Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Prince ❯ Demon Waterfalls ( Chapter 2 )

She couldn't believe what she had gotten herself into. She should have never gone into that forest. She should have listened to Atsuko and just staid on her father's territory. Now look where it got her! Keiko muffled a sob as she held her knees to her chest. Her body was sore all over from sitting in this position for hours on end. Not to mention the side of her face burnt and stung like hell. Oh how she wished that she had never pulled out that dumb dagger.

With a faint sigh, Keiko softly touched her sliced cheek. That blue haired man had cut her with her own blade! And god how it hurt. Even though the blood had dried, it still felt brand new. "Papa, please come and get me!" she whimpered, pushing her long tresses behind her ears. Even though she kept trying to remain calm, she couldn't help but let the tears fall from her eyes. This dungeon was so dark! The only reason she could see a thing was because of the torches that lit the hallways.

Not to mention the stench! Oh Lord, it smelt so badly in this place…like rotting flesh. Everything was so damp and disgusting. She could even hear the cries of demons as they begged for forgiveness and their lives. It was so, so…well horrible. Everything! And she had only one person to blame for her mistakes…

"Damn it all!" Keiko cursed, getting up from her position. Five more minutes sitting there and she would have gladly killed herself. Her heels clanked as she walked around the small cell, making her feel even more enclosed. She was a princess; this is not how you treat a princess! Sure, she had spent her whole life wishing she wasn't one but she needed an excuse for something!

But Keiko had to come to reality with herself, that wasn't what was bothering her.

She is human…the fact that she is a human female and these creatures all are craving a woman was scaring her. Everyone knew that demons in prison never saw a female, not ever! And having a HUMAN female around them was something worth being killed over. Keiko shuddered at the thought. "Atsuko, Yukina, Botan…please help me!" she prayed, feeling tears burn in her eyes once more. Lets face it; she was terrified of this place. All she wanted to do was go home. Just get out and travel back to the kingdom, to her room, and to her friends.

A loud bang erupted the young brunette from her thoughts. Feeling frightened, Keiko flung herself into the shadows of her cell. She couldn't help but cringe as footsteps began to echo off the walls around her. The grunts and cries of demons seemed to pause, as the footfalls grew closer making fear swell inside Keiko's heart. I know they're here for me, who ever they are…she reasoned to herself, almost cursing aloud at her fate.

Seconds seemed like hours as she waits; dreading what may come. Keiko bit the soft insides of her cheeks and closed her eyes tight. Why is she so scared? Shouldn't this demon king give her a fare trail? Yah right, wishful thinking! She grumbled mentally to herself. Suddenly like lightning striking the skies, the jingling of dungeon keys made a connection with the lock to her sell gate. "Get up woman!" commanded a deep, raspy voice.

Chills ran down Keiko's spine as she stood up, hiding her face behind the hood of her cape. A sea green demon stood before her. His face was badly scarred; a crescent moon shape was engraved deep into his skin. His nose was long and crooked, his eyes small and beady. The very sight of him made her insides craw, and his smell…god it was disgusting.

"You are to follow me. There is a party going on and all…goods are to be present." He told her, balling his hands into fists. Keiko watched in awe as a faint blue light emitted from his hands and flowed to her. The lights seemed to pause and hover over her arms for a moment, but then suddenly they clasp themselves tightly around her wrists. A rushed of cold heat engulfed her, causing her to cry out.

"Ah!" she hissed, biting down on her bottom lip. She heard the demon snicker; only causing hatred to build inside her for him. "You could have warned me!" she seethed, her breathing returning to normal. The sea green demon just smirked, walking towards the entrance of the sell. Frowning, Keiko brushed aside some of her fallen hair and followed the pitiful creature.

They walked out of the dungeon in silence, giving her sometime to come up with a plan. If I'm quiet and careful, I could probably slip out when he's not paying any attention… "If you're thinking of escaping, think again. Anytime you even attempt something defiant those chains will radiate a VERY painful heat." He told her incoherently, smiling at how crestfallen she looked. I hate you, Keiko growled mentally as she let her head fall in disappointment. The soft clatter of conversation graced her ears as they began to climb a large mountain of stairs. When did we get out of the dungeon? She asked herself, eyes slowly grazing over her surroundings. This castle was naturally dark…

But beautiful, she reasoned. Perhaps Lord Raizen had more power than she had ever dreamed? This kingdom would be proof of it. Large tapestries decorated the walls; they seemed to tell stories about the achievements of their ruler. This hallway that she and her…guide were walking down was quite elegant and long! It almost seemed to trail of for miles…but then again she could be wrong seeming how every step seemed like a thousand.

The sound of conversation grew even louder as they neared the entrance of the great hall. Two large oak doors standing 20 some feet tall separated her from sudden death or life enslavement. She was petrified.

