File 42: Aftereffects

On the way to school, Kuwabara and Yusuke were yawning and being watched by Keiko. The two were complaining about having to go to school on such a nice day. Besides, since the Dark Tournament and with Yakumo's 'visit' they'd been tired around the clock. They suddenly brightened up at the idea of skipping and going to the game center before their babysitter wacked Yusuke on the head with her schoolbag and scolded them. They had barely passed into their grade so now they should attend faithfully! Urameshi reluctantly agreed, calling Keiko a nag. She was holding Puu-chan in her arms. They interrupted their bickering when they saw a bunch of skunks bothering two students. Keiko asked her childhood friend not to fight them. But then the thugs noticed them and approached. They told Urameshi to clear the way. When he didn't, they thought he was too scared to move... until they saw just how fiercely he was glaring at them and recoiled. The leader asked what the hell they were doing, getting scared of kids and stepped forth... to the same results. He might be a kid but he far outclassed them. He was strong. He was the real deal. The hoodlums moved away as the middle school kids passed by. The scene had been carefully watched by two other teens, two guys wearing different school uniforms. One blonde, and the other with dark blue/purple hair standing up like an oldfashioned jackstraw broomhead.

"So that's Urameshi Yusuke..."

"He seems to be just the sort of bastard we heard about."

"Yeah" And both chuckled evilly.

On the steel beam structure of a building, Hiei sliced a makai bug. He climbed over to the top and looked over the city. The miasma had gotten strong. The lower youkais were also becoming more active and numerous. Was this some kind of advance warning? Or could this mean something was already happening somewhere? Either way, it had nothing to do with him.

Wagyu steak, koshihikari rice, matsutake mushrooms, Westin Hotel Bagel, Densuke black watermelon, yubari king melon, Italian white alba truffle, aiberi strawberries, fresh handmade pasta, kurobuta pork, jidori chicken and eggs, double-cheeseburger, katsudon, ramen, Chow mein, gyoza... and so many other delights... floating all around... "Now come to me, my beloveds... come into my stomach..." Akari looked around at all the dishes. If paradise existed, then certainly it was here. Even if she had a taste of them only thanks to Sakyo's dirty money, that taste made her forget everything. "Itadakimaaaaaasu!" But suddenly, just as she was about to dig in, all the dishes vanished one by one, to her greatest horror.

"You're a high school girl! You have no right to eat! Only study! Study! Study!"

"Now solve for x: 2x=(320/8)."

"When was signed the United States Declaration of Independence?"

"What were the forces in presence at the battle of Sekigahara?"

"Who compiled the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu?"

"No, no, no, no, NOOOOOOOO! Give me back my food! GIVE ME BACK MY FOOD!" Akari yelled. This wasn't paradise after all! This was hell! This was...

"Akari! Akari!" A familiar voice called her.

"Huh?" The girl looked back at Shu-chan who was restraining her in an immobilizing hold. She looked around. This was... a classroom.

"Who do you think you have hit with your desk?" He questioned her. She looked again. She was holding her desk above her head. And sprawled before her was...

"Sensei!"

"Katsuyama... go stand in the hallway..." He instructed her. Kurama tried to prevent that but it was useless. "No, Minamino! I can't allow you to cover for her anymore! Enough is enough! Katsuyama, go!"

"Yeeeees." As ordered, Akari left the class.

"Sensei, I didn't say that to cover for her, it was so she wouldn't use this opportunity to get away." The red head justified himself. The teacher ran to check. The hallway was empty. He had been had. He had let the blood go to his head. He swore and ordered Minamino to go fetch her.

He found her not too long later lying on the grass among bushes and trees. It really wasn't that hard to find her. When she was not in a high place, she usually sought the refuge of greenery. Well, she was a wild one. Besides her was a bag with trash containing the wrappings of a few onigiris, a makunouchi bento, a yakisoba pan, a curry pan, a melon pan, an anpan, a choco cornet, a banana peel, an apple core, an empty bottle of red berry juice and another (empty too) of milk. He sighed.

"You know, girls get jealous of you because you eat and nap all you want and you don't gain weight."

