Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Collector ❯ "The Boondock Saints" Is The Greatest Movie Of All Time ( Chapter 4 )
SM: Well, well. Long time no see, huh? ^_^ I'm sorry it took so damn long to get the chapter posted, but reality bites, ya know it?
Kylyx: That and your neighbors 'conveniently' changed their net access from unlimited, to only 5 hours a night.
TheBoy: Yes... convenience is their only fall back. That and you feel bad asking to use their net when they only have limited access.
SM: True enough... *sigh* I swear, there should be a cure for the disease called 'a conscience'.
Kylyx: Ok now I'm confused. Since when do you have a conscience?
SM: I think there must be a little left over from when I was a kid... eh... anyway...
Personal responses to the reviews I am aware of.
Rose Kitsune - Aww... Thank you much for the hug ^_^ So good to know I'm loved, and that you've been patiently waiting for the next installment!
Tatoosh - Which DBZ characters was this originally written around? Goku and Vegeta, naturally. ^_^ They are, after all, my favorite pairing! Also, so glad the gore gave ya the shivers ~_^ And I'm sorry, but I am planning on having the Black Demon reappear some time later... not sure when, since I haven't gotten that far, but he WILL be back. Aww... why do you wish pain upon my darling Argaus? He's just so loveable (at least in my mind... *smirk*) And how have I put you to shame? Silly you... You know you're talented. *sporksporksporkspork*
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"The Boondock Saints" Is The Greatest Movie Of All Time
Chapter Four
Yusuke and Kuwabara paced back and forth, crossing each other after every turn, as they waited on word from Koenma about what was going on. Botan had been vague on the details, telling them only that something was amiss with Kurama and Hiei. Naturally, the two teenagers thought the worst, seeing as trouble always seemed to follow the two in question, no matter the situation. They had been waiting in Koenma's office for the past half an hour, without a single indication of when they were due to meet with the God. Yusuke was at the end of his patience, and was about to storm through the entire building until he found the little brat and beat the information out of him.
Thankfully, Koenma showed up before that was necessary, bursting into the room, yelling and screaming in torrents about things neither boys understood. This made them all the more worried; Koenma was never this agitated about anything. Botan was following after him, looking completely distraught as she tried to calm the little God down. Finally, he took his place behind his desk, shuffling through a pile of papers, still muttering curses under his breath.
"Koenma-"
"Where is that file? I knew I had it here somewhere."
"Koenma-" Yusuke tried again.
"You would think that after a million years of working this job, someone would learn to keep these files organized!"
"Ko-"
"How am I supposed to interrogate her properly if I don't have her file?"
"Koenma!"
The little God started, staring at Yusuke in surprise.
"Oh, hello Yusuke, Kuwabara. How long have you been here?"
Yusuke growled and rolled his eyes, quite prepared to give the God a thorough verbal throttling, until Botan stepped in.
"You asked for them, sir. It's about Kurama and Hiei." Her voice squeaked when she said their names, both boys looking at her in question, but she simply turned her face away in sadness.
"Oh yes, Kurama and Hiei. You'll have to wait on that." he muttered, turning back to the papers on his desk.
"What!?" both boys yelled, slamming their fists on the desk top, hardly believing what they were hearing. Koenma blinked back at them calmly, threading his fingers together to rest his chin upon them.
"You will have to wait on that information, since we here have just about as much insight in it as you do."
"What are you talking about?" Kuwabara asked, stepping back slightly. Koenma sighed and rubbed his temples.
"This is all we know: Kurama has gone into the Makai for reasons unknown. Hiei has completely disappeared. We cannot find him in the Human, nor the Demon Realm. It's like he's totally vanished. We are waiting on a contact from the Makai. She apparently has information for us on this matter."
"A contact? Who?" Yusuke blinked, he himself stepping back.
"You don't know her, Yusuke. Not directly, at least." Botan whispered, still looking down and extremely upset.
"But I have heard enough about him to feel as though I've known him forever." came a sudden, sweet voice from the door. All looked up to see a pretty, young woman with brown hair standing there, her hands clasped behind her back and head held high. Koenma immediately left his seat and walked up to her, the woman kneeling down to his height. He kissed her cheek, and she his, before he walked with her further inside.
"This, men, is Kyla."
"Kyla? As in the Dream Weaver's Kyla?" Yusuke asked, eyes wide. She turned to him, smiling, and she bowed her head in greeting.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, sirs. I have heard a great deal about you both. I trust this day finds you in good health?"
Both Yusuke and Kuwabara were tongue tied, hardly believing what they were seeing. The last they had heard, the Dream Weaver and her lover, Kyla, were living in the Makai, just off the border of the Southern Territories, with no intention of ever leaving. They were leading a simple, quiet life, neither causing any trouble for either realm. They had no idea, how or why, she would have information on their friends' disappearance.