Keiko held her breath as the doors slowly opened and site of demons graced her eyes. Powerful demons sat in two separate groups on each side of her, cleaning a path in the center. They're definitely upper class, she reasoned in awe as her guide lead her to a group of young women.

"Sit there and shut up…or else!" he hissed, thrusting her to the ground.

Keiko's eyes widened momentarily, but she quickly shook it off and stood up. She did not want to be here! She was a princess for kami's sake!!! Anger built inside of her, but it was nothing compared to the fear she had in her heart. These women, she realized as her chocolate eyes swept their faces, were going through the same thing as she. Not one looks frightened! What's wrong with these girls? She thought in amazement. They were going to be sold off! Not one cared?

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Keiko couldn't help but feel disgusted as she heard the girls being bided on. Well some were here for that. She had noticed rather sadly that some were being punished for insubordination. The thought of what happened to those poor few sickened her. She never looked up. Not once. Keiko kept her head down and face hidden in her hood. She must have looked suspicious, since she was dressed in a rather formal garb and cape. Thank God she the cape didn't show her dress. She had better come up a plan when she went up there-

"No! No, stop! I did nothing milord! I swear it!"-One woman cried hysterically, begging for forgiveness. Keiko couldn't hold it in any longer. She tilted her head up a little bit, just so she could see. There about 25 feet away was a young woman, a fire youkai, with flaming red hair. Tears streaked her tan face, making her ruby eyes redder. She was sobbing uncontrollably too.

"I swear it milord. I only stole to feed my kin. But I paid the baker after, I paid him!" She sobbed.

"She lies Lord Raizen! I received no such payment." The `baker' spoke sourly.

Keiko's eyes darted towards the thrown that the girl bowed before. There stood a young ruler, well at least he looked young. Youkai's are like that, you can never really tell their age. He didn't look much older than Atsuko as a matter of fact. The female fire youkai's cry brought Keiko's thoughts back to the present. She watched as the women begged and pleaded, waiting for her lord's finale answer.

"All evidence is pointed towards you, women. There is no other alternative. Death." He spoke, his voice masculine and strong. It almost sent shivers down her spine. The youkai screamed as men came and grasped her by the forearms to take her away. This is wrong! Keiko's mind screamed. You should do something to help her! But there was nothing she could do. Nothing…

"STOP!"

Hundreds of heads immediately turned towards her. Uh oh…you've done it now. Twisted feelings gripped her stomach hard, but she held it in and continued. "Stop this now! She has done nothing!" Keiko demanded, her insides quivering. She knew this could be her end…but she couldn't let this slide. Her eyes hardened and she allowed her gaze to fall straight on with Lord Raizen's. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "Can't you see, it was for the life of-"? Suddenly an icy fire rippled through her entire body, causing her to call out. She felt sick. Falling to her knees, Keiko cried. It hurts! Her mind screamed.

"I warned you, you audacious bitch!" hollered the demon from earlier. "How dare you women!" Her tear stained eyes darted towards him. Muttering a silent curse, she stubbornly began to pick herself up. A low hiss of disbelief echoed through the hall. How dare this female? To challenge the judgment of their lord, yes she would challenge. I'm a fool. "Kneel before Lord Raizen and learn your place!" he demanded fiercely. Another pulsing fire clutched her body, and she screamed again. But Keiko held her footing.

This, she realized, earned her respect in the lord's eyes.

"Enough!" his powerful voice boomed, dark eyes narrowing. The demon that held control over Keiko's pain frowned and bowed to him. What's going on? She asked herself, slowly regaining steady breathing. She was very careful to keep her face hidden, focusing her eyes on the ground. A cold sweat dampened her back and fear bubbled in her stomach as she approached the thrown. Just be strong, hold yourself like a princess. Raizen eyed her with interest as she came before him, but she did not kneel.

"Who are you…" his eyes glistened as he sniffed the air around him. "Human?" Lord Raizen grinned and Keiko felt her body go numb. She nodded, swallowing her fear hard. Every beast around her grew curious or anxious; it made her want to be sick.

"Show me your face, girl." He demanded, leaning back in his seat.

Keiko's heart thumped loudly in her chest. Reveal her-self? She couldn't! But…with a heavy sigh, she pulled her hood down. There was an intake of breath from the youkai around her. Did all of these creatures know who she was? Keiko shook it off and as best she could, began to speak.

"I am Keiko Yukimura of the Eastern lands." She announced, gripping the sleeves of her shirt.

"You mean Princess Keiko, do you not? You are Meric's blood?" he asked, raising his brow. This caught the young brunette completely off guard. How could he possibly know her? He has never even laid an eye upon her.

"No…"

She answered nervously, hands shaking at her sides. Lord Raizen laughed aloud, resting his chin on his fist.

