Tears of Amethyst
Disclaimer: I do not own YYH.
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Youko searched through some supply tents and dug around in others. He found some communication devices. He threw some stuff behind him, hoping something hit someone to at least get his attitude to change a little. He felt a gentle touch on his shoulder and turned to see Botan with a concerned look on her face.
"You look a little angry, are you okay?" He pushed her hand away then withdrew from her.
"I'll be fine." He mumbled. He hated himself right then. All of a sudden, he didn't feel like that anymore. He could feel her cool touch on his face. His breathing quickened. His heart pounded. "What is this?"
"Remember when you.. were feeling grief? I knew why and.. I could feel your grief. We were connected, sort of, through the cave. I wanted to ease your pain so that you wouldn't be hurting in here." She rested her hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "And your wounds." He brushed his hand against her cheek, feeling the same coolness of her skin. It sort of made him feel like he was burning up.
"I never knew." He whispered lowly. "Thanks.." He could remember how much his pain had lightened and eased under her power. "I thought that you didn't have the power in the cave."
"I didn't. Not the power to escape. I only had those connections to the outside. When someone went by and never stopped, I could tell why. When they touched the stone, they could feel my presence and not know it. I didn't have the powers to escape the barrier that kept me in." She clasped his hand in hers.
"Its hard to believe that someone like you.. was sealed away." He stopped himself from saying anything further. He could feel how calm she was. He could feel her calm spreading throughout him.
"Find anything, kitsune?" Hiei called impatiently. Yuusuke and Kuwabara watched Botan and Youko, both a little shocked at the depth of their conversation.
"Communicators." He called back. Botan picked one up, curious. She then let her power surge through it, searching the programs. She opened it and brought up the map. There were tracking systems. The green dots represented their location and the red dots represented their enemy's location.
"They are about ten miles that way." She said, bringing the maps up in more detail. They all stared at her. "What?" She sighed. "I can tell how to work something by letting my powers explore it." Hiei smirked.
"Useful gift." He said with a nod of approval. "Which way?"
"Northeast." She answered almost immediately. Youko frowned and looked back in the tent.
"They have fresh food and there's a river two miles up." He stated. "We should stock up. It wouldn't hurt. We should also bring these other communicators. We might be able to use them if we split up. It would be better that way because it would be harder for them to track us all down. Groups, like I said." He picked up a bag full of new packs. "Fill them to your heart's content. You're the ones who have to carry them." He also threw them each a communicator.
"Smart thinking, Youko." Yuusuke commented with a grin.
"Fresh blankets are in here and there are other things like rope and such. Just make sure to pack smart." He walked off, disappearing into another tent. Botan's gaze followed him. She then looked down at the pack and threw the compact communicator in.
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When they met back up, they had decided on two groups. Hiei and Kuwabara, Yuusuke, Youko, and Botan. Hiei automatically didn't like it.
"There is no other way, Hiei."
"Yes there is. Let me go alone."
"No." Youko shook his head. "It would not be wise." Suddenly, Botan stiffened.
"We have company." She turned around, her eyes on a tent. She held her hand out and barred their entrance. "I'll handle it. Stay quiet." She walked forward and opened the tent flap. Her eyes widened. It was like a prison tent. She peered around cautiously.
"Who are you?" It was the voice of a girl. Botan followed the sound to the right corner of the tent. "Stay away from me."
"I will not harm you. Please, come to where I may see you." The girl didn't move. That was when Botan went over and ripped a hole in the side, making the light shine into the corner. The girl's clothing had a camouflage look to it, as if to blend in with the woods. She was tied to the metal pole that held up the corner. Botan merely touched the rope and made it disintegrate.
"They took my weapons." The girl said suddenly. "They overcame me. I was foolish to let them catch me."
"What did you do?"
"I slipped into the camp and killed them. I wounded one of them and he caught me. He woke the entire camp." She crossed her arms. "I was a prisoner for three days."
"Well, I will find your weapons. Come on, I have a group that will be happy to have you."
