Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ After the Fall ❯ Into Makai ( Chapter 6 )

The sky above Makai was shrouded in black, the dark clouds that hovered above them casting a shadow along the dangerous land, making visibility next to nil. But for the spirit detectives, it was their sense of chi that was more useful to them, guiding them ever closer to their destination. The compound of Mukuro, whose territory they were trespassing on. Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara traveled in a tight formation down a well trodden path that cut a small swath through a heavily wooded area, their senses alert and their eyes ever watchful for the smallest movement. A cold, harsh wind swept through, pelting the three travelers with dirt and dead leaves, scouring their skin and chilling them to the bone.

"Damn that's cold!" Yusuke gritted through his clenched teeth as he raised his right arm to shield his eyes from the continuing onslaught of the wind that howled around them, the sleeve of his sweatshirt flapping from the ferocity of rushing air.

Kurama said nothing, his eyes unblinking as he focused his attention on the tree tops above them, his hair dancing in waves around his face. But try as he might, he couldn't stop thinking about Botan, lost in the decision he had made, his heart troubled. I should have told her personally. But I ran. I ran away from her. He thought with a sigh. Now she will be angry with me. She may even hate me for what I've done, but it could not be helped.

"Hey Urameshi," Kuwabara called out softly as the wind began to die down.

Yusuke turned to him. "What?"

"Is it just me or does Kurama seem a little off today."

The dark haired man focused his attention on the kitsune, a frown forming on his handsome features. "He looks like he always does to me."

Kuwabara eyed him in irritation. "I'm not talking about how he looks, I'm talking about how he feels. He seems, I don't know, depressed or something."

"Hmm." Yusuke sounded. "It probably has something to do with Botan staying in Reikai." He replied looking up at the darkening sky. "Stop worrying about fox boy." He added. "He'll be fine."

I'm not so sure. Kuwabara thought but kept it to himself as they continued onward. The tall man stopped, his eyes narrowing as he whirled around suddenly.

Nothing was there.

That's odd. I could have sworn I felt something weird just then.

"Hey Kuwabara," Yusuke called out bringing the larger man's attention forward once more. "You want to pick up the pace or do you want to get snatched by the bogeyman!" He teased lightly.

"Hn." Kuwabara sounded as he straightened his frame and caught back up with the group. "Didn't you say there were patrols in Makai to keep humans out Urameshi?" He asked, his eyes focused on the left side of the forest.

"Yeah." Yusuke replied gruffly. "So?"

"Well, we've been traveling for over an hour now and in all that time we haven't seen a single demon let alone a patrol on this path."

"And?"

"Well, don't you find it a little weird?" Kuwabara asked, his eyes shifting over to the kitsune who answered him.

"There is a logical reason for our being left alone." He began, his voice calm, a small smile on his face.

Yusuke and Kuwabara looked at each other then over to Kurama.

"Which is?" The dark haired man asked.

"We are well known in Makai, our power places us above just about every inhabitat in this world. Any demon would be a fool to try and attack us directly."

Yusuke's features grew thoughtful as he rubbed his chin. "So they wouldn't attack us in the open because we'd stomp their asses into the ground."

"Uh, not exactly how I would phrase it but yes," Kurama replied with a smile. "They are afraid of us."

"But wait you guys," Kuwabara said urgently. "I've been getting a really creepy vibe. Like we're being followed or something."

"We are." Kurama said simply, turning away from them. He tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes.

"But how can you tell for sure?" Yusuke argued. "I can't sense anything and Kuwabara only thinks there's something out there." He said, jerking his head towards the woods behind them.

"I cannot sense anything unusual either." The kitsune answered softly. "But although I sense no chi my ears detect the sound of a single pair of footsteps moving stealthily through the brush on our left. Someone has been tracking us from the moment we stepped into Makai."

"So why haven't we been attacked?" Yusuke asked, looking over to Kurama who opened his eyes and straightened his frame.

"I believe we went over that earlier." The kitsune answered, his handsome features tightening in worry. "I had hoped Hiei would have sensed our presence and traveled out here to greet us. He could easily cover the terrain in a third of the time it would take for us to reach him."

"Perhaps this tracker is part of a patrol working for Mukuro." Yusuke offered.

