Hi everyone! Okay I know what you all are thinking. What took me so long to post another chappie? It is simple. I moved houses! And moving requires a lot of time, energy... blah, blah, blah, okay let me get to the point. Gomen for the wait, but now you don't have to anymore, okay! So here's the quote! "As I said before, I never repeat myself." "A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." Wow, where would the world be if we didn't have all these clever people who say these things? Probably a lot better off. But not as entertaining. Speaking of entertainment, here's the next chappie! Enjoy!
There, standing in all his malevolence, was Karasu.
The tips of Karasu's pale lips curled upward. (No people, he is not wearing his mask. I don't think he would really need one in his mind anyway.)
"Hello, Kurama." Karasu uttered in a coaxing tone as he peered down upon his powerless prey.
Kurama kept his stare, eyes wide, his mind was completely blank. His magnetic foe bent down, offering a hand to help pull him up from the floor. Kurama gawked at the hand before his mind snapped back into motion. Looking disgustingly at the hand, he pushed himself off from the ground as fast as he could, making his rejection of Karasu's help known.
But Karasu's smile never faltered. He had been expecting that kind of reaction from his red haired captive. Pulling himself up straight again, he gazed into the mists that were Kurama's orbs, then his own lavender eyes roamed Kurama's form, giving him a look over. The latter action was generating in Kurama a very uncomfortable feeling. Finally after he was satisfied, he spoke again to his detained kitsune.
"Ohisashiburi desu."(It's been long time.) Karasu spoke softly, tilting his head slightly.
Kurama wished he could've replied to that with a snide remark such as, 'Not long enough,' but the muscles in his throat were not able to conjure a single sound. And it wasn't just this time, either. Karasu always seemed to have a strange effect on Kurama whenever he was near him.
Karasu's vocals, however, were perfectly suave as he pressed the conversation further.
"I have many things to say to and ask of you, but Kurama, there one question that I am eager to have answered. I can't help but wonder why you of all people would come into my castle willingly." Karasu toke a slight step forward as he said this, causing Kurama to want the chance to step back, but the tengu remain right behind him, spreading its large wings to damper any hope of retreat.
"I myself came up with two different solutions. Either you have a most strange logic in that mind of yours, or that you, in fact, desired to be here." Karasu's eyes glimmered a faint red as he spoke his last sentence, his own words filling him with an eerie excitement.
In response to that statement, Kurama snapped his head back, eyes narrowed with a dangerous glow. Even though at the moment he could not speak, he wanted to make it extremely clear that he most certainly did NOT want to be there. Although Kurama tried to look as menacing as he could, in his position, he was about as dangerous as a newborn pup with its eyes still shut. Karasu merely chuckled at this. Damn that bastard. He had managed to deride everything that Kurama did. The fox was just falling into another one of Karasu's games, allowing himself to show his feelings.
"Kurama, is there really a need for such a harsh look? After all, we are old friends, ne?" Karasu chuckled lightly, watching Kurama's expression intently.
But Kurama would not allow Karasu to get satisfaction from him this time. He put on his best poker face; he would not permit Karasu to play with him. Though as Kurama would later find out, Karasu hadn't even begun his fun with him.
When Karasu realized Kurama was not going to let him play, his smile dropped a bit. But being composed character he was, he decided to merely alter his plans a little.
"Enough games for now. I can see you are weary from your travels. Perhaps a bit of rest is in order, before we continue this rendezvous? After all, I am a reasonable host, and wish to accommodate my visitors, most of all my guest of honor."
Kurama stanced himself defensively, although secretly he did wish to go back to sleep, he did not enjoy the idea of becoming so exposed to Karasu's actions. But something inside told him that he would have little choice to what he wanted to do.
And the kitsune was right. This was Karasu's abode, and what he said, went.
Karasu coolly waved his hand through the air in a fluid motion. Kurama's eyes widened as the air around him grew heavy. Kurama instinctly rushed his hand to protect his mouth and nose from the invisible gas.
