Ah, Kurama. Yomi needed his help all
of a sudden. He summoned his old companion. He turned around. to the origin
of the voice. To see a friend whose voice just comforted him. Yes "Kurama,"
he guessed knowingly. No. He didn't guess. He knew. He was certain.
The fellow nodded. "Why did you summon
me?" he asked in a mild voice. The same mild voice Yomi loved to hear,
even amidst of battle. Only, it was compassionate. No compassion sparkled
from his voice before, being a Youko. Now, just look at him. Stupid ningen.
"I have a business for you," Yomi
informed his friend, entwining his hands together calmly.
Kurama didn't say a word, motioning
for him to go on. Why were people calling him only when they were in need
of his help? I am not to be taken for granted, Kurama thought. Not again.
So far, there were only two people he knew he could really lay his
trust on : Shiori and Hiei. But Yomi .... their friendship had come
and went. There was no way he was going to work for Yomi.
Yomi whirled , his back facing Kurama.
The he spun to face Kurama again, light shining brightly from his hands
diverging against the darkness that enveloped them . A glowing sphere appeared.
An obscure picture of a lovely dark-haired girl became visible, and
gradually, its vagueness was replaced by lucidity.
So my business
concerns a girl , Kurama thought to himself silently.
"Yes," Yomi replied , reading his
thoughts . Kurama was mildly surprised, but didn't add other movements
to imply his amazement . " I require you to accommodate her in your house
and acquaint her to Enma Daiou's son ."
Kurama didn't move, but he was getting
more and more surprised by the minute. It wasn't about him at all.
What does Yomi have to do with Koenma-sama? He tried to stop his
mind from searching for explanations, knowing from his first mistake that
Yomi would be able to read his mind.
"No, " Kurama opposed his friend
firmly. Whatever it is, I'm not going to let Koenma get in trouble. It
is his break, after all.
Yomi gave an evil grin.
Kurama will not and can not surely refuse to anything he had to offer.
If Kentaro used Shura against him, so he will use his okaasan against Kurama.
The sphere featured another picture
of a female. This one was familiar. Quite familiar.
Kurama gritted his teeth in rage.
Shiori .He gripped his fist.
Okasan. Dear Okasan . She should
go unharmed, at all cost.
Yomi watched with pleasure
as Kurama battled over his thoughts . Love had made him weak and frail.
Stupid love. He had changed. A lot.
"My okasan stays unharmed at all
costs," he said finally after along time.
"Fine," Yomi replied.
"When?" asked Kurama.
Yomi retained his smirk. "Tomorrow
night. She'll meet you in Ningenkai."
"Hello!" a female voice called out
in Genkai's temple one morning. Yukina had gone out with Keiko , Kurama
and Hiei disappeared to somewhere only God-knows-where, and Kazuma was
still in dreamland.
Yusuke scowled irritably. Genkai
heard him mutter something under his breath, but he went over to the door
to open. Yusuke hated to be disturbed, especially when he's on the verge
of something zestful.
Yusuke prepared himself to
smile, as he slid the door open. He didn't want to get slapped by his so-called
girlfriend, Keiko, so early in the morning. He stared at the creature in
school uniform staring back at him with shy eyes. "Ohayo !" he greeted
with a note of ridicule perceptible in his voice. What the hell is
she doing here again, that Takeda!? She's been here yesterday!!!
"Ohayo . May I
please --?"
"Oh. Sakuwa? She
ain't here. Thank you. Now, one favor please ? " Yusuke interrupted rigidly,
ready to swing the door shut.
"Nani? " the innocent
girl asked, without stepping back.
"Leave ! " Yusuke
yelled icily. He aimed to slam the door, but the girl stuck out both of
her hands pleadingly . "Please, Mr. I- I-"
Yusuke pulled
both of his hands down. "Whatever! " he pouted and turned his head away,
tapping his foot impatiently. The girl stared at him helplessly. There
was no point -- absolutely no point -- in being nice to him. Besides, she
wasn't entirely used to lowering her pride by pleading to some disgusting
pinhead. She was wealthy after all. And with money, you walk, eat and sleep
with your pride. "Lemme in! I didn't come here to see you anyway . Now
out of the way! "
Yusuke turned his head at her,
a little surprised. At first look, she appeared to be a perfectly prudent
school girl .Now, he just witnessed her lose her manners and graces.
