Chapter 28: Cure-All

"Yeah, dis guy I'm pretty sure is your brother wanted me to hack into the Union HQ, but only a big screen." Intisar explained. "He called in a few weeks ago, and our appointment for payment is today."

Tevor had called up Yuuhime and Xuan to come to Larkspur Detective Agency for a clue for Yamato's whereabouts.

"That was Yamato," Tevor said, "I'm sure of it."

"Why did you agree in the first place?" Xuan asked.

"The guy offered 500k, I couldn't turn that down." Intisar explained. "I called Yuuhime about it and she told me to charge him one million!"

"He can afford it!" Yuuhime huffed. "Intisar deserved it."

"I'll try to get information out of Yamato, too," Tevor said, "thanks to Yuuhime's smart move!"

"Oh, yes, I'm very smart." Yuuhime said proudly, knowing she just wanted to see Yamato lose all his money.

***

A few weeks ago

Yamato tapped his fingers, watching the quiet but tense Espers on the other side of the screen. He chuckled, their faces giving him a kick.

"Well, what do you say?" He purred.

His communicator sounded off, it's annoying ringing causing him to pause.

"...one moment." He stood up and left the room.

"Hey, Mr. Yamato?" Intisar's voice asked from the device.

"What is it?"

"Ya see, this job was really hard. Getting into the data base was a nightmare, and letting you stay in there for a prolonged time is getting a bit tedious."

"Well?"

"Well, I want double the amount of payment."

"What?!"

"Yep. One million, and not a penny less."

"That's ridiculous. We already agreed to the 500k!"

"Sorry, but I'll shut you off right now if you don't pay."

Yamato was silent for a long time. He could always agree and then just run away, but then he'd have another target on his back, which was the last thing he wanted.

"Fine, fine. I agree."

"Aaaaalright, I'll get you a day to pay up and we'll be on our way."

Yamato hung up and sighed deeply. Returning the the screen, he saw Raven standing tall and confidently.

"We agree to your request." She said boldly. Yamato smirked and clasped his hands.

"Perfect. Be on 25 road by 11 pm on the 15."

"I have a request for you." Raven said quickly. Yamato leaned forward, eyebrows raised.

"After this, never set foot in Gyrate again."

"Understood~"

"One last question, though," She said, "what's the reason for all this?"

"I shan't have a reason for family." He replied cooly.

"..." Raven stared darkly at him.

"No response, good. Goodbye, now, I do hope I won't see you tomorrow." And with that, Yamato was gone.

"What was that?" Yue asked angrily, marching in and holding files, Nuxi close behind.

"Heng Yue, Feng Nuxi?" Gaius got up. "How long were you here?"

"Long enough to hear everything. What is wrong with you?"

"Dr. Heng," Nuxi softly said, "I think you're taking this out of context, just a bit."

"Yes, you are," Raven sighed deeply, "but you're still right to be angry."

"This is a great risk," Pritzker nodded, "I still think it's too big of a gamble."

Gaius agreed, "but we have little to no options now to capture Yamato besides this."

"...alright, what's your plan?" Yue asked cautiously.

***

Present

"He's gonna be here soon," Intisar called, "dude just called me."

"Alright," Tevor said, "Hey Parm? Can you help out?"

"Of course," The woman came over, "with what?"

"Make sure our two guests get out fine." He gestured to Yuuhime and Xuan.

"Can do. I'll take them to the back door."

"Great! Thanks, Parm."

She smiled and nodded. The bell for the front entrance rang through the building, announcing the arrival of Yamato.

"Come." Parmi told Yuuhime and Xuan. Tevor quickly sprinted into the from room.

"Hello, Mr. Detective." Yamato said when he spotted Tevor. "Are you here for my...million dollars?"

"I'm just helping with the transfer process," Tevor replied, "all the money's going to Intisar."

"Let's just get this over with, neither of us want to be doing this."

As they spoke, Yuuhime and Xuan followed Parmi to the back.

"Be careful," Parmi told them as she unlocked the door, "it tends to get dangerous out here at this time."

"We will," Xuan replied, "don't worry."

"One more thing." She said in a low voice. "I'll make sure Tevor will call you when he's done so he can tell you what he learnt when he talked to Yamato and so you can get your car."