Kurama shook his head. "If that were true, Hiei would have been here by now. He would have told the tracker to show himself and inform us of the Koorime's coming."

Kuwabara looked doubtful. "More likely the little shrimp would have told the tracker he had no idea in hell who we were just to make us suffer." He grumbled.

Kurama stifled a laugh. It seems the feud between Hiei and Kuwabara will never cease. He thought in amusement, his features relaxing slightly as he studied the trees in front of him.

"So if this guy following us doesn't work for Mukuro, who is he?" Yusuke asked.

Kurama frowned. "I'm not sure." He began. "It is possible we may yet be attacked. For now though, it seems our stalker is content to watch us from the safety of the bush as we make our way deeper into Mukuro's territory."

"About how long will it take before we get to her compound?" The smaller man asked.

"Given our current rate of speed and the lay of the land it will take us three hours to reach our destination." Kurama answered.

"What!" Exclaimed Kuwabara. "Three more hours! I didn't know this was going to be an overnight trip! My sister is going to kill me!" He cried, images of a screaming Shizuru swimming in his head, pounding relentlessly on him for neglecting to mention how long he was going to be. Kuwabara cringed inwardly at the pain that would be inflicted on him when he returned.

"Didn't you tell Shizuru where we were going?" Yusuke asked, staring at his best friend in disbelief.

Kuwabara stared hard at him. "What was I supposed to say?" He snapped. "Gee sis, I'm going out for a little hike in Makai and an overnight stay at Hiei's. See you later?!"

"That would have covered it." Yusuke said with a nod.

The orange haired man stared down at Yusuke for several seconds until at last he replied, "You're impossible."

Just then a flash of lightning illuminated the sky above them stopping everyone in their tracks.

Kurama frowned as he studied the sky. "I had hoped to find shelter from this growing storm before it unleashed itself upon us. But given our current situation, continuing forward seems to be our best option. Still we will need protection from the elements."

Kuwabara's face brightened. "Worry no more fellas. I've got that covered." He said excitedly, ripping his back pack off before plunking down on the ground. The large man rummaged through the bag.

Yusuke and Kurama gazing at him curiously, wondering what it was he had brought with him.

"I've found it!" Kuwabara exclaimed, whipping his long arm out to reveal what appeared to be a short black stick clutched in his hand which he waved triumphantly in the air. "Never let it be said that Kazuma Kuwabara comes unprepared."

Kurama hung his head and let out a sigh while Yusuke jumped forward and ripped the object out of the orange haired man's hand, promptly whacking him over the head with it.

"Hey!" Kuwabara cried indignantly. "What the hell did you do that for Urameshi?!"

"It'll take more than an umbrella to protects us from this storm you idiot!" He growled as he tossed the object back to Kuwabara who caught it against his chest.

"I don't see you offering any type of survival equipment Mr. Smart Ass!" He said heatedly.

Yusuke snorted. "Shows what you know. Which is nothing!" He said with a smirk as he swung his back pack onto the ground, crouching down to look inside. He reached into the opened bag and quickly pulled out three small plastic bags. Yusuke dropped one bag beside him then tossed the other two out to Kurama and Kuwabara each catching the bag and eyeing it in curiosity.

"Hn." Kuwabara mumbled as he brought the bag up to his face for a closer examination.

"Open it." Yusuke ordered, turning away from the two guys as he reached down and took the bag into his hand, ripping off the side.

Kuwabara frowned but did as he was told, his features darkening as he took the item out of the bag. "What the hell is this Urameshi!" He roared as he jumped to his feet, holding up what looked like a giant piece of pink plastic.

"It's a poncho stupid. Put it on."

Kuwabara eyed the poncho in disdain. "But it's pink!" He cried indignantly.

Yusuke stood, sliding his green poncho over his head. "It was the only one I could find that would fit you." He managed to answer with a straight face.

Kurama turned away as he slid his green poncho over his head, trying like hell to keep from laughing at Kuwabara's discomfort.

Kuwabara's lips twitched as he continued to look at Yusuke's gift in disgust. "Oh." He said softly, his eyes narrowing as he looked back at his friend. "Wait a minute. This is an emergency poncho."

