Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ First Mission ( Chapter 6 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: rain00205 
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.01.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 148 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.01.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 148 | Status: Completed
"Hiei, Kurama, Koenma will see you now," the blue ogre named George. The two demons got up from their seats and then proceeded into the messy office. Neither of them knew why Koenma was calling them to his office, but they were about to find out.
"Good to see you both. I need a favour," he began, moving a stack of paper out of the way.
"Hn. Forget it," stated Hiei.
"But you don't even know what I'm going to ask you for!"
"It doesn't matter."
"I think it will if I tell you after granting me my favour I'll change your sentence to time served."
Hiei's ears perked. He looked at Koenma, slightly curious, "What do you want?"
"The Saint beasts are requesting immediate immigration into the living world. Help Yusuke defeat them and destroy the whistle and you'll both be free. Kurama, your already out on good behaviour, but Hiei, I'll let you roam free in the city if you promise to help Yusuke with this mission and whatever else I may happen to need you for."
"Become the Rekai Tantei?"
"Help him, Suzaku is not a good enemy to put him against, but I don't have much of a choice."
"Fine. You better hold up your end of the bargain."
"Will do. You leave immediately, I'll prepare a portal."
Koenma waved a hand and then a portal appeared. Hiei and Kurama looked at each other, and then jumped thru it. They appeared on a tree branch, watching Urameshi and a human they didn't recognize fight some of the lesser demons. They ran off after the light disappeared form the appearance of the two stronger demons.
"It seems you're going to need some help," Kurama told them.
"If those nothings were too much for you we're going to have some serious trouble," said Hiei, and then they both jumped down from the tree to the ground.
"Well, well, well, the thieves," said Yusuke, "What are you doing here?"
"Even a fool like Koenma knew it would take more than human power to kill the Saint Beasts," answered Hiei.
"By aiding in this mission Koenma has assured us that we can make a clean slate in the Rekai," Kurama added.
"I guess he must've heard me complaining. Hey Kuwabara, this is Hiei, and that's Kurama."
"I don't know whats going on but it sure it nice to have a helping hand," Kuwabara greeted.
"Helping is not the word. Koenma may regard us as equals, but I do not. Once we get inside the castle you better let us do all the work. As far as I'm concerned we're babysitting," Hiei stated.
"Listen you little jerk face I'm gunna have to beat you up if you keep talking down to us like that!"
They heard a girlish laugh after that. Kurama could swear he knew the owner of it, but as they turned towards the direction of the noise, they saw someone in the shadows.
"Now that is something I would pay to see. Hiei getting beaten up by an oaf like you. Don't get me wrong buddy but I'm pretty sure you don't stand a chance. Maybe you could try in a few years," the stranger spoke. She stepped out the shadows, revealing herself. Hiei smirked at her comment.
"Hey San, you were sent here to?" Yusuke questioned.
She smiled, "But of course!"
"Who's the pretty lady?" asked Kuwabara.
"That's San. She lives at the temple with Genkai. I was training with her, she was a lot nicer to me than Grandma," Yusuke answered.
"Pleased to meet you," she stated.
"Back to business. Detective, know that I plan to take my revenge on you, so consider this fair warning," said Hiei, turning to look back at Yusuke.
"Hiei we must focus on the current business before you start your own," said Kurama.
"Don't worry three eyes, if we survive this I'll be happy to take you on. Now is this the perfect team or what?" said Yusuke, as the five of them started towards Maze castle. Kurama fell back beside San.
"It's good to see you again," he spoke to her.
"Not bad, not bad at all. I'm actually excited," she replied to him.
"Do you think you'll be doing much fighting?"
"One can only hope. If not, I have healing powers that will definitely help out."
"Let's hope it doesn't come down to that."
They approached the entrance of the castle, stopping in front of it.
"Well, now this place is homey," Yusuke stated.
"So I guess were just gunna walk right in?" asked Kuwabara.
"Any prize worth having usually requires a risk," said Kurama.
"I say we make them come out here and fight us up front like they're not a bunch of sissy's."
"Hn. You're sense of strategy is amazing," said Hiei.
"Are you talking to me runt boy?"
"Let's go!" said Yusuke.
San could swear he heard Kuwabara mutter something under his breath, but she chose to ignore it. They walked thru the tunnel of the entrance, seeing light at the end of it. How fucking cliche was that? She rolled her eyes at her thought. She smelled something coming at them. It was... an eyeball? It was flying on bat wings.
"What an amazing thing," she stated, as it flew closer to them. It stopped right at the doorway, not coming thru it, just hovering there.
