Prince of the Spirits

by bricann

Ancient gods protect the Forest of Life. And one human was taken in as their own. A bit less than a century later, the now humanoid spirit was forced to a human city. He had to learn to blend in. But he also had to keep the truth about him a secret. A secret which he kept from everyone. But eventually, secrets are forced to come out. And in the end, he will have to say goodbye.

2. Gods

A/N: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF YU GI OH 5DS OR PRINCESS MONONOKE! ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE CREATORS! THE ONLY THING I OWN ARE MY OCS!

Chapter 1: Gods

It was about sixty-seven years later. Just over fifty-four years after the boy got his arrowhead, he had been forced to Satellite. A human city island off the coast of New Domino City. He appeared about twelve or thirteen at the time. But he was quickly taken in by his so-called foster mother. He didn't tell any humans of where he was from or what he really was. They honestly wouldn't believe him if they weren't near the Forest of Life. Most humans had forgotten about the gods over the years.

He ended up forcing himself to appear and act human. And it wasn't easy. His inhuman abilities and reaction times threw his out of place. But many humans seemed to ignore that and looked to him like a shining beacon. He didn't understand it.

But he had quickly made friends with two humans, Jack Atlas and Crow Hogan. He had a few struggles with Jack and it wasn't until they were both marked as Signers - the Crimson Dragon's protectors of light and peace - and they faced the Dark Signers - their polar opposites - that they actually made up. Along the way, he also made a couple new friends: Akiza Izinski and the twins, Luna and Leo.

Six months after that fight, a new threat approached. It started with the Ghost and was soon revealed to be a group of three men: The Emperors of Yliaster. Their individual names: Lester who looked like a small boy, Primo who seemed like an average sized man, and Jakob who seemed like a wider and taller old man.

But no one knew his origins. No one had ever even seen his arrowhead. Crow and Jack had asked for him to talk for years. Eventually, though, the two friends gave up.

Now, it was the evening before the semi-finals begun in the World Racing Grand Prix. Yusei, Jack, and Crow had stopped at the overlook to talk about the coming events.

"So our next opponent is Team Ragnarok," Jack commented.

"They're said to be tough opponents. They have three Nordic God cards and people say they have the Rune Eyes," Yusei commented.

"Doesn't that mean they're successors of some Aesir ground?" Crow asked.

"Yep," Yusei replied. "They're tough opponents by what I've heard. Especially with their god cards. According to what I've been told, their god cards aren't as tough as the legendary Egyptian God cards but they are tough nonetheless."

"Sounds like you think we'll be easy to beat," came a voice from behind.

They turned around and saw the three members of Team Ragnarok standing there. "Seems we finally meet somewhere other than a battlefield," Halldor stated.

"Seems so," Yusei responded.

"I say we should at least tell you about the Aesirs," Broder stated.

"Hmm, perhaps," Halldor agreed and immediately began to explain the tale of how the Aesirs came to be and how the members of Team Ragnarok came to obtaining the Aesirs. When the story was finished, Jack and Crow were a bit tense but Yusei was perfectly calm unmoved by their words which might shake another duelist. "You are right about one thing, Yusei. We are tough opponents. Tough enough where we will defeat you," Halldor responded to him.

"Do you really think you can stop Team New World?" Jack asked.

"Instead of going against Team New World apart, perhaps we should try to expose the plot of Team New World and help one another in that quest," Yusei suggested.

"No," Halldor declared. "The Aesir are not willing to enter an alliance with the Crimson Dragon's Signers. Especially with one who is in the bloodline of someone who caused pain and destruction."

Yusei tensed. "Zero Reverse was an accident," he told Halldor. "For the most part at least. Roman Goodwin was convinced to by Yliaster and caused it himself. Hakase- My father wanted to stop the project before Zero Reverse occurred."

"Is that so?" Halldor scoffed. "It was Professor Fudo's research that caused that explosion. It was his research."

"Either way, Halldor, it wasn't Professor Fudo's or Yusei's fault. Yusei was only a baby when Zero Reverse occurred," Crow defended.

"Even though it was his father's research, it wasn't his father who caused Zero Reverse. He tried to stop it, actually," Jack told them.

"You truly believe that?" Halldor asked. The two other Signer nodded.

