Twisted Lives
Do not own.
Chapter 3 - Reikai
00000
Last time - "You." He replied softly. She smiled and took his hand then leaned against him as they both fell silent and stared up at the stars.
00000
"You so totally suck at this!" Kuwabara laughed. Yuusuke was laughing and holding his sides, beginning to cough. Youko grinned and watched as Hiei twitched and Kuronue pouted.
"Kuronue can't even play Janken!" Yuusuke calmed down and took deep breaths. "You haven't won one in fifteen rounds." Botan laughed and hugged Kuronue from behind.
"That's my Kuronue-kun." She stated, mocking him with a false proud voice. He gave her a glare.
"That makes me feel so much better." He said sarcastically. She grinned at him.
"I know it does, Kuronue-kun!" She said in a bright voice. Rumiko and Hiei looked at each other and she rolled her eyes at him. He sweat-dropped and let out a sigh. This was not his night.
00000
Youko trailed kisses from her lips to her jaw and down until he got to his bite mark. He grinned up at her and she smirked, leaning down and capturing his lips in a sweet kiss. A small sound, a whimper, reached their ears. Botan sighed and kissed him quickly once more before getting up and walking over to the crib.
"Akina.." She leaned over to see the little baby having a nightmare. She smiled and ran her fingers through Akina's tuft of silver hair. "It's all right. Mommy's right here." Akina stopped frowning and a look of peace crossed her face. Botan went back to bed and smiled at her lover. He nibbled on the base of her silver ear and she let out a purr. "Stop that!" She whispered as her tail waved in pleasure. He smirked and shook his head, his fangs lightly nipping the tip. She went rigid and her heart began pounding. She let out a low moan as she shuddered from the touch.
"Feel nice, koi?" Youko teased, his grin widening as she gazed up at him with her lovely amethyst orbs.
"Don't tease me.." She pleaded, pouting and making this irrisistibly cute face. He blinked at her. "I can't take it when you do that." Her chest was heaving up and down with her rapid breathing.
"Oh?" He blew gently on her ear and she shuddered, twitching the silver-furred fox ear.
"Stop." She grabbed both sides of his face, her eyes burning into his with fiery need. Then she began giving him the same treatment, only focusing her attention on his one weakness. His neck. Where she had bitten him. She let her tongue glide over his smooth skin, feeling the mark as she went over it.
"Botan." His eyes narrowed and he jolted back. She smirked and leaned forward so that he could feel her breath on his lips.
"Don't like it, Youko?" She then smiled sweetly. "Too bad."
00000
Youko scratched his unruly silver hair and yawned. His ears were hidden, not even distinguishable from his hair.
"You look so charming." He heard the soft voice from his side. He looked back and blinked. Botan's hair wasn't unruly and he could see her ears. He was jealous.
"I know. You're just jealous."
"So much." She mumbled as she stretched. "How'd you sleep?"
"Perfect."
"Same here." She blushed slightly at the way he said perfect. He leaned down and kissed her gently.
"I have to take Kuronue and Hiei out today. We're going down to Eijiro's." She blinked. "He's an old friend of ours and his mate passed away a couple days ago."
"How'd you find that out?"
"Hiei." He answered. She sat him down in front of her then grabbed her brush and dragged it through his hair as gently as she could.
"Well, we can't have him being super jealous of your lovely hairdo." He was too busy purring to counter with a comeback. When she was finished, she kissed his neck. "Should I do your tail? It does look a little like your morning hair." She shrugged and did it anyway when he didn't answer. "There, you're fully groomed now. Get dressed and get lost so that you can be back sooner. We're going to have to go to Reikai with the ningens soon." He sighed.
"I hope they can get us out of this. It is our fault but I don't even feel like being a thief anymore." She nodded.
"Understandable." He watched her space out for a minute before she snapped out of it and got up. "Well? Why are you still sitting there? Get up. Get going. What kind of motivation do you need?"
"More than you can give me." He screamed when she hit him with the brush. "I'm going! I'm going!"
00000
Botan looked bleak and desolate as she sat in front of the fire and stared at her baby.
It's so hard to believe that... in a few hours or more we might be separated. My darling child, I will never allow you to grow up without me. I will never allow them to take me from you.
