Chapter Of Beginnings
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Right, I'm revamping this chapter a bit. (again)
I obviously am not Yoshihiro Togashi, or anyone with any legitimacy in the Yu Yu Hakusho canon creative process. If that ever were to change... I'd say something.
I will not disclaim later chapters as that would be redundant. I believe all of you who can read can remember I don't own.
My OC's are mine. bwahahaha all mine! Ahem, on with it then.
Semi-limited first person POV: OC
Let's get one thing clear, I am not some great person. My life has been substandard at best and meaningless at worst. I was trouble for my parent to raise, and the rest of my family hasn't been part of my life much since his departure. One thing I have going in my favor is I love the night sky and my son; always have, and I always will. Despite this, I have to wonder how this event even occurred to someone as pitiful as me.
For those who care about what I look like, and I certainly don't; the next paragraph is for you.
I'm short, stocky, and from my knees to my waist contain more fat than necessary to survive or reproduce; it isn't however enough to make doctors pushy about it. I'm a bit slow at physically demanding tasks, and I have the upper body strength of a well below average twelve-year-old girl despite being in my early twenties. My bust is proportionally large, and it has draw backs; literally draws forward my back. My hair is shoulder length, a plain brown, with an out grown messy cut look to it. My eyes have just a hinting of green around the brown core. I have a terrible complexion with acne scars, and uneven skin color that I don't bother to hide. Mainly, because I just don't care what other people think about my 'beauty', but also because make up just inflames my skin. Make up hates me, and I don't care for it.
That's enough about me, let's get to the incident. Shall we?
It basically happened like this: One moment I was lying down with my son to nap, and the next moment we were caught up in this swirling vortex of green, black, blue, and brown light that sucked us down through the bed. I watched as we phased through the box springs, floor, and then ground. I held on as tight as I could to Xander to protect him, and if I failed I'd regret it the rest of my days. I may not be able to protect myself, but for him I'll endure anything.
So as I felt a dizzying sensation that I'd pass out from normally if not for my concern, I closed my eyes and fought it off. Sheer will power, the desire to protect, and maybe some adrenaline were the only things keeping me conscious. It wasn't very surprising then that my little guy had already lost touch with the world around him, and for that small kindness I was glad.
Him not being awake to feel the long stabbing of fire needle like pain exploding and tearing away at my insides, or the crashing into concrete that came soon after was a relief. On the plus side for him, since I had landed on my back he had a cushion. I couldn't help it then, and after releasing a sigh of numb relief, my mind went black as the world faded around me.
Curse my weakness then, if I had only been a bit stronger. Maybe I could have gotten up from that fall, but then I am only human.
~14 hour time skip due to unconsciousness.~
Also now limited first person narration.
I could hear beeping, and the whooshing of a machine as I stirred. The air was biting with an ammoniated smell that made my nostrils flare and contract with distaste at each breath I took until I became used to it. Hospital, or something was what rushed to my mind, and my next thought; ashamed it wasn't my first one was on my son's well-being. I faded with him in my arms, and now fear set in with him no longer in my hold. The feeling of EKG probes under my hospital gown reassured me some. If I'm being taken care of certainly my son must be too, right?
I snapped my eyes open to a dim room small in size. Looking around I couldn't see him anywhere, but then again he could be below my current field of vision so I tried lifting my head. He's not here, so I rested my head back down. It had hurt my back to check. As I glance around, I notice a button within my reach. If anyone hasn't been to a hospital or seen film of one, some explanation: there's usually a button for the patient to press, if they need anything, and seeing as I was in a hospital bed... it made sense to assume I was a patient.
Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself mentally for the coming chaos. I hesitated, but an image of Xander's smiling face crossed my mind.
Instead of a dizzying amount of hospital staff, or just a couple of nurses, I was face to face with my worst fear and I really wasn't prepared for this; Kurama, aka Shuichi Minamino, or Yoko; walks in at an agonizingly slow rate. Or was that just time dilation affecting my perception of reality? I could only feel an intense apprehensive fear building up within me. My chest tightened with my growing anxiety,and my brain spun to catch up to this new concept.