"So?" Yusuke said as an amused expression flashed across his face.

"So, these ponchos are one size fit's all!"

"Yeah." The dark haired spirit detective said with a laugh. "But you look good in pink!"

"Shut up!" Kuwabara snarled, tossing the poncho over to Yusuke. "You wear it!"

Yusuke stopped laughing. "Quit being a baby Kuwabara and put it on."

"And look like a giant piece of fruit! No way!"

"I suggest you take Yusuke's advice Kuwabara." Kurama said softly.

Kuwabara turned to him. "And why is that?"

Kurama pointed up to the sky, the taller man following his movement.

At that precise second, the heavens unloaded themselves of water, the rain rocketing downward in a hail of liquid bullets, pelting them mercilessly.

Kuwabara let out a shout of pain as the cold, harsh rain seeped through his clothing. Wasting no more time the big man growled and ripped the poncho over his head all the while glaring at Yusuke. "Don't even laugh at me Urameshi!" He growled menacingly at the goofy look the smaller man gave him.

"Damn Kuwabara! You do look like a giant piece of fruit.!"

"Shut up!"

"Come on." Kurama said sternly. "We must continue moving."

Kuwabara lowered his head as he followed behind the kitsune, all the while grumbling his revenge. You wait Urameshi! His mind snarled. I'll get you back for this somehow just you wait!

*******

"Here are the completed files you requested sir." Botan said stiffly, slamming the folders onto the small lord's desk, a loud PLOP! resonating throughout the nearly vacant office. The deity stretched her lithe frame, grimacing at the dull ache that gripped her lower back after hours of leaning forward at her desk, slaving furiously to complete Koenma's report for King Enma.

Koenma looked over to her, his features serious as he drew in a breath. He let it out slowly as he braced himself for what he was about to say. Here goes nothing. "Thank you Botan. Father will be most pleased with your work."

Botan stared at him. A compliment from Koenma? She thought in wonder. He never does that. Her eyes narrowed as she came to the front of his desk, crossing her arms and hardening her features. "Ogre told me you wanted to speak to me about something?" She said, eyeing him warily.

Koenma let out a cough, stalling. "Ah .. Yes," He replied, smiling nervously. "So I did."

The spirit lord began to tap his stubby fingers against the leather armrests of his chair, beads of sweat forming along his furrowed brow as he stared up at his employee.

"Well?" Botan snapped impatiently. "I'd don't have all day for a stare down with you sir. I'd really like to get to work on those files for the boys if you don't mind."

Koenma tore his eyes away from her. "About helping out the spirit detectives Botan," He started in a soft voice. "I've had a discussion with Kurama."

Botan frowned. Kurama did mention he wanted to talk to Koemna. She recalled as she studied her boss. "What did you two talk about?"

"Well, we talked about you mostly." Koenma answered, leaving out the part where they argued over her place in the kitsune's life.

"About me?" She said, her frown deepening. "Why were you two talking about me?"

Koenma raised his right hand to his forehead, pressing his temples in an attempt to stop the throb of pain that erupted within his head. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. "The kitsune has requested I keep you in Reikai until the problem in the human world is resolved." He managed finally, letting out a heavy sigh as he dropped his hand. "I agreed to his request."

Botan's eyes widened in understanding. "You're taking me off the case?!" She cried incredulously.

Koenma shook his head. "Not off the case, just away from Ningenkai." He replied. "I've given Kurama one of our communication device so you can keep in contact with him, let him know what you've discovered in Reikai's files."

The deity blinked several times, too shocked to speak. I don't understand. Her mind cried. Why would Kurama do that to me? I thought he wanted to see me, be around me. Why? Her features fell as she lowered her head, trying hard to deal with the hurt that spread through her heart.

"Botan?" Koenma murmured, his brown eyes full of concern. "Are you all right?"

Botan made no reply, just stood there silently, as still as death.

Koenma crossed his arms and let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes. Good lord, mention one little thing about Kurama and she gets all boo hooey. "Stop moping Botan. You know it's for your own good."

The blue haired ferry girl's head snapped up, her face no longer sorrowful but full of rage as she advanced rapidly upon her boss.

