A Month With Suichi Minamino
By Payne N. Uranus
.:AN:.
Oh, wow, I cannot believe how far I'm coming in this story. It's turning out far different than I planned, and yet it is much better than I had planned. Does that make sense? Is it supposed to make sense? Will it ever make sense? Why must I torment myself with such questions!
Conscience: You know, there's this new thing going around, and I think you might find it helpful. It's called—calming down. You should try it sometime, it might just help.
That's funny really, I can't believe I didn't realize it sooner; you are a comedian, a horrendously BAD comedian! (strangles Conscience) Thankfully, I don't need a comedian, what I need is the answer to life's meaning! And everything else, for that matter!
Conscience: (coughs) 42
Huh? Um…never mind. Just…get to the reviews, shall we?
Death101- Fox Version: (blinks nervously) Uh...if I tell you...will you hurt me?
KiyoshiXI: Yeah, that movie. =D The "real" first movie was kind of stupid, so it's really not worth mentioning. So..yes. (doesn't know what to say from here)
ShadeSpirit: Haha, I know! People back then were special. And glasses are cool...I wear glasses, too! =D Um, once again, I don't know if telling you how badly hurt Hiei is will do me any good, though. There's that thought of bodily harm you might deal ME... =P Yes, I'm selfish. I'm sorry. Anyway, this is a pointless fear -- you'll find out about Hiei below! Now, don't mind me as I go to the corner and just fear for my life...
XNabaki-ChanX: Yes, I admit, the movie was very cool. It's just at the beginning, I was ticked off because all it seemed that Botan could say was "Yes". It was annoying me, I suppose. And no, it never gets old. I love hearing it! Makes me feel all warm inside... Surprisingly, nobody has threatened me yet. I hope it stays that way...(sweatdrop) So yeah. Thanks for the review!
Mixy Lang: I'm glad you liked, keep reading please!
Meibou: Hahaha, yes, thanks for the comments. I agree full-heartedly. And I updated! Kudo's for Payne!
farrari: Yeah, I guess it's just one of those things you just have to nod and smile, and just accept it... Thank you for saying so, it makes me feel like I'm not alone in the world! The "real" first one is no big deal, it's quite stupid (I thought, at least), actually. Didn't seem all that creative, or intense. And Hiei was COMPLETELY out of character! Not to mention Kurama... But yeah. Hope to hear from you again soon!
Blehh: Ha! You read my mind...bwahahahaha...beware, Mtisuyo, Genkai is after your head! Oh, and yes, you weren't the only one to enjoy the "Hiei's arm is gonna fall off!" part. Another favorite was the demon bear...
Basic Imperfection: Thank you! I'm glad you thought so! And Hiei? Oh, don't worry about Hiei. He's just a midget after all...okay, I'm kidding. Read on and find out what attacked poor Shorty!
bookworm0492: Another creativ transmittion, I applaud you! And I appreciate you telling me about the "zing" thing (rhyme!). It will continue its original path, promise! Just don't leave me now! I love your reviews, they inspire me to continue! GAH! I'M SORRY! I hope you like this chapter, I tried to make it more...well, funny, as you say.
sandry stardiamond: Ah, sadly to say, the first impression thing is slightly ruined in this chapter. Will be brought upon in the next chapter, promise. As well as the training. Just you wait, you'll love it. What I have planned should knock everyone's socks off!...I hope...
YamiKitsuneKami: What, do you not trust me with the fireworks? Eh, smart thing, I guess. I'm a pyromaniac... And good suggestions, they actually come close to what I planned in this chapter, as well as the next. Nice to know we see eye-to-eye...at 7 o'clock in the morning... Thank you for your ideas, you're not too far off. Just continue to read, and we'll see how it goes, eh?
Everqueen: Well, wait no more, my queen! The next chapter has arrived, and is awaiting your comments. Please, read on! And thanks for reviewing!
OrangeKisses: I'm glad you feel so special...haha, thank you for your kind words! And congratulations! Please, read on, and find out more about Hiei and his disappearance...okay, not much about the disappearance, but more about Hiei. The mission's next chapter, as well as the training.
Yoru Inu: Yes, that part seemed to be a favorite among the readers, haha! And I don't blame you for being busy. I'm glad you had the time to read at all, let alone review! For that I thank you, very much. Don't rush yourself, read when you can, and tell me what you think! Have fun with whatever you're doing to the best of your abilities.