Yuusuke could see that she was depending on him and Kuwabara.
"You said that you don't even want to be a thief anymore?" She nodded.
"It's been a while since we've even thought of thieving." She admitted. He sat down next to her and watched her out of the corner of his eyes. "I don't ever want... to be separated from any of them."
"We'll see what happens. I promise that I'll try to get you off the hook with Koenma."
"You mean it?" She asked softly. He grinned.
"You guys are a blast and you haven't tried to kill us yet so of course I'll try. You guys aren't like the others." He paused. "Why did you start thieving?" A shadow passed over her face.
"Every thief has a reason and they're mostly all similar. I started because there was no other way out. That and the challenge to the ningens. They just moved in on Makai, the Demon World. Makai is not for humans!" She stated bitterly. "I have nothing against you but when you invade our territory and cut it short, it isn't pretty. We have honor codes and morals. That and the ningens began to kill our kin. They killed demons for petty things like asking to live there. They kicked us out of our homes and then they killed us for trying to move back in. Without violence."
"Oh, I see." Yuusuke understood how that felt. "I understand now." There was a good reason to give to Koenma.
00000
Botan and Youko stood with Yuusuke and Kuwabara waiting for Hiei, Kuronue, and Rumiko. She was nervous, wanting only her child. Rumiko was going with them, a decision that was made last minute. She came out with Akina in her arms. The baby was fussing for her mother and when she was placed in Botan's arms, she quieted. Botan gave her a tender smile.
"Well, here we go." They climbed through. First was Youko, Botan, Hiei, Rumiko, Kuwabara, Kuronue, and Yuusuke. They were met by Ayame, who led them to Koenma's office. When they arrived, Koenma, in all his toddler glory, was stamping papers and cursing his luck to have this much work. He looked up when they entered.
"Ah, so you've come. May I inquire as to what happened?" Yuusuke told the whole story and Koenma seemed surprised at the fact that the demons hadn't attacked.
"Koenma, you can't arrest them. Don't take them away from Akina." Yuusuke stated. "Don't throw them in prison for living. Makai is obviously a rough area and they were just doing what they had to to survive in the only way they knew how. Ningens invaded their territory and it wasn't fair." The godling listened with a frown. "They won't do it again. They promised us."
"A promise or not, Yuusuke, they broke the law and they killed ningens." Youko put a clawed hand on Yuusuke's shoulder. "I don't have a say in this. It is the law. I think I am getting them off easy. Killing a ningen usually gets a demon sentenced to death."
"Koenma, we understand what we've done. It has been a fair half-year since we have even thought of thieving. Could you not give us a term of community service in lieu of jail time?" Koenma blinked. He looked thoughtfully at the files and stacks of papers in front of him.
"I suppose. But you would be separate from Botan because she would be working here with Akina, her name is, correct?" Botan nodded.
"Do you mind if I helped out?" Rumiko asked, smiling brightly.
"Sure, we could use all the help we can get." The dog demon couldn't care less but she wanted to be with Botan. "Now, as for how long, you will be here for two months. You can choose to train and help Yuusuke and Kuwabara or be in jail here for two months. Now, when your two months are up with Yuusuke, you will help around here for a week. That is as lenient as I'm going to be." They all settled on the agreement.
00000
Botan stacked the papers in two piles and Rumiko took one while she took the other.
"These have to go to records. Help me?" The dog demon nodded. Botan led them to the room and pressed in the code Koenma had given her. The two went inside and saw that it looked like a stock exchange, just like the rest of the place. It wasn't the records department, but just an outer room with other rooms stemming off of it. She looked around and noticed a room labeled 'records' across from them. They carried the papers carefully, taking great caution not to run into anyone, which was quite the feat. When they got there, they opened the door and closed it behind them before breathing sighs of relief at seeing it empty. "This place is so busy... How do they stand it?"
"I have no idea." Rumiko set her stack down and heaved another sigh. "That daycare center wasn't too bad, though."
"Fortunately." They looked around, taking note of the rows and rows of shelves filled with books and video tapes. At least ten filing cabinets rested against the wall next to them. Botan pulled one open curiously and let her eyes run over the alphabetized manilla folders with names written in black in on the tabs. Then she looked at the stacks of papers. "I take it that we are filing."
