Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Trials of the Heart ❯ Side Effects ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: We don't own it damn you. Leave us alone.

AN:I wanted say I'm soooooo sorry about the lateness of my chapter. Well you don't have to worry any more when it comes time for the 7th chapter. I have finally found a way to rid myself of my damn writers block. The only thing that will end up stopping me will be the fact that I couldn't find the time to get in front of the computer.

I also wanted to say that there was three main things that helped me finally get this chapter to you. My motivation, my inspiration and my muse and they were KuwaL, my strange imagination, and the game Siren (I don't own anything to do with that either). Mostly I have to thank KuwaL for not letting me quit writing when I probably would have. The game Siren also was partly responsible for the end of the chapter. You can kill me later when you find out what I mean ^_^;

 

Yusuke: Oh shut the hell up and get the next chapter out.... Sometime before chirstmas would be nice.

Fayth: Oh give me a break it's almost done and you know why I've taken so long. X-P

Yusuke: ~Pfft~ Yeah it's because you're lazy.

Fayth: ~Grrrr~ You wanna die?

Yusuke: ~Gulp~ I didn't mean anything by it... Hey didn't Kuwal's Toguro and Hiei muse help you with that

Fayth: And your point?

Yusuke: Oh no reason. I was just letting you know that she wants them back soon.

KuwaL: I do...especially my Hiei!

Kuwa: Yeah, she's been afraid you wouldn't give him back

Fayth: Ok you can have him back Y_Y. My Yoko muse has been bugging the heck out of me. He wants some more attention

Yoko: Damn straight

KuwaL: hahaha Awwww poor Yoko! (huggles him and pets his tail) You're attenacholic aren't you hahahaha

Kuwa: (mumbles) sounds like someone I know....

KuwaL and Yusuke: (glare at him) I am not!!!!

Yoko: It's about time someone realize it.... oh and Yusuke is definitely like that. The one that use to hang around here was always  playing those mindless video games with Fayth

Fayth: Oh come on you know I still love you ^_^ ....

Yoko: ^_^ Of course you do.

Fayth: ... ~whispers~ about as much as Hiei.

Yoko: What was that?

Fayth: ~goes over and rubs his ears~ Oh it wasn't anything you need to worry about

Yoko: ~Making funny purring noises~

Fayth: Well lets get this chapter started. I'm sure people are ready to start reading... Oh and a quick warning. My spell check isn't working so I'll have to go back and repost this with the corrections later. I would have waited but I wanted it out before christmas.

 

Chapter 5:

The demon had taken off so there was nothing they could do about the the orb now. Dwelling on their mistake would only fuel the anger that was building inside of the group.

Yusuke wanted nothing more then to tear that asshole of a demon a new one. He wasn't sure what he would have done if Kuwabara's soul was pulled into that mirror. Just thinking about it was putting a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. Hopefully it wouldn't have any lasting effects on his friend. That was the first thing he would talk to Koenma about.

Turning his head to the side he noticed Kuwabara was slowly walking in his direction. Yusuke didn't know what he was going to say. It had taken everything he had in him, and some thing that he didn't know he had, to stop himself form putting a bullet through the first guy he could even consider a friend. Fortunately he didn't have to say anything.

“Hey, Urameshi, you ok?”

“Uhh yeah I guess so, but what about you? I was worried the demon was going to kill you. Not to mention that was a stupid move you pulled a few minutes ago. You know I just barely had enough control left to stop myself from pulling the trigger.”

“Aww come on man, I thought you knew me better then that. I wasn't going to stand by and let one of my friends get beat into the ground when there is something I can do to stop it.”

“I know but still. If I lost you too then I.... Hey what about the other thing? You know that guy tried to steal your soul. How are you?”

 “Give me a break, Urameshi, it's gonna take a lot more then a stupid little piece of glass to take me down.”

Kuwabara noticed the funny look he was receiving and he didn't like it one bit. He did have a chance to comment though for Yusuke beat him to it. The tone of Yusuke's voice wasn't as condescending as he had expected it to be though.