"Now that you mention it, I might have heard something about that... but that's not the only reason they get jealous of me, is it? But well, who cares? It's such a nice day, not spending it outside would be such a waste, and ruining it with annoying or heavy talks would be a waste too. It's perfect for a relaxed picnic... so stay... with me..." Akari looked up at him with glistening pleading eyes. She was so sincere. After all, she knew why he had come, and she didn't want to go back. But even though the fox was aware of her ulterior motive, he was also very sensitive to the sheer seductiveness of her expression, presence, bearing... and gave in. It couldn't hurt for just a little while... He lied down on top of her and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Their noses touched, their lips touched, and they kissed. Their tongues met and entangled. They withdrew after a long time and kissed again, deeply, slowly, amorously. Then Kurama pulled away and his kisses trailed to her cheek, her jaw, down her neck, while brushing his cheek against hers. He nuzzled her neck, kissed it, licked it, lightly bit it...

"And... is it really alright wasting our valuable time alone with just kissing...?" He asked sensually. The girl froze. Kurama chuckled. "Just joking." He had recovered his usual tone. "I know you're not ready for the advanced course." He lightly pecked her lips. "Even if you act incredibly bold before others, you have your exceptionally timid sides..."

"Hey!" Akari warned him menacingly.

"Sorry, I said too much. You may admit your own weaknesses but you dislike others pointing them out, right?" He smiled again.

"If you know then don't do it." She growled irritatedly. Just how well did he know her?! And more importantly, he had turned the tables on her again! Each time she'd try something, he'd go above her! How infuriating! "You're too sharp!"

"Not really. I just watch you and listen to you more than anyone else. Your timid sides, your cool sides, your fiery sides... I want to know more of them, and it's even better if only I know of them... And I love all those sides of you..." He so naturally, so softly, so tenderly spoke of his feelings for her, his love, and his possessiveness, that she was completely mollified.

"...You're too cunning." She replied quietly. That fox... using words to control her... And a little red, she turned her head to the side to try and hide just how much his words and sincerity had touched her. But it was useless.

"Yes, I know." He knew that even if she almost never told him outright 'I love you' like he did to her, she expressed it through her expressions, her body, even without meaning to. But whether she didn't say it because she was too prideful or too fearful he didn't know, and that didn't matter either because he also loved those aspects of her and he could look forward to making her let go and say those words... He stood up. "Well, if you understand, let's go back to class." He smiled and held out his hand to her, trying desperately to hide his amusement. Just how cute Akari's glare and scowling beet red face was... And despite her anger, she still took his hand. Really, she was just too cute... And then the bell rang. Time to go whether they wanted it or not. She changed subjects.

"But is it really necessary for me to go to class since all I need to do is read through your notes and you take them much better than me anyways?" She wondered. He took watching a concert or wrestling tournament live and seeing them on TV as comparison. It was different, right? It was the same for attending classes, everyone handled things differently, listening to the teachers, making your own opinion, what you find important, what not, what you remember, what marks you, what you pick up, what you don't, how... and however reluctantly, she understood his arguments, even if that didn't mean she accepted them.

In the hallway of Meiou High, the names of the twenty students who had come on top during the most recent exams were placated in large letters on a board. Having your name among those was a sign of distinction. The pupils were voicing their amazement that Minamino had ranked first this time again. How many times in a row did that make?! And Katsuyama had made it to the top ten even though she had just transferred!

"Too bad, huh, Kaito? But don't let it bother you. Being second in your school year is quite admirable!" A teacher 'comforted' the young man with black hair, small eyes, glasses and freckles, not-so-nice features and haughty, displeased expression. Somehow, he looked the very picture of an intellectual snob.

"It doesn't bother me at all. There's more to life than studies after all. Besides..." He coolly replied. However, that sounded as if he was just trying to keep up appearances. Certainly, he was actually very bothered...

"Mmh?"

