Do you know what death feels like? No, one wouldn’t suppose you would know, else you wouldn’t be reading this. Death was an amazing thing, really. Karasu had ushered many souls into the waiting hands of death, stripping away their mortal coil with a look of absolute glee in his eye. Karasu had murdered, raped, and brutalized so many people that one expected his hands permanently stained the color of drying blood. Karasu, himself, had even laid on death’s doorstep, awaiting the finality and freedom that only something as sweet as death could afford him. But there was no such luck. For so long he lived only to kill, finding pleasure only in the depression that striking down the things you wanted could bring to you. It was like thinking of unanswerable questions. The pain made you know you were alive. The pain made it better.
But Karasu was digressing. He remembered everything so vividly. His hair was golden, so sure of himself, so sure he would indulge Kurama’s masochistic streak until he was naught but a stain on the concrete. But… But… Kurama. That was the only word for it. Kurama. Kurama had been wily enough to risk his own life in order to kill Karasu. Kurama had struck without mercy and without remorse. Watching the fox attack him was the single most beautiful act he’d ever witness. Karasu remembered every pump of blood that left his system. He remembered the shock in his eyes as Shuuichi’s plant rose to devour him, his body just a shell. He could still feel the plant eat him, crush his bones and devour his skin like a tasty little snack.
Kurama was the only one strong enough to push him over the threshold, to shove him into death’s waiting arms. Kurama had set him free. For that, they would always be bonded. A murderer and victim, closer then all others, it was so unbelievably poetic.
Someone like Karasu doesn’t stay dead for long, however. Somewhere in the cold, mind-wrenching boredom of hell, he felt something snap. He felt pain shoot up through every iota of his being, and then he saw a light, so bright that it burnt his retinas. Later, he would call it his second birth. In all reality, he could not tell you what had brought him back to life, and he was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He awoke, or was born, whatever, into a clearing in a forest. Naked, but just as he had been before death—save for one thing. A scar, in the shape of a minutely abstracted star, from where the vampire plant had taken it’s hold. What a cute memento.
The crow demon might have been a mad-man, but he was not so mad as to be incapable of fending for himself. Like all people, he gave himself a plan. And then like all people dead-set on getting what they wanted, he orchestrated the plan. Get some clothes—check. Steal a house and kill inhabitants? Check. See if pointless human bank-account Sakyo had set up for him was still intact and filled with cash—check. (Well, maybe Sakyo was smarter then he looked. Dead b*****d.) Stalk Kurama? …Check. Multiple checks. Karasu had spent a month or so, just watching, just waiting. Looking for every weakness, every like and dislike.
But that was all in the past, now~ Here, today, today was special. Today was the day he acted on it all. Karasu had waited for Kurama to leave, his ki sucked up and suppressed so none could even pretend to notice him, and he watched. Kurama’s one weakness was his human mother. It was a low blow, but what did it matter? He had no loyalties and no shame, he’d do whatever it took to get what he wanted. Striking fast and without mercy, he incapacitated the woman, hulking her thin frame over his shoulder, and disappearing as though nothing had happened.
She laid, mostly unconscious, on his own bed. Karasu had tried to rough her up a little, but like all human bitches she screamed and cried and didn’t put up a fight at all. Why are you doing this to me? What did I do to deserve this? Please have mercy~ Blah blah blah, me me me, blah blah blah blah me me blah. That was all Karasu heard. He didn’t care for this human whore or her expectations. So he became annoyed, knocked her out, and was prepared to wait until Shuuichi found the note explaining the situation. He was sure he wouldn’t have to wait much longer… it was two hours past dark. Kurama should be home soon.
My dearest Kurama;
You have something that I want. And in turn, I took something that you want. I have your mother, and though she is alive for now, she will not remain as such until you can supply what it is I so dearly desire. Perhaps the human world has made that stunningly sharp brain of yours dull, so I will be clear:
If you don’t take the place of your mother, I am more than likely going to rape, eat, and murder her. Though I cannot guarantee which order I proceed in. If you make the mistake of contacting your friends, I will make sure that your mother meets a fate much worse than death.
