Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ A Battle of Wits ( Chapter 29 )
[ 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: 02.01.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 186 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.01.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 186 | Status: Completed
"Kido, they've got Hiei. They should be there in the next few minutes, Botan will be joining them," San told Kido, who was waiting with Kaito, Mitsunari and Genkai. She hopped ahead of them, and waiting on the rooftop of the mansion. It didn't take long for them to catch up. San could feel Kaito and Kido's territory within the walls. She wondered if Hiei or Kurama would be able to feel it, but maybe not, the two of them unfamiliar to this type of spiritual power. They stood on the sidewalk, observing the house.
"Is this the place? Looks deformed," said Kuwabara.
"It's the only old mansion on the block," said Botan.
"Well, stay here Botan. Whatever this house is, it's definitely not safe for none fighters."
"That's sweet I guess, but I'm going. With Yusuke out and you losing your spirit energy, I'm the only one who can use the detective tools."
"She's right, our strength lies in numbers," said Kurama. Him and Hiei began to walk to towards the door, only to be stopped by the note that Kaito had posted there.
"The house of four dimensions," said Kuwabara, reading.
"Once entered, this do not, ever utter the word hot," Botan finished. Kaito was such an idiot. San waited before she went to keep an eye on them.
"Is it some kind of riddle?" asked Kuwabara.
"No, it is a warning. There's no way to know if it was real," answered Kurama. San could swear they would be doomed without her mate. They were fortunate to have met him. She jumped down and into a window. She made her way inside and saw Mitsunari standing by the one door. Good, and then she saw Kaito waiting for them as well. He smiled, looking way too cocky. She gave him a nasty look before she took her post on top of the bookshelf. She couldn't wait until her mate totally kicked his ass, the guy was really annoying. She sighed, fanning herself slightly with her hand. The others had walked in the door, and she turned their attention towards them. Show time.
"That's odd," said Botan, "What is this place?" she asked. Her question went unanswered, and the party walked forward a bit more. The door closed behind them. Kuwabara walked in front of the others.
"It looks all twisted up," he observed.
"And that steam. It's like an oven it's so ho-"
She was cut off by Kurama's hand over her mouth. He had that look of determination, one that San loved to see. She couldn't help but admire him while his mind was working, it was one thing she really loved about him, "Remember the word we're not saying," he reminded the girl.
"Kurama. Did you feel that?" Hiei asked the other demon.
"Yes. When we entered the energy schematic changed. It feels as though if somehow we've been transported to a different space."
"Or a different space time," San heard Kaito speak from the shadows. She really disliked this boy in the time she spent with him. Consistently negative towards her mate, not believing that Kurama would best him. The human would see, and she would laugh at him for doubting her mate. "Welcome to the house everyone. I'm so glad you made it," said Kaito.
"Yeah that's him. One of the guys Urameshi left with," confirmed Kuwabara.
Kaito just laughed, "Recognition, I just love how that feels." San rolled her eyes. He was so full of himself.
"Listen dork! I don't know who you are, but we're no normal school kids!" yelled Kuwabara. San smiled, she did miss him.
Kurama stepped forward, "His name is Kaito."
"Hold on. How on earth do you know that?"
"He is a classmate. All of his test scores are second only to mine. Remarkably bright for his age. I've never spoken to him personally, and naturally, I've never told him about you..." Kurama trailed in his explanation. "Kaito! Where have you gotten your information, and why have you kidnapped Yusuke?"
Kaito just laughed again, "It's a real grip-your-seat mystery isn't it? I hear your team won something called the Dark Tournament, and that's quite a feat. My congratulations," said Kaito, moving to sit in the chair. "I also heard that as a result, I give you my condolences, Shuuichi. Really, I was most surprised about you, Shuuichi. Try and put yourself in my shoes. Learning my school rival can also do the funniest things with plants."
Kurama glared. It was one thing to mention San's death, but to know of his abilities was completely different. He clenched his fists at the side, not going unnoticed by the wolf sitting atop the bookshelf beside him. She watched intently, ready to defend him if the occasion called for it. Kurama could smell her, but that was at the back of his mind at this point.
"Oh, that's a scary look. I don't ever remember you making that face in the classroom. Then again, we both keep things from our peers. You see, I have a talent to. Being such great champions as you are, I was hoping I could test them out on you."
"Okay! This is ridiculous! We've been through stuff you couldn't even dream about!" declared Kuwabara.
"I will take him," said Hiei menacingly, unsheathing his sword slowly. San sighed, rolling her eyes. Idiot. "You'll agree my impatience for human fools is an asset. Now!" and Hiei lunged swiftly at the ugly human.
"I'm sorry..." Kaito trailed, but San knew he wasn't. He sat there, smirking still.
"I doubt that!" said Hiei, swinging his sword. It just broke however, the wind of it not even hitting Kaito.
"Never doubt."
"How the hell did he just do that? Energy came right out of nowhere, it looked weird!" yelled Kuwabara.
"As you can see, this is a very special room where brute strength cannot exist. Only your words have power here, just make sure you follow my one posted rule."
"What's he saying?"
"He must mean the note on the door," answered Botan.
"Indeed," agreed Kurama.
