Chapter 12

Day's off are good to use for writing. :) After this hopefully I will be back to my once a week updating schedule. It may vary since I do have a full-time job, a toddler, and a boyfriend.

Enjoy!

Mickey-Jo, Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei and Kuwbara stood in front of an impressive gate. Cream colored stone soaring high into the sky, striped vertically with shining iron bars. Thick black granite walls stretched into the horizon. Beyond the curtain wall of the compound, they could see a spire reaching a towards the swirling purple and blue clouds. Dazzle stomped a hoof and snorted nervously as Ol'Boy cowered underneath him. Mickey-Jo herself was feeling apprehensive considering Kurama's words about their hopeful host's thoughts towards humans. A solemn bell tone rang out from behind the wall.

"Gala has seen us. She should be here momentarily," Kurama spoke. He smiled encouragingly at Mickey-Jo. She nodded back, fidgeted with her hat and made sure the buttons on her shirt were done up right. It never hurt to look presentable.

A few minutes passed before there was a great groaning noise, followed by the clanks and chinks of long-unused mechanical gears being forced to work. The great gate split down the middle and slowly started opening. A solitary figure stood there, waiting. The gate only opened up enough to admit a single file line.

Kurama started walking forward, confident in his reception from his old contact. The others followed, Mickey-Jo bringing up the rear. Clouds moved from in front of the sun as they drew closer and Mickey-Jo got a good look at the mysterious Gala.

The demon was tall, willowy, an elven face with creamy tanned skin. Her pale blue hair matched her icy eyes. She wore an old fashioned silk kimono patterned with large cats, the top fell down around her shoulders, giving a ample view of her cleavage. Mickey-Jo blushed and dropped her eyes.

The red-headed fox stopped a few paces in front of the woman. She looked at him curiously for a moment before smiling in a dark and pleased way. Her posture suddenly become provocative, jutting a firm, tanned leg from the slit in her kimono, arms folded under her breasts pushed them up even more. A clawed hand raised up and absently stroked her collarbone.

"Kurama," Gala purred. "What a pleasant surprise. It's been what, 50 years?"

"Gala." Kurama bowed. "Still looking resplendent as always. You haven't changed a bit."

"Oh stop, you old fox," Gala batted her eyelashes. "Your charms won't work on me this time. I've been guarding my heart like the greatest treasure of Demon World."

Hiei stepped forward. "Can we cut through this sorry excuse for foreplay? We're on a hunt, remember, Kurama?"

Gala cut her eyes at the fire demon. "Still as blunt and brash as always, Hiei. You never understood the intricate dance of subtlety."

"I never cared."

The woman huffed and her eyes traveled over the rest of the group. "Yusuke Urameshi, how quaint, and his bumbling sidekick." Kuwabara scrunched up his face at the insult and was about to go off on this woman, but suddenly her gaze turned icy as she rested on Mickey-Jo with her horse and dog.

"I see you've also brought along Calamity Jane and the whole dog and pony show. I didn't think you would stoop as far as that, Kurama." Gala's tone was cold, almost angry. "However, she will still be good as payment for my services."

Mickey-Jo's eyes widened and her knees tightened on Dazzle's sides. The horse pranced. They wouldn't really... would they?

"Ah, no, Gala, the human is part of this hunt." Kurama said. "I'm actually cashing in a favor."

"Our debts are paid Kurama. You have no hold over me."

"You forget about the time on Ice Mountain..."

The woman leaned back, confused, she touched a manicured finger to her chin and thought for a moment, before a charming blush bloomed on her cheeks. "Oh yes... I do remember now. Fine then. Come in and we will discuss your terms."

She stepped aside and allowed the troupe to come in the compound. As Mickey-Jo passed, Gala called out to Kurama. "Make sure your human knows how to act, Kurama. I won't be held responsible if something happens. Human is a delicacy here."

Mickey-Jo tipped her hat to Gala, furious under her calm demeanor. This was a mistake. I never shoulda come here. I won' live long enough to drive m' knife to that demon's skull. She thought to herself. I'm surrounded by the filth, and I ain't close enough to them boys for them to pull any heroics over me. Gonna just have to keep m' head down and my bow up. Keep these demons from playing with the human.

Inside the wall was an expertly maintained palace. The gardens inside were a complete world away from the desolate landscape outside. Cream and white were the main colors, with splashes of ruby, sapphire and emerald. Gala took a small bell from inside her sleeve and tinged it softly. A pale skinned boy with bright red eyes and hair appeared from the foliage. He looked expectantly to Gala, worship on his face. Gala stroked his cheek with her knuckles. The way the boy looked at her turned Mickey-Jo's stomach.

