:Oneechan!:  I call out to her, surprised to sense her presence so near.  What's she doing here in the Reikai?  She can't be dead, too!  I ditch the Guide who had brought me this far, and head over to see my sister instead.

When I see her, I am relieved.  She's not dead.  But then what's she doing here?  And for that matter how did she get here?

:What the hell happened to you?:  That's my sister for you.  I die and she invokes hell to find out why.  It's really rather touching.  :Did that bitch kill you, too?:

Bitch?  What - ?

:You knew!:  I accuse her.  :You knew what Yukina was like, and you didn't even tell me!:

:You weren't exactly eager to listen, Kazuma.:  Well, I guess she has a point there.  I didn't even want to listen to Sakura when she explained why Yukina was being sent to Hell...  But I had to.  The Book doesn't lie.  :And you still haven't answered my question: what happened?:

I sigh.  As much as anyone lacking a physical body can sigh, anyway...

:Kurama killed Yukina, I got a little upset about it.  I kinda tried to kill Kurama, but he ended up killing me...:

:NANI?!:  She stares at me in shock.  :Kurama killed you?:

:Well, yeah...:  What else can I say?  :But I don't think he meant to...:

She blinks at me a couple of times, before her expression goes blank.  Without another word she turns around and heads off, deeper into the Reikai.

:Hey, oneechan!:  I call after her.  :Wait up!  Where are you going?:

She doesn't answer, ignoring my presence.  I keep pestering her, but still she refuses to answer.  At last we reach a door at the end of a long, empty corridor.  I watch with anticipation as she opens it up -

Within is a cosy room, simply furnished with a bed, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, a desk and not much else.  There’s a bit of decoration here and there: a painting on the wall, flowers on the desk, Kurama sleeping peacefully on the bed...

NANI?!

I shake my head, blinking in surprise.  That is most definitely Kurama.  Although I must admit I’ve never seen quite that much of Kurama before!  On second glance, however, he doesn’t look quite so peaceful…

He tosses over in his sleep, moving restlessly.  I think he’s dreaming.  I wonder if it’s about me?

I turn to oneechan to ask her once more she’s up to, but the look on her face as she eyes Kurama makes me change my mind.  I get a sudden premonition that I really don’t want to know.

Bare seconds later she picks up a pillow from next to his head.  She holds it for a moment, staring at it with a harsh look that I am most glad is not directed at me.  I’m surprised the pillow is still in one piece.

She snorts briefly, then places the pillow square across Kurama’s face, effectively smothering him.

:Oneechan!:  I grab at her arms, trying to pull her off him.  He may have killed me, but it was partly my own fault!  I didn’t listen to him about Yukina, and I tried to kill him first!  He doesn’t deserve to die for that!

My efforts are in vain, however - my ghostly limbs slide straight through hers, without gaining purchase.

I am forced to watch helplessly as Kurama’s body jerks a little before finally stilling.

I back away, staring in horror at Shizuru.  I won’t call her oneechan.  What Kurama did to me in a moment of uncontrolled instinct is nothing like the premeditated murder she has just committed.

Why did she do it?  To avenge me?  I shudder at the thought.

My attention is diverted as Kurama’s spirit rises from the bed.  And vanishes.  Where - ?

The door is flung open behind  - well, actually through - me.

Koenma stands there, furious.  I’ve never seen him so pissed before…

"Too late, Koenma,"  Shizuru laughs at him.  "You’ve lost your little pet!"

He narrows his eyes, his gaze deadly.  Gods, Shizuru, what are you thinking?!

"I’ll find him again.  You on the other hand have found your eternal resting place."

"Why Koenma, are you going to kill me?"  She’s still laughing.  How can she still be laughing?  And what the hell is Koenma up to?  Has the entire world gone crazy?!

"I don’t have to kill you."  He smiles now, but it’s not a pleasant sight.  "You’re in the Reikai, now.  Just where do you think your soul would go from here?"

Shizuru stops laughing.  All of a sudden I want her to start again.

"I’ll even let your brother stay with you."  His gaze flickers over to me.  "You can tell him everything you’ve done for him, Shizuru.  I’m sure he’ll be very appreciative!"

He laughs, and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.  Only now there is no door.

I turn to Shizuru for explanations.  She won’t look at me.

Oh well.  I guess I can wait a bit.

It certainly looks like we’ll have the time.

Go to Evil fic 9