Post by spellcaster on Jul 7, 2008 13:38:30 GMT -5
This is the official version of 'Untitled YYH Fic' with its official title 'New Mission! New Love?'. The fic will be actively continued in the original thread but all old segments will be posted here.
(*rubs back of neck* Sorry it took so long...)
Prologue
Earth. The only planet suitable for sustaining life. Though invisible to the sight of most, the Earth is overlapped by multiple worlds. There are two worlds in particular that lie especially close to the Earth. Reikai (Spirit World) is tasked with ferrying the dead from the other worlds to its realms. Makai (Demon World) is the closest to Ningenkai (Human World) and houses demons of all sorts, from the weak E-Class all the way to powerful S-Class. A net-like barrier stretches across the plane between Makai and Ningenkai to keep the demons within the confines of their own world and to prevent them from traveling to Ningenkai and wreaking havoc of the inhabitants of that world. On rare occasions, a demon or two will slip through and must be dealt with swiftly.
Our story begins in Ningenkai, at the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort.
~*~*~
The young couple embraced tightly in the pallid glow of the full moon hanging low in the velvet night sky; they shared a passionate kiss beneath a rose gilded archway before breaking apart and walking along side-by-side, their hands clasped as they went. They hadn’t gone far when the woman paused in their stroll and looked back over her shoulder.
“What is it, Jessica?” her husband questioned softly
“I…I…don’t know Tom, I thought I heard something…” she replied, somewhat uncertain
There was snarl that could make the blood run cold, a blur of motion too fast for the eye to track and it was all over in a flash razor-sharp teeth and wickedly-hooked claws. It had all happened so fast that the young couple didn’t even have time to respond; their screams got caught in their throats and their eyes remained clouded with terror as their lives and their life together was ended far too soon.
***
"Police are still investigating the incident at the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort. This is the second double homicide in a month and the authorities are on the hunt for whoever is responsible for committing these heinous crimes..."
The broadcast was cut short as the TV shut off with a click, the image collapsing into a point of light in the middle, leaving no trace of existence mere moments before. From across the room a small finger rested upon the power button of the remote control. A toddler sat behind a large desk on the wall opposite that of the TV, sighing as he sat back in his arm chair, the very piece of furniture he reclined in dwarfing him by many times.
"This isn't good" he said to himself, his pacifier bobbing with each word.
"Ogre!" he shouted suddenly
"Yes, Koenma, sir?" a timid blue ogre answered, edging into the room
"Fetch Botan for me" Koenma ordered shortly
"Yes, sir" Blue Ogre replied
He left the room and returned a few minutes later with a teenaged girl by his side.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" the girl asked
"Yes," Koenma stated "Botan, how many humans have been killed?"
"Individually? Four. As couples? Two." Botan answered promptly
Koenma growled and slammed his fist against the desk.
"I thought that last trap would work!" he exclaimed in frustration
He swiveled in his chair and tented his fingers as he thought. He turned back to face the ferry girl after a moment more.
"Round up Yusuke and the gang. I have something I need to do." Koenma told her
Botan nodded and left the room while Koenma hopped down from his chair. He passed around his desk and made for the door.
"Come along, Ogre" he said as he left
"What do you plan to do, sir?" Blue Ogre asked
"We need reinforcements" Koenma answered. They had exited the building and were now staring out at the vast expanses of Spirit World.
"We’re going to need specialists," he said to himself." And I know just who to call"
They traveled across the grounds until they came to a large building that stood all by itself in the courtyard. The oaken doors released a lonely creak as they swung open to allow Koenma and Blue Ogre across the threshold. Although it was a large and spacious building it had only one room, which is all it needed. Standing in the center of the room was a gigantic portal. The portal was a swirling mass of liquidated air. It was like a vertical puddle of water. One couldn't see what was on the other side because the images behind it were warped and unrecognizable.
The portal swirled lazily, as if too tired to do anything else. Koenma stepped up to the vortex. He spoke loudly and clearly to the distortion of time and space.
"I wish to speak with the Queen and King of the Magical Empire" he said to it
The portal spun faster, obviously stimulated by his voice.
"It's important" he continued
The portal was now traveling at a breakneck pace. The landscape of another world appeared as the portal settled down. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. Lush, green grass, tall trees, the most amazing flowers one had ever seen, and a crystalline lake.
To top it all off, a golden palace shimmered in the sunlight. The palace reached into the clouds, standing tall and proud over the land. The portal Koenma and Blue Ogre were gazing from swooped in through a window and came upon a man and women. They were sitting on golden thrones, clad in fine robes and jewelry, and the woman was holding a golden, jewel encrusted staff.
Koenma cleared his throat and the couple turned to him.
"Ah, Koenma,” the woman said as she acknowledged his presence.
"It’s been awhile" the man commented alongside his wife
"Yes it has," the toddler prince agreed.
"But I' m afraid there’s no time for idle chit chat." Koenma continued. "We have a bit of a situation."
"Oh?" the Queen queried. She sounded curious, yet concerned.
Both the Queen and King were well on in their years but their eyes held a vibrant spark of life in them and a vast amount of wisdom. It was as if they possessed the knowledge of creatures as old as time.
"Well, a demon broke through the barrier and is attacking newlyweds" Koenma informed them
"That’s terrible!" the Queen exclaimed
"We’ll have our best agents on it right away" the King assured the toddler prince
Koenma nodded and the scene became distorted. The picture faded as the portal regained its translucent state. He turned on his heel and strolled out the door. Blue Ogre pulled the weathered doors shut and hurried after Koenma.
Please hurry, Rosemary, Koenma urged the Queen mentally. We can't allow anymore innocent humans to be slain.
*~*~*
Chapter 1
"Not. A. Word." Spike warned her comrades as she crossed the threshold of the Rebel Hideout, covered from head to foot in unidentifiable green ooze
She strode past them swiftly, grumbling to herself all the while, until she disappeared into one of the back rooms. Spike reappeared a short time later, cleansed of the ooze, and in a considerably better mood.
She trotted over to a large couch and flopped down in the cushions, sighing as she sank into them. It was all she could do to keep that Hydra under control, let alone topple it, and now all she wanted was a little down time.
Goldy --although she had been flying at the time-- had also been "slimed" (Ghostbusters was a favorite movie of hers), and therefore had also disappeared to clean herself. When she was finally rid of the "slime", she joined Spike and the others in main room of the hideout. She plopped down near Spike and looked over toward her.
"Is there a movie on?" she asked. "I'll get the popcorn and drinks."
"Mmph?" Spike muttered. "Wha?"
She willed her eyes to roll back into their normal position before opening them and eyeing Goldy with a half-lidded gaze.
"Dunno, Goldster," Spike replied. "But I'll check."
She summoned the remote to her and flicked on the TV. As Spike was flipping through the channels, there was a volt of static and the faces of the Queen and King of the Magical Empire took up the screen.
"Nanny? Papa?" Spike questioned groggily, momentarily forgetting herself in her sleep-addled stated
"I mean...Grandma, Grandpa..." she corrected quickly, now fully awake
"What's up?" Spike asked
"Spike. Goldy. We have an urgent situation in the Human World." the Queen began. "A demon has slipped past the barrier between the Human World and the Demon World."
"We really hate to call you away so soon, but this situation is in need of your expertise. Take the time to pack thoroughly, but please depart as soon as possible." the King stated
"The demon is attacking the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort in Japan. Another team of individuals will be waiting there upon your arrival. Good luck you two." the Queen finished
There was another volt of static and the images of the King and Queen disappeared; leaving only the program that had been on before the conversation.
"Well, it looks like Goldster and I have a job to do," Spike announced once she had risen from her position on the couch
With a short wave to her friends, and while taking her best friend by the arm, she made her way out of the Rebel Hideout and into the courtyard of the Royal Palace.
"I'll see ya in a bit Goldster; I gotta go pack and tell the folks 'Sayonara'." Spike said as she released the other girl's arm
With that, Spike disappeared into the Palace.
Goldy got up at the same time as Spike, and with a "See you later", she returned to her own home in Fairyland.
As soon as she was packed, she disguised her SunStar Sword as a charm on her necklace. She then said "good-bye" to her parents ("Another mission for Spike's Grandfolks!"), and headed back to the Rebel Hideout to meet Spike.
It pained Spike to reduce The Scepter of the Unicorn and her sword, The Hituke, to mere charms but, it had to be done. After she was all done packing and with a quick 'See ya in the funny papers!' to her parents ("That girl, she's always on the go,"), Spike departed from the Palace and made her way back to the Rebel Hideout.
