Charms
I've got to finish this thing. It's a monster!!!!!
Chapter 41
The room was cool. The snow out the window made the world seemed so quiet. Kurama focused on his breathing, listened for his heart beating. The rhythmatic coursing of blood through his body. A chill creeping in from the sightly open window, brushed against his skin raising tiny bumps over that creamy surface.
//Perhaps...perhaps Hiei is correct. I haven't been myself lately. I noticed it in my abilities, why didn't I see it in my heart.// He let a small smile touch his lips for a moment. //Hiei noticed. I believe he's right. I'm sure I can figure this out. First I have to establish who and what I'm dealing with.//
//Hiei. I have to think of who he is. What does he want? No, what did he want? Why would he have come here ten years ago...His jaken eye (third eye on his forehead). That's it. He's always wanting more power. His jaken eye gives him the ability to see through the barriers of worlds, provided a great enough power source to focus on.//
//Kohaku. He's been in the human world for centuries. I don't remember any mention of freakishly powerful humans in my history books in school. So, that means there was either a whole lot of covering up, or he didn't use his abilities. Perhaps his abilities weren't violent. But if he was anything like Master, he must have had abilities over plants.//
//There are so many possiblities.// Kurama took in a deep breath, drawing upon his many years of studied focusing techniques. //Okay. For now I'll assume that Kohaku didn't use his abilities for that great amount of time. Master Yugasa once told me that power over flora isn't like any of the other elements. Instead of eventually fading from lack of use, the power turns around. Like...talking to a mirror. If you suddenly speak to it after years of leaving it alone, it starts to talk back. It's possible that ten years ago Kohaku had a reason to use his powers. Let's say Hiei just happened to pick up on the back lash of energies. He might not have recognized it's true nature, but was drawn to that power because of it's ferocity.//
//Here in the human world, he found this family and Kohaku. In all appearances he might have seemed to be just a beautiful human. Then what? He got frustrated and burned the place down?// Kurama let out a breath. //That doesn't sound like him. Is there still something I don't know? Wait. Genkai said that the moon shaped scar was carved by a wolf demon but, I haven't sensed anything like that. There's a curse with it or a seal. Then the slash that crosses over it, before the incident with the ancient cherry tree.//
//What if Hiei didn't come alone? It's not impossible. That's why I stole the mirror, he was the brains of our operation. A wolf demon. They're very territorial. If the demon found a reason to stay, he would have possibly marked others to be his servants. I wonder if Fuuyuki has one. But then what happened to the wolf demon that he, or maybe she, isn't here anymore.//
//Hiei isn't necessarily a vengefull person but if the wolf demon tried to take the power of Kohaku all for his own, then that fire demon might have killed him. But then why would the scars still exist. A curse or seal like that would normally disappear after it's creator's death. That's why Daiki believes he's had it since he was a baby. The one effected feels it's natural, like being born with fingers. The wolf demon...//
Kurama opened his eyes and started spreading the papers and pictures around before him. //There was no autopsy, but a visual inspection would have been done on Daiki's father.// Post card, miscarrage, there! The card didn't have a lot of detail, sex, age, weight, reason for death was listed as heart attack. Here. Distiguishing marks, mole, birthmark, scar. //A scar.// Semi-circle on the left shoulder just below the collarbone. //Just like Daiki's. But this one doesn't have a slash through it.//
//The wolf curse could have killed him. No. Genkai said it was probably the marker of the demon's slave. She also said the slash would be intended to disrupt that control, but that was before she saw it. Stop it, Kurama! Stop second guessing yourself. If my intellect can't tell my then my intuistion will have to do. In any case, if any of this is true, the wolf is still effecting this family. Probably in addition to the ice demon's curse.//
//The story about the woman in the snow that married...the woodcutter. If she was the true mother of Kohaku, she must have been pregnant when she came to the human world. I've heard of demons able to prolong or curtail their pregnancy. If she gave birth in a normal human's cycle, the woodcutter would have thought that Kohaku was his own son. Then there's the bit about, 'If you ever mistreat my children...' What else could a human do with a demon with such power. The man probably hid him away or perhaps disciplined him often to prevent the child from freely using his inate abilities. The boy's free might have been thought of as a threat to those around him. How ironic, that same will the woodcutter feared was, in the end, the very thing that saved the family. If I'm right...//
//Unfortunately, all of this means nothing, if I can't restore Daiki's soul. If I can do that, maybe he or possibly Kohaku might be able to confirm my suspicions. But how...the hunter said something about the past. Even though I can't go back in time, but we were able to see the past with that orb that Ko-Enma sent to...//
"Almost..." Just then a terrible gasping and strained little voice came into audible range. It sounded like he was just outside the window. "Little...farther..." the voice gasped some more as Kurama crawled to the window. A blue hand peaked outside and hooked the rounded edge. "I...got it..." The tiny demon's voice squeeked. The red head opened the window and plucked the blue demon up by the teathers on his back. "Oh thank lord Enma." he huffed and panted allowing his limbs to go limp.