Demons... ick... She turned away from the show, not noticing other demons in and around the gardens. They were all youthful in appearance, in perfectly fit form, and decorated in jewels and flowers and wearing not much else.

"Take the human and her... animals... to the stables, darling." Gala ordered the young demon.

The demon boy's pupils were wide and a dumb, happy look was plastered to his face. He silently motioned for Mickey-Jo to follow. She dismounted and nervously led Dazzle and Ol'Boy after the youth. A pleading look slipped out as she glanced back at the boys and that prompted Kuwabara to come with her. Hiei curled his lip at her show of weakness. Mickey-Jo glared at him.

What does he know anyway? He's a demon in Demon World. He's in his element. He's not weak either. Not like me...

Kuwabara nudged her shoulder with his elbow and grinned. "Don't worry, MJ. Kurama wouldn't let anything happen to us. That pretty demon lady wouldn't want to get on his bad side. Kurama gets pretty ruthless when he wants to."

Mickey-Jo raised her eyebrows. "Kurama? Ruthless? That boy don't look like he has a mean bone in his body."

Kuwabara shrugged. "Well, you haven't known him for near as long as I have. You'll probably see it soon though. Demon World is a rough place."

"Ya got that right."

A little while later they were gathered in an opulent sitting room. Gala reclined seductively on a silken pillow, a steaming mug on the low table in front of her. Her gaze did not leave Kurama, who was playing oblivious to her not so subtle attempt to get him into her bed. Her kimono has slid even lower, breasts pushed out so much a breeze would have caused a serious wardrobe malfunction. Male humanoid demons in their prime oiled to a sheen and dressed merely in loincloths served them tidbits and drinks from shining silver platters. Some had horns protruding from their forehead, with jewels and flowers attached to them. The whole thing made Mickey-Jo feel uncomfortable. So much naked male flesh reminded her she had been in a long dry spell. After catching herself staring a big too long a few times, she had to remind herself these males were demons, the enemy, and her eyes stayed on the floor.

"So Kurama," Gala said softly. Her legs rubbed together under her kimono. "What brings you into Demon World?"

"We're on a mission for Koenma. We're after a demon who has been on a serious crime spree in the Human World. We were hoping that you might have some information." He replied cordially.

She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "Why do I care about a demon running about killing the filthy animals?"

Yusuke bristled at her insult. "Hey lady, watch what you say. This 'filthy animal' could mop your floor with your face without a second thought."

Gala's laugh was like the sound of bells. "I highly doubt that Spirit Detective. But I will admit there are some obvious exceptions to the generalized stupidity of the human species. Stories of your strength have traveled far and wide through Demon World."

The boy smirked. "Well, then you only know just a little of what I'm capable of."

Kurama sipped his drink. "Gala, you should care about this. We are fairly certain this demon has plans in the works to destroy the Human World."

She quirked an eyebrow. "All the more reason to not care..." She twirled her hair.

"Are you so stupid you can't see the ramifications if he succeeded?" Hiei said softly. Red eyes flashed with annoyance. "No more humans to fill your plate, or to provide slave labor that you no doubt use to keep this place going. While I agree with your opinions humans are practically worthless, it would affect the Demon World negatively if they were extinguished."

Mickey-Jo blanched at Hiei's words. It only reinforced her ideals demons were like roaches. Nasty buggers. Half of the world's missing population could probably be accounted for here in Demon World, being eaten or forced to work. Her fingers tightened around her glass. She knew she had to keep her temper in place. Kurama obviously thought this demon woman had some information, or she could help in some way. However, it would do no good to blow up at their host. Southern etiquette was drilled into her brain. Always be polite when the host, or hostess, has something you need.

Gala dipped her head. "I concede to your point, Master Hiei. Do we have a name?"

"Unfortunately, no," Kurama sighed. "We only recently came on this case, and only have had one encounter with the demon. However, Mickey-Jo has apparently been tracking him for two years."

"Two years?" Gala twittered. "Two years and you couldn't stop him?" She lifted her nose at Mickey-Jo with a condescending smile.

The cowgirl's lip curled slightly. "No,ma'am, I couldn' stop him. He kept slippin' through my fingers ever' time I got near. He's got an ability to swim through rock. None of my traps could catch 'im."

Gala smirked at Kurama. "At least you have trained your human to be polite." She ignored Mickey-Jo's angry stare. "I know many demons who can bend rock and stone to their will. Do you have any more specific information?"

"Mickey-Jo has his finger!" Kuwabara spoke up. "She keeps it in a jar."

