They were asleep, such a sweet pair. He wanted to take them both, take the very essence of them and keep it. Their breathing was slow, soft, lost in some faraway dreams. Perfect. A red glow softly started from the base of his throat and he closed his eyes, searching.
It was an old dream, one that used to haunt him when he had strong feelings for Shuuichi. He could see himself in a grove of tree's, Shuuichi's arbour. It was beautiful, the leaves on the lush trees matching the heavenly green in Shuuichi's eyes. His love sat under one of the larger trees, a book in his hands, his expression giving away his interest in the goings-on of the novel. He would approach Shuuichi, and those clear, searching eyes would find his and the delicate lips would become drawn in a smile.
"Touma," he would say, so sweetly that it made him shudder. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you," he would reply.
"I wasn't expecting company, but you may join me. In fact, I'd enjoy that."
A smile would pull at the boy's thin lips at the thought of spending time with Shuuichi. He would take a tentative seat close, but not touching. It was enough just to barely feel the warmth, the seductive calm that surrounded Shuuichi. It would make him reach for that beautiful body and kiss that sweet mouth. Even just the dream itself would send icy shivers down the frail body. Shuuichi's hands would touch him ever-so-softly, giving each muscle, each detail careful consideration.
"I love you, Shuuichi."
"I love you too."
"No, you don't."
Only when he was trapped inside of Seth did another twist develop. In the past, he would wake up to Shuuichi's voice or delicate kiss. Now, Hiei was there, yanking Shuuichi away. The red hair was entwined with silver strands, eyes flickering gold. Hiei would clutch his love around the waist and Shuuichi wouldn't fight it, no matter how much he tried to control the dream. Hot tears would sting his cheeks, the dream almost to real for him to bear. But then...there would be something else...a face, so pale and fragile that it nearly broke his heart. It was Seth, and while Shuuichi had vanished with Hiei, the pain vanished. Seth's kiss was all he needed to feel love, his touch all he needed to be at peace. It was a better dream, one that he cherished, not only for its comfort, but for its truth. And then he would wake up in his lover's arms...
"It seems we've become pretty popular," Kyrahna murmured, her robes fluttering in the morning wind. "It won't be long before the authorities in the Reikai learn of our escape."
Kioku joined her on the balcony. "It is not our purpose to become popular. Nor must we worry about what some spirit guides can do. Don't forget what we really came here for."
Kyrahna rolled her eyes, turning her back on her brother. "I know, I know. We're going to live out Father's dream and recapture the nine yoroi that those silly, little humans possess."
Kioku looked at her, grim amusement in his dark red eyes. "Why, am I right in assuming to you have no interest in the armours?"
"You are," Kyrahna replied. "Why do we need those things? We are twice as powerful as our father. His energy counted on a collection of mystical metal, while we need no such thing. We could have the Makai all for ourselves without the yoroi."
"On the contrary, the yoroi is what destroyed Father in the first place. If we don't get a hold of it, it may very well destroy us as well," Kioku countered. He looked out towards the quickly brightening sky. "It's a shame that Mother was a traitor to our father's legacy."
"Quit using that for an excuse!" Kyrahna snapped. "It was not her destiny to become part of Arago's take-over. He forced everything upon her! ...Even us!"
For a brief second, pain flashed in Kioku's eyes, but he soon masked it with a determined face. "It doesn't matter. We will do things much more different. There are some delicate strings that we can pull on." Kioku lifted the silver pendant off his chest, clenching it in his fist. His youki exploded in an array of colour around him. "Yes. It will most definitely will be different. There will be tools for our plan that will put the Yoroiden Samurai Troopers completely at our mercy."
Kyrahna smiled her small, wicked smile. "Then the sooner we get started, the better, ne?"
Kurama carried the bowl of popcorn into the room, followed by Touma who carried the tray of drinks. Yuusuke and Kuwabara grinned at the sight of the food and hurried to take it from them. Kurama's basement was filled with sleeping bags and overnight duffels. He had figured that since the day had been quiet, everyone would be able to loosen up better with a party. His mom agreed happily and even left the house to the boys for the night, opting to stay with a friend of hers. Hiei watched them from the couch, and Seth idly toyed with one of Kurama's roses on Touma's sleeping bag.