“Don't be such a fool, Kuwabara. I know you're a lot smarter then that.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah I know what you're thinking. You're wrong, Urameshi. I'm gonna be just fine. I just feel a little weird is all. Don't worry about too much. You should know me by now. I can take a whole lot worse and still keep coming back for more.”

“That's the problem right there.”

“Huh? What do you mean? What's the problem?”

“I do know you and I know what kind of person you are. If  you thought it could save a friend even a little bit of grief then you'd lie through your teeth.... I just wish you didn't feel the need to be that way around me.”

Kuwabara let out a sigh knowing full well that Yusuke was speaking the truth. If he thought, even for and instant, he could stop the hurt that was inflicting his friend then he would.

Although he didn't think it was necessary to tell Yusuke how he felt right now. It wasn't like the feeling wasn't going to go away in a few hours any way...... but then again.... Better to tell him the truth now then have to deal with the consequences later, if that ends up being the case.

They had been walking in silence for at least the last 10 minutes. No one in the group saying much, if anything at all, besides Kuwabara and Yusuke's short conversation.

“Look, Urameshi, I maybe I feel a little worse then weird but I'm going to be fine. It's a promise.”

“Yeah well I'm going to hold you to that too... Hey come on lets hurry up. I'm sure the others are probably going to start worrying if we don't pick up the pace soon.”

“Huh... I don't --”

He looked up and realize that Yusuke was telling the truth. During their little conversation there was a considerable distance that ended up between them.

It didn't take too long before they caught up and Botan was already waiting for them to arrive.

“Well there you are. I was beginning to wonder if Koenma was going to end up sending a surch party for you two.”

“Oh geez, Yusuke retorted, thanks for the vote of confidence Botan. We've only beaten thousands of demons into the ground. What make you think that this guy was going to be able to do me in when everyone else has failed?”

“I was just worried about you. There's no need to be like that you know.”

“Whatever.... So why did you guys walk off like that any way?”

“Well we figured we should give you some privacy.... though I suspect for two totally different reason.”

“Two different reason? What do you mean by that Hiei?”

“Nothing, Kurama said. It's nothing at all.”

“Oh come on people we don't have all day. Get your rear in gear and lets go. Hiei and Kurama already filled me in on the details but Koemna's waiting for your report.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah I hear ya. Let's go already.”

 ~ Koenma's office ~

A small knot of dread of dread was looping its way into the pit of Koenm's stomach. Every minute that the team was out there fighting that demon was another minute that could cause their mission to go down the crapper. Sure they were stronger then him when teamed up, but when in the possession of the orb and the mirror anyone could be considered a threat.

Kownma let out an aggravated sigh.” They should have been back by now. At the very least Botan should have contacted me. Oh man I have a bad feeling about this.... I never should have asked Yusuke to go and look for him.”

“Um excuse me sir but aren't you being a little bit dramatic? I mean there's been lots of missions when they didn't call in when they were suppose to and you weren't this worried.”

“Oh what would you know ogre?! This isn't like the other missions! That orb is dangerous and needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible!”

“There's no need to shout sir. I was just saying I don't understand why you would be this worried. I know the demon has gotten away in the past but it was only because of the fact that he was able to trick the people who were chasing him.”

“Don't you get it?! Sure Yusuke is stronger then that demon but with the orb it doesn't matter.”

“Doesn't matter? How could that be possible?”

“Uhhh do I have to recap everything for you?..... The orb has the power to use the darkness in a person's soul and control them with it. After everything he's been through with loosing Keiko I doubt even he would be able to fight the effects for long.”

“Oh wow! You sent him in even thought you knew there was a possibility that he could end up being controled?”

Koenma sighed rubbing the spot between his eyes trying to stop the massive he knew was coming. It was a futile attempt but it didn't stop him. This had been happening more frequently even though most of the pain wasn't caused from his team but mostly his father.

“Well orgre, just like Yusuke, I didn't really have a choice in the matter. He many not realize it but I have a feeling saying no wasn't an option in his case.”

“What makes you say that?”

