DISCLAIMER: See very first Chapter.
BETA-READER/ PLOT PUSHER/ SPELL CASTER : Dragon Lady Supreme. Thanks for tipping me off on the "moon" thing. I had no idea.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Yahoo and MSN messenger. Also Grey Acumen for helping smooth out some of the awkward phrasing in some paragraphs.
KoHi: Yays! I'm on a roll! New update! Thank the muses and my friends. I love the train! Fweee! (huggles miniature version of the Hogwart's Express)
WARNING: 16 pages in MS Word. It's that long. Blood, gore and mayhem. No don't worry…it's not that bloody…I think…
WORD WATCH:
Tootakalapoie – It's a made up word by one of my friends and means going beyond confuse and overwhelmed by the facts.
Apparate – 6th graders can teleport themselves from one place to the other in the HP universe but usually not without singeing a few brows while learning it.
A/N:
1. Coins – In book 5 of the HP series, the DA's used special coins to inform members of their plans or where their next meeting will be held.
2.Genbu – One of the beasts destroyed by the Rei Tantei in Yusuke's first missions in the anime. He was a demon with boulders for body parts except at one certain point that Kurama discovered.
Chapter 18: Point of No Return: Part II
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Harry watches the stately old gentleman carry his bags down the stairs. The servants in the manor were either invisible or suddenly appear when you need them then vanish when you don't. It'd taken him awhile to get use to it all. There were times he'd feel somebody waking him up for the morning, open his eyes and realized he was alone. He could go take a shower and find a towel and his clothes ready for him when he was done. Or mused that he needed a bath and find it ready when he gets to his room.
Miriya had laughed when he asked if she might be getting used to having things done for her and end up not knowing how to do things at all. She had answered that sometimes the servants made sure she knows how to do what they do by letting her do the chores herself and reporting to Eriol when she doesn't. She also said that Lady Mizuki taught her arts and crafts. "We use magic, Harry. But we don't rely on it as much as your friends seem to do," she had said. "We use it for other things. Things that really need magic to get done. Other than that...we find the muggle way efficient enough. Besides, it's fun doing things on your own."
To which he had responded how Eriol sometimes use magic for his own convenience-like the bubble bath incident to clean up both Suppi and Kero who had gotten into a chocolate food fight. She just smiled and shrugged saying he got into those moods from time to time and who wants to clean up magical grouchy, sticky kitties anyway-unless of course you don't mind being scratched. Harry considered and thought the plush Kero might not be problem. The bigger Spinel might be though. Wrestling with a 200 pound all muscle black cat to give it a bath was not exactly appealing to him.
He followed the butler towards the front door where a white limo was parked. It looked like a stretched out SUV but more elegant. The butler was loading his bags at the back along with the other bags. Lady Mizuki had taken him, Ron, Ginny and Hermione out shopping in London a few days before and got them new clothes and bags. They'd protested but the woman wouldn't have any of it. They ended up with a whole new wardrobe from designer labels and Harry got expensive suitcases and luggage in addition to the new clothes. He also got new glasses-he'd declined to have contacts fitted. Their familiars also got some new stuff in a side trip to Diagon Alley for the things they would need this school year; including having their wands cleaned and tuned at Ollivander's.
The Weasleys and Grangers were of course feeling a bit overwhelmed at the gifts but both Eriol and Mizuki waved it off saying they don't mind sharing what they have and don't see the logic behind hoarding their blessings. "Besides," Eriol had said. "We give them to you freely. It's now yours and up to you what to do with it."
This was the reason why his trusty trunk was retired for now. Miriya had placed a strong enchantment on his luggage so that no one else can open it except the owner ("Even if they use an ICBM on it, they won't get it to open," Miriya had laughingly said though he suspected that was the truth.), locks or no. "Plus!" she'd exclaimed looking like a grinning cat (he'd half expected kitty ears to pop out of her head). "Whoever touches it who isn't the owner will leave his hand and fingerprint on the leather and it'll light up when you ask who touched your stuff and they get nasty zaps until they admit it." This, Harry decided, wasn't so bad after all when he goes back to live with the Dursley's again during the school break. His cousin would probably be dying to get his grubby hands on his stuff. Mental Note: Get Miriya to teach him the spell. Would come in very handy at times.