Kuramafan-06: Perhaps it is just that the more recent chapters have been a bit longer..? I don't know, maybe. =D Oh well, I mentioned Hiei more in this chapter as well, so don't fret...too much... Tell that softie stuff to those muscle men in jail. That's what I think when I think of Yusuke as a punk... and we'll see if Mitsuyo has any time to actually listen to the music with all her training that I have planned...bwahaha! Payne is pain! HAHA! Thank you for reviewing, and I'm feeling better today, surprisingly. Decided to celebrate by posting this chapter. REWARD ME! BWAHAHA! Okay, not really. Chat later then!
Lucifer001: Once again, I apologize that it wasn't up to your expectations. At the bottom of the chapter, I did say it was more of a clear-up than anything. Just so that, if I left anything out, you readers understand the whole situation. I tried to make it as funny as I could without it losing it's meaning. Still, I'm sorry. This chapter, however, is more actiony than any of them. So, please read, and I'd like to hear what you thought at the end.
OneOutOfControlChick: Ha, I loved reading your review. Yes, perhaps it is obsessed...but, wow--what an obsession...and now I regret telling about the pants thing..(sweatdrop) Leave me alone! It's not like it hasn't happened to anyone before! (starts crying) Heh, actually, I don't mind algerbra as much as geometry. My mom said it was this weird thing that people that like Algerbra don't like Geometry, and vice versa. Kinda crazy, but okay. And as for the lost voice? Easily solved. Just carry a notebook around and write random things and shove them in your mom's hands. If anything, that act alone will annoy her! Ha, just kidding...maybe... But I will get better, in some way. I'm praying, at least. Okay, not really, I'm not the praying type, but I've got my eye lashes, and those give me plenty of wishes. So we'll see! lol. Speaking of writing a novel...
Yukino Amida: Lol, no, actually. It's next chapter! So guess what this LONG chapter contains...? Yes, I am a horrible, horrible tease. Something tells me that I'm just drawing this out cause I KNOW that I won't meet everyone's expectations...
PervyMonk: And I updated AGAIN! OMG! I need a trophy for such accomplishments... and I will...consider... a make-out scene...you just never know where my muses take me... heheheheheheheheheh... Don't worry about length, hearing from you is just as good for me. Lol, I find it funny that two people enjoyed the demon bears thing while two others found the "Hiei's arm is gonna fall off!" amusing. Just a quick thought.
EvilGenius Koji: Hahaha, don't kill yourself over it! I like you too much! Though, perhaps death by laughter isn't such a bad way to go...Haha, but I'm glad you thought it was funny. Hope you like this one even more! Ciao! Ja ne! Bye!
And I'm done…(collapses)
Conscience: Um…(pokes Payne) Are you dead? You know, I don't want to get my hopes up. So stop it if you're not dead.
(Payne doesn't move)
Conscience: YES! (starts dancing) PAYNE'S DEAD! PAYNE'S DEAD! WHOOHOO! GONE! DECEASED! SIX FEET UNDER (well, not yet, but you get my meaning)! PAYNE. IS. GONE! (starts doing the Macarena) Gone gone gone gone gone GONE! Gone gone gone gone gone GONE! Payne's gooone! Payne's gooone! Oh yeah! Oh yeah! It's my birthday! It's my birthday! Whoohoo! Whoohoo! Uh-huh. It's my birthday. Uh-huh. It's my birthday.
Really? I coulda sworn it was next month.
Conscience: PAYNE? You're SUPPOSED to be DEAD! (teehee, my mind immediately jumps to Emperor's New Groove when I say that..).
Huh? (looks confused) Hmm…must've missed that in my lines somewhere…(goes off and studies script)…uh-huh…right, the collapsing… the dead dance…the popping up, no I think I got it right. Because now you're supposed to start crying and sobbing about how life is so cruel to you, and I'm suppose to just smile and then the chapter starts. Didn't you go over your lines?
Conscience: Um…well…no…(scuffs toes on the ground)
(slaps forehead) Forget it. I promise we'll be better prepared next chapter…just go on and read while I reprimand Lordy Lazy-Butt over here.
ATTENTION: I suggest you read the beginning of this chapter very carefully. If you do, you will understand it better. It is not meant to be flitted over, else you get confused and blame me for not being clearer. I figured this was a way to repent for not being "funny" enough in the last chapter…for that I apologize. It's all its fault! (points to Conscience)
Conscience: Uh…I'm sorry?
