A Month With Suichi Minamino
By Payne N. Uranus
.:AN:.
"I had this scene in my mind ever since I started thinking about how I was going to write this story. It stood out in my mind so vividly that I couldn't think of any other way to write this. Hopefully this helps others understand what Mitsuyo is going through, being a complete danger and such to everyone around her…"
This was what I wrote when I first typed this chapter, and although it's true, I want to add some things. Like a warning: for those that don't much care for very explicit romance moments, you may want to tread carefully when reading this chapter. I really don't know how I wrote this without barfing or anything (in case you haven't noticed, I don't much care for mush-gushy romance scenes…), but I did, so be proud. And I repeated this at the end of the chapter, so go ahead and tell me if you agree with me or not. Not to mention tell me how I did!
Anyways, here are my comments to the reviews I received from my last amazing chapter:
Death101- Fox Version: Haha, what's not good? The chapter, or what happened in the chapter? =D You can be honest with me, I can take it...
miho: Are you trying to tell me something...?
Blehh: (tsks with finger) No more being on the computer while you're sugar-high. It's bad for your colon...and my brain. Happy Birthday! Well, I'd dedicate this chapter to you, deary, but I don't think you'll like it. If you do, just say so, and I'll go back and put in big bold letters, DEDICATED TO BLEHH FOR HER BIRTHDAY! Really, just say the word.
Yumehi: Oooh...well, here's the chapter! (holds it out in front of self) Now just take it--mind the fingers--and run along now! Just kidding, thank you for reviewing, and please, don't stop reading!...Unless the story's over, then, yes, go ahead and stop reading...
Elanor-Nae-of-Rivendell: Uh...yes...um...I've got a question? How is it that you've managed to surpass modern science where you can now speak without the use of lungs or oxygen? Aw, I'm joking! Really, though, here's the update. Now pay me, for I made your day just a tad less boring (I hope...)
ShadeSpirit: Well, await no more, beloved reader, for it is I, Payne N. Uranus, Ruler of all monkey business and procrastination ploys, with another chapter at hand! Read, be free, and be merry, you jolly old folk!
PervyMonk: I'm glad(...ey?)! And no, have not heard of the band of which you speak. Am feeling stupid. Oh, I recently heard this song by Simple Plan called Perfect. I love that song, and I've realized that's been out for quite a while now! Am really feeling stupid (thumps self on head). And...(tsk) you're mighty luckly Ol' Conscience wasn't there to hear/read your comments, or it might be a mite angry witcha. Perfect for Halloween season, eh...? Booga Wooga! No, don't ask...
psycogirl234: Well, I updated (stares blankly) Now what?
Cricket: Ah, this is actually one of my rare, all-the-way-through serious chapters. Well, it's rare in this story, but that's beside the point... I hope you enjoy!
Yukino Amida: Smurgf, (the 'g' was intentional) thank you! And, no, the "smurgf" does not mean anything in particular. I'd delete it, but it's kinda fun to look at. That's all. =D
Someone: Chapter chapter chapter posted! You are welcome, and thank you for reviewing! (p.s. I love your name, beautiful, really. And very original!)
OneOutOfControlChick: Oh, you'll be happy to know I don't have the flu anymore (everyone cheers). Heh, nope, I got pneumonia now! Seriously, I do, only it's in my right lung. We caught it early. You know what sucks about coughing every friggin time to try to talk? Apparently it's possible to break a rib while coughing. Dearl lord. I tried asking the doctors to put me down, but they just laughed! I'M NOT JOKING, YOU NIMRODS, THIS IS KILLING ME!...and about the TV thing...hehhehheh, have fun in school! (goes back to watching movies, sipping tea, and eating chicken noodle soup)
Basic Imperfection: (Conscience and Payne share a look) Sure ya did... and I hope you don't mind this chapter too much. As I said WAY to many times before, it's kinda gushy and depressing...but the beginning's cool (I added it in last second on a whim...).
bookworm0492: (winces) Maybe I shouldn't have suggested Pam... thanks for reviewing...once...more...(drifts off and simply watches Kurama chase bookworm0492 around with Pam)
YamiKitsuneKami: Well, here's another update from you-know-who. Okay, so, not really the real You-Know-Who with the evil dark thingies with the spooky smoke and the killer spell things, but You-Know-Who as in you want to know because he/she is such a knowable person...(sighs) nevermind. I updated. Guess Who? I da who...