"Wakaba," Green eyes blinked, as he put the little thing on the tatami mat, "you brought the orb to me."
"Ko-Enma...*gasp*...told me...to..." his pink tongue spralled out of his mouth as he strained to catch his breath. The red head began to untie the creature's burden.
"It's alright." Kurama explained, feeling rather lucky. "Acctually, it's perfect timing." But the fox demon didn't believe in luck. "A little too perfect actually." the red head put the orb in his lap and waited for the little blue thing to rest for a moment.
"Oh, boy." the heaving and huffing was beginning to subside. "I think maybe I'm getting to old for this."
"I can't believe that." Kurama said, smiling encouragement. "You still preform superbly for lord Ko-Enma."
"Well, thanks." His little blue hand scratched his little blue head, never expecting a compliment for his efforts.
"You must get special privileges for all your hard work." the fox demon buttered him up. //He knows something, I'm sure of it.//
"No, not really." the tiny creature waved a hand. "I get vacation pay, but they never let me use it. I keep asking for a raise cause the cost of living keeps going up, up, up. You know how it is." he shrugged.
"I can't believe Ko-Enma is so cruel." Kurama frowned. "Shall I speak to him on your behalf?" he offered.
"Oh, no." Wakaba had a sweat drop on his temple, as he hurriedly made excuses. "Don't do that. I'm fine. I don't need much anyway."
"No, I insist." the red head placed the orb to one side and stood. "With how you manage to find me no matter where I am and then delivering my messages in such a timely manner, that deserves recognition." he turned dramatically and went for the door. It was a bluff because the door was locked, but Wakaba probably wouldn't let him get that far. "I think I'll go see him right now."
"Stop!" The blue demon shouted and the red head obeyed. "I'm really not that great." he shook his admittedly. Kurama came back to sit before him. "I mean, I'm glad you're satisfied with my work, but it's not me that deserves all that credit. Lord Ko-Enma tells me where you are and then I just get teleported. But, I don't get teleported to the right spot, so I have to run or climb or something and with my short legs..."
"That's amazing!" Green eyed brightened. Okay, he was milking it, but it's working, darn it! "How does Ko-Enma do it?"
"It is amazing acctually." Even the little blue guy was getting sucked into the excitement. "You see a long time ago," he pointed a clawed finger in the air as he told his story, "a fugitive ice demoness came to the human world without permission. Lord Enma ignored her for a while until people started dying mysteriously. So naturally, a spirit detective was sent. The detective was almost killed, but managed to bring her back. So you know what Lord Enma did? The demoness had great psychic and telekinetic powers. So instead of locking her up, they trapped her soul in something that helps 'em control her. She's always watching the earth. She can even project an image in Ko-Enma's office or project his image into the human world." The blue demon explained.