Chapter Fifteen: Can't Touch This
"So this little girl is the one Akio is after?"
"Yes, Genkai. Can you assist her?"
"Hey! I'm not little—"
"We'll see. You're not giving me much to work with, though. Her temper reminds me of Yusuke's…"
"Don't ignore me, lady—"
"She's got a point there, Urameshi."
"I don't think your attitude is all hunky-dory either, Grandma!"
"Shut up, Dimwit."
"Hello? This is supposed to be about me here—"
"This is for the good of the human race, which includes you! Be grateful, you old hag!"
"I will be once you hold your tongue!"
"Schee? Om houlen mai hongue. Nou wha?"
"Haha! That's funny! Hey, Urameshi, say apple!"
"Yusuke, Kuwabara, please don't pull this now. It's too late for such antics."
"Whatever, Kurama."
"Aw, c'mon, Urameshi, say apple! Or ocean! Grass?"
"You listen to Kurama, but not to the one willing to help you with this?"
"Will you stop that? I'm not some little chair that needs a fix-up, lady! I'm a human being!"
"With abnormally high spirit energy production that is the envy of all demons and the attraction of one in particular, Miss Kajima. Please, let it be."
"You know, you're turning out to be the goody little peacemaker today, aren't you?"
"Well, you aren't doing too well in the category, yourself, Yusuke. One of us must act his age."
"Are you trying to tell me something, Fox boy?"
"Nothing you haven't heard already, I'm sure."
"Will you all please stop this bickering? I may have a change of heart and throw you all out on your asses. I'm an old lady with a need for some silence every once in a while. Childish ruckus is not what I need right now!"
"Oh, sorry, you old hag, I forgot how frail you are."
"I dare you to continue further, Dimwit, and we'll see how thick that head of yours really is."
"For God's sake, can we get back to the topic of helping me?"
"I thought you were tired of being treated as an inanimate object, Miss Kajima?"
"I'm also tired of being addressed as "Miss Kajima", but you don't see me fighting that anymore. And you told me to deal with it. I just want to get this over with, I'm tired!"
This is the scene that greeted Hiei. Though it didn't sound all that familiar, he sighed out of relief as well as 'oh-my-god-I-can't-believe-I-know-these-people-let-alone-go-to-them-for-shelter'. Despite the fact that he would not openly admit it, he was anxious to treat his wounds so that he could rest after his stressful, and sleepless, days of tracking down the object requested by Koenma.
Koenma…
Hiei wanted to spit at his feet for all the shit the spirit baby made him do.
Ah, but what's done is done. Best not to be sent to jail for acts he knew he could control. What a sign of weakness.
Doing his best to cover up the limp in his left leg, Hiei make his way towards where the entrance to the temple laid. He also did his best not to wince every time his movements swung his arm, or when one of his wounds stretched too far for his liking. He would live, at least a moment longer…
"This is a stupid waste of time, Grandma here is being stubborn, and we need to get some stuff done. So if the old hag ain't gonna help, then we might as well get moving."
"Damn it, Yusuke, keep talking like that and I swear I'll put you through your training all over again!"
"I'd like to see you try, you ancient bat!"
"Yusuke!"
"What, you damn redhead?"
"Behave yourself! This is no time to act like a juvenile."
"To hell with that! I'm pissed off, damn it, is it too much to ask for a little down time and a training session?"
"When you ask with that attitude, Dimwit, yes!"
"I'm gonna have to agree with Genkai on this one, Urameshi. You really didn't ask her nicely when we first got here."
"All I did was say we are finally asking for her rugged training program!"
"You pushed her out of the entry way! And walked right into her kitchen! And stole a cookie! And didn't get me one!"
"So my stomach had a weak moment, you can't say nothing against that!"
"WHEN WILL YOU DROP THE DAMN SNACKING INCIDENT?"
"MAYBE WHEN I FINALLY BEAT YOUR ASS INTO THE GROUND!"
"DID WE COMPLETELY FORGET ABOUT ME HERE? I DIDN'T ASK TO HAVE MY SPIRITUAL ENERGY MUTATED OR—WHATEVER!"
"WILL ALL OF YOU KIDS JUST SHUT UP?"
"Hn. How childish. Sometimes even I forget you people are great fighters."
Everyone stopped.
Everyone turned.
Everyone froze.