"Welcome to Maze Castle," it was female sounding.
"Whoa, it talked," said Kuwabara. Idiot, what was he doing here if he didn't expect such things?
"Those who enter Maze Castle must be tried by the gates of betrayal."
"What do you mean tried?" asked Yusuke. The creature then flew to the end of the wall, opened a stone and pulled a lever. The walls and ground started to shake. She looked around, wondering what was happening now.
"Urameshi, you just had to ask didn't ya?" said Kuwabara.
"The ceiling!" Kurama shouted. San looked up and the ceiling seemed to be coming down on them. The five of them held it, though it wasn't an easy thing to hold up.
"Heavy isn't it? Censors in the corridor are most intelligent. It adapts the ceilings weight precisely to the strength of its victims. Of course there is a catch, just enough leeway to allow one person to escape, leaving their friends to be crushed. Decisions must be made quickly, not even the five of you combined can hold the ceiling for long. Only the traitor among you deserve to enter Maze Castle," the creature laughed and flew away to watch from a distance.
"Boy I'd like to get my hands on that bat thing!" said Kuwabara, moving slightly. San felt the ceiling get heavier. It was as if gravity had doubled, not a pleasant feeling at all.
"Stay focused on the weight or you'll kill us all!" said Hiei.
"Oh yeah sure, blame me, I bet I'm holding up a lot more weight than you are!"
"Shut it Kuwabara!" said Yusuke.
"Well I'm not about to die for the sake of you worthless humans," said Hiei.
"Don't you even consider it Hiei," Kurama spoke to him.
"Damnit, I knew we should have played some trust games," said Yusuke, grunting. San was formulating a plan in her mind. If she could change to her wolf form, she could run and pull the lever, but that would mean revealing her form to Kurama, and she wasn't sure she was ready to do that yet. She was hoping Yusuke would figure something better out, seeing as it was his job to solve mysteries. The only other option was Hiei, with is speed, but she wasn't sure the demon would free them. If a decision wasn't made, she was going to act.
"If anyone tries to run I swear I'll drag them back myself!" said Kuwabara. What a damn fool he was.
"Ha, and I suppose you'd find it noble if we all died as a team," said Hiei. She could tell those two would be at each other's throats this whole adventure, which might not be much longer. The weight was really starting to bother her.
"That's right."
"Here's a thought, let's shut up and find a way out," said Yusuke. "Hiei! You're a lot faster than any of us, we'll hold the ceiling up while you go and flick the switch."
"You crazy, we can't trust that guy! Just look! He doesn't care about any of us!"
"You're ugly friend here is right. How do you know I can be trusted? How do you know I won't just let you die?" Hiei questioned smirking. San laughed out loud. "Something funny?" but she ignored him, the question not being important. "Are you sure you want to trust me? I could take my revenge now."
"Yeah, but I don't think quick deaths are your style," replied Yusuke. He started to glow, San feeling his reiki rising. He had definitely gotten stronger since his training with Genkai. "I'll let out all the reiki I have to buy us a little time, you run to the switch, just don't trip... I trust you, NOW GO!"
Hiei sat there for a moment staring, and then dashed off. He ran with his demon speed towards the switch and then stopped, staring at them. The loss of his strength made a huge impact on the weight they were holding. San's arms were completely numb, but she held up her end. She stared back at Hiei, trying to figure out what his next move would be. Her vision didn't say anything about this wall, and she had already seen Urameshi fighting with Suzaku, but this was a variable. This was something that could change the original fate really easily.
"What's the deal? Pull the stupid switch already!" said Kuwabara. The creature was talking to him, San was sure it was trying to convince him to kill them. She growled, her arms starting to give out, the pressure being too much. She saw him dash again and the noticed he attacked the critter. Good. He pulled the switch and she stayed on her knees. Holy hell she'd rather face what Yusuke did with Genkai than hold that much weight again.
"Are you alright?" Kurama asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she assured him, seeing her mate at his touch.
"Hiei!" Yusuke screamed. San gasped, seeing a boulder occupy the spot Hiei was once standing. They ran towards the dust and saw him standing atop it. She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Tell your masters this is their chance to beg for mercy," Hiei told the eyeball before it flew away. Yusuke was the one who sounded relieved now.
"Hey are you okay?" asked Kuwabara.
"Yeah, I just can't feel my arms right now," Yusuke replied. San laughed, knowing that he probably had the same thought that she did not too long ago. Hiei jumped down from the boulder, "I knew you'd save us, you punk. But you did have me worried, hell of an actor. You know not everyone can pretend to laugh at their dying friends."