But it was no avail; the fox's body went limp, dropping his arms at his sides, and his eyes giving way to the oncoming darkness. Kurama was unconscious within few seconds, completely unaware of the fact that he fell directly into Karasu's awaiting arms.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Back at the lab where Kurama's body was being detained, Yusuke came stumbling out of a sliding mechanic door. He let out a big yawn and stretched his arms high into the air, arching his back.
"Good to see you got some sleep." Koenma smiled faintly from lack of energy.
"Hey, Koenma, haven't you gone to sleep yet?" Yusuke questioned, plopping down in a chair next to him.
"Iie, as leader of this it is my duty to be on watch every second."
"You feel bad for Kurama that's it, isn't it?" Yusuke asked, seeing through Koenma.
"Maybe I shouldn't have sent him. I hate having someone have to endure what I made him do."
"Why didn't you send me then? I thought for sure that was how it would be. You know as usual." Yusuke asked confused.
"I was so sure that Kurama was the best choice, and he probably still is. But something deep inside is feeling so guilty for some reason." Koenma sighed in melancholy.
"Don't beat yourself up over it. I'm sure Kurama's gonna do great. He's a hell of a lot smarter than me that's for sure."
"I hope this works out for better than worse. I fear the entire human race will feel the cruelty of that lunatic demon if he is not stopped. He takes tremendous pleasure in the torment of others." Koenma stated disgustingly.
"Hey maybe we should bring him to some parties, he seems like a real people person." Yusuke added sarcastically.
"Yusuke, please no wise cracks. Your sarcasm won't help us." Koenma gave Yusuke a no nonsense stare.
"But it sure passes the time." Yusuke joked full heartedly. It made Koenma smile, even just for a little bit.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Stirring from his peaceful slumber, the kitsune's soft fingertips glided over the surface of the object that supported his body. Reacting to the silken response his senses gave him, Kurama's eyes gently fluttered open.
Kurama found himself lying on a satin draped four-poster bed, that's onyx curtains surrounding the frame drawn to a close. Kurama blinked a few times, adjusting to the fact there was hardly any light where he was located. And that reminded him, just where exactly was he? Kurama lifted his hand to his brow, groaning in an attempt to remember what happened before he blacked out.
It then hit him. Karasu had knocked him out. Who knows where he had been put now. Kurama really didn't care where; it was all the same to him, dark and creepy. But residing where Karasu had left him meant a pretty good chance the crow-tamer would be back for him.
It surprised Kurama a little to see he was not restrained down. He would have expected Karasu to bind him or something of the sort, but no, not a fetter in sight. Then again it didn't fit Karasu's style exactly. He was not the type to keep one out of choices, for the more choices his victims had, the more fun it was to play. Though he seriously doubted Karasu would allow him to escape from the castle.
After Kurama was done contemplating, curiously he wandered over to the edge of the bed, ready to discover what was lurking behind the bulky drapes. Gently, Kurama parted the long curtains, gazing out into the obscurity.
"See anything interesting?" A nonchalant voice muttered from behind Kurama.
Kurama's eyes instantly widened with dread at the familiarity of the voice. Whirling around Kurama found the owner of the voice causally seated on the other side of the mattress, leaning on a pole.
Karasu smiled knowingly, always one step ahead of Kurama. The fox was confused for a second time in his encounters with Karasu just how he managed to sneak up on Kurama without the slightest sound. After all he was the one who was the thief; he couldn't understand why Karasu kept on beating him.
"You never did answer my question, why exactly did you come so willingly in?" Karasu asked calmly and coolly. Fortunately, this time Kurama found enough strength to speak.
"You're an intelligent being, figure it out." Kurama spat, caring very little to hide the revulsion he felt for Karasu.
"Oh my, feisty are we? I see you still possess a fiery spirit. I am beginning to remember why I liked you so much." Karasu spoke, his eyes wild with an unearthly glow.
"Yes, such life. This will make things so much more entertaining."
"I hate to disappoint you Karasu, but I do not intend to stay." Kurama interjected quickly, intent on stopping where the conversation was headed.
"Then why did you come? Ah yes, you were sent were you not? To stop me?
"I... know not what you mean." Kurama slowly replied, a little a taken back at Karasu's precise comprehension.