"Child, I can smell your fear. So I will ask you again, are you not the princess Meric has hidden from my eyes?" he asked calmly, watching her face intently. Great, this is wonderful! What should she do?! She couldn't tell them the truth. But how could she pull off such a lie? Swallowing the fear inside of her, Keiko looked upon the face of the king with a serious look.

" I am not the princess. The princess that you speak of is of my land. But she never leaves her tower…never." Looking down, she spoke again. "Surely if she was I, she would have psychic powers. As you may sense, I am blessed not with such a gift." Keiko lifted her eyes to stare straight into that of the lords, not allowing them to falter. She would proof that she was not lying, even though she was. Raizen gave her a suspicious look, but nodded nonetheless.

Raizen stood suddenly, address all before him. "Keiko Yukimura is to stay in my kingdom-" He looked down to the brunette who stood shocked, "She is to be touched by none and harmed neither. Treat her as your own, or suffer the prince's raff or mine." Lord Raizen finished, grinning to himself. A beauty she is, but a liar she is not. How sad, she fooled all but I. But that young princess shall make a fine accomplish to my son… He thought, leaving the room with his guards not far behind. What he could not figure out was why she was here. Meric Yukimura was very strong, ally or enemy. How could he let something so very precious in more than one-way slip from his grasp? Unless…ah of course. It is his own fault. You have such a lovely little rose in a garden, but you take away her sun. He turned towards the sound of triumphant yells. Raizen took a quick glance outside of a stone window. There his heir stood, laughing over his one human friend. Arrogant bastard beat him again, ne? Curious as to see how he will handle such an elegant flower as the young princess.

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Property. Keiko was property. The female youkai servants had explained everything to her. She was property to the lord of this kingdom and his heir. Of all the things she thought that could happen to her…never this. "What did I do?"

What was her mistake to the world? She wanted an adventure, not condiment.

Some many thoughts of what had happened ran through Keiko's mind. She had to stop it, get her mind off of the matter at hand.

She was not thought of as a noble breed, and yet they were treating her as so. The room at which she currently paced back and forth through was nothing short of amazing. Soft colors decorated this room. Through her anger, she had managed to appreciate her surroundings. The baby blue canopy above the large queen sized bed most of all. It gave the room a dreamy sense of mind.

The room its self was large, 29 by 32 she guessed. Everything made of oak and marble. It's like a fairytale…only I wont have a happy ending. Keiko played with her long chocolate braid. She was free to roam the gardens, the castle, anywhere in this kingdom. But never leave. They would get her if she did. And then she would be killed. "Atsuko, mama help me…" she whispered softly, tears stinging her eyes. With a broken sigh, Keiko walked slowly out onto the balcony of her room.

The wind blew rather strongly, but gracefully as she stood out there. She watched the blue skies dance with the clouds freely. Pulling off her cape, she allowed the wild to taste the beauty of her gown. Now everyone may see, see that she does exist. She is not just a rumor, but is real. Keiko began to sing softly to calm her wild emotions.

"Some one holds me safe and warm. Horses prance through a silver storm. Figures dancing gracefully across my memory…" She sang lightly, watching the birds flutter through the sky. Tears threatening to fall from her eyes as she listened to her own voice. I'm so, so sorry papa…!

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Yusuke laughed and nudged his companion in the side. "Hey it's not my fault you always land on you ass!" he teased, ducking as the red-haired through a punch at him. "Haha, you should have seen your face Kuwabara!" He laughed and turned to make his leave.

"Yah, yah, enough with your gloating prince. See you tomorrow then, Urameshi? I've got training with the Holy Guard in an hour." The young teen named Kuwabara asked, slinging his sack over his shoulder. Yusuke nodded and was about to make a smart remark when something caught his ear. Something beautiful. It made him pause in his tracks.

"Did you hear that?"

He asked, straining his ears to hear more. Kuwabara gave him a puzzled look and scratched his head in confusion. "Hear what--"

"Shhh, just listen!" The dark-haired snapped, closing his eyes in concentration. The words they were being sung. God it was hypnotizing how the song sounded, so pure, so soft and lovely. If not for his youkai blood he probably never would have heard it. But he did, and it drew him in. Like an angel…he thought to himself, opening his eyes.

"I hear it!" the carrot-toped boy yelled, focusing to. "But where is it- Urameshi, look over there!" he called, pointing towards the balcony to there far right. Yusuke eyes followed to where his outstretched arm pointed, eyes gracing a figure standing upon the balcony. A woman…but not youkai! God, she was beautiful. She was a human? And such a voice came from her? "Who is she?"

Mystified, Yusuke answered. "An angel baka…an angel."

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AN

OMG FINALLY I UPDATED IT!!! Man, no one wanted to join my lovely little contest. Damn, I thought people would love this story. Oh well, I'm going to continue writing it! ^.^ Sorry that this is so short, the next one should be quite long. PG13 for the next chappie!!

Love and Peace from mars,

Rei-chan

Next chapter << Dark Prince is struck down>>