"Come along Goldster," Spike said as she walked past the other girl. "We travel in style this time."
Spike kept walking until she came to a clearing in the forest in which a silver convertible was parked. Without a prompting of any sort, the doors swung open to allow the two girl's entrance. Spike slid in to the driver's seat and waited until Goldy was in the passenger seat before buckling her seatbelt and fishing a pair of sunglasses out of her pocket.
The doors of the vehicles swung shut and locked with a click before the engine turned itself on and gave itself a few revs. Spike purred as she listened to the horses thunder underneath the hood. Spike gave her companion a warning of 'Hold on tight!' as a rend of time and space appeared before them, growing wider with each rev of the engine.
Spike stepped on the gas and the convertible shot forward into the portal; the distortion of reality closed in on itself once the car had gone through it.
"YYyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...................." Goldy screamed as the car sped through the portal.
In less time than it took for her to finish the scream, they were through the portal.
"I hope you're going the speed limit!" she exclaimed to Spike.
Spike merely laughed at her companion's reaction; with another push to the accelerator, the convertible sped up and tore through the fabric of reality. The vehicle launched out of the portal and skidded into the drive way of a house in a wicked power slide.
"Ahh..." Spike sighed. "What fun."
Nearly giddy at the adrenaline still pumping through her system, Spike hopped over the edge of the convertible and meandered up to the door of the house whose driveway she had landed in. Spike rapped on the door and waited for a moment or two before a boy with slicked-back black hair answered.
"You Yusuke?" Spike questioned while pulling down her sunglasses with a finger
"Yeah," the boy near-growled. "What of it?"
"We have a special mission from Koenma," Goldy told him.
"How do I know you're tellin' me the truth?" Yusuke asked.
"Uhhh...Spike?" Goldy turned to her friend. "Do we have proof?"
"Course we do Goldster," Spike assured whilst waving a dismissive hand
Spike dug around in her pockets for a moment before producing a compact. She flipped it open and the mirror flickered to life, an image of Koenma appeared in the small space.
"Koenma, your 'Detective' here doesn't believe that Goldster and I are the special agents you called in," Spike said
She shoved the compact into Yusuke's face as she waited for the toddler prince's assertion of their identities. After a firm chewing out on Yusuke's part, Spike snapped the compact shut and sauntered past him.
"So, give us the 411. What exactly is going on here?" Spike questioned as she removed her sunglasses and tucked them into her pocket
"Koenma sent us a full report, we have it right here with us," came a voice off to Spike's left
A boy with long rose colored hair and leaf green eyes stepped forward and handed Spike a packet of papers; he was wearing a school uniform and smiled kindly at the two new comers. Spike took the papers and flipped through them, making sure to read the key points, before handing the packet to Goldy.
Goldy took the papers and held them for a few moments, blushing slightly when the rose-haired youth that had offered them smiled at her. She then handed them to Spike.
"Why are you handing them back to me? I already handed them to you." Spike questioned her companion when the other girl gave the papers back to her without even looking at them
Spike rolled her eyes but accepted the papers anyways.
"Do we have a general plan of action here? Or are we going to play it by ear?" Spike inquired of those around her
"Koenma also gave us a video tape." came a slightly cold, carefully measured voice from off to Spike's right
A boy that was actually shorter than Spike was (“Okay, so I'm only five foot four, do you have a problem with that?”) stepped forward and produced the aforementioned video tape. He had spiky black hair with a blue sheen around the edges and a white star burst in the front that hung into his eyes. He wore a long black cloak with a rumbled white cloth around the neck; a pair of blood red eyes that were frosted over with indifference regarded the two new comers with contempt.
Gone unnoticed by everyone except the two that knew their ins and outs the best, Spike and the boy drew themselves to their full, albeit short, heights and seemed to size each other up right then and there. After a few moments, the two relaxed and the boy handed Spike the video tape and she accepted it without a qualm.
"Oh! I almost forget, formal introduction!" Spike piped up suddenly. "The name's Spike, and that there's Goldst...I mean, Goldy"
"The player's this way," Yusuke said, pointing behind him with this thumb. A TV set with a tape player sat against the far wall, surrounded by chairs and a sofa.
Spike nodded and made her way over.
She turned the TV and the player on before slipping the video tape in and taking a seat on the sofa.
"Greetings, Team Urameshi." Koenma's image began. "As you know, there have been several attacks on couples at the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort in Japan.
"I have provided you with vital information on the demon here," Koenma's image continued
The screen changed to display a report on the demon in question. After giving the team enough time to read over the information, the screen changed back to Koenma's image.
"We have formulated a plan to flush the demon out of hiding and have it dealt with by the Spirit World. We are going to place a few decoys at The Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort to remain there until the demon makes an appearance. Hiei and Kurama, I'd like you two to get better acquainted with Spike and Goldy, for you four will be playing the part of two newly wed couples." Koenma's image informed them
There was a moment of silence, in which the statement seemed to hang in the air, before the reactions came.
Goldy looked over at Kurama, and he looked over at her. Goldy had to admit, the rose-haired fox demon was handsome. No, not just handsome: HOT! She found herself not minding being paired with the gentle young man. Kurama, for his part, studied Goldy intensely. The fairy princess was very pretty, he decided. Perhaps even beautiful. He thought that he would like to get to know her better.
Spike and Hiei were staring at each other intently, and not in a particularly good way either. For those with the proper eyes, they would have seen the auras of demonic and magical energy warring against one another. Finally, with a 'hn' and a 'hmph', they crossed their arms and averted their gaze from each other. It was obvious that they weren't fond of the idea in the slightest and would need some cajoling, begging, or perhaps even a deal or two to finally go through with it.
Goldy and Kurama sighed in unison, knowing that they had their work cut out for them. It took the better part of an hour, but the fairy princess and the fox demon somehow managed to get the magical princess and the fire demon on board, though begrudgingly.
"What's the next step?" Goldy asked after a time, more for a way to get her mind back on track than anything else
It was at this time that the image of Koenma chose to speak once more, the toddler prince having apparently anticipated the participant's responses ahead of time.
"I have had a special potion prepared for the next step of the plan. It will allow you to attend The Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort by aging you." the image of Koenma informed them
"'Aging' us?" Goldy repeated.
"We probably do not look old enough to be married," Kurama replied. "An aging potion will aid in that effect."
"Okay," Goldy nodded. "When will it be ready?"
"It will take a couple of hours before the potion is ready so you have time to pack your things and prepare for your departure. " the image of Koenma stated before the screen went blank and the player started to whir
"An 'aging' potion, huh?" Spike mused aloud more to herself than to anyone else. "If we're going to be older, that means the clothes we have now won't fit us, and that means..."
She shifted her attention to her gold-clad friend.
"SHOPPING!!" Spike trilled before glomping the fairy princess; her behavior a complete turn around from that which she displayed mere moments before
"C'mon Goldster, we have things to do," she continued while wrapping an arm around her gold-clad friend
"Shake a leg you two." Spike told Hiei and Kurama without looking back, already out of the door as she did so
"Okay...who are you, and what did you do with Spike?" Goldy quipped, before breaking into a grin. "So, where in Japan can we find adult clothes?"
Spike opened her mouth to speak before closing it once more, realizing that she didn't have the foggiest clue as to where they could find adult clothes.
"Hey! Does either of you two know where to find adult clothes?" Spike called over her shoulder to their soon-to-be mates
"There's a mall not far from here," Yusuke said. "They'll probably have what you need.
"Thank you much," Spike said before continuing her path
She let the quartet out of the house and to the convertible setting in the drive. Finally releasing her gold-clad friend from her companionable embrace, Spike fished around in her pockets before pulling out her keys. She blinked when she found the keys missing from her grasp and twirling on the finger of Goldy.
"This time, I'm going to drive." Goldy announced
Spike whined slightly, pouted for a moment, but then obliged with a shrill of 'Shot Gun!' before taking up residence in the front seat.
After Kurama and Hiei took their places behind their respective "mates-to-be", Goldy started the car and drove them to the mall. Upon arrival, the group headed to the nearest clothing store.
As the group looked around, Goldy thought about what she would get. She'd have to forgo her usual metallic gold attire for something more subtle. But she was unwilling to give up the gold look entirely. She found several gold-colored --but not metallic gold-- tops in various styles and some stylish jeans.
"We'll have to get shoes and some jewelry, too," she told the others. "And maybe, the rings, as well."