"Wow." Kurama smiled, faking his continued excitement. //I knew he was assisted by a great many demons. I suppose I just never realized how little power Ko-Enma has.//
"Yeah. But you know, rumor has it that the spirit detective retired after she fought the demoness."
"The spirit detective was a woman." Kurama mummbled to himself.
"Some people say that she got too close to the ice demoness and began to sympathize with her." Wakaba told him in confidence.
"That's dangerous." The green eyed fox shook his head.
"You know?" the little creature folded his arms and shook his head in agreement.
"So what happened to the spirit detective?" Kurama asked.
"Well, um," the blue thing studdered. This was probably the limit of his information. "I'm not really sure who it was." he admitted. "But I heard a rumor that she went missing recently."
"Really?" //So she's still alive.//
"Yup." he nodded trying to keep his knowledgeable demeanor.
//That explains her influence on this family. If she found a way to break down the barriers of her prison...she still has a powerful influence her in the human world. I saw her in the school yard because she can project an image and she attacked me with telekinesis. But then...how did Hiei attack her? Unless...the means for breaking through her prison was the sympathetic former spirit detective. She went missing recently...It can't be...Botan...has gone missing recently. Ko-Enma gave us a cover story. He said, "She'll be back as long as we have that." Was he talking about the globe that harbored the ice demoness's soul? It's a...possibility...Either way, first thing's first.//
Wakaba," The fox demon asked, "I know I don't normally do this, but could I ask a favor of you?"
"Huh?" his little eyes blinked. "Well, I...guess I don't mind...I mean...It's not like...I've got something better to do...really." he shrugged. "Sure. Wait, what is it?"
"I need you to deliver a note to someone here in this house. But you can't be seen understand?" The red head told him.
"Oh, please." he waved a blue hand. "I've been doing this longer than Ko-Enma's been in diapers."
"You don't say." Green eyes glanced around and found a bit of paper that hadn't been used on the lengthy letter and ripped it off. "Now something to write with." Kurama had a plan.
I've got to finish this thing. It's a monster!!!!!
Chapter 41
The room was cool. The snow out the window made the world seemed so quiet. Kurama focused on his breathing, listened for his heart beating. The rhythmatic coursing of blood through his body. A chill creeping in from the sightly open window, brushed against his skin raising tiny bumps over that creamy surface.
//Perhaps...perhaps Hiei is correct. I haven't been myself lately. I noticed it in my abilities, why didn't I see it in my heart.// He let a small smile touch his lips for a moment. //Hiei noticed. I believe he's right. I'm sure I can figure this out. First I have to establish who and what I'm dealing with.//
//Hiei. I have to think of who he is. What does he want? No, what did he want? Why would he have come here ten years ago...His jaken eye (third eye on his forehead). That's it. He's always wanting more power. His jaken eye gives him the ability to see through the barriers of worlds, provided a great enough power source to focus on.//
//Kohaku. He's been in the human world for centuries. I don't remember any mention of freakishly powerful humans in my history books in school. So, that means there was either a whole lot of covering up, or he didn't use his abilities. Perhaps his abilities weren't violent. But if he was anything like Master, he must have had abilities over plants.//
//There are so many possiblities.// Kurama took in a deep breath, drawing upon his many years of studied focusing techniques. //Okay. For now I'll assume that Kohaku didn't use his abilities for that great amount of time. Master Yugasa once told me that power over flora isn't like any of the other elements. Instead of eventually fading from lack of use, the power turns around. Like...talking to a mirror. If you suddenly speak to it after years of leaving it alone, it starts to talk back. It's possible that ten years ago Kohaku had a reason to use his powers. Let's say Hiei just happened to pick up on the back lash of energies. He might not have recognized it's true nature, but was drawn to that power because of it's ferocity.//