"Hn. Friends are just a crutch for the weak. And I wasn't acting," said Hiei before walking deeper into the castle. He stopped and turned at Kuwabara's cry of outrage, "Don't confuse it, the only reason I saved you is cause I might need your help."
"It's his way of saying your welcome. You will learn," Kurama explained for him.
"Right," Yusuke rolled his eyes.
"Well he still really pisses me off!" stated Kuwabara.
"Don't worry, he'll end your misery quick if you ask him really nice," San piped in, smiling.
"Haven't I seen you before?"
"Nope!" and she started following Hiei, the others not far behind her. Further into the castle they walked, not knowing exactly what to expect. They walked for what seemed like hours, feeling like they were going in circles. Everything seemed tense to San, and then she heard a ringing.
"Ahh! What is that thing?" Kuwabara freaked.
"Relax, it's just my communication device. Hey Botan," Yusuke answered, opening the communicator that looked like a mirror.
"Hello Yusuke, it's Botan here in the living world, do you copy?" she heard Botan's voice.
"Hey Botan, what's up?" Kuwabara greeted, practically shoving Yusuke out of the way.
"I've got things more or less under control here. The Makai insects only like to nest in depressed people's minds so that narrows down my search a bit. I just can't figure out how they're getting past the barrier. I've only killed 15 of those buggers."
"15? That's not very much help!" exclaimed Yusuke.
"Yusuke, fighting people controlled by the insects takes time, that's why you need to destroy that whistle."
"Okay, we're trying, but this castle is kind of rough."
"Well of course it is, no one survived before," stated Botan, as if it wasn't a big deal. San found that quite humourous and laughed out loud. Kurama looked at her strangely, while Hiei seemed to catch onto why she was laughing. It would figure that Koenma and Botan would send them in without informing them of every detail until it was too late to turn back. How amusing, it was like playing a game! Yusuke closed the communicator, and the five of them continued on their journey.
"Kurama, what do you know about the Saint beasts?" Yusuke asked. He seemed to finally catch on that he knew pretty well nothing about them. That wasn't very uncommon though, not many youki knew much to say about the beasts, just that they were powerful. No fool would challenge them... until now. Kurama was talking, but she felt a presence here, and decided to ignore him and figure out what she was hearing.
There was an evil laugh that silenced them all, "Terrified, isn't that more like it?"
"Who said that?" asked Kuwabara. He seemed to always be the jumpy one. If he wanted to continue on these missions, that was something that would definitely have to change. The laughter sounded once more.
"There is a door behind you. Proceed thru it," it commanded. Yusuke didn't even discuss what could be a trap or not. Fool, this was one of those moments where she would wonder if he learned anything at all. For all he knew, there was something on the other side that could get the jump on him. She, Hiei and Kurama would be fine, having demon speed on their side, but the humans would probably have been done for.
"Ladies first," declared Yusuke. It led to an empty room, torches barely lighting it. Yusuke picked on up and threw it. The light revealed in the darkness a rock looking youki. Quite obviously the voice they were hearing.
The laughter started again. What was so funny? "Welcome trespassers. I am Genbu, of the four Saint Beasts, do you have a request before you die?"
"Yeah, tell me how a beasts is a saint? I'm lost..." answered Yusuke. San couldn't help but laugh at that. She did think he was quite the funny individual, having gotten to know him while he stayed at Genkai's temple.
"The stairwell is the only way to the castle tower. You can either defeat me and go up on your own, or be dragged there once you've stopped breathing. Why don't you all attack me at once?"
"Allow me to take this," Kurama stepped forward. San glared at him, not knowing why she was so protective of him. The feelings confused her.
"Are you sure?" asked Yusuke. She stared at him, trying to figure out if she should say something or not.
"It would be ill advised for all of us to attack without first knowing his power," and with that he stepped forward. San withdrew, getting ready to change when she had to.
"Hey wouldn't it be better to lead him back to that ceiling or something?" Yusuke was trying to reason.
"Obviously you don't know Kurama. I chose him to be my partner so I could avoid fighting him myself. Watch, he's more cutthroat than I am in battle, and even more precise," explained Hiei. That still didn't make San feel any better. She was going to stay on her guard to make sure nothing happened to him.
"I don't know guys, he still a talking rock," said Kuwabara. Idiot.
"Sir, the first move is yours," said Kurama, after approaching Genbu. She knew he was up to something, he was too intelligent to let him make a move without thinking of something first. She changed into her wolf form, she knew that this was going to get ugly. She walked up to stand next to Hiei.