Kyla seemed to notice their hesitation and confusion, and decided to get right to the point.
"I have come in contact with your friend, Kurama, just on the Makai side of the Realm Border. He is traveling with another Demon, an Illusion Master by the name of Argaus. They are heading towards the Southern Territories, in search of Laria."
"Laria? Who's Laria?" Kuwabara asked, narrowing his brows, feeling more lost then before. Kyla turned to him, her head cocking to one side.
"You do not know her? Were you not with them when they captured her, two years prior?"
"We uh - never got her name." Yusuke answered, scratching his head and feeling somewhat ashamed. Kyla smiled at them both in complete understanding.
"In any case, Kurama is being blackmailed into assisting Argaus in his endeavor."
"What is he after?"
"He intends to capture Laria's body and soul, to add her to his collection."
"His what?" both boys asked.
"Argaus is a Soul Collector, the last of his kind, the only one with the knowledge on how to properly imprison a person's complete being, without shattering their spirit. He currently owns two hundred twenty three souls, mostly those of demon's, a male and female of each species."
"I get it. The Drea- uh, Laria, would be a rare item in his mind." Yusuke said, leaning against the front of Koenma's desk and crossing his arms.
"Correct. She is the only Dream Weaver outside of Purgatory."
"And they're heading towards the Southern Territories?" Kuwabara piped in.
"Again, correct."
"Then let's go get 'im!" Yusuke declared, standing and heading towards the door, but was stopped as Kyla gripped his arm. He turned to her, finding her eyes wide and panicked.
"No! You mustn't!"
"What? Why not?"
"Argaus has almost total control over Kurama. He would not allow you to interfere with Argaus' plans."
Yusuke blinked, not at all comprehending.
"You do not understand, Yusuke. Kurama would go to any lengths to protect that which is dear to him, even if it meant destroying you both. If you were to confront Argaus, it would only mean pain to Kurama."
"You're right. I don't understand."
Kyla sighed and released his arm, staring down at her feet.
"If someone held a loved one at gunpoint, wouldn't you do anything, even commit murder, to insure their safety?"
Yusuke felt a chill crawl down his back and thighs, as it suddenly dawned on him.
"Our first step, is to free his lover. Then, you may proceed as you wish."
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~*Thursday*~
Kurama was slightly aware of a pleasant warmth surrounding him, a feeling of comfort and security all about his being. He sighed contentedly, half asleep as he was, and reached out to gather that feeling closer to himself. He felt soft skin sliding against his own, an enjoyable heat accompanied by it. Dreams still held some sway over him, and the only thought in his mind was that his lover was in his arms then. That thought was confirmed when he felt soft lips press against his shoulder, moving slowly up his throat to his ear, where they toyed with the lobe. He turned his head in surrender as a wet tongue started to circle in the shell, and his flesh began to tingle.
"You're very agreeable in the mornings, Kurama."
Kurama's eyes shot open wide when he heard the familiar, smooth voice of Argaus, and the feelings immediately turned to ice. With a quick jerk, he was sitting up, turning to stare down at the other Demon. Argaus was laying on his side, head propped up on his hand as he leant on his elbow, the other hand resting casually over his side. His eyes were narrowed slightly, the strangest light shining in them. Kurama shuddered when he saw it. He knew that look anywhere. The gaze of total lust seemed to be accented by the early morning light, shining barely though it was through the open mouth of the small cave they had found. Argaus was nude, still preferring to sleep freely though they were now officially in the wilds, claiming that the summer heat would be too much to sleep with his clothing on. Kurama turned his head away, and began to stand. He was knocked off balance however as Argaus gripped his wrist and pulled him back down, resulting in him landing harshly on his behind. Quickly, Argaus had his arms about him, and drew him near to himself, laying back on the warm, stone floor.
"Do not go anywhere just yet, Kurama. Do you not enjoy being held?"
"Not by you."
"Such rudeness. And I was under the impression that you took great pleasure in a few rounds before starting your day."
Kurama stiffened, trying vainly to suppress the growl rising within him. Argaus sighed, tightening his hold briefly as he nuzzled his shoulder.
"Do not lose your temper, my lovely. I am far too tired to give you anything short of semi-satisfying. That would be a horrible blow to my pride, and no fun for you at all. So, I am content to cuddle."
"And if I'm not?"
At that, Argaus lifted his head, his brows raised.
"You would not mind if my abilities were lacking?"
"No! That's not what I-"
"Shut up, Kurama," he rested his head upon his shoulder once more, "I was teasing you. I knew what you meant. Stupidity is not one of my traits, you realize."
Kurama sighed, refusing to relax as Argaus had. The Demon did not seem to notice, or did not mind either way, as he wrapped one of his legs around Kurama's, holding him in a complete, circled embrace. They lay there for a long while, Kurama not realizing what was happening, until he felt Argaus' breathing slow as well. He shook his body a little, trying to squirm out of his grasp, which only tightened.