Oh, and do come quickly, I am not willing to entertain her much past midnight.
Yours, always;
Karasu
That should get the point across, right? He did hope so. As much as he would enjoy killing the mother, he would rather indulge himself with Shuuichi. It’d been so long, after all. Karasu had left a scent for the fox's sensitive and gorgeous little nose to follow. He'd find his house, large and looming and gray against the other beige houses. It fit perfectly. Over the past few Months, Shuuichi Minamino, Aka Kurama, had been getting an uneasy feeling. It wasn't something he completely paid attention to though, after all, he had done his bit, the team was officially split up, and Yusuke didn't need help anymore after awakening to his full potential. Even Kurama had been surprised at the raw power the boy commanded. Hiei had returned to the demon world for the time being, and now, Kurama was left to watch over his human family. Just as he had wished. His Stepfather had even said he could offer him a job position at his work if he was interested. Shuuichi wasn't sure if he wanted to do that or continue on to college. There were.. opportunities. And He was content with it. Sure, he still kept in contact with his friends. But he was done with all the fighting and demonic influences. He wanted to live life as a normal human. Most of the time, thoughts and memories of his old fights never even crossed his mind, except in passing. He carefully cataloged everything away and stored it deep in his mind, hoping to never need to use it.
But lately.. He had been haunted by an ever-growing sense of deep disgust. Only recently had he come to terms that his Youko self, had gained a persona of it's own. He had accepted this fact cooly, and then kept it locked. Youko could come out when needed. Not anytime after that. And he locked away his demonic powers as well, only using small amounts to keep his mother's gardens alive. The woman couldn't keep a garden alive and well to save her life. But she loved the pretty flowers. That thought alone was enough to make him smile.
Currently, the ex-fighter was walking home from Kuwabara's,having stopped by as a way of visiting an old friend. Kuwabara had been delighted to see him, and they had been talking most of the time, remeniscing. And then he had left, and returned to being Shuuichi Minamino, and back to the normal life with homework still, and thoughts of entrance exams or a job. What road would he take?
Living a normal life gave him a slight thrill of happiness. Something he had only felt after a good heist in his past life. A snort of disgust echoed through his mind, but he ignored it, and his Youko self who was currently wrinkling his nose in the back of his mind. Really now, Shuuichi? You dare compare this fuzzy happiness to my old days? Tsk! was the demon fox's retort for being ignored. It didn't get him a reaction though.
However, as soon as he rounded a corner and the house came in view, he knew something was off. And very wrong. His instincts were still just as keen as before, and he knew that something here was not right. Cautiously, he made his way into his home, and that was were a slight scent caught his attention. It was vaguely familiar, yet he couldn't quite place it. And it was faint. But it wasn't someone who should be here. Eyes narrowing, he lightly padded through the house. He couldn't feel his mother there. That meant something had happened. Seeking clues, and assessing anything that could be useful, he came across the note.
As he read it, his blood froze, and he felt his youki begining to go up levels as he was infuriated. Some demon-
...Those thoughts stopped as he read the last part. Karasu?! But he was dead.
Not so, fox kit. Looks like he is alive and kicking. The scent is the same. Came the cool response from the demon side of himself. Hn. So. Karasu was alive. And in the human world? That was one reason for concern. Yet he was only focused on Karasu, who had taken his mother hostage as means of getting the Kitsune's attentions. Well, He had his attention alright. And Kurama's attention was not something one would want with the mood he was in now.
Another part of the note also caught Kurama's attention. Don't involve your friends.... So. He was to do it alone? Fine. He'd become stronger since the last time they fought...
Perhaps. But then you locked it all away. Most of that lies with me. Youko responded in amusement.