"Hiei!" Kurama gasped, taken aback and worried about his friend's appearance. Mitsuyo also looked surprised, though it was directed more towards the redhead. She hadn't seen him express this much emotion since she had first seen him, and it was quite a shock for her. However, her eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the mess at the entrance of the room…
There, leaning heavily against the wooden doors of the temple, was a very tangled and jumbled-looking Hiei, sporting countless of bruises, cuts, gashes, tears, and anything else one could imagine all over his small body. Blood spilled down from atop his forehead, staining his white headband and forcing one eye shut from the heavy flow of it all. His left arm hung too limply for it to be natural, crimson liquid dribbling down from the shoulder only to trickle into a tiny puddle on the wooden floor, and his upper torso adorned many scrapes and claw markings, leaving the black tank top in pitiful shambles. Though none could tell at first glance, the demon's eyes were drooping due to exhaustion and blood-loss, and his knees were shaking from the strength it took just to keep him standing. Even to utter that one snide comment seemed to leave him panting for air, but he refused to let any of it show.
Willingly, at least…
"Well, I think it's safe to say that our argument has just come to a truce," Genkai barked out before grounding out orders. "Yusuke, find Yukina, and bring her quickly. Kuwabara, grab the extra blankets and pillows. Kurama, help me bring the stubborn demon boy over here to the table so I can start on those wounds…"
"So does this mean you'll help us out, old lady?" Yusuke asked, folding his arms. He was anxious to help his bloodied friend, but there was a matter that needed to be settled.
"Yes, only if you listen to what I say, Dimwit!" she spat at him, quickly motioning to Kurama to assist Hiei in his attempted journey alone.
With a nod, Yusuke went off at a sprint, searching for the only ice maiden in the compound.
"I do not need your help in such matters, you know," Hiei murmured to the redheaded fox. "I am simply willing so that you people don't end up killing each other due to my welfare."
"Yes, Hiei," Kurama assured warmly. "We appreciate that."
"Hn."
Mitsuyo, not having received any orders to help or get anything, felt completely useless and out of place. So, not wanting to be obvious standing around doing absolutely nothing, she opted to sitting down in the kitchen at the small coffee table, just waiting for a demand to be shouted out. Not to mention the fact that she used this time to observe their actions…after all, this Hiei fellow did look pretty messed up…
"Genkai! Kurama! Kuwabara!" came Yusuke's voice. It was holding more urgency than to Mitsuyo's liking.
Immediately, Kurama leapt from his place at the table, where Genkai was now dressing the wound of Hiei's upper right arm, the shirt being completely removed and thrown to the floor. Without a word to Mitsuyo, he swiftly exited the hut, leaving her agitated and confused. Should she join them or simply remain hidden in the darkness of the kitchen. She didn't even have any training yet…and the event that had occurred in the mansion just a while ago didn't assure her any of her abilities…
Best to stay out of the way, she supposed.
A voice from the room beside her brought her back from her musings… "Your arm is dislocated. Shall I put it back in place?"
"Hn. Do as you wish, lady. I don't care. As long as I can use my arm once more, I will be fine."
"It might cause some slight pain, but it will be over soon. Just don't try to cut my head off when it's all over."
"I won't," he bit out harshly, "unless you keep talking. I said I will be fine. Quit hesitating and just get it done right and I won't be forced to end your life sooner than expected. Not that much is expected, of course…"
Wow, she thought sarcastically. This Hiei guy is really a charmer. Must've been a lady's man where he grew up…
"And here I am trying to help you fight. Why is it that no one appreciates my services anymore?"
Any comment Hiei would have made to this inquiry were quickly cut off by a loud snap! and a thunderous curse.
"Damn it, you old hag! You nearly tore my arm off!" he yelled angrily, swinging the limb in question around haphazardly.
"Yes, I suppose it would be better to have the appendage completely torn off than having it hang limply at your side!" she bit back, glaring daggers.
"Hn," he replied before turning his head towards the door, which was being used more frequently by the second.
"Are you ready, Hiei?" came Kurama's smooth voice. "It seems that a few of the demons managed to follow your tracks and traced them here. Not much of surprise, you didn't leave a lot to their imagination alone."
"Shut up, Fox. They must've hid from me and escaped the slaughter. Never mind that now. They will face death soon enough."
Glancing briefly over the black-haired demon's head, Kurama locked eyes with Mitsuyo, for only a second a best. And yet she could read so many emotions in them. Worry, warmth, wisdom…
And both were suddenly gone, a flitter in the wind.