Luck was on his side as he felt the sudden pull of the energy from a portal opening. For all of the aggravation Botan could cause she also could be extremely useful when she didn't even know it. He would have to remember to give her a vacation day or two when all of the paper work on the case was complete.

~~~~~~~~~~

 

They all made their way into the portal that would lead them into Koema's office in silence.  Kurama looked over towards Yusuke feeling something that he very rarely felt after a fight. Regret.

 

He hated the fact that he was forced to fight his friend and fellow teammate. He should have tried to find another way like Kuwabara but he rational part of his mind kept yelling at him that it would he suicide not to fight. Not only would he forfeit his life but there was a good chance the rest of the team might not have been able to stop Yusuke.

 

The massive doors opened and any questions that Kurama might have died before the boom of the closing metal was heard.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Ah Yusuke your back. Hopefully with the artifacts in your possession.”

 

“No, he got away.”

 

“.......... I see. And what about you? How are you feeling?”

 

“I've been better...”

 

“But?”

 

Yusuke closed his eyes knowing that he probably wouldn't get all of the answers he wanted but so long as he knew Kuwabara wasn't in any danger then he didn't give a rats ass.

He took in a deep breath before he continued to ask about Kuwabara. “Look there is something I need to know. If the mirror was used to try to take a person's soul, and it was broken before it was finished, would it be dangerous to who ever was being drained?”

“Not that I'm aware of. As far as I know the part of the soul that was removed would be returned to the body from which it was pulled.” There was a slight pause. “Why do you ask?”

“The demon tried to take Kuwabara's soul but Hiei was able to break the mirror before he had a chance to do it.”

 

“Well he should be fine in a few days, a week at the most. He'll just need some time to rest and rebuild his strength.Was there anything else I should know about?”

 

“Well not rea--”

 

“That guy used the orb on Urameshi.”

 

“WHAT?! And you're just telling me now! Tell me what the hell happened out there!”

 

“Well, Kurama stated, he was able to gain control of Yusuke's body for a short time. It wasn't a complete possession for Yusuke was able to fight him off long enough for us to help.”

 

Kurama left out a small part of the story. Koenma didn't need to know how far gone he really was. Nor was it necessary to inform him that he almost had to resort to nearly killing the boy to get him to stop.

 

“What are you getting all bent out of shape about? It's not like he was able to keep me under his control. The important thing is that Kuwabara isn't going to die from having some of his soul ripped from his body.”

 

“Listen to yourself Yusuke. Do you have any idea how devastating it could be to the three worlds if anyone was able to obtain the power of an S class demon?” The demi god took a moment to compose himself. “Look I know you're worried but You'll just have to trust me on this one Yusuke. There's something going on out there and believe me when I say it's not going to be good.”

“Yeah, yeah what the hell ever. It's always the same thing with you. You know it might be nice to hear a different tune from you once in a while.... but you don't have to worry about that demon. He's not going to get away from me even if I have to go to the ends of the makai to find him.”

“So I take it you're not quiting the case then.”

“No that bastard is going to pay. By the time I'm done with him he'll wish he never even heard the name Yusuke Urameshi.”

Koemna wasn't sure if letting Yusuke stay on the case in the state of mind he was in was a good idea, but the fact was he didn't have much of a choice. When Yusuke got like this even being given a order from spirit world wouldn't stop him and really he had every right to be angry.

“What do you plan on doing the next time you see him?”

“That's a stupid question. I'm going to beat him to within a inch of his life and then drag what's left of him back to spirit world.”

“No, Yusuke, you misunderstand what I'm trying to say. What I mean is what plan of action do you have for getting around the effects of the orb?”

“....”

“That's what I thought. You can't keep going around half cocked all of the time and expect to get any where. If you are interested I have something I would like to give you that might just be able to help.”

Reaching into his desk, Koenma pulled out a golden necklace. It had a phoenix in flight on the center a small circle.

“Here take this amulet. It should give you some protection and remove any effects that might have occurred due to your encounter. I'm not going to lie to you and say it will stop you from being possessed again but it might help.”