"Looks that way." A little screen above the cabinets lit up, startling them. Koenma's face appeared.
"Have any questions, girls?" He asked.
"Sure." Rumiko frowned. "What are we doing?"
"Well, as of right now, you are filing those papers by putting them in those folders. Then, I will need you to research something. I am sending an oni with the information now. Are you all right with that?" Botan tilted her head.
"Yeah, but what is the information for?"
"Just some stocks and such. Nothing really important. The things you will need to record will be on the sheet of paper. I have a ton of things to do right now so I will be here in the office if you have any questions. There is a remote control inside the drawer on the desk you are leaning against, along with pens and other things. If you need a new folder, there are boxes in the closet down that row at the end. Any other questions?" They shook their heads and the screen went black.
"How long did he say we'll be here again?" Botan asked, frowning deeply.
"Two months and a week, I believe." The kitsune groaned after her friend answered. "And remember, they have cameras in almost every room and if we break a single rule, we're done for."
"I can't believe this." She crossed her arms. "I would rather be helping the others fight." Rumiko poked her.
"Save the frustration until after we've finished."
00000
Yuusuke yawned and leaned back in his chair.
"I couldn't be more bored." Kuwabara rolled his eyes and kicked one of the legs of the chair out from under him. Yuusuke fell backwards and disrupted the entire class. He grunted and growled and picked his seat up before sitting back in it.
"That's because you don't pay attention."
"Keh, who needs school?" He asked crossly, folding his arms and resting his head in them.
"Urameshi Yuusuke, please report to the main office. Urameshi Yuusuke, report to the main office." He grinned and stood up, taking his books with him. He got downstairs and noticed a red-headed, green-eyed boy, along with Hiei, and a black-haired boy with indigo eyes. They turned around when he entered.
"Hello, Yuusuke." The redhead said politely, his eyes sending more information than his voice.
"Y-Youko?" The boy chuckled.
"Call me Kurama." Yuusuke nodded and figured out that the other one was Kuronue and, of course, he knew Hiei.
"What are you doing here?"
"We came to give you a very important message from holier-than-thou." Kuronue muttered sarcastically, crossing his arms. Kurama chuckled before handing the boy an envelope.
"Damn." The teen sighed. "So, you're not calling me out?"
"No, you will stay here. But I do suggest that you read it, all right?"
"Yeah, I will." He watched as they sent glances to the office occupants and then walked out. Yuusuke looked down at the large white envelope.
Why would Koenma send those three to give me a message like this? Maybe it is important... but what is it about? I don't need another mission on my hands right now. Keiko's gonna chew me out for being called to the office when I didn't even do anything wrong.
Just as he was turning around, Mr. Takenaka blocked his path.
"Going back to class, Yuusuke?" He asked, causing Yuusuke to glare and roll his eyes.
"No, I think I'll go to the basement and jump in the incinerator." The boy spat out sarcastically. Then he walked past the teacher and up the steps.
Damn, I wish the bell would just ring. If I get caught wandering the halls... Keiko will have more to kill me over. I hope I don't need a hearing aid after this.
"Yuusuke." He stopped, looking up. Keiko narrowed her eyes at him. He sighed.
"Nice to see you again, too, Keiko."
"First you take this stupid vacation and now you're getting in trouble before your fourth class!?" He looked over at the wall and saw his escape route.
"Uh, Keiko? Hate to interrupt your lecture but doesn't that sign say 'No Loitering'? And that is a pass for the bathroom, correct?" She growled at him.
"I'll see you at lunch, Yuusuke." She really hated his ability to be a smart ass and get her all angry over little things.
"Feh. Whatever floats your boat, Keiko."
00000
Youko was frustrated. He wanted to see Botan. He wanted to see Akina and he was even starting to miss Rumiko.
These months had better go by quickly.
"This is so boring." Kuronue was leaning back in his chair, flicking paper balls at Hiei, who was growing furious with each paper that hit him.
"Cut it out." Youko muttered, yawning. "It may be boring but I am certain that we can figure out something to do." Hiei had something in mind and sat up fully, a smirk spreading across his face.
"Let's train. After all, part of our 'job' is to train that brat of a Spirit Detective. We may as well train ourselves for a little while." Youko looked at Kuronue, who grinned.