Oh shit! Koenma's mind screamed as his frightened eyes met with the murderous ones of Botan who let out a roar that shook the entire palace.

"I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT'S FOR MY OWN GOOD!"

And with that, her oar materialized instantly in her hand and with one mighty swing, the deity brought it crashing down onto the lord of Reikai's head.

*******

Kurama continued to lead his friends ever closer to their destination, his body unaffected by the wind that swirled around them and the steady stream of rain that crashed down upon them from the pitch black sky. Lightning slashed across the clouds in continuous bursts, painting the landscape in an ominous white hue, the flashes of light casting shadows among the trees. Strange silhouettes danced about the foliage, as if they were alive. Wave after wave of thunder rumbled like cannon fire above and around them, shaking the ground with the power of the storm's fury. The smell of damp earth and ozone hung heavy in the air as the trio marched ever onward, with out rest.

Kurama eyed the path they were traveling on warily. The constant pinging of the rain and the roar of thunder was playing hell with his senses, making it nearly impossible for him to keep a track on their stalker. The lack of chi he felt bothered him immensely. It's almost like the night before. He thought worriedly as he let out an agitated sigh. Hiei where are you?

The kitsune wondered why the fire demon had failed to show up. I've sent out several telepathic messages and still he does not reply. It's almost as if my efforts are being blocked.

"Is this damn rain ever going to stop?!" Kuwabara shouted out, his head tilted downward as he walked.

"Makai storms can last for days." Kurama replied, eyes still forward.

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"Unfortunately, no." He said, stopping suddenly as he heard an insistent beep go off under his poncho.

"What is it?" Yusuke asked, looking over at Kurama.

Kurama froze. His heart pounding in his chest. It's her.

"Kurama!" Yusuke yelled, reaching out to tap his friend's shoulder.

The kitsune turned to him. "Give me a few minutes guys." He said quickly, walking away from them as he enacted an energy barrier, his back turned to them. In one swift move, he reached into his right pocket and brought out the communication device Koenma had given him. Kurama drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly before bringing the device to his face and flipping it open.

Instantly Botan's face appeared in view. Behind her the form of an unconscious Koenma sprawled face first on his desk, a mass of paperwork strewn about. "What is this crap I hear about you thinking I should remain in Reikai!" She roared furiously, her eyes swollen with anger.

Kurama just stared at the small view screen, stunned speechless. Never before had the kitsune faced the wrath of a woman, let alone the one closest to his heart. He frowned, unsure how to respond without upsetting her more than she so obviously was. "Botan ... I ... I just thought ..." The words came out in bursts, so unlike the usual calm, smooth tone of voice the kitsune was known for that Yusuke and Kuwabara who had sneaked up behind Kurama to eavesdrop were rendered silent.

He didn't get a chance to finish as the deity cut him off, her eyes a raging storm of anger and hurt that rivaled nature's fury. "You thought what? That I couldn't handle the danger in the human world. Is that what you're saying? I'd sure like to know why the hell you didn't come to me first rather than talking behind my back with my boss!"

Kurama frowned, trying hard to think of a way to explain himself to her. "It was not my intention to ignore you Botan." He began, his voice growing desperate for her to understand. "I only wanted to keep you safe."

Botan grew silent as if pondering his answer. She lowered her head, regaining her composure. The anger fled her heart, replaced by an ache that could not be comforted. "I thought you were my friend. I thought we could talk about anything. So why didn't you tell me yourself Kurama?" She whispered, her voice so full of pain that Kurama wished with all his heart he could reach through the view screen and console her.

But I can't. He thought in frustration. I messed up. And now I must deal with my mistake. "I am Botan." He assured her. "Our friendship means the world to me. But so does your safety. " He answered, trying hard to calm the storm of guilt that was flooding through him. "I ... care about you Botan. That's why I did what I did."

Botan looked at him in shock. "You ... care for me?" She stammered.

Kurama nodded about to tell her something else when an immense chi slammed into him with the force of a hurricane, almost knocking the kitsune off his feet. The fox spirit's head whipped to the side, his angry eyes searching the immense foliage to his left.

"What the hell was that?!" Yusuke bellowed, shifting his gaze to the side.

"What an immense power!" Kuwabara yelled, backing up slightly as he too watched the woods in a mixture of fear and excitement.