Taking it amulet from Koenma's hands, he placed it over his his head and waited for something to happen. The only thing he felt was the cool metal resting against his skin.

Koenma noticed the strange look on Yusuke's face. “It should take effect in about a half an hour. In the mean time there really isn't anything more you can do. Go home and get some rest. Maybe then you'll be able to look at this objectively and bring that demon in before he can cause any more damage.”

Yusuke didn't even attempt at a come back. He was just to damned drained to care about what the pacifier breath was trying to bitch about. The first thing he was going to do was go home, take a shower, a long nap and get something to eat, not necessarily in that order.

~ Later that night ~

Yusuke stood alone in the small living room, shrouded in darkness, thinking back to what had happened in Koemna's office. He was sure to make sure Kuwabara wasn't going to be in any danger before anything could be said. It was bugging the hell out of him that the demon got the better of them so easily and was able to hurt Kuwabara, not to mention himself.

 After the short debriefing Koenma handed over a small sized silver amulet, it had a picture of  a phoenix in flight, and told Yusuke to put it on. He han't been very forth coming with the details of what it was suppose to do, just that it could help get rid of the effects of the orb.

The ache in  his heart hadn't gotten any better, if anything he felt it was getting worse. Koenma said the amulet should take affect within the first half an hour, but he had been wearing the damn thing for half a day. From head to toe, almost all of his body was numb from the guilt of not being able to stop the demon from trying to steal Kuwabara's soul.

Sighing, walked over to the window and said to no one in particular. “Man why is everything so fucked up?”

The sun was sinking over the horizon casting bright hues of reds and oranges over the partly clouded sky. He wished he was able to find the answers within his confused and tired mind but wasn't expecting any. So it was a bit of a surprise when he heard a voice answer for him.

“It mostly has to do with perception, or better yet the way you perceive the world around you. Your situation may seem different seen through the eyes of another person... but I'm guessing that's not really what you wanted to hear.” He paused. “I assume Kuwabara is feeling better.”

“I guess you're right...” Yusuke let out a deep breath and placed his hand on the window. “...and yeah he's ok. He said he still feels kinda weird but it wasn't as bad as before.... So what do I owe the pleasure of this visit Kurama?”

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I would come visit you.”

“In the neighborhood? Yeah right. Didn't you moved like halfway across town a few months ago? Seems like a bit out of the way just for a visit.”

Kurama let out a low chuckle. “Yes I suppose you're right. The truth is I wanted to apologize for earlier.”

“Hey don't worry about it. You did what you had to.”

“I should have tried to find another way. After all Kuwabara did.”

Yusuke smiled, “Yeah but we both know how he is. Kuwabara would stand in front of a speeding train if he thought it could save someone's life... I'm just glad he's ok.”

“As am I.... are you sure you're alright with what happened?”

“You did what you thought was necessary in order to stop me from hurting anyone. I think I would have been even more pissed off if you did nothing.”

“Yes, well it doesn't make the situation any easier. I've never liked having to fight wiht an ally before and I doubt I ever will.”

“Oh come on you can't tell me that you would have stood by and watched while I tore apart Kuwabara... Even though I don't remember some of what happened, I do know that when you used your rose whip and took out my arm I was probably about half a minute from blasting a hole in someone.... Come on give a guy a break will ya. I feel bad as it is already.”

“I'm sorry, Yusuke. That wasn't my intention.”

Kurama slowly walked over to where Yusuke was standing by the window. He looked the boy over in the pale moonlight not really sure what else to say. Nothing seemed to be quite right in his mind. He was startled from his thoughts when Yusuke looked into his eyes. It was strange that, as long as they had known each other, he had never noticed how natural light of the moon made him even more attractive.

“There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, Yusuke.”

He was so caught up in the sight before him that Kuwabara's entrance went almost unnoticed to him. The only thing his mind could focus on now was the petal soft lips in front of him. It was taking everything Kurama had at that moment not to try and take him on the spot.

“Uh... really? You don't say. W-what was it about?”

His body started to move of it's own accord. Leaning forward, his lips moved closer to his desired target. Kurama could practically taste him already.