"I thought you wanted an early start."
"Hmm? Oh, yes. Forgive me. Just a few more moments."
Kurama sighed again, deciding that the only way to get through this was to wait him out. Undeniable rage coursed through him as one of Argaus' hands began a gentle stroking up and down his arm, occasionally resting in the crook of his elbow. His body twitched in his attempts to reign in the desire to push the Demon away and strike him into unconsciousness, the memories of Hiei's screams ringing in his ears, as well as the dark promises Argaus had made to him if he attempted to resist his will. He closed his eyes, willing the tears away as he allowed the soft touches to go on. He had no other choice.
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"Do not tell me we are stopping there." Argaus sniffed in disgust as he crossed his arms, staring down at the small settlement from their vantage point on the tall knoll, the setting sun casting a gentle hue around them.
"Fine. I won't tell you."
"But Kurama, that's a ROUS village!" Argaus whined, spreading his arms wide, palms open, his eyes scrunching in a poor imitation of innocent plea. Kurama was surprised at the odd change of attitude, thinking that at that moment, he really did look like the sixteen year old boy he had taken the form of. He wondered, briefly, why Argaus had not changed back into his original Demon form once they had gotten into the Makai. Surely, his obvious dislike of Human's in general would cause him to do so. Granted, physically speaking, he was not that much different from a human boy, with the exception of his claws and teeth, but still....
"So what if it is?"
"It's - they - they're disgusting!"
Kurama rolled his eyes, jerking his pack a little higher on his shoulder, and started the trek down the hill.
"Kur-a-a-a-ma!" Argaus wailed, adding to the childish attitude as his voice went up in pitch. Kurama sighed, and stopped his descent, turning to look back at him. Argaus had his hands clasped together in mock desperation, his eyes wide and brows risen, bottom lip trembling. You wear the innocence well.
"What."
"Do we have to go there? Couldn't we just go around it?"
"No, we can't go around it."
Those full lips parted slightly, brows creasing even further as he cast his sad eyes down, shoulders slumping. Kurama felt something inside him twist, his confusion overpowering all within. Why can't I understand you, Argaus? You change faster than the wind. Sighing once again, he went back to the top of the hill, and tentatively grasped the Demon's shoulder.
"We just have to stop there for a few hours, so I can check up on rumor and direction, and to pick up some supplies. It won't take long, then we can go on past the river, ok?"
Argaus lifted his head, his eyes going from cheerless to bright and hopeful.
"Really? You promise?"
"Yes. I promise."
For a moment, Kurama was certain Argaus was going to leap into his arms and hug him for all he was worth. But the Demon seemed to compose himself and stood straight, turning and heading down the hill right next to him.
"What do you have against the ROUS anyway?" Kurama asked.
"They're revolting, Kurama. They're breath smells, their covered in fleas, and they drool constantly without reason. Not to mention they're intelligence is far below that of a normal rodent. It amazes me that they have survived so long."
Kurama glanced at Argaus, one again shocked to see that normal, sneering expression on his face as they neared the settlement. It seemed the wind had changed for the Demon, yet again.
The smell of the ROUS village reached their noses far before they actually stepped through the wooden gates, stinking of rotting meat, sweat, one odd indefinable smell, and the half sweet, half acrid odor of something that could only be raw sewage. The streets were littered in garbage, broken glass, and occasionally the dead, decaying body of a smaller beast, thrown outside a home and forgotten. Clouds of flies swarmed here and there, some choosing to hover over a certain pile of refuse, others following a certain ROUS himself. The only thing good about the ROUS, Kurama thought, was that they were actually very friendly and accommodating.
As they made their way down the semi-crowded streets, towards the only pub, they were often met with open, toothy smiles, waves, shouts of greeting, or on occasion - much to Argaus' disgust - one ROUS slung his long, lanky arm over his shoulder, hissing in his ear about how the 'ladies' down at the corner house were doing a sale on their weekly special. Argaus, in his irritation, foolishly asked what the weekly special was. His eyes went wide in horror and repulsion as the ROUS leaned down, cupping one bony hand to the side of his narrow snout, and whispered in his ear. He immediately pushed the tall ROUS off of him, the rat-like being laughing and hissing, holding one hand over his protruding, rounded belly, his head tilted back, whiskers twitching and long tail lashing from side to side. Kurama could not help but smile a little, himself. For all their intimidating, horrific appearances, ROUS had great senses of humor.
They finally reached the pub, pushing open the heavy wood door, their ears immediately assaulted by the upbeat, cheery music coming from a makeshift stage at the far right end. A small band of four ROUS - three males, one female - were happily playing away. Two of the males had what looked like fiddles, the other had a small mandolin, his long claws easily picking the strings. The female had a tambourine, dancing gleefully about her companions, earning hoots and calls from the other patrons in the bar.
