Hey this is CJ coming to you live with a wonderful story about our favorite YYH characters. The story will be intwined in the original YYH series (that i do NOT own) and hopefully wont alter any facts because i like the story as it is. With the exception of Keiko, I seriously don't think she and Yuske go together so I'm changeing that towards the end keeping her for as long as I can stand it. Anyway, on with the show!
It is given knowledge to a child in the Maki that the power of a demon comes from one of the five elements that were created in the begining of time. There are the solid wielders of Earth, or those who can control plants, rock or metal, who are as dependable and strong as the ground they walk on. Then there are the rational guides of Sky, or those who summon wind, weather or lunar light, whose minds are often traveling with their element to gain wisdom beyond they're age. There are also the energized regulators of Water, or those who summon water, ice, or holy light, who have a strength of will to fight for peace and serenity, but long only to frolic in the waves of simplicity. Next we have the determined managers of Fire, or those that can control flame, solar light, or shadows, who's stubborn and goal-oriented minds make them natural protectors and powerful warriors. The last and most powerful of the elements is the power of Spirit, the ability of the mind over matter, and is said can be gained only when the individual has mastered the four other elements and thus they were known as elementals.
In a Legend, long forgotten because of pride and secrecy, the Maki and Nigenki where one, as well as humans and demons who were known simply as "the people". They were simple people to begin with but eventually grew in number, and confusion and disorganization began to break out among them. In order to establish understanding and order, the strongest of them, an elder elemental by the name of Kenmei Hikari, began a system of supervision to mediate and guide the people. A council of elder elementals was created with three representatives for each element and Kenmei as the High Elder. Believing that wisdom was a benefit to all, Kenmei also established temples for each of the elements where one could go to master that element and gain knowledge. With the four temples and council in place peace reined over the land for many, many years but nothing lasts forever and Kenmei, as one of the first, was growing old and frail. The Face of Mortality was becoming evermore clear to the people as their beloved leader became ill and a panic began to spread, Kenmei knew he had to give the people a replacement to depend on when he passed and fortunately he had a person in mind. His granddaughter Musume Hikari was born from two elementals and thus was born with remarkable powers and became an elemental at a very young age, but even so he kept her away from the council and she grew up in a peaceful village, in near secrecy and became a strong and pure hearted woman.
Having never seen or heard of this so called powerful granddaughter, the council was not comfortable with the idea of Musume as the High Elder, but one elder in particular objected the most. Koi Ganbuu was the youngest elder in council but also one of the more powerful and was growing more powerful everyday, his ambition was great and he had hoped to become the next High Elder, but agreed with the other elders to wait with any decision's of succession until Musume was brought before them. Kenmei knew that they would change their minds ounce they meet his Musume, for no one could resist her gentle aura and sweet smile, the High Elder also realized how beautiful his granddaughter was and her naivete regarding her own stunning beauty only added to her appeal. When she was presented before the council, they all behaved exactly as Kenmei had predicted, even the dark haired, dark eyed Koi was speechless when he came face to face with the beauty of Musume's pure white gold hair and black, gold speckled eyes. And so the world came to love and respect Musume so when the sad day of Kenmei's passing came, the people knew that although they were losing a great man, they were gaining a great women whose kind and strong leadership would lead to years of prosperity. But nothing lasts forever and a shadow was forming in the background that could destroy their peace and bring suffering to all.
Looking up at the crowd of young demons the storyteller smiled though the audience could not see through the cloak that disguised every feature making the storyteller seem a simple old man. "But we shall leave that for another day." He said with a twinkle in his voice. The crowd groaned and complained, the children wanted to know what would happen to the beautiful woman. Waving a hand for silence the storyteller silenced their complaints, "Now, now, the story of the Empress is a long one and not meant to be told in a single day. You must all show patience, then when the time comes the reward will be that much sweeter." Chuckling the storyteller sent the audience home and went about gathering his things to look for shelter for the night. Turning he was startled to find that one member of his audience had not left and was still sitting seeming bored on one of the logs that formed a circle outside the village, set especially for storytelling and gatherings. Taking a closer look at the demon he realized that it was not a child but a very short statured demon with spiked black hair and red eyes. He then realized that this demon was none other then Hiei the spirit detective.