"Little girl."
Mitsuyo turned away from the wall in surprise. Genkai was standing in the entryway, hands folded behind her back.
"It would be best if you stayed with one of us. We don't want any apparitions sneaking up and grabbing you without us knowing."
It was then that her first comment breached Mitsuyo's line of thought.
"Hey! I told you, lady, I'm not a little girl!"
"Until I deem you worthy of any other title, you will be referred to as "little girl" and you will get used to it," Genkai commanded sternly. "First rule of my training. Is that understood?"
"But—!" Mitsuyo started to object, but was promptly cut off with a swift swat on the head.
"Foolish little girl," Genkai scolded gruffly. "Can you think of something other than your pride? Get over here and just lay low. No need to let weak humans get in the way."
Mitsuyo opened her mouth wide to protest, but then slowly—albeit reluctantly—shut it once more, and did as was asked, rubbing her head whilst doing so. There would be time to bite the older woman in the ass later. For now, while she was still young and inexperienced, she would do as she was told…
Before passing Genkai's still form, Mitsuyo quickly shot her tongue out at her back before retracting it back into her mouth. When the old woman turned her head in agitation, she simply looked away and acted as innocent as possible, still caressing her "injury".
Yes, she would do as she was told… but not so far as to lose her spunk.
~`*`~
"Oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit," Yusuke kept sputtering out, running like a mad man from the hoards of demons chasing after him.
He really didn't like taking on so many small, quick, and seemingly innocent little demons…
"Shot gun!" he shouted, skidding to a halt and spinning fast on his heel to face the oncoming demon wave.
However, the hits were an utter waste of energy, since as soon as the demons saw the attacks coming, they promptly scattered like flies in the night.
Sighing in irritation, Yusuke turned back around, only to be knocked down on his back, the wind forcefully swept out of him by the demon resting on his stomach. It was small, skinny and its skin had a purple hue to it, with grubby hands attached to the membrane of its wings. Small, sharp talons sprung from its fingers, glinting angrily in the moonlight. Pointy ears were pricked in amusement as it stared down upon the fallen Spirit Detective. He scowled menacingly, but the demon simply smiled a wide, toothy grin before diving towards his face, only to be punched away a second later.
"Friggin demons remind me of mosquitoes…" he grumbled.
In another area of the temple grounds, Hiei was having a similar difficult time with the same cloud of demons. Despite the fact that Genkai had reattached his arm, it was still slow to react, and was painful to force his legs into any tedious tasks. And even though he was also left-handed, the job he was trying to get done was too much for his hand's responses.
Once again, he made a wide swiping arc with his katana, aiming to at least come in contact with one of the little critters. But he was to be disappointed, and angered, as it only drove them away to form another attack from a different location.
Kurama was having a slightly easier time, what with his Rose Whip's lengthly abilities and all. For when the mass of winged demons flew too near him or the dojo he was protecting, a small flick of his wrist would send them away, if only for a moment. Every once in a while, he would be lucky enough to come in contact with one of the pests or so, but a sufficient amount remained to continue to pester them.
Ah, bugs. Don't you love them?
Kuwabara certainly didn't.
For he didn't have the airborne attacks owned by Yusuke, nor did he have the speed of Hiei. And his sword—even with its elongating effects—could not reach as far as Kurama's Rose Whip was able, nor was it as flexible.
He was positively useless in this battle.
And yet he continued to try and help out, brandishing his sword wildly in hopes of hitting one of the beasts, at least, in his blind rage. But it was not to be that easy for him, so he was left puffing and swinging his arms like a gorilla on a rampage.
Maybe I should just go get Yukina, he thought while panting, observing as the demons formed together once more, and shot towards him. With a loud gulp, he decided it would be best to leave the fighting to the others.
And with that thought occupying most of his mind—the other part focusing on running for his life—he shot off at a sprint, leaving the confused, yet uncaring demons in his dust. The cloud simply shrugged and headed back towards the others.
Perhaps they would be more fun to torment.
~`*`~
"Argh! This is so friggin frustrating!" Mitsuyo bellowed from the confines of the temple, kicking out at a nearby stool. She could see the action going on out in front occurring through the musty windows of the room, and wrinkled her eyebrows in distaste.
Sure, the four's skills were most admirable, and way beyond anything she could pray to learn herself, but Mitsuyo hated feeling so useless when the gang's attacks failed to do what they were meant to.
