AUTUMN'S PROMISE
By: Chevalle

CHAPTER 5          

The four, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Miko continued to head towards the palace of the Spirit World, with Botan in the lead. Koenma had gone on ahead to prepare for the arrival of the intruders, Kuanja and Akuna, and possibly their captive, Hiei. 

As they ran through the prism-like gateway, Miko glanced at Kurama’s taut face, and realized that something was bothering him; and it was not just about Hiei’s being kidnapped. 

“Kurama-kun, what’s wrong?” Miko inquired, concern in her child-like voice. 

Kurama eyed her for a brief moment, then looked on ahead again. “Nothing’s wrong.” 

He said it so coldly, that Miko cognized something troubling him. It hit her like a shot of bourbon. However, she did not say anything, as to make matters worse. 

“Hey, Miko,” Yusuke said, running alongside her. “What rank do Kuanja and Akuna fall under?” 

“When Hiei and I were held prisoner back in the Demon World, Kuanja and Akuna were class D, like Hiei and I,” Miko replied. “Therefore, they must now be class A.” 

Yusuke nodded. “Hmm... Like Kurama and Hiei.” 

“All this class stuff is confusing!” Kuwabara gave a frustrated reply. “I’m sure glad I’m not a demon.” 

Miko giggled. “It is, isn’t it? It reminds me of tennis rankings. I was a definite class-A.” 

They reached the shining gates of the majestic palace. The Spirit World’s horizon’s color was similar to the maple leaves down on the Human World. It was like a beautiful rainbow sky, patched with fluffy cumulus clouds. Everything seemed all right, except for the unaccomplished assignment. 

Yusuke and the others slowed down their pace, as they entered the Spirit World’s kingdom. What was wrong here? Yusuke could sense it in his bones that something was amiss. 

“I sense it too,” Miko said suddenly, as if reading Yusuke’s thoughts. 

Kurama nodded.”I agree. We need to be careful.” 

“Don’t tell me those two demon sleazes are already there,” Kuwabara added. 

Yusuke, Kurama, Miko, and Botan looked ar each other. “Oh, no!!!” They ran as fast their feet could take them, the sounds of their heels scraping the narrow bridge connecting to the palace’s entrance. They hoped they were not too late. 

Botan flew on ahead on her oar, and prayed nothing terrible had happened yet. “Koenma-samaaa!!” 

Kicking open the door to the large palace hallway, the five stepped inside, wary of the disturbing silence all around them. Where were all the goblins and ogres shuffling about, carrying all the stacks 
of documents and pieces of paper? This was supposed to be a busy work place, not a tomb! As they opened another door, they gasped when they saw all the work people piled up in one corner, their souls stolen. That means, the demon criminals were in the next door. 

Botan got off her oar and walked parellel to the four. “Koenm-mmph!” Kurama covered her mouth with his hand. “Sshh... they’re here, inside Koenma’s office.” 

Botan’s eyes widened. “K-Kuanja and Akuna??” She exclaimed in a hushed tone. 

“Okay,” Yusuke said, readying his spirit gun. “At the count of three, we barge in and take them. 

"One...” 

“That’s not necessary, Urameshi Yusuke,” Came a female voice not far to their left. There stood Akuna, holding the Mirror of Utterdark, fondling it like a pet. The four put up their guards. Akuna  smirked wryly at them. 

“Where’s Hiei?” Kurama and Miko demanded in unison. 

“Now, now, you don’t have to raise your voices at me,” Akuna ridiculed. Kuanja stepped forth with Hiei slumped over his shoulders, with the Ruffian’s Sphere at hand, and the Ghost Slayer sword hanging from his belt. He dropped Hiei’s dead-weight body onto the marble 
floor, ans sneered. 

“Hiei!!” Miko was about to run to him, but Kuanja blasted the floor, making Miko stop in her tracks. Miko glared at him after trying to shield her face. Hiei was breathing normally, thank goodness, but what did they do to him? 

“Shall we make a little proposition?” Akuna suggested. 

Miko clenched her fists. A deal? Not another one! What would hypocrites like them know about 
bargains? They were cheaters, liars! How dare they... 