He found Miriya trying to coax a sleepy Kero into her bag with a piece of cake. Eriol and Mizuki were talking to Yukito and Touya. The driver of the limo, who was minutes ago the butler, was standing by and ready for them.
"Tell me again why I wasn't on the train with Ron and Hermione?"
Miriya got up and dusted her white slacks having successfully coax Kero in her bag. Harry could see the bag moving-Kero was gulping the cake again most likely before going to sleep. "Because the Families will be there," she answered.
"So?"
"I told you. There's another world within the magic world you know-one that straddles both magical and muggle world and far older than both..."
"Yes...I know the story... Older, more secretive blah blah..."
"Yeah well appearances matter to these people if you want to be taken seriously. And you want to be taken seriously, trust me."
"But these clothes..." he looked at the expensive threads he was wearing, a white turtleneck shirt, matching white slacks and black coat. It matched her all white outfit- which showed off her olive skin tone, dark hair and eyes beautifully but subtly. A silver necklace hung on her neck. He noticed she never took it off.
"What about them?"
"I feel overdressed." He'd never worn expensive clothes before.
"Heh. Trust me. When we meet them, WE'RE underdressed."
"I'm not sure what the rest of Hogwarts will think though."
"Well it's going to be an interesting year...that's for sure."
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"You sure it was a good idea giving it to his friend?" Touya asked, concern clouding his dark chocolate eyes. Eriol just smiled enigmatically.
"Yeah...now I remember why I don't like you very much," Touya sulked.
"I'm sure he knows what he's doing," Yukito said cheerfully.
"Are you ready, children?" Mizuki called out to Harry and Miriya who were arguing about something.
"Welp..." Eriol said suddenly as the two got in the car still arguing. From what could be overheard it was about quidditch. "So the Dance continues..." He smiled happily at everyone.
"Oh...I hate it when he does that," Touya muttered and glared at Eriol's happy look who pretended not to notice.
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The students at the last cab starred uneasily at each other upon the announcement of the House Leader assigned to that cab. A few minutes ago a tall newbie, whose long hair was tied up in a messy braid, had ordered the same thing to their leader. This was not taken seriously-till of course the train started doing that mad jiggle, the eerie groaning sound from outside started and that message from Ms. Granger. A few of them had already thrown up from a combination of the stink and motion sickness.
"And under no circumstances will ANY of you look outside!" the tall girl said, her reddish brown eyes glinting in the gathering shadows. There was the sound of windows being closed and shades drawn hurriedly. It didn't take much for her to convince them. She'd caught a glimpse of the countryside twisting horribly out of shape for lack of better words to describe it. It was enough to scare the students.
They were starting to cross over the borders. Ordinarily, the trip would be uneventful and barely noticeable. But when you've got the energy strained enough as it is...
Aya chewed her lips and tapped her foot impatiently. So someone from the other cabs knew about it too. She'd felt the surge in the chi minutes before another House leader seconded her message. That sudden spike was gone now-as if whoever was fighting had stopped.
She turned back to the house leader nearest to her and towered over the guy, "No magic too. Got that? Not unless ABSOLUTELY necessary."
The student nodded.
"Why?" a voice timidly asked.
"Because it makes whatever is happening worse. Much worse," she answered, gritting her teeth; the borderlines were strained as it was. Any random bursts of magic could overstress the tether, snapping it and letting the two worlds spill over into each other. Even a basic grasp of science made it understood that any point in space could only be occupied by a single matter at a time. Any more than that and the very best result would be that only one would be destroyed.
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Miriya looked up from her cards to stare into nothing, her eyes going blank. That look always freaked him out when he sees that but he knew she was seeing something he couldn't. He put the cards down. Him, Yukito and Miriya were playing a friendly game of poker to pass the time on their way to Hogwarts.
"Miriya?" he asked, a bit worried. Yukito was just looking silently at Miriya.
She snapped out of it. "We're taking a detour...?" she asked no one in particular, looking out of the window.
"Detour...?" Harry blinked and looked at Yukito. Yukito shrug and said gently he didn't know how to get to Hogwarts.