Yu Yu Hakusho was real? I'm on the verge of hyperventilating, panic nearly over taking all concept of everything from me.
He cleared his throat and looked at me scrutinizingly.
I knew if I took much longer to respond he'd see me as a threat, and that was not a good spot to be in. As I tried to speak hurriedly, I made a croaking sound literally like a frog; in my embarrassment at looking like a moron in front of him, I flushed a bright red in the face.
I looked around for a glass of something, anything, to drink. Seeming more at ease with me, he brought me something that stank strongly of something foul. I glared at him returning the drink to him. He seemed angry and surprised, but I won't venture into why. I don't blame him, but did he honestly think I was stupid or naïve enough to take something that smelled so bad and from a stranger no less? Thinking quickly, and after spotting a clip board I had an idea. Pointing at it so he'd get my idea too, he imparted a quizzical look before bringing me the pad; a pen that wasn't too far from it was also provided to me.
Looking at the hospital documents briefly they were written in Japanese, I turned them over to blank backsides to write on; they were just anti-smoking advices anyway if the pictures were anything to go by. So, I felt it would be okay. Looking up to the ceiling for guidance or something, I mustered my courage as best I could.
If I were to write human I knew it'd be beyond dangerous and he probably already knew that I'm a human, but I figured it wouldn't hurt if I found out if he understood my language, and knowing him he will. Appearances and politeness are important, and even more so when confronting someone you don't want to be on the wrong side of; it was with this in mind when I started to write on the pad, English? I turned it to him so he could see it, and he nodded giving a forced looking smile as if he could tell I was uneasy and trying to make this easier for me. I nodded and thought to explain my actions. I'm sorry it smelled wrong, and coming from a stranger in a strange place can you blame me? I don't think you'd drink it either if you were me.
To this I also got a nod, but also a strange look; being cautiously considered comes to my mind instantly.
I gave him a pointed look, while writing my foremost concern next; there was only one that made me fight my fears enough to do such a thing. Where is my son? Now it is important to note that Kurama certainly understands maternal affection and protectiveness; it was his own mother who taught him such things after all.
However, we can't forget his desire to protect her overrides sympathy for others; where he's concerned, and with the way he's looking at me, I wouldn't be surprised that he isn't looking out for me. "We'll deal with that later. I'd like to discuss with you, your purpose here, and how you got here." While getting angry is ill-advised in a dangerous situation, I could not help myself in this instance. What mother wouldn't be angry? My son is more important to me than your petty, and unfounded concerns. I'm in a hospital bed, and if you honestly think I'm a threat; I can assure you, using my child as a pawn to get your answers is contrary to that end don't you think? Now, where is my son?
I turned it to him, and he seemed to pale as if realizing I would be uncooperative until I was answered; to this he decided to compromise, it would seem when he answered me partly, "He's safe with friends of mine, and if you'd be so kind as to answer my questions; we can get him back to you shortly." He had started to run his left hand through his hair, and I did my best not to flinch. It is good to remember my best isn't the very best, however; with that I caught a dangerous glint, in his eye, after opening my own eyes of course. I really must be a failure, I can't even keep from flinching out of fear.
It was the fear of him that drove me further, to fear even more for my young one. I didn't really know if he was alright, but I know they aren't likely to hurt a child. It was more likely that I was in the real danger, but if I didn't keep cool... No never mind keeping cool I've figured out what he's doing to me! No more of this mind game. So he's safe for now, but you're basically using him as a hostage to get me talking am I right? You would hurt him if I didn't answer wouldn't you?
His eyes flashed in anger as he said, "I'm the one asking you the questions, and if you do really care about your child; you will answer my questions now. As to his safety, you are the one making the choices not me." He meant every word, and that was probably the worst torture to endure to be responsible for the harm of someone who you care for very much. I'm sure he has known this tactic for a long time.
