Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Quietus ❯ Chapter 2

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter II

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Baby blue eyes purposefully sifted through the throngs of people passing by his line of sight, seemingly looking for a familiar face of an acquaintance. A set of giggle interrupted the venture when a couple of lasses walked by, throwing him flirtatious glances with crimson staining on their faces, their squealing followed soon after he gave them a dazzling smile. He shook his head in mild amusement on their primitive reaction then resumed his mission.

The crowd of mortals carrying on with the humdrum routine of their daily lives remains oblivious to the danger that was him, still ignorant that their world would soon be in peril. It was too easy to lure humans towards their demise due to their naivety on life and death. Their feeble mind was so easy to read without even using telepathy, their body language was a dead giveaway of their desires, easily perceived from his perch on the coffee shop.

He gracefully rose from his seat, long luscious blonde hair swaying behind him as he sauntered towards an unsuspecting individual. The maniacal smile apparent on his face when he felt the familiar pull that he was looking for.

Time to impart another invite.

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High stacks of paper surrounds the toddler prince on his working desk as he diligently flick through documents pertaining to the rightful passage of spirits while an oni placed another pile of papers on the cramped table. The continuous dull thumping sound of wooden gavel stopped when Koenma eyed the new batch of departed souls. It made him stop his work altogether as he grimly recalled his dialogue with the Supreme Elder.

"It is not our intention to hurt their sentiments but understand that this is for the safety of the three realms. If the legion already has the other half, they will most certainly come after the essence next, and we cannot allow that. SDF should not wander off Spirit World since the doll must be under maximum security at all times." The pleasing modulation of the Supreme Elders' voice did nothing to soothe the young prince's agitation. Koenma has been appealing for Kuramas' peremptory request but it seems to be a futile effort since even the most broad-minded Supreme Elder has his own qualms on giving the assignment to the former Reikai Tantei.

"Don't you think it is essential to retrieve Botan since it is her life force that maintains the stability of the essence? Considering the situation, even when the SDF got their hands full, my detectives should have been more than capable of finding her if given the right information and opportunity. I cannot help but think that Kurama was right all along. You have been delaying the search for whatever reason. Don't you have any intention of finding her at all?" Koenma implored albeit accusatory.

"There are more pressing matters than that, I am afraid. It is the legion that we should be focusing on instead. Finding it is not the priority anymore because acquiring the other half means they already regained their ability to lure. That alone is bound to cause grave ramifications, specially in the mortal world. With the piles of paperworks on your desk, I am sure you know what to make of that." The old man explained, unaffected by his prior imputation. The notion made Koenmas' frustration double. As much as he wants to prove his point and insist on finding Botan, the predominance of having a wrathful legion freely using their lure to cause havoc in all the realms is quite disturbing, considering that it is yet their fullest potential to begin with.

Koenma became thoughtful for a bit before he was hit by a sudden idea. "Wait. I should have asked this from the start but... How are you even certain that it is the legion that took her and not some other nut jobs?"

"The Fates have spoken, Koenma. And it is only a matter of time before it is found. The legion has been on the move right after the barrier was brought down. You are aware that the number of your ferry girls has reduced without valid reason even before the seige, are you not? Moreover, the decrease of your workforce stopped when it vanished." The Elder said.

Koenma scrunched his brow in confusion. "If the Fates appear to be surprisingly charitable on giving out directives, why not ask them how to come around all of this?"

"It is not in their power to intervene. They were prudent enough to tell us about the legion after they acquire half of our powers combined."

'This is getting more complicated.' Koenma thought, beads of sweat started to form on his temples when he perceived the older man's enervation. "There will be no stopping them if the legion regains their unlimited discretionary power. They will be as invincible as the gods if that happens and you will not be powerful enough to stop them or even manage to negotiate a truce like before." He said.

"That is correct, unfortunately." The wrinkles of the old man seemed to deepen at the thought. "I may be asking for too much but I may have a mission for your detectives, Koenma." He stated objectively, smiling when the sprightly young lord sighed in exasperation, pulling a face before replying. "Forget it. As effective as my detectives are, they can be juvenile when they want to be. They will not move a muscle if the mission does not involve finding Botan."