"That's a good idea Goldster," Spike replied while nodding
With that she gathered her things and followed her friend to the shoe section. Goldy selected several pairs of shoes, including a gold-colored pair, and a pair of sneakers. Kurama also picked out a couple a pair of shoes, a formal set and a pair of sneakers.
Once the small group had finished their shopping, they all headed to the jewelry store to purchase the rings. There were hundreds of styles to choose from --from very simple, to very elaborate. Goldy and Kurama looked over the rings very carefully, before selecting a set that was made up of a diamond heart set in a gold band, with a row of smaller diamonds on either side of the heart, and a single, gold wedding band.
"We'll have to wear both if we are to pass for newlyweds," Goldy whispered to her companions.
Spike and Hiei chose a pair of rings that had a diamond set in the center with smaller rubies framing the diamond's placement and single, gold wedding bands to go with it.
"So," Goldy said. "Do we need anything else?"
"I don't think so..." Spike replied as she seemed to muse on the subject
"C'mon, let's get back to the house, the others are probably waiting for us." she continued
"Right," Goldy replied. The group left the mall and piled into Spike's car. Once again, Goldy took the keys and drove back.
As soon as they arrived, they hauled in their purchases and got ready to begin the next part of the plan.
The quartet filed into the house with their purchases to find a bottle of purple liquid in the hands of Yusuke.
"This arrived while you were gone." the Spirit Detective informed them
Though she regarded the bottle warily at first, Spike sat her things down and took the bottle from Yusuke. She fished an outfit and matching shoes out of one of her bags before uncorking the potion and taking a swig.
"Catch ya in a bit," Spike bid to the others with her before disappearing deeper into the house with her things
"I wonder how dramatic a change it's going to be," Goldy mused aloud.
Spike returned a few minutes later dressed in the new outfit she had bought and with a new look to go along with it as well. Shining tresses now fell about her shoulders like melted chocolate instead of the usual braided pigtails that held her hair back and out of the way. Two orbs that mimicked the melted chocolate hue of her silken hair glinted out from beneath unruly bangs that had refused to be tamed by the potion as the tall, willowy woman made her way back to the group. Had Goldy not known that it was Spike that was returning to the group, she could have sworn that she was facing Selena, Spike's mother, instead of the magical princess she had known for so long.
"Whoa!" Goldy commented. "You look...older." To be honest, the Golden Fae was speechless.
"Yeah, she does," Hiei muttered.
"Uhh...right," Goldy nodded. "My turn." After grabbing some of her purchases, she took the bottle and took her own swig. Then, she ran off to another room to change.
Spike came over to the group she had left mere minutes before and smiled down at the fire demon, tilting her head rather coyly to the side as she did so. Content with knowing that she had thrown the diminutive warrior off at her approach, Spike strode past him and turned around to await the return of her best friend.
When Goldy returned, she was dressed in a gold (non-metallic), one-shoulder top, jeans with gold stitching in the form of stars on the pockets, sneakers, and jewelry usually worn by young adult women. Her golden hair was no longer in the whippy ponytail, but hung down in a French braid. She had also gained a few inches, and looked like she was in her early-twenties.
"Well...what do you think?" she asked.
"I don't know why you even bother asking Goldster. You look like a million gold coins." Spike praised
She then turned her attention to the two remaining members of their group.
"Go on boys, it's you're turn." Spike urged
Both Kurama and Hiei gathered their own clothes, took swigs of the potion, and rushed into the other room to change.
"I wonder how they'll turn out..." Goldy mused aloud. Yusuke just shrugged.
Hiei came down first dressed in his new outfit and heads taller than he had been mere minutes before. He returned to the group and stood next to Spike, regarding the woman next to him discreetly out of the corner of his eye. Spike turned to him and smiled, prompting the fire demon to look away with a 'hn' in response.
"Oh, now don't be shy, I'm harmless...Mostly..." she informed Hiei so that only he could hear, earning a smirk from him despite his best efforts
Kurama walked out of the room, a little taller, and dressed in jeans, a shirt, and shoes. His long, rose-colored hair flowed down his back like a cape, and his eyes shone brightly, even in his "older" state. Goldy sidled up to him.
"Niiicceee..." she grinned, taking his arm in hers.
Uugghh, show some dignity Goldster,” Spike reprimanded the golden fae in her head, an unfamiliar stern inflection to her mental voice
With a rather audible sigh, Spike followed Goldy's lead and looped her arm with Hiei's. The fire demon started, not expecting such a thing, but then quickly relaxed before anyone aside from Spike could take notice.
The screen of the TV flickered back into life and the video that had been left in the player started up once more. The image of Koenma appeared on the screen and began to speak to those assembled.
"Now that you four have taken the potion and collected your things, it is time for you to depart for the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort. I have sent an envelope with everything you need inside." the image of Koenma informed them
A flash of remembrance crossed Yusuke's face and he pulled a crumpled manila envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Spike.
"How are we to get there Koenma?" Spike asked when she didn't find tickets of any sort in the manila envelope
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," the toddler prince stated while rubbing the back of his neck
Everyone save for Spike and Hiei face faulted into the floor, the fire demon and the magical princess opting to settle for a sweat drop instead.
"Don't worry, we'll just take the Vanish," Spike assured the team, referring to the convertible sitting in the drive way
"I'll enter the coordinates into the Vanish's navigation system and we'll be there in no time." she continued
Having said as much, Spike gathered her things, prompting Hiei to do the same, and waved to those in the house before exiting out the front door, leaving Goldy and Kurama to catch up.
Goldy and Kurama followed, placing their stuff in the trunk beside those of Spike and Hiei. As the magical princess and the fire demon took the front seat, the golden fairy and the fox demon settled themselves in the back seat.
"Hang on, you two," Goldy warned. "Spike drives like Mario Andredi on the Indy 500 speedway."
"Oh Goldster, you wound me, truly you do." Spike replied as she started the engine.
After checking the mirrors and the road, she pulled out and headed out in the direction of their destination.
"How far is it to this resort, anyway?" Hiei asked.
"Why? Are you anxious?" Spike questioned whilst eyeing Hiei coyly
This action earned a 'Hn' and a head turn from the fire demon. Spike merely laughed before she brought up the map on the Vanish's console.
"The resort is a couple of hour's drive, so I suggest that we all get comfy," Spike informed them
"Fine with me," Goldy replied. She stretched as best she could, then turned to Kurama. "Spike's really a great driver. Just watch out if she ever decides to enter the Vanish in the Daytona races. Thing is: I'm not sure if the Vanish qualifies as a 'stock car'..."
"Would it be allowed in?" the fox demon asked.
"I dunno," Goldy replied. "Do you think it would be allowed to race at Daytona, Spike?"
"As it is now? No. If it transformed into a stock car? Yes. But then again one has to ponder on the ethical implications of a car with the capabilities of a super sonic jet competing against a normal car with a lot of horse power." Spike replied
"She's right," Goldy laughed. "Spike, did you pack your fairy armor that Grandma made for you?"
"'Fairy armor'?" Kurama asked.
"Yeah," Goldy turned to him. "My grandmother makes a special, knitted fairy armor. It stretches, and would still fit us, even in this adult form. Grandma made both Spike and me a set."
"Yes, I did," Spike replied
"And you can give her my thanks the next time you see her," she continued
"I will," Goldy promised. She settled back in her seat, admiring the scenery as the Vanish moved along the highway to its destination.
Spike shifted her gaze to the rearview mirror with a quirked eyebrow when Goldy started in her seat with a yelp. The golden fae reached around behind her and pulled out a flat tablet that was wedged between the seats.
"Hey! My sketch book! I've been looking for that!" Spike cried upon seeing what had jabbed her best friend in the back and what she was now holding up.
"You can look through it if you want Goldster. Despite the fact that it was wedged in between the seats it is actually quite organized. Finished works are in the front, WIPs are in the middle, and unfinished works are in the back." she continued
"Those are well-done," Kurama commented.
"Yeah," Goldy replied, "Spike can draw incredible art."
"Thank you both very much, you are really too kind." Spike told them as she tried to hide the flush on her cheeks
"It's not much really. Just my fursona, Taiyoo, she's a mink. There are a couple of my team in there, I like the one of Silver vs. Ninja the best, and I think there are a few of Rojo Diablo, my Peruvian FireCracker, as well. I wouldn’t be sure but I imagine there are some of your Golden Medallion as well. Her name escapes me at the moment, but she's in there.