Kurama growled, his eyes darkening as the power vanished as quickly as it arrived. Something dark is at work here.

"Kurama what's wrong?!" Botan's frightened voice broke through his focus, causing him to tear his gaze away from the trees to the deity.

"I'll have to call you back Botan." He said quickly, snapping the device shut and stuffing it back into his pocket before disengaging his energy barrier as he came to stand beside his comrades. His eyes widened as his acute hearing picked up the sound of branches being broke and bushes being crushed. One pair of footsteps had become many. We're being surrounded! He thought, his face draining of color as he heard the sound of metal upon metal and fiber being stretched forcibly to it's breaking point, the unmistakable sound of bowstrings being pulled back. "It's a trap!" Kurama shouted just as a loud whistling sound permeated the air.

Kurama gasped as his keen eyes spotted a barrage of arrows heading straight for them. "Watch out!" he cried, lunging forward, plowing into his friends with such force the three of them flew off the trail and into the woods, crashing down in a crumbled heap just beyond the path of lethal projectiles which slammed into the wet ground with a mountainous thud.

The spirit detectives eyed the missiles in disbelief and anger.

"Bastards!" Kuwabara shouted out threateningly, bolting to his feet as he raised his right fist to charge up his spirit sword.

"There's no time to power up!" Kurama shouted as he rose to his feet, tearing off his poncho. "We must move!"

Kuwabara growled but lowered his hand, following Kurama's example, ridding himself of his hideous emergency slicker.

Yusuke nodded, tearing off his poncho as the three began to run at break neck speed, Kurama weaving gracefully in and out of the thick brush while the two men behind him crashed throughout the foliage, their eyes constantly darting about, just ahead of the arrows that continued to rain down from above.

"Where the hell are all these arrows coming from!" Yusuke shouted as he let out a cry, barely dodging an arrow that whizzed behind his back, striking the tree beside him as he streaked past.

Kurama shook his head. "I don't know." He replied as he ducked down to avoid an incoming arrow aimed for his head. "But we cannot stop. To do so will mean certain death."

"What are you talking about!" Yusuke countered. "We could take out these guys! I can't sense anything from them!"

Kurama did not reply, his gaze focused on the darkness before them, relying on his eyes and the flashes of lightning to lead them to safety. He sensed movement to his right and whirled his head, water sweeping off his matted hair in an arc, his eyes widening as he saw the silhouettes of about twenty men dressed in black rushing towards them, lining quickly beside one another in single file, preparing to unleash a volley of arrows the spirit detectives would be unable to avoid.

Kurama held out his right hand and enacted a large energy barrier just before the arrows made contact, protecting them for the moment as they rushed onward, swallowed up by the mass of trees they weaved through only to be chased out again by the relentless fire of metal from the left.

It's almost as if they're rounding us up like sheep before the slaughter. Kurama thought, his eyes widening in alarm as he realized that was exactly what they were doing. They're leading us into another trap!

A sudden explosion of leaves and branches erupted in front of them as a group of five dark archers popped up arrows at the ready as they fired at point blank range.

No time! No time! The kitsune's mind screamed even as he raised his hand once more, enacting another barrier that stopped four of the five arrows. But the fifth met it's mark, slipping past his defense, slamming into Kurama's left shoulder and burrowing deeply into his flesh. The kitsune stumbled backwards, crying out in agony as he lowered his hand and clasped at his injured side, falling to his knees.

Yusuke roared in fury, rushing ahead, his fist surrounded instantly a bright blue light. "Shotgun!" He cried, unleashing a burst of spirit energy in rapid succession, destroying everything in his path while Kuwabara helped Kurama to his feet.

"We must keep moving!" Kurama said through labored breaths, shaking his head at the sudden double vision he was experiencing. With one swift movement he brought his right hand up and smacked the end of the arrow, the force driving the arrow completely through flesh and bone, erupting out the back, the tip stained red with his blood. Kurama fell heavily against a nearby tree, biting his lip to hold the bile that rose in his throat.

"Why the hell did you do that?" Kuwabara cried, wincing at the display he just witnessed.

"No ... Time to explain Kuwabara. Just pull the arrow out for me please. Do be careful not to touch the tip."