I was stunned quite to say least. In my fear I shook though I tried to hide it as a shiver. Realizing there would be no way around it, I looked down at my clip board trying to think of what I could say that would appease him enough to let us be. Once I decided on how to word it I wrote albeit shakily. I don't have any purpose here, other than for my son's well-being. As to how we got here, I'm not really entirely sure myself, but it was some kind of swirly energy tunnel or something. It sucked Xander and I up landing us hard on the ground. I was putting him down for his nap, when we were both swallowed up by the colorful and painful thing. So pardon my concern for my son's health, when last I saw of him he wasn't even conscious!
I was livid, terrified, and disparaged. He had no reason to be concerned by me, if anything the opposite was true. As he was holding my child as his personal trump card, he had me in the palm of his hand, and he most definitely knows that. So why? Now that I thought about it, he was acting rather harshly even for him, and this made me even more worried. Wait there's something more to this, or rather you don't seem like the type for this sort of thing without a good reason. You'd have less wrinkles in your forehead if you weren't concerned by something I'm sure. He was quiet when I turned the board to him. He's not going to get away without answering!
Spill! Damn it.
There was a shift in the air the room felt heavier than before and I could barely breathe. "You do not need to know, and I doubt you would want to." I was so angry now, forget struggling to breathe I needed water. Forget writing stuff for him, I wanted to yell at him so badly it was hard to suppress my arms shaking with rage. I rarely get angry you see, and this is one of those times. Why am I angry? Simple he just acted nonchalant towards my concerns even going so far as to call them needless.
Water? I forced a smile and it felt like I'd swallowed a sweet poison, hiding my intention to make the room shake with my voice behind feigned sweetness.
He glared at me, but gave me the requested item after digging around behind an armoire that obscured part of the room. It would seem he'd seen through my act, his eyes were so hardened as if he was daring me to try something stupid for him to retaliate against. After I chugged the glass quickly in one breath, I began trying to think of how to word what I wanted to say. I'd need to control myself. I turned my attention to him the water pushed my anger away some, from the feeling of relief it provided.
There was a smirk on my face to cover my fear. I said with as menacing of a tone as I could manage with my still slightly squeaky and raspy dehydrated voice, "You know what I think about how you're using my son? If I was a violent idiotic person, I would have punched you already for it. You're lucky; I'm neither, but you're tempting me to become one. Since you're obviously gathering information, for someone else who's clearly in charge or something, I want you to tell them something." I paused to take in a deep breath, "I don't like dealing with middle men, and if he has something to say he can come down here and say it to me himself!"
After I finished talking and yelling at the end I was panting but glaring with a satisfied smirk I'd wanted to let my frustrations out. Once I had, I felt almost unafraid of him. Almost isn't quite enough I fear. (Hehe 'I fear' that's hilarious right? No? Ah whatever, comedy is in the way of thinking about things.) You know what he did then? He laughed at me. He laughed so hard I thought I was going to have to call a nurse, again. On another note, where are the nurses and such at? Giving him a weird look, "What's so funny?" My fear was returning and there was a stinging where his laughter rang in my head.
"I can't believe you just called me a middle man" He pauses to laugh more, "I suppose I am, but you just reminded me of a friend of mine is all." In disbelief I just froze up for a moment, and wondered if he was really serious? Who is he even comparing me to? Great now I'm just confused, but at least I'm no longer angry.
Taking a deep breath made me feel a small bit better but something was still troubling me. "Look I just want my son, and there's no reason for him being kept from me. I don't have any answers other than what I've already told you. I'm just as confused, if not more so than you are." There was a loud pop, and I turned towards the sound.
Great speak of him, and he just shows up, but at least he has my son with him. On that note I tried to get out of the bed, and while I succeeded I also failed in staying on my feet. The cold tiles stung my knees, but that didn't matter to me; nothing else did either, as I scooped up my little boy.