"Find a seat, Argaus. I'm going to talk to the bar tender, alright?"
Argaus nodded wordlessly, his eyes trained on the band before them as he waved his hand in indication for Kurama to get on with his business. Kurama stepped up to the almost empty bar, most of those inside sitting at the tables to enjoy the show, and waved the bar tender over.
"What can I getcha' lad?" the large rat asked, his voice rasping in a high pitch over the music. Kurama leant on his elbows on the bar top as he spoke.
"I need some information."
The ROUS closed one eye, the other trailing over Kurama as if he was inspecting a piece of meat. He exhaled a hissing breath through his nose, some liquefied mucus bubbling from his nostrils as he did so. Kurama tried not to cringe.
"Ifn' you en' yer friend mean harm to th' village-"
"Oh no, sir!" Kurama protested, lifting his hands in defense, " We don't want to cause trouble. We're just heading towards the Southern Territories."
The ROUS snorted, and half turned, taking a glass from the bar top to start rubbing the inside out with a corner of his greasy apron.
"That be Fire country. Why you two youngin's wantin' to waist yer life?"
Kurama tried to smile, pushing his lips up, though it strained him to do so.
"We are aware of the risks, sir."
"Well," the rat grunted, leaning on his elbow, body turned towards the stage as his black eyed gaze went a little distant, "The Ferry dun go that way no more. It'll take ya cross the river, but thassit. The next village over has a caravan that goes there sometimes. Thas' the safest way there, seein' as the Fire Beasties dun wanna ruin their only waya' commerce."
Kurama thought for a moment, blinking slowly.
"How far is this caravan?"
"Bout a four day travel, ifn' ya don't stop n' rest between."
Kurama sighed, bowing his head.
"Thank you very much, sir."
"Ya, no problem, lad. You boys gonna be eatin', or headin' out?"
Kurama glanced at Argaus, finding the Demon sitting comfortably at a table, his booted feet propped on the table top, arms crossed, as one foot tapped gently to the fast beat the band had set. They had not eaten since they left the Border Lands yesterday, and though Argaus had said nothing, he was sure the other Demon must be starving. Sighing, he turned back to the large rat, and ordered something for dinner.
Argaus stared at the rat woman, dancing around in her skimpy little outfit, long braided hair swirling around her body as she twisted and turned, enticing the males around her, becoming the envy of the females. It was odd, he supposed, that the physical appearance between the ROUS sexes was so different. The males were much larger, in both height and width, their bellies rounded and fleshy. Their arms were long and lanky, hands bony, their claws around half the length of their hands, yellow and jagged. The females, however, appeared graceful, their bodies much smaller and agile. They had no round tummies, but flat, toned muscle, their rib cages appearing a bit prominent. Their faces were much different from the men as well; the pronounced snout much shorter on them, lips resting comfortably over their sharp teeth, where as the males looked to be constantly snarling and bearing them. And the males, as they walked, had a slight slouch in their shoulders, arms laying down to almost past their knees. The females walked straight and tall, backs almost arched forward. Though not what he considered attractive by far, at least they were better to look at then the males. His thoughts were disrupted abruptly as a mug of frothy alcohol was set in front of him. He turned to see Kurama sitting across from him, fingering a mug of his own.
"Did you get your information?"
"Yes."
"You sound unhappy, my lovely."
Kurama tried not to glare.
"Apparently, the ferry no longer travels into the Southern Territories. We are going to have to make our way towards the next town, and hopefully get ourselves a ride on the caravan that goes into the Territory occasionally. It will take us four days to get to the town, without resting in between, and then who knows how long until we can find out what times the caravan goes."
"Unacceptable." Argaus said sternly, half slamming his mug down on the table after taking a sip.
"But that's the only way-"
"We will walk, following the river."
This time, Kurama could not hide his glare.
"Traveling in the caravan is the only way to get there with assurance that we would not be attacked by either bandits, or the Fire Elementals themselves. It's protected."
Argaus smiled gently, his hand reaching out to cup Kurama cheek.
"I need not fear while you are with me."
Kurama began to reach up, intent on slapping Argaus' hand away, until the Demon narrowed his eyes at him, silently warning him to not even think it. Swallowing his hatred, Kurama lowered his eyes as Argaus continued to stroke his cheek, tucking some hair behind his ear. He could swear that he heard a wistful, if not pained sigh come from Argaus as his hand slipped away.
"So I am assuming you have ordered us dinner?"
Kurama lifted his head again, once more surprised to see the Demon across from him staring down at the table, looking sad and distant.
"Yes. The bar maid should be coming soon."