"No, it's nothing." He turned heels and walked away. Besides, someday, I'll teach you a lesson, Minamino...! He saw Minamino and Katsuyama walking his way. They passed him without a single look. They passed the board without looking either and kept walking back to class like they owned the place. Suddenly, groupies came and shoved Akari who tried to sneak away (as to teach that damn fox a lesson that she won't let things go according to his will so easily)... in vain as he caught the back of her collar and held her like a kitten... and she meowed innocently and rubbed her head with her paw-like hands. The deeper they had walked into the school, the more irritated he had felt her become. With their shrilly voices, the fangirls simpered praises on him for having ranked first again but as he didn't seem to care, they told him he should rejoice more. He was being so apathetic. He said he was happy. One of the girls touched her cheeks and coyly and openly flirtatiously admitted liking his coolness. He started excusing himself but then someone came, telling Minamino the teachers wanted to speak with him. Shuichi told the girls to keep watch on Akari until he came back and make sure she didn't escape. He let Akari go and left.

And indeed they instantly surrounded Katsuyama and held her securely. They said to count on them, however, as soon as he was out of earshot, they called the pink-haired one a witch who must have used her powers to trick Minamino-kun or there was no way he'd fall for a rude, arrogant, violent and evil girl like her. She had to be threatening him! And she kept escaping only because she wanted him to go after her! She should stop bothering him! Akari sighed. How troublesome... Well, it was only recently they had started pestering her this much. Before that they were too scared to defy her to this extent but since she had started going out with Kurama the sharp aura around her had become a lot softer. That was why they had gotten ahead of themselves and imagined they could do and say whatever they pleased. Akari had never felt the need to humor them until now, but maybe she should put them back into place, once.

"Do you really believe he's such a hollow and spineless man that he can't decide things for himself and he'd become anyone's yes-man? Do you think so little of him? I escape because I genuinely dislike studying, and he comes after me because he's my appointed babysitter and because that's something he wants and has decided to do. All I hear from you is just the howling of losers. You're just taking on me your frustration at not having been chosen, not even aware of how unsightly you're being. You're right, I'm not a good person, far from that. But I'm a great woman, and that's why he has chosen me. It's as simple as that. If you don't like that, you just have to keep trying to steal a march, but the second you leave me to go after him, I'll escape, and he'll have to go after me again. But well, it's not like half-assed lily-livers who only care about appearances and whose only weapon is insubstantial flattery could be any threat. Minamino knows all about me. And despite my personality, he accepts me entirely and loves me the way I am. It's hard to think of anyone besides him who could do that. And I am the only one who can properly appreciate that side of him and everything he hides from everyone here. When I like someone, I'm more than willing to risk my life, my soul, everything for them. Do you have that sort of resolution? If you don't, stick to your own studies like good little girls and don't make me too mad... I'm not very patient either..." She warned them. She was smiling but it was a blood-curdling smile. Struck with terror, they let go and recoiled. And those disdainful eyes full of absolute confidence... more than fear, they were made to see the sheer strength and depth of her convictions, of her feelings, the overwhelming gap between them in their quality as humans and as women. Free, Akari caught two makai bugs on two of the groupies' shoulders. Of course she had moved too fast for them to see anything. She walked away, the girls fearfully moving out of her path. After a time, one had the courage to ask her where she was going. "To my boyfriend, meow!" Katsuyama smiled sweetly and made the cat again, shaping her hands like paws. She walked to where she felt Kurama's presence and waited for him. He was surprised to see her here. "Is there something wrong for a girl to wait for her boyfriend?" She asked adorably. "Or so I'd like to say, but we have a problem..." She had turned grave and serious. The kitsune followed her without question. She showed him her findings, which he recognized instantly. "It's good they haven't infested anyone yet but that was close. Things could get troublesome..." She glared outside. Just what was happening here?!

Instead of eating, Kuwabara was wistfully gazing out the window. His three cronies were wondering what was wrong with him. Anyway, guys from other schools hadn't been coming around to pick fights lately so it was peaceful. One suggested going all out and bringing the whole area under their control. He called them idiots and told them not to pull any cheap stunt where they'd be the ones starting. It was fine if things were peaceful, right? He walked to the open window and leant on the sill. His friends wouldn't know of it but lately he'd had his fair share of fighting and life-threatening situations. But that wasn't the only reason... maybe he had been dumped by a girl again? And indeed, their boss was thinking about Yukina-chan. Even though they had been separated once more, he had faith that one day, they would meet again, and until then, he would improve as a man. But while he was lost in thought, a bored Yusuke came to stick his fingers up his butt and tease him. He had finished early and wanted to know if there were some leftovers he could eat. However, Kuwabara had nothing to give HIM to eat so he should beat it. Urameshi got angry that the guy whose life he always saved would dare talk back to him. This gave rise to another fight. But somehow it was to the point that it was hard to tell whether they got along or not. Surely in a previous life they were an always argueing married couple!