“You jerks! Who do you think you are??” Kuwabara flared. 

Yusuke stretched his arm in front of Kuwabara, motioning for him to play by their rules. Miko wanted to protest, but no words came out of her mouth. Don’t do this! You’ll be tricked! Don’t trust them! Angry thoughts, and objections obtruded her mind. 

“What is it?” Yusuke asked Akuna, as he took a confident step forward, his fists to his sides. 

“One of your powers for the brat here,” Kuanja replied, lifting the oblivious Hiei by the scruff of his black shirt. 

Yusuke cursed silently through his teeth. If he gave the power of the spirit gun, how would he be 
able to defeat them? Damn it all! Swallowing convulsively, he took another step forward, and nodded. “All right,” Yusuke agreed. “You can take my---” 

Kurama stepped in front of Yusuke, cutting him off, outstretching his arm to indicate not to interfere, and that he could handle this himself. Kurama stared intently at Kuanja and Akuna, and said, “Take my powers.” 

“Kurama, no!!” Yusuke exclaimed. The others gasped at Kurama’s decision. 

“However,” Kurama reasoned. “You have to give Hiei back first.” 

“Done.” Akuna answered, flipping her long raven hair behind her. “An excellent choice.” 

Kuanja cast Hiei’s body in the diection of the four. Miko caught him, but fell to the floor due to Hiei’s weight. This wasn’t good, Yusuke thought. Kuanja and Akuna were class-A demons. If they took Kurama’s powers, their enery would increase, resulting to class-S. Sweat poured down Yusuke’s temple, when he realized what the consequences were of Kurama’s action. 

Eyelids slowly opening, and a sound escaping his lips, Hiei looked up into a pair of familiar hazel eyes. Miko smiled down at the fire Koorime in her arms. “Hiei, are you all right?” Hiei uttered something under his breath, and sat up, his hand to his forehead. His Jagan would not open! This time he cursed aloud, and glared savagely at the two criminals who had stolen his third sight. He got to his feet, and was appalled when he saw Kurama having his energy taken. 

“Shit! Kurama, you idiot!!” Hiei hollered to the red-haired youth. Damn! Where was his sword? He glanced around, and could not find it anywhere. Not even Kuanja had it this time. 

“Looking for your sword, eh, waif? Sorry, but I disposed of it.” Kuanja said in that annoying pitch again. Hiei could not stand it. As if adrenaline rushed through his veins, Hiei’s fist went flying smack 
right onto Kuanja’s jaw. Kuanja was thrown back, his body hitting the castle’s wall. Kuanja sunk to the floor, grimacing in pain. His eyes widened, as his head turned left and right, searching for something. 

Hiei laughed, a vengeful gleam in his eyes. “Looking for these?” He held both the Ruffian’s Sphere and the Ghost Slayer sword in his hands. “I may not have my sword, but this Ghost Slayer one will do.” With a swift turn of his hand, Hiei smashed the Ruffian’s Sphere onto the floor, freeing the souls of the goblins, ogres, spirit guides, and even Koenma. 

“Oh no,” Botan groaned. “There goes the Ruffian’s Sphere...” 

“Ooh, Kuanja!” Akuna bit out in an exasperated tone. “You moron!” Akuna looked furiously at the four warriors, and held on to Kurama’s neck, producing long and sharp nails from her fingertips. She took a step back, and threatened to kill the lad, if they dared near her. Kurama was too weak to fight, his energy almost fully spent. Yusuke, Kuwabara, Miko, and Hiei stood their ground, apprehension settling into their system. 

Akuna laughed. “Ha ha ha, remember I still have the Mirror of Utterdark, and your dear friend Kurama! Kuanja, let’s go!” 

“Not so fast!” Kuwabara yelled. “Rei ken, get longer!!” A spirit sword of fiery energy burst forth from his hand with tremendous speed, its length expanding, aimed towards Akuna. Akuna did not even nudge. 