"I didn't get much," Miriya said, picking up her cards to resume playing. "But it figures why the car took a detour."
"Figure what?" Harry frowned at his hand then hurriedly faked a smile hoping they hadn't caught that look. He'd been losing badly.
"One of the border points is being overwhelmed," she replied calmly.
"What!" his bad cards were forgotten. "Is it in the way of the Express?"
She nodded and dropped a card, picking out another.
"You serious? Why are you acting so calmly? Students are on board. My friends are on that train!"
Yukito turned to smile at him calmly. That smile was getting irritating quickly. "There is a reason why Master Eriol allowed your friends on that train."
"Yes," she nodded solemnly, face unreadable again." I think he meant for them to close the breach or save the students...anyhow...the breach will have to be closed soon. It can't be left like that. Besides, being House Leaders, they have duties..."
"How!"
The two just shrugged and looked at him.
"I can't believe you are both so calm at this. You've told me the consequences of the collapsing Commandments and yet here you are calmly playing poker while a border point is imploding!"
"Harry..." Her voice was low and authoritative.
"What!" he snarled.
"Balance. Equilibrium. Everything seeks balance. Fate can be altered. Destiny cannot."
"Are you saying they are going to die closing this breach and or saving the students?"
"Didn't see that far in the future, but I don't think so. Not yet."
"Not yet!"
"Hey...we all die. It's just a matter of when and how. May also want to work on that temper of yours there."
"That's better. Show of hands?" she resumed the game.
"The House of Reed always this infuriating?" he grumbled.
She shrugged, "Look at it this way, if YOU find it infuriating already, and you're not even a direct member of the House, just think of what I'M feeling."
"Guess being a seer sucks, huh?" he muttered dejectedly.
"Oh yes. Wait till you get your other powers. Now...show of hands?"
"Other-" he didn't even bother finishing the question. There was no point in asking about it right now. Harry looked at his cards and grimaced, "I fold."
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Aya could feel the magical tethers protesting at the strain put on it. They weren't going to hold for long, and it couldn't be left as it is should it hold. She looked at the students' bewildered eyes. No one else in this cab could feel it. All they knew was something was wrong outside. Great...that means no one here would know how to close it or something.
She thought back to the House Leader who'd ordered the cab locked down tight... Granger, was it? Maybe that one knew something. She approached the leader, "Hey... listen. I'm serious about the no magic thing. That includes apparating okay?"
The leader nodded.
"Good... I'll go to this Granger and see if that one has any ideas on how to get through this."
"But how? You said so yourself no going out of the cabs."
"I know what I said," she snapped. "That's why I'm apparating."
"But you said no magic..." his words were cut short when she punched the wall making the whole panel shudder.
"Look, I KNOW what I said, but if you want to get to Hogwarts breathing, you'd better do as I say. And yes... I can apparate... it's minor magic... it will affect what's happening but the way I see it...its going to break anyway, but that doesn't mean I'm saying its okay to use magic now. Got it?"
"Break...?" The poor boy was obviously going tootakalapoie.
Sigh. "I'll explain later if we're still alive. My point is, if any of you attempt to apparate, you are going to be stuck outside- breathing in that," wrinkles her nose. "...Stink. If you think what you smell is bad now wait till you get outside." Yeah cause you'll be breathing in Makai air. But I'd survive because I'm from there...or was... Gods dammit I hate being so easily confused.
"Got it. No magic and apparating."
She looked at a determined looking 10 year old that had spoken out loud. Gee...if only the older students had as much sense as that one.
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The cab that Malfoy and company were on was eerily silent as they sense something big crawling on the train roof. Something big and scaly by the sounds of it. Draco was pressed up as far as possible from the train walls, looking frightened. The Asians were calm but alert, positioning themselves in different points of the cab. The girl called Botan was hugging the smaller boy huddled on her lap.
"Oh no...Where is it!"
Everyone turned to Hermione in surprise.
"No...No...I can't lose it...! It was for Miriya..." she looked distressed as she searched her robes for the missing item.
"Uhm...now is really not the time to be worrying for that, " Ron pointed out.
"You don't understand...it was a family heirloom...a surprise gift for her from Eriol...!"
Draco couldn't believe his ears. They were in danger and she's worrying about a present? Women.