Lucifer001: (shrugs) It's a talent (glare from Conscience)...that I stole...(another glare)...and have yet to give back. (glare with fire effects) What? Einstein's dead, damn it, he doesn't need it anymore! I don't have to give it back, so there! Besides, at least I'm not making bombs that make the world go "boom". My gosh, you need to be more optomistic...(no one laughs) AH! SOMEONE STOLE MY TALENT! I'M GONNA DIE! (Conscience: Well, at least that person gets to keep your talent.) NNNNNOOOOOOOOO!
Kurama's number1 girl: Oh, you betcha. I'm gonna keep it up so long, it'll meld with the sky...um...wait a sec...is that even pssible? Well, it is now, because I said so.
Kajihenge Yoko: This story's my sunshine! My only sunshine! It makes me happy! When everything else is boring and dull! You'll always know, story! How much I love you. Please, don't make this sunshine end...well, if you have to, okay, but at least make it happy!
Kuramafan-06: #1) Is that a multiple choice question? If it is, I say dirt. If it isn't, I don't know the answer.
#2) Uh...yes?
#3) That's a hard one... when he SHEEPISHLY farts and says "That was a baa-ad one"?
#4) The answer's potato. That's wrong? Funny, it was right the last time...
#5) Because it's in the script. DUH!
#6) How else are bady guys created? You can't attack someone you owe your life to...
#7) Because "unhappy" is not "outhappy" lol Unless you messed up, I didn't get the joke...
#8) Because his hair is...and everyone knows that if you don't put gel or dirt in your hair, you're a softie...
#9) Because the person that named the object jynxed it, and forgot to knock on wood.
#10) I don't quite know, maybe you're just a very inquinsitive person (o.O)
#11) Because in their hearts, they know the good guys have to win, so they try to redeem themselves by praying to the good and holy people the good guys are in hopes of having mercy when they're sent to hell. Besides, they don't got nothing else do to before they die... 'cause they sure as hell can't escape or win the damn fight.
#12) I don't know, but in Kurama's case, he's a very polite guy and doesn't interrupt people when they're talking (even if it means dying because of it...)
#13) Because they're "bad guys" Bad guys use bad methods created by their bad brains.
#14) If they do, screw heaven, I'm diving into pools of fire! I LOVE COOKIES!
Finally! Someone noticed Hiei's gone!...well, someone else did (am too lazy to find out exactly who), but you finally actually said it without me prompting you! Either people don't much like Hiei or they're too infactuated with Mitsuyo and Kurama...Ugh, Kurama fans...Oh wait. I'm one. Never mind! But I ain't gonna answer. It'll be in the next chapter, just you wait!
XNabaki-ChanX: Aw...(sniffs) so polite and sweet...(ahem) But, uh...you've got a spot of brown on your nose...lol, I'm SO just kidding. Thanks for the compliments and the review. I love you! (rhymes, everyone RHYMES!)
sandry stardiamond: I'm sorry it took so long to pick up, I always seem to have stories that start off slow, but I guess it's my writing nature. I appreciate the condolences, but I don't have the flu anymore! I've got pneumonia now! Isn't that dandy? I'd give you the details, but I'd rather not bore you to death. Enjoy the chapter as much as you can! Don't throw up! I'm not redeeming nothing!
EvilGenius Koji: "I...Want...More...Please...Heh...heh..." (thinks quietly) What does "I...Want...More...Please...Heh...heh..." mean? Hm...(lightbulb) I GET IT! AHA! Okay, here you go, have a nice day, promise not to take too long updating next time (coughnotreallycoughcough)
I am aware of the fact that some authors include disclaimers in their stories, and that I don't, reason being that it should be painfully obvious (at least for me) that I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. However, it may not be as painfully obvious (once more, for me only) that I don't own the song "How Does It Feel" by Avril Lavigne. So therefore I must say outright—I DON'T OWN "How Does It Feel" BY AVRIL LAVIGNE! There I said it.