No. I can call on it at any time. You're merely an incarnation of the part that still wishes to fight. Shuuichi finally mentally responded. Giving in to it, and speaking back to Youko, always left a strange feeling. Speaking to himself.
So. No friends, hmm? He would be careful then. Obey the wishes...
Midnight.. He only had maybe a few more hours. He had stayed rather late with Kuwabara...
Emerald eyes narrowing, he took off out of the house at a run. He had no clue how far the scent led. The sooner he found his mother, the better! Leaving her at the hands of a demon... No.
He felt the inner power surge, but he forced it back down. No need for a tranformation. He was going to find her, and then assess the situation from there. No need to be hasty, like Urameshi. Although.. their help would be appreciated as backup.
Strange, how he had come to depend on their teamwork so much now. Was that a sign of weakness?
He stopped finally, coming across the house that the scent led to. So. This was where Karasu was staying? The area around was a civilian neighborhood! How could he jut sit so still in plain sight? And how long had he been here? Kurama would haveto bring this up with Koenma the next time they spoke.
Taking slight breath to calm himself, he gracefully walked up to the door, and opened it. Of course.. it was open. Karasu was expecting him after all.
"Karasu...." He said, his senses alert to any surprise movements or ambush. He was on edge. Ready to fight, but also able to wait and watch as well. He had arrived before midnight. If Karasu kept to his word, his mother would still be alive. And he was alone. But not unarmed. The fox was never unarmed. He took a few more steps into the place, vaguely noting the appearance and also sensing for any plants that were useable in the area. He would get his mother free, and then find a way to deal with the crazy bomber once more.. But try and do so in a way that limited tha casualties.. By taking up residence in the human world period.. Well. That caused more problems, and would cause potentially more damage if they were to fight. Karasu had always used large attacks, damaging the area and any innocents. No care at all... This could be a slight problem.
If Kurama thought he could get away from this unscathed, he was really delusional. Karasu had a plan, and he was going to stick to that plan, and he was going to make sure that the fox was his forever. Kurama could fight and scream and beg for mercy but in the end, the crow would dominate him and there was nothing Shuuichi could do to stop him. Karasu had beaten death, what in the world could stop him now? More death? No. Not even a little. The crow wasn’t afraid of anything anymore, not that he had been afraid of anything in the first place.
Sitting in his chair, he looked at the fox with the same bored eyes, even though he wasn’t bored in the least. No, in fact he was eating the fox alive with his eyes. How long had it been since he’d seen that long, lean, beautiful body that his beloved fox possessed? Too long. Too long since he’d seen such pretty features anywhere but in his head now. Sighing, he didn’t bother to stand, but just nodded his head. That voice was beautiful, too. It was such a shame that the only way to get him over here was with the use of his mother.
“It’s so good to see you again, dear.” He smirked, his face still without mask. “But I know you’re very busy so I’m going to do you a favor and cut to the chase.” He leaned back in his chair, so smug in the knowledge that he knew what Kurama was going to do. It wasn’t that hard, he’d been watching him for so long now, he could just tell. “You are going to try to attack me, but it’s not a very good idea, I’ll have you know. Your mother is coursing with my own explosive ki. If you make the wrong choice, of trying to attack me, I’ll rip her to shreds.” He meant that, and his tone made that fact very, very clear. Karasu was going to play as dirty as he had to play, to get what it was that he wanted. Once Shuuichi was locked up tight in this house, things would be easier. And by easier he meant much more bloody, but really who was keeping tabs on what he did and didn’t mean?
“If you take her place, she can go receive medical treatment. If you insist on being obstinate, I will take pleasure in ripping her apart, and then ripping you apart. But I didn’t come back from the dead just to kill you this quickly. But, it’s all up to you know.” And it was indeed all up to Kurama. The fox would decide if his mother lived or if his mother died. Kurama was used to making these life or death situations, wasn’t he? He was used to being responsible for someone else’s fate? Karasu didn’t care either way, because he wasn’t going to let Kurama die unless he was ready to kill him off. Which, just for the record, wouldn’t be for some time.
