Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Collector ❯ Penguins Are Nothing But Satan In A Tuxedo ( Chapter 3 )

SM: *staring hard at the computer screen, picking through her MP3 collection*

TheBoy: Hey! Jen!

SM: *doesn't hear him*

Kylyx: You really should pay attention!

SM: *der*

TheBoy: *sighs and pokes her in the head*

SM: *spins around, fire in her eyes* WHAT WAS THAT FOR GOD DAMNIT!

TheBoy: YOU WERE IGNORING ME!

SM: LIKE THAT'S SOMETHING NEW!

TheBoy: SCREW YOU! I WENT THROUGH A SHIT LOAD OF TROUBLE TO GET THIS GIFT FOR YOU, AND YOU JUST-

SM: Gift? What gift?

TheBoy: Oh sure. NOW you're nice.

SM: You got me a present?

TheBoy: I don't think you deserve it now.

SM: *eyes go wide and starts to cry*

Kylyx: NOW look what you did.

TheBoy: So what. Let her cry. It won't work, Jen, so just give it up.

SM: *pout* Fine. I'm sorry I yelled at you. Now what's my present?

TheBoy: Not what. More like who.

SM: *blinks, confused*

Kylyx: *rushes to open the door*

*in steps a rather tall, impressively muscled bishie with short, blue hair, and yellow eyes. he's wearing a white coat with two rows of overlapping spikes on the right shoulder, a skull strapped onto the left. around his right thigh is a metal band, for God knows what purpose.*

SM: *stares, wide eyed, jaw slack*

TheBoy: You like?

SM: *keeps staring*

Kylyx: Jen? *waves a hand in front of her face*

SM: *completely oblivious*

Legato: Is she alright.

TheBoy: Great. She's gone comatose on us.

Kylyx: Figures.

Penguins Are Nothing But Satan In A Tuxedo

Chapter Three

~*Wednesday*~

The air was dense and foggy as the small motor boat made it's way over the breaking waves, towards the border lands. The sun had barely made it's ascent into the sky, the giant burning disc simply a smudge on the blurred horizon. Even with the sun, Kurama believed he would still have a chill. The water was spraying up into his face, seated near the bow of the ship as he was. At the opposite end was Argaus, so Kurama figured that getting a little damp was worth being as far away from him as possible. There was only one other passenger on the tiny boat with them; a squat little man with multiple rings on each of his fingers, the stones shining and impressive. He was obviously a trades dealer with those in the Makai, or planning on meeting someone at the border to recruit him or her into doing some menial, dirty work for him in the Human world. Neither he, nor Argaus paid him any mind.

Soon, the fog parted, revealing a stony incline. The boat slowed, making it's way carefully through the shallow waters. Underneath the murky depths, one could make out the rubble of those ships not so particular in their traveling paths. Occasionally, the bare bones of both Demon and Human alike were seen piled on the rocks beneath them. The harbor was still at least a mile's distance away, and if the ship you were on began to sink, you had little to no hope to making it there alive; there were, after all, worse things than jagged rocks below the water's surface.

When they were about a quarter mile away from the harbor, Kurama could just begin to make out the sound of voices and music above the crashing waves. His heart somewhat warmed to the thought of the Border Land Harbor, and it's many festivities found within and about. There was always something going on, be it a seasonal celebration, or just an unusually busy day on the wharf. This was the only traversable path between the Makai and the Human world - the other pathways had been closed off centuries ago due to the God's command - so, naturally, it would be bustling with activity. No matter what was going on, you could count on some sort of adventure happening.

"Could you hurry this piece of shit up? I have places to be." the little man snorted, his voice sounding much like an angry sow, adding to his already piggish appearance. Kurama's limited good cheer immediately fell with the sound of the man's voice, reminding him also of the dangers of the wharf. Greed seemed to be spawned in this particular place; thieves practically ran the entire show themselves. If you weren't careful, by the time you stepped off the docks and into the settlement, you would be stripped of nearly everything on your person; this included clothing. You were, quite honestly, lucky if you made it past the ship yard with your life.

The person piloting the boat grunted at the stout man, his annoyance with him obvious, and slowed the boat a little more, if only for the pleasure of angering him. It was clear he had been doing this job for many years, and had no intention of letting some rich man tell him how to do things in which he considered was the proper way.

"Get yer' stuff together, fellas. We're almost at th' Mouth." the pilot said in a slur, urging the boat forward a little more to gain some speed, the fear of rocks completely gone as the water deepened. Kurama pulled his coat on and stuffed his small duffel underneath the bow of the boat, leaning forward almost eagerly as the boat turned the corner, and the Towers came into view.