"Nani? Moo ichido?! Look at who's talking! You get lost !"
"Will you please--?
"
"Get lost!"
"Miiyukiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!"
"No Miyuki herrrrrrrrrre
!"
Genkai started for the door
as the two battled for their doctrines .Yusuke never learned to entertain
visitors and was only successful in either scaring or making them angry.
"Why don't you let her in?" Genkai
suggested moderately, standing beside her disciple, opening the door wider
.
The girl sealed her mouth in
seeing Genkai, resembling a trace of embarrassment on her delicate snowy
face . She was obviously pleased to find someone more civilized than Yusuke
to side with her. "Sumimasen," she apologized pathetically to Genkai, her
large turquoise eyes ready to dish out explanations .Yusuke grimaced in
his defeat but swung the door open. The girl entered graciously, maintaining
erudition and breeding she lost temporarily as she dealt with the rude
young man.
The three of them sat down.
She introduced herself again, had a light chat with Genkai as Genkai offered
her edibles while Yusuke whimpered to himself like a toddler who lost his
candy. But after a while she started looking for Miyuki again.
Genkai shook her head. "I'm
sorry, but she isn't around. Her obasan came and brought her back to their
residence," she explained pitifully.
Michiko was speechless. Shit. The
baka is right. Yusuke sneered saucily. She gazed at Genkai impotently.
"Did she happen to leave an address or something where I can find her?
Yusuke's sneer disappeared as he
narrowed his brown eyes curiously at Michiko. "I thought you are* friends.
You should know where she lives. "
A hand flew to her mouth.
Her cheeks evolved to a shade of crimson. "I should go. My untenshu is
waiting." And hurriedly, after thanking Genkai for her hospitality, she
stormed out and left.
Weird , Yusuke thought to himself,
meeting Genkai's eyes. She nodded knowingly.
The moonlight flashed in the
silver waters of Ningenkai , mirroring the graceful figure that loomed
with the thick and verdant trees, adored by little foliage, that stood
tall in the night. Kurama sauntered back and forth, doubt and hesitation
visible in his worriedly knitted brows .
She'll be here any minute
now.
His mind was tangled
by confusion as he battled on for his decision . At least he was free to
think now. No more hindrances that could startle him. A part of him want
wished to discontinue, but his thoughts suddenly drifted to somewhere.
Someone . Someone he cared for .
Shiori.
His family.
His life.
His okasan.
He loved her more than he should.
That was because she deserved it. That kind woman. Not even knowing who
he was, what he was , nevertheless, she loved him. She put a meaning
to his life. She was a living hope to him, as he was to her . Yet,
this is the best a son could do to his mother?
Hearing a faint rustle
, he halted himself from pacing and spun around to meet his job . His emerald
eyes met but a figure in dark cloak of which color he couldn't
distinguish. The creature wore a hood over her head and walked calmly
to Kurama , who stood passively, waiting for his approach.
"Kombanwa ," she greeted
. But no tinge of pleasure was discernible in her cold voice.
Kurama didn't reply.
He knew best when a reply was needed or not . "Show yourself ."
The creature withdrew her hood
to reveal a ravishing sweetness his eyes ever laid on. Her white
face looked pale under the moon's sterling rays, as her luscious simplicity
scented the night's cold fragrance. The pulchritude she reserved held a
distinctive gleam that illuminated a gentle radiance soft and comforting
on the eyes.
Kurama didn't react , still
catching up on his breath , his jaw almost dropped , but his self control
prevented him . Such an angelic face . Who could have known she worked
for Yomi ? Or did she ? Whatever . But does she really belong in Makai
? Sheesh. She couldn't be. One hell of a demon. Whatever.
He opened his mouth to speak , as
his pulse slowed down to its normal beat . The damsel bent her head down
, shielding her face with the black curtain of her hair from Kurama's stare
that bore almost through her garment.
"You are -- ?" Kurama started, recovering
his usual imperturbable poise . He scanned her from top to bottom, side
to side and noticed she went barefoot.
"Abe Yumiko," she finished , almost
uncertainly looking up to meet Kurama's deep emerald eyes that occurred
to somewhat darker in the night . Her eyes mirrored her emotions but Kurama
failed to detect any pleasure in it. In fact, she looked unhappy, but tried
to hide it with her splendor.