"Kurama, please, do not belittle me with such pathetic artificial innocence. I am well aware of your 'mission.'" Karasu's accuracy stopped Kurama dead in his tracks.
"You came here in order to find the location of my body so the Reikai could destroy it, did you not?"
"You... you know everything?" Kurama asked timidly, beginning to feel very uneasy.
"Of course, how could I not? It was so predictable of the Reikai. I must say though I am very pleased with the results. I wasn't sure whether influencing Jr. would work."
"Influencing Koenma!?? What are you talking about, Karasu?" Kurama's full attention on Karasu's answer.
Karasu smiled. "The toddler has been under so much stress, he simply has let down his guard. I've been listening to his thoughts. Quickly thinking of how he would deal with me, who he would send to stop me, issues like that. So uptight, his mind was, one would almost feel sorry for him."
"In other words, you mean to tell me, that you can not only read thoughts inside of your own mind, but ones on the outside, even the thoughts of the son of Enma?"
"No, I believe those are the perfect words." Smirking sophisticatedly at his own words.
"You lie." Kurama retorted, narrowing his eyes intensely.
"And what would I gain by lying to you? Tell me the truth, Kurama; do you really believe I am lying?" Karasu gently asked, still in control as ever.
Kurama thought straightforwardly on this. Though he hesitated on replying, he knew what his answer was.
"No."
"You are merely confused right now. That's understandable. Do not worry, everything will make sense in the end." Karasu's eyes glistened with eagerness.
"But that still leaves the part when you spoke of influencing Koenma unexplained."
"Yes," Karasu said, tilting his head, "I assume you wish to know what I mean?"
"Well, perhaps I should show you. Actions do speak louder than words."
"Nani? Show me?" Kurama questioned, puzzled, not understanding what exactly he meant.
And in a flash, Karasu disappeared. Kurama's eyes widened at the vanishing of Karasu.
The kitsune apprehensively searched around him. Karasu disappearing was never a good sign.
"Don't worry this won't hurt." A coaxing voice spoke from his side. "Much, that is."
The kitsune gasped considerably, being taken off guard. Whirling his head to his right, he found Karasu inches away from him. Before Kurama had a chance to do anything, Karasu plunged his protracted icy fingers into Kurama's mind.
Kurama instantly jerked back, releasing a deep-throated moan. Kurama's face grimaced in pain as Karasu's fingertips drove deeper into his psyche. (Karasu, that jerk, it hurt Kurama! Then again, maybe Karasu has a different idea of pain.)
An image flashed before Kurama within his mind. It appeared to be of Koenma and Botan sprinting out from the Gates of Judgment.
"Koenma, sir, how much time do we have?" Botan asked concerned, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye as she ran beside her superior.
"Not any to spare I'm afraid." Koenma grimaced, his highness decked in full teenage form.
"My oar can hold the both of us, sir, but am afraid I can't fly as fast."
"I don't intend to ride with you, Botan. I'll be taken a different route, to save time."
"I understand, Koenma-sama." Botan nodded as she summoned her oar and mounted it hastily.
"We'll meet at the tunnel's end, Botan."
"Hai." Botan answered as she took to the skies. Koenma watched her depart until she was no longer in sight. The tunnel was not far. He was glad that only royalty could use it. Otherwise it would be swarming with souls. There had been a lot of deaths lately, Koenma had noticed, especially since he had to approve all the paper work. (That still didn't keep him from playing video games though.) He hoped it didn't relate to the current situation.
Koenma sighed in relief as he entered the tunnel. But the problem with the tunnel is that you had to cross by foot, and he was getting tired very fast.
'Maybe I should have worked out more," Koenma thought as his breaths came out in pants.
Koenma shook his head. That wasn't important now. He had to decide what to do once he got down to the Ningenkai. He would have to round up the Reikai Tantei, Yusuke and Kuwabara at the same school, Kurama at his elite school, and Hiei, well if they were lucky enough to find him at all.
Then something came to Koenma's attention. If they were to stop this guy, they would go in his mind, just what he explained to the tech support of the Reikai. But that meant only one person could go.