-So nice of you to finally join us. I was wondering when you'd show up. Ready to reveal your secret yet?-
-He was going to find out I was the wolf soon enough.-
-That's not the one I'm talking about-
-I see, you've been silently penetrating my barriers. Well done. Now what will you do with such information?-
-Hn. I assume that there's a reason for hiding yourself?-
-Yes, I don't want anyone to know where or who I am. It makes my life easier to move freely-
-Funny how you don't talk much like a wolf when you've been found out-
-What do I have to do to keep your mouth shut?-
-Just stay out of my way, I don't care if you interfere with the other battles, stay out of mine. If I need anything else, I'll be sure to let you know-
-Agreed.-
The battle had begun. Genbu used his tail and let it move freely with the rock in the floor. His tail came up from behind Kurama. He barely dodged it, having a would on his stomach... again. San growled in her wolf form. She could smell Genbu, even though he was completely into the solid floor. The suspense seemed intense, and then he appeared yet again from behind. Kurama was fast, San had to give him that, as he used his swift moves to dodge the tail. There was another silent moment, and then Kurama pulled a rose out of his hair. He did something San was not expecting, he created the rose whip. Her eyes widened, as he stood there, waiting for his attacker.
...
"Youko, how do you defend yourself besides swift moves like the kitsune you are? Do you not have any weapon? I know that all animal youki can control nature," she asks her lover.
"Beloved, you must not worry so much about me. I can take care of myself. If you must know, I use the rose whip when necessary. I have mastered its abilities completely, nothing will be able to touch me when I pull out such a thing," he explains to her, running a finger along her jaw line.
"I hope so Youko. Be careful, I love you."
"I love you, always."
...
"Hey, where did the wolf come from? And where did San go?" asked Kuwabara. And here San thought that anything could get by him. Luckily for her Kurama was attacking Genbu, so all attention was focused back to the battle. The whip chopped thru Genbu's body like it was air, but San already knew the properties of her mate's usual weapon. Genbu laid on the ground, chopped to pieces. The other three walked up to Kurama, but San was smarter than that.
-One thinks you should watch your back more closely- she said to Kurama. He was startled to see the wolf there, not knowing where she came from or even how she managed to get where he was. Nevertheless he turned his back, the wolf coming to stand in front of him growling. Genbu had reassembled himself.
"Excellent, I'll kill you and your stupid pet!" declared Genbu, coming to attack the both of them. As pieces of Genbu's body came to attack him, he used his whip and chopped him again.
-The ruby might help- the wolf suggested in his mind. The fool was standing in the middle of the rocks. She leaped, biting the ruby with her teeth. Without the ruby, Genbu wasn't able to reassemble himself properly. She brought it to Kurama, while Genbu was trying to figure out what was wrong. He smirked, taking the object from San and held it up, showing the beast why he was screwed over. He then destroyed it, killing the beast. It was a great defeat, until he dropped to his knees. San sniffed at his wound, before changing back into her human form.
-I knew she was the wolf- stated Youko.
-Quiet, I don't believe that now is the time-
"You damn fool," she muttered, beginning her healing process.
"I had a feeling that was you. You're a wolf demon," said Kurama.
"Be still baka."
"It's not that serious. I'll be fine."
"Yeah, it's so fine that you can barely stand on your two feet. I thought you were supposed to be smart."
"We all have our off days."
"Oh great, now your starting to sound like me."
Kurama smiled, "Let's hope I do the same for you."
-Shuuichi, she really might be the one!-
-It seems to make a bit more sense now, but now is not the time to discuss any of this. We'll have to wait until this mission is over-
-Very well-
"Are you okay?" asked Yusuke, the troops running towards the two.
"I'm sorry Yusuke."
"You've earned your brake, don't worry about it."
"I'll take the next one anyway," said Kuwabara.
"Hn. If Kurama is injured than we're going to have some problems."
"San, I didn't know you could change into a wolf?"
"Yeah, it's part of my demon powers."
"I wish Grandma could've taught me how to do that."
"Are you deaf? I told you, it's part of my demon powers. I'm not human, remember? Dumbass."
"Dumbass, dimwit, I just don't get a break!"
San laughed at his antics. She really did enjoy the company of Yusuke around the temple. She couldn't heal Kurama's wound completely, but it would be good enough if they ran into any more trouble and needed his help for any of it. Hiei was right, Kurama was someone to be reckoned with, and his injury just proved how much trouble these damn beasts were going to bring. It was probably best if she stayed out of the fighting until absolutely necessary. Once Kurama was ready, they continued on into the castle, up the stairs that could lead to their deaths.