Argaus half nodded, slowly sipping his ale, for some reason refusing to meet Kurama's eyes, or even look at his face. Kurama was about to question him on the sudden change in attitude, until he felt a pair of hands slip over his shoulders and around his neck. He tensed and turned his face, looking into the large, black eyes of the ROUS female from the band.
"Hello sweetheart. Would you care to dance with me? None of the other girls will let me borrow their men." her voice was soft and saccharine, flowing over the air like sweet honey.
"Uh-I-I don't think - Ow!" Kurama stuttered, then yelled as a well placed blow struck his shin underneath the table. He looked at Argaus, finding him smiling back, his eyes once again bright in amusement.
"Now, now, my friend, do not be rude. The Lady asked for a dance."
Kurama fumed, his hand fisting.
"Pretty please?" the ROUS cooed, rubbing her furry cheek against Kurama's. Still glaring, he stood and took the delighted ROUS's clawed hand into his own as she led him towards the dance floor, where other couples were grouping together. Argaus took another sip of his drink and watched with great amusement over the rim of his mug.
"I'm Madaline." the ROUS said kindly, smiling softly at Kurama.
"Ku-uh... Shuiichi."
Her smile brightened a little as she bowed her head.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Shuiichi. Do you know any ROUS dances?"
"No. Not really." Kurama lowered his face, hardly believing that he was flushing. Madaline took his hands, urging him to look up into her face - she was at least a foot taller than he - rubbing her thumbs over the back of his hands in a reassuring way.
"It is quite easy, sweetie. I will lead for a little while, until you pick it up, alright?"
Kurama had to smile as he nodded his head. Everyone on the dance floor stilled, everything going silent. Then, a quick rhythm was clicked out on the tambourine Madaline had left on stage, signaling the beginning of the song. She kept hold of one of Kurama's hands, pulling him flush against her body, placing it at her hip, the other gripped comfortably. Suddenly, the music went, and she half pushed him back as they began to dance and hop around to the rhythm. One of the ROUS, the one playing the mandolin, began to sing.
*"Her lips began to speak and she stood right in front of me. Color of her eyes were the color of insanity. Crushed beneath her wave, like a ship I could not reach the shore. We're all just dancing on the Devil's Dance Floor. Well swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, little more next to me. Swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, on the Devil's Dance Floor."
Kurama tried in earnest to keep up with the ROUS, stumbling over his feet a number of times, bumping into the other couples as he stared down at the floor, trying to keep track of and count the dance steps. The music was so fast, the beat pulsing and energetic.
"Nuh, uh, Shuiichi. Look up here, at me." Madaline said in a laughing voice, her patience seeming infinite and fed of her enjoyment. Kurama bit his lower lip as he looked up into her face, hoping against hope that he would not trip completely and fall on his face. Her smile brightened again, reassuring and promising him that he would get it, eventually.
"Crushed against her face, I could feel her insecurity. (?) drunk (?) banter was obscurity. Nothing ever came from a life that was a simple one. Pull yourself together girl, live a little more. Well she took me by the hand, I could see she was a pearly one. (?) all the way up to Heaven and past Avalon. Tell me something girl, what it is you have in store? She said 'Come with me now, on the Devil's Dance Floor." Well swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, little more next to me. Swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, on the Devil's Dance Floor. Swing a little more, on the Devil's Dance Floor."
As the song went into a bridge, the singer hooting in his enjoyment, Kurama began to smile. His feet became sure and confident, and Madaline yielded the lead to him. Laughing, her head tilted back in her joy, Kurama began leading her practically all around the floor, turning and jumping, twisted her out then back into his arms in an encircled hold. Their elbows locked together and they skipped about each other, both laughing now, Madaline's black eyes glittering and her whiskers twitching in delight. As Kurama took her hand back, his other returning to her hip, he allowed himself to forget everything, to focus only on this one moment of happiness, knowing he would look back on it and smile.
"Swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, little more next to me. Swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, on the Devil's Dance Floor! The apple now is sweet, all much sweeter than it ought to be. Had a little bight, I don't think there is much hope for me. Sweat beneath her brow travels all the way and headed south. Bleeding hearts, (?), there's no way out. Well swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, little more next to me. Swing a little more, little more the merrier. Swing a little more, on the Devil's Dance Floor. Swing a little more! Little more the merrier! Swing a little more! Little more next to me! Swing a little more! Little more next to me! Swing a little more, on the Devil's Dance Floor! Swing a little more, on the Devil's Dance Floor! Swing a little more, on the Devils - Dance - Floor!"
The song ended abruptly on the last word, the couples halting again, Madaline pressed to Kurama's chest. They stared at each other for a semi-tense moment, then both broke into laughter and joined the others around them in applause, cheering on the band. The three ROUS bowed with wide grins, then took their places again for the next song.