“We've been friends for some time now haven't we?”

“Yeah. So, uh, what's up?”

Kurama leaned in even closer and could feel a warm breath blow across his face. Only a little bit more and their lips would be on top of each others.

Suddenly there was the sound of someone clearing their throat in the background.

"Hey guys, Kuwabara said loudly! What's up? I thought I should just stop by and say hi."

Instantly he broke away from the attempted kiss.

“Oh Kuwabara I didn't hear you come in. So how are you feeling?”

“Well I was feeling kinda sick to my stomach before but it isn't that bad right now. So why the visit this late at night? I thought you moved not that long ago.”

“Well that's good to hear you are feeling well and you would be correct I did move. I also wanted to apologize to Yusuke for attacking him.”

“Oh..... So, uh, you gonna to stick around for a while?”

“No I'm afraid I have to be on my way. I have some things I have to take care of early in the morning and I need to get some sleep.... I'll be back later to see how you are doing. Good night, Yusuke, Kuwabara.”

“Okay, later I guess.”

“Yeah later.”

They sat in silence for a while. Kuwabara didn't want to make an awkward moment worse and Yusuke wasn't really sure what to say. He liked Kurama but not in that way and he wasn't sure exactly how much Kuwabara really saw.

“You know, Yusuke finally said, I've been getting this weird feeling when Kurama is around lately. I'll always think of him as a friend but.....”

“Yeah?”

“I don't know. I don't like him, like him. I just like him as a friend.... Maybe I'm wrong about the whole thing. What do you think?”

“I think you should go with what your gut tells you. I always do and it's never led me wrong.”

“I know but I just don't think Kurama would do something like that.”

 

“Yeah and maybe you've fallen asleep and entered the twilight zone.”

 

“Oh ha, ha, ha very funny mister comedian.”

 

“I mean come on. How many years have we know him? In all that time has he ever once had a girlfriend?”

 

Yusuke let out a loud yawn, stretching his arms over his head. He had only closed his eyes for a moment when he heard Kuwabara laughing.

 

“Oh can it will ya. I've got a freaken headache the size of a mountain and I don't really care to sit here and talk about weather or not he prefers girls or guys.”

 

“What ever you say Urameshi. I just think if you want to know the truth maybe you should talk to Kurama.”

 

“You know I can't do that. It would be to weird. Besides even if it were true I think it might end up being even more weird knowing that he thought of me that way.... If it's so important why don't you talk to him about it.”

 

There was pregnant silence. He was wondering if Kuwabara was just trying to ignore him or if it was something else. Yusuke opened his eyes, slightly confused, seeing something he hadn't expected. He was alone in the middle of a forest. It was hard to tell whet time it was because the sky was covered in dark black clouds, all threatening to let out a torrent of rain upon the area. A warm breeze blew across his face sending a faint sent of fear in his direction.

He was leaning against a tree, obviously he had been sleeping and just woken up, but he didn't remembered coming here, never mind falling asleep against a tree. 'What's the deal? I was just with Kuwabara... Could it all have been a dream?... It seemed so real.'

Turning his head to the side, Yusuke realized there was a demonic energy flaring up to the south. It felt so familiar, but at the same time he couldn't pin point where he had felt it before.

He walked in the direction of the youki, a sort of pain was building in his heart. It had been a while since he felt that unwanted feeling, he didn't like it one bit. On the night Keiko had died he felt the same thing. Even before he opened his eyes and saw her laying there he felt it. Inside the darkness of his mind he knew someone close to him was going to die and there wasn't anything he could do about it.

'Some thing's off and I don't like it.'

As he went through a clearing he noticed a two people standing on top of a hill. It couldn't have been more then a hundred yards or so away but without any moonlight it was impossible to make them out clearly. He did noitce the strangely long hair blowing in the breeze.

Only a few more steps and he realized who was up there, or at least one of them because of the energy signature. He didn't need to see him to know Kuwabara's reikai signal, but it was strangely weak. The only explanation for that would mean that, who ever was with him, was in for a serious ass beating.

Yusuke ran towards the hill top not really noticing the demons approaching from the sides. He was so focused on getting to his friend that it wan't until they were right on top of him that the rest of the world came into focus.