Suddenly, Botan in school uniform popped up behind the trio, wondering who was the wife and who was the husband. They tried imagining Kuwabara as a housewife in a pink apron, and Urameshi as a plump salary man reading the newspaper... then Urameshi as a mother walking her baby in the park together with her hubby Kuwa. But both pictures were too digusting to bear. Well, both men had a similar relationship with Akari so maybe... no! It was impossible! However you looked at it, it was a master/dog relation! They were both Akari's dogs grovelling before her! And then Botan kept it to herself of course but even THAT Akari was just a tame cat on Kurama's lap, and he had even managed to properly put a collar on her, still the cat ears and tail and fangs suited her so well... although from an outsider's point of view they might appear like a difficult and self-centered princess and her knight/servant... Anyway, as the two were still fighting, the ferry girl intervened to stop them. Yusuke noted she had yet again snuck into his school with that uniform.

"If you've got any nonsense for me to do, I'll pass. Let him do it." Yusuke pointed at carrot top with his thumb. Kazuma protested saying he had nothing to do with it... and both guys were chewed out by Takenaka-sensei as the bell had rang a long time ago. All the class was staring at them. Kirishima, Sawamura, and Okubo, who had also just noticed, hurried to put their desks and chairs back at their correct places. And Urameshi was in the class next door! His arms behind his head, Yusuke walked out. Botan was held back as the teacher didn't recognize her. Was she a transfer student? What class? The blue-haired girl touched her cheek saying he needn't concern herself with her as she was just passing by. And she giggled and left too, ignoring his protests. In the hallway, she told Yusuke that since the talks would take a while, she'd come back after school. And she flew away on her oar. Not like the boy looked very motivated to say the least...

And a few hours later, class finished. Yusuke was the only one left in the classroom. A leg on the desk behind him, he was looking outside lethargically. And since he felt so sluggish, he decided to go home. As he came out, Keiko called him. She had Puu-chan in her arms. He can't very well forget him, right? He told her to keep it 'cause he'd stand out if he carried that thing around, and of course he didn't want that. But Yusuke and Puu-chan were alter egos, right? So he had to keep him! And Keiko tied the plump blue chick to Urameshi's school bag... exactly like a stuffed animal, and much to the delinquent's displeasure... who still had no choice but to accept as he couldn't go against his lovely childhood friend. Keiko started leaving before turning around and worriedly asking Yusuke to be careful.

"What's that for?! I'm not a kid! You think I'm going to get hit by a car or something?!"

"You DID get hit by a car, once!" She reminded him. The little kid almost fell.

"Ah! I just can't put up with you!" He marched away. She had got him, although he had been the cause of his own downfall. Keiko kept watching him with genuine concern. It was sunset.

Three young men arrived at the gate of Sarayashiki Middle School. Two of them were those who had been watching Urameshi this morning. And the other... was wearing the Meiou High uniform. They were chuckling evily, saying it was time.

Kuwabara caught up with Yusuke in the yard. He was wondering about the new orders from Koenma but Urameshi didn't know. Botan had only told him she'd come back after school.

"It'll be bad if you don't wait for her then, won't it?"

"It's alright. Today, I pass, I pass."

"You pass? Are you not feeling okay?" The tallest punk questioned. When Yusuke replied that he felt sluggish, he thought maybe he had lost his spiritual power after the fight against Toguro.

"It's not that. It could be that as I used up my emotional strength, though. You could say that I'm feeling the emptiness of those who had reached their peak experience." He spoke with the coolness and arrogance of a teen multi gold medallist on the day of his retirement after he had defeated every single strong people in the universe. So it was only natural that Kuwabara couldn't take it lying down and elbowed him hard on the head, asking if he had felt that. That was his punishment for getting too full of himself. Kazuma was much worse off as he had lost his spiritual power. He was thinking it could be a side effect of the Sword of Trial he had got from Suzuki and that he should consult with Genkai-baa-san. However, they stopped when they saw the three waiting at the gate.

