CH 7

Kyoko had seen them before, but this was the first time she had ridden (and helped pedal) one of these four wheeled bike-cars. She was surprised that the seats were fairly comfortable and it had a decent suspension. Even though it was raining, no rain got inside at all. The thing even had headlights and an instrument panel similar to real cars. Even being a bit tight with three adults and three kids, Cho currently riding in the storage space, it wasn't uncomfortable.

Riding with Kumiko and Kaiyo, Belle and the three children, Kyoko got serenaded by the raptor kids as they clapped they hands in time as they sung.

Miss Lucy had a steamboat

The steamboat had a bell!

Miss Lucy went to heaven

The steamboat went to…

Hello operator

Please give me a dime

If you won't connect me

I'll kick your…

Behind the refrigerator

Was a piece of glass

Miss Lucy slipped and fell

And cut up her big…

Ask me no more questions,

I'll tell you no more lies

Boys are in the bathroom

Zipping up their…

Flies are on the country

Bees are on the barn

Boy and girls are kissing

In the D.A.

Ark ark ark!

In human form, these were cute kids. A bit on the wild side, then again, they were yokai.

In the seat beside Kyoko, Chi cried, "Auntie Kyoko, sing with us!"

"Yeah, we sing in the car!" Chin said.

"I don't know your songs," Kyoko said.

"We'll teach you!" Cho said from the storage compartment.

"Cho, isn't my turn to ride there!" Chin said.

The two switched places.

"Hey, it's raining, so let's sing the raining song" Chi cried. They started clapping their hand together again.

It's raining it's pouring

The old man is snoring

Fell outta bed and bumped his head

He didn't get up til morning

"Again, Auntie, sing with us!" Chi cried.

Kyoko laughed and clapped her hand in rhythm and sang it again.

Kaiyo pulled into the parking lot of the Sotoba Valley Youth Center and announced, "We're here!"

"Yay!" all three kids cried as they clapped and bounced in place.

"Aunties! Let's go run the race track!' Chin said as he pointed.

The Sotoba Valley Youth Center was a large two story building that had two restaurants geared towards kids, three game rooms two pools, and on the second floor was a long track for kids to burn off energy with a large playground and benches in the middle of the track. A wide staircase let up from the first floor into the middle of the playground. On both floors were changing rooms for those why might rip their clothes when they changed form.

Kyoko stayed with Kumiko as she paid the entrance fee for the six of them. Kaiyo was pulled by both hands by the kids eager to go up to the 'race track'. By the time she and Kumiko were going in, Kaiyo had been dragged upstairs by her kids.

The place was loud with the sounds of video games, table games and the mass of kids running around. Kyoko had thought the lunch room at school was loud. She almost wished she'd brought earplugs. Heading up the stairs, she noted a sign on the handrails that said ; NO SLIDING, CLIMBING OR WALKING ON THE RAILS! OK, yeah, this was a kids' fun house. That made sense.

A pair of wolves raced up the stairs past them. Overhead, an LED sign read : Next race in : 3:24, and was counting down.

Kumiko heard cheering from above. "I with Frank and Liz were here to enjoy this too," she said mournfully.

Kyoko knew how she felt. Too many of their friends and family were off trying to find those demons. "I hope they find what they are looking for and get back home soon."

Kumiko nodded and said, "I hope so too. I mean how bad can it be?"

.

Multiple countries had detected three nuclear explosions in China. Two, the US and Russia had tracked the planes via satellite and quickly let others know the Chinese had done that to themselves. A UN security council emergency meeting was called about the incident. Two cities in China had been destroyed, the third had been in the countryside. Aghast that China had used nuclear weapons in it's growing civil war, all countries ganged up on the Chinese delegates to stop this war now, or face total isolation.

The Chinese tried to blame the Americans and Japan, but satellite photo proof showed it had been Chinese planes that had launched the bombs. In a fit, the Chinese claiming the photos were rigged, the Chinese delegates stormed out.

.

Lhasa was a flattened, smoldering radioactive wasteland, as was Beijing. Millions were dead from the explosions, millions more died days later, and the further millions on the outskirts of the explosions were very sick, clinging onto the false hope they were not going to die.

Cruella and a few of her demons went to other cities in China, using Suggestion that the Yokai had destroyed Beijing. Whipping up a hard, anti-yokai sentiment, they did succeed, They also exposed themselves to yokai who knew it was time to flee. Mobs searched for yokai to kill. Others, who were not fond of the Communist party took advantage of the lack of a central government to quickly build up their own factions. A few mayors asked Taiwan to come help restore order.

Meanwhile, Fang-Fang and his followers were busy trying to save as many people as possible in their area of China. Fang-Fang's mountain home was gone. Glowing with burning homes and thousands of burning bodies, the wind drawing the massive amount of smoke up along the sides to climb into the air at the top, it looked more like a volcano.

A few witches were able to remove some of the radiation on surrounding areas, but the problem was too much for them on the mountain itself. Many crops and livestock were saved. Although there was less, the food problem didn't become critical.

.