A reptile like demon took a swing at Yusuke connecting a solid punch to the gut. The wind was instantly knocked out of him as he fell to the ground. Not giving him any time to react, the reptilian demon drew his arm back for another attack. At the last second Yusuke managed to grab his wrist, bones cracking under the pressure.

At that moment a loud scream from Kuwabara caused Yusuke's blood to run cold. It was a sound of pure torture and pain.

'To hell with these bastards, Kuwabara needs me.'

Yusuke jumped up, a solid thunk echoed as the reptilian demon was thrown backwards. Running up to the next one, he clenched his fist tightly and knocked the bat demon out. He didn't even bother to slow down as the four others rushed towards him.

Building up a small amount he readied himself to let loose that shot gun technique. Five more seconds and he was close enough to get a clean shot.

“Shot gun!”

Four demons fell to the ground lifeless. The last one however wasn't as fortunate as his comrades. He never even heard the footsteps nor caught a glimpse of the boy that was coming at him, not until it was far to late. In a lame attempt to save his own life he gathered a ball of energy and threw it at Yusuek's head, missing by a foot.

Yusuke slammed his fist into the demon sending shards of bone flying into the beasts lungs. The wolf demon gagged causing crimson liquid to flow from his lips. Before he had proper time to process Yusuke hit him with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head, snapping the bones in his neck in the process.

Not wasting any more time with the group he continued towards Kuwabara.

He approached the two figures. Kuwabara looked like he was in bad shape. It didn't even look like he could move himself from the spot where he knelt on the ground. Dried blood covered part of his shirt and face, even the top of his pants weren't spared from being covered with the coppery smelling fluid.

“Kuwabara!, Yusuke shouted out.”

The demon with the wild hair laughed deep in his throat. Yusuke froze on the spot.

'Where have I heard that voice before? It's almost as if..... no it can't be. It's impossible. I won't believe it... I can't...'

The mysterious demon turned slightly, giving Yusuke a small glimpse of navy blue markings on his face.

“You?!.... But how in the world did you--”

“--Get out?... I'm sure you already know the answer to that question yourself.”

“How the hell would I know that?”

“Hahahaha you know I think Koenma might just give you more credit then you deserve... and that's saying something.”

“Grrr you bastard. What the hell have you been trying to do to Kuwabara?”

“Nothing more then what you've secretly desired to do.”

“Are you crazy? I'd die before I'd do something like that to hurt one of my friends... Not even you could convince me other wise.”

“Hurt?. No that's not the fun I had in mind... of course some people find a little pain to be a good thing...” The sick sort of smile ghosted the demons lips. “Although I assure you the screams I can get out of him won't be from pain.”

Yusuke paled and truned a funny shade of red at the same time. A strange feeling was forming in the pit of his stomach but he quickly squelched it before his mind could take anytime to dwell on it.

'I wouldn't think of Kuwabara like that. No he's wrong.'

'Are you so sure about that Yusuke? You are me and I am you. There is no excaping the truth. Your feeling are there you just have to dig deep enough to find them.'

'NO! Damn it, now get out of my head you bastard.'

'You know I can't do that. I can't leave you any more then you could leave me. We are one and it's about time you realized that... Come Yusuke I know you've been dieing to take a taste.'

“Shut the fuck up you sadistic bastard!”

“It's a shame you feel this way. I could have taught you both things you couldn't even dream of.”

The toushin picked Kuwabara up off the ground with one hand, tossing him forward just enough so the boy was standing between Yusuke and him.

“Come on Kuwabara I'm going to get you out of here.”

“Yu-yusuke.... get out of.... here.”

“Huh?”

“It's a... t-tra--.”

A warm red liquid hit Yusuke in the face, both Yusuke and Kuwabara's eyes grew wide with surprise. Directly in the middle of Kuwabara's chest was a hand protruding all the way up to the wrist.

“What the fuc--”

In one fluid motion Yusuke's demon half removed his hand from Kuwabara's chest and pushed him forward into Yusuke. Dark red splashed it's way down his shirt as his best friend he had left in the world slowly slipped into death's last embrace.

Yusuke's eyes widened as Kuwabara coughed up blood.

Kuwabara was trembling slightly and his eyes held a glazed over look. It was almost as if Yusuke could see the light in them fading right before his eyes.

“Yusuke... why.... How could... you?”

~~~~~~ End chapter ~~~~~~

Yeah I know it's an evil cliffy but you can blame my sick sense of humor. It's kinda been out in full force for the last couple of days.... well that and the fact that it was kinda KuwaL's idea ^_^;;;;