"Someone's coming." It was the smaller guy who'd been standing the farthest from them.
A few seconds later there was a shimmer and an extremely tall girl apparated in their midst. The students blinked. They could sense if someone apparates? Was that even possible? Wait...she used magic...
"Hey! She used magic!" Crabbe pointed out. The new girl knocked him unconscious with one punch and looked around.
"Who's Granger?" she asked, looking around.
"Who wants to know...?" Ron asked, trying not to squeak in the process.
"I'm Granger. Why do you ask?"
Aya turned her attention to the girl. "You have any ideas how we close that hole?" Strange...she felt...normal...no different from the other students...her chi was strong though. That could probably be it.
"Close...?" Hermione looked fuddled.
"I think he does," Yusuke pointed to Kurama who made a wry face at him.
"Why do you always assume I have all the answers...?"
"Hn. Don't you always...?"
Kuwabara sniffed, "Yeah. You're the genius in the group."
Aya's eyes narrowed at the boys. They were definitely not students. Newbies like her from the looks of them. "You're Asians!" she sighed in relief, despite the still-present building tensions. "Thank kami-sama for that...now what do we do...?"
"So what if they're Asians?" Malfoy said in an irritated voice.
Aya towered over him and glared, "Because unlike you Western pansies using magic to wash your dishes and play stupid games, onmyouji use their magic to keep Balance."
Before Draco could reply, the sound of wood splitting, but not giving way, drew their attention. Suddenly, darkness consumed everyone; they'd entered the tunnel.
Everyone was too frightened to make a sound, whimper, or otherwise. The newbies on the other hand, as Ron observed, looked calm... but worried. As if they had other worries than dying horribly. What else could be worse than dying a painful death…? Ron decided he didn't want to know.
"God I am so thankful for being a member of the DA," Hermione muttered. "I just hope what we learned is enough."
"DA?" Kurama had snuck up to her without her noticing. He regarded her thoughtfully.
Hermione turned to look at this beautiful man and couldn't help but admire those green eyes, "Uhm...yes. A club that Harry and us started last year. It was really... helpful... " Shoot... I'm rambling. Hermione this is not the time to start swooning over a guy. "So...err...how do we close this...?" Why does he look like he's studying me…?
"The only way to close the border is to use a large amount of sustained magical energy to energize the field lines again. Small bursts would only aggravate the lines and cause it to break." Kurama looked away.
"How do we accomplish that...?" she asked him. A part of her was disappointed that he was no longer looking at her.
"Still thinking how..." Yeah because it means we have to reveal our true identities this soon.
/Or...we could just suck everyone's life force out and use it to power the field lines back so even if we revealed our identities they'd be dead so it won't do them any good, right/ Youko chuckled.
En-ma would probably be more than happy to throw them down the dungeon if they did that. Or the shinigami would throw a fit and haul their asses back to Meifu and probably force them to work for the rest of eternity for the screw up. He had a feeling Tatsumi would most likely request that from En-ma and have it granted.
/En-ma's a fool./
Shut up, Youko.
It was at that moment that the train's protection spell gave way. There was the sound of glass breaking, wood splintering and finally giving in, and students screaming in terror.
Shit.
"Mommy..." Goyle whimpered.
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The train lurched like a wounded animal. The Protego spell that was part of its safety mechanisms was open in several places and Makai insects and the smaller demons that could fit poured in to feed on the fresh meat they smelled inside.
Screams of terror all over the train was heard as the older students fought back, spells ricocheting back and forth, making more holes. The roof in the Rei Tantei's cab was ripped open and they were faced with the dilemma of using their powers. Hiei had no problem-his sword and speed could be explained in a way acceptable to the Western magicians.
Aya had enough of the semi-darkness as she hacked another demon using one of the many weapons she had on her body.
"Light! Goddamit! Somebody light this place up!" she screamed.
At once several students yelled Lumos and the gloom was lit up by many wands driving the demons backwards at the glare. More screams pierced the fighters' hearing as many students got bitten by the insects.
Kurama frowned as he had no choice but to use his rose whip and hoped he could explain it later. Youko was enjoying himself and wanted out. He ignored the fox.