"It is of relevant matter. I trust the allegiance of your detectives and I am confident on your influence over them. That is why I am entrusting this crucial mission to their capable hands. It is the only way to save all the realms if the legion succeeds on their agenda." The old man pronounced, briefly pausing to sternly enunciate each and every word of his next statement. "Furthermore, you should start convincing the detectives that it does not need saving. Distraction may lead to their downfall if they continue to concern themselves of its safety and whereabouts."

The assertion made Koenma frown in resentment. Never mind their brazen act of not searching for Botan, he cannot allow the discourteoussness to continue. "I would very much appreciate it if you stop referring Botan as an object. She is my friend, my head ferry girl and my loyal assistant. I demand that you show some repect."

"Perhaps your father did not tell you what it is for you to have bonded with it recklessly." The elder sighed wearily. "The reason why you spent your existence mostly together is for you to tame it, which you have done so successfully. It is also behind your formidable command to the souls passing the Gate of Judgement. But you must know - "

"Tame 'it'? What must I know besides the fact that you insist on repudiating Botan?" Koenma asked indignantly.

The elder regarded the young lord with a dead stare before soberly speaking. "My Prince. 'Botan' is incognito. Aside from being innominate, your friend, head ferry girl and loyal assistant does not exist from the very beginning."

"Koenma-sama! You must see this!"

He snapped out of his deep rumination when a panicky Jorge slammed his office door open and ran to his side, rummaging through his desk drawers, scattering the documents as the table shakes due to his heedless action.

"What is it - my papers! Jorge! I swear if this is one of your jokes I will rip your horn from your forehead and shove it down your throat!" He admonished then became perplexed when the ogre didn't do so much as mind his threat and continue to find what he was looking for.

Jubilation crossed Jorges' face when he got hold of the remote control. He quickly switched on the monitor and frantically searched for the frequency of a particular channel. "I heard about this from a couple of ferry girls who returned from Human World recently. They were completely worn out and terrified with what is going on there, Koenma-sama." With a few more clicks, he settled down the mechanization.

"21 women and 18 men have taken their lives by random means of suicide just this morning. The increasing self-inflicted death toll led to the conduction of religious rites on numerous shrines and churches all around the country. The Japanese Government is yet to issue a formal statement regarding this disturbing phenomenon but advised the public to be vigilant for any warning signs of the escalating mental health concern..."

The rest of the narrative fell on deaf ears as Koenma stormed out of his office leaving behind a petrified ogre to stare at the horrendous suicide clips shown on the news.

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"Shuichi-kun! I'm glad I caught you."

The greeting made Kurama paused from putting on his coat, turning to address Shiori who just stepped inside his office. He quickly finished donning the garment, meeting his mother halfway to peck on her cheek while giving her a brief hug.

"Mother, this is a surprise. What brings you here?" He asked, letting go of the woman.

"Is it unusual for a mother to visit her son at work these days?" Shiori mumbled with a pout, making Kurama chuckle in return. "That is not what I mean, mother. I am glad you came to see me."

"I know, I know. I'm just pulling your leg. It's nice to see you doing so well, my son." She raised her hand to smoothen his tie then hooked her arm to his. "Kazuya and I are going out for dinner tonight. Would you like to join us, Shuichi-kun?"

Kurama began to led Shiori outside his office, locking the door as he replied. "And ruin your romantic date with father? I do not think so."

"Oh nonsense! We are too old for that kind of thing." Shiori said while playfully slapping his arm, the beginnings of a blush appearing on her cheeks. "And you won't ruin anything by coming, Shuichi-kun."

"Perhaps, however, I am afraid I have to decline, mother. I am meeting Yusuke and the others later." He said, giving his mother an apologetic smile, sweat dropping afterwards when he saw his mother giving him a sly smile.

"A boys night out, I assume?" She asked suggestively.

"Something like that." Kurama cryptically uttered, eyes dancing with amusement. It always amazes him how his mother look and act younger than her age.

