Chapter one finally(or two, if you count the Prologue :3). Sorry it took so long, and thanks to those who reviewed! I've finally got the little quirks and the plot completely planned out so the chapters should be coming a bit faster now. Sorry this is so long, but there's alot of things that need to be set up for AU's. ;P

Enjoy!


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Chapter One - Cries of the Unknown

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"Botan, wait, where're we going?"

"Oh don't be so loud Keiko or we'll get caught! I just need to show you something."

Keiko did not like where this was going. It wasn't safe for them to be out so far from home, even this early in the day. She trusted her friend, it was the local youkai that she was uneasy with.

Botan knew what she was doing though; she was very air-headed at times, but could also be resourceful when the time called for it. Keiko swore that the girl had at least one demon relative or some other supernatural being in her bloodline, because normal humans didn't have light blue hair or eyes the color of pink roses.

She gave Keiko a light tug on her wrist as they hid themselves in the thick undergrowth. Grass pricked at her stomach and legs. "What am I supposed to be looking at?" Keiko asked. All she could make out were endless rows of dense trees and bushes.

"You don't see it?"

"Um, no?"

"I think that's 'cause you're in the wrong spot. Look over here."

She scooted closer, peering through the weeds and trying not to completely squish Botan. After brushing a few sticks and leaves out of her way, she could see the outline of a large fortress looming in the distance, about a mile or so downhill. It appeared to be made of stone, and covered in vines and overgrown trees, making it mostly hidden. If Botan hadn't pointed it out then she never would have noticed it there at all.

"What is it?"

"I dunno, but it sure is eerie..."

Keiko nodded, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear. "How did you even find it? Don't tell me you went sneaking around down there because you were curious."

"Of course not!" Botan held up her hands in defense, grinning like a guilty cat. "I'm not that crazy, sheesh." Actually she'd found it after getting lost in the woods a while back, but Keiko didn't have to hear that.

Keiko gave her a look. She knew her friend better than that; she remembered being dragged along Botan's little 'adventures' back when they were kids. Like the time they explored what was thought to be a large fox den -- when it was actually the home of a rather grumpy raccoon youkai. She still had nightmares about that incident sometimes.

"For the past few weeks I've been hearing strange noises coming from down there." Botan said, nodding her head towards the fortress.

"Like what kinds of noises?" It could have been anything; youkai made all kinds of sounds; howls and shrieks echoing in the dead of night, like a chorus of weeping banshees. They gave the local humans chills, like the ones that were creeping along Keiko's skin now. They really shouldn't be out here alone.

"It's hard to tell, you know, but..I think it was a girl screaming."

"Youkai scream all the time Botan."

"Yeah I know, but this sounds just like one of us. Exactly like a human, I'm not kidding. It's really unnerving." Botan's eyes misted over just from thinking about it.

Keiko frowned. "Has anyone in the village went missing?"

"I don't think so."

They gazed at the castle for a moment, grim thoughts settling over their heads. If no one was missing from home, then who could the girl be? Probably not a wise idea to find out.

"We need to do something about it." Keiko murmured suddenly. "But how can we? It's too dangerous. We don't know who it is, and we don't know if they're even human or not. I mean.."

"Yeah." Botan sighed. "But I can't imagine what they're doing to the poor girl for her to be screaming like that..what if that was you or me down there?"

"We'd wish someone would come save us."

"Bingo."

Keiko narrowed her eyes and glared downhill. She hated the thought of letting someone waste away behind those foreboding walls, but two human girls could barely rescue the women from an unknown number of hostile demons, which no doubt lurked just beyond the trees.

"Lets go home and talk to Shuichi about it. Maybe he knows something." Keiko said, rustling leaves as she sat up from a laying position. "And besides, I'm ready to get out of here before a spider crawls up my kimono."

They trekked back to their village, tip-toeing under the forest and ducking behind large boulders, not saying a word to one another; dreaming of what life would be like if taking a walk didn't have a risk of death.

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Yusuke wondered how someone so short could be so intimidating.

It was kind of funny really. He was at least two and a half feet taller then the fire demon, but Hiei stood with such an air of power and angry impatience that it sent even giant youkai running for cover. Yusuke was pretty darn scary himself, but for some reason he didn't shake people up as much as his friend, er, ally did.

"What'cha need Hiei?" Yusuke pipqued casually.

Hiei's glares were like the look of an alpha wolf; intense, brooding, and sometimes malevolent. But now he regarded Yusuke with a quiet seriousness."Why haven't you informed me about last night's raid? If your usefulness runs out I won't hesitate in kicking your ass out of here and our deal will be nul-in void."