"I can't go out there." She shook her head. "They'll get you for--"
"Botan, come on. They had scouts out on patrol in the woods." Youko walked in. He narrowed his amber eyes at her. "Do you have a power that could make them paralyzed?" Botan shook her head.
"No, Youko." She responded. "How many are there?"
"I can detect at least six. I'm sure they could handle them.." Suddenly, the tent caught fire. "Damn! Flaming arrows!?" He grabbed Botan's hand and pulled her close to him. The girl shrunk back into the corner. Botan pulled her hand from Youko's and went back for her. By now, the smoke was filling the tent. Botan used her power to try and blow the smoke from her path. She pushed the girl toward the entrance of the tent and Youko guided her out. He was about to go back in for Botan but the flaming tent collapsed. Yuusuke and Kuwabara helped to hold him back from going to it. "Let me go, you idiots!" They let him go and he fell to his knees in front of the flames. They didn't even hear her scream. Youko sat there, his emotions, anger and grief, like a raging hurricane on a poor little boat. Those scouts were the poor little boat. He screamed in rage, trying to let it out through his voice. When that didn't work, he stood up and turned around. They could've sworn that his eyes were glowing red.
"Youko.." Yuusuke got out of his way. He seemed blind with rage.
Botan walked toward the entrance. She then heard something and look up. She had just enough time to put up a barrier to protect her. She could feel the heat from the outside and the flames danced around her. She was mesmerized. She wanted to reach out and touch it.. A sound startled her, making her lose the concentration on the flames and her power for the shield slipped from her. She could feel the flames licking at her skin. She could feel the sweat roll down her face. She heard Youko scream. Flames surrounded her. She closed her eyes and fell to her knees. When she opened her eyes again, they were glowing blue. She was glowing, as well. She reached out, touching the fire and feeling her power spread through it.
"Youko!" She called impulsively. She screamed spreading her arms wide. The flames parted for her and she saw the demon. All she saw was him. The red glow in his eyes faded and he stared at her, his face pale. She stood up and walked forward. The scouts that were alive were too astonished to think of attacking anyone. The girl that Botan had just saved was amazed, her mouth open in surprise. The others just stared. Once she was clear of the flames, her hold broke and she ran to Youko, burying her face in his chest. He was surprised but returned the embrace, relieved to know that she was safe.
"I promise you that nothing like that will ever happen again." He whispered then let her go. She stared up at him, fright in her eyes.
"I wasn't scared by that. I thought you were in trouble." He then turned to the scouts and sped over to them, attacking them with all he had.
"I think its time that we left. We've taken too long." Hiei took his pack and started off.
"Wait!" Yuusuke said, confused. "What should we do? Are we going to split up?"
"No, it would be ill-advised." Youko said. "I've realized that we would be more vulnerable that way." Botan smiled at the group.
"What is our new member's name?" She asked, her eyes on the young girl.
"Akuro."
"Let's move."
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Keiko shrieked, covering her head and closing her eyes tightly.
"Genkai!" Suddenly, she heard a thud. She opened one eye to see Genkai standing over her. "What's going on? And where's Yuusuke?"
"There is hardly enough time to explain. They seem to be attacking on both sides. Makai and now Ningenkai." Her thoughts were worse. She knew that once Reikai was taken over.. they would be almost done for.
"Huh? Who is doing this, Genkai?"
"Of who, I am not sure, but we will be in big trouble if Yuusuke and the others don't pull through on the other side." Keiko was confused. A lot of things had been going wrong and she was really worried. Yuusuke was gone a really long time.. "They should have found her by now.."
"Her?"
"Yes, remember the blue light?" At Keiko's nod, she continued. "She was sealed long ago because she was so powerful that she was envied by Fate and Destiny. Come on, child. We cannot stay here."
"But where will we go?"
"Where ever it is safest." Keiko was worried about Yuusuke now, more than ever. She wished that he were here, protecting her from harm.
"Yuusuke.. come back soon.."