She let out a feeble smile.
" It's your turn ."
He nodded. " I know
. I'll be through with you tomorrow, as soon as Koenma arrives. "
"Good. I want to finish my assignment
very soon , " she replied tartly.
Kurama didn't knew it , but
somehow, he noticed how the weather suddenly diverted its calmness to something
ferocious as winds blew wildly, waving Shuichi Minamino's red locks. With
Yumiko Abe's.
"So do I ," Kurama agreed
.
"Get lost!" Miyuki screamed incredulously
sardonically at the girl that was following her like a watch dog for the
past half hour . Grasping her books to her chest, she presented an acidic
expression on her face that was meant to drive the her away .What
does that girl want from me, anyway? My autograph? Hah!
"Please, Miyuki. I --" the girl started.
Miyuki disregarded her by going on with her strides. Won't she ever stop?
She's been buging me for three days in a row now!!!
Michiko stared at her defenselessly.
Here she was, an elegant girl from a famed family, skipping her lunch just
to see someone from a lesser school who was too obnoxious enough for an
oath . She bit her lower lip. She couldn't act the way she behaved before
the guy in the temple . He's mouthy, she reasoned to herself sensibly .
Then she cast her glance at the other girl who was stomping away. So is
she. But I can't give up. She'd just have to lower her pride a bit more
while she expand her patience..................
For Hiro's sake
.........
She tried to control the tears
that threatened to trickle down her cheeks and drove the thought away.
This was a new life. She had to be brave . She signaled
for her driver to wait for a minute more. After seeing her driver nod obediently,
she ran after the the girl, Miyuki. The girl who might lead her to Hiro.
Or Hiro to her.
She caught on Miyuki. The other
girl ignored her and went on with her pace as if she hadn't noticed
anyone.
Michiko rolled her eyes as
she massaged her forehead with a sigh, shaking her head slightly. She'd
have to make that scarlet-haired girl see she wasn't playing games with
her. "Miyuki, please."
The girl neither stopped nor turned.
She pulled Miyuki's elbow sharply.
That caught the damsel's attention . She turned around, and attempted to
pull her elbow free, but Michiko clutched it hard, staring at Miyuki's
golden eyes . She didn't give that same what-do-you-want-I'm-busy-now
arrogant look when her own eyes was reflected in Michiko's . Something
was in that girl's eyes that moved MIyuki. Something she detest seeing.
Who is this girl anyway?
"Nani?" Miyuki asked, pulling
her elbows free, after regaining her insolence. She broke the gaze that
locked between them. She hated what she saw. Hated what was in Michiko's
azure eyes. "What is your name again?"
Michiko released her elbows after
giving her a solemn look. " Michiko Takeda. I want to talk to you.
Now."
"What about, Takeda?" Miyuki asked.
She pretended to look at her watch just so to avoid Michiko's earnest gaze.
It was making her head throb again.
Michiko looked down ,then met
her eyes again . "About what's happening. "
Miyuki stared at her in disbelief.
"You want to talk about that? Gee, you're not wasting my time, Takeda!"
She tried to mask her emotions with her egoism. That Takeda was starting
to touch her . She didn't like that. She was Miyuki Sakuwa, after all.
Nothing should move or touch her stone heart. Because it's meant to be
that way. That was what life provided. Nothing more.
The people walking nearby began to
gape at them muffling hushed tones.
Michiko pulled her. "Let's go some
other place, " she suggested, turning pale. Miyuki didn't know if the growing
mob was turning her red or if she was in the brink of crying. Abruptly,
it became crowded.
Miyuki yanked her hand
away. "No way !"
"Hey ! Isn't that Sakuwa ?
" somebody yelled at the top of his voice. The whispers transformed into
screams and shouts, most of the people struggling for Miyuki.
Miyuki sighed irritably. This
celebrity business is starting to bug her. It's no longer funny. "On second
thought, lead the way."
The two girls ran their way
out through the thick body of assembly that started to jam
the sidewalk hand in hand. They headed for nowhere at all. The mysterious
nowhere where the road could take them.