"Okay, so do we watch Sailormoon first or Suikoden?" Kurama asked, flashing the two boxes from on top of the TV set.
"My vote's for Sailormoon," Yuusuke said with a huge grin. "They wear really short skirts and can kick some ass!"
Kuwabara nodded.
"What about you, Touma?"
He shrugged, sipping his drink. "Whatever you want."
Kurama smiled and popped one of tapes in. In moments, Kuwabara and Yuusuke were glued to the set, and Kurama could swear he saw one of them drooling. He rolled his eyes and snuggled next to Hiei on the love seat. He'd seen both movies already, choosing ones he knew his friends hadn't. He had to hand it to himself for coming up with the best way to flirt with Hiei right under everyone's noses and still handle himself in a pop quiz, should anyone have gotten suspicious of his plot.
About an hour later, Hiei got drowsy, leaning his head on Kurama's chest as his eyelids slowly closed. Smiling, Kurama held him close and assessed the situation. Yuusuke and Kuwabara were watching the end of the movie, and Touma and Seth were already asleep in Touma's sleeping bag. Not long after, Kurama laid his head back and was soon asleep.
He was jolted awake as Hiei became rigid in his arms, now wide awake. His crimson eyes were scanning the basement.
"What is it?" Kurama murmured. Then he felt it, youki...strong youki. The house was becoming surrounded by it.
A rumble from outside confirmed his suspicions. He leapt off the couch, ready to do damage to anyone who dare cross his threshold uninvited. He climbed the stairs with the stealth of a cat, not waking the others, who were still asleep. Hiei was close behind him, the scrape of metal leaving its sheath reaching his ears. As he topped the stairs, he could already see the deformed faces of youkai, meshed in the moonlight through the living room windows. Gathering his ki for a fight, Kurama threw open the front door and stepped out into the chilly night air.
"Step aside, silly human. We only want the bearer of Tenku," one of them hissed venomously.
"What are you talking about?!" Kurama snapped.
"Fine! We will ravage this place and take what we desire."
"The hell you will! RoseWhip!"
Kurama's whip snapped in all directions in a matter of seconds, sending demons scattering. Hiei followed the sharp vine in time, aiming to strike down the ones who were brushed with fear of the thorned menace. Some aimed true, but the others dodged the fire demon with practised ease.
"Kurama!"
A third shape leapt into the fray, placing himself between his friend and the swarm of demons. He was wearing blue and white metal sub-armour, and it was only when the dark blue eyes faced him, that Kurama realised that it was Touma.
"What the..."
"Back off! It's me they want!"
"You?! But..."
As Touma began to take up the battle where Kurama had left off, it quickly dawned on the redhead what was going on, and the thought surprised him. He was one of the boys Kayura had spoken of. He was in danger. Eyes narrowing, he got a hold of himself, attacking as he had before, ignoring Touma's protests. In no time, they were joined by Kuwabara and Yuusuke, Seth also coming out to protect Touma. Kurama's front yard had become a miniature battlefield. For a moment he was thankful that his neighbours were heavy sleepers.
"Everybody, back off!" an unfamiliar voice rang out.
Touma seemed to recognise it and turned on the four Reikai Tantei. "You heard him! Back up!"
Even Seth obeyed and they let Touma drive them far enough back from the youkai.
"SOU EN ZAN!!!"
Before the demons had the chance to advance, a white flare lit up the entire area. It flooded around the small army and their screams could be heard above the roaring of the ivory flames. Moments later, it all faded, leaving behind charred grass and the fading smell of burning flesh.
Four more shapes joined those already assembled in Kurama's yard. One of them approached Touma. In the light of the moon, Kurama caught the sight of pale blue metal.
"Are you okay, Touma?" a soft voice asked.
"I'm fine," he replied. He looked at Yuusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara, and Kurama with sheepish smile. "I'm sorry guys. I never thought I'd get you guys mixed up in this crazy mess. I think we need to have a talk."
"All of us do," Yuusuke said. "There are some things that you should know, and I'm sure the concept is mutual."
"Indeed it is," said a blonde who wore green armour.
"Minna, go on inside," Kurama urged. "Touma, make some tea. I need to take care of my front yard."