"But .. " The orange haired man argued, his voice trailing off as a series of arrows zoomed past him, barely missing his face. Without a word, Kuwabara did as he was asked, pulling the projectile out quickly before tossing it violently to the side.

Kurama gave his thanks with a nod, straightening his frame as he took his place at the head of the group, sprinting forward into the rain soaked landscape.

"Stupid weather!" Yusuke grumbled as the rain pelted them relentlessly, weighing down their clothing, slowing their progress.

Soon they hit a clearing only to skid at a stop as they came face to face with an immense rock formation taller than the trees that shot up around them. This monstrosity of nature stretching in both directions as far as they could see.

"Shit!" Yusuke cursed violently as he eyed the wall in frustration.

"So this is where they wanted us to go." Kurama murmured.

The sound of rustling feet startled the kitsune who whirled around with his comrades to find themselves instantly surrounded by an group of archers in a ring of death. Lightning crashed above them, illuminating the features of their hunters for a few tense seconds. Kurama frowned, his eyes unblinking even as the rain cascaded down his face and onto his already soaked clothing. Their eyes show no life, no feeling, nothing. They're not real!

But the sounds that met his ears begged to differ as the archers armed their bows in sync, as if they were mere puppets on a master's string. In one simultaneous motion, they pulled back their arrows and prepared to fire. At that same instant, Kurama enacted his energy barrier one last time, forming a perfect sphere around the three of them as strange smile on his face as he watched the arrows fly, bouncing harmlessly off the barrier.

The archers prepared for another volley when the ground suddenly erupted in a blaze of red hot fire, engulfing them hunters in the deadly flames, turning them instantly into ash.

Yusuke and Kuwabara could hardly believe their eyes as a lone figure stalked towards them, a trademark smirk on his lips as the rain belted his spiky black hair and black uniform, his red eyes gazing at them indifferently.

"Your time among the humans has made you careless Kurama." Hiei chided his friend in mock disdain.

Kurama smiled as he disengaged his defensive shield before clutching his wound. "It's ... nice ... to see you too ... Hiei." He spoke between labored breaths just before darkness consumed him and he collapsed on the ground in unconsciousness.

"Kurama!" Yusuke and Kuwabara cried simultaneously rushing to their friend's side.

Hiei got there first, turning his old friend over to study his wound. He touched the torn flesh gently then brought his now stained fingers up to his face, his features tightening as he noticed a familar smell emanating from the crimson fluid. With a look of disgust, the fire demon wiped the blood onto his leg and rose.

"What's wrong with Kurama?" Yusuke asked, eyeing the kitsune in concern.

"He's been poisoned." Hiei said softly. "The arrow that struck him held a syrup from the talimantrious plant, native only to Makai. Highly toxic to humans but ineffective on demons."

"But Kurama is a demon." Kuwabara said, looking down at Hiei in confusion.

"He's only half demon you moron." Hiei countered eyeing his sister's boyfriend with open disdain. "It's the only reason why he's still alive." The fire demon turned to Yusuke. "We must hurry back to Mukuro's. She will be able to heal his malady without lasting effects." He said walking past the two men who stared at him.

Hiei turned back to them. "Are you coming or not?" He asked in nonchalance although in his heart the koorime was worried for his friend and wanted to move as quickly as possible. "Everyone else that threatened you is dead. I killed them myself. So you have nothing to worry about."

Yusuke looked down at Kurama and crouched down, pulling the unconscious kitsune up and with the help of Kuwabara, swinging him over his right shoulder. "Lead the way Hiei." The dark haired man said with a nod.

Hiei turned from them, veering to the left and back towards the trail the spirit detectives had been traveling on previously all the while watched by the purveyor of their assault who stood high upon a tree top, gazing down at them with puzzled black eyes, his clothing matching the archers who had perished at Hiei's and Yusuke's hands. He had wanted to test them further but the fire demon had spoiled his fun. Not allowing him to see the full range of their attacks.

I'll have to kill the runt for that eventually. The big man thought with a sadistic smile as a violent gale of wind swept by, the shadowed figure vanishing instantly into nothingness, leaving the spirit detectives alone on their journey to Mukuro's.