"I've always liked the way you think!" Kuronue's arm went around the koorime's shoulders. Hiei growled.
"Don't touch me." Kuronue stumbled back when Hiei pushed him and fell over the chair. Kuronue yelped and sat up, glaring up at his 'foe,' a plan forming in his mind for revenge.
"I like the idea of training." He said darkly, a scowl coming to his face. "I take dibs on the twerp." Youko rolled his eyes.
This should actually be interesting. It has been a while since we all trained together.
"I battle winner." The kitsune stated, going outside. They were staying at Genkai's temple. But where the old psychic was, they had no idea. They were just told to stay there and not wander or get in trouble.
And then Koenma called upon us to deliver that letter to Yuusuke. I wonder what it was about. Perhaps we will find out.
Unfortunately for the youkai, his thoughts were not going to quit on him.
This is so bizarre. How in the hell could this happen? Koenma must be out of his mind or it hasn't fully developed. As if I want to train his Spirit Detective. But... it seems freedom and redemption comes at a high price.
"Let's go through the forest and to the hill with the tree. That looks like a nice, big spot." Kuronue spread his wings with a wicked grin. "Come on! Last one there-"
"That is just wrong, Kuronue. It's too childish... even for you." Youko mumbled. Then he remembered something and sighed. "Never mind. It seems like I forgot once again."
"It must be pick on Kuronue day, hm?"
"Complain, nag, complain-"
"Let's just go." Hiei snapped, glaring at them.
00000
Botan shifted in the uncomfortable pink kimono she was practically forced into. Then, Ayame shoved her into Koenma's office with a reassuring smile.
"Ah, there you are." The godling looked up from his papers. "I see Ayame got to you. Do you have the information?"
"Right here, sir." She mumbled, plopping down the clipboard on his desk. "We got all of the information you wanted." He picked it up, inspecting it.
"Good work." She stood there, staring at him. "What is it?"
"What do you wish for me to do next, sir?" Ayame told her that it was either respect or a jail cell. Sometimes, Koenma's outbursts get the girls in trouble and it would be wise for her to avoid it. He frowned and looked at his papers then opened his desk drawer and took out another clipboard. Apparently, it was list of things that needed to be done. His brown eyes went down the list until he came to something.
"Ah, I think this job would be fine for you." He dug deeper in the drawer and pulled out a folder. "This is a folder that needs to be delivered to Makai. Do not stay long. You can go alone and your dog demon friend can continue being here. This needs to go to one of the leaders..." He continued to explain and Botan felt her heart lift with joy at being able to go home again so soon. Well... some part of Makai... but it was still home. "I will open the portal at least twenty miles from the village. Good luck." She took the folder and bowed slightly, her eyes gazing at it in wonder.
Finally... I finally got something that will allow me to go there.
She was homesick and she wasn't liking it. Reikai just had too many rules and she felt so strapped down, so trapped. But she wouldn't be... at least for a couple days.
I hope it goes well.
"Oh, Botan. One more thing." She blinked and looked up at Koenma. "That job was originally going to be Ayame's but she didn't take it. You see, this lord has a thing for pretty women. He does not care if they are mated or not. I am sending Yuusuke with you."
"B-But... what can he do?" She suddenly realized why Ayame turned the offer down. "C-Can you send all of them?"
"Well, the best I can do is send Yuusuke and Youko. That way Kuwabara, Hiei, and Kuronue can go on another errand for me." She nodded. Then she got an idea.
"Koenma-sama... Sir, I would hate to take Yuusuke away from that job..."
"I know what you want, Botan." He said, narrowing his eyes at her. "And so far, I see no danger in it. But I do not know if I can trust you two."
"Koenma-sama, I am not the type to beg or break a promise. I want freedom and so does Youko. We would never jeopardize it. Please? It would make me feel so much more secure. And Hiei and Kuronue cannot be kept under wraps by Kuwabara alone. I know those two." She bit her lip and looked down.
"I see no harm done as long as that gets delivered and you two come back."
"I promise you, Koenma-sama!" She smiled. He sighed.
"Hold on and let me send Ayame to pick him up..."
00000
Well, sorry for the long wait. School can really be a drag. Haven't been online much, either. Hope you all like! Please review and thank you for being patient!
P