It didn't bother me that I was in a hospital gown in front of two grown men, I didn't care who was there to see my crying, and I didn't care what they thought as I held my little one tight. No matter what happened to me, I knew as long as he was safe; I would work to keep it that way. I expected him to start squirming a little, as he didn't much like being held for longer than a couple of minutes at most. I was very surprised however, when he didn't squirm, but instead snuggled into my shoulder. It was as if, I had been gone for ages. I looked up at the two men realizing that I was showing more back skin than I would have liked, but I held onto Xander just the same. I just happened to have a tomato for a face now is all.
"Muh s'hay" says Xander this being his normal way of speaking isn't quite mastered, but we've been working on it. We were brought back to our surroundings when Koenma chose to speak up.
"Okay miss not to delay you any further, if you would share where you were from. We can probably send you back there quickly." I looked up at him from the floor, and a thought crossed my mind and I looked over at Kurama with a blank expression hiding a secret pain. Looking back and forth between the two I soon grew panicked realizing this could be a trap.
"It is possible that she either doesn't wish to tell us, or has no wish to return." His eyes narrowed as I was sure he was analyzing me looking for some sign of deceit or such. I looked down and weighed my options. I could return with my son, and not get involved in any of this mess, or I could look at this as a new chance at getting my life on track. As much as Kurama scared me, I was more afraid of another one who'd no doubt have been home by now to notice my absence.
If I went back it would surely cost me greatly. This knowledge wasn't speculation, it was a certainty.
"Do I have to go back?" I looked back up at Koenma feeling emptier than I had felt since Xander's absence for such a short time, or the way I had evaded certain feelings during that time of suffering. Hanging my head, ashamed to even look these people in the eyes; if they knew my life, it is likely they'd feel sorry for me, but I didn't want their pity.
I had always dreamed of being sent into this world, before I had my child, but I had never felt it would happen.
Now that it was right in front of me I could opt out by leaving, and not getting involved in any of their lives, and I could run scared like the little girl I had once been. I wasn't sure how I felt about all the things that had happened to me thus far, but considering my alternative was arguably worse if any considerable amount of time had passed there; I couldn't find a good reason to return other than out of fear. I don't want to be afraid anymore, and this place is a fresh start if I could take it. If I could.
"Surely your son will miss his father?" Kurama added in and whether he saw me flinch or not is anybody's guess, but my money is on him noticing it.
"Yes, he probably would." My eyes grew blurred as I fought against myself. There it was, my only reason to return stated clear as day with nothing to blunt the slicing truth in his words. I wanted to be selfish and abandon my ties to my world, but I couldn't entirely out of sheer guilt for my child.
"Then surely...", but before Koenma could finish Kurama stopped him. He walked over to me and gently placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him a tight yet gentle grip on my son, as my eyes could barely make out what he looked like through the moisture clouding my eyes even as I fought against it.
"You don't have to return, and if you need help getting on your feet I think there are resources at your disposal here." As if by magic I could see clearly once more, but my face was now wet, and what a sight it was what with them practically towering over me with this vibe of safety and protection. Here it was just moments ago that I was at the bottom of Kurama's nice list, now here being comforted by him was confusing. I could talk about emotional whiplash now, and it would make sense somehow. I couldn't quite believe it, and I was doubting his intentions even though he did seem sincere. He is a fox and in literature of many cultures they are well known agents of deception.
"Either way my well-being is an issue in either place, but I could stay here?" I asked unsure of if any of this was really happening, and feeling caught in a daze as the pale tan wallpaper started to mirage,flicker, and fog in my vision. It wasn't much longer before I would collapse, and I could feel darkness already creeping in. "If I'm right, it's best that I not return my real ties were cut long ago. That being only one reason..." ,it was at that moment where I faded out of awareness.
~Perspective Change: Third Person ~
"Kurama are you sure about this? We do not know where she came from, but we are certain it wasn't from Ningenkai. I was hoping she would tell me and we'd have a new lead." Koenma was as serious as they had been involving the Sensui incident, and if it weren't for the person he was talking to moving the now senseless girl, whose child was now crying in a high decibel; he'd be growing further anxious.