//Here in the human world, he found this family and Kohaku. In all appearances he might have seemed to be just a beautiful human. Then what? He got frustrated and burned the place down?// Kurama let out a breath. //That doesn't sound like him. Is there still something I don't know? Wait. Genkai said that the moon shaped scar was carved by a wolf demon but, I haven't sensed anything like that. There's a curse with it or a seal. Then the slash that crosses over it, before the incident with the ancient cherry tree.//
//What if Hiei didn't come alone? It's not impossible. That's why I stole the mirror, he was the brains of our operation. A wolf demon. They're very territorial. If the demon found a reason to stay, he would have possibly marked others to be his servants. I wonder if Fuuyuki has one. But then what happened to the wolf demon that he, or maybe she, isn't here anymore.//
//Hiei isn't necessarily a vengefull person but if the wolf demon tried to take the power of Kohaku all for his own, then that fire demon might have killed him. But then why would the scars still exist. A curse or seal like that would normally disappear after it's creator's death. That's why Daiki believes he's had it since he was a baby. The one effected feels it's natural, like being born with fingers. The wolf demon...//
Kurama opened his eyes and started spreading the papers and pictures around before him. //There was no autopsy, but a visual inspection would have been done on Daiki's father.// Post card, miscarrage, there! The card didn't have a lot of detail, sex, age, weight, reason for death was listed as heart attack. Here. Distiguishing marks, mole, birthmark, scar. //A scar.// Semi-circle on the left shoulder just below the collarbone. //Just like Daiki's. But this one doesn't have a slash through it.//
//The wolf curse could have killed him. No. Genkai said it was probably the marker of the demon's slave. She also said the slash would be intended to disrupt that control, but that was before she saw it. Stop it, Kurama! Stop second guessing yourself. If my intellect can't tell my then my intuistion will have to do. In any case, if any of this is true, the wolf is still effecting this family. Probably in addition to the ice demon's curse.//
//The story about the woman in the snow that married...the woodcutter. If she was the true mother of Kohaku, she must have been pregnant when she came to the human world. I've heard of demons able to prolong or curtail their pregnancy. If she gave birth in a normal human's cycle, the woodcutter would have thought that Kohaku was his own son. Then there's the bit about, 'If you ever mistreat my children...' What else could a human do with a demon with such power. The man probably hid him away or perhaps disciplined him often to prevent the child from freely using his inate abilities. The boy's free might have been thought of as a threat to those around him. How ironic, that same will the woodcutter feared was, in the end, the very thing that saved the family. If I'm right...//
//Unfortunately, all of this means nothing, if I can't restore Daiki's soul. If I can do that, maybe he or possibly Kohaku might be able to confirm my suspicions. But how...the hunter said something about the past. Even though I can't go back in time, but we were able to see the past with that orb that Ko-Enma sent to...//
"Almost..." Just then a terrible gasping and strained little voice came into audible range. It sounded like he was just outside the window. "Little...farther..." the voice gasped some more as Kurama crawled to the window. A blue hand peaked outside and hooked the rounded edge. "I...got it..." The tiny demon's voice squeeked. The red head opened the window and plucked the blue demon up by the teathers on his back. "Oh thank lord Enma." he huffed and panted allowing his limbs to go limp.
"Wakaba," Green eyes blinked, as he put the little thing on the tatami mat, "you brought the orb to me."
"Ko-Enma...*gasp*...told me...to..." his pink tongue spralled out of his mouth as he strained to catch his breath. The red head began to untie the creature's burden.
"It's alright." Kurama explained, feeling rather lucky. "Acctually, it's perfect timing." But the fox demon didn't believe in luck. "A little too perfect actually." the red head put the orb in his lap and waited for the little blue thing to rest for a moment.
"Oh, boy." the heaving and huffing was beginning to subside. "I think maybe I'm getting to old for this."
"I can't believe that." Kurama said, smiling encouragement. "You still preform superbly for lord Ko-Enma."
"Well, thanks." His little blue hand scratched his little blue head, never expecting a compliment for his efforts.
