Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Angel of Death ❯ Baby One More Time ( Chapter 12 )

Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho is, will never be, never was mine

The Angel of Death

Chapter 12

Baby One More Time

Have you seen that old video of Britney Spear's Baby One More Time? That might give a picture of what Ebony was feeling right there and then. The only thing different was that the girl in the music video was having trouble with her love life. Ebony, however, had to face the burden of knowing that all life could be snuffed out before another day begins. Anyway, both needed someone to smack themselves silly so that they could each go back to their senses and listen well to their professors. Otherwise, the same setting; steady droning of the teacher's monotonous voice, the clock ticking against one's ears, the usual environment of the old drowsy schoolroom.

Ebony had not slept well for five nights straight. She had been very busy working on her research paper. Yusuke had finished his earlier, thank goodness, so the pressure was all self-inflicted. She had already submitted her work to the teacher the day before yesterday, Monday. She had hoped to replenish her lost strength that night, but unfortunately, that's when she was called off to Lethe, just after she got home at 9:30 p.m.

So the uniform she was wearing on Tuesday when she dropped by in on Makai and appeared before an audience was the same one she had worn that Monday that got drenched with sweat after she ran around the campus chasing her group mates to collect signatures. Oh well! She smelled good enough.

Of course, she didn't regain her lost sleep last night, either. None of them had. Ebony chiefly blamed Yusuke. He sneaked some vodka from his house. His mother, Atsuko, was finally cured of alcoholism after undergoing therapy but she still had some wine and stuff stashed around the house for social drinking and stuff. Well, Ebony's quite educated at these things despite the fact she was just a minor. Being a princess, she had had her share of social drinking since sixteen. She had wanted to get drunk so that she could get some sleep but didn't despite the number of bottles she'd had consumed (that can kill in real life -.-;). She finally got to sleep around one, after reading the first few chapters of Les Miserables. She always does that to make herself fall asleep.

Then, she woke up an hour later. She was pretty shaken up then but however hard she racked her head , she couldn't remember a single thing from her dream. At least, she thought it was a nightmare since she had been asleep before then. She tried to go back to sleep again but did not quite succeed till after an hour's tossing and turning.

If that wasn't enough, she was again awakened sometime later by a very panicky Kuwabara. She had given her cellphone to him and the others at the cave of Irima. And what were they doing there?

See, Koenma contacted Botan and had sent her to do some errand or another. So, off she went flying on her oar. She didn't come back on it later nor was she alone. With her came people, apparently with "special gifts", too.

One of them, it turned out was Kaito Yuu. Ebony practically melted in disbelief. He was also a former classmate when he, she and Kurama were studying in that school before.

Of course, the others were Asato Kido and Yanagisawa Mitsunari. They were some of those people who developed their superhuman powers when a hole leading to Makai was torn open by Sensui. Anyway, that makes eight people available at her disposal.

She divided the group into two. Kaito, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yanagi, Kido were to go to the cave of Irima. Mukuro, Hiei, Kurama were to stay with her.

Of course, the others argued about the arrangement. Kuwabara wanted to stay in Genkai's home because Yukina was there. Yusuke just wanted an excuse for not going to school the next day. And he didn't exactly say so, but Hiei was also uncomfortable with the arrangement.

None was quite up to convincing Ebony to change her mind. Somebody suggested swapping with Botan but Ebony needed her to cooperate with Reikai.

Kurama adamantly refused to exchange with anyone saying his stay in the house served a double purpose. Some had malicious thoughts but his plan was innocent enough. He wanted to get started on the proposed wildlife reserve. But anyway, nobody else forced him to.

Ebony dismissed the idea of displacing Mukuro as preposterous. A body guard should be with his charge, right? However, she didn't quite answer when Kuwabara declared he didn't want Hiei within 50 feet near Yukina. Sending Hiei away means sending Mukuro, too, but Ebony kept her peace.

Yusuke crushingly accused Ebony of finding an excuse not to go to school. She readily denied his allegations and to prove her innocence she was now sitting there yawning her head off listening to that tiresome gab about statistical analysis of heinous crimes and its relationship with alcoholic beverage consumption.