"As a child, playing pretend, I would make my own world with my own rules. But I've learned I can do it for real. Growing up as a book worm, I guess it was inevitable when I would decide to rule out... violence," explained Kaito. Hiei growled. "I see why that disturbs you Hiei. In the world of fighting, your skills let you bully whoever you want. But in my territory, you're just a tiny, swordless man."
"Control your temper Hiei!" Kurama told the fire apparition that had risen to his feet, "He wants you to act out in anger!"
"Hn. Any buffoon can make a shield, how do we know that your other claim isn't just a bluff?" questioned Hiei. San sighed, he was so dumb at times.
"There's... only one way," answered Kaito.
"No three letter word can end my fate," said Hiei. San couldn't believe he was actually going to do this, "HOT!" he bellowed. Wow, what a dumbass. Hiei's soul began to separate from his body and make its way over to Kaito. He glanced up to her quickly, and she gave him that look that told him if he harmed that soul, she would take it out on him. His soul glowed purple, as it floated in Kaito's hand. She laughed quietly to herself. Purple soul for Hiei indeed.
"I told him not to doubt me. But that's what happens when you say the taboo word, your soul becomes part of my territory," said Kaito. Botan and Kuwabara ran towards Hiei.
"Wake him up!" cried Botan.
"He's ice cold," said Kuwabara.
"Oh dear..." Kurama just stood and stared.
"You lose a point. Now we've taken two hostages. Urameshi's having his fun upstairs. So what's your next move? Go on home, or play through the round?" San heard Kurama growl lowly. The sound filling her ears was intoxicating. She loved him angry, something about his whole demeanor was incredibly attractive to her. "It's a kick, your life-style. Secrets, dueling opponents with special powers... I only started last month, but I've worked hard. My first challenge was learning how to control my power. The guys and I call it 'Manifesting our territory'. So far I've gotten to a 10 meter radius around me. As long as I concentrate, everything around it has to follow the rules I've set. Imagination turned to physical law."
"So, by that logic, if we incapacitate you, the rules will cease and Hiei's soul will return to his body?" asked Kurama.
"I don't know. Maybe," answered Kaito. Kurama growled again, "No one's beaten me yet, so it hasn't come up." Kaito was lying. San herself had beaten him during training, but she knew that it was part of his tact to tell them otherwise.
"That's it! I can't take anymore of this rookie and his ego trip!" declared Kuwabara.
"How do you stand these friends of yours, Shuuichi? They can't even handle one smart conversation. It must get lonely. Still, you haven't chosen. Will you challenge more, or go home?"
"Wait, you're forgetting the third option," said Kuwabara. San looked at him in alarm. What could he possibly mean?
"Really? I'm drawing a blank, what do you mean?"
"We forget about Hiei for now and move on. That's my vote."
Botan screamed in outrage, "I never expected to hear that from you Kuwabara! Hiei is your teammate!"
"It's his own code! Right? You had to bribe him to help Urameshi 'cause he said, 'weak men deserve to fall'. Then he turns around and says the wrong thing on purpose just to be cool. Let's save him for after we're through, that'll teach him a lesson."
"You have a brain after all," commented Kaito. Kuwabara was not happy with that. "Of course it's not a very good one. That option isn't valid."
"Why not? You can't hold us back."
"No, but you can't get through a doorway if you don't have the proper key," said Kaito. Their attention was drawn to Mitsunari, who was standing at the doorway.
"You mean Urameshi's in there?"
"Let's just say that door is your first step. But Yanagisawa has the only key."
"Ha! Now this I can handle," said Kuwabara, walking over to Mitsunari. "Okay Mr. Hairspray, hand over the key while I'm asking you nicely." San laughed quietly to herself. "Mr. Hairspray" indeed!
Mitsunari just blew a bubble with his gum, "No dice."
"Listen. I'll give you one more shot just incase you don't know who I am. Give me the dumb key-"
"Alright, why don't you knock me out and take it man?" asked Mitsunari, holding the key in front of Kuwabara, "Or did you lose your strength to?"
"Shut your hole!" yelled Kuwabara, throwing a punch. San sighed. Idiot. His punch was stopped by the rules of Kaito's territory. San cringed at the sound of his hand cracking. Mitsunari just laughed.
"You got to get a better memory. We're still inside of Kaito's territory and you know he doesn't like violence. We've got to be gentle with each other okay?" said Mitsuari in a light tone. San laughed in her mind. She never had a problem with him. He put the key in his front pocket.
"How about I shove my foot gently down you're throat?" growled Kuwabara.
"So... You finally decide?" Kaito asked her mate.
"I'll play by your rules Kaito, whatever they are," answered Kurama.
Kaito laughed, "Good," he spoke. Kurama was still glaring, as he came to sit in a chair in front of the youth. The room was silent, none of them wishing to speak the taboo word. She yawned, finding this boring. Botan and Kuwabara had taken a seat as well, not knowing what else to do. With the silence pending, it made the heat much worse because of the focus upon it. Kaito had submerged himself into a book.
"I'm tired of this, We're still aloud to talk right? We're just not supposed to say the h, you know what word. That's nothing tough," said Kuwabara. Kaito completely ignored him, turning a page, "So Kurama, you said you went to school with this dork. What other stuff do you know about him?"