/Awww…come on. These demons are so pathetic I'd love to play with them. /
Shut up.
Yusuke happily pounded away at every demon stupid enough to come near him, he wasn't using his Rei gun just yet…these were low level demons. He gave a grudging respect to the students…they were holding on their own despite the sickening smell of the air and the demon horde…barely…but for people who've never seen combat duty they were pretty decent.
Kuwabara had the biggest problem. How will he explain his Rei Ken…? A slimy demon jumped on him and he screamed girlishly in surprise. Next thing he knew he was covered in gore and Hiei was smirking at him before dealing with another nasty.
"Wuss."
"What was that again, short-stuff!" he yelled back irately as his rei ken appeared in his anger and sliced another demon. He stormed over to where Hiei was. "I am NOT a wuss!"
"Whatever."
Slice.
Dice.
"Fine! Let's see who kills more demons then!"
Hack.
Swoosh.
"Hn."
Ron yelled for Hermione to watch her back. A demon had landed behind her as she protected a freshman.
"'Mione! Watch out!"
Too late. The ugly thing had her at her waist. It opened its mouth and laughed at having caught its prey. Hermione fought back valiantly, trying to free herself from the tentacles but she couldn't get her wand to point at the vile creature.
"Ron!" she cried out for him.
The demon screamed then vanished. She fell right into the arms of Kurama. Ron felt a sudden surge of jealousy then shook his head. Now wasn't the time.
"Quick," Kurama said urgently to her. "We need some sort of force field to get them off the train. We're not going to last long in this horde."
"Coins!" Ron said excitedly, finally having some idea that might help them after all. Kurama and Hermione stared at him then the green eyed Asian dumped Hermione on his arms. "Good…you two work it out…." They both watch as Kurama used his strange whip that took out 4 demons at the same time.
"He's so cool," she mumbled dazedly.
Ron grunted and raised his eyebrow, not quite successful in hiding his petulant tone, "Yeah yeah…fine…so you got a crush on him big deal…but the train?"
"Protego spell..?" she answered deciding their talk will have to wait later. "Train is too big for one protego spell…"
Ron nodded, eyes bright with his idea, "That's why we use the coins and alert the other DA's!"
She shoved him down hard.
"Oi! Its not a …" A demon head dropped in front of him and he realized she just saved him.
"You were saying?" she was grinning at him.
"Oh…" he stepped back as the head oozed icky blood.
"Go on…use your coin…send the message to the DA's…at the count of 10…we use Protego"
They ducked as something went flying over their heads. They didn't want to get a second look to know what that is. They weren't that curious. Not now.
"Me? You're faster at this!" Ron protested.
"But I have better aim than you so go! I can protect you."
"But…"
"Oi! Lovebirds! You done arguing yet?" Yusuke said irately. He could hear them talking through his enhance hearing. "Cause we really need that protegosomething… right about…oh 5 minutes ago!"
Crack.
Yusuke had found a broken piece of wood handy for impaling the demons.
Ron grumbled and got to work, fumbling for his coin while Hermione watch his back. Unknown to the group-another demon…much larger and obviously on a higher power level was approaching. It was attracted to the energy being used and was very hungry for it.
Aya heard the strange buzzing in her head that told her a something more powerful was coming. Oh crap. Crap. Crap. Hiei turned towards the direction, eyes narrowing. So did the rest of the Rei Tantei…well except for Kuwabara who was screaming bloody murder to any demon and nearly got singed by the students when they mistook him for a demon too.
"How long is this damn tunnel!" Malfoy screamed. A demon jumped him, he burned it off with his wand. His aim was steadily improving. Having his shoulder nearly torn off does that to you I guess. Miss badly and you might not get a second shot.
Spells flew back and forth. Curses too. But the effectivity of most curses depends on the spell casters intention. Some fell short and the DA's came to their aids. Those who could not cast offense spells fell back on defense…Some who knew a healing spell helped those who got injured.
Ron hurried to scribble his message on his coin glancing up from time to time to see his fellow students fight back the horde. The Asian was right. They weren't going to last if this kept up. Many of his fellow DAs looked weary. The curses were taking a lot out of them. Sometimes it was what was needed to stop a demon from hurting one of their own. A desire to protect them all welled up from him. He finished the message and helped Hermione.