Kurama's friends knew exactly what he meant. The new arrivals gave him a strange look and watched in fascination as he set to work, re-growing the blackened grass and flowers. When he was done, he joined them inside.
"So, you're the ones Kayura-san was talking about," Kurama said thoughtfully, sipping his tea.
The Yoroiden Samurai Troopers nodded, their armour gone and replaced by everyday street clothes. Introductions had been taken care of, and the situation had been discussed at length. Riyo set down his cup.
"Yes. But I still find it hard to believe that you guys could get involved in this too. I mean, it's always been just the five of us."
"Well, whenever the Reikai becomes involved, so do we," Yuusuke said. "It just so happened that Kayura and Emperor Enma knew each other and had a hand in sealing up the Meikai. She's the one who explained how Kyrahna and Kioku escaped."
He looked warily across the room where Shu sat, still unused to the idea that he would have to work with the boy he fought with for territory.
"That part is still a little confusing," Touma said, rubbing his chin as he often did when he was puzzling something out. "Those two are related to Arago in some way?"
"That's what she said. And it might explain why you saw an apparition that looked like him when you were attacked. It could have been meant to be a confusing illusion," Kurama answered. "According to her, they're after your armours..."
"Who isn't?" Shu muttered.
"...and they're going to take over the three realms."
Seiji let out a low whistle. "This might be tough, especially if their twice as powerful as Arago once was. It took a lot of strength and willpower just to kill him. Just think of what it will be like dealing with relations that have more power."
"Not to mention that there are two of them," Shin added solemnly.
"Siblings," Seth supplied. "I heard it mentioned while I was in the Makai."
Hiei nodded.
"So what does this all mean?" Kuwabara asked.
"It means," Yuusuke said, a familiar charged expression coming to his face, "that the ten of us get together and show these brats who's in charge."
They all shouted in agreement.
Kioku toyed with the amulet around his neck. His attack had failed in acquiring the yoroi he sought, but new ideas were already coming together. Thanks to his little visit to the soul of Tenku, he had been given quite useful information. Very soon, he would be able to take the Yoroiden Samurai Troopers apart...piece by agonising piece.
Hiei was the last to leave Kurama's house that morning. After a long kiss goodbye, the fire demon left to go wandering. Since Kurama's mother wasn't due back until afternoon, Touma's friends had been invited to stay the night. It was a little late by the time they had finished talking to be roaming the streets alone. They had stayed up discussing possible battle plans and sharing tactics. Through this, Shin stayed on the quiet side, only voicing his opinion when asked to. As the night wore on, conversation had dwindled to topics at school, the group drifting off to sleep. Kurama and Hiei had been the last, too wound up to instantly fall asleep as the others had. It was pleasant for Kurama just to be able to relax in the youkai's company. He knew that Hiei didn't like a lot of social contacts and usually refrained from any affectionate actions while the others were around.
The next morning, the crowd dispersed, heading their own separate ways. Kurama turned on some music and set to cleaning up the basement. Not expecting more guests than he'd invited, he'd had to dig out his entire supply of extra pillows and blankets. He quickly folded them and put them back in the storage closet, anxious to finish so that he could start on the report that was due the next day. Once he finally had things back in order, he headed upstairs, grabbing an apple, and sat down at his computer. He hit the switch and it snapped to attention. As he waited for the main screen, he caught a dark shape out of the corner of his eye. Wary, he narrowed his eyes, turning his head toward the patio door where he'd seen the shape.
His heart leapt into his throat when he saw Hiei laying on the ground, a man standing over him. Long, white hair flowed in the breeze, hard garnet eyes fixed on him. His grin showed a pair of fangs, the smile mocking, daring. Kurama leapt from his chair, throwing open the patio door. His hand flew to his hair, summoning a dazzling red rose. He flicked his wrist, the RoseWhip at his command.
"So, Kurama, you dare to fight me for this creature you call your soul mate, do you?" the man taunted.
"Who the hell are you?!" Kurama demanded. "And why are you here?!
"I am Kioku. I have come for you and your Koorime."
