Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Shura's Quest ❯ Scene 4 ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

* When the limo pulls to a stop in front of a moderately-sized mansion, Touya moves in his usually calm pace to open Kurama's door.

Kurama- I'll explain to everyone once we get this case wrapped up, Touya.

Touya- I can hardly wait.

* Kurama smirks at his friend who just leans in to grab the dufflebag out for him. Kurama takes it then goes toward the main entry. As he reaches the door another demon in a light blue kimono opens it for him.

Shishi- Welcome home, Kurama.

Kurama- Thank you, Shishi... I need Chu in my office.

* Shishi senses Kurama's tenseness and moves to a nearby intercom. The redhead keeps a steady pace down the wide hall and enters the large room that serves as his office. He listens to his 'butler's' voice waft through the mansion that has been his secret home for the past two years. Since moving to Tokyo to begin his new life with a select few old 'acquaintances' who had sought him out. The once great thief of Demon World has devoted his life to using his skills in the best way he knows how, private investigating. While he moves to a filing cabinet to find the file on this case he's closing up, a younger demon boy looks in.

Rinku- Hey, you're back, Kurama!

* Kurama glances a warm smile at the boy.

Kurama- Yes, Rinku. Come on in.

Rinku- I was hoping it was you as soon as I heard Chu called for.

* The boy struts on in with his hands behind his head.

Kurama- Well, it's me... Here I am.

* Kurama moves to lay the file on the desk.

Rinku- The place is just too quiet when you're away on a case.

* Kurama is all business once more as he unzips the dufflebag to remove the tape recorder. Rinku chuckles and hops up to squat on the desk.

Rinku- Ooo.. Does that mean you nailed him?

Kurama- Yes. Finally... Here, go get a copy of this tape made. Quickly, please.

Rinku- Can do, Boss!!

* The boy giggles and dashes out of the room with the tape, past the large man that is entering.

Rinku- 'Scuse me, Chu!

* Chu dodges the boy easily, then moves on into the office. Kurama pushes the button on his intercom.

Kurama- Jin, to my office, please. I need a delivery made.

* Kurama straightens up to glance up at the tall, mohawked man that's looking at him.

Kurama- Hello, Chu.

* Chu opens his mouth to speak, but belches indignantly. Kurama grins and sits down.

Chu- Good to have ya home, mate.

Kurama- Thank you.

Chu- Another case closed?

Kurama- Yes. Time for you to do your thing.

* Kurama hands Chu the information on his latest false identity. Chu uncrosses his eyes and reads the name.

Chu- Choku.. Bloody stupid name, this is...

* Kurama opens the file to make some last notes in it.

Kurama- Just be sure to spell it right when you make the toe tag this time.

* Chu's nose twitches as he looks at Kurama.

Chu- Me thinks you need a break, my friend.

Kurama- Yeah.. I think I may lay low for a while.

* Kurama barely notices when his window flies open and a brisk wind whips around the room. He's too busy holding the papers down for one thing. Secondly, he knows the reason.

Kurama- I need this file a few more minutes, Jin.

* The wind master settles to the floor and closes the window.

Jin- I thought I'd be usin' the dramatic entry.

* Chu continues studying Kurama as he finishes making the notes. Before Jin can speak again Rinku hurries back in.

Rinku- Boss! I need you in the soundroom!

* Kurama looks up at the boy's puzzled face.

Kurama- Don't tell me the tape messed up..

Rinku- No. You got Hanoi dead to rights... But that ain't all you got.. You gotta hear it to believe it... Come on, guys!

* Kurama sighs, closes the file, puts it in his desk drawer, then the three of them follow the excited boy down the hall and down into the basement where the real headquarters of the operation is located. The small group makes its way to the soundroom where Rinku does his work.

Rinku- I copied off all of your conversation with the old perv.. I left the main tape run while I was putting the copy in a case..

* He hands Kurama the tape, Kurama passes it over to Jin. The wind master grins and tries to hand it to Chu. The big demon belches and shoves the tape back at Jin.

Chu- Don't ye be doin' that...

* Jin chuckles and puts the tape in one of the large pockets in his baggy pants.

Kurama- You look spooked, Rinku.

Rinku- Was there someone else in the room with you two?

Kurama- No. It was just Hanoi and.. I..

* Kurama looks away thoughtfully.

Chu- Is there something you're not tellin' us, Kurama?

* Kurama looks at Rinku.

Kurama- Play the tape, Rinku.

* Rinku nods.

Rinku- Prepare to be chilled, guys.

* Rinku presses the play button. They hear Kurama's last words to Hanoi, then a couple moments of silence, then a crackle of static. The next sound they hear is a long, wailing voice.

Voice- Helllp meee, Kuraamaaa...

* Jin and Chu look at each other. Kurama's eyes widen. Rinku glances at them when they hear what sounds like the crack of a whip followed by a low moan of pain. Then silence. Rinku stops the tape.

Rinku- That's all...

* Rinku turns to look up at Kurama who looks unusually shaken up.

Rinku- Kurama?

* Chu lays a hand on Kurama's shoulder.

Chu- I think ye best be tellin' us, friend.

* Kurama swallows and finds his voice.

Kurama- W-well, um...

Jin- I got the willies listenin' to that, I tells ya.

Kurama- Rinku, bring the tape up to my office. Chu, get Suzuka, Shishi, and Touya... I'll explain everything when you're all together.

* They watch Kurama turn and leave.

Chu- Any o' you blokes recognize that voice?

* Rinku and Jin shake their heads.

Chu- I be gettin' a bad feelin' 'bout this.

Jin- Let's go get the others then.

* Rinku begins to rewind the tape as Chu and Jin leave.