"She does seem a bit odd, and she didn't want to drink the tonic I'd handed her. Which wasn't harmful mind you just a simple tongue loosening concoction. However, she does seem to genuinely care for her child. You should have seen it, if I hadn't for myself I wouldn't have been so kind." Kurama said looking over at Koenma, just as the young man who judged the dead tried to calm the now hysterical toddler trying to wake his mom. Kurama started back up, "Besides it's always better to keep an eye on those you don't trust, and what better way to watch her than to keep her here?" Koenma's eyes lit up some as he could see the wheels turning in the eyes of the 'young' man before him.
"Do you mean what I think you mean?" Koenma whispered as if the girl could hear them or something.
"Yes. I suggest we observe her, and if she becomes a problem then we deal with it; if not we leave her be. Simple." Ending his statement Kurama held his index finger up as if it were an explanation by itself. By this time the little one had stopped crying and had decided to climb onto the bed with his mother. Seemingly content with his new spot he started to nod off but not before snuggling into her side.
"What of her safety?" Koenma knowing all too well how women associated with them could become the targets of their enemies. Kurama's eyes seemed to get marginally wider for a moment before returning to their normal shape regarding the girl once more. It was like wheels seeming to turn behind his eyes once more as if he had a new thought process and as quickly as it came it left.
"Koenma, it is highly probable she is already in danger. The way of arrival she described is much the same as an unauthorized portal." He sat down in one of the chairs to the left of the door and looked far away in thought.
"How did she describe it, if you care to share?" Koenma's eyes hard, as if any scrap of intelligence could make or break their hard to develop and delicate balance.
"Just colorful and painful, and we know the portals sanctioned by demon and spirit world are red and blue respectively. So that rules out any legitimate involvement, and it is likely a crude portal if it caused pain. Oh, and the hospital took the liberty to scan her back and one of her vertebrae has a chip in it from the looks of her X-rays." The glint in Kurama's eyes was hardly imagined as you could feel what he was alluding to transferring through the air into Koenma's consciousness and you could literally see it dawn on him as if he was blown back by the force of it.
"So we've got a rogue to deal with?" Koenma's expression now rivaled even the severity of what he'd felt with the Sensui incident, it was as if he'd become a statue with how tight his countenance had become. This could become dicey if they were dealing with rogues set against the new way of things making a move at this time suggested planning or worse thorough organization.
"It may be worse I'm afraid, if she's not from Ningenkai..." Kurama paused to allow Koenma's explanation.
"No records on either of them, and with how young the child is you'd think we'd have some kind of information on his birth, but no. We have absolutely nothing!" Koenma had lost a bit of his composure; but it would certainly be understandable with the immense pressures on him, and now this? Even he has limits, but he regained his composure as he cleared his throat; an apologetic expression was directed now to Kurama who nodded understandingly.
"It seems we've overlooked a possibility." He paused giving time for it to sink into Koenma that what he was about to say is very unlikely. However with this group, unlikely is par for the course.
"Well?" Koenma's patience wearing just a bit thin, and plus he doesn't like guessing; he likes knowing, Kurama know this, and seems to take some delight in messing with him.
"Alternate human realm, and before you ask; yes she's human." Koenma's eyes practically bugged out, this would be unprecedented. As there were no rules protecting humans from realms other than Ningenkai it only stood to reason what was going on. There were demons out there looking to get around the rules by finding another source of humans, and it seems like they have.
"Kurama you know what that means?" Koenma gulped hoping he was mistaken, he didn't want to deal with inter-dimensional deities if he could avoid it. Alas that would seem to be the only logical explanation to all of this, and worst of all it meant this girl was meant for one thing. To suffer. Her child would probably be considered a delicacy of some variety, and she the main meal. It was even more likely however, that she could also be forced into something worse than death and pain.
"Well in a way I do, and if this is what I think; then we may not have a choice in returning her for her own safety." Koenma nodded solemnly, and she'd seemed so hopeful at the prospect of staying somehow. She didn't seem to like the idea of returning very much at all actually.