Kurama back-stepped a little. He was one of the demons Koenma was after! Gods, where were the others when he really needed them? Youki on a grand scale was pouring from Kioku's store and he made no move to conceal its massive presence. He was rubbing Kurama's nose in it.
"Fight me if you want, but leave Hiei out of this!"
The youkai laughed. "What a foolish thing you creatures call love. You would take his place where others would leave him to his fate."
"What's it to you?!"
"It is nothing to me, for I shall have you both anyway."
"Not a chance!"
Kurama sprang forward, his whip cracking harshly at Kioku. He didn't move to dodge, merely disappearing altogether and coming back in another spot in the yard. He did this several times as Kurama tried fruitlessly to get in a shot. Frustrated, he threw his whip to the ground. It reverted back to a flawless rose and vanished. He frantically racked his mind for something he could use against the seemingly unstoppable youkai. Pretty soon, the stronger demon would try to counter-attack. Kioku grinned.
"Shall I take this to mean you are giving up?"
"Guess again."
Kurama's ki pooled into a yellow glow around him. From out of nowhere, vines sprang up from the ground, catching Kioku off guard. In seconds, he was entangled, yelling and struggling against them. Kurama felt him try to use his youki, but he had once thought ahead to ward this particular plant to be immune to it. He glanced one more time at the cursing Kioku, then turned to where Hiei lay sprawled. He knelt down and touched the youkai's cheek.
"Hiei! Are you all right?! Hiei!"
Panicking, Kurama shook Hiei lightly. He moaned a little, and Kurama sighed with relief. A moment later, his red eyes opened.
"Kurama?" Hiei said softly, a look of confusion on his face for a moment.
"Hiei! Thank Enma you're okay! What happened to you?"
"I...I tried to get back into Makai...then...out of nowhere...there was youki. I fell and lost consciousness. Did you...did you stop it?"
Kurama nodded, smiling reassuringly at the fire demon. He smoothed his hand over Hiei's brow. "He's all wrapped up and ready to be sent to Koenma."
Hiei looked over to see Kioku trapped and smiled. "Good."
He lifted his head and kissed Kurama's lips gratefully. Kurama held it for a moment, then pulled away.
"I was so worried about you."
"I think you should be more worried about what's going to happen to you, Kurama."
Kurama blinked, and before he could question the remark, Hiei sprang upward, causing him to pull back before he was hit in the chin. Hiei smiled evilly at him, his form swiftly changing.
"Hello, sweet kitsune. I've always wanted a little pet."
Hiei's voice had shifted from its bass tone to become higher, feminine. His body, too, was changing. Kurama made a move to run, but youki slammed into him with such a force that it made every muscle ache.
"Are you scared, little youko? Don't worry, Kurama. I won't hurt you, if you behave," the woman's voice purred.
Kurama tried to regain his wits, but something cold and metallic was clasped around his throat. He felt another pulse of youki enter his body, and while his will screamed in denial, he felt himself giving in to his captor. His mind went blank, his thoughts torn from their very beginnings. He only heard what his mistress said, only wanted to do as she commanded. He lived for no one...but her.
I left Touma's house later that afternoon. He had a report to do for school and I didn't want to be a distraction. With nowhere else to go, I returned to the Makai. I figured that I could make myself useful in this fight by picking up as much information as I could about the escaped siblings. Since I wasn't a Reikai Tantei and I wasn't anywhere near being a samurai, I thought that this was the best I could do.
I followed the road I had seen Kyrahna take the last time I was there. The road led out of Dokoren's main city and onto the sparsely inhabited backlands. The woods were dark despite the daylight and not many youkai dared go that route. It was said to be guarded by an ancient poltergeist. I knew better, having escaped an enraged merchant once and meeting Kurushimi there. I could understand why Kyrahna and Kioku would choose such an area to carry out their scheme. I knew for sure I couldn't get too close...I didn't want to. I didn't have enough experience on my hands to be that cocky. I settled for getting a good look at their stronghold.