Hiei stiffened and glared at him with narrowed eyes, "How do you know who I am?" he growled while standing ready to pull his katana.
"Easy, I know many things young fire demon, just like I know that you are here to escourt me to Lord Koenma's" stated the story teller," and I go willingly so there is no need for violence. Tell me did you at least enjoy the story?"
"Hn, why would I be interested in a child's tale? Children should be training for the real world not listening to silly senseless fairy tales." Said Hiei with emotionless face.
"Not true, young one, stories are told with the purpose to teach. Children learn lessons in life and about the mistakes of history. Stories show them how to think outside the box and about the world around them. You should listen more intently when next you encounter a story being told, it could influence your future." Said the storyteller with curious knowing in his voice.
Hiei lifted a brow and rolled his eyes, "Hn, lets just go I have better things to do then debate with you, old man." He said as he started down a path towards the spirit world palace.
Chuckling at the stubborn demon the storyteller waved his hand and summoned a portal, "I know a shorter way. Would you care to join me?"
Then he stepped through with a grin as he heard behind him the growl of an annoyed Hiei. But before Hiei could step through he felt something pierce his neck, knocking him down. Reaching to his neck he pulled out a dart empty of a blue liquid, quickly he stuffed the dart in his pocket for later inspection and shakely stood with his katana drawn ready to fight. Glancing around he saw nothing but shadows of the surrounding forest and then his sight began to blur and his body seemed to stiffen and slowly he fell to the ground shivering. His last thought was cursing the old storyteller, his weakness, and the laughter of a shadow that stepped out from behind a tree, and then all was black.
"OGRE!" the shout echoed throughout the walls of the Reiki (or spirit world) palace. George jumped from his seat in the cafeteria and ran as fast as he could down the long hallway apologizing the entire way to fellow ogres as he knocked them over desks and into the laps of secretaries. Flying paper began to stick to his sweating forehead, finally reached the giant double doors; he slammed them open and rushed in. Tripping on himself the blue skinned ogre ran head long into the large desk in the middle of the giant office. Hastely he stood with his hands on his knees panting he glanced up at the brown haired toddler trying to be intimmidateing by standing on his oversized chair and both fists on the table.
"Koenma sir, what is it?" asked the panting ogre.
"It's about time George! I've got an important guest coming and I need the whole office organized. Then summon Botan for me, and where the heck is Hiei? Shouldn't he already be back from that mission I sent him on?" Koenma declared.
"Koenma sir, you just sent Hiei out this morning, should you be expecting him this soon?"
"ARE YOU QUESTIONING ME OGRE?"
"Of…of c-course not s-s-sir." George whimperd, in a slightly crouched position.
"HURRY UP AND FIND BOTAN, THEN CLEAN THIS PLACE UP!"
"Right away sir." George scurried out the door as fast as his legs could carry him, lest he should be yelled at again. Koenma sighed and went back to furiously stamping away as he waited for his orders to be carried out. Getting lost in his thoughts and tedious work he was unaware of the swirling white and blue portal that opened in the far corner of his office. A cloaked figure stepped out of the portal and to the side as if to make way for another but after a minute the figure shrugged and with a wave of a hand closed the portal. Turning towards the center of the office the figure realized that his presence was not yet known, smirking he silently made his way to the right side of the Koenma's desk where he was still stamping away with a determined look. Stopping at his side the cloaked stranger simply stood there for a minute as though considering the possibilities, when he was slightly startled along with the prince by the twin doors to the office bursting open. Stumbling into the office was George along with a blue haired girl dressed in a kimono, both stopped short of the desk and bowed slightly while catching there breath.
"Here she is sir, I found her."
"Very well ogre you may get to work on cleaning up the place and I want to be notified when our guest arrives."
"Very well sir I'll go notify the gu . . . " George had looked up and immediately noticed a cloaked stranger standing to the side and slightly behind his prince. The figure simply smiled and gave a short wave to the ogre who immediately understood that this was not threat but the guest that the prince was expecting. Sweat dropping slightly the ogre faced Koenma and stated slowly, "umm…. Sir… I believe he's already here Lord Koenma."