He had seen the Towers at least a hundred times before, but each time seemed to awe him. Two steep, rocky cliffs stood on the ocean border, about two hundred yards apart, marking the harbor Mouth. At the top of both cliffs stood the Towers. In the earlier days, the Towers had been magnificent, built of a beautiful, rosy colored stone, shining against the rising and setting sun, glowing and bright. They had been constructed originally as guard posts, meant to keep away and warn the wharf village of an attack by sea. But now, they lay practically in ruin, their once startling glory reduced to piles of fire scorched rubble. The only part of them that survived was their base, and the Great Boom Chain strung between them.

The Boom Chain itself was a marvel all it's own, the links the same size and width as the motor boat they road along in, strung across the harbor mouth and up into the Towers. To this day, Kurama still could not imagine how it was forged, or even set in it's place. Back when the Towers were still in use, those inside would await orders on whether or not to allow people through into the harbor, then would activate the gear systems, which would raise the chain high enough so that even larger fishing boats could pass. But now, there was no one to lift the chain, so those coming and going did so through small row or motor boats, forced to ease their way underneath it at one of the sides, where the chain rose up out of the water.

Kurama squinted his eyes against the splashing waves, his ears perking up as he heard the great iron groan and wail under the demanding force of the tide waters; even something of such size and strength still bowed respectively to the whims of the Sea.

Suddenly, the pilot revved the engine, sending their boat careening towards the Boom Chain with enough force that Kurama was jerked backwards and was forced to grip the sides of the boat to steady himself. He watched with a mild hint of fear as they sailed faster and faster towards the cliff face, barely able to steer in the proper direction due to the flow and rock of the water. Then, the engine was cut, and they were left to the rhythm of the tide.

"Duck!" the pilot called out to them, and all four of them lay flat on their backs, staring up at the lightening sky.

Life was still for a moment as they drifted on the water swells, the little ship rocked and heaved towards the harbor mouth. Everything was peaceful and serene while they floated along, the sound of the ocean and smell of the salt in the air a soothing balm to existence. Then they passed under the Boom Chain, the swell of the sea lifting them high enough that if Kurama tried, he could have reached out and touched one of the great iron links. Then it was gone, the motor was kicked into life, and the sounds of the wharf became more than just an echo on the wind. Kurama had wanted to lay there, still as stone and watch the clouds, listen to the groaning of the Chain, and drift with the tide, but reality was a hard punch, and he knew he hadn't the time to indulge in such trifles.

They had reached the Western Border Lands.

The docking area was small. Three wooden platforms were built into the naturally rocky shoreline, extending not even a hundred feet into the bay, given just enough room for the transport boat, and the occasional fishing rig; and even those barely left the harbor. The motor boat slowed, easing it's way between the docks and other boats, finally settling somewhere on the middle platform, half the distance away from the shore. The pilot gripped one of the wooden posts, securing his ship with a thick rope line, then turned to his passengers with an open hand.

Kurama sighed as he slung his pack over his shoulder, and dropped several copper coins into the man's hand.

"Too much, buddy. I ain't got no change."

"It's fine. Keep the change. I have a feeling I won't be needing it."

The pilot gave Kurama an odd look, but did not argue. In his opinion, if this young man wanted to waste his money and his life, it wasn't his business to butt in. Shrugging, he hopped up onto the dock, and helped the others up as well. Kurama and Argaus started towards the mainland, the distant voices of the other passenger and the boat pilot disappearing as the two argued over how long the boat should stay, seeing as the man wasn't planning on spending the night in the Border Lands.

"It hasn't changed much in the past few years, has it, my good man?" Argaus chirped as his head swiveled from side to side, taking in the sites of the wharf. People bustled all around them, shouting out their selling prices or option for trade. Crates upon crates of beasts and fish flopped around, adding to the already rancid smell of harbor life. Kurama tried not to curl his nose.

"No. I suppose it hasn't changed."

"What say we go have ourselves a drink, eh?"

Kurama halted his slow steps, covering his eyes with his hands in exasperation.

"You wanted to find the Dream Weaver as soon as possible, and yet you're willing to waste time like this?"

"Psh. Don't be so melodramatic, Kurama. It is my opinion that we have all the time in the world. Do you disagree?"
"Yes I disagree!"

Argaus rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms.

"Well I disagree with your disagreement. I want to get something to drink, and possibly some breakfast before we start out."

Kurama ground his teeth, shocked and annoyed at Argaus' childish attitude.