"That is good to know then. You having fun with your friends, I mean. Hmm...I haven't seen them for quite some time. You should bring them along on your next visit." She said thoughtfully, slightly nodding to her son's subordinates as they walked passed them.

"I will see what I can do, mother."

"Oh! Speaking of friends, I also came to drop this off." She stopped walking then handed her son a small brown paperbag which the red head took gingerly. He looked at his mother questioningly after peering inside. "That is for Botan-chan. It's funny how I remembered that charming lady all of a sudden when I saw it. Just thought she might like it." Kurama managed a minute smile to hide his pained expression at the mention of the diety.

"I see." He thoughtlessly murmured. His mother always held a particular fondness towards Botan eventhough they weren't even in an official relationship. She would not stop from fussing over the diety ever since he introduced her together with the rest of the gang, and it is not the first present from his mother either. Kurama lifted the object inside the bag. Solemn green eyes traced the twinkling purple and clear rhinestones adorning the intricate floral pattern that lines the gold metal plate of the french barrette on his hand. It will perfectly compliment Botan. He mused, thoughts instantly drifting to the missing diety, his yearning unintentionally seeped into his countenance. Shiori became worried when she noticed the melancholic look on his face. "Shuichi-kun? Is everything alright?"

Kurama blinked slowly as he snapped out of his reverie then regarded his mother with a reassuring look before carefully returning the hair clip inside the bag. "My apologies, I just thought I forgot something." He offered his arm to her once again. "I am certain that Botan will like this, mother. Thank you."

Shiori seemed unconvinced but decided not to prod, smiling instead when she took his arm. "Give it to her for me, will you? And bring her with you when you visit with your friends." Kurama only gave her a slight quirk on his lips in return as they continue to walk towards the elevator.

"Oh dear. I hope their loved one's are okay. Poor kids." Kurama followed his mother's line of sight when he heard her hushed whisper. His eyes narrowed apprehensively as he watched the news from the monitor mounted on the elevator wall.

"It has been going on a little while, hasn't it?" Shiori asked worriedly.

"Yes, it has. You be careful when you go out, mother. We do not know if it is really what they say it is." He adviced, eyes never tearing from the screen.

"What do you mean, Shuichi-kun?"

"It is all speculations, as far as I can tell." Kurama explained, motioning his mother to exit the elevator first. "They said that there was no anomaly after conducting the autopsies. However, with the continuous rising of the cases, I am inclined to believe that suicide is becoming more of a pretext than an actual justification." He finished while he opened the door of the lobby, letting his mother exit first before following her out.

"I guess you have a point there." Shiori said as they set foot on the sidewalk.

"Ahhhhh!!!!!"

They turned to the source of the scream and saw a middle-aged woman pointing upwards to one of the rooftops. Kurama snapped his head towards the direction and noticed a man in business suit standing dangerously close to the roof-edge of the high-rise building adjacent to them, seemingly placid in spite of being one step away from falling to his death. He quickly called a cab and ushered Shiori inside.

"You need not see this and you still have to meet with father." Kurama instructed albeit urgently.

"But -"

"No need to worry, mother. I will not do anything rash. Take care of yourself and call me as soon as you arrived." Kurama said smiling reassuringly, giving the cab driver a handful of cash before closing the door. With his mother away from the madness, he darted towards the alley beside the building where the human is and jumped his way towards the rooftop, surprised to see a familiar figure standing a few feet away from the civilian. "Hiei?" He called out.

"Keep your distance, kitsune. Something is inside of the human. I can see the shadow moving. It knows we are here." Hiei telepathically said.

"Shadow?" Kurama noticed the glow on his forehead then looked towards the civilian.

"Are you here to stop me, demons?" Emerald and ruby eyes narrowed simultaneously upon hearing the dual voice from the man who did not even turn to face them as he spoke.

"Depends on what you are about to do." The fire demon questioned, stepping a bit closer to the civilian, his hand poised on his katana. He shared a knowing glance with the kitsune as Kurama advanced stealthily, positioning himself slightly to the left across Hiei.