That was a problem. He'd have to pick one of the four fighters to go. Naturally he'd pick Yusuke, but Kurama had fought the youkai before, and then there was Hiei, but physical strength would be of little use, and Kuwabara, well, he wasn't going to even venture there.
'Who? Who do I chose? This is not a decision where I can just draw straws. What do I do?'
He was approaching the end of the tunnel, he would have to decide now. As he drew near, he felt an unfamiliar wind blow past him, coming from the exit.
'Choose Kurama.' A voice in the back of his head whispered. 'Huh? Kurama?' Koenma asked himself. 'Choose him.' The voice repeated.
'Maybe I should choose Kurama. After all he did fight Karasu before. Not to mention he's extremely clever. Then it's decided. I pick him.'
Koenma nodded his head as he made his decision and made his way out of the tunnel. Up ahead was Botan. Perfect timing. He would explain things to her.
The image faded as Karasu slowly withdrew his fingers. Kurama yelped as his senses returned, the bed coming back into focus.
It took Kurama a couple of seconds before he recovered from his experience. Slowly, he turned his head to face Karasu.
"It was you." Kurama stated in realization. "You really did persuade Koenma to send me."
"You're finally beginning to understand." Karasu uttered gently, his facial features softening.
"So not only did you expect my coming, you planned it. Why?" Kurama asked, filled with mixed emotions.
"I've wanted to see you. And I've never been a patient man." Karasu reached out to stroke Kurama's face.
"Don't touch me!" Kurama hissed backing away.
Karasu, rather amused with the reaction asked, "would you rather I went inside you instead?" Karasu's eyes shone with shady intent.
"Get away from me." Kurama snapped back, his arms protectively wrapped around his knees.
But Karasu paid no attention, as he once again drew closer to Kurama. "Karasu!" Kurama shrieked as his retreating had caused him to fall backwards over the side of the bed.
Kurama instinctively dung his nails into the side of the bed to stop the fall. Kurama's eyes flickered to the ground, back up, and then back down when it came to his comprehension that there was no floor. Beneath him was just an empty void, a bottomless pit. Kurama immediately began to grow fearful of the idea of falling. What if he let go, would he be lost in Karasu's mind? He did not wish to know the answer, but his grip on the edge of the bed was loosening. Kurama's nails ripped though the material, he couldn't hold on.
Kurama closed his eyes in dread of watching himself fall. That's when Kurama felt a strong grip on his right wrist.
Kurama opened his eyes quickly. "Karasu??"
"Tsk. Tsk. You're so tense."
Kurama paused. He didn't know Karasu would do next. All he could do was stare into his eyes helplessly.
"Fear and anger are what keep us going. What makes us truly alive, Kurama. You possess such a fierce spirit, like no other." Karasu said with such zealousness in his voice.
"I will enjoy breaking it." He simply stated, both his eyes and Kurama's widening.
Kurama cried out and Karasu smirked as he completely let go of his hold on Kurama's wrist. Kurama snapped his eyes closed, awaiting the long plunge into the darkness.
But instead he was met with a hard stone surface.
"Nani?" Kurama asked himself bewilderedly as he opened his eyes. There before him and underneath him was a solid marble floor.
Kurama looked up at Karasu with a pained expression. He was leaning relaxed as ever against the bed. But that wasn't what bothered Kurama. Karasu's sadistic smile began to turn into a laugh. One Kurama knew all too well.
'Please, you guys,' Kurama thought desperately, 'Hurry up.'
Ooooo. Things aren't going so well for Kurama right now. Karasu. Ooo that meanie!! He should leave the poor guy alone! Even though I'm the one writing this...er...what were we talking about? Me? Guilty? No way! Okay, but seriously would you want to read a story about the Reikai Tantei running through a field of daisies, holding hands, and singing? (shudders at the thought.) I didn't think so! Back to the topic of next chappie, I gotta warn you there is going to be some sexual scenes coming up. I know everyone's got a preference to what they like, but I need some help! I don't know if I should write it mildly, medium, or very descriptive. Please tell me how the level should be! And if you don't want any sexual content, too bad! Don't read it! Cause I'm gonna write it. And yeah. Well that's all folks. See ya later! Ja ne.