In case anyone is wondering, Conscience was so disgusted by this chapter's cheesiness that it had to go to the bathroom. For...a long time. It'll be back next time. =D
And now, without further ado… my wonderful chapter.
Chapter 13: Different
Darkness flooded the room, the only light coming from the large basin of water at the foot of the large throne, where a young man shrouded in shadows sat quietly. The man was very clean cut, looking as though he was in his early twenties; he was dressed in what could pass as a basic black and white tuxedo, only with a dark hood and cape combination hanging off his shoulders. With his dirty blonde hair combed back, his legs crossed, hands folded together and settled in his lap, it gave him a very dashing look. Misty gray eyes shone from behind charming glass frames as they stared down into the basin, for there was something more interesting going on in the water besides the dance of his reflection. Actually, even that was absent.
Instead of the young man's image, there were two completely different forms, one of a teenaged boy with a long curtain of crimson hair and a young girl with her brown hair up in a loose ponytail. They were currently in front of house, or so it seemed by the dark background indicated in the glimmering silver moonlight.
"Ah…" the man whispered to himself, reaching out a hand to slowly drag it over the water's surface, watching with pleasure as the scene rippled from the disturbance he had caused. "My child…how I can't wait until you are finally in my grasp…"
The cold silence was interrupted by a frantic squeal coming from the front doors that led to the room. They flung open just as the man leaned back and sighed. The cause of the ruckus was due to a little blue-winged demon that entered skittishly. It had long, lanky limbs that nearly dragged across the floor, and one beady eye in the center of its forehead with a single golden horn sprouting right above it. In its hands was a single sheet of paper, and it was clumsily making its way to the bottom of the throne, avoiding the basin as if it was going to grow teeth any second and eat the small demon up.
"Master Isamu," the creature shrieked, waving the paper hysterically. "Master Isamu, we've got a problem!"
"Oh, really?" Akio Isamu asked with dull sarcasm, leaning one elbow on his armrest and nestling his head on his fist. "It wouldn't happen to be named Jikku, would it?"
"My apologies, Master Isamu," the little demon, undoubtedly the "problem" Isamu was referring to, cried in fear. "But I'm afraid this is no time for jokes. The demon you sent to capture the Spirit Child was killed! By the Spirit Detective, Yusuke Urameshi!"
"I am well aware of Ryota's death, Jikku," Isamu informed the tiny apparition calmly, "and I did not send him in hopes of his succession in detaining the girl. His powers were not enough to beat the infamous Spirit Detectives, I am not blind to this fact."
This seemed to confuse Jikku. "Then…" he sputtered, still waving the paper half-heartedly in the air, "why did you send him, if you knew he would not come back?"
"It was not my plan to assign him," Isamu defended sharply. "He was demanding the chance to have his revenge against the spirit fox, Yoko Kurama, and no matter how I threatened him--warned him, even--he just wouldn't remain quiet. I decided that in order to show him his place, as well as send a message to those detectives, I granted him his request."
"Oh…" Jikku murmured, still not understanding completely. "Um…so what was the message?"
Isamu started to smile, a very wicked and devious smile, so wicked and devious that it made Jikku start to cower in fear. "I suppose you could say it was a…greeting…?"
The smile disappeared so quickly, and was replaced by a glare so cold, Jikku wished he hadn't entered the room. Isamu turned to his demon companion, and bit out, "Never question my actions again, Jikku, for there are other demons that are more than willing to replace you as my shoulder monkey."
Bowing, Jikku attempted to walk out of the room backwards, only to stumble while he stuttered out, "N-Never ag-gain s-sir, of c-course."
With another evil smile, Isamu turned back to the basin, waving his right hand until the last image blurred away to show a close-up of the disguised Mitsuyo Kajima.
"I will have you soon, my child…"
~`*`~
Mitsuyo's POV:
"You've been acting weird ever since we started hanging around each other, Suichi!" I yelled angrily, ignoring how suggestive the sentence seemed. "Strange things have been happening, and I want to know why!"