"Thanks! I'll be sure to keep an eye and ear out."

She nodded and waved as they left quickly.

The smells of churros and soda filled their noses. The tall buildings masked the coldness of the snow that gathered all around. Their feet crunched under it, just as the winds blew the trees to make sound. They took a break at a beautiful park, where a statue loomed over them.

"Hey, uhm, Xuan?" Yuuhime asked in a whisper.

"Yeah?" He looked at her.

"I...can I-Uhm-Can I give you a nickname?"

"Hm? Sure, of course."

"I've wanted to call you this for a long time, but I didn't know how to ask until just now."

"Well? Spill it, I'm listening."

"Sunflower." Her lips curled into a smile, unable to stop the butterflies from flapping in her heart.

"I-I like it."

"Really?"

"Really! But, now that I think of it..."

"What? What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing, I just think any nickname you'd give me I'd like."

She blinked then laughed, snuggling his arm and staring at him lovingly. He leaned on her, staring back.

After a while, Xuan's communicator went off.

"Looks like he's done, let's go."

***

A few weeks ago

"It'll never work." Yue said, folding her arms.

"You weren't even supposed to know about it," Raven sighed, "but here we are. Why were you even here in the first place?"

"I found something interesting that might help in curing Divine Weakening." Yue said cooly.

"It's a stretch," Nuxi said quickly, "but...

"Anything is better than nothing," Gaius said, nodding, "please share."

"Feng Nuxi explained it better than me, I just have the test results." Yue said, turning to Nuxi.

"According to Heng Yue, Ethan, one of the Divine Weakening patients, felt better when his friend was there. A week ago, when the patient Leo was admitted, he and Ethan began talking (Ethan just so happened to be here for a check-up), and apparently, some burns on Ethan were almost completely cured. Heng Yue believes that some sort of strong emotions had something to do with it. I put it, love is the cure."

Everyone was silent for a long time, trying their best to wrap their heads around what was just said. Yue tapped her files, silently watching everyone.

"How does love and these burns correlate?" Raven finally asked.

"I was going to ask you to come see Ethan and Leo for yourself." Yue replied. "That way you can see for yourself."

"Alright," Raven nodded, "let's go see them."

***

Present

"There you are." Tevor said as Yuuhime and Xuan walked back into the agency.

"Yep," Xuan nodded with a smile, "did you find anything out?"

"One thing," Tevor said, "Yamato did say he was planning on going to 25 road on the 15."

"How strange." Yuuhime said.

"Thanks, Tevor!" Xuan said. "I think we're gonna be going now."

"Drive safe." Parmi said, waving. Tevor went back to work as the two left and drove off.

"25 street...isn't that kinda near the underground miracle?" Yuuhime recalled. "And the 15 is tomorrow."

"I think so," He replied, "I'll be sure to keep an eye out there."

***

The prison was cold. It was wet. It was dark.

It was scary.

Yun covered his ears. He was jailed in a tucked away and very secure cell, but that didn't stop the sounds of inmates yelling and scratching the walls from driving him crazy. The clanking of the anti-Esper chains around his hands and feet didn't help, either.

Curled up in his tiny cell, he listened to people pass by. His breathing was quick, his arms and legs stiff from being unmoving for so long, and his eyes unblinking and bloodshot.

Today was a slow day. Not many prison guards walked past, which was just the right conditions for inmates to yell jokes and curse the guards. Yun listened in, but hadn't been here long enough to appreciate any of them. The only guards he somewhat knew were the ones who regularly guarded his cell, but he didn't like the way their serious and grim faces glared down at him; that was probably the worst part of being in prison.

He heard the door to his cell beginning to open. He watched it carefully. The first door, then the ID scanner, then the strong glass, then finally, Yun could see outside his cell. The guards guarded while someone walked up to Yun.

"...Yamato?" Yun choked.

"Miss me?" Yamato purred.

"What are you doing here?"

"I heard you got arrested, so I wanted to see you."

"...why?"

"For this and for that," Yamato fiddled with his hair, "where's my music box."

Yun clenched his teeth. Yamato's eyes narrowed.

