"Venus! Where are you? I tried calling Mako-chan through her
communicator, but she's not answering," Artemis' face appeared on the small
screen of the communicator.
"I'm in the southern uptown area with Uranus." Sailorvenus replied
as she stood up, and paced back and forth on the sidewalk. She looked
worriedly at Sailoruranus.
Uranus nodded. "We'll find her. We just need to know---"
Uranus' sentence was cut off by a scream. That was... Mako! Venus'
eyes widened. Before any of them could say anything, they rushed to the
direction of the scream, their heels scraping the stony pavement.
* * *
The pain... "Yusuke..." A voice. Who...? "Remember me, Yusuke?"
The voice asked. Yusuke's ears were ringing. "If we join souls, Yusuke, we
shall be able to defeat Meikai."
Yusuke remembered. "Raizen?! But you... you're dead!"
"Perhaps my body, but not my soul." Came the reply.
"Not now, Raizen!" Yusuke strengthened his rei ki, and willed Raizen
out of his body. "I have more important things to do right now! ORA RA RA
RAAAA!!!" Yusuke yelled, as he punched the living daylights out of the
possessed victims. The victims lay in a heap on the snow-covered ground
before the group.
"That baka! What's he doing??" Mars said, the pitch of her voice
increasing. "Yusuke, you idiot! You're gonna kill them!" Even Keiko agreed
to what Mars was saying.
"Mate kudasai! Baka!" Keiko was about to run to Yusuke. She was
going to stop him. Pluto held her back. Keiko looked at Pluto with
astonishment. "Pluto..."
Pluto turned to the group. "You have to trust him on this. You see,
when a spirit takes over a human body for more than 30 minutes, then the
spirit stays in that body permanently." Pluto explained. "Yusuke had to
cause them physical pain inorder for the spirits to leave their bodies.
Spirits cannot stand human physical pain."
************************************************************************
Chapter 10
"Strong Feelings"
========================================================================
It was somewhere around here. She was sure of it. Then again, she
wished that she was a better spirit guide. Hinageshi sighed. She continued
to run at a slow pace, her wooden slippers sounding with every step she took
on the street. Kuwabara followed, annoyed that they couldn't find what they
were looking for. As soon as Shizuru got home, Kuwabara told her to keep an
eye on Yukina. However, Kuwabara couldn't help but worry at the thought of
leaving Yukina at home where she could be easy prey for the Meikai scum.
"This way," Hinageshi called to Kuwabara, who was a few meters away.
They stopped at a beat up, old temple. Genkai's temple! The
passageway of Makai was Genkai's temple?! Now the question was, where was
the passageway of Meikai? Hinageshi and Kuwabara cautiously entered the shrine.
"How did there become a break in the passageway between Makai and
Ningenkai? Isn't Koenma-sama keeping the passageway closed?" Hinageshi
wondered out loud.
Kuwabara gave an angry snort. "I have a funny feeling about this.
Where is Yusuke anyway?" His head turned from side to side, searching for a
trace of youkai in the area. He shivered all of a sudden. "Yeee... is it my
imagination, or did it just get cold?"
"Look, it's snow!" Hinageshi exclaimed, and caught a snowflake in
her palm. "Snow in early July?? That IS pretty strange!"
"Pretty strange indeed, don't you think?" A voice asked. It laughed
at them. A mocking laugh. Kuwabara froze. He knew that voice.
"Yaro~! Show yourself!" Kuwabara yelled. The laughter continued.
Appeared in front of Kuwabara and Hinageshi was a feminine-looking being. Maja!
He still looked the same, except for the number of jewelry he wore. Dozens.
"You!! I thought I killed you!!" Kuwabara said, surprised.
"Who are you looking for youkai here? You won't find anyone. I've
disposed of every last human." Maja laughed again. "Now it's time to dispose
of you and the little girl. Do you still have that interesting sword of
yours, the rei ken?"
"Keh, you talk too much!" Kuwabara growled. "This time I'll finish
you off, you asshole! REI KEN!!!" A sword born from his rei ki burst forth
in his grasp. It fired up like a flaming torch. Maja continued to laugh.
"You haven't changed a bit, my dear boy," Maja mocked.
"Uruseeeeeeeeeee!!!" Kuwabara shot back, and charged towards Maja.