"I believe we are victims of a common enemy. Spirit World once thought of you as inferior beings and put up a barrier to jail you in Demon World, did they not?" The man answered, unmoved from his position.

"I loathe to break it to you but the barrier has been brought down years ago." Kurama remarked, blaring of sirens from the incident response unit invaded his senses. We need to coax him for information but we have to finish this as well before rescue arrives.

The man directed his gaze downward, curiously staring at the red and blue strobe lights from the emergency response vehicles on the street. "Years after accepting the fact that there are more superior beings than themselves. The kind of acceptance that they did not confer before robbing us of what is rightfully ours."

"Hn. You think taking away human lives will convince them to give you back what is lost? A pathetic excuse to put the blame on demons if you ask me." Hiei commented, contemptuously ridiculing the idea.

The man gave a slight turn of his head, giving them a side profile of the civilians' face. "My apologies. You must have misunderstood. These human deaths are only an inception of a greater cause and it is to evoke our existence to all the realms. Though, I must say, we are still open for that notion."

The fire demon clicked his tongue on the gibe, flicking his thumb to unsheathe his sword but stopped when the fox held up a hand and gave him a slight shake of his head. "Manipulating innocent humans is an atrocious form of introduction. Mind telling us exactly who you are without any possible mortal casualties involved?" Kurama querried, bracing himself to a battle stance when the man haughtily laughed while turning to face them fully.

The dark brown eyes of the civilian briefly flashed blue when he gave them a challenging smirk. "Save this human if you will, but in doing so, you will be insulting a power beyond your comprehension." The man took a step back, one foot dangling in the air. "I quite enjoyed our little talk, demons, and it is with great pleasure to give you my name." He slowly outstretched his arms on both of his sides as he spoke once more. "I am Saburo."

A mass of black smoke emanated from the possessed human, vanishing into thin air as the mortal body inclined outward, just in time for the brown eyes of the man to catch the opening of the Jagan. Kurama immediately summoned his thornless vines to reach for the unconscious man before he completely falls off the building. He retracted his plants upon settling the human within safe distance from the ledge, rushing to his side to check for any injuries.

"The human is unharmed. It no longer got a hold of him." Hiei assessed while kneeling beside the civilian opposite his friend, concealing the Jagan with his bandana once again. "Is this why you asked me to come, Kurama?"

"No. Though with what transpired, this is most probably why Koenma wanted to meet with us." Kurama said, looking at Hiei when he heard multiple sets of distant footsteps ascending the stairs of the fire exit. "We better leave before the humans gets here."

Hiei grunted his reply before they disappeared in a blur.

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"Yes, I am fine... No. Someone stopped the man from jumping... Yes, I am with Yusuke and the others... Alright, I will... Please send my regards to father and Shuuichi-kun... Take care, mother. Bye."

Kurama ended the call as he turned to regard the full cast of the former Reikai Tantei and his one-time team members, seated across the wooden floor on one of the many halls in Genkais' estate.

"You mean to tell us that the pretty lady is still missing and that the Spirit World is not making any initiative to find her?" Jin posed, pointy ears twitching while his bushy brows scrunched up in bamboozlement.

"Right on, man." Kuwabara confirmed just as he arrived with Yukina, a handful cups of tea on a serving tray in his hands.

"Gee. Sucks to live in the holy righteousness of that realm. Once their loyal servant went missing, they wash their hands and leave the shiela to fight for her own life." Chu muttered after thanking Yukina when she handed him a cup. He poured his liquor on the tea and mixed the concoction with his finger, throwing an impish grin to the grimacing Shishiwakamaru beside him.

"But Botan-chan isn't a fighter you know. I would be surprised if she is still alive - Ow!" Rinku exclaimed, nursing the newly acquired bumps on his head, courtesy of Chu and Jin. Touya only shook his head in discomfiture.

"You will find yourself in a beautiful place if you won't keep your mouth shut, kid." Suzuki commented, ostentatiously sipping on his cup of tea with a pinky finger raised.