It was just beyond the forest's edge, a small fortress nestled in the hills behind Dokoren. The trees blocked it from the view of those on the main road. It was hidden well. I didn't venture beyond the borders of the trees, even settling for staying back further, but I needed a better vantage point. I shifted forms, becoming the small, nimble Hiei. Skilfully, I managed to get to a high enough branch to see what was going on inside the gates. A red moat surrounded the fortress, most definitely an older structure. One didn't see castles and drawbridges much these days. The courtyard on the outer section of the moat swarmed with youkai, scrambling to prepare for an attack. Some were sparring, some were sharpening or crafting swords and glaives. I frowned. They must have been more ready for an attack than we imagined. Looking upward, I saw a balcony jutting out from the blackened facade. A man with long, white hair stood, observing the goings-on in the courtyard below. That had to be Kioku. But where was...?
My attention was drawn away from Kioku as I saw the youkai fall into formation at the lowered drawbridge. They lined the path on each side, all on one knee, their heads low. A woman, no doubt Kyrahna, left the castle first. She was tall, her head high, stepping among the youkai as if she were royalty. She had a smug grin on her face, giving me a sinking feeling. My stomach twisted at the thought of all the things she or her brother could have done between the time I left and now. At least I knew Touma was safe, but the others...
I sucked in my breath as I saw who followed her out. Long, silver hair was taken up by the humid wind, long legs carrying him just as regally as the woman who preceded him. His silver tail flickered idly behind him. But what scared me the most was the utter blankness in those golden eyes. I couldn't be mistaken; that was definitely Youko Kurama. Shit! If they had managed to get him, we were obviously up against more than any of us bargained for. The demons on their knees also recognised the renowned thief, their beady eyes widening in amazement as he passed. Kyrahna stopped to address her army. I had to get closer.
There were trees close enough to the gates; they would be sufficient, and thick enough to cover. I leapt from limb to limb, getting close enough to hear her voice, but I dared go no further. With my better view, I became aware of the golden collar around Kurama's neck. No wonder he looked like a zombie! He was brainwashed!
"Hear me!" Kyrahna shouted, her voice as clear as bells. "I can see that you all recognise the great Kurama. He will be your general. I want you to follow his commands as though they came from myself or Kioku. Is that understood?"
The youkai assented.
Kuso! We really were in trouble! On their side was the most tactical deceiver the Makai had to offer. Not only that, he would be pitted against Touma and his friends, acting as both a commander and a shield . While Touma would hold back, the other Troopers might not think twice about striking him down. He and I were the only ones who knew of Kurama's secret identity. Of course, Hiei did too, but that made no difference in this case.
The demons had already gone back to their jobs. Kyrahna and Kurama were heading back inside. I leapt from the trees. Touma and Hiei had to know about this. The sooner, the better.
Hiei walked slowly past the shops in Dokoren. In the old days, it would have been on cautious feet, looking for the easiest thing to steal without losing his hand or worse. Now, Kurama made sure he never had a reason to steal, except for pure interest. But since gaining a conscience, ningen Kurama abhorred stealing for fun, unless in his youko form. The shopkeepers had become a lot more protective of their goods and Hiei didn't feel ambitious enough to risk their tempers. He had other things on his mind. There was a pair of demon lords running loose. He had wished to stay out of the fight, but Koenma didn't leave him much choice, not that he ever did.
The gates lay ahead and he walked toward them, thinking that a nice nap in the trees would do him some good. He wouldn't be disturbed, for the woods had a reputation of being haunted. He smirked as he left the main city. He had started that rumour by scaring the hell out of the poor merchants that traded from Dokoren to the backlands. After they ran from fright, Hiei would take what he could carry at the time and leave. When he got hungry, he would be back to do it all over again. Pretty soon, they stopped coming and he was forced to steal from the shops themselves.
Brushing the memory aside, he approached the forest. As he neared the centre, an odd feeling came to him. A chill went down his spine, his hair prickling. He paused, every bit of him concentrating on the sense he was picking up. His eyes widened. It was impossible! Kurama's youki?! Here?! He crept deeper into the forest, feeling the youki increase slightly with every foot closer. It was Kurama! But wasn't he back in the Ningenkai doing...homework? Hiei warily made his way through the thick trees, wondering what was going on.
"Are you looking for something, Hiei?"
The fire demon whirled on his toes, sword drawn, ready to fight. Youko Kurama stood not to far away, regarding him with a faraway stare. His voice. Something wasn't right. Hiei's eyes strayed to the golden collar that gripped the slender throat. He took a step back.
