I'm sorry.. but Shorty couldn't find him.." Botan picked up her katana and secured it in her belt.
"Then I will. He couldn't have just disappeared." She closed her eyes. "Maybe Koenma can find him." The familiar silver-tipped white wings spread from her back and she crouched down when Yuusuke stopped her.
"I want to help." She nodded and stood up fully, picking him up. "You're making me feel like a girl.."
"Shut up." She lifted off. "Tell Hiei we went to Reikai and that we'll be back with news." He nodded and watched as they disappeared from sight.
"This doesn't feel right to me." Yuusuke complained. He felt like the bride at a wedding. Botan growled and glared at him.
"Don't make me drop you." He panicked when he looked down and quickly wrapped his arms around her neck.
"As I was saying, this ride is really smooth.. I-I like flying.." He grinned nervously. She rolled her eyes and quickened the pace. The faster they got to Reikai, the better. "What do you think happened to Kurama? I mean, he can handle himself, right?" She shrugged.
"I can't say what happened to him. And I'm not about to take any chances that he might be able to handle it. There's Styx." Yuusuke looked down at the river and then ahead. "And there's Reikai."
"Finally.." He let out a sigh. Botan flew up a little then spread her wings out to land them safely on the grounds of the spirit world. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he smiled. "Where's pacifier breath?"
"Koenma should be in his office. I doubt that he knew we were coming." She folded her wings against her back and led the way. She pushed the doors open and ogres stopped to stare. Whispers ran through them.
"What are the chances that he's just hiding?" Botan looked back at Yuusuke, a glare set on her face. "I'll take that as slim to none." Looking around and putting his hands behind his head, he followed the demon through the white halls. Botan stopped in front of two oak doors. She knocked then opened them. Her frown never left her face. "Where is he? I'll bet the toddler's getting a diaper change." Yuusuke's mirth was immediately replaced by a dumbfounded look when George, the blue ogre, came into the room.
"Botan? Yuusuke? What are you two doing here?" He asked, blinking.
"Kurama's gone missing." Yuusuke said. "Kuwabara said he just vanished. I say he inhaled too much car exhaust." Botan elbowed him and he shut his mouth.
"We're here to see if Koenma-sama might know something.." She trailed off when George's expression changed.
"I haven't seen Koenma all morning. He was in his office just an hour ago.." Botan growled and sat down at the computer. She typed in stuff for a while then turned to the two. Yuusuke raised an eyebrow and walked over to peek over her shoulder.
"Surveillance." She clicked the mouse and they looked to the big screen to their right. When the tape was finished, their mouths dropped open. Botan slowed it down as much as she could and zoomed in. "A magic spell.. Who would use the transportation spell?"
"Transportation spell?" Yuusuke asked, blinking. "Could you.. uhm.. maybe explain for those of us who are slow?"
"Sure." She turned to look at him. "Some demons study martial arts and others study spells. Those that study spells are usually the ones that isolate themselves from everyone else, believing they are superior." She paused. "Not too long ago, we had a few cases of soul disappearances. They turned out to be kidnapped by those demons that use magic." She bit her lip. "Many of them like to take the power of those that they capture."
"It's only power though, right?" She shook her head.
"I'm afraid not, Yuusuke. The power in you spirals along with your spirit and soul. If they drain you of your power.. I don't think I need to tell you what will happen." George began panicking and Yuusuke remained thoughtful.
"Why wouldn't they take someone like you or me?"
"Because certain demons need certain power. For all I know, these kidnappings could have nothing to do with each other and could be coincidental." Her eyes clouded over with worry. "I just hope that they are still alive."
"Why couldn't Hiei find them?" She looked back at Yuusuke.
"The Jagan, like anything else, has its limits. If there is a spiritual barrier around the person or people, then the Jagan eye cannot fix on them."
"Spiritual barrier?" Yuusuke was new to all of this. "What does it do? Does it hide their spirit energy so no one could find them?" Botan nodded.
"It goes deeper than that, however. The spiritual barrier does not send out a signal so Hiei couldn't lock on the barrier, either. It looks like we're better off going to Makai right now by ourselves." She explained, standing up. "There is nothing more we can do."
"You mean.. we're flying to Makai?"
"I will make a breach with my power and take us down myself." George felt really useless standing there. "George, we'll take these so that you can contact us if you get any more information." She held up communicators.