Genkai simply ignored her ranting and stomping, kneeling at her table and sipping her tea calmly. Every once in a while a bang would echo throughout the compound—not the doings of Mitsuyo, but of the mess going on out front—making her hesitate to continue, but in the end she would.
"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU JUST SITTING THERE, DRINKING LIKE IT'S YOUR SUNDAY AFTERNOON TEA SESSION!" Mitsuyo roared, shouting as loud as she could in the poor woman's ear, and making her pink hair whip around with the outburst. And yet the fighter made no move to reply, or even show she was listening at all.
This grated Mitsuyo's overly-grated nerves even more.
"DAMN IT, YOU ARE AN OLD FOSSIL LIKE YUSUKE KEEPS SAYING, YOU'RE JUST SITTING THERE, DOING ABSOLUTELY SQUAT WHEN YOU COULD BE HELPING THEM!"
No answer.
"OH FOR GOD'S SAKE, YOUR HEARING CAN'T BE THAT BAD!"
Twitch.
"Listen, you silly little girl," Genkai growled out, pulling the distraught teen down to eye level and giving her a harsh glare. Mitsuyo scowled back just as fiercely, but remained where she was and opened her ears, if only slightly. "The reason why we are not doing anything is because they will handle it fine for now. They've been a bit out of practice and simply need to get their joints moving. However, if things should get out of hand, you can be rest assured I will jump in and assist them as soon as I would save your life from their filthy little hands. Now, for your sake as well as mine, shut up and remained seated for more than ten minutes!"
And she was let go.
Mitsuyo stared as Genkai went back to her cup, continuing the act she had been pulling for, yes, ten minutes before Mitsuyo had gone senseless, and frowned. Stomping over, Mitsuyo feel to her knees, none to gracefully, and looked her companion straight in the eye.
"You listen for a sec, lady," she grumbled stubbornly. "All my life I have hated just sitting around, waiting for the bad things to come. If I can fight, I will. But, for once, there is nothing I can do but watch. And I hate it. I won't be like this. I avoid things like this. If I can fight the things I hate in school, I sure as hell will do it here. If there is a problem, I want to overcome it, defeat it." Her eyes softened. "But how can I when I am forced to do nothing but accept what is to come without a struggle?"
Genkai's own glare dissipated, and she let loose but a small smile.
"Young one, if you have this much trouble letting someone else take over the battle, how will you feel when you are forced to commit deeds so horrid and cruel? Left with nothing but the choice to let what is to come, come? That is the aim of this Akio character, after all. To take you over, to possess you, make you his puppet and destroy everything else. What will you be doing then, I ask you? Struggling can only take you so far when the force you push away is impossible to defeat."
Mitsuyo stared wide eyed at the old woman. She had been learning a lesson, and she hadn't even realized it.
"Don't be too hasty to let pride overrun common sense," Genkai advised, tapping the side of her nose. "Think before you act. That is one lesson Yusuke has yet to learn…"
"Has the teaching already begun, Master Genkai?" Mitsuyo asked quietly, bowing her head with newfound respect.
Genkai let out a small, gruff laugh. "Little girl, the teaching started before you even set foot in this temple."
Mitsuyo's eye jerked.
"Little girl" was worse than "Miss Kajima".
"Hm," Genkai mumbled. "Almost out of tea. Yukina better come back with the water pail soon. I need to make another pot."
Ugh. Old people.
~`*`~
"YUUUUKIIIINAAA!"
From her position near the back well, Yukina raised her head in confusion. Blinking, her head swiveled around, trying to pinpoint exactly from where she had heard that voice before, and where it was coming from now.
Because for a moment, it sounded like…
"YUKINA! YUKINA, MY LOVE, WHERE ARE YOU?"
"Kazuma!" the young girl exclaimed with a innocent smile, setting the water bucket down on the stone lining before rushing to the front entrance of the temple. "Kazuma, are you…here…"
Her voice drifted off, and her eyes widened in shock.
For rushing towards her, with demons and the gang fighting in the background, was Kuwabara, his Spirit Sword still drawn and sparking.
"Kazuma, what's happening?" she asked urgently, automatically clinging to the front of the teen's shirt and looking up at him with those adorable girly eyes that he could never ignore.
"Yukina," he told her urgently, covering her small hands with his own, "you must get inside. It's not safe out here anymore. Besides, Genkai called for you, Shorty will need to be healed soon, before he passes out!"