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"How much longer do we have to walk?" Yuusuke asked impatiently. Kuwabara, being 'too polite' was carrying Botan's and Akuro's bags. Yuusuke had given him his. The communicator was in his hand and he was shaking it, listening to things rattle inside.
"Moron, you might break it." Hiei said, snatching the little round thing from his hands. "Don't shake the damn thing anymore just hear a rattling you can hear when shaking your head." He tossed the little communicator back at the human.
"Shut up." Yuusuke then flipped it open and played around for a bit. He brought up a little phone unit. "Cool." He was considering calling Genkai and Keiko. Maybe when they made camp. He traced the programs he ran through to bring it up then stuck it in his pocket.
"We should make camp here for tonight." Botan turned to look at them. "We have rough terrain ahead of us."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
"No one wander off without someone with you or your communicators." Youko instructed. "If you do, Hiei will personally rearrange it so that it is drilled in your head." Hiei's smirk definitely let them know of the pleasure he would take in the participation. They settled themselves down in the clearing. It was the last one for a while so they would need to be well rested before they could continue on. Yuusuke turned on the communicator and brought up the phone program. He dialed Genkai's number at the temple. No answer. He dialed Keiko's home phone number. No answer. He dialed her cell phone.
"Hello?" A voice asked hesitantly. She sounded a little scared. He frowned and moved away from the group a little.
"Keiko, it's me, Yuusuke." He said quietly. "How are things back there?"
"Horrible, Yuusuke!" She exclaimed. "Genkai and I are on the run from these.. things. She said they're attacking from both sides.." His eyes widened.
"You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, but I wish you were here.. Listen, Yuusuke, I have to go. We're running again. I'll talk to you soon. Call me tomorrow or something!" He opened his mouth to say something else when he heard a click. He gave a frustrated sigh and kicked a stone.
"Guys, I don't have the best news." He said, walking over to the camp. They all looked up at him from their positions around the fire. "Those humans have some sort of things on their side. They're attacking-"
"Ningenkai. I know." Hiei said, leaning back against a tree. "It was most likely their plan from the very beginning."
"No one there can fight those things, though!" He said, panicking.
"Genkai can." Kuwabara spoke up. He munched on an apple.
"She can't protect the whole damn city!" Hiei cleared his throat.
"Not just the city, moron. They're attacking everything. Soon Reikai might fall. They have no one to protect them. Those prisoners want nothing but freedom. They won't help."
"We have to go back! They're all in trouble!" Youko looked meaningfully at Yuusuke.
"We're on our way to their leader, Yuusuke. I will not help to go back. It will be a waste of time. The sooner we get rid of the leader, the sooner the attacks will cease." He said calmly. Yuusuke sat down in-between Kuwabara and Botan.
"I know you're right but.." He looked at them, his eyes showing concern. "Keiko's back there and I don't want her to get hurt." Guilt suddenly hit Youko. He had been jealous because of Yuusuke just touching Botan.. he had been helping her. "You know the feeling."
"I do." He nodded, his gaze going to Botan, who had her eyes on the fire. "But it will not help anyone if we go to Ningenkai. She would be in more danger."
"How?"
"The leader would still be alive." All grew silent, except for the nighttime bugs starting to make their nightly noises and the popping of the fire. Botan lay down and closed her eyes, falling asleep quickly.
"Who gets first watch?" Yuusuke asked.
"Me." Hiei answered, his crimson eyes not moving from the fire.
"I have second. You humans need sleep, so get it." Yuusuke nodded, not complaining about that. He put his hands behind his head and fell back, yawning. Kuwabara lay down and was soon snoring.
"Get your sleep, kitsune." Youko shrugged and did as he was told. Akuro returned to the camp. She had been told to scout the area. "Anything?"
"These." She held up a small dart. "I have some experience with guns made in Makai. These are tranquilizers. I even noticed that someone was dragged away."
"Good work. Get some sleep. Tomorrow isn't going to pretty, of that I can tell."
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Here's your 7th chapter! ^_^; Please review.