Aside from that, there are some of the Anime Club, and their associated titles such as 'Raver' or 'Emo'. They rock out loud and I heart them so much that I decided to make them badges. And, of course, Icarus. He's my Woodbaby, just in case you were wondering. Oh! Stay away from the very, very back! You has gifteses!" she explained
"'Gifts'?" Goldy piped up. "We've got presents?"
"Yay," Hiei said unenthusiastically. "Are we there yet?"
"You has gifteses, they no has gifteses." Spike stated
The magical princess gave a short cough before speaking once more on the subject.
"Sorry about that. I have a tendency to switch to the native language of the Anime Club when talking or asking questions. I don't even realize I'm doing it." she informed them
"And no, we are not there yet. This is going to be a real long trip if you don't knock it off." Spike told the fire demon, bristling as she made the threat
Spike and Hiei glared each other down before returning to what they were doing. Goldy and Kurama exchanged glances in the back seat. If the magical princess and the fire demon managed to make to the Resort, let alone go through with the mission, they could count themselves lucky.
"We are going to stop for food, right?" Goldy asked. If this was going to be a long trip, the golden fae wanted to make sure everyone was fed.
"Yuppers!" Spike piped up
"That's good," Goldy replied. "So, what should it be: Fast food, diner food, or someplace like Ponderosa or Shoney's?"
"I cast my vote for Ponderosa!" Spike stated, murring slightly
"Me, too!" Goldy replied. "How about you, Kurama?"
"Sounds fine to me," he answered.
"Hiei?" Goldy asked.
"Fine...whatever..."
"Try not to sound so enthused..." Spike muttered to the fire demon before piping up to the rest of the car
"And it's Ponderosa by a landslide!" she cried
"Great!" Goldy grinned.
Spike grinned as well, unable to hide her enthusiasm.
She continued to drive along until she found a rest area with the desired restaurant in it and immediately pulled in without a second thought or a moment's hesitation.
"Everybody Out!" Spike squealed, nearly giddy
She unbuckled her seatbelt and sprung over the door, not even bothering to open it.
Goldy and the guys also unbuckled their seatbelts, and got out of the car. As a group, they entered the restaurant.
"I'm prone to the salad bar," Goldy said. "All you can eat for one price. What about the rest of you?"
"I don't mind at all," Spike stated, quite pleased
"What about you?" she questioned Hiei
"Hn."
"Is that a yes or a no?" Spike inquired
"Hn."
"*sigh* It's fine with him as well," Spike told Goldy
"I'll take it, too," Kurama replied.
"Fine," Goldy smiled. "Salad bar for four. Let's get in line." She moved to the front, with Kurama behind her.
Spike fell into line behind Kurama, leaving Hiei to bring up the rear.
With a small, mischievous grin curling on her lips, Spike flipped her hair straight into the fire demon's face. She couldn't help but chuckle at the incensed look upon his face; Spike stuck her tongue out at him before turning back around.
Goldy turned to the others and asked, "Are we going to each pay for our own, or are the guys going to pay for their 'wife', or what?"
"You ask far too many questions Goldster," Spike told her while waving a hand
"This little detour is all on me..."
"Okay," Goldy replied. She and the guys got their trays, and gave their orders to the waitress.
"Salad bar," each said. Then, they made their way to the end of the line to the cash register, where they waited for Spike.
Spike came trotting along after the group and paid for their orders before joining them at the salad bar. Both Goldy and Kurama loaded their plate and went off to find a table. Soon, they were seated at a table for four, and were digging in, waiting for Spike and Hiei to join them.
Both Spike and Hiei soon joined their friends at the table and began to eat as well. The conversation was pleasant and light and before they knew it, it was time for them to go. Spike handed Goldy the keys and took her place in the back seat, deciding to let the golden fae drive the rest of the way to the resort.
Goldy steered the vehicle down the road, Kurama once again by her side. As she passed a Baskin Robbins' place, she commented, "Put blinders on Hiei!"
"That was so not funny," Spike stated
It would have been comical that the magical princess and the fire demon wore the same expression, had their faces not been so unnervingly threatening.
"Lighten up, Spike!" Goldy laughed. "We need to look like a newlywed couples on our honeymoon. Try and act like it!"
"Yeah, yeah..." Spike grumbled
She relented with a sigh though, and retreated into her sketch book.
Goldy guided the Vanish steadily over the road. She reached over and flicked on the radio. The song, "Bop Til You Drop" by Rick Springfield started to play.
"Hhhmmm...Nice sound!" Goldy grinned over the music.
Spike looked up from behind her sketch book but soon returned to its pages.
"What are you drawing? Not that I'm interested..." a voice from beside her stated
Spike turned to look at Hiei before showing him what she had drawn. So far it was only a bunch of shapes and measurement lines but there were forms visible.
"Oh, it's just a group shot of the Woodbabies that belong to my friends and I," Spike explained
"'Woodbabies'?" Kurama questioned, turning as best he could in his seat to look at the magical princess
Spike nodded.
"Mm-Hm! The little group of friends I run with when I'm in the Human World and maintaining my guise of a college student introduced me to them." she stated
The magical princess seemed to muse for a time, as if trying to decide how best to put her next statement, before continuing.
"A 'Woodbaby' is a fine-art fantasy puppet. They are cable operated and capable of realistic movement. They come in all different forms like Dragons, Gryphons, and Unicorns. They also come in more 'natural' forms like Wolves and Horses. You can also have them custom ordered to be in whatever form you want them to.
The Woodbaby Daddy crafts them all in a studio by hand, each and every one. That's why they're all so expensive, but they're worth every penny. After they're finished the Woodbabies usually remain at the studio but some are taken out to faires and such." Spike explained
She reached into her pack and pulled out a fuzzy, orange creature with the fore of an eagle and the hinder of a lion and sat it in her lap, making sure that the cable was out of the way.
"This is Icarus, my Baby Gryphon. Needless to say, I was lost the moment I gazed into his eyes; I just can't help myself, I'm a push-over when it comes to Woodbabies, especially Icarus..." Spike said
She shifted her gaze to the creature in her lap and spoke to him directly with an air of fondness.
"It's okay; they know." Spike informed the creature
The creature's eyes flashed and the cable shimmered out of existence. The creature got to his feet and gave himself a shake.
"Ya sas!" came the creature’s cheery greeting
"Very nice!" Kurama smiled in comment.
"Isn't it, though?" Goldy laughed.
"OMG-YAY!!" were the next words out of the creature's mouth...er...beak
"We're in the car!! I LOVE the car!! This car is different...ZOMG!! It doesn't have a top!! This is nice...much more nice!! Why don't all the cars not have tops?! You can see all of the outside around!! You can feel all of the outside around!! Life is a highway, I want to ride it all night long.... Where are the others?! They should be here for this!!" Icarus babbled whilst looking around in search of his fellow Woodbabies
"They're not here. I'm on a mission." Spike explained after the barrage of statements and questions
"Oh, right, mission." Icarus said while wiggling his talons about mysteriously. "I forget sometimes..."
"ZOMG!! Who are these new people then?! Wait...I know her!! You're Goldy aren't you?! I'm right aren't I?! I knew I was right!! Oooohhhh, who are these two?! I've never seen them before !! So, who are they, huh?! Huh?! Huh?! Huh?! Wait...why do you look older than before?! I don't remember you looking like that!! Goldy looks different too!! I don't remember her looking like that!! OMG!! How long was I away?!" he continued as he went into a whirl of panic, fluttering up and launching into a stream of Greek
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Spike cried
She reached up and snagged her Woodbaby out of the air, cradling him in her arms while speaking to him softly.
"...So you see, we're all just pretending to be married, just until the mission is over." Spike ended after she had explained everything to Icarus
"Ooooohhhhh...." the Baby Gryphon said
Icarus fluttered out of Spike's grasp and hovered in front of Hiei's face. He seemed to regard the fire demon for a moment before landing in Hiei's lap, yawning, and curling up. Hiei let out a ‘Hn.’ but let the Woodbaby remain where he was. Spike let out a fawning ‘Awww’ and shifted her gaze to the fire demon beside her. Apparently, that simple action had won Hiei some points.
"We're almost there," Goldy announced. "Just about thirty more miles to go. It should be about an hour, give or take five or six minutes.”
"That's good," Spike commented as she went back to her sketch book
Spike couldn't help but smile at the fact that Icarus had awoken and moved from Hiei's lap to his shoulder and was chattering away to the fire demon about nothing in particular.