We are not going to be defeated, he thought grimly. "Die! DIE you cursed creatures!" he screamed, power surging through his wand and taking out several demons at once. He stared at it unbelievably and found that several of the students and the DAs were now looking at him with awe.
"Ron," he heard Hermione's soft voice. "They're looking up to you…"
He nodded dumbly and felt a sense of purpose come over him. He heard himself speak in a strong voice, "Fight! Fight my friends! Let them know we are not to be trifled with!"
The students roared their agreement, hope and fresh strength welling up from inside them, making their spells more powerful. The demons were taken aback but only for a while.
"Great," Hiei muttered. "He just had to rile them up. Now the demons are pissed."
Stab.
"Aww, Hiei," Kurama teased. "Give the boy some credit. I was wondering when he'd step up."
Rip.
"He's going to get them all killed, that's what I think."
Slash.
"I…don't think so…"
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"You're sick, did you know that?" Touya said as he placed his knight on the black square.
He and Eriol were playing a game of chess outside the patio, enjoying the wonderful weather. He was still a bit sore at Eriol's decision to let Ron and Hermione take the Express even though it took them straight to danger. And to carry Clow Cards without being told what they are? That was just…wrong!
Eriol just nodded and used a pawn to capture Touya's knight.
"What are you hoping to accomplish anyway sending them off into that train with no instructions or advise or even protection whatsoever?" Touya got Eriol's rook in return for the knight.
"I'm hoping they'd find it in themselves," Eriol replied cheerfully as he moved his Queen to a final spot. "Check"
Touya grinned and moved his other rook, "Nope…check…mate."
Eriol looked at the board and nodded, accepting his defeat. "Well…you can't win all of them."
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There was a defiant roar and Aya turned to look ahead of the train.
Aww shit!
Framed by the train's onrushing headlights, a big bruiser of a demon stood in the train's way. Yes. My day just gets better.
"Everyone! Hold on! We're going to crash!" she yelled.
Seconds later, metal and wood groaned as it crashed into the demon. The train wasn't stopping though. It started to push against the demon, driving it back. She could feel the train straining, could sense it's almost sentient will. It will bring the students back…It will bring them to Hogwarts…and nothing will stop it.
The train let out a loud angry whistle, fighting against the obstacle. Metal wheels grated on the rails. Sparks flew. She could feel the train losing. Aya dropped down and gave the train a hug or at least tried to…fully aware of how vulnerable she must look right now…but if that demon pushed them back…they can kiss their sorry lives goodbye.
"Come on…yeah baby…you can do it..." she patted the wood soothingly, sending in cool waves of her energy. No one would notice…they were too busy fighting.
Another loud sound. The Express was definitely pissed. She could feel it lurching again and then there was a great surge of power. The demon growled before the train ran over it…crushing it in its wheels, spraying blood and gore. The cabs lurch and jumped. Students screamed as a few of them lost their balance. Helpful hands reached out to drag them back to safety.
Gods…if they survive this…
She felt something hard and heavy land on her back, pushing her down and knocking her wand off, sending it skidding out of her reach.
Fuck.
The large demon roared happily at getting its prey. She felt the weight lifting. Yusuke had landed one big punch on that thing. She scrambled up and got a good look at the creature.
"Ow…Ow…!" Yusuke was hopping around holding his fist. "Damn that thing! He's made of rock!"
"Baka Yusuke!" It was the smaller guy. He attacked it and his sword bounced off. Next thing she knew the thing vanished before her eyes and she felt a painful hit on her back. It sent her flying backwards, her eyes going out of focus with the pain. The creature had hit her.
Shit…that thing moves fast as well. We're screwed.
Someone caught her. It was the gorgeous red head, "Hey handsome…name's Aya…saw where I drop my wand…? She managed to grin at him and gave herself a good pat in the back for not slurring her words.
"Over there…" he pointed. He was distracted by the new demon arrival. She could tell from looking in his eyes that his mind was working hard. Gorgeous eyes…green with flecks of gold…Lovely mouth. She leaned forward and French kissed him, sneaking in a grope.
"Thanks gorgeous. Impressive wand by the way."