“What’s she doing??” It was more an exclamation than a question. Akuna pretended to yawn, as Kuwabara’s sword came. The sword stopped inches before her. Akuna laughed again. A force field of pure demon energy surrounded her. “What was that?” She mocked. “One of your little gadgets? I have some of Kurama’s powers now, so a tiny sword is no match for me!” And with that, Akuna disappeared with Kurama, followed by Kuanja, her irritating laughter echoing behind them. 

“Let’s go!” Yusuke said, hot-headed and angry now. “We have to go after them!” 

“Yeah!’ Kuwabara agreed. “Hiei, use your Jagan. Where did they go?” 

Hiei turned his face away. “...” 

“They’re headed for the park,” Miko informed in a strange voice, her eyes closed. “The wind is telling me.” 

“Okay,” Yusuke said. “Botan, stay here, and look after Koenma.” 

As soon as Yusuke and the others left the Spirit World without hesitation, Koenma regained consciousness, and sat up, with a very concerned Botan by his side. “Botan,” Koenma said. “We 
have to reach them... the gate... the mirror... moon...” He was too weak to go on. 

“Koenma-sama!!” Botan worriedly said. “You have to rest...” 

*** 

The autumn breeze tingled his skin, and its scent invaded his nostrils. Something told him he was no longer in the Spirit World, but back on the Human World. Prying open his eyes, Kurama saw hazy visions of colors. So many colors... The momiji. What was he doing in the park? A sharp pain wracked his neck, as he felt talon-like nails digging into his flesh. Without finding the might to cry out, Kurama stood the daggered pain caused by the demon woman, Akuna. It was difficult enduring physical pain as a human. When he fled to the Human World, Kurama had possessed the human body of Minamino Shuichi. Now, his demon energy was not as powerful as it was as when he was in the Demon World. If only he had the strength to transform into his demon form, Youko... His powers weren’t that important at the moment. He was just thankful that Hiei was free from the two demons’ clutches. 

“Kuanja,” Kurama heard Akuna call out. “Hurry up! We’re almost at the gate!” 

Gate? What gate? Not THAT gate! 

As if a burst of luck had rolled the dice, a loud yell sounded, followed by Akuna’s ear-shattering shriek. Kurama felt relief overflowing from his gullet, as the demon woman let him go. Kurama hit the pulpous ground beneath him, the soft, dewey blades of grass tickling him, soothing the discomfort on his neck. 

“You can’t escape!” A male voice, which was not Kuanja’s, declared. “I intentionally missed you with the rei gun!” Yusuke’s voice. 

Kurama tried lifting himself up off the squelchy soil, but found it useless and futile. His eyesight was still blurry, and he flinched at the ache on his throat. He felt a presence towering over him, but couldn’t make out who it was, until he heard the voice. “Hey, Kurama, how’re you doing down there?” It was Kuwabara. 

Slumping Kurama’s arm over his neck, Kuwabara dragged Kurama away from the scene, behind one of the momiji trees to recover. 

Time to settle the score,” Hiei said menacingly to Kuanja, the Ghost Slayer sword ready in his hands. 

“My pleasure,” Retorted Kuanja, as his own sword, the size of a coconut leaf, appeared in his hand. 
“Shall we have no interruptions this time?” 

Without warning, Hiei charged for Kuanja. “You’re trash!!!” Leaping into the air with his sword raised high, Hiei intended to plunge the sword down on Kuanja. Hiei’s sword clanked down on Kuanja’s sword. The sound of clashing metal echoed throughout and around the park, as the warring pair attacked each other with lightning speed, vanishing and reappearing like twin illusions; like two ghosts in combat. 

“I don’t have time for you!” Akuna pronounced hotly to Yusuke, and was about ready to make tracks. “Now move your sorry ass before I pulverize you!!” 

“You and who else?” Yusuke countered smugly. 

“Me,” She answered. “And THIS!!” A long thorn-whip lashed out at him. 

Kurama’s rose whip! 

Too shocked to make an immediate reaction, Yusuke lunged away from the weapon. After rolling on the mushy loam, Yusuke got back on his feet, and brushed off the dirt from his denim pants. About to give another conceited remark, Yusuke soothed the wrinkles on his untucked shirt, and stopped, as he saw blood seeping from a wound on his inner elbow. 