Ebony grinned to herself. Drunk girl kills frantic lunatic due to deprived sleep. Very funny, but she wasn't drunk at all. And neither was Kuwabara. Shizuru insisted upon tagging along to keep an eye on her brother. Keiko decided to keep her company so she won't be alone with the boys.

So she answered the ringing phone, furiously asking in a whisper nobody particular why she was the only one awakened by the racket. She said in a quite garbled voice that the pulsating light and rising invisible power were just signs of the spell starting to take effect. And that means they can go to school or whatever tomorrow. She also added that Hiei and Mukuro will take over anyway to guard there. But then Yusuke grabbed the phone and reminded her that she needed to go to school as well wherein Ebony slammed the receiver down.

Just then, she stifled a yawn and became very drowsy. She realized how very tired she was and made off straight to bed.

At the crack of dawn, she was awakened by a screaming Kurama. The poor guy had awakened with Hiei entwined with him. Apparently, it slipped of his mind that he was sleeping with his best friend and not with his wife. Of course, Kurama, himself being unused to such um… display of affections, panicked. But nonetheless, Ebony gave them no consideration when she awoke startled and annoyed. She simply ignored their excuses and coldly remarked something in the presence of the three other females.

"I didn't know you two had homosexual tendencies. You, Kurama, even with your long hair and girlish voice and all. And you, certainly not you being mar--"

But Hiei cut off her last statement. "Hn," he said. "It's about time you woke up anyway."

Ebony's stomach gurgled. She had not taken to her lunch. She had spent her only break for that day researching about the clues Azrael gave her. In fact, she had mooned a way the whole morning probing her mind for possible connections and other stray information. She was trying very hard to piece the puzzle together. True, the pieces are seemingly so remote from each other but then Azrael wouldn't have given her those numbers unless she had the answers. Yes, she was that naïve.

Oliver Twist, Quasimodo, Phileus Fogg, Rapunzel and Cyrano de Bergerac. Well, they have one thing in common. They were all characters in some story. Cyrano was in a play, Rapunzel is in that fairy tale, while the others are from novels.

Quasimodo. He is the main character in that novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame This novel of Victor Hugo's is an astute satire criticizing the Parisian society. It was mostly about self-righteousness, obsession and usage of God's name in vain and for egoistic reasons.

Oliver Twist. He was an orphan raised in the orphanage then turned out to be a rich heir. Then he found himself among thieves and pickpockets then got involved in crime chain. He had no idea of his parentage whatsoever, that being hidden from him. But in the end he landed on good-meaning hands. The book of the same name was authored by the famous English writer Charles Dickens.

Phileus Fogg is the main character in the novel Around the World in 80 Days written by the sci-fi writer Jules Verne of the nineteenth century.

As the title implies, the novel tells of the awesome journey of Fogg around the world in space of eighty days. This bachelor was a rich gambler who bet half his fortune. He nearly became dead broke and would have been converted to a mere bum because he had spent the rest of his money in the voyage. He thought he had arrived at exactly past the 80th day and had given up hope on everything. But then he neglected the fact about the time zones and realized in the nick of time that it was actually only the 79th day. So off he went to claim his prize together with his faithful servant and the girl Ayeesha he had rescued from suttee in India.

Well, that's what Ebony and her companions had been doing all night long. They were brainstorming, planning and generally co-operating with Makai and Reikai. They, too, had been informed of Azrael's visit though they'd probably know less about the clues since they're Ningen-related. The rest of the Ningen force will probably be helpful and they, too, had been informed.

Unfortunately, none in the gang had read Cyrano de Bergerac. And they knew none about it except that it was written by Edmond Rostand. Well, Kurama and Keiko had read excerpts and so had Kaito and Ebony but none could quite elaborate on the matter. Keiko promised to work on it though.

Speaking of Keiko, Ebony promised to call her at 3:00 p.m. Well, it was already 3:25. Only five minutes to go and she'd have to rush to her next class. Maybe then in between periods she could sneak somewhere quiet.