Kurama jerked back in surprise.
/Now can we get back to the action? She's obviously not hurt/
Kurama gave Youko the mental equivalent of sticking his tongue out petulantly.
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8
7
6
Ron glanced at his coin…it was counting down to 1…and then…Protego…God I hope it works. A demon that looked like a boulder was barreling towards them.
"Impedimenta!"
The demon froze in its tracks, straining against the spell's effects. Hermione had stopped it just inches away from crushing him.
God I love you Hermione!
Wait…did he just say…
5
4
"Yusuke! Do you remember how I defeated Genbu?"
"Oh yeah! Thanks for the tip, Kurama!"
Yusuke punched the demon between his legs then yelped, "His balls are rock hard too!"
"Yusuke!" Botan yelled disapprovingly as her oar doubled as a club.
"Oh 'fer chrissakes…!"
Hiei blurred past and buried his sword into the creature's mouth.
3
2
"Baka." Hiei snorted at Yusuke.
"Eww…so you mean…?" Yusuke looked green at the thought. So did Botan. "Cripes…I so don't want to know how they do it…" he shuddered.
1
Protego
Wands flared with power and the shield started closing…repairing itself. It was now a race not to get caught on the wrong side of the shield when it closed. The demons howled their frustration. They had thought the prey was easy. The train whistled defiantly, sensing its passengers will.
And something else stirred…
Something that wasn't of demon origin…
The Rei Tantei had sensed it at the beginning of the ride…but had dismissed it. Sensing what it was exactly was similar to trying to catch an image fluttering at the corner of your eyes but upon turning to see it have it disappear. Aya grabbed a student and shoved him back down the cab and off the roof, tensing as what she sense was growing stronger. She was wrong…it wasn't that something was coming…it was already here…and it was growing stronger. Maja…Goddess…a true…Maja is here…? Hadn't they died a long time ago?
Kurama turned to look at Hiei. The fire demon's eyes was clouded, confused. Hermione grabbed him by the sleeve, tugging him inside. The shield opening was closing rapidly.
"What are you waiting for! Get inside!" she yelled at him.
Things suddenly clicked. He grabbed her wrist and sniffed much to her surprise.
"So that's what I smelled…"
"What…?"
The power surged…crashing over them with the force of a tidal wave, driving them to their knees. Screams of terror from the demons outside as this new force started to destroy them. Kurama could sense the frayed lines eagerly suck this new energy source and whatever it was that was sending out this incredible energy was more than happy to feed it.
And then the light became too bright to see anything clearly. Kurama felt it sear his bones…the pain was familiar…somehow…
Holy...light…
He heard Hermione's startled cry, "The….cards…! Oh no…!"
He blinked…fighting through the magic induced haze and dimly heard the sound of cards fluttering.
He noticed that Hiei's eyes were bright. So was Yusuke's…hell everyone of them was. It was like all of a sudden they were connected to one gigantic energy source- but they couldn't access it…
Like having the ocean waves surge around you….
The train lurched underneath their feet. It let out another triumphant whistle and burst through the other side of the world with a roar. Through the broken walls Kurama could see the barrier mending…closing…sucking in back all the things that were not supposed to be in this world…
…And the last cab dropping off….
He grabbed his whip, retracted the thorns and threw it out towards the lagging cab before it got sucked in far enough for them to be able to do anything about it. Aya, who was there, grabbed the other end and tied it securely on a part of the cab. He felt the strain on his back and shoulders as he struggled to hold on long enough to get the students out of there. And then the ocean waves were no longer surging over him but through him, filling him with energy and strength that he needed to hold on without turning into his demon form.
"Get…them out…!" he snarled. He sensed Kuwabara grabbing the whip and helping him hang on.
Able bodied students apparated and even Yusuke and Hiei helped to evacuate the trapped students by using their speed. They could explain that later…most likely he would do the explaining.
Aya came on board last, "Let go dear…we got them…"
He heard the students let out a triumphant cheer and Hermione's upset cry at losing the cards.
He nodded at Aya and passed out in her arms.
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TBC
A/N: I love the train…for some reason…I just found him cute. I mean no one ever mentions if the train has a driver right? And it only makes sense that it should be enchanted as well.