"Okay." He said with a smile. "Good luck, you two."
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Hiei closed his eyes. He scowled deeply at the irritation caused by Kuwabara. The moron was trying to get him to try again and again with the Jagan to locate the two. He was like a bug that wouldn't go away.
"Moron, shut your loud, annoying mouth!" Hiei growled. "I cannot locate Kurama! Shut your mouth!"
"Why not?" Shizuru cracked her knuckles and hit her little brother over the head.
"If he said he can't, then he can't, baby brother. Let it go. Botan and Yuusuke can do it. Just relax." She sighed. "Just calm down."
"Imagine how poor Botan must feel.." Keiko said worriedly.
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"Could we fly?" Botan shook her head.
"We need to be able to find them. We don't know where they might be located but I do have a little idea. Most of the demons who study spells moved out toward the Amethyst Ocean so that they could use the water in their spells." She said with a frown as she hacked away at thick patches of brush with her katana.
"Fly us toward there, then."
"But some of them isolate themselves from even those that do use spells. They like to think that they are superior." She said, taking the pace up a notch.
"But we'll take longer this way and they could be dead by the time we reach them!" He tried to reason. She had a solution for everything he said.
"Would you rather we fly and not find them at all? Besides, I made the breach next to the part of the barrier where the Amethyst Ocean lies. It is supposed to be this way." Yuusuke sighed. Once again, she was right and he was wrong. He looked up but the branches of the trees were too thick and he hardly see the light that shone through. "Hm. We're not going to make it if we continue on in this pace."
"Why not?"
"Because this crap is just too thick and the sun is setting."
"How can you tell? I can't see the sun at all! You probably couldn't if it was in the sky!" He sighed. "Besides, what do you plan we do before nightfall? This place is probably full of demons."
"We'll have to find a place to start a fire and rest." She looked down. "This is probably the best spot we would find anyway. Get some rocks and put them in a circle then start a fire."
"Is there anything edible here?"
"That's what my job is. I'll get food and find a river while you start the fire. Remember the rocks."
"Right."
"And the wood."
"I'm not Kuwabara!" She smirked at him and walked away, hacking away at bushes. "I hope she gets something that tastes like food.." He took one look around. "Doubtful." The place was like a cave. The ENTIRE place. He would swear that even the shadows were watching him. He got to his job, thinking that the sooner he lit the fire, the better.
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Botan blinked and eased down on the tree branch. She was lucky she came upon this little prize. She gripped her katana in her hand. One of the edible animals here. A buck. Animals lived in Makai. There weren't too many but there was enough if you found them. She raised the blade and positioned it so that the blade was pointing at her prey. She aimed and threw. Bulls- eye. She sighed and hopped out of the tree.
"I hope Yuusuke didn't get into any trouble while I was gone.."
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Yuusuke moved closer to the fire and shivered. The temperature dropped dramatically in the last two hours. He rubbed his hands together and frowned. He was worried. Botan should've been back by now. He grabbed a stick and put the tip of it into the fire. When it lit up like a torch, he stood up and held it out in front of him, peering toward the path that Botan had cut. He couldn't see anything. The darkness was so thick that not even the firelight could penetrate it. He chewed on his lip.
"If you don't come back.. when and if I find Kurama, he'll kill me." He sat back down and poked the fire with the stick. He was worried sick.. Suddenly, he heard something and blushed. "Oh, shut up! I didn't ask your opinion!"
"It seems it wants to be heard." He turned to see Botan carrying a deer over her shoulders. "I'm definitely gonna rinse off in the river tomorrow." She heaved it over her head and set it on the ground. "You know, hunting in the dark isn't easy."
"I'm so lucky you're skilled." He remarked with a frown. She glared at him.
"Ms. Hand and Mr. Cheek want to be friends again, don't they?" He twitched.
"Uhm.. NO! Yeah, that's right.. Mr. Cheek doesn't like Ms. Hand.." He smiled nervously at her. She rolled her eyes.
"Shall I do the honors?"
"While I sleep.." He made a face and curled up, facing away from her.
"Your welcome." He gave a sigh and curled up tighter, feeling the chill get to his bare arms. He closed his eyes. When Botan thought he was asleep, she looked up at the tree branches blocking out the night sky.