Disclaimer: I do not own YYH.
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Youko searched through some supply tents and dug around in others. He found some communication devices. He threw some stuff behind him, hoping something hit someone to at least get his attitude to change a little. He felt a gentle touch on his shoulder and turned to see Botan with a concerned look on her face.
"You look a little angry, are you okay?" He pushed her hand away then withdrew from her.
"I'll be fine." He mumbled. He hated himself right then. All of a sudden, he didn't feel like that anymore. He could feel her cool touch on his face. His breathing quickened. His heart pounded. "What is this?"
"Remember when you.. were feeling grief? I knew why and.. I could feel your grief. We were connected, sort of, through the cave. I wanted to ease your pain so that you wouldn't be hurting in here." She rested her hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat. "And your wounds." He brushed his hand against her cheek, feeling the same coolness of her skin. It sort of made him feel like he was burning up.
"I never knew." He whispered lowly. "Thanks.." He could remember how much his pain had lightened and eased under her power. "I thought that you didn't have the power in the cave."
"I didn't. Not the power to escape. I only had those connections to the outside. When someone went by and never stopped, I could tell why. When they touched the stone, they could feel my presence and not know it. I didn't have the powers to escape the barrier that kept me in." She clasped his hand in hers.
"Its hard to believe that someone like you.. was sealed away." He stopped himself from saying anything further. He could feel how calm she was. He could feel her calm spreading throughout him.
"Find anything, kitsune?" Hiei called impatiently. Yuusuke and Kuwabara watched Botan and Youko, both a little shocked at the depth of their conversation.
"Communicators." He called back. Botan picked one up, curious. She then let her power surge through it, searching the programs. She opened it and brought up the map. There were tracking systems. The green dots represented their location and the red dots represented their enemy's location.
"They are about ten miles that way." She said, bringing the maps up in more detail. They all stared at her. "What?" She sighed. "I can tell how to work something by letting my powers explore it." Hiei smirked.
"Useful gift." He said with a nod of approval. "Which way?"
"Northeast." She answered almost immediately. Youko frowned and looked back in the tent.
"They have fresh food and there's a river two miles up." He stated. "We should stock up. It wouldn't hurt. We should also bring these other communicators. We might be able to use them if we split up. It would be better that way because it would be harder for them to track us all down. Groups, like I said." He picked up a bag full of new packs. "Fill them to your heart's content. You're the ones who have to carry them." He also threw them each a communicator.
"Smart thinking, Youko." Yuusuke commented with a grin.
"Fresh blankets are in here and there are other things like rope and such. Just make sure to pack smart." He walked off, disappearing into another tent. Botan's gaze followed him. She then looked down at the pack and threw the compact communicator in.
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When they met back up, they had decided on two groups. Hiei and Kuwabara, Yuusuke, Youko, and Botan. Hiei automatically didn't like it.
"There is no other way, Hiei."
"Yes there is. Let me go alone."
"No." Youko shook his head. "It would not be wise." Suddenly, Botan stiffened.
"We have company." She turned around, her eyes on a tent. She held her hand out and barred their entrance. "I'll handle it. Stay quiet." She walked forward and opened the tent flap. Her eyes widened. It was like a prison tent. She peered around cautiously.
"Who are you?" It was the voice of a girl. Botan followed the sound to the right corner of the tent. "Stay away from me."
"I will not harm you. Please, come to where I may see you." The girl didn't move. That was when Botan went over and ripped a hole in the side, making the light shine into the corner. The girl's clothing had a camouflage look to it, as if to blend in with the woods. She was tied to the metal pole that held up the corner. Botan merely touched the rope and made it disintegrate.
"They took my weapons." The girl said suddenly. "They overcame me. I was foolish to let them catch me."
"What did you do?"
"I slipped into the camp and killed them. I wounded one of them and he caught me. He woke the entire camp." She crossed her arms. "I was a prisoner for three days."
"Well, I will find your weapons. Come on, I have a group that will be happy to have you."
