'Fate and Destiny'
Part 1: Ferris Wheeling Minds
03/08/06

...-...

"Two at time, please! Two at a time!" Call the man, slowly ushering couples into their carts.

"Oh, Yusuke! Let's go on! Please?" Keiko exclaimed, arms locked around his.

"On what?"

"The Ferris Wheel!"

"Aw man, Keiko-"

"Yusuke! And Botan and Yukina could go too!" Keiko pleaded, pointing towards the other couples. It happened to be a first date for both of them. Kurama turned his head to watch the amusing sight of Keiko pulling a whining Yusuke over to the ride. "Well, Botan, would you like to go on the Ferris wheel?" He asked, smiling at her. The couple was there on their first date, as were Kuwabara and Yukina. Which meant Hiei was, no doubt, slinking behind in the shadows.

Both girls were so funny to watch, in awe of all the rides and bright colors. It reminded you that they had never been to many ningen festivities to begin with. At the thought of going on another attraction, Botan's eyes brightened, and she nodded excitedly. "Can we ride as well, Kazuma?" Yukina asked.

Soon all the couples were boarding the ride, although Yusuke was a bit begrudging, and Kurama noticed, from a distance, Hiei staring at the giant mechanism with great distaste. He smiled again, wrapping his arms around Botan and drawing her into a hug. "How like the carnival so far, love?"

Botan smiled, "It's very nice." A comfortable silence set in as they rose to the top. Botan edged closer to the side of the art, looking over the edge. She smiled again, leaning up and kissing Kurama on the cheek. "That's my 'thank you'," She said, giggling at the blush on his face.

"What... was that it?" He asked, leaving her shocked. He went from embarrassed and surprised to playful so quickly! It must be the Yoko in him... not that she was complaining...

"What were you expecting?" She asked, playing along.

"Oh... just something a little like this..." Kurama grinned slyly, pulling Botan into a deep kiss. And they probably would have continued, had the lurch of the Ferris wheel not set them apart. "Eeep! We're going to fall!" Botan yelped, gripping the outside bar. Kurama chuckled. "Botan, we're only moving..."

"I knew that..." She straightened out, about to scoot back over into his lap when the ride made another abrupt lurch. "Aiiiii! What was that!"

"I... don't know..." Kurama mumbled, grabbing Botan and pulling her into him. "I'm... sure everything will be fine. Maybe it's just a technical difficulty," He said cheerily.

"Oh... okay..."

"Shuku, you seem distant," Kurama noted, using his nickname for Botan.

"What do you-" Botan started but screamed again as the Ferris Wheel shook again, this time hard enough for the guard rail to spring open. "Botan!" Kurama gasped as she slipped through his arms, falling out of the cart. "BOTAN!" He cried, about to jump after her when a streak of black crossed through his vision. He sighed, taking a mental note to later thank Hiei.

The ride continued to shake, and the panic of its occupants became more and more evident. Peering over the side of his cart, Kurama could see a crack forming in the ground and within seconds a large hole had ripped through the surface. With a roar, a large creature appeared, it's own form towering over the Ferris wheel (which was rather high). In the blink of an eye, Hiei, Kuwabara, Yusuke, and Kurama were all battle ready, their respective partners (excluding Hiei) safe on the ground.

"Yusuke, Kuwabara! Attack it from behind, Hiei and I will get it from the top!" Kurama yelled, signaling Hiei to follow his lead. Leaping into the air, Kurama, ricocheted off of the metal bars of the Ferris wheel, hurdling himself towards the demon's face. Right arm raised, he began to slash out at its eyes, Hiei dragging his sword up the monster's left arm. However, the creature's skin was thick and hard. Like steel.

With a roar, the creature swept its arm out, successfully whipping Kurama to the ground, hitting the Ferris wheel in the process. Botan screamed, watching the ride topple down towards Kurama. "Kurama! Kurama!" She screamed, running into the humongous cloud of dust. The great fall had crushed two adjoining tents, and Kurama could hear cried of panic. However, she noticed with great relief that Yusuke and Kuwabara had rescued all occupants of the Ferris wheel and Hiei was gripping Kurama by the collar, keeping him from harm's way.

"Oh Hiei, thank you!" Botan exclaimed, rushing over to the pair. "Kurama, are you okay? Did the fall hurt you? Let me che-"

"Botan, I'm fine, please, go back to the others. There is still a fight to continue." He said quickly, for the demon was beginning to get anxious, and taking his anxieties out on others.

"Oh, right..." Botan said, looking at him one final time before slinking back to the other girls. After setting civilians down Yusuke and Kuwabara joined up with the two. "What's the plan Kurama?" Yusuke asked.

"And make it a good one this time," Hiei muttered.

"Hmmm... If we can immobilize his arms, there should be no problem beating it." He said. Before he could elaborate, Hiei had his sword out with a malevolent glint in his eyes. "Yes, Hiei, go ahead. Have fun..." Kurama sighed, watching Hiei disappear in a black blur. "Yusuke, I'll need you to get a clear shot at his back and..." With a slight groan, Kurama cradled his abdomen.

"You sure you alright, Kurama?" Yusuke asked.

"Yes, Yusuke, fine. Now, as I was saying, I'll need you to get a shot at his back. Be careful. Since it's so huge, we should lead it away, as to not harm any civilians." Kurama finished. And as they prepared there was another large sound of explosion and Hiei shot past them, crashing in the roof of a 'Dodgems' set.

"Hiei!" Kurama called as they raced off to find him. He had a bloody nose, and was slightly bruised, but for the most part he seemed okay. Kurama bent down, trying to help his friend. "Hiei, what happe-"

"Idiot! Get off of me. Did you leave them alone!"

"Hiei, what do you mea-" Kurama started, but was interrupted once again.

"The girls, baka!"

"Huh?" Everyone asked.

Just then there was a loud shriek. "Ku-Kurama!" Botan screeched, caught in the grip of their enemy.
"Botan!" He cried, racing towards the beast. "Ku-aiiiii!" She called, gasping desperately as the demon started crushing her lungs. "Botan!" He pulled out his rose whip, swinging blindly at the demon.

Botan could no longer scream, or cry out for help, as white specks dotted her vision. She had to stay awake! "Ku...rama...ku..." Her pleas became softer, melting away into nothing as darkness slowly overtook her. "Botan! Botan! BOTAN!" Kurama called desperately, as the creature sunk back into the earth, out of his grip.

"Botan..." He said miserably, coming to his knees.

"Botan...

...-...

I usually don't leave ANs at the end of my Chaps, but I must know- How was the action scene? I'd really like suggestion on how to make it better. Thanks a million to everyone who reviewed.