Genkai sighed in exasperation at the open display of foolishness. She crossed her arms on her chest as she turned to the seemingly unaffected fox who silently took a seat beside her. "Kurama, you mentioned before that you encountered something with Hiei. What do you make of it?"

"It is difficult to tell. However, from the looks of it, the energy it emitted does not originate from any of the three realms." He replied in his usual contemplative propensity, his chin resting on one of his hands.

"Sounds awfully dangerous for you to be muddled, Kurama. Not to mention, for it to possess a human and be undetected." Genkai commented in her usual raspy voice.

"Lucky how Hiei saw it inside the human, though. Who would have thought that your evil eye does more than peep on someone else's mind and summon black flames from Demon World." Kuwabara quipped, pointing a lazy finger at the fire demon seated beside his lady-love. Kurama and Yusuke shared a knowing look when they heard the remark. Here we go again.

"Hn. The scope of my Jagan is not limited to demons and humans alike. I can see more with my eyes closed compared to your naturally purblind eyes, moron." Collective chuckles followed the sneer. Yukina looked perturbed between the two while the former team Kurama joined in the amusement.

"Would it hurt you to mellow down your ego like a normal guy once in a while, you twerp?" The pompadour-head asked indignantly.

"Just to stoop to your level of stupidity? I do not think so." Hiei smirked smugly when Kuwabara sputtered. There is always fun in taunting his sister's admirer. The orange-head shifted from his seat to reach for the collar of the fire demon, minding Yukina who backed up a little due to the imminent fist fight. "Why you son of a - "

"I see you've already started the party without me."

Almost a dozen heads snapped to the direction of the opened shoji door where a teenage Koenma entered.

"About damn time, brat." Yusuke remarked impatiently, folding his arms behind his head as he followed the movement of Koenma. "We thought you backed out and hid behind Spirit World Elders."

Koenma sighed tiredly as he took his seat beside Genkai, across Kurama. "I'll just pretend that I didn't hear that, Yusuke." He stared ahead, looking at the fox demon before sweeping his gaze towards the remaining occupants of the room. "Not to be rude, but, I think it is best to get down to business." He paused as he settled his gaze on Kurama once again. "I am here to give you your mission."

"Finally!" Kuwabara and Yusuke exclaimed.

"You don't know how long this muscles of mine longs to be used and punch villains into oblivion." Chu said with a hiccup, while pecking his bicep.

"Just like the old times." Touya commented.

"I can't wait to let them have a taste of my wrath. Those assholes deserves a proper beating for kidnapping Botan-chan." Kuwabara stated, cracking his knuckles, eyes blazing with fury.

Amber eyes became downcasted, Koenma knew what to come next. Kurama noticed his reaction and pursed his lips in displeasure, intense green eyes bore on the dejected young lord as he spoke. "This has nothing to do with finding Botan, is it?"

"Yes." Koenma admitted in a solemn whisper. He did not need to look ahead to see the fox glaring daggers at him.

"What the - Do you think we'll just accept everything you throw under the sun? What about Botan, huh?" Yusuke gripped his cup tighlty, he was tempted to throw the abomination at the young lord or send his regards to the Elders with a fully loaded Spirit Gun. The nerve of the Spirit World!

"As much as I wanted to find her, there are more grave issues that needs to be addressed, but all of it is connected to her disappearance and I believe that we will be able to save her if you succeed on this mission." Koenma mustered all his strength to look at their ambivalent stare. Inwardly sighing in relief when Genkai motioned for him to continue. "I take it that you are all aware with what is going on in your realm."

"If you are referring to the suicides, then yes. Kurama and Hiei were able to save one this afternoon after a verbal exchange with someone named Saburo. I understand the need to set aside Botan's case, but if you are going to ask for help, I suggest you better explain what we are going up against, Koenma." Genkai proposed, sipping her tea after.

"It cannot be helped I supposed." Koenma sighed before straightening up his posture, the weariness in his features replaced by dead seriousness. "What you saw, is a bringer of death. Saburo is the name given to the third son of their kin." Baffled reactions followed his declaration.

"Bringer of death? Do you mean a grim reaper like Botan-chan?" Kuwabara asked.