"Yu Kaito. My classmate as we've said. He has gotten much attention at my school in light of his IQ results. His intellect is ranked at the genius level, and some of his scores the highest since the school's inception," explained Kurama.
"Well that's a round about way of bragging, isn't it Shuuichi? If I'm such a prince, you must be the king since you always beat me on tests," said Kaito.
"Accumulatively, yes, my grades are superior. Until recently, they were at the top, but San has stood in my path for the past few weeks now. But in certain subjects, such as language and literature, you far surpass me. You've even published essays on literary theory."
"So he's a young genius writer huh? Wait, did you say San?"
Kurama sighed, "Yes, she is a new student at my school, with higher grades than mine."
"Oh," said Kuwabara, feeling bad for bringing up Kurama's mate. He turned his attention back to Kaito, who was still in his book, "I bet we're cooler than anything you've read in a book!" he said.
"Not really," said Kaito. Really, what did Kuwabara expect from such a silly comment like that?
"It's so obvious what you're trying to do, making us sweat it out in this room so that we'll say your magic word. I mean, must be 100 degrees."
"80 actually, with 80% humidity. I keep my room like this so I can raise my tropical plants. My tribute to Shuuichi," said Kaito. San rolled her eyes. There was that creepy obsession again. "But if the conditions are making you thirsty, there are plenty of drinks in the fridge. I even have glasses."
Kuwabara stood and started towards the fridge. Kaito was laughing, so Kuwabara walked towards him instead, "What are you chuckling at book worm? Did you poison them or something? Maybe you should drink one first."
"Waste all my talent to poison you? That's brilliant. You know, you're a very intelligent guy," Kaito was mocking Kuwabara. The nerd did have a point however, Kuwabara did have some strange obsession with people poisoning him.
"You bark a lot for a weiny dog!" Kuwabara made towards the fridge after that last comment. Botan stood just then.
"Hold on Kuwabara. Why don't you let me get that? I uh, want to keep my hands cool" she said, running towards the fridge. She opened it, observing the contents, "Okay. Looks harmless enough, and quite a selection. Let's see... O.j? It's better for you than soda."
"That's fine. Just pour it over ice and we can share it with each other so long as we have two straws."
"Your confidence in my health is charming," said Botan. But then Kuwabara was frigid. He glowed, his soul beginning to separate from his body. San growled from her post.
-You're cheating!- she exclaimed in his mind. With Hiei's soul gone, she was free to use her telepathy.
-How so? He may not have said the word "hot", but he did say the letters in a sequence-
-Yes you dolt, I figured that out, but Mitsunari said "each other" earlier and his soul is fine!-
-I know, that's where I got the idea. This won't go very far if I don't make it more interesting- San had to agree with him there. It was easy to not say one word, but to avoid saying it in a sequence like that well, it was harder to realize it before it was too late.
"That can't be!" cried Botan. Kaito muttered something under his breath as Kuwabara's soul made it's way towards him. His was yellow, floating with Hiei's purple one. She still found it funny that Hiei had a purple soul.
"But why?" questioned Kurama.
"You're cheating Kaito, he never even came close to saying hot!" said Botan. San smacked her forehead. Wow Botan, wow. Kurama stared at her in horror, and Botan realized what she had said. She laughed nervously, "I goofed," were her last words before her soul separated and went straight to Kaito. Her's had a blue glow to it.
"There's three," said Kaito, "I can't believe it was so easy," he spoke again, holding up the three souls. Kurama was glaring at him. "Forgive me for not explaining the specifics, I didn't think your friends could handle it. In my territory, you can't say the letter's h, o and t in a row, even if they are in different words. It's no simple child's game, it's a puzzle addiction, and I can't bend the rules."
"That's fair enough," said Kurama.
"Souls are so pretty. I like the girl's best. Souls are the only thing you can't make stronger by training, you can only make them darker. What do you say Shuuichi? Should I make mine darker now by breaking these? It feels so strange, I have this power over people. You must feel it all the time. Yes, maybe I'll just make a little scratch."
"I'm warning you. You so much as bruise what's in your hand and I'll show you pain. The view of your soul will cease to matter because you will not be judged when you die. You will no longer exist," Kurama told Kaito calmly, but in a no bullshit tone. San smiled, loving every minute of it. She missed him even more at this moment, having seen only his human act that he put on at school for the past few weeks. Not that she didn't love how he pretended to be a wimp, but his cunning and such were things that she loved about him most.
"Interesting. You'll have to show me how to talk like that once I beat you," said Kaito. San noticed something. She could feel her mates spirit energy, but it was light, almost like a whisper. She saw then, he was using one of the plants in the room. She followed one of the branches, and it was going straight towards Mitsunari, along the ceiling. The two of them had no idea. Her smile grew, how she loved this man! It was fast, the transfer of the key to Kurama's hand, she was surprised that she had seen it at all.
"How long can you afford this braising façade?" her mate asked, holding up the key he had retrieved.
"How did you get that key?" Kaito stood, walking towards the door. "Yana?"
"He's bluffing you man. I got it here, in my pocket," said Mitsunari. He reached his hand into it and found that it was indeed not there. "It's gone! But he never even came in the hall."