We were back at my house and I was having an all-out shouting session in the kitchen with a completely unfazed, but slightly ruffled, Suichi. He was pressing a damp towel to his neck, slightly stained crimson with blood. It was a good thing that my family wasn't here (as Suichi explained to me when he took me home), because I knew I wouldn't be capable of keeping myself from going hysterical, let alone explaining calmly and coherently why we were both a little roughed up. Without mentioning we were attacked my strange, mutated freaks with magical powers.
However, Suichi was only staring at me, not making any move to answer my question.
"Why aren't you answering?" I screamed at him, tempted to grab his shoulders and shake him hard. "Why are they after me? Those creatures are after me, right? I deserve to know why! Why, why, why?"
"Calm down," he tried to say soothingly, placing his unoccupied hand on my shoulder.
"Calm down?" I repeated in disbelief, shaking off the offending touch. "You're asking me to calm down after I almost got killed by a monster? You don't seem to understand the fact that, unlike you, I can't just brush an encounter with an alien-like creature that looks like it was in an X-rated horror movie, Suichi! Or is it Kurama? Yoko? With what everyone has been calling you, you're name could be Pinocchio for all I know!"
"My true name is Kurama," he answered for me, obviously trying to dodge around my inquiry. "Although it depends on who is addressing me"—
"I DON'T CARE!" I cried with exasperation, interrupting his desperate-to-change-the-subject babble. "What I DO care about is WHY THESE DAMNED DEMONS ARE AFTER ME!"
"Miss Kajima"—Kurama tried to say, but I cut him off with a wave of my hand. I turned my back on him, storming towards the stairs.
"Fine, if you don't want to tell me, then just… be that way," I growled furiously. "Be cruel and unfair, be sly and deceiving, be secretive and silent. I don't care anymore. I'll just be alone and outraged, secluded and uninformed in my room if you need me. Bye."
I made my way up the steps two at a time, each slap of my foot against the smooth, sturdy wooden planks echoing throughout the empty household.
"Wait."
I barely heard him, his voice was so soft, but I did as he said anyways, glaring at him over my shoulder as he ascended the stairs until he reached me. Taking a seat near where I stood, he reached out his hand and gently took hold of my lower arm, delicately pulling me down next to him.
"I will tell you," he said quietly, almost regretfully, "but you must not interrupt or question anything until the end."
I only nodded, fear and anxiety overpowering my anger due to the way he was addressing the topic.
"Very well…"
~`*`~
Slowly, I continued my climb up the stairs towards my room, my mind in a complete daze. Every step echoed around me once more, only this time it gave a more soft, vacant feeling. My feet moved on their own, my eyes moved on their own. The only thing I was aware of was the steady breath that continued to get sucked in and out of my lungs, and the loud, constant drum beat of my heart. As if someone had pressed pillows against my ears. I was numb.
I'm not afraid of anything
I just need to know that I can breathe
I don't need much of anything
But suddenly, suddenly
My door creaked open, gradually revealing every little detail that made up my room. Everything a normal human being would have: A bed, left in the same disastrous state it was that morning; a bookcase, crammed with action, historic, literature, and romance novels -- some of them, I hadn't touched since the last book report I had to write; two shelves, overflowing with stuffed animals, left to gather dust since my departure from young childhood; a desk, covered in crumbs of who-knows-what and grime -- I had long stopped doing my homework on the thing, so broken junk had just piled up, taking it over; miscellaneous items, strewn across the could-be neat floor, their purpose and place in the world unknown.
A typical, ordinary, every-day teenager's room—only the person living in it was anything but.
I am small and the world it big
All around me is fast moving
Surrounded by so many things
But suddenly, suddenly
The information that Sui—Kurama told me was breathtaking. Not in a good way. It turned everything I knew upside-down. Is it any surprise? That knowing that you were different from everybody else? That there was something spiritually wrong with you would change the way you live? I had lived my whole life not knowing that. And here I was, being told that if I fell into the hands of this demon deformer, the beholder of my future—of my power— I could destroy.
I could kill.
I was to be his slave—his pet.