Yusuke waved the threat away. "I think you've got that bandanna wrapped around your head too tight, you need to relax, geez. I'll have you know we found nothing interesting, just a bunch of defenseless humans, the usual. I didn't bother telling you 'cause I didn't think it was important."

Hiei's eyes narrowed. "Well, it is, so don't forget next time, idiot."

Yusuke resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at him. The whole reason he left was to travel with the demon and get away from people constantly telling him what do to; but here he was, getting bossed around again like a dog.

But at least here he was getting bitched at by different kind of youkai, not his drunk of a mother or the group of know-it-all Mazoku that he dealt with back home.

"Hey, where're we off to tomorrow?" Yusuke asked, absentmindedly running a hand through his mass of black hair.

Hiei ignored him as he got out his katana and examined a nick on the blade's edge."To the west." he answered after a moment.

"What's out west?"

"I don't know. But we've checked everywhere else in this region, that's the only place left. She's got to be there."

Yusuke raised his eyebrows. "Yeah..about that..who is this chick anyway? We've been searching for her for months, but you have yet to tell me who the hell she is." She had to be something special, because mystery girl was the only person Hiei seemed to care about, while everyone else could just jump off a cliff. But what did he know? He'd traveled with the guy for almost a year now, but he still knew relatively nothing about him. Hiei was one complicated little sociopath.

"None of your business."

"Eh, whatever." Yusuke grumbled, leaning back against the wall. He should have expected that answer, but it was worth the try. In the end he would find out about her whenever they found her, so it was inevitable.

After a minute of silence Hiei looked up from his katana, gazing ahead at nothing; his lips turning upwards into a slight smile. "I can't wait to slice them into mere ribbons, and then burn the remains down to the ground. There won't be a single thing left when I get ahold of those fools."

..O-kay..Yusuke laughed nervously. Thus ended sharing time with Hiei, he was better off if he didn't ask about his issues. "You know I'm glad you don't talk much. I don't even wanna know what goes through your head half the time."

The fire demon didn't utter a word in response, only continued to scowl at the wall as his eyes grew distant.

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"Shuichi-san!"

Hearing his name called, the redhead turned around to see two familiar figures jogging towards him from the woods; one had a bouncing blue ponytail, the other wearing an indigo colored kimono. "What on earth were you two doing out there?"

They ran up and stopped in front of him, panting as if they'd just sprinted for miles. Botan rested her hands on her knees. "Oh..I had to show Keiko what I found the other day, no big deal."

Shuichi Minamino regarded them with a cool look, waves of crimson locks framing his delicate face. His features were borderline androgynous, yet he had a startling look of beauty in his expression, which now seemed displeased with the nervous girls. "I really don't think it's wise for either of you to be out there, though. It's not such a good idea."

Keiko nodded. "Yeah, but-"

"Did you know there was a castle down there?" Botan perked, side-stepping his comment.

"Where?"

"That way" she pointed behind her, "Down the big hill at the edge of the forest. It gives me the creeps, let me tell you. But I didn't think Keiko would believe me so I had to show her."

"Hey! I would have so believed you, and it would've saved us a trip-"

Shuichi thought for a moment. "That's not good. It's a demon lair most likely, I didn't think there was one around here. We need to let everyone know and tell them to keep their guard up, just in case."

Keiko bit her lip. So nobody had gone missing, otherwise he would know. Shuichi's cleverness and knowledge on youkai had saved their home dozens of times, and the villagers were thankful for it.

"I think it's too late for that." Botan frowned, telling him about the noises she'd heard coming from the forest.

"Is there anything we can do?" Keiko asked.

Those girls worried about everyone but themselves. The redhead sighed, a smile grazing his lips. "It's starting to get dark out, lets go inside first."

They passed the modest wooden houses that were tightly packed together in some areas. Even if the their village was mildly poor, as most were, the people made the best of it -- and the bright, newly planted flowers in the gardens reflected that.

Keiko and Botan strolled into their small home with Shuichi trailing behind them. The two girls sat down on their individual futons as he slid the door and windows shut, just as the last light of day faded into the distance.

Shuichi glanced at his mother, who was currently sleeping in the corner of the room. Shiori worked hard during the day and was part of the reason they even had a place to live. Affection swelled in his heart at the thought of her; she was the kindest person he had ever known.

Keiko twirled her brown hair around her finger, keeping her eyes everywhere but looking towards the windows, trying to keep her thoughts away from the oncoming darkness. The sun was not their protection, but it was a vision of hope. Nothing was fair..she only wanted to live in peace.