"I'm shocked, Atlas. You seem liked you've changed quite a bit since the last time we dueled," Dragan stated.

"You fought him before, Jack?" Crow asked.

"Once," Jack replied, "and beat him too."

"Don't you remember that duel better, Jack?" Dragan asked.

"I do," Jack answered.

~Flashback~

Jack drew his card as he took the first draw. "I summon Top Runner (Attack 1100/ Defense 800) in attack mode and set two face downs," he declared.

Dragan drew his card. "I summon Garmr of the Nordic Beasts (Attack 800/ Defense 1900) in attack mode and finish my turn with a face down," he proclaimed.

"I summon Power Breaker (Attack 1900/ Defense 0) in attack position. Now I turn Power Breaker with Top runner to synchro summon Red Dragon Archfiend (Attack 3000/ Defense 2500)! Now attack his Garmr!" Jack ordered his dragon. Red Dragon Archfiend attacked and destroyed Garmr.

The duel ran forward but eventually, Dragan lost the duel.

~Flashback Ended~

"Did you know I was forced to lose of purpose by Lazar and Former Director Goodwin in order to raise money for my father's hospitalization?" Dragan asked. Jack tensed.

"Yusei, you spoke for a second like Hakase Fudo wasn't your real father," Broder commented.

"He's right," Halldor agreed. "Care to explain?" Yusei stayed silent. That's when Halldor's eye glowed and formed a rune. He then narrowed his eyes as he noticed something. "What is that glowing underneath your shirt?"

"Yusei, does this have to you with that history you never told us?" Crow asked.

"You don't know his history?" Dragan questioned, all three Aesirs were surprised by this development.

"I only arrived in Satellite when I was thirteen. I met Jack and Crow almost immediately and things go from there," Yusei explained. "I haven't told anyone about my true history."

"Why?" Halldor asked. "If these two are one of your closest friends, why not tell them?"

Yusei looked down a bit. "Because it could endanger my family."

"Your family?" Dragan questioned.

"Yusei, tell us already," Jack ordered.

That's when they heard a growl and Yusei looked in a certain direction. They flipped as a giant white wolf jumped out of the brush. It was absolutely huge. The Aesirs backed away a bit as it glared studiously. Yusei's crystal glowed bright and a small wave was sent off. Yusei seemed almost relieved. The wolf's eyes landed on Yusei who seemed perfectly calm and it relaxed, seeming almost relieved.

It began to approach him. While the two other Signers hurried away, Yusei stayed still. Crow called in alarm as it got face to face. But they were then pulled into shock as the wolf wrapped its head around Yusei in a hugging like manner. Yusei hugged it back.

"Yusei… It's been too long," the wolf commented, surprising the onlookers even more.

"Sorry I haven't been able to get back as fast as any of us wanted," he told her as they looked at each other. "A lot has been going on."

"I've heard much from the Forest Spirit," the wolf said. "He's been keeping a close eye on you." Yusei nodded.

"Uh… Yusei…?" Crow called nervously. The wolf glared at him and he gulped.

Yusei sighed a bit. "It's fine, Mother. They won't hurt me."

"Mother?!" all the normal humans there exclaimed in unison.

"Yeah, pretty much," Yusei answered.

"When…? How…?" Jack couldn't finish his questions.

"A long story," Yusei replied. They gave him a prodding look. He sighed in defeat. "For starters, I'm not nineteen."

"Then how old are you?" Dragan asked, seeming a bit dismissive.

"Hundred and one years," Yusei answered, shocking them.

"How is that even possible?" Broder asked.

"The Forest Spirit granted me eternal life when I was a baby," Yusei explained confusing them.

"You mortals know nothing about my son," the wolf stated. They looked at her. "All those years ago, his parents came into the Forest of Life which I guard over with the Wolf Clan and the other animal god clans - The Boar Clan and Ape Tribe. His parents threw his infant self at my feet as a sacrifice before running off. But instead of eating him, I took him in and raised him as my own. I brought him to the Forest Spirit. He knew that Yusei would not live as long as us. Thus, he granted Yusei eternal life. As well as his arrowhead." Yusei showed his arrowhead necklace. "Six years ago, he was suddenly forced out of his home by a giant, red creature." All but Yusei and the wolf went wide eyed in shock and knowing. "At night, the Forest Spirit reaches to the skies and has looked for Yusei. Trying to find him. And when he did, he sent me to get Yusei."