"I want you to come with me, Hiei," Kurama said softly, his voice cold and uncaring.
"No!" Hiei screamed. He leapt forward, baring his sword, praying that his aim would be true.
Something sharp and painful wrapped around his ankle as Kurama stepped to the side, missing Hiei's lunge. The youkai fell the ground, clenching his teeth as he looked down at his leg then back at Kurama. The thorned whip the youko now held dripped with his blood, the thorns ripping apart a considerable amount of flesh on his ankle.
"Come on, Hiei. I know you don't want to do this. And I really don't want to hurt you. Kioku doesn't want a warrior that can't fight," Kurama said, his voice sending shivers down Hiei's spine.
Hiei rose to his feet with a little difficulty. "I don't care what that bastard wants. I won't let them take me, nor will I let them have you!"
"Oh, how noble, Hiei."
The whip snapped again, and Hiei was sent rolling to miss its aim. He got up on his knee just as it struck again. It took hold of his sword, and, with a violent tug, sent the blade flying from Hiei's grip.
"Look around you. This is my element. You cannot possibly escape me. If you knew me as you thought you did, you would have known better than to challenge me here."
"Who challenged who?" Hiei growled.
He lunged for Kurama, unarmed, prepared to rip the collar off with his bare hands. Kurama knocked him to the ground effortlessly. Before Hiei could recover from the blow, he found himself entangled in vines. He pushed against them, cursing. Kurama's whip disappeared and he stepped toward Hiei. His hand touched the youkai's cheek and ran down the side of his neck.
"You know it will be better with you at my side. It's always been that way, Hiei."
Hiei jerked away from Kurama's hand, finding he couldn't do anything, being bound so tight by writhing vines. Kurama smiled, leaning forward to kiss Hiei. In an instant, he had slipped a golden collar around Hiei's pale neck. "Together forever, love."
I wouldn't take "no" for an answer. I diligently followed Touma to school the next morning. My search for Hiei after Kurama had disappeared turned up nothing. I went back to the Makai, thinking I'd find him there, but still didn't find him. So I explained what happened to Touma. He was as shocked as I had been, and Hiei's sudden disappearance didn't comfort either of us much more. Deciding not to take any chances, I insisted on keeping an eye on Touma, no matter what. He kept telling me that he didn't need to be baby-sat, but I didn't listen.
I remained in the wysteria tree outside the main classrooms. I remembered that spot, not because I had been there after falling in love with Touma, but I remember his body being there, laying in Hiei's lap. Touching, when you thought about it, considering that Hiei wasn't exactly your cuddle-me kind of demon. Well, I wasn't either, but at least I wasn't anti-social. I did associate with Touma's friends, often acting the innocent human, while my demon soul lay suppressed until I managed to escape the social atmosphere of the Ningenkai. When I was with Touma, he never made me feel guilty for once being a heartless youkai, nor did he make me feel any less strong when I pretended to be human for him. The illusion wasn't that hard to pull off. I looked like a normal human, and only those with a so-called "sensor" for youki could actually pick up the truth.
My spot was a rather uneventful roost, but I remained there throughout the school day, descending to meet Touma for lunch, then climbing back up when classes began again. When school was finally over, we walked home rather silently. I didn't push him about the subject of Kurama and Hiei, figuring that some things were better left unsaid until we knew more. I didn't want him to be alone; I had an uneasy feeling that things weren't going to stay tranquil for long. Very soon, I found that I had been right in my suspicions.
"Seth! Watch out!"
Touma slammed into me unexpectedly and I fell to the ground underneath him. Not more than a second later, a spear that would have sliced me in half pierced the exact spot I had been standing on. I looked up over Touma's shoulder to see a half-dozen youkai lining the roof. Behind them stood Kyrahna. She smiled wickedly, showing her fangs, and pointed at Touma. I saw her mouth form two words.
"Get him."