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"Good to see you both. I need a favour," he began, moving a stack of paper out of the way.
"Hn. Forget it," stated Hiei.
"But you don't even know what I'm going to ask you for!"
"It doesn't matter."
"I think it will if I tell you after granting me my favour I'll change your sentence to time served."
Hiei's ears perked. He looked at Koenma, slightly curious, "What do you want?"
"The Saint beasts are requesting immediate immigration into the living world. Help Yusuke defeat them and destroy the whistle and you'll both be free. Kurama, your already out on good behaviour, but Hiei, I'll let you roam free in the city if you promise to help Yusuke with this mission and whatever else I may happen to need you for."
"Become the Rekai Tantei?"
"Help him, Suzaku is not a good enemy to put him against, but I don't have much of a choice."
"Fine. You better hold up your end of the bargain."
"Will do. You leave immediately, I'll prepare a portal."
Koenma waved a hand and then a portal appeared. Hiei and Kurama looked at each other, and then jumped thru it. They appeared on a tree branch, watching Urameshi and a human they didn't recognize fight some of the lesser demons. They ran off after the light disappeared form the appearance of the two stronger demons.
"It seems you're going to need some help," Kurama told them.
"If those nothings were too much for you we're going to have some serious trouble," said Hiei, and then they both jumped down from the tree to the ground.
"Well, well, well, the thieves," said Yusuke, "What are you doing here?"
"Even a fool like Koenma knew it would take more than human power to kill the Saint Beasts," answered Hiei.
"By aiding in this mission Koenma has assured us that we can make a clean slate in the Rekai," Kurama added.
"I guess he must've heard me complaining. Hey Kuwabara, this is Hiei, and that's Kurama."
"I don't know whats going on but it sure it nice to have a helping hand," Kuwabara greeted.
"Helping is not the word. Koenma may regard us as equals, but I do not. Once we get inside the castle you better let us do all the work. As far as I'm concerned we're babysitting," Hiei stated.
"Listen you little jerk face I'm gunna have to beat you up if you keep talking down to us like that!"
They heard a girlish laugh after that. Kurama could swear he knew the owner of it, but as they turned towards the direction of the noise, they saw someone in the shadows.
"Now that is something I would pay to see. Hiei getting beaten up by an oaf like you. Don't get me wrong buddy but I'm pretty sure you don't stand a chance. Maybe you could try in a few years," the stranger spoke. She stepped out the shadows, revealing herself. Hiei smirked at her comment.
"Hey San, you were sent here to?" Yusuke questioned.
She smiled, "But of course!"
"Who's the pretty lady?" asked Kuwabara.
"That's San. She lives at the temple with Genkai. I was training with her, she was a lot nicer to me than Grandma," Yusuke answered.
"Pleased to meet you," she stated.
"Back to business. Detective, know that I plan to take my revenge on you, so consider this fair warning," said Hiei, turning to look back at Yusuke.
"Hiei we must focus on the current business before you start your own," said Kurama.
"Don't worry three eyes, if we survive this I'll be happy to take you on. Now is this the perfect team or what?" said Yusuke, as the five of them started towards Maze castle. Kurama fell back beside San.
"It's good to see you again," he spoke to her.
"Not bad, not bad at all. I'm actually excited," she replied to him.
"Do you think you'll be doing much fighting?"
"One can only hope. If not, I have healing powers that will definitely help out."
"Let's hope it doesn't come down to that."
They approached the entrance of the castle, stopping in front of it.
"Well, now this place is homey," Yusuke stated.
"So I guess were just gunna walk right in?" asked Kuwabara.
"Any prize worth having usually requires a risk," said Kurama.
"I say we make them come out here and fight us up front like they're not a bunch of sissy's."
"Hn. You're sense of strategy is amazing," said Hiei.
"Are you talking to me runt boy?"
"Let's go!" said Yusuke.
San could swear he heard Kuwabara mutter something under his breath, but she chose to ignore it. They walked thru the tunnel of the entrance, seeing light at the end of it. How fucking cliche was that? She rolled her eyes at her thought. She smelled something coming at them. It was... an eyeball? It was flying on bat wings.
"What an amazing thing," she stated, as it flew closer to them. It stopped right at the doorway, not coming thru it, just hovering there.
"Welcome to Maze Castle," it was female sounding.
"Whoa, it talked," said Kuwabara. Idiot, what was he doing here if he didn't expect such things?