"Why would his parents abandon him like that?" Crow asked. "I mean…"

"They said they did not wish for a child," the wolf answered.

"Who are you exactly?" Halldor asked.

"I am Wolf God Moro," the wolf answered. "Leader of the Wolf Clan and guardian of the Forest of Life."

"Wolf God?!" Dragan questioned.

"So what is Yusei exactly then?" Jack asked. "With what that Forest Spirit did to him."

"He had very quickly earned the name among mortals as the Prince of the Spirits," Moro answered, surprising them. "And that was what he was already known by by all spirits."

Halldor looked down in thought. "I've heard that name before. In ancient lore." They looked at him. "Is it the Prince of the Spirits that was said to have given his soul to the spirits and is no longer rightfully human? The one that was feared by many."

"That's me," Yusei answered.

"Why would people fear you, Yusei?" Crow asked.

"Because I had to protect the Forest of Life," he answered vaguely. "Whatever the cost was."

"And what was that cost usually?" Jack asked, a bit concerned.

"Any humans who entered the Forest of Life were given an option, humans: Leave or die," Moro replied for Yusei.

"Are you saying… Yusei actually killed people?" Crow asked.

"The humans have corrupted the earth and all the forests," Moro replied. "As all spirits and animal gods do, we protect the Forest of Life. The forest that is the essence of all life on this world. For centuries, it has been that option to humans. And, as Yusei was raised and known for most of his life, any human who dares to hurt the Forest of Life should not live."

"Yusei, would you really kill people?" Jack asked.

"I never liked killing humans. No spirit does. Usually, for me and the others, it's out of self-defense. We try to scare the humans out of the Forest before killing them. If they beginning trying to kill us or shoot us, then we are forced to kill them. But it's only in self-defense," he answered. "Nothing more. And like I said, we never got any happiness or joy out of doing it. It was forced by humans for me to do so. I wouldn't have, otherwise." They could all see he was being genuine with his words. He wasn't lying when he said that.

"Yusei… are you… going to have to leave?" Crow asked sadly.

He sighed. "I'll finish this fight with Yliaster. But after that, yes, I'm leaving to go back to the Forest of Life."

"And you better know I'm watching you from afar until I can bring you back," the wolf mother told her son.

"I wouldn't doubt it," Yusei responded.

"Yusei, are you sure that's a good idea?" Crow asked.

"If you knew my mother like I do, you know there's no arguing with her on this," he replied.

"Yusei, why hide all this from your closest friends?" Halldor asked. "I don't understand it."

"Like I said, it could endanger my family and myself," Yusei answered. They raised an eyebrow. He sighed. "Crow, remember when I got stabbed with that shard of metal?" He nodded. "You can thank Martha again later, but we were lucky she was able to get all that metal out."

"Why?" Jack asked.

"When a spirit or god get wounded with human metal and it stays in their body, it slowly tears them apart from the inside out. Until it turns them into a being of destruction and hatred," Moro explained. They went wide eyed in shock and worry. "It turns them into a demon. And you wouldn't even know who it would be after they turned. You couldn't tell from looks alone. Human metal is poison to us."

"But, Yusei is still partially human, right? Why would it affect him just as bad?" Dragan asked.

"He is partially human. But that 'partial' is now so small in him. He is more spirit god than human," Moro explained, surprising them. "That's the way the Forest Spirit made it when he gave his blessing to Yusei." They looked at Yusei, seeming shocked. He just nodded, seeming absolutely calm.

"How can you not really care that you're not fully human, Yusei?" Broder asked. "I mean, don't you ever feel like an outsider?"

"Ever since I arrived in Satellite I've felt like an outsider," Yusei answered. "Honestly, it isn't easy when you start smelling like something that you aren't." They blinked. "The more time I spent with humans and lived with them, the more I smelled like a human. Not that I was ever happy with that."

"Humans have a smell?" Dragan questioned.

"Though the scent can somewhat vary between humans, the underlying scent among all humans stays the same," Yusei explained. "That wave that was sent off from my arrowhead was it bringing back my spirit scent in full. It can't do that unless there is a spirit or god nearby. I've never really smelled fully human, though."