Touma rolled off of me and rose to his feet. The demons leapt off the roof, each brandishing some spear or sword. Their youki was strong and I wondered how the two of us were going to beat them and their mistress. Touma called for his armour as I tapped into my hidden youki. I murmured the call for the sword I had acquired from Hiei. Two of the demons broke off from the other four to distract me from helping Touma. He finished the transformation, wearing a beautiful yoroi of dark blue. At that moment, I felt something strange, powerful run through me. The ki of the sword changed from black to blue and back again. It couldn't be Chi, could it? I hadn't felt power like this since I held Touma captive in my soul. I thought I had given everything back, but it was apparent that some of it still remained. My forehead burned as if in fever. But I couldn't let the reappearance of Chi distract me from the demons that slashed in my direction.
I did my best, but they had been trained very well. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the woman disappear from the roof, reappearing on our level. If I had thought the other demons' youki was strong, hers was intense! She might have had enough power on her own to level the entire city if she wanted.
I shot a glance in Touma's direction. He was holding his own, his armour protecting him from blows that would have put me to the ground. I instantly turned back to finish off my attackers, but was hit with a wave of nausea so strong, I doubled over, the sword vanishing from the abrupt distraction of my ki. I was quickly seized by the two youkai, my arms pinned roughly behind my back.
"Seth!" I heard Touma yell.
I looked up, trying to force out the dizziness, to see Touma fighting to get to me. But the other four youkai kept him back, dodging the swings of his bow, and always missing the pierce of his arrows. On top of the pain, my forehead burned twice as much and I wondered what the hell was happening to me. Kyrahna approached, studying me carefully.
"What do we have here?"
She reached out to push aside my hair, her touch cold against the heat she found there.
"The bearer of this virtue is wearing the yoroi..." she murmured, holding back my white hair to examine my forehead critically. "...yet I feel Chi in this demon as well. Could the yoroi have two souls instead of one?"
"What are you talking about?!" I snapped. She didn't bother to hold her youki in check and I felt like I was smothering in it. I struggled against my captors, trying to break free. But the nausea returned, and the grip on my arms tightened.
"Hold still!" she ordered. Her ice-cold palm pressed completely against my forehead, pushing my head back as she did. Something like fire ripped through my skull, an intense ache resonating in my head. I couldn't help screaming loudly, the agony too much for me to bear in silence.
"Seth!" Touma cried again.
I heard him fight with renewed vigour, and I closed my eyes against the female demon's power. Oddly, I felt her shifting through the thoughts in my head, rifling in my private memories, feeling for something. I clenched my teeth, trying to focus myself enough to drive her out. I was met with more pain, and I sagged.
"It's no use, little demon, my power is greater than yours, so don't even try to fight me."
Just when I thought I could stand no more, she pulled back. The pain nearly vanished except for a dull pounding in my head. She removed her hand, leaving me helpless. I dared to open my eyes, squinting at the sunlight. Touma was still fighting and I wanted nothing more than to be by his side. The woman before me smiled.
"Well, well, well, it seems I have gotten more than I bargained for. I don't understand why my brother didn't see it before. You have been a great help, little one." I growled, shamefully unable to do more. She turned to her minions. "Do what you will with the human, kill him if you must, but I want that armour when you return!"
"Yes, Kyrahna," they replied.
"As for you..."
I looked up at her. She turned her back, her youki flaring up again.
"You will come with me."
I screamed, nausea overcoming me again. Before I could even deal with it, my world went dark.
"Seth!" Touma yelled, his voice hoarse with sobs. "No!"
A rush of anger flooded over him, his ki building with his rage. He jumped back from the four demons he had been left to fight. His stormy blue eyes narrowed as he fitted a golden arrow to his bow. He had held himself back, not wanting to hurt Seth in the explosion of energy. His ki flooded to the tip of the arrow, wind howling around him. The youkai shrank back, not knowing what to make of the charged Touma.
"SHINKUHA!!!"
In the explosion that followed, the demons were crushed under the magnitude of ki in Touma's attack. The arrow itself left a small crater in its wake. Panting, Touma sank to his knees. Tears threatened to fall at the loss of his lover.
"Touma!"
Touma looked up at the sound of Riyo's voice. He, Seiji, Shin, and Shu jogged up, their basic armour glinting in the afternoon sunlight.
"We came as soon as we could! What happened?" Seiji asked, kneeling down beside Touma.
Touma turned his eyes tearful to his friend. "They have Seth."