"There is one other human realm deity I personally know of, but I haven't been in contact with him in quite some time. He's a bit odd though, has a habit of giving others a hard time just for laughs." Kurama seemed uneasy now as if somehow knowing who exactly Koenma was referencing.
"Not that world? He has a habit of informing his world's inhabitants of the other worlds imperceptibly, or so I've heard." He was pondering again that one, always thoughts running through his mind. It may be that right here a new piece of the puzzle finally showed itself, and he was after all the dutiful puzzle solver. He didn't like the implications of it, but it did seem a valid explanation to her actions from the very start onward. If she originated from this dimension with this particular deity's habit informing, then she had known who he is? Or, does she just have a sixth sense and could tell he was dangerous?
"If it were his world involved, I think I'd have heard from him by now if he knew she was missing." Koenma looked worried and uneasy, but seemed fine other wise so clearly this deity wasn't the menacing type, but perhaps? What type was his type?
Poof!
In came one small bald old man with a cane and his bony body barely covered in a thin linen. "You lot talking 'bout me?!" with a lilt in his voice that bespoke amusement as he started to take in his surroundings. "Eh, I've seen better rooms. Anyway, to business why are my denizens in your company, hm?" He chortled with some unseen joke as if mystified by something intangible.
"Ah, so you were just waiting until we figured it out weren't you?" Koenma chuckled lightly, and Kurama looked just a bit perplexed. "You crotchety old fart, how have you been?" Koenma laughed with a new vigor as if relieved from a heavy burden. He seemed to look less like an adult now and more like a young teen.
"Ah, I've been well but you look like you've seen better days. Did your dad finally hand over the reigns?" The old man chuckled knowingly. "You know I was there when your father started all of this, and boy was he a character. At least he left his throne with grace, right?" This was followed by even more laughter by both. Kurama looked probably how he felt, and that would be like he was a bit out of place.
"Well I won't go into detail, but he was forced to pass the torch so to speak. Even had a bit of a scare in Reikai during the unstable transition time, where people were still thinking some kind of mistake had been made." Koenma shared although it is likely he didn't really have to.
"I see, but you'll tell me if you catch these scum snatching up my denizens? I'm leaving these two in your care, because I've seen the other result and it's not pretty. This way they'll escape that lowlife trickster, any-who I'll see you all later." With this the old man turned to walk away, but then laughed and said, "I see the Yoko is still in your services, don't you think he's served his time already?"
"Well that's just a formality really, but I guess I should get around to it. After all I did grant Hiei clemency." Koenma nodded towards Kurama to express this to him. "Well not that I want to get rid of you Kemant, but you've got a world to care for. Kurama, what of the girl when she wakes?" Taking note of the child curled up with his very young looking mother. The deity now known as Kemant nods and lifts his foot disappearing mid-step.
"If there is no one else who could stay, then it would seem I have nothing but to wait until either I am relieved or she wakens." Koenma nods at his response and turns to walk away disappearing in mid-step much like Kemant had before him.
Now it was just a matter of time, and there were so many problems going to arise, but it couldn't be helped in this case. He'd seen true fear in her eyes, and if he didn't know any better he'd say there was more to it than just the simple flat emptiness she'd tried to hide it as. He is a curious person this fox, he wanted answers, and he would wait for them. He finally figured out her odd behavior, and he intended to call her out on it. Kemant it would seem was at least somewhat familiar with Yoko, and that was the only evidence he'd needed to solidify his thoughts.
He would let them sleep. When she wakes though, she will have much explaining to do. He walked out to get a magazine and returned to sit in the chair. For now he's decided to bide his time.
I'd like to take this time to ask what you (the reader) thinks about the modifications I've made. It's a little bit longer, but I was only trying to flesh it out a bit more as there were things I felt like it was missing.
I hope everyone is enjoying this little story so far. I do know it won't be too long before my next installment comes out. Look forward to it?
~
~ihanm out-