Maja looked amused. "I don't have time for this. Sorry I can't stay
to play with you, but I still have something important to do." He conjured
up a sword similar to the rei ken. "I still have my reflection abilities.
Like a mirror, I reflect your weapons, and your fighting skills."
"Are you gonna fight or not??!" Kuwabara yelled to Maja.
Maja's rei ken increased in length. It headed towards Kuwabara.
Kuwabara dodged it. "Twerp! You missed!" Kuwabara said.
"No, I didn't." Maja replied, an arrogant, content smile on his face.
Kuwabara turned. Hinageshi! The rei ken was headed for Hinageshi!
"HINAGESHIIIII!!!" Hinageshi saw what was happening. She made a run for it.
She ran as fast as her feet could take her. No good. The slippers... She
kicked off her slippers, and ran. The rei ken was following close behind her.
"Hinageshi!!! Nigerooooo!!!" Shouted Kuwabara. He ran towards her,
hoping he would reach her before the rei ken did. The rei ken was inching
closer. Hinageshi! No... NO!!!
Hinageshi's scream pierced the cold air, followed by Maja's cruel
laughter. Hinageshi froze in her tracks, the rei ken embedded in her back. A
few seconds later, Hinageshi fell lifeless on the snow, her blood mixing
with the cold ice.
Kuwabara stilled. He couldn't move a muscle. His eyes widened, his
hands shook, and his whole body trembled. Shock. Anger. He clenched a fist,
his nails digging into his skin. He gritted his teeth. No... No... NO!!!
Kuwabara turned abruptly to face Maja, his eyes burning into the Meikai
scum. Murderer! Kuwabara knelt down, and cradled Hinageshi's lifeless body.
Maja took Hinageshi's soul, and eyed it carefully. "My, what a nice
strong feeling." He remarked happily.
"What are you talking about?" Kuwabara asked with contempt. He was
going to pay, Kuwabara swore. God, he was going to PAY!!!
"Oh, didn't you know?" Maja said. "We, the Meikai, are after souls
with strong feelings to rebuild our kingdom. Apparently, all humans have
strong feelings, even a baboon like you." Kuwabara clenched his fist
tighter. He felt so useless. He couldn't even save Hinageshi. He lowered his
head in defeat.
"She had a very lovely strong feeling," Maja continued. "She wanted
to be a better spirit guide, was that it?" He placed Hinageshi's soul in one
of the bracelets he wore.
Something snapped inside Kuwabara. He lunged for Maja, his voice
echoing in the snowy air. "She WILL be a better spirit guide!! KONO YAROOO~!!!"
Kuwabara made desperate attempts to hit Maja with the rei ken, but he was
blinded by anger and grief. He swung, and he swung, but Maja evaded
Kuwabara's every move.
Maja chuckled. "With your lousy way of fighting, I don't think I
need to use my reflecting abilities at all." He kicked Kuwabara in the
stomach. Kuwabara tumbled to the ground, doubling over in pain. Maja
laughed, then disappeared, taking Hinageshi's soul with him.
=======================================================================
"I will save Makai not for you, but for my friends and for myself,"
Kurama said. Makoto sank back into his arms, hoping this would end soon.
"DIE, TRAITOR!!!" The possessed victims charged at Kurama and Makoto
with their weapons. If only her leg was alright... and if only Kurama would
put her down... she could change into Sailorjupiter, and show these punks a
thing or two. However, things weren't exactly going her way... The people
were moving closer and closer, their weapons ready. Makoto looked up at
Kurama again. He didn't move from his spot. She couldn't make out his
expression. `Damn it, what are you thinking?` Makoto thought. `Kurama-san!`
A victim swung at them with a golf club. Makoto didn't care about
being brave; she screamed this time. Kurama jumped to avoid the attack,
still carrying a nervous Makoto. Makoto looked up at Kurama. Geez, he looked
like he was actually enjoying this!
A victim targeted Kurama's head, and was ready to swing with the
poker. Makoto saw this, and screamed, "KURAMA-SAAAN!!!" Kurama turned, but
by then, the poker was half an inch away from his head!
"CRESCENT BEAM!!!"
A beam of powerful light appeared, causing Makoto to shield her
eyes. The beam hit the victim's hands holding the poker. It fell to floor
with a loud `clang`. A metal poker. The victim followed next, hitting the
floor with a thud. Sailorvenus and Sailoruranus rushed to Kurama's and
Makoto's side.