"Fine. We can get something to eat. But I'd much rather pass through the Checking Gate first, and find a hostelry in the Makai. It's too dangerous here. At least on the other side I can get better bearings on the situation."

"Sounds fine to me! Let's get going then! Hurry, Kurama! You're wasting time!" Argaus chirped and taunted as he practically skipped away, leaving Kurama to chase after him in frustrated anger.

The Checking Gate wasn't too much of a problem. A single human guard leaned against a semi-tall rock wall, looking to be half asleep. That in itself seemed a great feat, seeing as the Gate itself was a shimmering waterfall, crashing down with enough force to knock down even the strongest of Demons. All in all, passing through was just a matter of stating your name, original origin, and the business you had in the Makai. If you were there for official reasons, you were required to show proper documentation of your purpose, signed by those on either side who wished to see you. If you had lied to the guard, the waterfall would take care of the rest.

Carved into the wall where several intricate symbols, each representing the four elements of nature, then the two that dictated existence all itself; life and death. If you had falsified yourself or your intentions, the symbols would give the waterfall the strength to strike you down, depending on what your true intentions were.

But, with everything in life, there were ways around punishment. A simple answer of "We're visiting friends." was neither a lie, nor the whole truth, so the ancient Magic did not see a need to hinder their progress. The waterfall slowed and parted, and Kurama and Argaus passed through without a problem.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Yusuke! I need to talk-" Botan halted her words immediately as she appeared in the Urameshi living room, and got herself an eye full.

Yusuke had popped his head up from the sofa, at first startled, then angry when he saw Botan. He sat up fully, attempting to straighten his hair and rub Keiko's pink, bubble gum flavored lip gloss from his face with the back of his hand. Keiko, meanwhile, was struggling to re-hook her bra and button her shirt at the same time, her cheeks turning bright red in shame. Botan just stared, hardly believing what she was seeing, the notion that she had just been mentally scarred for the rest of her life becoming a delayed reaction as the younger girl stood and quickly scurried away, mumbling a 'hello-goodbye' as she ran out the door. As soon as the front door slammed closed, Botan burst out laughing.

"It's not funny, damnit!"

His outburst only made Botan laugh harder. Yusuke growled and stood, heading for the kitchen for something to drink, and for an excuse to 'walk-off' his hard on, which he hoped to death that Botan hadn't noticed. As he leaned into the fridge, he thought of a million and one ways to make her pay for interrupting what could have been his chance to finally get his otherwise iced over girlfriend into bed. A groan of agony itched in his lungs as the realization came that after this little incident, Keiko would probably not so much as kiss him let alone open her legs for him. Sighing, he popped open a bottle of beer and stormed back into the living room, where Botan was finally getting over her giggles.

"So what the hell do you want?" he ground out as he flopped onto the couch.

"Oh don't get an attitude with me, Yusuke. We've got a serious problem."
"Yea, welcome to the club."

Botan giggled as she sat down next to him, giving him a playful swat.

"Seriously though. Have you talked to Kurama or Hiei recently?"

At that, Yusuke straightened up, setting his beer on the coffee table, and stared hard at her.

"Not since the other day. Why?"

Botan sighed, standing again, and held out her hand.

"Come on. There's a big problem."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kurama begrudgingly admitted that stopping for something to eat before officially starting out was a good idea over all. This would probably be their last chance to eat in doors, not having to catch or prepare a meal themselves. Since they were still close to the Border, Human influence was strong, the small settlement containing several restaurants and pubs, a hotel, and even an information center for those just entering the Makai, or those heading into the Human world. The further they would go into the Makai, the less civilization there would be. They would have to camp out under the stars or find an unoccupied cave to stay in during the night, and hunt or fish for their food. Towns were practically nonexistent, most of the Demons preferring to live on their on and rely on instinct. So, Kurama allowed himself to indulge in the civilization while he could.

"So, in which direction does my prize reside?" Argaus asked as he stared at Kurama over the rim of his mug, eyes seeming to glow with mischief and interest.

"I don't know her exact location, but I do know she is living in the Southern Territories."

"That's the Fire Elemental's country." Argaus said, sounding somewhat surprised after he swallowed his mouthful of hearty, Makai alcohol. Kurama nodded, half smiling.

"I know. Sentimental attachment to the species."

Argaus looked confused for a moment, then smiled himself, one of his teeth showing.

"I see. She has become fond of your pretty little toy, yes? I cannot imagine why. He has a filthy vocabulary."

Kurama narrowed his eyes.

"Hiei is not a toy to me, Argaus."