Kurama waited until they noticed the plant. He heard the gasp and then spoke, "I was not stopped since I refrained from violence. With gentle discreetness, I merely borrowed the key from your coat pocket." Kurama then unleashed more of his energy, and a plant grew from behind his seat, "Seems we can use our powers in your territory, so long as we follow the rules."
"So you picked my pockets with some greenery? You are a first class freak!" declared Mitsunari. He then held his hands up in defense after catching San's glare from atop the book shelf.
"Keep those souls in perfect condition Kaito. You've found yourself in over your head."
"You can't intimidate me. I still have the upper hand. You still have to beat me at my game."
"Tell me, is it possible to change your taboo? Naturally, neither of us will say the word, thus we are locked in a stalemate. But I was hoping we could increase the challenge."
"Of course Shuuichi, I've been planning that all along. I don't want to beat my great advisory with a simple word gag. I want a true battle of wits. I can change the rules when I please."
"Then let me determine the rules of the word game and I assure you, I will force you to speak the taboo within 45 minutes and thereby freeing my friend's souls."
"Oh? You're that confident you can outwit me?" questioned Kaito. Kurama just smirked. "Alright, and what if you cannot get me to break the rules in 45 minutes?"
"Then you may have my soul as well," said Kurama. San wished to holy hell she could smack him right now. How could he put his own soul on the line? It wasn't that she didn't have full confidence in him, but really, he was supposed to be smart.
"Oh, my..."
"So, are you in? Or will you cower from a game in which you clearly have the advantage?"
The room was silent for a moment, and then, "I accept your challenge. So, let's hear the taboo that ended Shuuichi's life."
"It starts with one letter, but as time moves forward, we eliminate more. There are 26 letters in the alphabet and 45 minutes to play, thus every 104 seconds we will lose another letter we can say. Starting from the end at Z and moving backwards."
"Yes, and at the end of the game, every letter will be taboo. What a fascinating imagination. This game will be fun," said Kaito. He looked at the clock, "Let's see... It's fifty minutes after midnight. Why don't we start neatly at 1?"
"Sounds perfect," agreed Kurama. San smiled, this really was going to be fun. She leaned against the wall, waiting for them to begin.
"Follow the rule, both host and guest. Don't utter a letter crossed off the list. Each 104 seconds know to, another letter becomes taboo," said Kaito, ten minutes later. "We begin. Better get any Z words in before they becomes taboo. Zealous zebras and zinc zippers," San rolled her eyes. He was so stupid at times. Time wore on, and Z was no longer usable. "The next will be even more of a challenge. We'll forfeit the letter Y. Why, oh why do we lose the letter Y? What if we need to cry? I find this game very enjoyable, don't you?"
"Be careful Kaito, you'll tire yourself and make a mistake," Kurama warned. This was boring in all honesty. She knew that her mate was working on something. He would have this all figured out by now, he was just waiting. At least she knew that he didn't find Kaito's commentary any amusing either. Time progressed, as it always does, and five letters were now taboo.
"At last, a challenge. It's rather remarkable. So much I use those last letters."
"Losing S, T, and U should be a greater obstacle," said Kurama. The seconds passed, and more letters became unusable. It was starting to get interesting now.
"A challenging mind game Minamino, ready for... conceding?"
"No."
"Inform me, a plan cooking here?"
"Running clock, forbidding more of freedom." San laughed mentally at their dialogue, trying to pass the time. The clock ticked, and then Kaito stood. "Going off?"
"Need a john," he answered, walking to the bathroom. He spoke to Mitsunari briefly, and then proceeded to relieve his bladder. San watched as her mate's power began to flourish. What was he up to? She heard a noise just then. She saw that Mitsunari was knocked out. She turned back to her mate, who was now willing the plants to grow. And grow they did. They traveled all along the walls and floors of the room, occupying all the space, like a jungle. Kurama was then looking around, and San hid. He couldn't see her, that would ruin everything. She flinched when she saw him jump up to the chandelier. If he turned, he would be able to see her, so she hid behind the bookcase, willing some of his plants to cover her. She had to do it carefully, or else he'd be able to feel her. She made sure she had a peep hole, so she could see what his plan was from up there. She heard a door close and knew that Kaito was back. All she could hear was rustling of leaves, as Kaito made his way somewhere in this maze. It all stopped when she saw Kurama watch below him. Everything was silent, time was running out. What was he up to? Finally, she saw him lean over, and slowly lower himself upside down. she jumped to the book case again, to see what he was doing. She had to use a lot of force to not laugh. He looked so ridiculous hanging upside down. He screamed, using only the sound A, surprising Kaito. Neat. Except that it didn't work, or so she thought. Kaito turned around and saw Kurama as he was, and couldn't contain his laughter. He made a combination of sounds, causing his soul to separate from his body. His territory disappeared, and Kurama sat once more in the chair. The souls of the others were restored, and Kurama retreated his jungle.
"Yeah, alright! I'm back in the flesh!" said Kuwabara.
"Kaito's territory is no more," said Kurama.
"Yeah, out tricked at his own crazy game of pretend! He got it in the end, but man, we'd be toasted without you Kurama," San had to agree with Kuwabara's statement, "And no thanks to you Hiei!" the teen turned to the fire apparition. San laughed quietly to herself, he had a purple soul, and he even managed to look guilty. Just for a moment though, "Getting us in trouble with your 'I'm so tough' act!"