"Thank you ever so much, Shuiichi! That was very fun!" Madaline chirped, bending down so she could hug him. Kurama was startled, but smiled and hugged her back. She patted his back, her arms tightening for a moment. Kurama's blood chilled when she whispered in his ear.
"She's waiting for you in the abandoned Sprite village."
"What?"
Madaline simply stepped back, cupping Kurama's cheeks in her hands for a moment, before turning to join her band mates on the stage. Kurama stared after her, trying to hold himself back from dragging the ROUS back to the floor and demanding an explanation. He could not, however, when he felt a familiar hand grip his shoulder, and warm breath at his neck.
"That was wonderful, Kurama." that soft voice hissed in a whisper. He stiffened immediately.
"What are you doing out here? I thought you hated the ROUS?" Kurama whispered back harshly. Argaus simply chuckled, wrapping his arms about Kurama's waist.
"I do. I do not, however, hate you," the band began to play a slow, easy rhythm, "Would you care to dance?"
"No, I would not care to dance." Kurama growled, crossing his arms. Argaus chuckled again, resting his chin on Kurama's shoulder as his arms tightened.
"Pretty please?" he said in mocked imitation of Madaline's voice as he rubbed his cheek against Kurama's. He was about to refuse a second time, when he felt those fingernails dig into his tensed stomach muscles. Sighing, he turned around in Argaus' arms, and rested his own upon his shoulders.
"Wonderful." Argaus whispered as he began to sway, leading the dance. Gently, Madaline's sugary voice floated over the crowd.
**"Patiently waiting for you. Locked up in this little room. Carrying my pain upon my shoulders. And I keep on getting older. Sentimental memories we share. Seems to me as though you don't even care. I don't have the courage to tell you the truth. But something inside me wont let me leave you."
Argaus rested his forehead on Kurama's shoulder, his breath a pleasant warmth against his neck as his arms held the Fox tighter. Kurama blinked, half turning his head to look down on him, not understanding his behavior at all.
"No I don't wanna let you fly away. No I don't wanna let you fly away."
Argaus' hands slowly crept up Kurama's back then down, petting him in tender caresses as he heaved a heavy sigh into his shoulder. He turned his head, lips barely touching his exposed throat. The Fox tried to understand, tried to make some sense of this. What was Argaus doing?
"The fire keeps on burning through this open sore. All this anger and rage, I don't think I can handle this anymore. Tell me what you're planning to do. So that I -"
"Can stop waiting for you."
The lyric was whispered tightly, and Kurama felt Argaus choke on the words. His shoulders began to tremble, and he silently gasped when he felt a warm dampness on his skin. Argaus was crying? He backed up slightly, enough so the Demon would look up at him. Crystal tears filled his eyes, making the green in them shine and glitter. One hand reached up, the thumb brushing over Kurama's cheek as two tears trickled down his face, gathering at his chin until they dripped slowly off and landed between them. Kurama did not know what to say, what to do, as the tears fell silently, the sobs becoming harder to control. Very, very slowly, Argaus' hand rounded to the back of his head, the other sliding up Kurama's back. He knew what he was asking, practically pleading for, as he was brought down, lips descending on his.
"Kurama...." his name was nothing but a breath of air, soft against Kurama's lips as the space between the coming kiss decreased. Argaus closed his eyes and sighed tenderly, tilting his head in readiness. Their lips brushed shyly, a ghost of a kiss, hardly touching at all, sweet and light.
Kurama jerked back, quickly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He stared at Argaus, shocked and terrified of what almost happened. Argaus stood there for a moment, looking surprised and hurt. His eyes then narrowed to glaring daggers, the hurt turning quickly to anger. He swiftly walked past Kurama, ramming shoulders as he did so, with a hissed 'we're leaving'. Kurama shuddered when he heard the words, full of rage and loathing, but there was a catch to them; some soft note of heartbreak. He turned, watching as Argaus stormed out the door, his mind reeling. What is it you really want, Argaus?
"No I don't wanna let you fly away. No I don't wanna let you fly away. No I don't wanna let you fly away. Fly away."
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"Fine. Whatever." Argaus mumbled, back turned to Kurama as he poked at the fire with a long stick. Kurama sighed for the umpteenth time since they had stopped to make camp. He had wanted answers to Argaus' behavior, but the Demon would simply turn away silent, refusing to meet his eyes. He just didn't understand! One minute, he was snide and cruel, the next childish and wanting, then after that attempted to be sweet and cuddly. There were so many sides to him, it threw Kurama into a loop. There was obviously something there, something deep within Argaus that he refused to let Kurama see. It's just an act, Kurama thought with a quick shake of his head, Don't let him pull you in. Don't let him trick you. He's pitiless and disgusting.