Argaus snorted, then full out laughed, tossing his head back, that white hair swinging about him as he did so.

"Please! It is common knowledge that Kitsune rarely, if ever, take life mates!"

"Kitsune may not, but human's do."

Argaus stopped laughing immediately, his eyes going wide as he leaned back, looking completely disgusted by Kurama's words.

"Surely you jest with me, Kurama!"

"No."

At that, Argaus stood, shaking his head.

"That's it. I've completely lost my appetite now. Let's get moving then, shall we?"

"Fine with me." Kurama mumbled, dropping the payment for their drinks and untouched food on the table, thankful that his hair could hide the smile on his face. It was somehow gratifying to get that sort of reaction from the Demon. As he was walking out, his mind was so lost in personal joy, that he did not see the young female walking past. Only she did not make it past, instead her shoulder slammed into Kurama, and she fell to the floor with a soft whimper.

"I'm so sorry! Let me help you-"

"Amin tereva. Diola lle."

Kurama froze, staring down at the little woman kneeling on the floor. Did he just... Did she...? The mere thought was banished, however, when she turned her face up towards him. It wasn't her.

This woman had long, chestnut brown hair, eyes of a matching shade, and finely tanned skin. It wasn't the Dream Weaver.

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to be so rude, but the language has become somewhat a second nature to me. " She said, smiling as she stood herself up. Kurama didn't quite know what to say for a moment, his eyes focused intensely on her. Perhaps the Dream Weaver had changed her image; she had done it before, but... still...

"Are you alright, sir?"

Kurama blinked, shaking his head quickly, and gave her as much a smile as he could muster.

"Yes, I'm fine. I apologize for staring, but you... you reminded me of someone."

She smiled again, so bright and kind that Kurama felt the warmth of it spread throughout himself. He opened his mouth to question her on where she had learned the language, but Argaus' impatient voice destroyed his chance.

"Kurama! Hurry up, would you please? I would like to get moving before night falls, you know!"

"I'm coming! I do apologize again, miss." he said quickly with a little bow, before he ran out the door to catch up with Argaus.

Kyla stared after him, one of her hands curled to her breast, her eyes softening briefly.

"You poor, poor soul. I do not envy you your charge, nor the days that await you. I can only pray that you posses the strength the make it through. The Heaven's know you will need it."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kurama sighed as he settled himself down on a soft patch of grass, wiping the sweat from his brow. They had been walking for nearly six hours straight, the summer heat taking its toll on him. Thankfully, Argaus had called an end to their journey for the day, so they could be well rested for the trek tomorrow. At least, Kurama thought, he was practical in his adventurous nature. And much to Kurama's delight, the talk had been brief, if not completely exempt. He didn't know how much more of that pointless, overly cheerful prattle he could take.

He was about to lay flat on his back, relaxing underneath the shade of the trees, when he felt a pair of gentle hands begin combing through his hair. Immediately, he jerked away and turned with an angry glare.

"Don't touch me."

Argaus was kneeling behind him, his eyes wide in surprise, looking insulted.

"You are hot, are you not? I was simply lifting your beautiful hair from your neck, so as to cool you down."

"I never asked for your help."

"Truly, but friends need not ask for the help."

Kurama snarled and turned back around, the proper energy required for arguments having left him hours ago. He could only hope that Argaus would take the hint and leave him be.

Hope seemed to work against Kurama, however.

He suddenly found his arms pinned to his sides, Argaus wrapping his own about his waist in a tight embrace. Kurama stiffened and growled, twisting himself in an attempt to escape, but the Demon's grip on him merely tightened as his breath beat hotly down on his neck.

"Shush, Kurama. I have something I wish to show you."

One arm released him, disappearing for a moment, then returning, and Kurama's heart froze. Argaus was holding Hiei's globe between his fingertips, bringing it forward before his eyes. The inner light flared for a second or two, then bled into that familiar gray and black.

"What are you doing to him?" Kurama cringed when he heard his voice crack.

"Watch, my pretty little Fox."

Kurama didn't want to watch, didn't know if he could take another demonstration of the complete control Argaus had over his lover, and himself. It broke his heart to think on it, but to actually witness it?

The globe focused on Hiei, trapped in his illusionary dungeon. Only he was no longer bound to the ceiling. He lay flat on his back, wrists and ankles shackled to the floor, stripped completely nude. Evil looking purple and black bruises spotted his chest, face and thighs, proof that he had struggled against his jailors. His eyes were partially swollen shut, dark circles beneath them, rimmed in red and looking terribly dry. He seemed to be staring up at nothing, as though his mind were millions of miles away from himself; perhaps he was dreaming of something far better. And then came one of his captors.