"WHAT! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME! WHERE IS HE AT?"
"I'm sorry Lord Koenma but I only just found out myself, and he's right there, sir." He stated slyly while pointing behind him. The blue haired girl looked up with wide eyes and tried to hide her giggle behind her hand as she watched Koenma stiffen with sweat raining down his face and turn very slowly to his right.
When he finally saw the cloaked figure he was frozen in shock, until not knowing what else to do the guest simply brought his pointer finger to his forehead as if to tip his hat and said with a slight laughter in his voice, "Lord Koenma I believe you were expecting me?" Those present in the room saw the young lords face pale noticeably and his jaw drop. The sound of his binky hitting the floor brought Koenma out of his shock and he regained his composure and color along with a tinge of red in his cheeks as he bent to retrieve his binky.
Clearing his throat he turned back to the stranger, "Yes, of course, I apologize for not noticing your presence sooner. If you could bare to wait a few moments longer while I address some present issues I will be right with you."
"Of course, your highness, there is no hurry, take what time you need, eternity is but a second away." Chuckled the stranger as he sat down on one of the two couches large couches surrounding the desk.
Turning once again to his assistant he began to address them with a certain resentment for their red faces from trying to hold in laughter. "Ogre you can return to your job, I will call when I am in need of you." He waited patiently as the ogre slipped out of the doors closing them behind him. Koenma turned to the blue haired girl standing before his desk with her usual smile and continued, "As for you Botan, I need you to do a check up on the Urameshi team for me. Yusuke is with master Genki at her temple, and Kurama is training Kuwabara in the forest bordering their town. I need to know their progress in their training, I'm going to have some specialist analize the information you gather to estimate their likelihood of survival and success at the Dark Tournament."
Seeming a bit disturbed with this mission Botan voiced her thoughts, "But Lord Koenma, even if the results turn out low, what difference would it make? The Taguro Brothers are forcing them to compete no matter what."
"That is true Botan but if the results are low then we will need to let them know to train harder, not to mention it will help let me know if I need to begin recruiting new spirit detectives."
"LORD KOENMA! THAT IS ABSOLUTELY HEARTLESS." She yelled with fists at her side at the now cowering prince. Crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at him she continued, "You should show a little more faith in Yusuke and the others. Honestly."
"I have plenty of faith in my team Botan it's mearly a precaution." He stated while straightening his papers.
"Humph, very well sir but what about Hiei? Don't you want a report on him as well?"
"We gathered the needed information from him the other day before I sent him on the mission to recover our gu…" Koenma stopped and glanced around his office. Then looking confused he turned to the relaxed stranger on the couch as Botan watched on also confused. "Speaking of which, where is Hiei? Did he not return with you, sir?" Botan's eyes widened at the prince and then returned her gaze with even greater confusion but a new respect to the stranger that Lord Koenma, son of Enma, had just addressed with respect.
Chuckling slightly at the obvious confusion in the room, the guest answered, "There is no need for that Lord Koenma, I am after all a simple guest." Slightly bowing with a grin he continued, "As for Hiei he did not come out of the portal along with me so I am assuming two things. One he decided to run here instead of arriving by portal, which I highly doubt considering how suspicious he was of me, he most likely would have felt the need to make sure I arrived here. The second and most likely possibility is that he was kidnapped. I had known that he would be I just wasn't sure when it would happen and appears that it was to happen today." This the stranger finished calmly.
Silence was the only sound for minutes after he spoke then the eyes of Koenma and Botan widened as they let the information sink in. "WHAT! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US SOONER!" They both yelled.
"Botan forget what I just told you go retrieve the team for an emergency rescue mission, I'm sure they can take a break for a couple of days to hunt for a missing team mate. Tell Genki that there would be no way they could win without Hiei anyway. That should convince her. GO!"
Before Botan could dash out the door however they were both frozen by the soft yet commanding words that next came from the guest. "There is no need to interrupt their training and despite what you may think. They will need every minute of their available training time in order to win the day at the tournament."