A quick glance at a road sign told Goldy how close they were to the resort:
Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort 10 miles
"Get ready," she warned the others. "We're coming up on our destination."
(*rubs back of neck* Sorry it took so long...)
Prologue
Earth. The only planet suitable for sustaining life. Though invisible to the sight of most, the Earth is overlapped by multiple worlds. There are two worlds in particular that lie especially close to the Earth. Reikai (Spirit World) is tasked with ferrying the dead from the other worlds to its realms. Makai (Demon World) is the closest to Ningenkai (Human World) and houses demons of all sorts, from the weak E-Class all the way to powerful S-Class. A net-like barrier stretches across the plane between Makai and Ningenkai to keep the demons within the confines of their own world and to prevent them from traveling to Ningenkai and wreaking havoc of the inhabitants of that world. On rare occasions, a demon or two will slip through and must be dealt with swiftly.
Our story begins in Ningenkai, at the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort.
~*~*~
The young couple embraced tightly in the pallid glow of the full moon hanging low in the velvet night sky; they shared a passionate kiss beneath a rose gilded archway before breaking apart and walking along side-by-side, their hands clasped as they went. They hadn’t gone far when the woman paused in their stroll and looked back over her shoulder.
“What is it, Jessica?” her husband questioned softly
“I…I…don’t know Tom, I thought I heard something…” she replied, somewhat uncertain
There was snarl that could make the blood run cold, a blur of motion too fast for the eye to track and it was all over in a flash razor-sharp teeth and wickedly-hooked claws. It had all happened so fast that the young couple didn’t even have time to respond; their screams got caught in their throats and their eyes remained clouded with terror as their lives and their life together was ended far too soon.
***
"Police are still investigating the incident at the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort. This is the second double homicide in a month and the authorities are on the hunt for whoever is responsible for committing these heinous crimes..."
The broadcast was cut short as the TV shut off with a click, the image collapsing into a point of light in the middle, leaving no trace of existence mere moments before. From across the room a small finger rested upon the power button of the remote control. A toddler sat behind a large desk on the wall opposite that of the TV, sighing as he sat back in his arm chair, the very piece of furniture he reclined in dwarfing him by many times.
"This isn't good" he said to himself, his pacifier bobbing with each word.
"Ogre!" he shouted suddenly
"Yes, Koenma, sir?" a timid blue ogre answered, edging into the room
"Fetch Botan for me" Koenma ordered shortly
"Yes, sir" Blue Ogre replied
He left the room and returned a few minutes later with a teenaged girl by his side.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" the girl asked
"Yes," Koenma stated "Botan, how many humans have been killed?"
"Individually? Four. As couples? Two." Botan answered promptly
Koenma growled and slammed his fist against the desk.
"I thought that last trap would work!" he exclaimed in frustration
He swiveled in his chair and tented his fingers as he thought. He turned back to face the ferry girl after a moment more.
"Round up Yusuke and the gang. I have something I need to do." Koenma told her
Botan nodded and left the room while Koenma hopped down from his chair. He passed around his desk and made for the door.
"Come along, Ogre" he said as he left
"What do you plan to do, sir?" Blue Ogre asked
"We need reinforcements" Koenma answered. They had exited the building and were now staring out at the vast expanses of Spirit World.
"We’re going to need specialists," he said to himself." And I know just who to call"
They traveled across the grounds until they came to a large building that stood all by itself in the courtyard. The oaken doors released a lonely creak as they swung open to allow Koenma and Blue Ogre across the threshold. Although it was a large and spacious building it had only one room, which is all it needed. Standing in the center of the room was a gigantic portal. The portal was a swirling mass of liquidated air. It was like a vertical puddle of water. One couldn't see what was on the other side because the images behind it were warped and unrecognizable.
The portal swirled lazily, as if too tired to do anything else. Koenma stepped up to the vortex. He spoke loudly and clearly to the distortion of time and space.
"I wish to speak with the Queen and King of the Magical Empire" he said to it
The portal spun faster, obviously stimulated by his voice.
"It's important" he continued
The portal was now traveling at a breakneck pace. The landscape of another world appeared as the portal settled down. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. Lush, green grass, tall trees, the most amazing flowers one had ever seen, and a crystalline lake.
To top it all off, a golden palace shimmered in the sunlight. The palace reached into the clouds, standing tall and proud over the land. The portal Koenma and Blue Ogre were gazing from swooped in through a window and came upon a man and women. They were sitting on golden thrones, clad in fine robes and jewelry, and the woman was holding a golden, jewel encrusted staff.
Koenma cleared his throat and the couple turned to him.
"Ah, Koenma,” the woman said as she acknowledged his presence.
"It’s been awhile" the man commented alongside his wife
"Yes it has," the toddler prince agreed.
"But I' m afraid there’s no time for idle chit chat." Koenma continued. "We have a bit of a situation."
"Oh?" the Queen queried. She sounded curious, yet concerned.
Both the Queen and King were well on in their years but their eyes held a vibrant spark of life in them and a vast amount of wisdom. It was as if they possessed the knowledge of creatures as old as time.
"Well, a demon broke through the barrier and is attacking newlyweds" Koenma informed them
"That’s terrible!" the Queen exclaimed
"We’ll have our best agents on it right away" the King assured the toddler prince
Koenma nodded and the scene became distorted. The picture faded as the portal regained its translucent state. He turned on his heel and strolled out the door. Blue Ogre pulled the weathered doors shut and hurried after Koenma.
Please hurry, Rosemary, Koenma urged the Queen mentally. We can't allow anymore innocent humans to be slain.
*~*~*
Chapter 1
"Not. A. Word." Spike warned her comrades as she crossed the threshold of the Rebel Hideout, covered from head to foot in unidentifiable green ooze
She strode past them swiftly, grumbling to herself all the while, until she disappeared into one of the back rooms. Spike reappeared a short time later, cleansed of the ooze, and in a considerably better mood.
She trotted over to a large couch and flopped down in the cushions, sighing as she sank into them. It was all she could do to keep that Hydra under control, let alone topple it, and now all she wanted was a little down time.
Goldy --although she had been flying at the time-- had also been "slimed" (Ghostbusters was a favorite movie of hers), and therefore had also disappeared to clean herself. When she was finally rid of the "slime", she joined Spike and the others in main room of the hideout. She plopped down near Spike and looked over toward her.
"Is there a movie on?" she asked. "I'll get the popcorn and drinks."
"Mmph?" Spike muttered. "Wha?"
She willed her eyes to roll back into their normal position before opening them and eyeing Goldy with a half-lidded gaze.
"Dunno, Goldster," Spike replied. "But I'll check."
She summoned the remote to her and flicked on the TV. As Spike was flipping through the channels, there was a volt of static and the faces of the Queen and King of the Magical Empire took up the screen.
"Nanny? Papa?" Spike questioned groggily, momentarily forgetting herself in her sleep-addled stated
"I mean...Grandma, Grandpa..." she corrected quickly, now fully awake
"What's up?" Spike asked
"Spike. Goldy. We have an urgent situation in the Human World." the Queen began. "A demon has slipped past the barrier between the Human World and the Demon World."
"We really hate to call you away so soon, but this situation is in need of your expertise. Take the time to pack thoroughly, but please depart as soon as possible." the King stated
"The demon is attacking the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort in Japan. Another team of individuals will be waiting there upon your arrival. Good luck you two." the Queen finished
There was another volt of static and the images of the King and Queen disappeared; leaving only the program that had been on before the conversation.
"Well, it looks like Goldster and I have a job to do," Spike announced once she had risen from her position on the couch
With a short wave to her friends, and while taking her best friend by the arm, she made her way out of the Rebel Hideout and into the courtyard of the Royal Palace.
"I'll see ya in a bit Goldster; I gotta go pack and tell the folks 'Sayonara'." Spike said as she released the other girl's arm
With that, Spike disappeared into the Palace.
Goldy got up at the same time as Spike, and with a "See you later", she returned to her own home in Fairyland.
As soon as she was packed, she disguised her SunStar Sword as a charm on her necklace. She then said "good-bye" to her parents ("Another mission for Spike's Grandfolks!"), and headed back to the Rebel Hideout to meet Spike.
It pained Spike to reduce The Scepter of the Unicorn and her sword, The Hituke, to mere charms but, it had to be done. After she was all done packing and with a quick 'See ya in the funny papers!' to her parents ("That girl, she's always on the go,"), Spike departed from the Palace and made her way back to the Rebel Hideout.
"Come along Goldster," Spike said as she walked past the other girl. "We travel in style this time."