She was very pretty, curved and supple in all the right places. She was dressed in what looked like a Harem Girl's outfit, the skirt split up to her hip bones, the top flimsy and see through, barely covering her ample breasts. She knelt next to Hiei, one perfectly manicured hand reaching out to caress his cheek. Hiei stayed perfectly still, looking as though he never even noticed her. Her hand traveled up to run her fingers through his hair, the other reaching out to thread between his own fingers, in a reassuring way.

"What... what is she doing to him?"

"Expressing sympathy on a fellow being."

The woman looked up suddenly, as though she could see straight through the glass into Kurama's face, and he nearly choked. Her eyes were red, the color of rubies and blood.

"She's a Fire Demon?"

"Indeed. Fitting, don't you think?"

The hand that had been running through Hiei's hair fisted, pulling tight, and he subconsciously cringed. Her other hand traveled up to his chin, gripping it for a moment, her long nails digging into his swollen flesh. It moved down then, barely skimming over his naked chest, to just below his ribs. She planted her hand firm, fingers spread. Smoke began to curl from underneath her palm and fingertips, and Kurama watched in horror as the flesh around her hand began to sizzle and bubble. Hiei's mouth opened wide and his body twisted in a vain attempt to avoid the burning.

"Would you like to hear?"

Kurama wasn't given a chance to answer as Argaus' lips pressed gently to his temple in an affectionate kiss, and the sound began to ring in his ears.

Hiei was screaming so loudly... his voice cracking and squealing in the most horrific pain imaginable. He could hear his skin sizzling, popping and snapping as it was burned away. Kurama sobbed, his chest heaving and aching in time with Hiei's pain.

Argaus snapped his hand closed, the globe hidden in his palm and fingers, the sound disappearing with it. He replaced it in his pocket, and wrapped that arm about Kurama's trembling body once more. Very gently, he rocked them both as Kurama wept and shivered.

"It's amazing the bonds one can form with a lover. My respect for you is great in this matter, Kurama. To think, one as heartless as you could come to care about another. I can hardly believe it myself."

Kurama closed his eyes, tears dripping from his lashes to splatter against his hands. They felt like daggers, piercing his skin.

"Does his pain bother you that much?"

Kurama kept the words from reaching his lips, refusing to give verbal life to his already obvious anguish.

"Well then, my darling, you must learn from his example. Do not what I ask of you, and not only will pain befall you, but his will be tripled. Are we clear on this?"

Kurama nodded quickly, choking on his breath.

"Very good," one of Argaus' hands trailed up, gently tilting Kurama's chin up and towards his own face so he could look into the Fox's eyes, his own expression softening, "You're eyes are truly beautiful, Kurama." With lips as gentle and soft as his touch, he kissed away the tears staining Kurama's cheeks. Kurama cringed, his stomach feeling like it was about to jump into his throat and out his mouth. Very slowly, Argaus released his grip, hands sliding across his abdomen to his sides, and he whispered in his ear.

"Rest now, my lovely one. We have an early start tomorrow."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SM: Ok, ok, I know... this chapter was piddly compared to the first two... but hey, ya can't have everything. *sticks her tongue out*

TheBoy: Finally come out of your coma, have you?

SM: Somewhat. I still feel a little brain dead.

Kylyx: Insert Peanut Gallery Style Remark..... <here>

SM: *rolls her eyes* Anywho folks, don't forget to review! I'm starting to have some teeny little problems with writer's block, so am I still doing good? I hope so...

Now, obviously, the border between the Human and Demon world isn't what it's like in the show... in fact, I'm not sure how they really did it in the show... hmmm... I'd also like to point out that the Towers and the Great Boom Chain are not my original ideas... God I wish they were though... I read them in one of my million and one books, and always thought it was absolutely brilliant. Ra for Garth Nix.

Legato: It was indeed interesting.

SM: *grins and wraps her arms around his neck from behind, in a sing-song voice* Domo Arigato, Mr. Legato!

Legato: *glares* That is NOT funny.

SM: *grin* I thought it was.

(Swear to God, every time I hear his name in Trigun, that damn song pops into my head... *snicker*)

SM: Well, sadly, this is all the chapters I have so far. I am working on the fourth, but I don't know when the next time will be that I get a chance to post, so please don't be angry, and don't abandon me or the story! I promise you that the next time I get on, I'll post more than one chapter, so don't fret! Just keep your fingers crossed and hope that my brother caves and lets me get the net, ok? *hugs n kisses to everyone* Toodles till later!