"So.." Shuichi whispered, sitting down under the window, "What's this business about doing something about the screaming?"

"Me and Botan were thinking about trying to get her out of there."

He raised an eyebrow. "How? No offense, but there isn't much you can do. Keiko-san, you can pack a punch, but-"

"And I've got an oar!" Botan grinned.

"Yes well, neither of those things do much against demons."

"Actually," Keiko argued, "I was thinking..if we got enough people to go storm the place, then that should do some damage. I mean, we don't even know if demons actually live there or not. If it's abunch of rich humans, then.."

"There isn't such a thing as rich humans these days.." Botan grumbled. "But, I agree with Keiko, I think it's an excellent idea! Lets start a riot and rescue that poor girl."

"I don't know of many who would want to risk their life for someone they don't know, and in such a foggy situation, it's pretty unrealistic." Shuichi pointed out.

"Kuwabara would help us." Keiko said, "his honor code wouldn't allow anything else."

Botan giggled. "Ohhh, so you're saying we take advantage of poor Kuwabara's chivalry?"

"No! No, I didn't mean it like that. It's just, y'know, he'd help us. That's one person guaranteed."

"A few of us against how many?" Shuichi asked, tapping a finger against his cheek. He hated to rain on their rescue parade, but he did not want to see either of them injured, or worse. The death of Keiko's parents left her and Botan without any protection, so he felt compelled to step in and help out; needless to say, he'd become fond of the two girls after living with them for the past few months.

"Um..." Botan trailed off. "Well.."

"I have no idea. She doesn't either." Keiko told him bluntly.

"Eheh, that's true."

Shuichi just looked at them. "It's entirely impossible, I'm sorry. We don't need more loss of life on top of everything else that's happened this year."

Keiko knew what he was referring too. She dropped her gaze to the floor.

"Aww, you can't bare to lose us. I didn't know that you cared about us that much Shuichi! Keiko an I are flattered, aren't we Keiko?"

"Yeah." Keiko murmered.

Her tone caught the bluette's attention. "What's wrong?" she asked, concern laced in her voice.

Keiko looked up briefly and her brown eyes caught Shuichi's green ones. A look of understanding passed between them; he'd come close to losing his mother to a hungry youkai once, though he was able to save her in the end; Keiko hadn't been so lucky with her parents.

"I still think it's worth a try, irrational as it is." Keiko whispered, giving him a tired smile. "Maybe the castle's abandoned and she's hiding there, injured or something."

"It's a possibility..but really, whatever the reason is, I'd stay away from there. Not all youkai are blundering, stupid monsters. Some are smarter and more cunning than you think, trust me." They could very well be walking into a trap if they decided to investigate the situation.

Botan wondered how he knew this for sure, but didn't comment on it. "I guess you're right..." she said. "It's for the best that we ignored the issue for now."

Her friend looked at her strangely. "It is?"

The bluette nudged her lightly in the side. Keiko sent her a scowl, but kept quiet.

"All this talk of rescue missions is making me tired." Botan said suddenly. "Is it getting to you too Keiko?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"I'm going to bed, I think you should too." she smiled. "And you too Shuichi. We've gotta get up bright and early, as always."

The boy gazed at them with a suspicious glint in his eye. "Yeah..sounds like a good plan."

Botan slid up off the floor, and moved to her own corner of the room, laying down on the lumpy futon. "G'night, everyone!"

Shuichi and Keiko were left staring at her, slightly confused about her abrupt end to the conversation. They looked at each other and shrugged.

He smiled politely, and eased himself off the floor. "Goodnight Keiko-san."

"Night." She replied, laying down on her own futon. A few seconds later she heard the other room's shoji screen shut quietly.

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She laid there, blinking up at the ceiling without an ounce of drowsiness. She turned on one side, then the other. She really wasn't that sleepy. It was hard to relax her body knowing what was lurking outside, and the absence of her parents bothered her, even though she was well over the immediate shock of it all. Sometimes, when she was still drowsy with dreams, she would wake and look for them, coming to her senses when she recognized the figures of Shiori and Botan.

"We don't need more loss of life on top of everything else that's happened this year."

She missed her mom and dad terribly.

She rolled onto her back, her short brown hair fanning out behind her head. The room was so dark that it was like looking into a black hole; it didn't make a difference whether her eyes were open or closed.

"Psst."

She heard what sounded like moving of covers. "I'm going out. Wait up for me, alright?" Botan's voice whispered in the blackness.

Keiko sat up, wide eyed. "What're you talking about?"