Turning away, Kurama headed a ways down stream, old terry cloth towel in one hand, bar of soap in the other, intent on taking a bath. He cringed as he took his shoes off, the sharp rocks of the shore line biting into his bare feet. He quickly glanced back towards camp; he had walked far enough away that the fire was barely a pinpoint of light in the distance. Still feeling a little reserved, Kurama undressed himself completely, and tentatively toed his way into the chilly water.
He stood about waist deep, rubbing his fingers through wet hair, as he thought on how things were progressing. They were making good time, so far, not even two days distance from the Territory border. About a mile's distance from the border itself was an old Sprite village, now abandoned and dead. Kurama stopped scrubbing his hair, his brows creasing. Madaline had said something about the village, about how 'she was waiting' there. Who was she? Could the Dream Weaver know of Argaus' plans? But how could that be possible? Still... It wouldn't hurt to search the place. Everything will be over then. Argaus will have her, and he will return Hiei to me. Kurama tried to ignore the tingle in his spine, block out his intuition as it mocked him, laughing, telling him how very wrong he was. With a growl, he sucked in a breath, and crouched down into the water, completely submerging himself as his hands went to quick work in rinsing his hair. He stood soon after, tossing his hair back, ringing it out somewhat as he smoothed it to his skull, rubbing his eyes to clear them of the water. Sniffing and wiping his nose, he was about to get out and dry himself, when he felt a pair of strong arms encircle his waist. He nearly snarled, until he looked down, and his stomach jumped.
The hands were small, smooth and pale, the right arm wrapped in an off-white bandage.
"Hiei?" Kurama squeaked, his voice sounding not like his own. He felt a warm cheek press against his back as the arms tightened for a moment. Kurama wanted to remain there in those arms for ever, to feel them about him, but he had to see, had to turn and prove to himself that this was indeed Hiei, his lover, his life.
Large, rounded red eyes stared up at him, no smile on his face, his body just as naked as Kurama's own.
"Oh Gods, Hiei!" Kurama gushed as he leant down, holding his little lover in a tight, desperate embrace, tears swelling in his eyes. He felt that soft, Hiei-type chuckle, as the Fire Demon hugged him back, breathing in deeply his scent, savoring it. Kurama pulled away then, cupping Hiei's cheeks, running his hands over them, worshipping every detail, ever inch of skin. His eyes burned as he kissed his lips urgently, over and over again, between the stumbled words and heartfelt tears.
"Stupid Fox. Why are you crying?"
"I'm sorry Hiei," Kurama laughed a little, rubbing his nose, "I'm just so happy to see you!"
Hiei's lips curved at the corner, head tilting in amusement, his expression that of friendly teasing. Kurama laughed again, kissing him longer this time, holding his neck with both hands as their lips slowly fitted together. Hiei parted his mouth, inviting the Fox to explore, when Kurama suddenly thought of something. He quickly pulled back, his hands holding Hiei's shoulders as he looked around.
"Where is Argaus?"
"Does it matter?" Hiei asked, stepping closer to the Fox. Kurama smiled gently at him, and stepped away.
"Yes it does, Hiei. He's dangerous. Completely crazy." he said, his head turning to gaze back at the campsite.
"Are you sure?" Hiei whispered, moving in again, turning Kurama back to catch his lips in another kiss. Kurama pulled away again, tugging Hiei's hand away from his cheek, brows furrowing.
"Hiei. What are you-"
His words stopped abruptly, when some niggling sensation in his gut told him that something was amiss. Something was different about his lover. He stared at the face hard; the same eyes, same sweet mouth, same smooth skin, same black spiked hair and star burst-
Kurama's heart shattered, cutting into his soul.
The white cover over Hiei's Jagan was missing. There was no third eye, no dark aura pulsing from the little body at all.
"It's alright, Kurama." the Hiei before him whispered, standing on tippy toes to attempt catching Kurama's lips with his own again. The Fox growled loudly, pushing the imitation away from himself, his rage seething and burning in his eyes.
"What the fuck are you!" Kurama screamed at the mockery of his lover, his fists tight at his sides. 'Hiei' sighed, his hands trailing over the rippled surface of the water as he lowered his head. Kurama gaped as the colors of his lover slowly bled away, as though they had been merely a layer of paint, swirling in the water. And, as they left, green eyes stared back at Kurama, looking angered and a little ashamed.
"Argaus?"
"You sound so surprised, Kurama." his voice was dull, monotone, affirming the guilt in his eyes.
"But - How - You - He-"
"I am an Illusion Master Kurama. Didn't I tell you that before? The realms where I keep my collection are illusions, with the exception of the keepers."
Kurama blinked, understanding what Argaus meant. With that question out of the way, he felt the fury swell up within him.
"Why."
"Why what?"
Kurama narrowed his eyes at the Demon, fists tightening so much his fingernails dug into the meaty palms.
"Why did you do that."
Argaus matched Kurama's glare, one tooth bared.
"Why do you not want me?"