Spike kept walking until she came to a clearing in the forest in which a silver convertible was parked. Without a prompting of any sort, the doors swung open to allow the two girl's entrance. Spike slid in to the driver's seat and waited until Goldy was in the passenger seat before buckling her seatbelt and fishing a pair of sunglasses out of her pocket.
The doors of the vehicles swung shut and locked with a click before the engine turned itself on and gave itself a few revs. Spike purred as she listened to the horses thunder underneath the hood. Spike gave her companion a warning of 'Hold on tight!' as a rend of time and space appeared before them, growing wider with each rev of the engine.
Spike stepped on the gas and the convertible shot forward into the portal; the distortion of reality closed in on itself once the car had gone through it.
"YYyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...................." Goldy screamed as the car sped through the portal.
In less time than it took for her to finish the scream, they were through the portal.
"I hope you're going the speed limit!" she exclaimed to Spike.
Spike merely laughed at her companion's reaction; with another push to the accelerator, the convertible sped up and tore through the fabric of reality. The vehicle launched out of the portal and skidded into the drive way of a house in a wicked power slide.
"Ahh..." Spike sighed. "What fun."
Nearly giddy at the adrenaline still pumping through her system, Spike hopped over the edge of the convertible and meandered up to the door of the house whose driveway she had landed in. Spike rapped on the door and waited for a moment or two before a boy with slicked-back black hair answered.
"You Yusuke?" Spike questioned while pulling down her sunglasses with a finger
"Yeah," the boy near-growled. "What of it?"
"We have a special mission from Koenma," Goldy told him.
"How do I know you're tellin' me the truth?" Yusuke asked.
"Uhhh...Spike?" Goldy turned to her friend. "Do we have proof?"
"Course we do Goldster," Spike assured whilst waving a dismissive hand
Spike dug around in her pockets for a moment before producing a compact. She flipped it open and the mirror flickered to life, an image of Koenma appeared in the small space.
"Koenma, your 'Detective' here doesn't believe that Goldster and I are the special agents you called in," Spike said
She shoved the compact into Yusuke's face as she waited for the toddler prince's assertion of their identities. After a firm chewing out on Yusuke's part, Spike snapped the compact shut and sauntered past him.
"So, give us the 411. What exactly is going on here?" Spike questioned as she removed her sunglasses and tucked them into her pocket
"Koenma sent us a full report, we have it right here with us," came a voice off to Spike's left
A boy with long rose colored hair and leaf green eyes stepped forward and handed Spike a packet of papers; he was wearing a school uniform and smiled kindly at the two new comers. Spike took the papers and flipped through them, making sure to read the key points, before handing the packet to Goldy.
Goldy took the papers and held them for a few moments, blushing slightly when the rose-haired youth that had offered them smiled at her. She then handed them to Spike.
"Why are you handing them back to me? I already handed them to you." Spike questioned her companion when the other girl gave the papers back to her without even looking at them
Spike rolled her eyes but accepted the papers anyways.
"Do we have a general plan of action here? Or are we going to play it by ear?" Spike inquired of those around her
"Koenma also gave us a video tape." came a slightly cold, carefully measured voice from off to Spike's right
A boy that was actually shorter than Spike was (“Okay, so I'm only five foot four, do you have a problem with that?”) stepped forward and produced the aforementioned video tape. He had spiky black hair with a blue sheen around the edges and a white star burst in the front that hung into his eyes. He wore a long black cloak with a rumbled white cloth around the neck; a pair of blood red eyes that were frosted over with indifference regarded the two new comers with contempt.
Gone unnoticed by everyone except the two that knew their ins and outs the best, Spike and the boy drew themselves to their full, albeit short, heights and seemed to size each other up right then and there. After a few moments, the two relaxed and the boy handed Spike the video tape and she accepted it without a qualm.
"Oh! I almost forget, formal introduction!" Spike piped up suddenly. "The name's Spike, and that there's Goldst...I mean, Goldy"
"The player's this way," Yusuke said, pointing behind him with this thumb. A TV set with a tape player sat against the far wall, surrounded by chairs and a sofa.
Spike nodded and made her way over.
She turned the TV and the player on before slipping the video tape in and taking a seat on the sofa.
"Greetings, Team Urameshi." Koenma's image began. "As you know, there have been several attacks on couples at the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort in Japan.
"I have provided you with vital information on the demon here," Koenma's image continued
The screen changed to display a report on the demon in question. After giving the team enough time to read over the information, the screen changed back to Koenma's image.
"We have formulated a plan to flush the demon out of hiding and have it dealt with by the Spirit World. We are going to place a few decoys at The Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort to remain there until the demon makes an appearance. Hiei and Kurama, I'd like you two to get better acquainted with Spike and Goldy, for you four will be playing the part of two newly wed couples." Koenma's image informed them
There was a moment of silence, in which the statement seemed to hang in the air, before the reactions came.
Goldy looked over at Kurama, and he looked over at her. Goldy had to admit, the rose-haired fox demon was handsome. No, not just handsome: HOT! She found herself not minding being paired with the gentle young man. Kurama, for his part, studied Goldy intensely. The fairy princess was very pretty, he decided. Perhaps even beautiful. He thought that he would like to get to know her better.
Spike and Hiei were staring at each other intently, and not in a particularly good way either. For those with the proper eyes, they would have seen the auras of demonic and magical energy warring against one another. Finally, with a 'hn' and a 'hmph', they crossed their arms and averted their gaze from each other. It was obvious that they weren't fond of the idea in the slightest and would need some cajoling, begging, or perhaps even a deal or two to finally go through with it.
Goldy and Kurama sighed in unison, knowing that they had their work cut out for them. It took the better part of an hour, but the fairy princess and the fox demon somehow managed to get the magical princess and the fire demon on board, though begrudgingly.
"What's the next step?" Goldy asked after a time, more for a way to get her mind back on track than anything else
It was at this time that the image of Koenma chose to speak once more, the toddler prince having apparently anticipated the participant's responses ahead of time.
"I have had a special potion prepared for the next step of the plan. It will allow you to attend The Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort by aging you." the image of Koenma informed them
"'Aging' us?" Goldy repeated.
"We probably do not look old enough to be married," Kurama replied. "An aging potion will aid in that effect."
"Okay," Goldy nodded. "When will it be ready?"
"It will take a couple of hours before the potion is ready so you have time to pack your things and prepare for your departure. " the image of Koenma stated before the screen went blank and the player started to whir
"An 'aging' potion, huh?" Spike mused aloud more to herself than to anyone else. "If we're going to be older, that means the clothes we have now won't fit us, and that means..."
She shifted her attention to her gold-clad friend.
"SHOPPING!!" Spike trilled before glomping the fairy princess; her behavior a complete turn around from that which she displayed mere moments before
"C'mon Goldster, we have things to do," she continued while wrapping an arm around her gold-clad friend
"Shake a leg you two." Spike told Hiei and Kurama without looking back, already out of the door as she did so
"Okay...who are you, and what did you do with Spike?" Goldy quipped, before breaking into a grin. "So, where in Japan can we find adult clothes?"
Spike opened her mouth to speak before closing it once more, realizing that she didn't have the foggiest clue as to where they could find adult clothes.
"Hey! Does either of you two know where to find adult clothes?" Spike called over her shoulder to their soon-to-be mates
"There's a mall not far from here," Yusuke said. "They'll probably have what you need.
"Thank you much," Spike said before continuing her path
She let the quartet out of the house and to the convertible setting in the drive. Finally releasing her gold-clad friend from her companionable embrace, Spike fished around in her pockets before pulling out her keys. She blinked when she found the keys missing from her grasp and twirling on the finger of Goldy.
"This time, I'm going to drive." Goldy announced
Spike whined slightly, pouted for a moment, but then obliged with a shrill of 'Shot Gun!' before taking up residence in the front seat.
After Kurama and Hiei took their places behind their respective "mates-to-be", Goldy started the car and drove them to the mall. Upon arrival, the group headed to the nearest clothing store.
As the group looked around, Goldy thought about what she would get. She'd have to forgo her usual metallic gold attire for something more subtle. But she was unwilling to give up the gold look entirely. She found several gold-colored --but not metallic gold-- tops in various styles and some stylish jeans.
"We'll have to get shoes and some jewelry, too," she told the others. "And maybe, the rings, as well."