"You must get special privileges for all your hard work." the fox demon buttered him up. //He knows something, I'm sure of it.//
"No, not really." the tiny creature waved a hand. "I get vacation pay, but they never let me use it. I keep asking for a raise cause the cost of living keeps going up, up, up. You know how it is." he shrugged.
"I can't believe Ko-Enma is so cruel." Kurama frowned. "Shall I speak to him on your behalf?" he offered.
"Oh, no." Wakaba had a sweat drop on his temple, as he hurriedly made excuses. "Don't do that. I'm fine. I don't need much anyway."
"No, I insist." the red head placed the orb to one side and stood. "With how you manage to find me no matter where I am and then delivering my messages in such a timely manner, that deserves recognition." he turned dramatically and went for the door. It was a bluff because the door was locked, but Wakaba probably wouldn't let him get that far. "I think I'll go see him right now."
"Stop!" The blue demon shouted and the red head obeyed. "I'm really not that great." he shook his admittedly. Kurama came back to sit before him. "I mean, I'm glad you're satisfied with my work, but it's not me that deserves all that credit. Lord Ko-Enma tells me where you are and then I just get teleported. But, I don't get teleported to the right spot, so I have to run or climb or something and with my short legs..."
"That's amazing!" Green eyed brightened. Okay, he was milking it, but it's working, darn it! "How does Ko-Enma do it?"
"It is amazing acctually." Even the little blue guy was getting sucked into the excitement. "You see a long time ago," he pointed a clawed finger in the air as he told his story, "a fugitive ice demoness came to the human world without permission. Lord Enma ignored her for a while until people started dying mysteriously. So naturally, a spirit detective was sent. The detective was almost killed, but managed to bring her back. So you know what Lord Enma did? The demoness had great psychic and telekinetic powers. So instead of locking her up, they trapped her soul in something that helps 'em control her. She's always watching the earth. She can even project an image in Ko-Enma's office or project his image into the human world." The blue demon explained.
"Wow." Kurama smiled, faking his continued excitement. //I knew he was assisted by a great many demons. I suppose I just never realized how little power Ko-Enma has.//
"Yeah. But you know, rumor has it that the spirit detective retired after she fought the demoness."
"The spirit detective was a woman." Kurama mummbled to himself.
"Some people say that she got too close to the ice demoness and began to sympathize with her." Wakaba told him in confidence.
"That's dangerous." The green eyed fox shook his head.
"You know?" the little creature folded his arms and shook his head in agreement.
"So what happened to the spirit detective?" Kurama asked.
"Well, um," the blue thing studdered. This was probably the limit of his information. "I'm not really sure who it was." he admitted. "But I heard a rumor that she went missing recently."
"Really?" //So she's still alive.//
"Yup." he nodded trying to keep his knowledgeable demeanor.
//That explains her influence on this family. If she found a way to break down the barriers of her prison...she still has a powerful influence her in the human world. I saw her in the school yard because she can project an image and she attacked me with telekinesis. But then...how did Hiei attack her? Unless...the means for breaking through her prison was the sympathetic former spirit detective. She went missing recently...It can't be...Botan...has gone missing recently. Ko-Enma gave us a cover story. He said, "She'll be back as long as we have that." Was he talking about the globe that harbored the ice demoness's soul? It's a...possibility...Either way, first thing's first.//
Wakaba," The fox demon asked, "I know I don't normally do this, but could I ask a favor of you?"
"Huh?" his little eyes blinked. "Well, I...guess I don't mind...I mean...It's not like...I've got something better to do...really." he shrugged. "Sure. Wait, what is it?"
"I need you to deliver a note to someone here in this house. But you can't be seen understand?" The red head told him.
"Oh, please." he waved a blue hand. "I've been doing this longer than Ko-Enma's been in diapers."
"You don't say." Green eyes glanced around and found a bit of paper that hadn't been used on the lengthy letter and ripped it off. "Now something to write with." Kurama had a plan.