"The girl. The only time I saw her was at night. I've got a good chance now."

"As in tonight? Are you crazy?!" She'd never been out this late. Ever. And Botan hadn't either, as far as she knew. Keiko had come close a couple of times, but she'd managed to get inside before the moon could finally show its face. Going out now was almost a deathwish. People committed suicide that way, people were dragged from their homes, but they never went into the darkness intentionally, expecting to come back alive.

"Listen, I know it sounds insane, but you have to trust me. I wouldn't drag you into this otherwise, but I need you stay up and wait for me. Unlock the door when I come back. And nobody else can know. I've got to go down there and see what I can find."

Keiko's head was reeling, her palms sweating from the thought of Botan doing such a thing. "Wait a minute, you saw the girl? You didn't tell me that!"

"I know, but-"

"Botan-"

"It's important, I have to."

Keiko buried her face in her hands. "I don't even know what you're talking about. You can't go there now!"

It was silent for a moment, until she felt the girl move, and saw a shadow hovering above her. "Please?" Botan whispered.

The brunette sighed loudly. There was no stopping her friend. "Ugh, I'm not letting you do this alone."

She let out a faint, happy squeak. "Oh I knew you would come through for me Keiko! That's the spirit!"

"No, I mean, I'm going with you." Her heart hammered at the her own words.

"You can't!" Botan protested, voice rising a pitch. She couldn't stand the thought of putting her friend in danger. "I have to do this. You don't, there's no need-"

"Either I go with you, or you don't go at all. That's your choice." she warned firmly, her decision set in stone.

"Keiko!"

"I'm serious."

Keiko ignored the logic that was screaming at her to stop, and lifted herself from the floor, her limbs beginning to shake. Yet her voice was strong. "I'm not letting you go out there by yourself. I wish you wouldn't at all, but..I don't understand why this is so important to begin with. I want to save a fellow human being too, you know, but there's no sense in going out right now, when they're at their worst."

"Then why are you coming?" she pressed.

"Because I don't want to lose anyone else to those monsters."

One fact hung unspoken in the air. There was nothing she could do if they were caught in a dangerous scenario. There wasn't anything either of them could do to save each other. They would be defenseless, blind humans lost in the dark.

Botan let out a loud sigh. "Fine. You win. You're too stubborn to argue with. But listen, if anything happens, you have to run back here. Don't wait or get yourself killed trying to save me."

Keiko made a murmur in agreement, but silently rebelled against that idea. She would not do something like that, leave a friend behind, and they both knew it.

"How're we going to get back in? We can't leave the door unlocked." she added.

"We'll figure it out later. I've got an idea."

They slipped through the door without a word, making sure to lock it tight behind them. Keiko couldn't shake the feeling of being barred from the only place of safety and cast out into a nightmare. Adrenaline poured into her veins as she fought the urge to cry.

They stood outside the house for what seemed like forever. The Makai skyline was a deep purple color at night, the moon the sole source of light, shining like a beacon; potentially leading them to their destination, or showing the demon population were their next meal was hiding.

Botan pulled a medium sized katana from her kimono and handed it to Keiko. "I'm guessing you're not sure how to use that, and I don't really know either..soo..I guess you start slashing when something starts um. Attacking. If anything does." Which something probably would.

Keiko nodded and took the sword, gripping it against her chest. Botan pulled out a smaller blade, unhooking it from the sheath at her leg. Keiko watched wide eyed as she did this; she had no idea Botan owned any weapons. Things were getting weirder and weirder, and she hoped the bluette would explain things when it was all over.

"You ready?"

Keiko tried to regain her composure that was slowly slipping away at every pounding heartbeat. "Yeah." She said shakily.

Botan smiled gently at her. "It's okay, I'm scared too. You can go back, you don't have to do this."

She nodded. "I know."

She concentrated on rescuing the girl who was probably stuck in terror all the time. Botan obviously knew more about it then she did, but that meant the girl wasn't a youkai, she was sad and lost. Feeling anxiety more intense by a thousand times then what Keiko was experiencing right now.

The girls stormed foreword off the porch, not bothering to look back. Botan's katana glinted in the moonlight and Keiko unsheathed hers, grasping the blade like it was her last lifeline. Botan led the way, and they moved as shadows through the clearing of the village, past the haggled tree and into the forest.

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Yeah I know, weird, but things will be clarified in the next chapter. There's also a reason for Kurama's going by his human name, but that'll change later also. Again, I'm just setting up the storyline, it'll get better, promise!

Thanks for reading! ;3