"Those who enter Maze Castle must be tried by the gates of betrayal."
"What do you mean tried?" asked Yusuke. The creature then flew to the end of the wall, opened a stone and pulled a lever. The walls and ground started to shake. She looked around, wondering what was happening now.
"Urameshi, you just had to ask didn't ya?" said Kuwabara.
"The ceiling!" Kurama shouted. San looked up and the ceiling seemed to be coming down on them. The five of them held it, though it wasn't an easy thing to hold up.
"Heavy isn't it? Censors in the corridor are most intelligent. It adapts the ceilings weight precisely to the strength of its victims. Of course there is a catch, just enough leeway to allow one person to escape, leaving their friends to be crushed. Decisions must be made quickly, not even the five of you combined can hold the ceiling for long. Only the traitor among you deserve to enter Maze Castle," the creature laughed and flew away to watch from a distance.
"Boy I'd like to get my hands on that bat thing!" said Kuwabara, moving slightly. San felt the ceiling get heavier. It was as if gravity had doubled, not a pleasant feeling at all.
"Stay focused on the weight or you'll kill us all!" said Hiei.
"Oh yeah sure, blame me, I bet I'm holding up a lot more weight than you are!"
"Shut it Kuwabara!" said Yusuke.
"Well I'm not about to die for the sake of you worthless humans," said Hiei.
"Don't you even consider it Hiei," Kurama spoke to him.
"Damnit, I knew we should have played some trust games," said Yusuke, grunting. San was formulating a plan in her mind. If she could change to her wolf form, she could run and pull the lever, but that would mean revealing her form to Kurama, and she wasn't sure she was ready to do that yet. She was hoping Yusuke would figure something better out, seeing as it was his job to solve mysteries. The only other option was Hiei, with is speed, but she wasn't sure the demon would free them. If a decision wasn't made, she was going to act.
"If anyone tries to run I swear I'll drag them back myself!" said Kuwabara. What a damn fool he was.
"Ha, and I suppose you'd find it noble if we all died as a team," said Hiei. She could tell those two would be at each other's throats this whole adventure, which might not be much longer. The weight was really starting to bother her.
"That's right."
"Here's a thought, let's shut up and find a way out," said Yusuke. "Hiei! You're a lot faster than any of us, we'll hold the ceiling up while you go and flick the switch."
"You crazy, we can't trust that guy! Just look! He doesn't care about any of us!"
"You're ugly friend here is right. How do you know I can be trusted? How do you know I won't just let you die?" Hiei questioned smirking. San laughed out loud. "Something funny?" but she ignored him, the question not being important. "Are you sure you want to trust me? I could take my revenge now."
"Yeah, but I don't think quick deaths are your style," replied Yusuke. He started to glow, San feeling his reiki rising. He had definitely gotten stronger since his training with Genkai. "I'll let out all the reiki I have to buy us a little time, you run to the switch, just don't trip... I trust you, NOW GO!"
Hiei sat there for a moment staring, and then dashed off. He ran with his demon speed towards the switch and then stopped, staring at them. The loss of his strength made a huge impact on the weight they were holding. San's arms were completely numb, but she held up her end. She stared back at Hiei, trying to figure out what his next move would be. Her vision didn't say anything about this wall, and she had already seen Urameshi fighting with Suzaku, but this was a variable. This was something that could change the original fate really easily.
"What's the deal? Pull the stupid switch already!" said Kuwabara. The creature was talking to him, San was sure it was trying to convince him to kill them. She growled, her arms starting to give out, the pressure being too much. She saw him dash again and the noticed he attacked the critter. Good. He pulled the switch and she stayed on her knees. Holy hell she'd rather face what Yusuke did with Genkai than hold that much weight again.
"Are you alright?" Kurama asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she assured him, seeing her mate at his touch.
"Hiei!" Yusuke screamed. San gasped, seeing a boulder occupy the spot Hiei was once standing. They ran towards the dust and saw him standing atop it. She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Tell your masters this is their chance to beg for mercy," Hiei told the eyeball before it flew away. Yusuke was the one who sounded relieved now.
"Hey are you okay?" asked Kuwabara.
"Yeah, I just can't feel my arms right now," Yusuke replied. San laughed, knowing that he probably had the same thought that she did not too long ago. Hiei jumped down from the boulder, "I knew you'd save us, you punk. But you did have me worried, hell of an actor. You know not everyone can pretend to laugh at their dying friends."