Ling-Ling's head was now balanced on her two skeletal hands, looking like a morbid crab as she searched for the rest of her body. Overhead, bullets and shells flew. Angry soldiers who thought the other side had blown up the delegates, now fought with rage in their hearts, set on destroying the other side.

Oh! She found one of her feet. She scampered over to it. A mortar round landed nearby. The explosion knocked her head off her hands to roll over and down the rim into a bomb crater.

Landing face down in a puddle at the bottom, she thought 'This really sucks!'

.

France had gone back to Witch burning. Although the government and police were trying to stop the chaos, Mobs gathered and searched for the witches who had made odd things happen. A famous newlywed couple suffered from a witch. His penis had dropped off. Rushing him to the hospital, the bride's breasts fell off. She lost her hair along the way. A girl woke up in the morning to have no mouth. A boy's eyes were gone, nothing up smooth skin adorned the place where his eyes should be. A busy bridge suddenly disappeared, dropping cars and trucks into the Seine.

From his protected place on Armageddon hill, Nilrem looked down into his cauldron and made other things happen. Soon, France too would be in mass of chaos and hate.

.

Tsukune was at wits end. China was going insane, the mideast war was raging and in several countries now, chaos and mob justice was on the rise. The Prime Minister and the Diet were afraid this chaos was going to affect Japan. Tsukune assured them he was doing everything possible to prevent trouble here.

He was. Gaining the help of other yokai, the Shuzen family, and by extension, much of the Yakuza, as well as the police and military, everyone in Japan was on the lookout for trouble.

The problem was, the trouble was not in Japan, and it was growing in other parts of the world.

.

In Taiwan, the Prime Minister met with her cabinet, some of which were yokai, to discuss the situation in China.

Yuko Chan looked over her cabinet and said, "Our mainland brothers are taking things too far. Yang, do we know who was responsible for using those nuclear weapons?"

"We know the Communist government flew their bombers to hit Fang-Fang's mountain, and Lhasa. We can only assume that Fang-Fang destroyed Beijing in retaliation."

Yuko frowned and said "This cannot be allowed to go on. Cho, if we move to restore order in China, will the Americans help us?"

Cho winced and said, "That is questionable, Madam. Even if they did, by their actions I'm sure the mainland would use more nukes to stop them. They are not acting in a reasonable manner."

"True, that is why we must stop them," Yuko said. "Intell has confirmed the breakdown of a central government. If there is to be stability in China, we must make it. Yang, can you contact Fang-Fang?"

"I can. You have a proposal for him?" he asked.

"Cooperation," Yuko said. "We will help him with goods and supplies. Even soldiers if that is what he needs. Please stress we want a united, peaceful China. We must do all we can to bring this civil war to an end."

.

In the angry confusion that was China, Cruella visited different cities, Charming generals and police into believing she was the General in Charge. With Beijing a glowing wasteland, it wasn't that hard for her to gather forces around herself. Imports of goods were tapering off rapidly as countries enacted sanctions on them.

Cruella had plans for her large army. Since Fang-Fang had been taken care of, she ordered the army in Tibet that was going to come down on him, into Pakistan. They had to go through Russian territory, but that was all right. She had send Aliana and another demon up to Moscow to take over their government.

One of the viral things they needed was oil. She set the navy to clear the East and South China sea of all other shipping, except for oil tankers which were to be captured. This would also be the first step in strangling Japan where her true targets were.

.

The only advantage Fang-Fang saw he had was that when his armies had moved east, many wives and non combatants had moved with them for support. His losses were tremendous, but not fatal. Now standing among a large group of survivors and some troops and generals that had seen the mushroom cloud and came to help, he stood in a cart so people could see him.

"Fellow yokai and humans," he said in a strong voice. "For all my patience and attempting to just keep our lands ours, and let our people live as they wish, the Chinese government has continued to be as brutal as possible. I cannot tell you how many innocents were burned alive by this latest disgusting attack. The numbers are too high to count. They are in the millions. Worse yet, they attack while feigning peace! My patience is gone. It is clear that this is a duel to the death. Seeking revenge is not the goal. The goal is to remove these hate mongers from China all together. I have been in contact with Taiwan. They are willing to assist us. We will drive to the coast and assure mutual cooperation with our island brothers. Once the forces we face are reduced and driven back. All of China will be united once more, and THIS time, the cruelty will END!"

A road of cheers rose up from the crowd around him.

.

In their room, Moka found Tsukune sitting in a chair and staring out the window. Seeing his blank frown, she sat on the arm of his chair and put an arm around him.

"Tsukune, my love, we are being stretched to our limit," she explained. "With so many out looking for demons and patrolling our own countryside, we are barely keeping up with our own troubles. I just got word that China captured an oil tanker bound for Komatsu, and are taking it to Hong Kong. We know where the demon's portal is, but it is heavily guarded, and we nor anyone we know has anyone to deal with it effectively. Fang-Fang is asking for help. Queen Akasha is gathering support and is going to have a convening of all Yokai leaders in two days."

"I know," Tsukune said in a hollow tone.