"Yes and also No." Koenma crossed his arms on his chest as he arranged his thoughts for better explanation. "Long ago, when gods and the early race of demons only existed, there came about what we call the legion, an ancient and more powerful form of grim reapers."

"I've encountered the tale. They are the only beings who are able to reap the souls of the immortals, are they not?" Kurama supplied.

"That is correct." Koenma said, asserting his confirmation with a brief nod. "When the first human deaths caused by the legion were ever recorded, pops and the Elders - together with the gods - agreed to subdue their powers in order to protect the thriving existence of the mortals. Though I suspect that it was only for selfish reasons on most part." The young lord gently shook his head in dismay. Knowing full well that some of the gods agreed on the act just to smite the only beings that are deemed equal to them. Then again, who is he to judge.

"If I may. What powers are we exactly talking about?" Touya asked, a pointy finger raised in question.

"The power to lure and forcefully reap a soul as desired." Koenma answered dutifully, the horrified look on some of their faces not lost to him.

"Hn. I can see why they are so hung up on their power. He was not lying about the Spirit World taking away what is rightfully theirs. It all boils down to your ancestors superiority complex." Hiei muttered.

"I admit. It was rather uncanny for them to do it. But pops and the Elders were willing to take the risk for the mortals." The spirit lord said in defense.

"How were you able to subdue such powerful beings?" Genkai asked.

"Spirit World cannot allow the legion to continue to use their power as they please, thus, a truce between Spirit World and the legion was created." Koenma paused, perceiving the start of a downpour. "The truce was to enable the legion to continue to exist as grim reapers of the present, given that only their power to lure the dying be retained. However, with majority of the legion opposing, Spirit World was forced to do something drastic." He briefly looked outside the garden, the soothing pitter patter of the rain did wonders to his nerves. "With the help of Izanagi himself, the Elders got a hold of the power source of the legion from the Underworld. The Spirit World was able to root out their harmful prowess by breaking the power source into two and sealing it separately. The malefic half is sealed inside a nesting doll in the deepest part of Spirit World and the less inocuous half - the power of lure is with - "

"Botan." Kurama surmised, eyebrows scrunched in worry. It is the reason why they wanted her. His jaw clenched in agitation. Who knows what the bastards had already done to the defenseless diety.

Koenma regarded the fox demon with sympathy. He suddenly felt ashamed for not disclosing the information sooner. "Yes, I am afraid."

"They were able to possess humans and lure them to their deaths because they have Botan." Genkai stated, looking at her reflection on the tea.

"Yes." Koenma confirmed, nodding in affirmation.

"Shit." Yusuke, Kuwabara, Chu, Jin and Shishi simultaneously uttered.

"This is so fucked up man." Rinku said, running a hand to his spiky brown hair.

"Right it is." Suzuki chipped in as Touya pinched the bridge of his nose.

"If only you've let us intervene on the search we would have found her already and avoid this mayhem!" Kuwabara exclaimed, punching his fist on the cold hard floor.

"That would be pointless, Kuwabara. By the time they got a hold of her, they would've already conducted the rite to regain their lure." the young lord explained.

"Is this why you refrain from finding Botan? Assuming the legion got what they need from her and you think that she is already dead?!" The cup on Yusukes' hand started cracking from his brute force.

"Yusuke." Koenma breathed out. He has no right to reprimand the gang, it was partly his fault for not telling them the truth. Apart from that, if only he'd known the truth about Botan sooner, he would not have made her leave the Spirit World from the start. Apparently, being secretive is the most contagious and most dangerous attribute of beings in their realm. "Out of all the things that's been happening I am certain that Botan is still alive. Her life force is the only thing that keeps the other half stable. According to the Supreme Elder, her body serves as the temple of their power. It is the means to unite the two halves. If they kill her, the legion won't be able to acquire the infinite power of Death."