"Where. Is. My. Music. Box."

"Esper Union's got it." Yun spat.

Yamato growled.

"Sir, your time is up." One guard said, stepping forward. Yamato turned and frowned.

"Look, over there! There's prisoners out!" He gasped. Indeed, many prisoners ran out, searching for an exit and attacking guards.

"Oi! What the hell?!" The two guards ran off to capture the escapees.

Yamato smirked and turned back to Yun. Walking into the cell, he grabbed Yun and stared into his eyes menacingly.

"You lost my music box, so you're going to help me get it back." He hissed.

"Why the hell would I help you of all people." He coldly asked.

"Because as of right now, I'm your best way out of here."

"How so?"

Yamato flicked out a key. Dangling it around, he said, "Look, look~ it's the keys for your chains. There's a big distraction that would allow me to easily sneak you out. And..."

Yamato leaned closer for his final point.

"...that big brother of yours is going to need a watchful eye when I'm done."

Yun paused a moment. Freedom right now did seem absolutely wonderful...

...not to mention he was now very curious by what Yamato meant by "watchful eye" on his brother.

"Quickly, now," Yamato pushed, "we haven't got all day."

"Alright, I'll help you in your stupid plan."

"Splendid! Amazing! I'm glad we can work together~"

***

A few weeks ago

"Yello again, Dr. Heng!" Ethan said cheerfully. "How are ya?"

"Fine. I'm glad you're still here, though."

"Heh," Ethan's cheeks became a little pink, "I just wanted to stay with Leo, that's all."

"Where is he?"

"He's getting medicine or something. Why?"

"I've brought some people to see your healed burns."

"Aight."

Yue carefully revealed a burn area on him. Lo and behold, a small space in the burn was completely healed.

"Huh." Raven said.

"It's healed more!" Yue said, looking closer.

"That's wonderful!" Nuxi said.

"Can I put my shirt on normal?" Ethan asked.

Yue allowed him to, not before recording it. Raven thought deeply before requesting to see Leo.

"He's just in this room."

Present

Raven walked into the room where Leo was. He was gone now, but he had been more than useful in finding a cure. In fact, majority of patients were gone.

Today was the 15th. Raven felt her stomach flip flopping for what she was going to do to Yuuhime. If their plan didn't work, they'd not only lose Yuuhime, but Xuan as well.

"Raven?" She turned and saw Yue walking uneasily in. Her burnt arm was exposed, just as bad as it was the day it got burned.

"What's wrong?" Raven walked to her, helping her sit.

"My arm's hurting worse," She said breathlessly, "but I can handle it-"

Raven peeked out the door, saw Ahmed, and called, for him.

Ahmed stopped what he was doing and jogged in.

"Heng Yue? Raven?"

"Heng Yue needs help, her arm-"

"Is it hurting badly?"

"How did you know?"

"Mona's burns are hurting, too." Ahmed helped Yue up. "Come on, let's get you to more doctors."

"I'll be fine," Yue grumbled, "I can take care of myself."

Raven glanced at the clock: 10 pm. Almost time.

"I've got something I need to do." Raven said quickly.

"Go, then." Yue gave her a glance. A knowing glance.

Raven walked off. She still needed to make sure everyone was in place.

Pritzker: check.

Luo Yan: check.

Feng Nuxi: check.

Gaius: check.

Yuuhime: not check. She and Xuan hid in a back corner, watching a detective movie.

"Yuuhime, I need you real quick." Raven said, popping out of nowhere. Xuan jumped, Yuuhime gave Raven a look.

"Oh, ok. For what?" She asked.

"I just need someone to go to the underground miracle quickly. You'll be back before you know it."

"Mmm...ok," She said, getting up and dragging Xuan up with her, "Xuan can come too?"

"It won't take long."

"I just have a feeling..."

"Hey, it'll be ok!" Xuan rubbed her back. "If anything happens, I know you can take care of it."

She smiled and rubbed his arm. "Don't you go getting anymore hurts while I'm gone, ok?"

"I won't," Xuan nodded, looking to Raven, "you'll be back soon?"

Raven silently nodded.

"Bye bye, sunflower." Yuuhime gave him a small peck on the cheek before following Raven out.