"Hn," was his only response.
"It's true, he nearly had us. Ironic after all his great intentions, the one thing to unravel him was a laugh," said Kurama. He sat there for a moment, with a smug look on his face. San couldn't wait to throw this in Kaito's face, and win the ¥200 bet she had going with Kido and Mitsunari.
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"Is this the place? Looks deformed," said Kuwabara.
"It's the only old mansion on the block," said Botan.
"Well, stay here Botan. Whatever this house is, it's definitely not safe for none fighters."
"That's sweet I guess, but I'm going. With Yusuke out and you losing your spirit energy, I'm the only one who can use the detective tools."
"She's right, our strength lies in numbers," said Kurama. Him and Hiei began to walk to towards the door, only to be stopped by the note that Kaito had posted there.
"The house of four dimensions," said Kuwabara, reading.
"Once entered, this do not, ever utter the word hot," Botan finished. Kaito was such an idiot. San waited before she went to keep an eye on them.
"Is it some kind of riddle?" asked Kuwabara.
"No, it is a warning. There's no way to know if it was real," answered Kurama. San could swear they would be doomed without her mate. They were fortunate to have met him. She jumped down and into a window. She made her way inside and saw Mitsunari standing by the one door. Good, and then she saw Kaito waiting for them as well. He smiled, looking way too cocky. She gave him a nasty look before she took her post on top of the bookshelf. She couldn't wait until her mate totally kicked his ass, the guy was really annoying. She sighed, fanning herself slightly with her hand. The others had walked in the door, and she turned their attention towards them. Show time.
"That's odd," said Botan, "What is this place?" she asked. Her question went unanswered, and the party walked forward a bit more. The door closed behind them. Kuwabara walked in front of the others.
"It looks all twisted up," he observed.
"And that steam. It's like an oven it's so ho-"
She was cut off by Kurama's hand over her mouth. He had that look of determination, one that San loved to see. She couldn't help but admire him while his mind was working, it was one thing she really loved about him, "Remember the word we're not saying," he reminded the girl.
"Kurama. Did you feel that?" Hiei asked the other demon.
"Yes. When we entered the energy schematic changed. It feels as though if somehow we've been transported to a different space."
"Or a different space time," San heard Kaito speak from the shadows. She really disliked this boy in the time she spent with him. Consistently negative towards her mate, not believing that Kurama would best him. The human would see, and she would laugh at him for doubting her mate. "Welcome to the house everyone. I'm so glad you made it," said Kaito.
"Yeah that's him. One of the guys Urameshi left with," confirmed Kuwabara.
Kaito just laughed, "Recognition, I just love how that feels." San rolled her eyes. He was so full of himself.
"Listen dork! I don't know who you are, but we're no normal school kids!" yelled Kuwabara. San smiled, she did miss him.
Kurama stepped forward, "His name is Kaito."
"Hold on. How on earth do you know that?"
"He is a classmate. All of his test scores are second only to mine. Remarkably bright for his age. I've never spoken to him personally, and naturally, I've never told him about you..." Kurama trailed in his explanation. "Kaito! Where have you gotten your information, and why have you kidnapped Yusuke?"
Kaito just laughed again, "It's a real grip-your-seat mystery isn't it? I hear your team won something called the Dark Tournament, and that's quite a feat. My congratulations," said Kaito, moving to sit in the chair. "I also heard that as a result, I give you my condolences, Shuuichi. Really, I was most surprised about you, Shuuichi. Try and put yourself in my shoes. Learning my school rival can also do the funniest things with plants."
Kurama glared. It was one thing to mention San's death, but to know of his abilities was completely different. He clenched his fists at the side, not going unnoticed by the wolf sitting atop the bookshelf beside him. She watched intently, ready to defend him if the occasion called for it. Kurama could smell her, but that was at the back of his mind at this point.
"Oh, that's a scary look. I don't ever remember you making that face in the classroom. Then again, we both keep things from our peers. You see, I have a talent to. Being such great champions as you are, I was hoping I could test them out on you."
"Okay! This is ridiculous! We've been through stuff you couldn't even dream about!" declared Kuwabara.
"I will take him," said Hiei menacingly, unsheathing his sword slowly. San sighed, rolling her eyes. Idiot. "You'll agree my impatience for human fools is an asset. Now!" and Hiei lunged swiftly at the ugly human.
"I'm sorry..." Kaito trailed, but San knew he wasn't. He sat there, smirking still.
"I doubt that!" said Hiei, swinging his sword. It just broke however, the wind of it not even hitting Kaito.
"Never doubt."
"How the hell did he just do that? Energy came right out of nowhere, it looked weird!" yelled Kuwabara.
"As you can see, this is a very special room where brute strength cannot exist. Only your words have power here, just make sure you follow my one posted rule."
"What's he saying?"
"He must mean the note on the door," answered Botan.
"Indeed," agreed Kurama.
"As a child, playing pretend, I would make my own world with my own rules. But I've learned I can do it for real. Growing up as a book worm, I guess it was inevitable when I would decide to rule out... violence," explained Kaito. Hiei growled. "I see why that disturbs you Hiei. In the world of fighting, your skills let you bully whoever you want. But in my territory, you're just a tiny, swordless man."