"Hn. Friends are just a crutch for the weak. And I wasn't acting," said Hiei before walking deeper into the castle. He stopped and turned at Kuwabara's cry of outrage, "Don't confuse it, the only reason I saved you is cause I might need your help."
"It's his way of saying your welcome. You will learn," Kurama explained for him.
"Right," Yusuke rolled his eyes.
"Well he still really pisses me off!" stated Kuwabara.
"Don't worry, he'll end your misery quick if you ask him really nice," San piped in, smiling.
"Haven't I seen you before?"
"Nope!" and she started following Hiei, the others not far behind her. Further into the castle they walked, not knowing exactly what to expect. They walked for what seemed like hours, feeling like they were going in circles. Everything seemed tense to San, and then she heard a ringing.
"Ahh! What is that thing?" Kuwabara freaked.
"Relax, it's just my communication device. Hey Botan," Yusuke answered, opening the communicator that looked like a mirror.
"Hello Yusuke, it's Botan here in the living world, do you copy?" she heard Botan's voice.
"Hey Botan, what's up?" Kuwabara greeted, practically shoving Yusuke out of the way.
"I've got things more or less under control here. The Makai insects only like to nest in depressed people's minds so that narrows down my search a bit. I just can't figure out how they're getting past the barrier. I've only killed 15 of those buggers."
"15? That's not very much help!" exclaimed Yusuke.
"Yusuke, fighting people controlled by the insects takes time, that's why you need to destroy that whistle."
"Okay, we're trying, but this castle is kind of rough."
"Well of course it is, no one survived before," stated Botan, as if it wasn't a big deal. San found that quite humourous and laughed out loud. Kurama looked at her strangely, while Hiei seemed to catch onto why she was laughing. It would figure that Koenma and Botan would send them in without informing them of every detail until it was too late to turn back. How amusing, it was like playing a game! Yusuke closed the communicator, and the five of them continued on their journey.
"Kurama, what do you know about the Saint beasts?" Yusuke asked. He seemed to finally catch on that he knew pretty well nothing about them. That wasn't very uncommon though, not many youki knew much to say about the beasts, just that they were powerful. No fool would challenge them... until now. Kurama was talking, but she felt a presence here, and decided to ignore him and figure out what she was hearing.
There was an evil laugh that silenced them all, "Terrified, isn't that more like it?"
"Who said that?" asked Kuwabara. He seemed to always be the jumpy one. If he wanted to continue on these missions, that was something that would definitely have to change. The laughter sounded once more.
"There is a door behind you. Proceed thru it," it commanded. Yusuke didn't even discuss what could be a trap or not. Fool, this was one of those moments where she would wonder if he learned anything at all. For all he knew, there was something on the other side that could get the jump on him. She, Hiei and Kurama would be fine, having demon speed on their side, but the humans would probably have been done for.
"Ladies first," declared Yusuke. It led to an empty room, torches barely lighting it. Yusuke picked on up and threw it. The light revealed in the darkness a rock looking youki. Quite obviously the voice they were hearing.
The laughter started again. What was so funny? "Welcome trespassers. I am Genbu, of the four Saint Beasts, do you have a request before you die?"
"Yeah, tell me how a beasts is a saint? I'm lost..." answered Yusuke. San couldn't help but laugh at that. She did think he was quite the funny individual, having gotten to know him while he stayed at Genkai's temple.
"The stairwell is the only way to the castle tower. You can either defeat me and go up on your own, or be dragged there once you've stopped breathing. Why don't you all attack me at once?"
"Allow me to take this," Kurama stepped forward. San glared at him, not knowing why she was so protective of him. The feelings confused her.
"Are you sure?" asked Yusuke. She stared at him, trying to figure out if she should say something or not.
"It would be ill advised for all of us to attack without first knowing his power," and with that he stepped forward. San withdrew, getting ready to change when she had to.
"Hey wouldn't it be better to lead him back to that ceiling or something?" Yusuke was trying to reason.
"Obviously you don't know Kurama. I chose him to be my partner so I could avoid fighting him myself. Watch, he's more cutthroat than I am in battle, and even more precise," explained Hiei. That still didn't make San feel any better. She was going to stay on her guard to make sure nothing happened to him.
"I don't know guys, he still a talking rock," said Kuwabara. Idiot.
"Sir, the first move is yours," said Kurama, after approaching Genbu. She knew he was up to something, he was too intelligent to let him make a move without thinking of something first. She changed into her wolf form, she knew that this was going to get ugly. She walked up to stand next to Hiei.