"That's funny," Venus said. "I didn't do much damage to his body.
Why'd he get knocked out?" Venus referred to the victim on the marble floor.
"Sailorvenus! Sailoruranus!" Makoto exclaimed with sheer joy.
"Hey there, Mako-chan!" Sailoruranus greeted. "I see you've got your
eyes set on another boy. Does he look like your ex-boyfriend?"
Makoto's face grew hot. "I-it's nothing like that..."
Venus and Uranus gave her teasing looks. "Hoooohhh?"
"This is not good," One of the spirits said. "Retreat, all of you!"
The victims' bodies ran. Venus chased them.
"You're not getting away! CRESCENT BEAM!!!" Venus yelled, and aimed
the powerful beam at them, hitting all the bodies in one blow. The bodies
crumpled to the ground, and the spirits left them. "Yata!"
"Uranus, Venus, arigatoo," Makoto said. Kurama nodded to them in
appreciation as well.
Venus whispered into Makoto's ear. "You're soo lucky! He's a real
nice guy!" Venus elbowed her, and winked.
Makoto looked astounded. "K--n-nani--??" Venus giggled.
"Well," Kurama finally spoke. "I'm going to bring Mako-chan here home."
"Yes, you do that," Uranus replied, patting Kurama on the back.
"Have fun, you two!" Venus started giggling uncontrollably now.
=======================================================================
It suddenly snowed, much to their amazement. Snow? In early July?
Makoto looked absolutely perplexed. Kurama just brushed the thought aside.
Weirder things have happened. He continued to carry Makoto. Makoto would
utter a complaint now and then to tell him that she was alright, and that
she could walk home by herself. Kurama would have none of that. She sulked
in his arms, pouting as usual. This time Kurama didn't smile.
"The enemy could be after you," Kurama scolded. "It's not safe to
just leave you alone." Then, his harsh tone turned gentle, and he looked at
her with caring green eyes. "Alright?"
"Kurama-san..." She smiled, and nodded.
After walking a few miles, they decided to stop by Kurama's house
instead because it was much closer and `along the way`. Kurama put Makoto
down, and went up the wide staircase. Makoto followed behind, gazing in
wonder at the big house.
"Okaasan? Where are you?" Kurama called, only to meet with a pair of
playful eyes. Shuichi.
"Hi, Shuichi-nisan!" Came the greeting. Makoto blinked. Shuichi-nisan?
Kurama ruffled his younger brother's hair. It was such a queer
coincidence that Kurama's human name was the same as his step-brother's. It
was just differently spelled in Kanji.
"Hi yourself, little guy," Kurama replied. "Where's Okaasan?"
"I dunno," Shuichi shrugged. "I think she's in the kitchen."
"Ok, good. I don't want any of you going outside. Is that clear?"
"Why? Is the weather bad?" Little Shuichi asked, then eyed Makoto.
"Who's she?"
Makoto smiled, and bended down in front of little Shuichi. "Hello,
I'm Mako-chan. Do you want to play?"
"Ha," Little Shuichi scoffed. "I bet you can't even play a good card
game!" Kurama quirked an eyebrow at him. Makoto continued to smile.
"Ok, what game do you want to play?" Makoto asked.
A few hours later, they were still at it. Makoto had won five games
of fish, 2 games of rummy, and 3 games of old maid. Little Shuichi won 2 in
fish, 3 of rummy, and 1 in old maid. Kurama watched them, amused at how
Makoto and Shuichi got along just fine. Shuichi gave an exasperated cry, and
flipped the cards over his head. Makoto laughed, and ruffled his hair.
Shiori, Kurama's human mother, walked in from the kitchen, followed by
little Shuichi's dad.
"Shuichi," Shiori said to Kurama. "We would love to have your
girlfriend over for dinner tonight." Kurama's step-father nodded.
Much to Kurama's chagrin, he replied, "Uh, no... I mean, sure, but
she's... uh... not my... she's just my..."
Shiori walked over to Makoto, who was laughing and trading jokes
with little Shuichi. Makoto stood up, and as a sign of respect, bowed to
Shiori. What Shiori said to her after that, made Makoto turn pink.
"Gomennasai. I'd love to, but I can't. I have to do something very
important tonight." Makoto told Shiori. Shiori gave an understanding nod.