"Control your temper Hiei!" Kurama told the fire apparition that had risen to his feet, "He wants you to act out in anger!"
"Hn. Any buffoon can make a shield, how do we know that your other claim isn't just a bluff?" questioned Hiei. San sighed, he was so dumb at times.
"There's... only one way," answered Kaito.
"No three letter word can end my fate," said Hiei. San couldn't believe he was actually going to do this, "HOT!" he bellowed. Wow, what a dumbass. Hiei's soul began to separate from his body and make its way over to Kaito. He glanced up to her quickly, and she gave him that look that told him if he harmed that soul, she would take it out on him. His soul glowed purple, as it floated in Kaito's hand. She laughed quietly to herself. Purple soul for Hiei indeed.
"I told him not to doubt me. But that's what happens when you say the taboo word, your soul becomes part of my territory," said Kaito. Botan and Kuwabara ran towards Hiei.
"Wake him up!" cried Botan.
"He's ice cold," said Kuwabara.
"Oh dear..." Kurama just stood and stared.
"You lose a point. Now we've taken two hostages. Urameshi's having his fun upstairs. So what's your next move? Go on home, or play through the round?" San heard Kurama growl lowly. The sound filling her ears was intoxicating. She loved him angry, something about his whole demeanor was incredibly attractive to her. "It's a kick, your life-style. Secrets, dueling opponents with special powers... I only started last month, but I've worked hard. My first challenge was learning how to control my power. The guys and I call it 'Manifesting our territory'. So far I've gotten to a 10 meter radius around me. As long as I concentrate, everything around it has to follow the rules I've set. Imagination turned to physical law."
"So, by that logic, if we incapacitate you, the rules will cease and Hiei's soul will return to his body?" asked Kurama.
"I don't know. Maybe," answered Kaito. Kurama growled again, "No one's beaten me yet, so it hasn't come up." Kaito was lying. San herself had beaten him during training, but she knew that it was part of his tact to tell them otherwise.
"That's it! I can't take anymore of this rookie and his ego trip!" declared Kuwabara.
"How do you stand these friends of yours, Shuuichi? They can't even handle one smart conversation. It must get lonely. Still, you haven't chosen. Will you challenge more, or go home?"
"Wait, you're forgetting the third option," said Kuwabara. San looked at him in alarm. What could he possibly mean?
"Really? I'm drawing a blank, what do you mean?"
"We forget about Hiei for now and move on. That's my vote."
Botan screamed in outrage, "I never expected to hear that from you Kuwabara! Hiei is your teammate!"
"It's his own code! Right? You had to bribe him to help Urameshi 'cause he said, 'weak men deserve to fall'. Then he turns around and says the wrong thing on purpose just to be cool. Let's save him for after we're through, that'll teach him a lesson."
"You have a brain after all," commented Kaito. Kuwabara was not happy with that. "Of course it's not a very good one. That option isn't valid."
"Why not? You can't hold us back."
"No, but you can't get through a doorway if you don't have the proper key," said Kaito. Their attention was drawn to Mitsunari, who was standing at the doorway.
"You mean Urameshi's in there?"
"Let's just say that door is your first step. But Yanagisawa has the only key."
"Ha! Now this I can handle," said Kuwabara, walking over to Mitsunari. "Okay Mr. Hairspray, hand over the key while I'm asking you nicely." San laughed quietly to herself. "Mr. Hairspray" indeed!
Mitsunari just blew a bubble with his gum, "No dice."
"Listen. I'll give you one more shot just incase you don't know who I am. Give me the dumb key-"
"Alright, why don't you knock me out and take it man?" asked Mitsunari, holding the key in front of Kuwabara, "Or did you lose your strength to?"
"Shut your hole!" yelled Kuwabara, throwing a punch. San sighed. Idiot. His punch was stopped by the rules of Kaito's territory. San cringed at the sound of his hand cracking. Mitsunari just laughed.
"You got to get a better memory. We're still inside of Kaito's territory and you know he doesn't like violence. We've got to be gentle with each other okay?" said Mitsuari in a light tone. San laughed in her mind. She never had a problem with him. He put the key in his front pocket.
"How about I shove my foot gently down you're throat?" growled Kuwabara.
"So... You finally decide?" Kaito asked her mate.
"I'll play by your rules Kaito, whatever they are," answered Kurama.
Kaito laughed, "Good," he spoke. Kurama was still glaring, as he came to sit in a chair in front of the youth. The room was silent, none of them wishing to speak the taboo word. She yawned, finding this boring. Botan and Kuwabara had taken a seat as well, not knowing what else to do. With the silence pending, it made the heat much worse because of the focus upon it. Kaito had submerged himself into a book.
"I'm tired of this, We're still aloud to talk right? We're just not supposed to say the h, you know what word. That's nothing tough," said Kuwabara. Kaito completely ignored him, turning a page, "So Kurama, you said you went to school with this dork. What other stuff do you know about him?"
"Yu Kaito. My classmate as we've said. He has gotten much attention at my school in light of his IQ results. His intellect is ranked at the genius level, and some of his scores the highest since the school's inception," explained Kurama.
"Well that's a round about way of bragging, isn't it Shuuichi? If I'm such a prince, you must be the king since you always beat me on tests," said Kaito.