Just the mere way the crow was sitting set off more alarm bells in Shuuichi's head. However, he refused to show his wariness, continueing to keep his calm appearance. However, just the very air in the place made it feel as if Karasu had been planning fro a long time. Just how long had the crow been alive? When had he come back? And why hadn't he gotten word from Koenma? Unless Karasu had been behaving, and hadn't killed anyone since he was there... Because killing humans would have caught the attention of the spirit world, right?
He frowned slightly at those thoughts, but thankfully Youko didn't see it necessary to add in his two cents.
Taking the time that was given, Shuuichi did his best to observe and analyze. Well, Karasu looked ... healthy. Moreso than the last time he had seen him. Death had really improved him, unfortunately.
'Too bad death didn't work that well for me.' Came the amused thought from Youko. Shuuichi ignored it as usual. Well, His power also seemed to have risen rather than dropped as well. That brought concern as well though. Could he even take him on now? Without calling on Youko? Most likely not.. But if he attacked first, and got an advantage..
Those thoughts were quickly killed as soon as Karasu spoke. So. His mother would die if he attacked him. Why did this seem so familiar? His eyes hardened as he stared at Karasu, the cold fury only evidentl in the way his body tensed. So. A life or death situation here. His mother didn't deserve to be pulled into these matters! If she was harmed in any way...
"What have you done to her? I insist on seeing her then, and treating her myself." He said, his voice calm and soft, but he knew that the crow would be able to sense the underlying emotions in it. He had been.. living as a human for a little too long. Maybe he was getting soft.
The laughter in his head from Youko only served to prove that point further.
However, the resignation was in his eyes. If it meant his mother's safety, Kurama would put himself in danger's way, if only just long enough to observe and try and find a way to deal with this demon, find help, contact his friends, or, if worst came to worst.. Transform and let Youko deal with it.
There were enough plants in the area to use for many strategies even, and he was hoping that this wouldn't prove too straining. Actually, he was hoping that if he gambled here, he would not lose his life. He had nearly lost it the last time he encounted the bomber, and he was praying for not a repeat of the last time. He needed an advantage, he needed an edge. Most of all though, he needed his mother other of here to be able to work more freely.
Karasu had to wonder what the fox thought of, nearly dying that day. Karasu had known what he thought about, dying, having all of the blood sucked out of him. It had been difficult, watching his life flash before his eyes. It had been most disturbing. Watching Kurama, as he tended to like to do, the crow couldn’t help but crack a tiny smile when the fox spoke to him. What has he done to her? A few cracked ribs, a dislocated shoulder. Shiori laid in the corner of the room, crumpled like wasted paper, she had a hair-line fracture on her cheek, a few bruises. All in all? Karasu had gone very easy on her.
Raising one long, spidery hand, he pointed to the woman in the corner and tried not to chuckle. He failed, of course, a thick, rich sound pouring out of his lips despite trying to keep himself impassive. “She’s not near as bad as you were in our last encounter. And you can treat her once I have confidence that you will remain here with me, sans your ruddy little friends.” Karasu couldn’t wait for another fight with Youko—except this time they would be alone. The crow was attracted to both of the Kuramas, the human and the demon. Karasu would gladly dominate the man with silver hair as well. Shuuichi would be his, and so would Youko. But he was getting ahead of himself, wasn’t he?
Kurama would likely take this chance, trying to convince himself he would take the abuse and learn to circumvent the crow and overpower him. But that would never happen. Karasu had killed a million pretty faces, a million different ways. Shuuichi would be special, of course, but he could not win. Karasu would own him and control him for the rest of his life. “Because you’d hate to watch your mother turn into the human variant of chum, wouldn’t you?” Karasu was teasing the fox now, trying to make him angry. Did he want a fight? No, not particularly, but he loved watching Shuuichi get upset. He loved knowing that the fox wanted him, but was too afraid of him to do anything.