Miyuki ran, as feet as her feet could
take he, just the way she ran when a beast was stalking after her. Only,
she was clutching on to someone who was in the same circumstances
as she was .Someone who, deep within, she knew she could count on
to. Someone that circumstances just provided. She grasped Michiko's
hands and pulled her out of the swelling crowd. Michiko held on.
For, in any rate, she felt safe holding Miyuki's hand, wherever it may
take her .A stranger's hand that reached out after twelve hundred
years presumably answering her prayers?
Is this coincidences?
Kind coincidences that
led their path to each other. Sweet time that Michiko felt healing her
aches again.
They managed their way out,
panting and gasping for breath to find themselves in the shore of Ningenkai's
ravishing woodland. Almost unconsciously, they held on to each other with
support and trust.
Miyuki stared at the place, holding
her throbbing head as she release Michiko's soft hands gently. She recognized
it immediately with much disgust ."Shit! I'm here again?!"
Michiko gaped at her, worry crossing
on her face. She put a hand on her companion's shoulder. "Are you okay?"
The scarlet - haired girl withdrew
her hand from her pounding head. "I hope so." She gave an assuring smile
at the azure-eyed girl beside her. Staring at the place didn't bring her
any more laughter. She detested the place, snorting, as though she smelled
something undesirable. This is hell in disguise. It reminded her of the
demons that stalked after her, then to the latest ogre that chased her
. She shuddered. The blue sky was nothing but the beast's fierce
eyes, and the green leaves of the prettily lined up foliage on alternating
the trees were but the demon's claws.
Her head pounded hard. The only
nice thing it reminds was the mysterious lad who appeared before her attacker,
saving her. Now he's gone. Too bad. Just when she needed him badly. Won't
he ever come back? No. Guess not. She gazed at Michiko, who was still worried
,obviously dissuaded by her lie. She couldn't help beaming. At least now,
she has found another one. Someone who wouldn't just pop and vanish like
a bubble.
Her head thumped hard, and
she shook it, striving to clear her aching head . She shut
her eyes in attempt to clear her blurred eyes, but opening them brought
more fear. Her whole surrounding was enveloped in a fierce darkness that
sent chills through her whole body. She covered her ears with her
hands upon hearing unsound noises that bothered her head. She grasped her
ears and began panting for breath, her eyes widened with terror .Menacing
sights inhabited her vision all of a sudden, surrounding her in every direction,
each one making their way to her neck. Miyuki stumbled, and she fell on
her back, gripping her ears and face with dread as she gave out a scream.
But one demon was making its way to her. Miyuki struggled to her
feet, and clutched to the ground for support, holding for every little
thing that her hand could touch. A stone came across her hand and she lifted
it to throw it at the demon . His checkered body moved threateningly toward
her in a slimy pattern, but she was too scared to laugh. The humor he was
intending was deathly and poisonous. She gave out another scream
despite the heavy clutching on her chest that lack of air contributes,
shut her eyes, feeling a pair of hands grip her wrists.
"Miyuki! Miyuki!
" a voice was shouting.
The gentle voice that had a
trail of concern vaporized some of her fears , inviting her to open
her eyes, in spite of the unpleasant sight that welcomed her just a seconds
ago . Her tenacity to fight the demons provoked her to open her eyes
and give light one more chance , and she did . She saw Michiko Takeda,
in her checkered skirt, holding her wrists, worry on her blue eyes.
"Are you OK , Miyuki?" Michiko asked
anxiously, seeing her companion's golden eyes filled with dread.
Miyuki soughed with relief as Michiko
released her wrists. She slumped her body to the ground, but Michiko caught
her.
"What's happening?" asked Michiko
in a care- worn tone.
"I'm seeing things," explained Miyuki
in a tired shaky voice.
"Oh," Michiko murmured faintly,
taking Miyuki in her arms. "So that explains why you aimed a stone at me."
Miyuki chuckled a little, despite
the aches all over her body that she was feeling. "I'm sorry, " she apologized
exhaustedly, breathing hard. She was silent for a minute, feeling Michiko's
gentle arms supporting her gingerly. It's coming back again. Only her companion's
warm body against hers made her forget most of her fears. She opened her
lemon eyes after calming her chest with enough air. She reached for Michiko's
hand to help her to stand up. Michiko's obediently assisted her. "Now,
Takeda. What do you have to talk about ?"