"Accumulatively, yes, my grades are superior. Until recently, they were at the top, but San has stood in my path for the past few weeks now. But in certain subjects, such as language and literature, you far surpass me. You've even published essays on literary theory."
"So he's a young genius writer huh? Wait, did you say San?"
Kurama sighed, "Yes, she is a new student at my school, with higher grades than mine."
"Oh," said Kuwabara, feeling bad for bringing up Kurama's mate. He turned his attention back to Kaito, who was still in his book, "I bet we're cooler than anything you've read in a book!" he said.
"Not really," said Kaito. Really, what did Kuwabara expect from such a silly comment like that?
"It's so obvious what you're trying to do, making us sweat it out in this room so that we'll say your magic word. I mean, must be 100 degrees."
"80 actually, with 80% humidity. I keep my room like this so I can raise my tropical plants. My tribute to Shuuichi," said Kaito. San rolled her eyes. There was that creepy obsession again. "But if the conditions are making you thirsty, there are plenty of drinks in the fridge. I even have glasses."
Kuwabara stood and started towards the fridge. Kaito was laughing, so Kuwabara walked towards him instead, "What are you chuckling at book worm? Did you poison them or something? Maybe you should drink one first."
"Waste all my talent to poison you? That's brilliant. You know, you're a very intelligent guy," Kaito was mocking Kuwabara. The nerd did have a point however, Kuwabara did have some strange obsession with people poisoning him.
"You bark a lot for a weiny dog!" Kuwabara made towards the fridge after that last comment. Botan stood just then.
"Hold on Kuwabara. Why don't you let me get that? I uh, want to keep my hands cool" she said, running towards the fridge. She opened it, observing the contents, "Okay. Looks harmless enough, and quite a selection. Let's see... O.j? It's better for you than soda."
"That's fine. Just pour it over ice and we can share it with each other so long as we have two straws."
"Your confidence in my health is charming," said Botan. But then Kuwabara was frigid. He glowed, his soul beginning to separate from his body. San growled from her post.
-You're cheating!- she exclaimed in his mind. With Hiei's soul gone, she was free to use her telepathy.
-How so? He may not have said the word "hot", but he did say the letters in a sequence-
-Yes you dolt, I figured that out, but Mitsunari said "each other" earlier and his soul is fine!-
-I know, that's where I got the idea. This won't go very far if I don't make it more interesting- San had to agree with him there. It was easy to not say one word, but to avoid saying it in a sequence like that well, it was harder to realize it before it was too late.
"That can't be!" cried Botan. Kaito muttered something under his breath as Kuwabara's soul made it's way towards him. His was yellow, floating with Hiei's purple one. She still found it funny that Hiei had a purple soul.
"But why?" questioned Kurama.
"You're cheating Kaito, he never even came close to saying hot!" said Botan. San smacked her forehead. Wow Botan, wow. Kurama stared at her in horror, and Botan realized what she had said. She laughed nervously, "I goofed," were her last words before her soul separated and went straight to Kaito. Her's had a blue glow to it.
"There's three," said Kaito, "I can't believe it was so easy," he spoke again, holding up the three souls. Kurama was glaring at him. "Forgive me for not explaining the specifics, I didn't think your friends could handle it. In my territory, you can't say the letter's h, o and t in a row, even if they are in different words. It's no simple child's game, it's a puzzle addiction, and I can't bend the rules."
"That's fair enough," said Kurama.
"Souls are so pretty. I like the girl's best. Souls are the only thing you can't make stronger by training, you can only make them darker. What do you say Shuuichi? Should I make mine darker now by breaking these? It feels so strange, I have this power over people. You must feel it all the time. Yes, maybe I'll just make a little scratch."
"I'm warning you. You so much as bruise what's in your hand and I'll show you pain. The view of your soul will cease to matter because you will not be judged when you die. You will no longer exist," Kurama told Kaito calmly, but in a no bullshit tone. San smiled, loving every minute of it. She missed him even more at this moment, having seen only his human act that he put on at school for the past few weeks. Not that she didn't love how he pretended to be a wimp, but his cunning and such were things that she loved about him most.
"Interesting. You'll have to show me how to talk like that once I beat you," said Kaito. San noticed something. She could feel her mates spirit energy, but it was light, almost like a whisper. She saw then, he was using one of the plants in the room. She followed one of the branches, and it was going straight towards Mitsunari, along the ceiling. The two of them had no idea. Her smile grew, how she loved this man! It was fast, the transfer of the key to Kurama's hand, she was surprised that she had seen it at all.
"How long can you afford this braising façade?" her mate asked, holding up the key he had retrieved.
"How did you get that key?" Kaito stood, walking towards the door. "Yana?"
"He's bluffing you man. I got it here, in my pocket," said Mitsunari. He reached his hand into it and found that it was indeed not there. "It's gone! But he never even came in the hall."
Kurama waited until they noticed the plant. He heard the gasp and then spoke, "I was not stopped since I refrained from violence. With gentle discreetness, I merely borrowed the key from your coat pocket." Kurama then unleashed more of his energy, and a plant grew from behind his seat, "Seems we can use our powers in your territory, so long as we follow the rules."
"So you picked my pockets with some greenery? You are a first class freak!" declared Mitsunari. He then held his hands up in defense after catching San's glare from atop the book shelf.