Koenma was shocked first and then nodded while motioning Botan to return to him. Botan would not budge and simply stared at the two of them as though they were growing horns. "You can't be serious! How is Hiei being kidnapped not an important need? You said yourself sir that the team needs Hiei. WE CAN'T JUST DESERT HIM!" she shouted in near tears.
"Calm down, I'm sure we are not deserting him. I trust our guest and if he says that we do not need to rescue Hiei then I believe him." Though he glanced skeptically at the figure on the couch as though asking silently to explain.
"With all due respect, Lord Koenma, how on earth would this man know whether Hiei needs to be rescued or not?"
Koenma sighed and the stranger chuckled then turning his upper body to face Botan the stranger replied in a calming voice, "Lord Koenma trusts me because he knows that I am an Oracle of sorts." Botan gasped and glanced at the prince who nodded in conformation. Her eyes widened then looking at the figure in a seeming new light opened her mouth to apologize, but was halted by him holding up his hand, "There is no need to apologize Botan, you had no way of knowing who I was. To put your mind at ease I will explain a bit on the matter of Hiei's kidnapping. I cannot tell you all of course because that's against the rules and could ruin everything, but what I will tell you is that Hiei will return in three weeks time and he will return unscathed."
Botan sighed in relief and nodded to the Oracle in understanding and thanks then headed for the door to gather statistics on the rest of the team. "Just a moment Botan, sir is it not against the rules for you to have told us all this?"
"Not if I was ment to hinder your search for Hiei in the first place, my prince. I to have purposes to fulfill in the passage of time." The hooded man answered with a smile.
"I see, well in that case, Botan you may go about your job but you must not speak of what you've learned of Hiei and of the Oracle to anyone, understood?" Nodding and then bowing to the two authority figures she backed to the door and then left, softly closing the door behind her. "I suppose that you know already the nature of my summoning you here then?"
"Of course, however I do not need to be here just yet."
"I am offering for your own protection and I could use some guidance, Oracle"
"Do not worry young prince, there is no threat to me just yet, you and Botan are the only ones who know I have awakened and as for my guidance, you are not in need of it just yet, but when that, not so far away, day comes, I can assure you that I will return." Standing up from the couch the guest of honor motioned with his hand and again the portal appeared, turned to wave goodbye and stepped through.
Left once again alone with his papers and stamp Koenma sighed and laid back in his oversized chair, thinking back over the day's accurances. Then, suddenly, a thought struck him, turning a unimaginable red he realized that while he had one of the most important figures in the worlds there in his office . . . he had remained in his toddler form.
Deep in the wilds of the Maki in the basement of a dilapidated bar, Hiei panted in pain as he returned from the peaceful darkness that had taken him over. Trying to ignore his pain he blinked his eyes open only to find them foggy and unable to focus. His whole body felt frozen stiff and moving or even twitching a muscle anywhere on his body brought blood-boiling pain. He felt as if his body was in an ice cube in hell, hot and cold at the same time. His immune system not knowing what to do left him with fever, nausea and chills that only increased his pain with each shake. Hiei couldn't remember being this miserable since he had his jagen implanted. Deciding to just lay still and think over his options, Hiei heard the door at the top of the stairs open and two pairs of feet stomp down. When he opened his eyes all he could make out were two blurry shapes and a long shadow coming his way. Hiei groaned in anger and pain when the foot connected with his stomach and he tried his best to glare at the two figures.
"Well it seems the little ice bastard is awake. Are you comfortable sir? Hahahahaha!" laughed the shadow that had kicked him.
"You sure he can't do anything? This little guy is supposed to be really powerful." The second shadow said uneasily.
"The poison we shot in his system was made especially by the doctor for this guy. It will keep him inept until the doctor can fix him to work for us like he did to those humans. He's not going anywhere." Grinned the first again.
"So what do we do with him until then?"
"Doc said we could have a bit of fun as long as he's not seriously injured to the point he can't work for us. In other words little man? You're going to help us train as our new punching bag." The two shadows advanced towards him grinning evilly while their eyes shone with an evil light.
Hope you liked it. Review if you did. The next Chapter should be soon.