Michiko beamed slightly. Miyuki was
still pale. She didn't want to spill anything that will more likely turn
her paler. "I'll tell you some other time," she told her comrade, turning
to see her disappointed .
But Miyuki was staring out somewhere
far quietly, her tawny eyes narrowed .
"Miyuki?" Michiko crowed. Is she
seeing things again? "Miyuki? Did you hear anything I said?"
Still no answer.
Then the red-haired rotated her head
to meet Michiko's blue eyes. "They're here."
Michiko looked baffled . "Huh?"
" The monsters. They're here," the
girl clarified briefly.
Michiko shook her head and
pat a hand on the other girl's shoulder. "You're seeing things," she pointed
out smiling mildly but inside she was doubtful. Miyuki eyes were not closed
, and she looked absolutely sober -- and sure.
Miyuki grabbed Michiko's hand
and squeezed it. "I wish I am. Now, go, Takeda. Leave. They want me, after
all."
Michiko shook her head. "No, Miyuki.
I won't leave you to those monsters, if they are really here. " She squeezed
back Miyuki hand, looking at her eyes eagerly.
The other girl hauled her hand away.
"Go, Takeda. They're getting nearer. "
Michiko shook her head even harder,
her golden-brown hair flying. "No . I -I - " a growing sound interrupted
her as she joined Miyuki in gaping out somewhere far where they assumed
the crashing sounds came from.
Miyuki grabbed Michiko by the shoulders
and shook her. "Fuck it, Takeda. Listen to me, for gosh sake . LEAVE NOW!"
"But- but - you -?"
The thundering sounds neared, echoing
in the vast woodland of Ningenkai. They both stared out to see giant
monsters in packs. They were both shocked that they were unable to move.
Their whole body felt numb and shaken. Michiko trembled slightly. Miyuki
got to her sanity earlier. She gripped Michiko and waved her. "Leave."
Michiko didn't answer. She turned
paler and paler by the second. Miyuki raised her hand and slapped her across
the face. That caught Michiko's attention. She turned to Miyuki but
without much emotion.
"GO!!" Miyuki yelled at her. "Let's
split up!" and pushed Michiko to the opposite direction.
Michiko stumbled, then ran.
She was as white as a ghost, shock still perceptible
in her snowy face . Fears made her fly swiftly. Or was it fears ? Michiko
closed her eyes and felt hot tears drip on her cheeks. Being brave
was getting much and much harder to do. The demons after her only brought
back her remembrance of Hiro. She and Hiro in the other ferocious world
where they live together . Fought together. No gap could separate
them .Not even the fierce of its creatures. Now, she was a mere human .
One weak human . Was she being punished ? At the moment , she was
more sorrowful than scared.
She tried to see where she
was heading , but her eyes were blurred with tears. She wiped it away with
the back of her hand and found herself gulping for breath. She didn't know
how much longer she could sustain herself . She could no longer tell.
Yusuke laid calmly under the
shade of a tree on the placid frontier of the Ningenkai grove ,crossing
his arms behind his head. He shoved his hands on the pocket of his
school trousers . He was getting tired for school. School was
not really the appropriate place for someone like him. He knew that.
After he found out that demon blood ran on his veins, he wanted but
to stay away from it as far as possible. School was supposed to be the
second home, but with him around, it would be not. Well, he was also
bored . Keiko would be furious if she found out he cut classes again .
Oh, damn. She doesn't have to know .
The thoughts of the mysterious Sakuwa
broomed on his thoughts . He couldn't stop trying to figure out what the
heck was going on. Even when he was on school, he couldn't give a damn
to whatever his sensei had to say. He was always on his thoughts lately
. So, what's the point ? Nothing. There's definitely no good reason to
go to school and every good reason to cut classes. Maybe he should quit
school? Keiko would be really furious this time. Oh, damn. She doesn't
have to know.
Doesn't Keiko ever get sick of me
? His thoughts drifted off to his turbulent-tempered girlfriend . Good
slap on the face. Do I love her ? Heck , I do. But does she still
love me ? Immediately, the perception of Kazuma Kuwabara laughing
haughtily sailed to his mind . Kazuma always ridiculed Yusuke by questioning
their relationship.