It was now about 10:30. This had to work, or else...

"This was really last minute." Yuuhime said stiffly.

"Sorry," Raven said, "it's just a quick patrol, make sure nothings wrong."

"Then why wouldn't you take Tang Xuan?"

"Heng Yue's and Mona's burns were acting up. If his started acting up while on duty, that would be troublesome."

Yuuhime didn't ask anything else. They were soon in a car, speeding off.

***

Xuan tried to walk.

But he could hardly walk a few feet without tripping.

His legs ached. So did his arms. So did his chest.

Quickly as he could, he slipped into a bathroom and removed his shirt. His arms and chest were bright red. He could only assume his legs were the same.

'Damn burns...' he clenched his teeth and reached for his shirt.

'Ahh...I should go see Ye Suhua or something.' He decided, quickly putting his shirt back on.

***

"What's that?" Yuuhime said, pointing out at something shiny.

"Let's go check it out." Raven said quickly, stopping the car.

"It's probably nothing, right?"

Raven hated to lie.

"Probably."

But it was for a peaceful future.

"Is this something from the miracle?" Yuuhime hovered around the shiny rock.

Raven's heart beat faster as she saw the final piece.

"It feels so cold!"

Yamato was coming.

Yuuhime screeched as lighting shot down at her. Yamato plunged forward, ready to grab her.

Raven nodded up at a broken building and Gaius shot out and attacked Yamato, who easily dodged.

"I assumed this would happen," Yamato held Yuuhime's face forcefully, "you're too predictable!"

Raven cracked her knuckles. Gaius stood behind them, ready to strike.

"I hate that you aren't respecting our deal!"

"What deal?" Yuuhime croaked.

"Just let her go," Gaius said, "and come with us quietly."

"Hmmm~! You're so silly. I've got what I want, the rest I want will fall into my lap eventually."

'Rest?' When the realization hit them, it hit them like a truck.

"No!" Yuuhime screamed. "Leave Tang Xuan alone!"

"I am, dear," Yamato hummed, "he'll simply come to me."

"Call in backup." Raven said into her hidden communicator.

"They won't make it!" Yamato laughed.

Gaius charged at him. Yamato smirked and held out his hand.

***

'How did I get here?' Yun didn't know. He stared at the vault that held the music box.

He wanted to take it and run. He could always try to control Xuan again.

He shook that idea away. It would be impossible at this point.

'No thanks to Li Ling...brother stealer!' he angrily thought as he pulled out a password sheet. Yamato had given it to him, and told him to try the ones he circled only.

"Get me my music box," Yamato had told him as they escaped Neathar Goal, "and you can do whatever you want with Tang Xuan."

"Anything?" He'd asked, feeling the excitement going to his head.

"Yes! Right after I play wedding planner and they get married, so we can be one happy family."

"Yuck." Yun's excitement had dwindled slightly then.

The vault door swung open. Yun stated in, scanning the small space for traps. Only cameras were visible. Summoning a shadow clone, he sent it in and watched it carefully walk in and hover over the box.

'Good, no traps...'

He then pulled out a replica music box Yamato had given him. It wasn't exact; the replica was a little shorter and the doll in the middle wasn't painted the same, but it looked just enough alike to fool from a distance.

He stepped into the vault and carefully stepped through. He held quickly replaced the music box and turned only to see two espers waiting for him.

"Drop the box." Everett's cold voice hissed. Odette held her weapon dangerously, waiting for Yun to move.

Yun shot three shadow clones at them, just enough chaos for him to slip into a shadow and run away.

He considered again trying to capture Xuan. It would fulfill his desire, his need.

But if he knew his brother at all, he knew he would go try and save Yuuhime. He just had to be patient longer.

Luo Yan was suddenly in his way, coming right for him.

"Tsk!" He ducked. Luo Yan grabbed his braid, holding him against the wall. Luckily for Yun, he was able to summon shadow clones to drag Luo Yan off. Unluckily, Pritzker was on his way. He didn't think he could handle two at once, so he opted for running away.

"What are you doing here!" Luo Yan hissed.

"Helping you." Pritzker sighed. "Raven's plan backfired."