"That's a good idea Goldster," Spike replied while nodding
With that she gathered her things and followed her friend to the shoe section. Goldy selected several pairs of shoes, including a gold-colored pair, and a pair of sneakers. Kurama also picked out a couple a pair of shoes, a formal set and a pair of sneakers.
Once the small group had finished their shopping, they all headed to the jewelry store to purchase the rings. There were hundreds of styles to choose from --from very simple, to very elaborate. Goldy and Kurama looked over the rings very carefully, before selecting a set that was made up of a diamond heart set in a gold band, with a row of smaller diamonds on either side of the heart, and a single, gold wedding band.
"We'll have to wear both if we are to pass for newlyweds," Goldy whispered to her companions.
Spike and Hiei chose a pair of rings that had a diamond set in the center with smaller rubies framing the diamond's placement and single, gold wedding bands to go with it.
"So," Goldy said. "Do we need anything else?"
"I don't think so..." Spike replied as she seemed to muse on the subject
"C'mon, let's get back to the house, the others are probably waiting for us." she continued
"Right," Goldy replied. The group left the mall and piled into Spike's car. Once again, Goldy took the keys and drove back.
As soon as they arrived, they hauled in their purchases and got ready to begin the next part of the plan.
The quartet filed into the house with their purchases to find a bottle of purple liquid in the hands of Yusuke.
"This arrived while you were gone." the Spirit Detective informed them
Though she regarded the bottle warily at first, Spike sat her things down and took the bottle from Yusuke. She fished an outfit and matching shoes out of one of her bags before uncorking the potion and taking a swig.
"Catch ya in a bit," Spike bid to the others with her before disappearing deeper into the house with her things
"I wonder how dramatic a change it's going to be," Goldy mused aloud.
Spike returned a few minutes later dressed in the new outfit she had bought and with a new look to go along with it as well. Shining tresses now fell about her shoulders like melted chocolate instead of the usual braided pigtails that held her hair back and out of the way. Two orbs that mimicked the melted chocolate hue of her silken hair glinted out from beneath unruly bangs that had refused to be tamed by the potion as the tall, willowy woman made her way back to the group. Had Goldy not known that it was Spike that was returning to the group, she could have sworn that she was facing Selena, Spike's mother, instead of the magical princess she had known for so long.
"Whoa!" Goldy commented. "You look...older." To be honest, the Golden Fae was speechless.
"Yeah, she does," Hiei muttered.
"Uhh...right," Goldy nodded. "My turn." After grabbing some of her purchases, she took the bottle and took her own swig. Then, she ran off to another room to change.
Spike came over to the group she had left mere minutes before and smiled down at the fire demon, tilting her head rather coyly to the side as she did so. Content with knowing that she had thrown the diminutive warrior off at her approach, Spike strode past him and turned around to await the return of her best friend.
When Goldy returned, she was dressed in a gold (non-metallic), one-shoulder top, jeans with gold stitching in the form of stars on the pockets, sneakers, and jewelry usually worn by young adult women. Her golden hair was no longer in the whippy ponytail, but hung down in a French braid. She had also gained a few inches, and looked like she was in her early-twenties.
"Well...what do you think?" she asked.
"I don't know why you even bother asking Goldster. You look like a million gold coins." Spike praised
She then turned her attention to the two remaining members of their group.
"Go on boys, it's you're turn." Spike urged
Both Kurama and Hiei gathered their own clothes, took swigs of the potion, and rushed into the other room to change.
"I wonder how they'll turn out..." Goldy mused aloud. Yusuke just shrugged.
Hiei came down first dressed in his new outfit and heads taller than he had been mere minutes before. He returned to the group and stood next to Spike, regarding the woman next to him discreetly out of the corner of his eye. Spike turned to him and smiled, prompting the fire demon to look away with a 'hn' in response.
"Oh, now don't be shy, I'm harmless...Mostly..." she informed Hiei so that only he could hear, earning a smirk from him despite his best efforts
Kurama walked out of the room, a little taller, and dressed in jeans, a shirt, and shoes. His long, rose-colored hair flowed down his back like a cape, and his eyes shone brightly, even in his "older" state. Goldy sidled up to him.
"Niiicceee..." she grinned, taking his arm in hers.
Uugghh, show some dignity Goldster,” Spike reprimanded the golden fae in her head, an unfamiliar stern inflection to her mental voice
With a rather audible sigh, Spike followed Goldy's lead and looped her arm with Hiei's. The fire demon started, not expecting such a thing, but then quickly relaxed before anyone aside from Spike could take notice.
The screen of the TV flickered back into life and the video that had been left in the player started up once more. The image of Koenma appeared on the screen and began to speak to those assembled.
"Now that you four have taken the potion and collected your things, it is time for you to depart for the Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort. I have sent an envelope with everything you need inside." the image of Koenma informed them
A flash of remembrance crossed Yusuke's face and he pulled a crumpled manila envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Spike.
"How are we to get there Koenma?" Spike asked when she didn't find tickets of any sort in the manila envelope
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," the toddler prince stated while rubbing the back of his neck
Everyone save for Spike and Hiei face faulted into the floor, the fire demon and the magical princess opting to settle for a sweat drop instead.
"Don't worry, we'll just take the Vanish," Spike assured the team, referring to the convertible sitting in the drive way
"I'll enter the coordinates into the Vanish's navigation system and we'll be there in no time." she continued
Having said as much, Spike gathered her things, prompting Hiei to do the same, and waved to those in the house before exiting out the front door, leaving Goldy and Kurama to catch up.
Goldy and Kurama followed, placing their stuff in the trunk beside those of Spike and Hiei. As the magical princess and the fire demon took the front seat, the golden fairy and the fox demon settled themselves in the back seat.
"Hang on, you two," Goldy warned. "Spike drives like Mario Andredi on the Indy 500 speedway."
"Oh Goldster, you wound me, truly you do." Spike replied as she started the engine.
After checking the mirrors and the road, she pulled out and headed out in the direction of their destination.
"How far is it to this resort, anyway?" Hiei asked.
"Why? Are you anxious?" Spike questioned whilst eyeing Hiei coyly
This action earned a 'Hn' and a head turn from the fire demon. Spike merely laughed before she brought up the map on the Vanish's console.
"The resort is a couple of hour's drive, so I suggest that we all get comfy," Spike informed them
"Fine with me," Goldy replied. She stretched as best she could, then turned to Kurama. "Spike's really a great driver. Just watch out if she ever decides to enter the Vanish in the Daytona races. Thing is: I'm not sure if the Vanish qualifies as a 'stock car'..."
"Would it be allowed in?" the fox demon asked.
"I dunno," Goldy replied. "Do you think it would be allowed to race at Daytona, Spike?"
"As it is now? No. If it transformed into a stock car? Yes. But then again one has to ponder on the ethical implications of a car with the capabilities of a super sonic jet competing against a normal car with a lot of horse power." Spike replied
"She's right," Goldy laughed. "Spike, did you pack your fairy armor that Grandma made for you?"
"'Fairy armor'?" Kurama asked.
"Yeah," Goldy turned to him. "My grandmother makes a special, knitted fairy armor. It stretches, and would still fit us, even in this adult form. Grandma made both Spike and me a set."
"Yes, I did," Spike replied
"And you can give her my thanks the next time you see her," she continued
"I will," Goldy promised. She settled back in her seat, admiring the scenery as the Vanish moved along the highway to its destination.
Spike shifted her gaze to the rearview mirror with a quirked eyebrow when Goldy started in her seat with a yelp. The golden fae reached around behind her and pulled out a flat tablet that was wedged between the seats.
"Hey! My sketch book! I've been looking for that!" Spike cried upon seeing what had jabbed her best friend in the back and what she was now holding up.
"You can look through it if you want Goldster. Despite the fact that it was wedged in between the seats it is actually quite organized. Finished works are in the front, WIPs are in the middle, and unfinished works are in the back." she continued
"Those are well-done," Kurama commented.
"Yeah," Goldy replied, "Spike can draw incredible art."
"Thank you both very much, you are really too kind." Spike told them as she tried to hide the flush on her cheeks
"It's not much really. Just my fursona, Taiyoo, she's a mink. There are a couple of my team in there, I like the one of Silver vs. Ninja the best, and I think there are a few of Rojo Diablo, my Peruvian FireCracker, as well. I wouldn’t be sure but I imagine there are some of your Golden Medallion as well. Her name escapes me at the moment, but she's in there.