"Yusei, I must know. If you protect the Forest of Life, why not just go there now?" Halldor asked. "Why stay and save the City and the world from Yliaster? Save humans if all you truly care about is the Forest of Life?"

"The Forest of Life is just a vital point to all of the world," Yusei began. "It's the central energy point of all life energy that circulates throughout the world. The Forest Spirit resides in its deepest regions. Where no human is usually allowed unless given permission by me or a god. I'm staying because Yliaster is more than just a threat to the City and humans. It's a threat to everything. It's a threat to all of life - its spirits… its animals… Everything is in danger due to Yliaster. And that includes the Forest of Life. So I'm staying to protect more than just humanity and the City. I'm staying to protect the entire world and the Forest of Life." They looked as little creatures appeared around the forests. Some hurried up to Yusei. He helped them onto his shoulder. "Everything is intertwined between the branches of energy that weave throughout all living things. Humans, animals, spirits, gods… we're all connected. And it all because with the Forest Spirit."

"What exactly is the Forest Spirit?" Crow asked. Moro growled warningly. "Uh… sorry?"

"It's fine, Mother," Yusei told her gently. She calmed down and watched the humans carefully. "Most humans are forbidden to lay eyes on him," he told his friends. "Not that we ever give them much chance for it. The only time you can ever see him is at night, after midnight. When he turns into the Nightwalker." They blinked. "The Forest Spirit is the absolute god. He is the power that can form a planet. He is the god of life and death. As easily as he can give life, he can take it away." They went wide eyed in shock. "During the day, he looks like a deer, but with more antlers and a human face. But when it reaches midnight, he turns into something the humans call the Nightwalker. It looks like a gigantic, semi-translucent humanoid creature. But barely anyone has seen even that form."

"Why?" Jack asked. "If it's that huge, why has pretty much no one seen it?"

"Because they're scared to look," Moro answered. They gave questioning faces. "Most humans believe that looking at the Forest Spirit will kill you."

"Is it true?" Broder asked.

"No," Yusei answered. "But the less people who see the Nightwalker, the better in my opinion. Puts the Forest Spirit in less danger."

"Why would it be in danger?" Halldor asked.

"In the past, humans have come to kill the Forest Spirit," Moro explained, shocking them. "They believed if they killed the Forest Spirit and ate his head, they would become immortal. This is not true, however. And it is another reason why we protect the Forest of Life so fiercely. To protect the Forest Spirit."

"I guess with what humans have done in the past, I can see why you feel you have to kill humans who enter that won't leave," Dragan commented.

"And they've killed so many of us," Yusei answered, seeming sad. "There are barely any of the Ape Tribe left." They looked at him shocked. "The Boar Clan is dwindling bit by bit. And the Wolf Clan is fighting to hold strong. And that's because of the humans and their weapons. I've seen so many of my family fall to humans. Too many."

"How do you not hate humans after all they've done to you?" Crow asked. "I mean, honestly."

"Hating humans wouldn't get me anywhere," Yusei replied. "Now those like that Eboshi woman that was showing up when I was taken here… I don't want her anywhere near the Forest ever again."

"Death would be the best penalty for what she's done," Moro added, surprising them.

"What has she done?" Jack asked.

"Too much," Yusei and Moro answered in unison.

"Yusei, doesn't it get boring living for so long, never really aging?" Halldor asked.

"It can. But after a while, you don't mind it anymore," he answered. "You just don't pay attention to that feeling."

"But doesn't it bother you that you'll live centuries after Jack, the others, and I?" Crow asked.

"I just push those feelings to the side, Crow. I may not be okay with it, and it may hurt, but pushing it to the side is better than letting it weigh on me," Yusei replied. They were a bit shocked with his answer. "Is there something shocking about that?"

"It just takes a lot of strength to push feelings like that aside," Dragan explained. "Especially when it deals with your closest friends. I've never known anyone strong enough to do it."

"I've had close friends and family in the past that I've had to let go," Yusei explained, leaning back against the pole. "Adding a few more to the list isn't going to make it any harder. Remember, humans have killed my family and friends since I was a baby. I've grown up around fighting and death. Death is nothing new to me."

"It must've been a hard way to grow up," Broder commented. "Fighting, defending your home, bleeding, watching those you care about die… I can't imagine what a life like that would be like."