"Kurama.. wherever you are, please be okay." He opened his eyes and felt sort of guilty. She was a demon. She could stay up longer than he could. She had no weaknesses now that she was getting used to her powers. He felt like he was dragging her down. He pushed those thoughts aside. Now was not the time to think of things like that. He yawned and closed his eyes again, falling asleep.
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Botan poked Yuusuke with a stick and watched as he rolled over, blinking his eyes. He yawned.
"It's your watch. You slept clean through dinner but I kept some warm for you." He smiled and nodded, yawning. She lay down and rolled over, folding her wings around her body. "Wake me up when in a few hours." He nodded, knowing she couldn't see him. "There's some water in a water bottle for you. It'll help keep you awake."
"Thanks." After only a few short minutes, he saw her breathing slow. He fed the fire a little more, keeping it bright. He wasn't about to let it go out and be left in pure darkness. Especially not in this place. There was no telling what was watching them. He sighed. His stomach growled. He growled back but grabbed the food and ate it. It didn't taste too bad. He blinked away the sleepiness. He took the water bottle and squirt himself in the face. "Damn sleep.." He felt a chill wind blow across him. "Stupid cold.." It was keeping him awake, though. He yawned again. "Why am I so damn tired?" He shrugged in reply to his own question. He only needed to stay awake until Botan woke up. How hard could that be?
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"Tired.." Yuusuke felt himself drift off for the fifth time in three minutes. He couldn't stay awake any longer. He yawned every five seconds. "I'm more awake in Biology class.." He mumbled to himself, rubbing his eyes. He threw another stick on the small fire. He heard a rustling noise and stood up quickly, panicking. Botan sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"You can go to sleep again, Yuusuke.." He fell flat on his face, not caring if it hurt or not. He was tired.
"'Night.." A small drop of drool dripped out of the corner of his mouth. Botan twitched. She sighed.
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Kurama opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was something red. He looked around and saw that it was surrounding him.. and Koenma, who was in his teenage form, unconscious. He then sat up and peered through the red barrier. A man stood not too far from it.
"You are awake, I see." He smirked and hand began to glow. "Just in time for your friends to be joining you." Suddenly, Shizuru, Hiei, Yukina, and Kuwabara appeared inside. They were unconscious, as well.
"What do you plan on doing with us?" Kurama growled. He wondered where Botan and Yuusuke were.
"I will reveal it when I wish." The man turned around. "Pleasant dreams." All went black.
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Botan felt a headache coming on. Yuusuke's snoring wasn't as bad as Kuwabara's but.. it was enough to alert everyone of their presence. She went over and shook him awake.
"Yuusuke, we better get a move on. The sooner we find them, the sooner we can leave." He opened his eyes and looked sleepily at her. He stared at her, trying to see which one of the three were real.
"Okay.. give me another minute." She stood up and took his feet in her hands. Then she began to drag him. "OI!" He gave a startled cry and was immediately wide awake and offended. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING!?"
"I was trying to wake you up." She replied calmly. His face was red from anger and embarrassment.
"Well, don't do it again." He scowled and dusted himself off as she packed their stuff in a sack. She had taken one from Reikai before they left. She tossed it to Yuusuke. "Gee, thanks."
"Your welcome."
"To what do I owe this gift?" He shouldered it and she looked back at him.
"You slept longer so you get to carry it. Besides, it hurts my wings." She drew her katana and began her hacking away. Yuusuke trekked behind her, wondering silently if they would ever find Kurama and Koenma.
"Are you worried?" He asked suddenly. She stopped and looked back at him.
"Huh?" She blinked.
"About Kurama? Are you worried?" He saw a flash of sadness in her eyes then she turned around and began hacking away at the brush again, remaining completely silent. A few minutes later, she stopped and lifted her gaze to the branches above.
"Yes.." She clutched the hilt of her katana until her knuckles were white. "I am worried. I can't sense a single trace of him.. It bothers me." He set his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
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End of 27. What's going on? Will Botan and Yuusuke get there in time to stop that magic-using demon? Or will Kurama and the others be sucked dry?
Tricked
Chapter 28 - Falling
Preview - Botan tried to work the stiffness out of her arm and shoulder. Yuusuke fell over and hadn't moved for five minutes.
"Big deal, so we walked for six miles but do you think that matters?" She scowled at him. "I can't sense anything, give me a break."
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That's it for now, my wonderful reviewers! Thank you for reviewing!