Still not a guarantee that they would not hurt Botan. Heaven forbid, if they so much as bruise her, I will kill them all. Kurama thought balefully. "How do you propose to effectively annihilate the legion then?" He querried calmly albeit the greenness of his eyes gleamed with unspoken wrath. Almost all the occupants in the room shivered, not from the coldness of the air brought by the rain, but from the familiar overwhelming demon energy that is threatening to spill out of the kitsune.

Kurama can be scarier than pops sometimes. Koenma audibly gulped, crossing his arms on his chest to collect his composure before he responded. "When Izanami died of childbirth, Izanagi, out of his sorrow, beheaded their divine offspring with the use of a jewelled dagger. After coming to his senses and grief-stricken on what he had done, he thrusted the weapon into the ocean, its energy gave way to the birth of all immortal beings."

"Wild guess. Our mission is to retrieve the mythical thing and save the world." Yusuke commented dryly.

"Yes. It is believed that it can slay all worldly beings, including immortal creatures like the legion - and gods for that matter. The weapon serves as the witness and cause of the first deaths in the universe. Hence, it was called Mortis Blade or Blade of Death."

A few moments passed in silence with all of them reflecting and absorbing all that's been said as the continuous sound of rainfall reverberated and echoed through the halls of the temple.

"'Ocean' is a rather general term. Do we even know where to begin the search?" Shishiwakamaru asked all of a sudden.

"Good question. Though I believe the original Reikai Tantei may have already met the man who can bring you there." Koenma smiled when Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei and Kuwabara looked at him incredulously. Good ol' times, guys.

The gang laid out their mission plan, unaware of the hydrous creature lurking in the shadows. Translucent red eyes documented everything that happened similar to that of the Spirit Worlds' all seeing monitor before losing its form and disappearing into the night.

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"How does it feel to be hunted?"

"You bastard - Ack!“

The metal plate of a conventional armament catches the light coming from the headlights of cars passing by the dark alleyway.

"We only deal with our charges. I thought I made myself clear when I confronted you weeks before." The tip of the gat on his hand digging painfully on the forehead of his target.

"I told you I didn't know what happened. I swear! Something just clicked and I don't remember what happened after! Same with the others!" The other man staggered until his back hit the hard concrete of the wall.

"Enough. They can't defend themselves because they are cowards who can only run away. Perhaps your accomplices needed a demonstration." The tone of voice laced with utter indifference as his head tilted arrogantly to the side. "In fact, you can send the perfect message."

"W-wait! Hear me out, Sn - !"

The phut sound of the muzzle report was drowned by the loud beeping of car horns while a lifeless body fell on the ground with a dull thud.

Eyelids slowly fluttered open as the dream faded away from his consciousness. Long thick lashes touched the pale skin of his cheeks while he blinked away the remnants of sleepiness before sluggishly lifting himself to a sitting position, the linen sheet caressing the naked flesh of a well-built torso when it leisurely dropped to his lap. Dexterous fingers ran through his short and silky locks prior to him heaving a sigh. He regarded the door just as the sound of a soft knock reverberated through his quarters.

"Come in." He beckoned with the natural husk of his voice.

The door revealed another man with a taller physique who adjusted his spectacles to properly fit the bridge of an aristocratic nose before speaking. "Get ready. They are on the move."

He nodded as the other man left the room, swinging his strong legs to the side of the bed afterwards, then placed his feet on the cold floor. Dark hair gracefully swayed in time with his head turning towards the direction of the nightstand. Piercing violet eyes narrowed at the moment he caught sight of his glinting weapon.

It's our turn to bring the fight to the bastards.

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A/N:

Whew.. That was long. I watched a bunch of movies to inspire myself to continue writing this fic. I'm a sucker for mythology, fantasy and the sort. However, I am unnerved and afraid of the outcome of this. As much as I love what I am doing, it still makes me nervous knowing that people are able to read my work, considering that it is my first time to write such a complicated story. Not stopping me to come out of my comfort zone, though!

I am certain you have an idea as to who is on the last part of the chapter. It made me feel excited to write the fic, now that I may have an effective plot to include one of my ultimate crush in anime history. Smirk. Squeal. Drool... Lol.

Who do you think it is?

Thank you for reading!

Leave a review if you will.

Xoxo