Shuuichi could lie, say he didn’t want Karasu, but wasn’t it obvious? He fear his touch, but wanted to experience it as well. “Whatever your decision, love, I’m sure your human mother will appreciate it.” Was Shiori conscious enough to hear that little jab? Oh, he hoped so. Karasu wondered if the woman even understood that her son was a demon, or if she was just as oblivious as the rest of these idiots. Kurama was the one shining light of this human world. And Karasu planned to take that light, to take the beauty that was Kurama, and drag it through the dirt. Karasu wouldn’t stop until Kurama was just as dirty and wrong as he was. The crow demon would make sure that they were tangled together and inseparable. And Kurama was going to like it.
The sight of his mother was enough to almost make Shuuichi move to to on instinct, but the sound of Karasu's voice kept him still, as he attempted to keep the controled expression and not show any weakness to the other demon. He was completely out of place right now. trapped, caught. And he didn't like that. Neither did Youko, who was bristling silently in the back of his mind. Flashbacks to the fight replayed in his mind, as he tried to asses the behavior patterns or any other information from it about how to use to his advantage. Nothing really, besides the fact that Shuuichi was in deep trouble. The Crow was disturbed, sadistic, and very morbid. THat did not bode well at all.
His eyes narrowed. He could not approach unless Karasu was sure of things? Well, there was no choice really. Shiori came first above all else. She shouldn't get dragged into these kinds of things!!!!
"YOu have my word." He said, and took a few steps forward. "I will not 'call' my friends, but I am not to be held responsible if they find out on their own and come anyway. They are rather... nosy." He stated, his voice still calm, and soft, but holding that sharp edge that let Karasu know that he was not pleased with the situation. Would he actually take her place and put himself in the hands of a madman? Yes. If it meant saving her life. He approached her, and crouched down, feeling the bomber's eyes on his back. Taking out a few seeds from his hair, he began to work the best he could with what he had. She would still need to be sent to a hospital, but Shuuichi could do what was needed in order to fix anything serious, and to make her not remember this occurence.
Lightly, he touched her cheek, and then he touched the small seeds in his hand with his power, making them unfurl into small plants, feeding only off of his demonic aura. Plucking one of the leaves, he lightly rubbed it across the areas of most inner damage, leaving a scent that would seep in and kill the pain. She would need a hospital visit for sure. However, if he could make her concious, he could make her eat one of these other flowerbuds. It would help her heal better. He also let one of the other seeds he kept in his hair blossom. The one flower he had used a long time ago to erase a girl's memory of her crush on him. It would help his mother to forget this experience. Humans needed to be kept out of demonic affairs. panic would be kept to a minimal. And he also never wanted Shiori to know about who and what he was.
And the explosive ki that was pulsing through her.. Kurama gently persuaded it out of her body with his own. Over exposure to anything demonic was bad for humans.
Finishing with treating her the best he could, he looked back towards Karasu. "She still needs medical treatment." He stated, and crossed his arms over his chest. "I will stay, and take her place." He said. How was he to get her out and to a hospital if he was not allowed to leavE?
"If I promise to come back, without letting anyone know where I am going, will you let me bring her to a hospital myself?"
He needed to see. See how far he could push, how far he could go. Also, it would give him a chance to gather the seeds he left at home normally. He would just take everything. He wouldn't let them know what was going on, his friends? Because that would lead to a very messy situation. And he may have saved his mother this time, but what about next time? Best to take it slow, and handle Karasu himself, in a way that would destroy the demon. With no chance of survival this time.
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Yume's Journal of stuffs!!!
My journal is now officially my new collection of pictures. I used to print them out, but I no longer have access. So now I save them in my journal. One day, I will print them. One day, one day...
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