"Yes, of course," she answered, going back to the water bucket before making her way to the back door of the dojo. "Thank you very much for warning me. Don't let me keep you from your battle." And the door slid shut behind her.
"Eh…" Kuwabara tried to smile, but he simply gulped when he turned back to the scuttle going on at the front. Then, face set in a determined line, he puffed out his chest and charged. "Yukina, this is for you!"
~`*`~
The others were slowly growing thin in their assault. Each was hard for breath, and had managed to get surrounded by the cult of winged apparitions.
"I am so sick and tired of running my ass ragged while these midget monsters laugh," Yusuke huffed, his eyes narrowed in annoyance, sprinting as fast as he could to avoid being overrun by the tornado of violet demon-winged scum that tore after him. Then he yelled, "Damn it, if I'm going to die, I at least want to fight something scary looking!"
Then he tripped.
Gasping, he took this unexpected fall to his advantage.
Twisting his body around, he faced the full mob of the demons, and smirked at their stunned faces. He raised his fist, holding it steady with his other arm. There was no way the demons could avoid this one.
"Just one last shot," he whispered to himself, and let loose, "SHOT GUN!"
And he let loose, just as the others had come to the same conclusion he had.
"FIST OF THE MORTAL FLAME!"
"THORN WHEEL!"
"SPIRIT SWORD, GET LONG!" (1)
The last one doesn't seem so intimidating, does it?
With shrill cries that split the night in half, the winged-demon clan slowly fell in pieces and dust to the ground, barely allowing a small thud to echo throughout the now silent compound. Each form of the gang slowly fell from their stances, sighing simultaneously when no move was made thereafter.
"So…" Yusuke started, turning to a gasping Kuwabara. "Still want those cookies?"
He laughed an airy laugh, shaking his head and waving his hand dejectedly. "I think I'd choke," he coughed before leaning over on his knees. "God, this sucks…"
Kurama and Hiei both stared at the duo, then exchanged mirrored looks of tolerance. The shorter of the two sheathed his sword, but paused before eyeing Kuwabara once more.
"Don't say anything," the redhead told him quietly, placing a hand on his goodshoulder in order to steer him towards the temple. "Those wounds need to be seen to."
"I'm fine," Hiei bit out harshly, but when he stumbled—only the slightest of trips—he 'hn'ed and allowed himself to be guided into the compound.
No sooner at the two entered its confines when Mitsuyo stepped in front of their journey, hands on her hips. Her face was set in a determined scowl, and Kurama sighed at the implications this would surely bring.
"Miss Kajima"—he started, but was swiftly cut off with a shove in the chest. He blinked, then looked down at the finger that had poked him roughly in the stomach.
"We start my training tomorrow," she told him sternly before turning away and heading in the direction of her bedding. "At dawn." Leaving no room for argument.
Kurama sighed, and nodded his head in agreement. "Very well…" Aware of the ruby eyes burning intently at the back of his skull, he stated quite plainly, "Do not comment."
"I admire her spirit," the fire demon admitted quietly. Kurama looked down at him in surprise. "But she has much to learn of this world of bloodshed and malice. As well as her own weaknesses."
With a soft sigh, the fox's gaze returned to the girl's retreating backside. Her frame was resolute and commanding, her eyes sparking with unwavering boldness. It was clear to him that this battle had somehow gotten to her, and she was stating quite clearly through her body language that she wouldn't go down without a fight.
"Don't we all?" he murmured to himself, his eyes still trained on her body's stern movements.
Like avoiding the feelings that arise when too close to one's charge…
.:AN:.
And that's that. Hopefully that was a better treat than the chapter beforehand. Yes, the chapter before was short. Yes, it was more of a filler if anything. I had stated it quite plainly at the end that it was simply a clear-up chapter. But I guess it was skipped over. It's only to be expected. In comparison, how was this chapter? Better? Funnier? Did it have "the flare" it started out with? I hope so…I actually like this chapter, in some ways. We'll see if it get's any better, hm?
(1) I always found this quite stupid. Despite the fact that Kuwabara himself is not all that bright, couldn't he at least think of a better way to say this? But enough, what I mean to say is that this "command" comes in different wordings, I suppose you could say. But, in then English version, on my DVD's, this is what he says. So whatever the saying is in the comics, the Japanese translation, whatever—this is what it is. Don't tell me I'm wrong, I'm just going by what material I have, okay? Just wanted to clear that up.