"I can't go out there." She shook her head. "They'll get you for--"
"Botan, come on. They had scouts out on patrol in the woods." Youko walked in. He narrowed his amber eyes at her. "Do you have a power that could make them paralyzed?" Botan shook her head.
"No, Youko." She responded. "How many are there?"
"I can detect at least six. I'm sure they could handle them.." Suddenly, the tent caught fire. "Damn! Flaming arrows!?" He grabbed Botan's hand and pulled her close to him. The girl shrunk back into the corner. Botan pulled her hand from Youko's and went back for her. By now, the smoke was filling the tent. Botan used her power to try and blow the smoke from her path. She pushed the girl toward the entrance of the tent and Youko guided her out. He was about to go back in for Botan but the flaming tent collapsed. Yuusuke and Kuwabara helped to hold him back from going to it. "Let me go, you idiots!" They let him go and he fell to his knees in front of the flames. They didn't even hear her scream. Youko sat there, his emotions, anger and grief, like a raging hurricane on a poor little boat. Those scouts were the poor little boat. He screamed in rage, trying to let it out through his voice. When that didn't work, he stood up and turned around. They could've sworn that his eyes were glowing red.
"Youko.." Yuusuke got out of his way. He seemed blind with rage.
Botan walked toward the entrance. She then heard something and look up. She had just enough time to put up a barrier to protect her. She could feel the heat from the outside and the flames danced around her. She was mesmerized. She wanted to reach out and touch it.. A sound startled her, making her lose the concentration on the flames and her power for the shield slipped from her. She could feel the flames licking at her skin. She could feel the sweat roll down her face. She heard Youko scream. Flames surrounded her. She closed her eyes and fell to her knees. When she opened her eyes again, they were glowing blue. She was glowing, as well. She reached out, touching the fire and feeling her power spread through it.
"Youko!" She called impulsively. She screamed spreading her arms wide. The flames parted for her and she saw the demon. All she saw was him. The red glow in his eyes faded and he stared at her, his face pale. She stood up and walked forward. The scouts that were alive were too astonished to think of attacking anyone. The girl that Botan had just saved was amazed, her mouth open in surprise. The others just stared. Once she was clear of the flames, her hold broke and she ran to Youko, burying her face in his chest. He was surprised but returned the embrace, relieved to know that she was safe.
"I promise you that nothing like that will ever happen again." He whispered then let her go. She stared up at him, fright in her eyes.
"I wasn't scared by that. I thought you were in trouble." He then turned to the scouts and sped over to them, attacking them with all he had.
"I think its time that we left. We've taken too long." Hiei took his pack and started off.
"Wait!" Yuusuke said, confused. "What should we do? Are we going to split up?"
"No, it would be ill-advised." Youko said. "I've realized that we would be more vulnerable that way." Botan smiled at the group.
"What is our new member's name?" She asked, her eyes on the young girl.
"Akuro."
"Let's move."
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Keiko shrieked, covering her head and closing her eyes tightly.
"Genkai!" Suddenly, she heard a thud. She opened one eye to see Genkai standing over her. "What's going on? And where's Yuusuke?"
"There is hardly enough time to explain. They seem to be attacking on both sides. Makai and now Ningenkai." Her thoughts were worse. She knew that once Reikai was taken over.. they would be almost done for.
"Huh? Who is doing this, Genkai?"
"Of who, I am not sure, but we will be in big trouble if Yuusuke and the others don't pull through on the other side." Keiko was confused. A lot of things had been going wrong and she was really worried. Yuusuke was gone a really long time.. "They should have found her by now.."
"Her?"
"Yes, remember the blue light?" At Keiko's nod, she continued. "She was sealed long ago because she was so powerful that she was envied by Fate and Destiny. Come on, child. We cannot stay here."
"But where will we go?"
"Where ever it is safest." Keiko was worried about Yuusuke now, more than ever. She wished that he were here, protecting her from harm.
"Yuusuke.. come back soon.."