Pale blue eyebrows rose suddenly. "His finger?" Gala looked back at Mickey-Jo. "Carrying a grudge are we? Well, let's see this finger."

Hesitantly, Mickey-Jo set her cup down and pulled the little jar from underneath her shirt. The shriveled demon finger rested peaccefully within its glass confines. She undid the chain and slid the jar towards her hostess across the table.

Gala stared at the finger for a moment before gently picking the jar up and pulling out the cork. The finger slid out onto her hand. The jar went back to the table and she picked up the finger like it was a dirty rag between the tips on her fingers. She studied it for a moment before her face took on an angry cast. She glared daggers across the table at Mickey-Jo.

"You." She spat. "It was you."

Mickey-Jo's eyes widened, bewildered. "Me? What I do?"

Like a stalking predator Gala rose from her pillow. "My lover was killed a year ago by a human with some fancy Spirit Power used to shrivel up his body and leave him for the vermin!" Her eyes started glowing. "My spies also found a crossbow bolt through his forehead, and a cheap trap around his ankle!" She started crawling across the table, claws gouging furrows in the polished wood. Her fangs elongated and her pupils changed to slits. "That's just like you filthy humans. Sneaky, worthless and too cowardly and spineless to fight with honor! You wiggle around like the rats you are!"

"What was a damn demon doing in Human World anyway? I don't have a damn clue who yer talkin' 'bout lady, but no demons is supposed to be in my world!" Mickey-Jo's jaw was set belligerently.

Kurama sprang up as Gala screamed wordlessly at the cowgirl and crawled further. "Gala! Control yourself! If your lover was in Human World then he knew the consequences. Yusuke is not the only one who patrols to keep the humans safe."

Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei all stood up and moved closer to Mickey-Jo. Kurama approached the enraged woman on the table. "Gala, calm down!"

White fur started bristling across her skin, her face becoming more feral and cat-like. Energy crackled across the backs of her hands. A scream like that of a panther tore from her throat as her claws mutilated the table further. Gala turned to Kurama. "And you!" she spat. "You had the nerve to leave me! Stupid fox! You couldn't see what you had in front of you!"

The fox pulled a rose from his hair and motion towards the others. "Go! Take Mickey-Jo and leave the compound! I'll try to get Gala calmed down enough and catch up with you. She's just... very emotional.."

Yusuke raised an eyebrow and cracked his knuckles. "We can take her Kurama! Why do we need to leave?"

Kurama turned slightly to him. "I would actually like to keep relations with Gala on a polite note if you don't mind. Beating her up would do no good. Now please, leave us alone, and go outside the walls. I'll be there momentarily."

Yusuke shrugged and they hurried from the room. Screams of a large cat followed them out of the hall mixed with angry shouts from Kurama. Goosebumps broke out across Mickey-Jo's skin that awful shudder worked its way down her spine. Those cat screams were like nails on a chalkboard. Turn after turn they made, trying to escape from the building before the mad cat caught up with them. At last they broke out into sunshine. Some of the workers in the gardens startled when the four of them ran out. Mickey-Jo broke off from the group towards the stables.

Yusuke stopped and stared. "Mickey-Jo, what the hell are you doing? We have to leave!"

"I gotta get Dazzle and Ol'Boy, idiot!"

"Oh, right, well hurry up. Hiei, go with her! Me and Kuwabara will get the gate open."

Hiei nodded and flitted after the cowgirl, trailing her. Ol'Boy barked as she thundered into the stables. Over Dazzle's nose went the bridle and he took the bit without a fuss, sensing his rider's distress. Over his back went the Navajo style saddle blanket, followed by heaving the heavy western saddle up.

"I don't know why the Detective asked me to come with you. It's not like these sheep she keeps for servants have a mind of their own," Hiei said she glanced at him, the fact that his sword was out belied his apparent calm.

"Ya didn' hafta come then. Coulda gone on with Yusuke and Kuwabara."

"Hn."

In a moment the cowgirl was mounted up. She kicked Dazzle's sides and whistled to Ol'Boy. Horse and dog practically flew out of the stables. Hiei's shadowy blur raced ahead of them. There was one final panther scream from the palace and then it was silent. Hiei and Mickey-Jo reached the other two boys at the open gate and paused a moment, waiting for Kurama. They saw him jogging out of the building. His shirt was clawed and he had a nasty gash on his cheek.

"I don't think Gala will be of any help to us." Kurama said as he reached them. "But I think I have her calmed down enough she won't give chase."

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," Mickey-Jo murmered.