Makoto turned to little Shuichi, and said, "Well, I'll be seeyin` ya, big
guy! Unti the next card game, ok?" Makoto saluted to him.
Shuichi raised a thumb. "You bet!"
======================================================================
They finally made it to Makoto's apartment. Kurama dropped her off,
and told her not to leave the apartment. He went on his way, but told her
he'd be back. Makoto sighed as she watched him leave. He was such a cool
guy! And to think he carried her all the way home. It was like they were
newly weds or something. Makoto blushed at the thought. As soon as Kurama
was out of sight, Makoto limped outside.
`It's time for senshi business,` She thought, and transformed into
Sailorjupiter. Her leg still flooded with hot pain, but she managed to walk
towards the direction of the mall where she and Kurama had left Sailorvenus
and Sailoruranus.
A feminine-looking being eyed Sailorjupiter carefully. Or rather,
Kino Makoto. He had seen her transformation. His bracelets dangled, as he
placed his hands on his hips. Maja! He chuckled. What an interesting catch...
Jupiter continued to limp all the way, but she stopped to catch her
breath on the snow-covered bridge. This was tough. She looked around. There
wasn't any sign of an enemy in the area. Whew. She looked down at the glassy
lake. Perfect for skating on. She sighed. So many emotions played through
her head and her heart. She always got overly sentimental when got alone.
Her parents. Friends. Being a senshi. Cooking. Being feminine. ...Kurama...
She shook her head. `Yaaa... what am I thinking?` She put her hands to her
cheeks.
Jupiter heard something. Like the dangling of chimes and bangles.
She turned. Standing on the edge of the bridge behind her was a
weird-looking guy with bluish hair. He wore jewelry all over his body, and
especially wore bracelets. The bracelets tinkled and chimed like bells.
"Who are you??" Jupiter demanded, positioning her arms to fight.
"Come, come, no need to get defensive," The guy said. "I'm Maja, I'm
from Meikai, and I want your soul, so hand it over, and don't be picky about
it!"
"Say what?!" Jupiter replied. "I don't understand what you mean, but
I'm not going to be fooled by an arrogant weirdo like you!! SUPREME THUNDER!!!"
Maja laughed. "I forgot to mention... my fighting technique happens
to be a reflecting ability, so like a mirror, I can reflect back all your
attacks with the same power level!"
"Nani?!"
"SUPREME THUNDER!!!" Maja yelled. The two electically charged blasts
from both fighters collided, and exploded from the friction. Jupiter
shielded herself.
"I'll have to fight you with physical strength then," Jupiter
concluded. "Be prepared! Here I come!" Jupiter ran towards him, her fists
ready. Her leg hurt with every step she took, but she stood it. Maja laughed.
"You're such a fool!" Maja retorted as he blocked Jupiter's punch to
the jaw. "I can reflect even your fighting abilites."
Jupiter gasped. "What!?" Her eyes widened. She saw Maja's fist
coming her way! She ducked. She gave a loud battle cry, and tried to hit him
some more with her fists and elbow, but all he did was block and dodge.
That's it! She had had it! There was no way this bozo was going to win! Her
knowledge of karate shouldn't go to waste! She lifted her leg for a
roundhouse; perfect, he was in range! She had him now! One, two, three, she
swung for the kick, then a bolt of white pain shot through her leg like a
poisonous arrow. She gasped. No, not again! Maja seized the opportunity, and
swung his leg at her, kicking her in the chest! Jupiter screamed. The blow
was strong, and Maja had kicked her off the bridge, and into the frozen
lake. She crashed into the ice, and into the freezing water.
=======================================================================
***********************************************************************
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|
Hi there, folks! How's everyone? I just couldn't resist |
writing an "Author's note" or something like that. I |
cannot believe I cried reading this chapter. Weird, huh? |
I'm the author, and I'm the one who cried, gosh! |
Well, hope you like BHS so far. There's more to come, so |
stick around, ok? Ciao! ^_^ |
|
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____________________________________________________________
http://www.skyinet.net/users/kcmisa/UForest.htm |
http://members.theglobe.com/tourmaline/tourmaline2.html |
ICQ #: 703221 |
____________________________________________________________/
"A smile is worth a thousand words."
-- That's Cheval-chan for yah! ^_^