-So nice of you to finally join us. I was wondering when you'd show up. Ready to reveal your secret yet?-
-He was going to find out I was the wolf soon enough.-
-That's not the one I'm talking about-
-I see, you've been silently penetrating my barriers. Well done. Now what will you do with such information?-
-Hn. I assume that there's a reason for hiding yourself?-
-Yes, I don't want anyone to know where or who I am. It makes my life easier to move freely-
-Funny how you don't talk much like a wolf when you've been found out-
-What do I have to do to keep your mouth shut?-
-Just stay out of my way, I don't care if you interfere with the other battles, stay out of mine. If I need anything else, I'll be sure to let you know-
-Agreed.-
The battle had begun. Genbu used his tail and let it move freely with the rock in the floor. His tail came up from behind Kurama. He barely dodged it, having a would on his stomach... again. San growled in her wolf form. She could smell Genbu, even though he was completely into the solid floor. The suspense seemed intense, and then he appeared yet again from behind. Kurama was fast, San had to give him that, as he used his swift moves to dodge the tail. There was another silent moment, and then Kurama pulled a rose out of his hair. He did something San was not expecting, he created the rose whip. Her eyes widened, as he stood there, waiting for his attacker.
...
"Youko, how do you defend yourself besides swift moves like the kitsune you are? Do you not have any weapon? I know that all animal youki can control nature," she asks her lover.
"Beloved, you must not worry so much about me. I can take care of myself. If you must know, I use the rose whip when necessary. I have mastered its abilities completely, nothing will be able to touch me when I pull out such a thing," he explains to her, running a finger along her jaw line.
"I hope so Youko. Be careful, I love you."
"I love you, always."
...
"Hey, where did the wolf come from? And where did San go?" asked Kuwabara. And here San thought that anything could get by him. Luckily for her Kurama was attacking Genbu, so all attention was focused back to the battle. The whip chopped thru Genbu's body like it was air, but San already knew the properties of her mate's usual weapon. Genbu laid on the ground, chopped to pieces. The other three walked up to Kurama, but San was smarter than that.
-One thinks you should watch your back more closely- she said to Kurama. He was startled to see the wolf there, not knowing where she came from or even how she managed to get where he was. Nevertheless he turned his back, the wolf coming to stand in front of him growling. Genbu had reassembled himself.
"Excellent, I'll kill you and your stupid pet!" declared Genbu, coming to attack the both of them. As pieces of Genbu's body came to attack him, he used his whip and chopped him again.
-The ruby might help- the wolf suggested in his mind. The fool was standing in the middle of the rocks. She leaped, biting the ruby with her teeth. Without the ruby, Genbu wasn't able to reassemble himself properly. She brought it to Kurama, while Genbu was trying to figure out what was wrong. He smirked, taking the object from San and held it up, showing the beast why he was screwed over. He then destroyed it, killing the beast. It was a great defeat, until he dropped to his knees. San sniffed at his wound, before changing back into her human form.
-I knew she was the wolf- stated Youko.
-Quiet, I don't believe that now is the time-
"You damn fool," she muttered, beginning her healing process.
"I had a feeling that was you. You're a wolf demon," said Kurama.
"Be still baka."
"It's not that serious. I'll be fine."
"Yeah, it's so fine that you can barely stand on your two feet. I thought you were supposed to be smart."
"We all have our off days."
"Oh great, now your starting to sound like me."
Kurama smiled, "Let's hope I do the same for you."
-Shuuichi, she really might be the one!-
-It seems to make a bit more sense now, but now is not the time to discuss any of this. We'll have to wait until this mission is over-
-Very well-
"Are you okay?" asked Yusuke, the troops running towards the two.
"I'm sorry Yusuke."
"You've earned your brake, don't worry about it."
"I'll take the next one anyway," said Kuwabara.
"Hn. If Kurama is injured than we're going to have some problems."
"San, I didn't know you could change into a wolf?"
"Yeah, it's part of my demon powers."
"I wish Grandma could've taught me how to do that."
"Are you deaf? I told you, it's part of my demon powers. I'm not human, remember? Dumbass."
"Dumbass, dimwit, I just don't get a break!"
San laughed at his antics. She really did enjoy the company of Yusuke around the temple. She couldn't heal Kurama's wound completely, but it would be good enough if they ran into any more trouble and needed his help for any of it. Hiei was right, Kurama was someone to be reckoned with, and his injury just proved how much trouble these damn beasts were going to bring. It was probably best if she stayed out of the fighting until absolutely necessary. Once Kurama was ready, they continued on into the castle, up the stairs that could lead to their deaths.
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