Life Goes On

kerryann, as the creator of this story I get royalties on all bets placed.. lol... j/k. But let me know how that turns out for ya ;o)

thoth, it looks great! I saved it to my YYH Pic file in my documents. I was actually hoping I'd get more response on the art invite, but I appreciate your creation.

There's a side story happening in this one that it don't seem like anyone is catching onto. Not going to give any clues, though. :oP

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Scene 52 ------------------------------------------- The Dungeon

* As soon as Yusuke and Kurama exit the elevator and step into the outer dungeon area Yusuke pauses to look around a moment.


Yusuke- This place still reminds me of Satjiyu's prison.


* Kurama glances around, then follows Yusuke over to the guard who stands from his chair to salute his ruler.


Yusuke- Take us to the creep that tried to assassinate me.

Guard- Right this way, M'Lord.


* The guard leads Yusuke and Kurama into the myriad labyrinth of hallways that are lined with mostly-empty cells. Yusuke glances into an occupied one as they pass then pauses and goes back to look in at the obviously young girl. Kurama and the guard come back to join him.


Yusuke- What's the deal here?

Guard- She was caught trying to steal food in the kitchen.


* Yusuke tilts his head up to glare at the guard.


Yusuke- Here's an idea, Akushin.. If they're dressed like that.. Chances are they need to eat.. In the future, the ones this young are to be fed, then sent on their way.. And that starts with her.


* The young girl looks up at Yusuke with tears in her eyes.


Girl- Thank you, kind Sire.. I promise I won't steal from you again.

Yusuke- Yeah.. And see that she has a fresh kimono, too.

Akushin- Your orders will be carried out, Sire.

Yusuke- Now, show us to the scum we're here to see.

Akushin- Right this way.. We've placed him in the centermost part of the dungeon.


* They continue on and finally reach the innermost cell.


Akushin- Here he is.


* Yusuke and Kurama look in at the chained up demon. Yusuke then looks up at Kurama.


Yusuke- I don't wanna be in here for hours.. You got something that'll help him be real co-operative?


* Kurama smirks at Yusuke, then searches through his hair for a seed, gently inquiring of each one he feels until he finds the one he's searching for.


Kurama- I have just the thing.. Placed it in yesterday just for this purpose.. Give me a moment to grow it, Love.

Yusuke- Yeah, yeah. I'll just give this guy my worst death glares while you work so he'll be prepared.


* Kurama chuckles. Akushin tilts his head to look at Yusuke's face when he looks back in at the prisoner and crosses his arms. For a couple moments, Yusuke tries to ignore the curious guard, but soon he turns the gaze on Akushin making him gulp and step back.


Yusuke- Give me the key to this cell then go take care of that girl.. Come back when you're done, though, to get us back out of this place.


* Akushin quickly salutes and leaves.


Yusuke- I can't work up my best glare with a monk staring at me.


* Yusuke looks at Kurama. The plant is almost full grown in his hand already. The prisoner in the cell just observes the pair with quiet confusion.


Yusuke- How much longer? I'm losing my focus here.

Kurama- It's just about ready.. A couple more inches.. Then it will bloom..

Yusuke- Got it down to an exact science, huh?

Prisoner- Who.. the h---.. are you two?


* Kurama and Yusuke both look at the guy.


Yusuke- Keep trying to be funny, dumba--..


* The prisoner growls.


Prisoner- Look! I'll tell you nuts what I told those other guards! I went to bed the other night and woke up in this cell..

Yusuke- Are you kidding me? H--- of a sleepwalking act, buddy.

Kurama- We'll soon find out, won't we?


* Kurama glances a scowl at the man.


Kurama- And you'll mind how you talk to your King!


* The prisoner's countenance changes quickly.


Prisoner- S-sire..? King Urameshi?


* The demon swallows hard.


Prisoner- The guards.. t-told me that I t-tried to.. kill someone..

Kurama- Yes. You attempted to assassinate your king.

Yusuke- But you hit one of my pregnant mates, instead.


* The demon pales considerably.


Prisoner- N-no.. Oh no..


* The demon becomes so upset that he nearly passes out. Yusuke scowls


Yusuke- What the..?

Kurama- It could be a clever acting job.

Yusuke- Smells like pretty genuine fear to me.


* Kurama sniffs.


Kurama- That.. is urine, Love.

Yusuke- Yeah.. He pissed himself.

Kurama- Okay. The Truththorn is ready.


* Yusuke tilts his head at Kurama incredulously as the kitsune plucks one of the thorns off of the blooming flower.


Yusuke- Kurama,..

Kurama- Here, I'll show you how the Truththorn works..


* Yusuke rolls his eyes, then watches Kurama shove the thorn into his own bicep.


Yusuke- Fox,..

Kurama- A thorn has to be inserted into the one you're questioning..

Yusuke- Then I ask the questions.

Kurama- That's right.

Yusuke- Okay.. Do you really love me or do you just want my body?


* Kurama stops rubbing his arm to look at yusuke grinning.


Kurama- Both.. But the thorn takes a few minutes to release its serum into the bloodstream.

Yusuke- Fine. I'll get back to you in a few.


* Yusuke looks back in at the prisoner. Kurama is startled when the Toushin just turns to head back the way they came.


Kurama- Yusuke, now would be a good time to put the thorn in our..

Yusuke- Fox, put the d--- plant away and come lead us out of here.


* Kurama glances in at the now-weeping prisoner again, then hurries after Yusuke as he reduces the plant back to a seed.


Yusuke- He did the act.. But somebody else ordered it.. Will that plant make him tell us who was controlling him if he doesn't have a f---in' clue?


* Kurama sighs and crosses his arms as they walk.


Kurama- No, I guess not.. I just get excited when I get to use one of my plants.

Yusuke- Yeah, well leave the thorn in your arm.. We'll have loads of fun with it when we get back upstairs.


* Kurama purrs playfully as he bats his Alpha with his tail and takes off. Yusuke shakes his head mumbling about 'mood swings'. As soon as they step out of the maze Hokushin greets them with a slight bow.


Hokushin- I was just coming to get you, M'Lord.

Yusuke- What now?


* Yusuke's Top General straightens back up.


Hokushin- Lord Yomi has just arrived, Sire.. He's waiting in you office..

Yusuke- Yomi?

Hokushin- Hai.. He's accompanied by Lord Koenma.


* Yusuke starts past the bald monk grumbling, then stops and looks back at him.


Yusuke- You say Koenma arrived with him..?

Hokushin- Right in through the front door, Sire.


* Yusuke thinks a moment, then looks up at Kurama.


Yusuke- No arguments. Listen to me.. Go up to our private quarters and see if Junior is still up there.. Go up the back way.

Kurama- You think someone would actually disguise themselves as Koenma?

Yusuke- It's just a feeling.. If he's still up there holding Chiisai let me know through our bond.

Kurama- Yes, sir.


* Yusuke rolls his eyes as the kitsune takes off toward the elevator.


Yusuke- (Mumbled) D--- kitsune hormones..


* Kurama's chuckle echoes in Yusuke's mind as he looks at Hokushin.


Yusuke- You stay with me and keep your guard up.

Hokushin- Yes, Sire. Understood.


* Yusuke leaves the dungeon with Hokushin falling into step behind him.