His weapon.
How does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
How does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
How does it feel
My measured steps lead me to the foot of my bed, where I stood for quite a while before completely relaxing, letting gravity take over. I fell, landing softly on my cushioned bedding with my face buried in my pillow. I let out a deep sigh, embracing the small comfort of being surrounded by… something familiar.
Now I wish that… Kurama didn't tell me anything… I thought to myself, before lifting my head slightly. No, that's wrong. I needed to know. He needed to tell me.
I am young and I am free
But I get tired and I get weak
I got lost and I can't sleep
But suddenly, suddenly
I turned onto my back, bringing my pillow to my chest tightly, like it was my last tie to the life I use to know. The lie, the shelter I had believed to be the truth.
Glancing over at the clock, I realized with a yawn that it was really late, much later than I was use to going to sleep. Early to bed, early to rise. One of my many mottos, I suppose. But I couldn't sleep, not after finding out such painful knowledge.
Breathing in deep, my memory fled to those treasured times of freedom, of my carefree youth. When all I had to worry about was not losing my library book, and completing my homework assignments on time—or making sure no one found out I was a boy in disguise…
I guess, with that last one in mind, it wasn't all that carefree.
But it was better than having a war-raging demon man after you so that you could kill thousands of innocent people just so that he could be king of the world.
How clichéd.
How does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
How does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
Oncoming tears pricked the back of my eyes, and I squeezed them tightly shut, desperately praying that they would fade away. My grip on my pillow increased, and I buried my head in its feathery security as my sobs became more audible. Before I even realized it, I had broken down in tears. I could successfully count the times I had cried on one hand, and adding this one made me use two.
Even so, I was trying hard to fight it, trying to stifle them in the least. But, as those that have tried to do so probably know, it only made them more violent and my shoulders shuddered with the effort. Some tearful moans broke through, but others were held back with force. I inwardly cursed myself for crying—I never liked crying, it was too annoying. Even after the tears were gone, the hiccups continued on, and the runny nose didn't let up… yeah, I don't like to cry. Besides, it accomplished nothing of use.
Would you comfort me
Would you cry with me
A soft knock came from my door. Knowing full well whom it was, I ignored it, trying even harder to stop crying.
"Mitsuyo?" came his muffled call from the other side of the door. I lifted my head only a fraction, realizing that he didn't use my surname. "Mitsuyo."
I wanted so badly to tell him "Go away", but I didn't trust my voice to stay steady for that long. He would realize that I was crying, and come in. But, if I didn't answer, he would worry and come in anyway. I figured that the latter was more pride saving, so I remained quiet, focusing once more on muting my cries.
I never heard him come in, but the sudden warmth of his arms encircling my waist, gently bidding me to lay back upon a solid, heated chest made me aware of how sneaky he could be. My weeping paused only for a second in surprise before continuing once more, only this time more softly.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
He cradled me, rocking me back and forth, side-to-side, his chin resting affectionately on my shoulder. Every once in a while, he would whisper, "It will be okay" or "It's going to be alright" and "Just relax… breathe" among others.
"We will protect you, Mitsuyo."
That was my favorite—and my least.
It raised the one question I never wanted to think over, to muse over.
"Why don't you just kill me?" I whispered through my sobs. "Why not just end it? It would fix everything—that Isamu bastard wouldn't be able to use me to kill, you wouldn't have to waste your time protecting me… everyone could return to their normal lives!" I yelled the last part, my tears coming back with vengeance.
I am small and the world is big
But I'm not afraid of anything
"Do not speak such things, Mitsuyo," he told me angrily. Suichi turned me around, so that we were face to face. His hands lingered on my waist before one moved to cup my face, the other gripping my shoulder much tighter than he had ever done. It wasn't painful—it was a secure grip, assuring me that he wasn't going to let me go. "Your life is just as valuable as everyone else's. Your death may secure the fact that you would not assist in the destruction of the world, but that does not mean that the killing wouldn't take place anyway. If we can get you to harness that reckless power, we could use it against him—instead of wasting it on death."