Uh-oh, thought Ebony. Keiko would be boiling mad. And that Yusuke would be wearing that triumphant leer of his. Grrr! ***

Keiko shook her head to Yusuke's expectant look indicating a negative. It wasn't Ebony on the line. It was Shuichi informing them of their arrival. Some Makai warriors had arrived and were going to fortify the place as their stronghold. Keiko cried in alarm that there shouldn't be anything altered in Genkai's home. Kurama however assured her that the fortification included only spiritual barriers and none of those barricades humans love to build.

"Ok, Shuichi," she said. "We'll all be here. Is Yukina, Shizuru and Kuwabara coming as well?… Yes?… Ok. And have you heard from Ebony?…No? Ok, then. That's it. 'Bye."

"Well?" Hiei asked.

"Kaito and the others are there plus some Makai soldiers. Kurama, Shizuru, Yukina and Kuwabara are coming over here."

"Where's that Botan and the girl Ebony?"

"Botan went to Reikai and Ebony I have no idea."

"Where else will she be?" said Yusuke. "I can't believe that girl still studies even though the whole world is being threatened of extinction."

Mukuro shook her head. "You can't blame the person," she mumbled.

"Yes, the poor girl's up to her neck already. And I think she has some test today or something," said Keiko. "She probably needs something to get her mind out of these things."

"I wouldn't choose chemistry," said Yusuke darkly.

Silence.

"Why does that Azrael want her anyway?" mused Hiei. "I still don't feel anything from her. Not even suppressed energy."

"I've always thought there's more to her than meets the eye," said Keiko. ""But I thought I already discovered that when we became friends. You know, that she isn't all quiet and nerdy at all. I didn't realize there was even more."

"I have to agree to that. My former classmates thought her a geek," said a voice. Kurama.

"You're here already?' exclaimed Keiko. "It's been, what, ten.. fifteen minutes? How d'you get here?"

"Sorry, Yusuke," answered he. "We rode on Puu."

"Puu was able to carry you four?" asked Yusuke.

"Of course. Don't you want to see him?'

"Definitely!" He ran towards giant blue phoenix muzzling Yukina. Keiko was about to sprint after them, after all she had been its caretaker when the magnificent creature was no more than a cuddly, floppy-eared little darling, but the phone rang.

Keiko deftly picked it up hoping it was Ebony. It was. She was panting heavily and on top of that the reception was none too clear.

"Listen," the garbled voice came earnestly. "I can't stay long. Milikman's after me again. I'm on a land phone and I can't hear you well. Any news?"

"Yes," answered Keiko. "Cyrano is a man with a big nose and he is-- Ebony? Ebony!"

She shook her head. The line was cut. I wonder, did Ebony hear what I said? Keiko was worried. I just hope she manages to escape from that creep, anyhow.

"Keiko?" Ebony whispered frantically. The line was cut off. What was that she said? Cyrano has a big nose?

"Pretty-pretty!" a voice yelled. "Come to me my darling melody!!"

Oh my--! That dog Milikman is still after my scent. Ebony slammed the receiver on the pay phone and raced out of the booth.

She was somewhere in a more or less wide alley. She hid and duck among the passer-byes hoping she wouldn't be seen. She was nearing its opening wherein it joined the main street. Milikman and his rabble ganged up and was in the meantime confused about her location. Should she risk it? She can make a run for it. Yes, she can outdistance any of them. Why, she was thinner, smaller and more agile. (Alright, so she was taller than a few of them.) Ready set go!

Ebony appeared out of nowhere bumping straight into the bullies. They were caught by surprise and toppled into each other. Their prey seized the opportunity to run.

"Get her! Don't let our lovely run away out of your sight," ordered Milikman to his followers. "I want her back! You hear?"

Ebony was at least 200 yards away. She wasn't a marathoner for nothing. Maybe she can run all the way to the cave.

Unfortunately, those boys aren't bullies for nothing. They're catching up. They're closing in on me. If only I had… Never mind just run faster…

The boys let out a cheer like hounds giving a bay as they smell the scent of the hunted.