“Yusuke-kun!” Yusuke heard Miko cry out. 

“Urameshiiii!!!” Kuwabara, who knelt beside Kurama behind the momiji, yelled, and cursed. “Shit! Kurama, why did you give your powers anyway?” 

Kurama tried to sit up. “Since we were talking about Hiei’s life, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to have 
anything to do with Akuna’s deal, am I right?” Kuwabara stared blankly at him, then nodded slightly. Kurama forced a smile. “Besides, if Yusuke gave his own powers, we wouldn’t stand a chance against Kuanja and Akuna.” Kurama’s smile faded. “I know Yusuke can beat me. I know he can defeat them.” 

A spasm wracked through his arm, and he gave a grunt of pain. Yusuke fell to his knees, the ruby 
droplets of blood staining the white cotton fabric of his shirt. Akuna gave a cruel laugh, as she watched Yusuke fall to the ground, clutching his right arm, enjoying every moment of it. 

“Bitch,” Yusuke hissed to the devil woman. 

“Wrong move,” Akuna jeered. “You’d better think more carefully first before calling me names!” Raising her arms above her head, a powerful ball mixed with Kurama’s strength emanated from her hands. Yusuke attempted to hold up his arm, and aim a finger at her to fire the spirit gun, but the torment was too much. Yowling in pain, he dropped his arm, and shielded himself instead for Akuna’s blast. “Good riddance to you, Urameshi Yusuke!” Akuna yelled, and hurled the energy ball at Yusuke. 

“Urameshiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!” 

“No, Yusuke! Get out of there!!” Kurama shouted. 

Yusuke braced himself, as the orb of energy zoomed nearer and closer. Closing his eyes, he waited for it to be over, his body glued to the ground. 

He felt nothing. 

Standing in front of him, as he opened his eyes, was Miko... or it seemed to be. Miko was now wearing Chinese clothes, which took the place of her knitted, off-the-shoulder blouse, and her mini 
skirt. Her outfit reminded Yusuke of something Kurama, or Genkai would wear. A barrier of mighty wind encircled them, and the sphere of energy that Akuna discharged at them was stopped. 

“Oh,” Akuna drawled. “It’s the little Kuukime.” 

True enough, standing before Yusuke, with her thigh-length icy hair, and Prussian eyes, was Eisila, and it looked like she meant business. “Fight me, Akuna,” She challenged. “Let us finish this once and for all!” 

Akuna, who had been levitating in mid-air, settled down onto the the grassy terrain, and folded her 
arms over her midriff. “Very well,” She replied, and took out a long dagger from out of nowhere. 

Eisila peered closely at it, and realized it to be still one of Kurama’s weapons: a grass blade sword. 

It was time to display skillful swordsmanship once again. The whirling wind saber appeared in Eisila’s hand, as she stepped out of the wind barrier, and faced Akuna, more than ready. Akuna attacked first, charging towards Eisila with much ferocity, that Eisila had to keep on her toes. For continuous minutes, Eisila blocked and parried with her own sword. Akuna never gave her the chance to strike. With each swing of Akuna’s sword, Eisila took a step back. 

Akuna laughed. “What’s wrong? Getting rusty, Kuukime?” Her temper starting to ignite, Eisila fought back the urge to to be impulsive. If only Akuna was not so guarded. Her defenses were incredibly good. Akuna brought down her sword again, but this time Eisila did not counter it with her own sword. Instead, she ducked, leaving Akuna swaying for thin air. Eisila seized the opportunity, and thrust her saber forward, gashing Akuna’s left rib. Akuna gave a shrill cry, but she did not waver or fall to the ground. 

“You little BITCH!! You’ll regret that!” Akuna never looked scarier. Eisila shivered, as Akuna took a step towards her, then another, the blood flowing freely from the laceration. Eisila dragged herself on the the ground, backing up into a tree. 

“Eisila!!” Yusuke’s voice sounded, filled with anxiety and alarm. 

With a nasty smile pasted on her face, Akuna lifted Eisila by the neck, dangling her like a rag doll. Eisila writhed and squirmed, flailing her legs wildly to kick, but no cigar. Eisila could not find her voice to let out a scream. What came out instead was a faint gurgle in her throat, as Akuna’s fingers moved tighter around her neck. 