"Keep those souls in perfect condition Kaito. You've found yourself in over your head."
"You can't intimidate me. I still have the upper hand. You still have to beat me at my game."
"Tell me, is it possible to change your taboo? Naturally, neither of us will say the word, thus we are locked in a stalemate. But I was hoping we could increase the challenge."
"Of course Shuuichi, I've been planning that all along. I don't want to beat my great advisory with a simple word gag. I want a true battle of wits. I can change the rules when I please."
"Then let me determine the rules of the word game and I assure you, I will force you to speak the taboo within 45 minutes and thereby freeing my friend's souls."
"Oh? You're that confident you can outwit me?" questioned Kaito. Kurama just smirked. "Alright, and what if you cannot get me to break the rules in 45 minutes?"
"Then you may have my soul as well," said Kurama. San wished to holy hell she could smack him right now. How could he put his own soul on the line? It wasn't that she didn't have full confidence in him, but really, he was supposed to be smart.
"Oh, my..."
"So, are you in? Or will you cower from a game in which you clearly have the advantage?"
The room was silent for a moment, and then, "I accept your challenge. So, let's hear the taboo that ended Shuuichi's life."
"It starts with one letter, but as time moves forward, we eliminate more. There are 26 letters in the alphabet and 45 minutes to play, thus every 104 seconds we will lose another letter we can say. Starting from the end at Z and moving backwards."
"Yes, and at the end of the game, every letter will be taboo. What a fascinating imagination. This game will be fun," said Kaito. He looked at the clock, "Let's see... It's fifty minutes after midnight. Why don't we start neatly at 1?"
"Sounds perfect," agreed Kurama. San smiled, this really was going to be fun. She leaned against the wall, waiting for them to begin.
"Follow the rule, both host and guest. Don't utter a letter crossed off the list. Each 104 seconds know to, another letter becomes taboo," said Kaito, ten minutes later. "We begin. Better get any Z words in before they becomes taboo. Zealous zebras and zinc zippers," San rolled her eyes. He was so stupid at times. Time wore on, and Z was no longer usable. "The next will be even more of a challenge. We'll forfeit the letter Y. Why, oh why do we lose the letter Y? What if we need to cry? I find this game very enjoyable, don't you?"
"Be careful Kaito, you'll tire yourself and make a mistake," Kurama warned. This was boring in all honesty. She knew that her mate was working on something. He would have this all figured out by now, he was just waiting. At least she knew that he didn't find Kaito's commentary any amusing either. Time progressed, as it always does, and five letters were now taboo.
"At last, a challenge. It's rather remarkable. So much I use those last letters."
"Losing S, T, and U should be a greater obstacle," said Kurama. The seconds passed, and more letters became unusable. It was starting to get interesting now.
"A challenging mind game Minamino, ready for... conceding?"
"No."
"Inform me, a plan cooking here?"
"Running clock, forbidding more of freedom." San laughed mentally at their dialogue, trying to pass the time. The clock ticked, and then Kaito stood. "Going off?"
"Need a john," he answered, walking to the bathroom. He spoke to Mitsunari briefly, and then proceeded to relieve his bladder. San watched as her mate's power began to flourish. What was he up to? She heard a noise just then. She saw that Mitsunari was knocked out. She turned back to her mate, who was now willing the plants to grow. And grow they did. They traveled all along the walls and floors of the room, occupying all the space, like a jungle. Kurama was then looking around, and San hid. He couldn't see her, that would ruin everything. She flinched when she saw him jump up to the chandelier. If he turned, he would be able to see her, so she hid behind the bookcase, willing some of his plants to cover her. She had to do it carefully, or else he'd be able to feel her. She made sure she had a peep hole, so she could see what his plan was from up there. She heard a door close and knew that Kaito was back. All she could hear was rustling of leaves, as Kaito made his way somewhere in this maze. It all stopped when she saw Kurama watch below him. Everything was silent, time was running out. What was he up to? Finally, she saw him lean over, and slowly lower himself upside down. she jumped to the book case again, to see what he was doing. She had to use a lot of force to not laugh. He looked so ridiculous hanging upside down. He screamed, using only the sound A, surprising Kaito. Neat. Except that it didn't work, or so she thought. Kaito turned around and saw Kurama as he was, and couldn't contain his laughter. He made a combination of sounds, causing his soul to separate from his body. His territory disappeared, and Kurama sat once more in the chair. The souls of the others were restored, and Kurama retreated his jungle.
"Yeah, alright! I'm back in the flesh!" said Kuwabara.
"Kaito's territory is no more," said Kurama.
"Yeah, out tricked at his own crazy game of pretend! He got it in the end, but man, we'd be toasted without you Kurama," San had to agree with Kuwabara's statement, "And no thanks to you Hiei!" the teen turned to the fire apparition. San laughed quietly to herself, he had a purple soul, and he even managed to look guilty. Just for a moment though, "Getting us in trouble with your 'I'm so tough' act!"
"Hn," was his only response.
"It's true, he nearly had us. Ironic after all his great intentions, the one thing to unravel him was a laugh," said Kurama. He sat there for a moment, with a smug look on his face. San couldn't wait to throw this in Kaito's face, and win the ¥200 bet she had going with Kido and Mitsunari.
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