Why would Keiko go out with a jerk
like Urameshi ?
Hmph ! As if ! Yusuke would retort
by chaffing the carrot top with as much taunts as to why Yukina still sees
him.
She probably feels sorry for you,
Kuwabara !
And exchanging insults shall follow.
Hi-ho ! School is also fun, ne? Why quit ?
Ummei ? Nah! Urameshi scarcely let
anything dominate him and his decisions. He was a man of .......hmmm...
what was that ? He was haughty enough for submission. He was the master
of his life .Er, with some exceptions, of course. Keiko is still on the
loose. Good punch. Darn.
Atsuko ? Double darn ! She'd
rather drink .
But she cares .
His first death proved that, bringing
better understanding between them. But she's the same. Atsuko will
be Atsuko, no matter how many times he dies. She, unlike Shiori , doesn't
show her care and affection by her behaviors. That was what he like about
his okasan. Role Model . With a great philosophy in life -
If you drink , you die.
If you don't drink, you die.
Better drink and die happy !
Women . Different breed of women.
But they're all alike . Deep inside .
Or are they? His mind roamed back
to Sakuwa . One word to describe her : Odd. Strange. Weird. Ok, that's
three words . So what ?
Hahahahahahaha!!!!
That was what Sakuwa is. She had
woken up and laughed upon seeing Yusuke about nothing at all. She had laughed
when she left . And was still laughing on the car.
Is she mad ?
Must be. She had managed to surprise
Hiei . Hiei had looked baffled as he related the incident solemnly with
as much as few words as possible.
He could see her through the branches
of the tree that protected him from her sight. She was running. Then she
stopped, holding on her knees to satisfy her bursting chest with enough
air. Then she laughed. No. Roared. As if some clown was chasing after her
instead .
Yusuke's eyes rested on the soft color
of the leaves above him . A beautiful face clouded over his head.
A little smile played on his lips.
Michiko Takeda. Beautiful Takeda.
Hope she isn't mad at me .
It would just take some little understanding
to appreciate his arrogance. Hopefully, she should possess them.
Thundering sounds broke his thoughts.
Huh-- ?
He stood up and craned his ears .
Maybe it was just his imagination . He walked observantly , narrowing his
brown eyes . The clamor was blasting audibly now. It wasn't' just ant imagination
. He was certain of that .
He ran enthusiastically tracing the
source of the noise. The luminescence that sparkled grave within
Yusuke can not be easily blown off by the wind that struck against
his comely face and the breeze that waved his coal hair . His curiosity
and boldness surpassed any form of fear an ordinary fourteen year old boy
should have by just hearing strange noises in a place it may seem
least likely to be heard . He ran stepping on the shrubs that decorated
the way . Then he stopped abruptly as he heard another pair of feet brushing
against the ground. He ducked behind a tree and waited calmly for what
may arrive .
The sound drew nearer.
He stayed on guard.
Nearer.
Nearer.
And nearer.
He threw himself on the creature
that was racing past him. Yusuke took hold of both of his arms
and pinned him against a tree. It all happened so swiftly that it took
him a moment to apprehend that it was no demon he was grasping , but a
-- girl--?!
Yusuke stared at the pair of blue
eyes that gazed back at him with horror . Their gazes fixed , and Yusuke
didn't release her arms for a long time, just staring at the deep pool
of her big azure eyes which was filled with terror. After a minute,
she pulled her arms free, spurning to meet his eyes again as she looked
down to her feet . Yusuke delivered his hands off her gently .
She was panting , but a look of relief
streamed across her face when she saw Yusuke.
"What's going on ?" he asked her
, stepping back to lean on a tree.
She sighed as she stared at the sky,
shaking her head and ran her hands to her thick brown mane . Yusuke saw
her tremble. She didn't answer for a long time and turned ghostly white
.
"What's going on? " he pressed again
,more blandly this time. He lifted himself from the tree and walked nearer
her.
She just swallowed hard and looked
as though she was on the edge of tears. She gripped the chest of Yusuke's
shirt suddenly and met his chestnut eyes as though searching for answers
. Then she burst into tears . Yusuke laid her head lightly on his
shoulder as he put comforting arms around the girl he had despised
not so long ago.
© November 1998
T-chan
Mail
me!!
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