"Come on four-eyed freak, don't give us too much trouble!"

I can't see a thing. My glasses are fogging up.

"Come on, nerdy. If you don't wanna help us with our homework then mebbe you can give some cash to hire somebody, eh? Or what about a kiss? Heehaw. Gimme a kiss!" A roar of laughter filled the air.

Why are people so obscene?!?!?! Faster! Faster!

"Come on weirdo just one smoochie woochie. We'll be the ones to tutor you, Little Miss Prissy genius."

h my gosh, they can almost pull my braids!

"AHHHHH!!!!" Ebony screamed her lungs out but it stopped abruptly and just then she suddenly disappeared into thin air. The boys stopped.

"Aw, men!" whined Milikman. "You guys let her go."

"I told you she was an alien," added one. "She'll return to eat our brains later. That's how she gets so smart."

"Aww, this ain't no fun."

"I especially prepared some delicious mud pie as a peace offering. Y'all know. Welcome to planet earth."

With much more hollering, cussing and boisterous laughter, the boys went off giving up their prey and enjoyment for lost.

It was after a minute or so before a very dirty Ebony emerged from a small unnoticeable hole beside the tree. She was still trying to catch her breath but was well relieved and considerably happy of her victory.

I can't believe it, she thought. They didn't even bother looking for me. But of course, idiot that I am. I'm in a large prairie. I wouldn't have found any place to hide. Falling into that hole was sheer luck. That tree would have been too obvious.

Wiping her spectacles, she sat down on the protruding roots of the aged tree. "Oh men," she said aloud. "They messed up my uniform. But anyway, I still can't believe it. I was right under their noses--"

Ebony suddenly froze. She shakily pulled herself up to her feet and clutched at the thick trunk for support. Right under my nose… Cyrano de Bergerac? Can Azrael be that superficial? Quasimodo….The techno-organic ravaged skin Rapunzel's witch and tower…. Ygg and the prison lab. Oliver Twist… Phileus Fogg…. I had won even then but without knowing. Yes and it was all under my nose! The mother of the child destined to house the foul spirit of Azrael is…..

Just as Keiko switched off the phone, Mukuro suddenly ordered in a sharp voice. "Everyone out of this place this instant!"

Everyone was too startled to react at her outburst. She who rarely speaks actually barked a command. But everyone obeyed. They all walked briskly out the maze like cave.

Hiei, however, protested. "Why the hell do you want us to do that?" he demanded.

"Just do it," she said, her eyes telling him everything he needed to know.

The earth shook. Gently. It wouldn't have been felt in downtown Mushiyori. Nevertheless, it was enough to send a rain of loose stones and almost immediately they were plunged into total darkness. Some of Kurama's luminescent flowers have been damaged or buried. Either way, they had to make do with the scarce few surviving.

"Hiei," Yusuke started.

"I'm on it," answered Hiei. His forehead began to glow. "This way."

They spent a seemingly long time in finding their way out but in reality it was only in space of a minute or so. Even so, they were barely out of the caves mouth when the big explosion came from the cavern's interior. With it, a massive tremor rocked the whole Mushiyori, sending everyone sprawling on the floor.

Ebony instinctively dashed away from the tree and flung herself to the ground. When the shaking ceased she immediately stood up and struggled to get her bearings.

She can clearly see and hear the panic and pandemonium that broke out in the city. But why? Earthquakes were not rare in this archipelago situated right on the edge of some tectonic plates. It wasn't part of the place called Ring of Fire for nothing! Japan was one of the most geologically active place and its inhabitants sure are used to it.

Ebony followed the terrified gaze of the Mushiyori residents. A horrible sight met her eyes. The sky has lost its grey paleness and instead glowed bright yellow- green eerily. It no longer had the quiet emptiness that spoke of boredom. Now, it emanated fear and danger.

Cave of Irima.

"Oh my gosh!" she cried. "The seal has been broken. Beware, all of you. Especially her!"

4th ed 111201 20:39:58