Aside from that, there are some of the Anime Club, and their associated titles such as 'Raver' or 'Emo'. They rock out loud and I heart them so much that I decided to make them badges. And, of course, Icarus. He's my Woodbaby, just in case you were wondering. Oh! Stay away from the very, very back! You has gifteses!" she explained
"'Gifts'?" Goldy piped up. "We've got presents?"
"Yay," Hiei said unenthusiastically. "Are we there yet?"
"You has gifteses, they no has gifteses." Spike stated
The magical princess gave a short cough before speaking once more on the subject.
"Sorry about that. I have a tendency to switch to the native language of the Anime Club when talking or asking questions. I don't even realize I'm doing it." she informed them
"And no, we are not there yet. This is going to be a real long trip if you don't knock it off." Spike told the fire demon, bristling as she made the threat
Spike and Hiei glared each other down before returning to what they were doing. Goldy and Kurama exchanged glances in the back seat. If the magical princess and the fire demon managed to make to the Resort, let alone go through with the mission, they could count themselves lucky.
"We are going to stop for food, right?" Goldy asked. If this was going to be a long trip, the golden fae wanted to make sure everyone was fed.
"Yuppers!" Spike piped up
"That's good," Goldy replied. "So, what should it be: Fast food, diner food, or someplace like Ponderosa or Shoney's?"
"I cast my vote for Ponderosa!" Spike stated, murring slightly
"Me, too!" Goldy replied. "How about you, Kurama?"
"Sounds fine to me," he answered.
"Hiei?" Goldy asked.
"Fine...whatever..."
"Try not to sound so enthused..." Spike muttered to the fire demon before piping up to the rest of the car
"And it's Ponderosa by a landslide!" she cried
"Great!" Goldy grinned.
Spike grinned as well, unable to hide her enthusiasm.
She continued to drive along until she found a rest area with the desired restaurant in it and immediately pulled in without a second thought or a moment's hesitation.
"Everybody Out!" Spike squealed, nearly giddy
She unbuckled her seatbelt and sprung over the door, not even bothering to open it.
Goldy and the guys also unbuckled their seatbelts, and got out of the car. As a group, they entered the restaurant.
"I'm prone to the salad bar," Goldy said. "All you can eat for one price. What about the rest of you?"
"I don't mind at all," Spike stated, quite pleased
"What about you?" she questioned Hiei
"Hn."
"Is that a yes or a no?" Spike inquired
"Hn."
"*sigh* It's fine with him as well," Spike told Goldy
"I'll take it, too," Kurama replied.
"Fine," Goldy smiled. "Salad bar for four. Let's get in line." She moved to the front, with Kurama behind her.
Spike fell into line behind Kurama, leaving Hiei to bring up the rear.
With a small, mischievous grin curling on her lips, Spike flipped her hair straight into the fire demon's face. She couldn't help but chuckle at the incensed look upon his face; Spike stuck her tongue out at him before turning back around.
Goldy turned to the others and asked, "Are we going to each pay for our own, or are the guys going to pay for their 'wife', or what?"
"You ask far too many questions Goldster," Spike told her while waving a hand
"This little detour is all on me..."
"Okay," Goldy replied. She and the guys got their trays, and gave their orders to the waitress.
"Salad bar," each said. Then, they made their way to the end of the line to the cash register, where they waited for Spike.
Spike came trotting along after the group and paid for their orders before joining them at the salad bar. Both Goldy and Kurama loaded their plate and went off to find a table. Soon, they were seated at a table for four, and were digging in, waiting for Spike and Hiei to join them.
Both Spike and Hiei soon joined their friends at the table and began to eat as well. The conversation was pleasant and light and before they knew it, it was time for them to go. Spike handed Goldy the keys and took her place in the back seat, deciding to let the golden fae drive the rest of the way to the resort.
Goldy steered the vehicle down the road, Kurama once again by her side. As she passed a Baskin Robbins' place, she commented, "Put blinders on Hiei!"
"That was so not funny," Spike stated
It would have been comical that the magical princess and the fire demon wore the same expression, had their faces not been so unnervingly threatening.
"Lighten up, Spike!" Goldy laughed. "We need to look like a newlywed couples on our honeymoon. Try and act like it!"
"Yeah, yeah..." Spike grumbled
She relented with a sigh though, and retreated into her sketch book.
Goldy guided the Vanish steadily over the road. She reached over and flicked on the radio. The song, "Bop Til You Drop" by Rick Springfield started to play.
"Hhhmmm...Nice sound!" Goldy grinned over the music.
Spike looked up from behind her sketch book but soon returned to its pages.
"What are you drawing? Not that I'm interested..." a voice from beside her stated
Spike turned to look at Hiei before showing him what she had drawn. So far it was only a bunch of shapes and measurement lines but there were forms visible.
"Oh, it's just a group shot of the Woodbabies that belong to my friends and I," Spike explained
"'Woodbabies'?" Kurama questioned, turning as best he could in his seat to look at the magical princess
Spike nodded.
"Mm-Hm! The little group of friends I run with when I'm in the Human World and maintaining my guise of a college student introduced me to them." she stated
The magical princess seemed to muse for a time, as if trying to decide how best to put her next statement, before continuing.
"A 'Woodbaby' is a fine-art fantasy puppet. They are cable operated and capable of realistic movement. They come in all different forms like Dragons, Gryphons, and Unicorns. They also come in more 'natural' forms like Wolves and Horses. You can also have them custom ordered to be in whatever form you want them to.
The Woodbaby Daddy crafts them all in a studio by hand, each and every one. That's why they're all so expensive, but they're worth every penny. After they're finished the Woodbabies usually remain at the studio but some are taken out to faires and such." Spike explained
She reached into her pack and pulled out a fuzzy, orange creature with the fore of an eagle and the hinder of a lion and sat it in her lap, making sure that the cable was out of the way.
"This is Icarus, my Baby Gryphon. Needless to say, I was lost the moment I gazed into his eyes; I just can't help myself, I'm a push-over when it comes to Woodbabies, especially Icarus..." Spike said
She shifted her gaze to the creature in her lap and spoke to him directly with an air of fondness.
"It's okay; they know." Spike informed the creature
The creature's eyes flashed and the cable shimmered out of existence. The creature got to his feet and gave himself a shake.
"Ya sas!" came the creature’s cheery greeting
"Very nice!" Kurama smiled in comment.
"Isn't it, though?" Goldy laughed.
"OMG-YAY!!" were the next words out of the creature's mouth...er...beak
"We're in the car!! I LOVE the car!! This car is different...ZOMG!! It doesn't have a top!! This is nice...much more nice!! Why don't all the cars not have tops?! You can see all of the outside around!! You can feel all of the outside around!! Life is a highway, I want to ride it all night long.... Where are the others?! They should be here for this!!" Icarus babbled whilst looking around in search of his fellow Woodbabies
"They're not here. I'm on a mission." Spike explained after the barrage of statements and questions
"Oh, right, mission." Icarus said while wiggling his talons about mysteriously. "I forget sometimes..."
"ZOMG!! Who are these new people then?! Wait...I know her!! You're Goldy aren't you?! I'm right aren't I?! I knew I was right!! Oooohhhh, who are these two?! I've never seen them before !! So, who are they, huh?! Huh?! Huh?! Huh?! Wait...why do you look older than before?! I don't remember you looking like that!! Goldy looks different too!! I don't remember her looking like that!! OMG!! How long was I away?!" he continued as he went into a whirl of panic, fluttering up and launching into a stream of Greek
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Spike cried
She reached up and snagged her Woodbaby out of the air, cradling him in her arms while speaking to him softly.
"...So you see, we're all just pretending to be married, just until the mission is over." Spike ended after she had explained everything to Icarus
"Ooooohhhhh...." the Baby Gryphon said
Icarus fluttered out of Spike's grasp and hovered in front of Hiei's face. He seemed to regard the fire demon for a moment before landing in Hiei's lap, yawning, and curling up. Hiei let out a ‘Hn.’ but let the Woodbaby remain where he was. Spike let out a fawning ‘Awww’ and shifted her gaze to the fire demon beside her. Apparently, that simple action had won Hiei some points.
"We're almost there," Goldy announced. "Just about thirty more miles to go. It should be about an hour, give or take five or six minutes.”
"That's good," Spike commented as she went back to her sketch book
Spike couldn't help but smile at the fact that Icarus had awoken and moved from Hiei's lap to his shoulder and was chattering away to the fire demon about nothing in particular.
A quick glance at a road sign told Goldy how close they were to the resort:
Bella Luna Honeymoon Resort 10 miles
"Get ready," she warned the others. "We're coming up on our destination."