Kurama was so taken aback by the counter, he nearly stumbled backwards, face lifting and eyes wide.
"What?"
"Why do you not want me, Kurama?" Argaus' voice cracked then as he too lifted his eyes, the edges going soft, "That's why I did this. You think I am repulsive, deformed, ugly. That's why you will not touch me in affection. I tried Kurama, I really did. You did not want a typical Demon. You did not want a Human. You did not want someone to take care of. You didn't want someone who was sweet and kind and doting on you. This was my only alternative, the only thing I knew that you wanted."
Kurama was speechless, numb from head to toe.
"Did I do something wrong? Did you not like it? I can make myself look any way I wish; any way you wish." to punctuate his words, Kurama watched in fascination as Argaus' body shimmered in the moonlight, and he found Yusuke's large, brown eyes (**A/N: or are they blue? I've seen pictures when their blue... hmm...) blinking back at him. Then the image shifted, the colors bleeding into the water, and Kuwabara was standing there instead. (**A/N: Um... ew? heh... sorry... read on.) He changed a third time, back to Hiei, the red eyes pleading with him.
"Do you not like this form?"
Kurama tried not to sigh, tried not to feel pity for the bastard.
"There's no love in that form."
"And you think there is in the real thing!?" Argaus suddenly shouted, rushing forward in his spontaneous rage. He did not, however strike Kurama. He simply stood, nearly toe to toe with him, staring up at him with Hiei's eyes. Kurama glared back down at him, defensive in his feelings.
"Of course I do."
Argaus sniffed, crossing his arms with a scoff.
"Please, Kurama. Do not feed me your bullshit. Hiei couldn't love even if he wanted to."
"Take that back!" Kurama yelled, shaking the transformed Demon's shoulders in his anger. Argaus smacked his hands away, standing on tippy toe once again, to scream into his face.
"I will not! I know the inside of his mind, Kurama! He is using you! You are nothing but a pretty piece of ass to him!"
Argaus stumbled back as Kurama struck him hard in the jaw. The Demon righted himself, spitting out the blood from his split lip, then wiping it with the back of his hand.
"I speak the truth, Kurama. But you, in your blind Human eyes, refuse to see it."
"Liar." Kurama hissed, starting to walk back towards the shore to dress himself. Argaus gripped his wrist as he passed, but Kurama shook him off and continued on his way. He bent down, picking up his shirt, when he was suddenly tacked from behind. Kurama cried out in startled pain as the rocks bit into his chest and stomach, Argaus, now back in his normal form, pinning him to the ground. In a wicked, darkened voice, he spoke.
"If you refuse to believe my words, my lovely, then I have no choice but to show you."
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SM: Ah, the wonderful world of editing... isn't it a beautiful thing?
TheBoy: What editing? You just cut some stuff outta this chapter and put it into the next.
SM: Still... It'll work better this way. Now to get on to other topics...
As you can see, there is only one chapter posted. I realize I promised more than one the next chance I got, but guess what? I HAVE THE INTERNET NOW! YAY! There for, I see no need to post chapters in bulk, seeing as time is no longer an issue ^_^
Besides, I've found that giving you guys only one chapter at a time results in a larger number of reviews, and I really hate to complain-
Kylyx: Psh... yea... right.
SM: *glares* ANYWAY... I just wanted to say that I put A LOT of work into this story... more so than I have for any other I've written, and I find the small amount of reviews I have received just... well... it sucks guys *poke* Especially since I'm quite proud of this one, ya know?
TheBoy: Are you going to tell them yet?
Kylyx: Yea, Jen. No reason in keeping it a secret.
SM: Fine, fine... *sigh* Well ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that as of the very SECOND the last chapter to this story is posted, I will be retiring from writing fan fiction, possibly for the rest of my life. The reason behind this is that my brother and I have been FINALLY picked up by a publishing company. Due to this, all my energy will have to be focused completely on our book, leaving me no time or imagination for anything else. I really hate this course of action, but I honestly don't have much of a choice in it. I was threatened with immediate, flaming death if I didn't. *glares at TheBoy*
TheBoy: *blinks* What?
SM: So yea... This is my farewell story. *sad face* I just hope you guys enjoy it, ya know? But anyway... That's it for today. Don't forget to review, ok? Laters.
* Song - The Devil's Dance Floor
by Flogging Molly
Album - Swagger
** Song - Fly
by Hattie
Album - Twenty3 Years Into 4teen Songs
ROUS - Rodents Of Unusual Size
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(Can ya guess where that's from? If ya can, I'll give you a beer!)
(Oh, also, sorry about the '?' in parts of the Flogging Molly song... Since I didn't have net access, I couldn't look up the correct lyrics online, and trying to figure out the words through their wonderfully thick Irish accents is kinda hard... So if I've made any mistakes, I apologize.)