"It's definitely different life to what humans usually grow up in," Yusei answered. "Especially in today's world. But it doesn't matter to me. It's how I was raised. I can't change it."

"Yusei, when do you stop aging in looks?" Jack asked.

"Last year, I did," Yusei answered. They went wide eyed in shock. "When I turn to the appearing age of eighteen, I stop aging in looks. I'll look this way until I die."

"And how will you ever die if you have eternal life?" Crow asked.

"If I'm killed in battle or the Forest Spirit saves me from turning into a demon if that ever came to be," Yusei answered.

"The Forest Spirit can kill you?" Halldor asked.

"The Forest Spirit is the bringer of life and the bringer of death. He embodies both. He can give life as easily as he can take it away. He is neither good nor evil. He is the balance of all in this world," Moro explained.

"It's hard to believe there's so much to this world that we don't really know," Broder commented. "How big is the Forest of Life or whatever you called it?"

"620 acres," Yusei answered.

"That's not very big," Jack commented.

Moro glared at him. "It was once bigger than, what you call today, the Aokigahara Forest. It was at its prime then. Beautiful, peaceful. Then you, humans, came with your fire and weapons. You destroyed every tree you could. And now, today, this is all that remains of the great Forest of Life. And humans continue to quarrel amongst each other, fighting whether to destroy more of the forest or let it be. Most of this world's life has been taken by the humans incompetency."

"What did you just say?!" Crow asked. "Sure, we may not all be fully aware to all of nature's problems and stuff. But that doesn't mean we're all incompetent." She glared studiously. "Yusei, tell her! You would know better than her since you've been living with humans for six years."

"She's meaning incompetent in the human's state with nature. Almost all humans today don't truly care about nature," He looked at the spirits on his shoulder, "and the life around them. It's sad but true. I have no way or reason to argue with my mother about that." That shocked them. The little spirits tilted their heads a bit before they snapped back in place and shook, making a "bobble-head shaking" like sound. It seemed as if they were agreeing with him. "And these little Kodama agree with me, too."

"Kodama?" Halldor questioned as the spirits around them quieted down. "That name sounds familiar."

"They're tree spirits," Yusei explained. "They protect trees, especially ones that are old. They show themselves when a human or spirit needs help. They guide them to a safe refuge for a bit. They can also bring good luck. And they are a sign that the forest is healthy. There are countless of them in the Forest of Life. They greet the Forest Spirit when he returns to being his day self."

"How many spirits are even around us?" Crow asked.

"Too many to count. Most don't like to show themselves," Yusei answered. "Kodama are pretty fearless, though." One of his shoulder slipped a bit and he caught it before bringing it back to his shoulder. They were a bit shocked how gentle he was with it.

"You really care about spirits, huh?" Jack asked.

"I've known them all my life," Yusei replied. "And I am a spirit and protector of the Forest of Life. If you were like me, you'd find you would really care about them like I do."

"Can you see other spirits even if they don't show themselves to our vision?" Broder asked.

"Yes, I can. I am technically a spirit, after all. But even if I couldn't, they don't like showing themselves to the eyes of humans," Yusei replied. "If it was just me and my family in the Forest of Life, they would show themselves without a problems. But humans around, they a lot more cautious than my little Kodama friends."

Moro gave a small laugh. "Kodama truly are the fearless ones of the Forest."

"Why are they so scared of us, though?" Dragan asked.

"Humanity fears what they do not know or understand," Moro answered. "And when those spirits show themselves, they are easily killed by humans. And most humans would kill them without mercy, since they do not understand the spirits. Even the little Kodama are at risk."

"Why would anyone want to hurt a Kodama, though?" Crow asked.

"Most humans wouldn't dare, due to your mythology," Yusei answered. They raised an eyebrow. "It's said by humans, that killing a Kodama or even a tree a Kodama inhabits will curse the human forever. And it is true."

"So the trees that have been cut down that any Kodama inhabit…" Crow trailed off.

"Those who have cut it have been cursed forever. And there have been countless of them. So countless humans have been cursed forever," Yusei finished. "That's why most humans, especially those in Japan who know of these tales and believe them, wouldn't dare cut down a tree with a Kodama in it. And wouldn't dare kill a Kodama. Especially since holding one can bring good luck."