Luo Yan growled and turned in pursuit of Yun.

***

How Yamato managed to fight while holding Yuuhime was beyond even himself, but he was quite proud of himself.

Yuuhime was a bit of a booger, though. She wiggled and squirmed, fighting against him. Against him! How ungrateful she was! He was doing this all for her. She would learn soon enough that her actions have consequences!

He sidestepped a blast from Gaius and scowled.

"I'm sorry," Yamato said as he jumped to a higher place, "but I've got places to be, people to meet."

That didn't stop them from perusing him. Now, he couldn't have that.

He suddenly felt a bite on his arm. He yelled and hit Yuuhime.

"You bitch!" He snapped.

"Let me go!" Yuuhime screamed.

"And where would you go?" Yamato asked sarcastically. "They sold you out, even if it was supposed to arrest me, it didn't work out."

"What?"

"Hm~! I'll explain more later!"

At this point, he is as able to lose Gaius and Raven. Pleased, he threw Yuuhime down. He then kicked her. She coughed, trying to get up to attack him.

"You've been naughty, sister." He placed his foot on her, holding her down. "Though I'm glad you haven't revealed your extant limbs to fight me."

"And risk you burning them? No way."

"Aww, I could never do that to you, but you still need punishment. Perhaps Mr. Tang Xuan could...you know..."

"I told you to leave him alone!" Yuuhime thrashed and kicked, trying to get up.

"Stop that, it's not easy holding you still if you move."

Someone came out from the shadows, panting.

"Ah! Mr. Tang Yun, glad you could make it."

"Here's your box. When can I-"

"When those two make it back to the Union HQ and tell everyone." Yamato smiled. Yun silently nodded.

Yuuhime grunted, only to be stopped out cold by Yamato.

"I've had enough of you." Yamato spat. Yun flinched, but only because of the force.

"Heh," Yamato picked her up, "now we wait."

***

"He...took Yuuhime?" Xuan croaked. He was sitting in the medical wing, getting examined by Suhua. He had shot up the moment he heard the news and was going to bolt off there, if not for Raven holding him back.

"I have to find her!"

"You're not well," Suhua said sternly, "you came in here on the verge of passing out."

"Just lay down, and we'll find her." Raven said calmly. Despite her frustration and anger, she knew she had to keep her composure to avoid freaking Xuan out more.

"But-she's-"

Suhua sternly led him away, patting his back. Raven watched, brows furrowed and hands clenched. She had just found out about Yun and the music box and was about to collapse from just the sheer amount of chaos that happened.

"Raven." Gaius walked up behind her, worried.

"Gaius, I-" She sighed and rubbed her temples, "how did we mess up this bad?"

"We underestimated his intelligence. We cannot do this again."

"We have to find that girl before Tang Xuan goes out himself."

"You know that Yamato will try and contact him."

"His communicator isn't with him, but I know that won't stop him."

"We just need eyes and ears everywhere."

Raven sighed deeply again. "I knew letting those lovebirds stick together was a bad idea."

***

The clock ticked away.

He was back at his apartment, in his bed. He couldn't sleep, though. His mind was on Yuuhime and Yuuhime only.

Raven had taken his phone. She told him if Yamato tried to contact him, she wanted to know didn't trust him enough anymore. Fair, but frustrating. He hated being treated like some kid.

Finally, he got up and started walking around his home. Suhua had told him specifically not to do that, but he didn't care anymore.

A knock came from his door. "Yo, Xuan! It's me, Li Ling!"

Xuan quickly opened the door and sure enough, Ling was there, leaning on the doorframe. One of his eyes was covered by his hair, but Xuan hardly acknowledged it.

"What are you doing here?" Xuan asked.

"I saw a letter in your mailbox," he explained, "and it was gonna fall out, so I thought I might bright it up for you."

"Oh, thanks." Xuan quickly took the letter and examined it.

"Welp, I gotta go now. Bye, bro!"

And he left.

Xuan closed the door and examined the light envelope. It was nothing special, with only his name addressed on it. He opened it up, and knew immediately who it was from.

Blue glittery ink sprawled across the paper. Only one thing was written on it: some coordinates.

He knew immediately what he had to do.

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