I stared at him, his eyes pinning my own so that I couldn't turn away. He was so close, his steamy breath mingling with mine, and I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted him that nearby or not. My tears had stopped long ago, and my coughs had died along with my thoughts. My mind was fuzzy, no dreams of death, freedom, fear… it was all washed away with the look he was giving me.
Concern, sadness, possessiveness, affection; all mixed together in those emerald eyes of his. It made me shiver with its intensity, making me want to turn away as well as stare at him forever at the same time. It was done so artistically, so gracefully—which was no surprise, considering the fact that everything he did is artistic and graceful. But, despite that, because of that, it made me want to study it even more.
"Kurama," I whispered tearfully, wanting no more than for him to hold me closer, allowing me to feel the security I had so painfully ripped away from me. I refused to consider the fact that it wasn't there in the first place.
How does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
How does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
"It will be okay," he assured me with a soft mumble. "We will protect you, no matter how dire the situation."
Hoes does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
How does it feel to be
Different from me
Are we the same
His hot, soothing breath caressed my lips. Our noses rubbed together affectionately, causing shudders to run up and down my spine once more. I wanted so much for him to… what? What did I want him to do? Did I really want him to kiss me? To shower me with his love? To protect me so diligently?
My selfish side said yes.
My selfless side said no.
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Before I could choose which side I wished to listen to, the space between our faces shortened. My breath caught in my throat, my whole body stiffening in anticipation. Our eyelids drooped at the same time, hesitantly at first, but more surely as we continued. His hand that was still holding my cheek tilted my head to the side, preparing me for his lips' descent.
How does it feel
How does it feel
You're different from me, different
How does it feel
How does it feel
"OY! KURAMA! MITSUYO!"
Instantly, I pulled away in surprise, my breath coming out with a gasp. Both our eyes were wide, and Kurama's once calm demeanor was slightly shaken. I raised a hand to my lips, remembering where his own was so close to moments before. My face heated fiercely, and Kurama adorned his own little, faint blush with style.
"W-we better go down there," I told him shakily, the would-be kiss affecting me much more than I wanted it to.
"Yes," he agreed automatically, pushing himself smoothly off of my bed and heading towards the door. He stopped and turned, waiting for me, and I could only follow him blindly. He offered me a smile, and I tried to return it. It was trembling at best, but I think he understood. Before I took a step out of the room, he subtly slipped his larger arm onto my shoulders, and I almost jumped in surprise. Even so, the gesture comforted me, made me relax—it calmed me.
Together, with him by my side and his presence around me, we headed downstairs to meet up with the rest of the gang.
You're different from me…
~`*`~
In the darkness of the room, an evil laugh resounded.
"My poor child…if death is what you want, why didn't you ask?"
.:AN:.
CHAPTER IS COMPLETE! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Conscience: Okay, seriously—what is WRONG WITH YOU? This is SUPPOSE to be a dramatic and depressing chapter and you RUINED it with your motor mouth! DO YOU NEED HELP OR SOMETHING?
Good question, I don't know! (smiles happily)
Conscience: (face vaults) You didn't have sushi for dinner... did you?
Hee, hee, hee... ya caught me... HA! I DID HAVE SUSHI! I FEEL SO WELL-FED!
Conscience: Oh, boy...
Hee... but even if I didn't have sushi, I bet I'd do the same thing… touchy moments like that make me feel…touchy, I guess… just HOW I wrote that, I don't know! Wait, speaking of, I thought you didn't like this chapter? Where'd you come from?!
Conscience: Um, I was just (does vague hand-motion stuff), you know, observing from a distance...
(looks closely at Conscience) Hey, your eyes are all red and puffy...and...hey, were you crying??
Conscience: WHAT?! NO! No, of course not! HA! L-like I'd ever cry about something YOU wrote... (shifts eyes)
(gives Conscience a distrustful look) Mmmhmm... Oh, hey! (turns attention to reader, much to Conscience's relief) What did you think of your first taste of Akio, eh? Not what you expected, huh? But yeah, okay, anyways, boys and girls, males and females of all ages! READ AND REVIEW BEFORE I GO SCHITZO ON YOU!
SAYONARA!