"Urameshi Yusuke-san, right? Could we... have a word with you?" The blonde one menacingly invited.

"What's this? You've got nothing to say to this Kuwabara Kazuma?" The Man threatened back, not really appreaciating being ignored like this. His friend put his arm before and told him to contain himself, clearly intending to settle the matter alone and glad to be able to have an ordinary fight after so long. As the one being called out, he should answer properly. And now he had found an excuse to skip out. So he told Kuwa to go listen to Botan in his stead. Kuwa who called him an impossible bastard for fighting against ordinary humans given how strong he had become...

The four moved to the vacant lot behind the school. He warned Puu to make sure he didn't puu or the others would notice he was a leaving creature, and that'd cause trouble since there wasn't any animal like him. He also told the trio to come at him 3-on-1, he was going to beat them with one hand. However, only the blonde man came, saying he would be enough.

And hearing what had happened, Botan flew off the handle. That guy had no sense of responsibility! Now he had probably pounded his opponent and gone off somewhere. And left with no other choice, Botan decided to settle for Kuwa-chan, making him snap. First he was ignored by those guys and now she was treating him like a third-rater?! She apologised and informed him that although Koenma-sama didn't know why yet, folks with strange powers where showing up all over. And they were not youkai. They were all humans!

Yusuke knocked the blondie down with a punch and looked down on him. He stood up, but strangely, he and his comrades were smirking. He lunged, and after missing a few times, Urameshi's punch hit him in the guts, knocking the wind out of him and making him fall on his knees, clutching his belly. Urameshi lorded it over him and told the three of them to come at him together.

"He's really strong after all." The Meiou High student – Kaitou Yuu – admitted.

"Kido, it's about time you got serious!" The blue broomhead – Yanagisawa 'Yana' Mitsunari – complained.

"You're right. I ought to settle this before the sun does down." Kido replied.

"Why you... quit your bluffing already or I'll beat you to death, you bastard!" Yusuke threatened through gritted teeth. He had defeated Toguro and he was being belittled to this extent by measly humans...

"Urameshi-san, you better let that strange creature go. I would feel sorry if he was to get caught in the middle of this." Blond boy advised with still an air of menace. The detective frowned and obeyed. So he knew that the thing at his bag wasn't a plush toy... And usually, the ones who knew about Puu and wanted a piece of him were demons...

"Who the hell are you?"

"Kido Asato, third-year middle. A bona fide human... though not quite the normal variety." He spread his arms and suddenly, Urameshi felt something strange, as if he had been engulfed in a weird space.

"Urameshi-san, welcome to my Territory." Asato said, stepping on his opponent's shadow. "You're free to fight back like you mean it. It's pointless, you see..." And indeed, even though Yusuke was struggling, he was unable to move. And watching what was happening, Puu flew away in fear.

Botan and Kazuma came out of the classroom only to hear a racket down the hallway coming towards them like a herd of bulls... although it was just a pack of students running after Puu-chan. He flew to Botan's arms and puued urgently. The pupils and teacher asked Kuwabara-kun what that thing was... was it alive. He badly lied about it being a remote-controlled toy but as his lie didn't work he successfully scared them away using his delinquent technique. Once back inside the class, he asked 'Puusuke' what was wrong. The beast puued again, sounding very distressed. Botan told him to calm down, but well, even if he spoke calmy, there was no way humans would understand. So the creature took a piece of chalk in its beak and wrote on the black board... 'YUSUKE ABDUCTED'. But of course they didn't believe it. That was ridiculous. He may abduct others, but not get abducted. He was too strong for that. However, since Puu was so insistent, they agreed to take a look.

They went to the vacant lot and saw Yusuke's back with a note held down by a rock so it wouldn't get blown by the wind. Botan took the note and read it: We'll be waiting at the Youjigen Mansion in the Rokurokubi block tonight at 11 o' clock. Bring as many others as you like, however, make sure that Kuwabara, Hiei, Kurama, and Akari come. If these conditions are not observed, we cannot guarantee Urameshi's life. So Urameshi had really been abducted?! How could it be?!