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"How much longer do we have to walk?" Yuusuke asked impatiently. Kuwabara, being 'too polite' was carrying Botan's and Akuro's bags. Yuusuke had given him his. The communicator was in his hand and he was shaking it, listening to things rattle inside.
"Moron, you might break it." Hiei said, snatching the little round thing from his hands. "Don't shake the damn thing anymore just hear a rattling you can hear when shaking your head." He tossed the little communicator back at the human.
"Shut up." Yuusuke then flipped it open and played around for a bit. He brought up a little phone unit. "Cool." He was considering calling Genkai and Keiko. Maybe when they made camp. He traced the programs he ran through to bring it up then stuck it in his pocket.
"We should make camp here for tonight." Botan turned to look at them. "We have rough terrain ahead of us."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
"No one wander off without someone with you or your communicators." Youko instructed. "If you do, Hiei will personally rearrange it so that it is drilled in your head." Hiei's smirk definitely let them know of the pleasure he would take in the participation. They settled themselves down in the clearing. It was the last one for a while so they would need to be well rested before they could continue on. Yuusuke turned on the communicator and brought up the phone program. He dialed Genkai's number at the temple. No answer. He dialed Keiko's home phone number. No answer. He dialed her cell phone.
"Hello?" A voice asked hesitantly. She sounded a little scared. He frowned and moved away from the group a little.
"Keiko, it's me, Yuusuke." He said quietly. "How are things back there?"
"Horrible, Yuusuke!" She exclaimed. "Genkai and I are on the run from these.. things. She said they're attacking from both sides.." His eyes widened.
"You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, but I wish you were here.. Listen, Yuusuke, I have to go. We're running again. I'll talk to you soon. Call me tomorrow or something!" He opened his mouth to say something else when he heard a click. He gave a frustrated sigh and kicked a stone.
"Guys, I don't have the best news." He said, walking over to the camp. They all looked up at him from their positions around the fire. "Those humans have some sort of things on their side. They're attacking-"
"Ningenkai. I know." Hiei said, leaning back against a tree. "It was most likely their plan from the very beginning."
"No one there can fight those things, though!" He said, panicking.
"Genkai can." Kuwabara spoke up. He munched on an apple.
"She can't protect the whole damn city!" Hiei cleared his throat.
"Not just the city, moron. They're attacking everything. Soon Reikai might fall. They have no one to protect them. Those prisoners want nothing but freedom. They won't help."
"We have to go back! They're all in trouble!" Youko looked meaningfully at Yuusuke.
"We're on our way to their leader, Yuusuke. I will not help to go back. It will be a waste of time. The sooner we get rid of the leader, the sooner the attacks will cease." He said calmly. Yuusuke sat down in-between Kuwabara and Botan.
"I know you're right but.." He looked at them, his eyes showing concern. "Keiko's back there and I don't want her to get hurt." Guilt suddenly hit Youko. He had been jealous because of Yuusuke just touching Botan.. he had been helping her. "You know the feeling."
"I do." He nodded, his gaze going to Botan, who had her eyes on the fire. "But it will not help anyone if we go to Ningenkai. She would be in more danger."
"How?"
"The leader would still be alive." All grew silent, except for the nighttime bugs starting to make their nightly noises and the popping of the fire. Botan lay down and closed her eyes, falling asleep quickly.
"Who gets first watch?" Yuusuke asked.
"Me." Hiei answered, his crimson eyes not moving from the fire.
"I have second. You humans need sleep, so get it." Yuusuke nodded, not complaining about that. He put his hands behind his head and fell back, yawning. Kuwabara lay down and was soon snoring.
"Get your sleep, kitsune." Youko shrugged and did as he was told. Akuro returned to the camp. She had been told to scout the area. "Anything?"
"These." She held up a small dart. "I have some experience with guns made in Makai. These are tranquilizers. I even noticed that someone was dragged away."
"Good work. Get some sleep. Tomorrow isn't going to pretty, of that I can tell."
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Here's your 7th chapter! ^_^; Please review.