"I don't think holding a Kodama can bring good luck," Jack commented. "Who needs luck anyway?"

"You say that now…" Yusei trailed off.

They looked at the Kodama on Yusei's shoulder. They snuck behind Yusei's neck a bit, holding onto him tight.

"Yusei, what exactly happens if the Forest Spirit dies?" Halldor asked. "Specifically to you."

"I don't know," he answered. "And I don't want to know. His death could affect the world in ways we won't want to see."

"But what would happen to you?" Crow pressed.

"We don't know," Moro answered again, only much more stern. "There has been no other human who would be accepted in as a spirit. We were lucky with Yusei. The Forest Spirit gave his blessing to him. I don't believe it will ever happen again."

"The Forest Spirit is like the king of all spirits and animals gods like you, right?" Jack asked.

"Yes?" Yusei answered, seeming a bit confused.

"If you are called the 'Prince of the Spirits', is it possible that the Forest Spirit had made you his successor or something?" Halldor asked.

Yusei was a bit surprised by the suggestion. He hadn't ever even considered that. "It's possible. But I doubt it. The Forest Spirit shouldn't worry about having a successor as it should never die. The animals gods and I will ensure that."

"But what if it happens?" Crow asked. "It's not like it's an hundred percent guaranteed you'll be able to protect him forever. He probably knows that and that's why he marked you as the Prince of the Spirits."

"It won't come to that," Yusei argued.

"We've defended the Forest and the Forest Spirit for many millennia. We're not about to let either of them get hurt anytime soon," Moro answered. "Not if we have anything to say about it."

"But what if it happens?" Jack pressed. "You can't guarantee it won't happen forever. Things can pop up or happen that we don't want or could change." They just glared at him in warning. He groaned in defeat. "We'll take it as it comes, then."

"You really don't want to think of that possibility, do you?" Halldor asked.

Moro growled at him. "I will not allow it to happen. Nor will Yusei or any of the rest of us. If it does happen, which I doubt it ever will, it will be because it was absolutely impossible for us to stop it."

"Trust us, it won't be happening anytime soon," Yusei answered.

"We're holding you to that," Crow stated. Yusei nodded with Moro.

They noticed the sun slowly disappearing behind the horizon.

"I believe we need to head in for the night," Halldor commented. "It will be a long day with all of us tomorrow." They nodded and Team Ragnarok drove off.

"Yusei, will you really be leaving after this fight?" Crow asked.

"Yeah," he answered.

"How can you seem so calm that you're leaving us?" Jack asked. "Do you even care that we'll never see each other again?" Yusei just looked down. "I mean, it's not like you'll be leaving the Forest of Life anytime soon. And we'll never be allowed in the Forest. We don't even know where it is! Do you honestly not care that we won't see each other ever again?"

Yusei looked at them. "It's not like I don't care, Jack. It's just… for so long I've been wanting to head back. But something was holding me back. I figured it was because of this danger with Yliaster that was making me not want to leave. That the Crimson Dragon was kind of forcing me to want to stay. But you guys are my friends. It won't be easy to say goodbye to you. But it's not like I could stay with you guys forever. Facts are, I am a spirit. No matter whether I have even the slightest bit of human in me or not. Would you really want me to have to watch you get old and die while I don't age at all?" The two humans looked down a bit. "Who knows? Maybe one day we will see each other again after I leave. We'll just have to see."

"What are you going to tell the others?" Crow asked. "I mean, you'll have to leave right after we stop Yliaster, I'm guessing. So what do we do, then? What do we tell Akiza and the twins when you have to leave with Moro."

Yusei looked down for a moment, trying to think. He sighed before he looked at them. "We'll have to cross that bridge once we get to it. Right now, though, we should really focus on preparing for our duel against Team Ragnarok and Team New World."

"R-Right," Jack agreed while Crow just nodded slowly.

They then turned and hurried to their apartment. Moro decided she would sleep in the ramp area next to their home. She wouldn't be easy to see there, and she would be by Yusei. She did agree with Yusei to stay out of sight while he dueled, no matter whether he got hurt or not. And he warned her that damage in a duel against Team New World would be real. So he would probably get a bit hurt. She was reluctant to agree, but at least she agreed.

Soon enough, they each went to sleep for the night.