Hiei, turning abruptly, froze, panic drawn on his face. “Eisila!!” But he could not let his guard down, for Kuanja was seeking victory. Fixing his attention back to his enemy, Hiei took another swing, missed, and decided to get it over with. Dark energy made his arm glow suddenly, as a fiery sword appeared; a sword of a black fire. 

“JAOU ENSATSU KEN!!!” 

A swift crescent oscillation of the ‘ken’ sent Kuanja’s own sword flying, and landing on the soft soil, broken in half, and embedded in the dirt. Kuanja let out a low whimper, as Hiei placed the pointed tip of the Ghost Slayer sword on his neck, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. 

“Stay back, fools!” Akuna threatened. “Or I’ll squeeze the life out of this little slut!” Eisila gritted her teeth, as the demon woman’s hand closed around her gorge, choking her, and cutting off her oxygen. 

“I have your Kuanja right here, woman! Set Eisila free, and I shall spare his life!” Hiei bargained, keeping the demon man at sword point. Akuna never even considered it. “Hahaha,” She laughed out loud. “Kill him for all I care! His life is no concern of mine! He’s just a thorn in my side!” 

“Scum!” Yusuke burst out. “He’s your partner, for crying out loud!” 

“That’s right!” Kuwabara agreed. “How can you be such a heartless monster?!” 

“WAS my partner,” Akuna corrected. “But I don’t really care!” She placed the Mirror of Utterdark on the semi-loose ground, but still kept a firm hold on Eisila’s neck. “The time is just right... about now.” 

“Hey, stupid! You can’t use the mirror without the light of the full moon!” Yusuke hollered, the pain on his right arm forgotten. 

Oh no, Eisila thought. The gate! 

“Shit!” Hiei cursed through his fangs. “The bitch’s going to use the Demon World’s moon!” 

“Ha ha,” Akuna gave a throaty laugh. “What a brilliant little imp you are, Koorime.” 

Bemused expressions hung to Yusuke’s and Kuwabara’s faces. Kurama explained, “Every autumn, there’s a gate that connects from the Demon World to the Human World. It closes after 62 hours or so. That’s how Kuanja and Akuna, being class-A demons, were able to travel to the Human World.” 

“So now Akuna’s going to use the Demon World’s full moon to use the mirror! What are we going to do??” Came Kuwabara’s panic-stricken voice. 

The three, Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Hiei, were unable to take any step closer due to Eisila’s imprisonment in Akuna’s grasp. Smiling contently, Akuna looked down at the mirror, and called upon it. “Oh Mirror of Utterdark, awaken your mysterious power by the light of the Demon World’s full moon. Reflect my innermost desire upon your surface.” As she said this, a blinding light flashed from the mirror’s glass. Protecting their eyes from the bright light, Yusuke and the others heard the mirror’s low, baritone timbre. 

“What is thy wish?” It asked Akuna. 

“I wish to rule the whole of the worlds! I want to be queen!” Akuna announced. 

“If thou dost desire to make thy wish come true, I must claim a life.” Came the mirror in a mild and calm tone. 

“Yesss,” Akuna slurred in reply. “Take the Forbi--” 

“NOOooo!!!” Eisila cried. Hot tears of fury brimmed in her eyes, as she summoned an extremely 
powerful and biting gust of wind. The freezing wind surrounded both Akuna and she, nipping at their skin, slashing, and causing deep cuts. Akuna screeched at the sharp wind incising her flesh. 

“Eisila!! Stop!! You’re damaging your own body!” Yusuke shouted to the air demon. 

Hiei lifted Kuanja by his shirtfront. “You bastard!! Do something!! I don’t have the power of my Jagan, so I can’t do anything!” 

Kuwabara was about to step out from among the momiji to help, when Kurama put his hand on Kuwabara’s shoulder, making him halt. Kurama found it especially arduous to stand on his own two feet alone. He leaned himself on a momiji tree trunk, and said, “Kuwabara-kun, I need a favor...” 

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