Yusuke rubbed his cheek absently. "True statement." He turned to Hiei. "Do you know anyone near here?"

"I wouldn't say near, but yes, I have a contact," the demon replied. He started walking. "It will take a while to get there, however. We should get moving."

They were merely a hundred yards away from Gala's compound when a terrible screech and a thunderous echoed down the mountain. Startled, they turned around.

Blue lightning crackled over the form of the cat-demon as she stood in the wreckage of her gate. She stood at least seven feet tall. Pristine white fur danced in the wind her energy created. Her tail, which had a large spiked ball on the end, lashed back and forth in anger. Her claws were ice blue and as long as daggers.

"Kurama!" Gala screeched. "You burned me once before. I should have killed you then! You will not be allowed to humiliate me again! And I will take my vengeance out on the filthy human!"

She roared and flung her hands up in the air. The purple and blue clouds in the sky started swirling and rolling. Thunder crashed and lighting danced across the sky.

"Shit!" Yusuke yelled. "Run!"

Down the moutain they raced. Mickey-Jo preyed Dazzle wouldn't pick up a rock in his hoof, or worse, trip over a boulder. That would spell death for them all. Despite being a god-horse, Dazzle was not immune to common pitfalls of equines.

Suddenly a large bolt of lightning struck right in the middle of their group. They flew back with the force of the blast. Mickey-Jo screamed as she felt herself come loose off Dazzle's saddle. Hitting the ground cut her scream off as her lungs deflated with a rush. She gasped for air and lay stunned against a rock. Dazzle was neighing piteously and flailing his hooves as he struggled to return upright. The cowgirl pushed herself up only to fall back again as her wrist burned and spasmed. She watched with helpless eyes when Dazzle finally righted himself and took off down the mountain. Ol'Boy raced after him barking over the continuous rolling thunder. Another crash of lightning slit a boulder with a hair-splitting shriek, and Dazzle teleported away in fear. Ol'Boy jumped after the horse as soon as the purple energy started gathering, and in a flash, both were gone.

Mickey-Jo cried out and forced herself to her feet. She couldn't see any of the others and suddenly Hiei was in front of her.

"Come on!" he snarled and grabbed her wrist. She whimpered as his fingers just about crushed her already strained bone but staggered along behind him.

"Hiei! Mickey-Jo! Over here!" They turned towards Kuwabara's frantic yelling.

Gala was making her way down towards them, snarling and spitting. With each downward chop of her hands more lighting struck, sending rocks and debris flying everywhere. She jumped in a the air and came down with a roar of force. A lightning bolt as thick as an oak tree struck the ground with terrible violence halfway between Mickey-Jo and Hiei, and the others. The ground cracked and split, heaved and tossed under the cowgirl and fire-demon's feet. Suddenly, they were falling. Mickey-Jo screamed again and Hiei yelled as gravity pulled them down into an abyss. Vaguely they heard the shouts of the others, and Yusuke with with Spirit Gun before blackness consumed them.

Coming to was a rough experience. Her body hurt like she had been stomped by a bull. Breathing hurt. Hell, simply thinking hurt. She opened her eyes but couldn't see a thing. A spark in the complete blackness of the cave made her freeze. She was trapped somewhere in the dark with no weapon, no Dazzle to teleport her away, and she was immobile with pain.

This was where she would die, she was sure of it.

Mickey-Jo nearly cried with relief when the spark bloomed into a small flame and lit up Hiei's scowling face.

"Oh thank god, it's you," She gasped.

"What did you think it was, idiot?" He said softly. He stood from his sitting position and winced slightly. His shirt was torn and he was bleeding in various places. "How hurt are you? We need to move quickly." His sword was out and he kept glancing around.

Mickey-Jo groaned and rolled to her back with effort. "Pretty sure a few ribs are broken. Long as we move easy, I'll be fine."

"I'm not sure we have that luxury."

Hiei sent his flame up. It illuminated the cavern they were stuck in. The roof of the cavern was a jumble of boulders and slabs of rock that didn't look very stable.

Hiei's ruby eyes met with hers. "We need to move before that falls on us. It is only pure luck it hasn't done so already."

"I'm tryin' my best, keep yer pants on." She labored into a sitting position. Tears sprang to her eyes when her ribs painfully protested the movement. She yelped as Hiei grabbed her upper arm and roughly stood her up.

"We don't have time for your pathetic human weakness right now!" He hissed. "I do not plan on dying under a stupid pile of rocks!"

Something in Hiei's eyes frightened her. She dialed back her exclamations of pain to a few involuntary whimpers and allowed the demon to drag her to a more stable part of the cave.

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