Moka could feel his anxiety. She pet his hair in comfort. "Witch Hill, the Senkaku islands and the Sotoba valley are safe. For now, that is the best we can do."

Absently, Tsukune said, "Is this what Apollo tried to warn us about? At the moment, I'm thinking I screwed the world with bringing yokai to light."

"No" Moka said firmly. Cupping his cheek, she made him look at her. In a lecturing tone, she said, "You did not do this! Demons from the abyss working for the devil are responsible. They are the guilty ones, not you. You did a wonderful thing in bringing the races together. It is the devils' reaction we must deal with now. I know we will deal with it!"

Tsukune let out a snort. "And kill half the planet in the process," he said. "Moka we're not talking a few. The best estimate is nine million people dead. Nine million! This is just beginning. How many more … masses will die?" he asked as a tear ran down his cheek.

Softer, Moka said, "I don't know. Another ten million, a billion? Tsukune, do not give up. Unless we stop them, demons will completely destroy the world. If they do, then no where will be safe. You have to keep trying, no matter what."

"But how!" he cried. Waving am arm, he said, "You're right, we don't have the resources! We are even sending our children out into possible harm!"

"Tsukune, we will meet with mother in a couple days. We will come to a plan then."

"When another million people have died?" he asked.

"Just think about what we must do," Moka said firmly.

.

Outside of Moscow, Aliana stood in her true form, the rents in her flesh were sealing back together. It had been a trap! They had gotten inside the Kremlin, and were about to meet with the Russian President when a sphere of annihilation swallowed her companion and just missed her. She was then attacked from front and behind by vampires. Reverting to her true succubus form, she was slashing and clawing, tearing them up, then a rocket hit her, blowing her wings off and sending her flying down the hallway. Seeing more men with grenade launchers, she teleported to safety.

"Damn them!" she growled. Something told them she was coming, and they were prepared. It was at least one witch and the six vampires she'd seen, most likely many more. Feeling scry energy, she teleported back to Cruella to give her the news.

.

The Russian President shook Shuzen Issa's hand and said, "Thank you, my friend. Your insistence on us being a target proved correct."

"I am happy to assist," Issa said with a bow. "The sources I have tell me the area around Vladivostok is also in danger. The Chinese are headless and angry. I have positioned some yokai to keep watch over the area. I would ask the military help us keep your land safe."

"I shall alert my commanders there. Perhaps we can make a plan to do something about China," the President said.

"Tomorrow, I am meeting with Queen Akasha. I hope to have a firm plan of action to present," Issa assured him.

.

The Chinese forces in front of Fang-Fang were diminished. They were holding on, but no longer trying to advance. Getting word of Akasha's summons, Fang-Fang set his forces to attack the long line in four places to get behind them to create chaos and collapse the line.

The word to his generals was 'no holds barred'. Use everything they had and without mercy. Unless prisoners agreed to switch sides they were to be killed.

He then went to meet with Queen Akasha.

.

The meeting place was somewhere Tsukune has least expected it to be. The grand courtyard inside the Vatican. He and Moka came out of their portal to find the place full. Father Tappan was there to greet them as they were led up to the balcony over the courtyard.

Explaining as they went up a wide staircase, Father Tappan said, "The Pope has allowed this meeting here due to the fact they too have learned a great evil it twisting minds and causing mass destruction. This entire place is blessed, anyone of evil intent cannot get in. The Swiss guard has been mirrored by yokai to ensure everyone's safety. We also hope that this is the last place any demons would expect us to meet."

They met with a bishop who showed them the way to the room that led out onto the balcony. The Pope and a pair of Bishops stood waiting with Queen Akasha. Tsukune and Moka bowed to the group.

"Greetings, Mother," Moka said formally. Tsukune also gave his greetings.

Motioning to the Pope, Akasha said, "The Pope and his church have consented to work together with us, as have a few nations. Russia, the United States, England, Germany, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. I wish it was more, but we have to work with what we have. Many others are trying to stay out of any conflict. I wish them luck. After our speeches, we will be retiring to a conference room to plan our strategies."

"Thank you, my Queen," Tsukune said with a sigh or relief. It felt like the entire world was no longer on his shoulders alone.

Going out to look down on the masses assembled, the Pope spoke first, giving blessings on the human-yokai coalition, and condemning the actions in China as well as those in the mideast. He talked about all intelligent species belonging to God and being able to draw upon God's help through their faith in the dark years ahead of them. He then introduced Queen Akasha, and urged all to support her in the quest to remove evil from the world and bring about true peace.

Akasha took her turn to assure everyone that while the road ahead was going to be hard, they would prevail. She stressed the use of guards and wards to keep evil at bay, and using violence only as a last resort and again, the strength of everyone standing together.

After her speech was done, she asked all leaders to join them in a strategy session to put down the devil's minions once and for all.

Only after it was over, were Television news people allowed to air this historic meeting.

.

The crowd was smaller in Queen Akasha's court, but the expansive room was still packed to standing room only with important leaders from around the world with both human and yokai present, including a Bishop from the Vatican. Queen Akasha sat on her throne, Moka and Tsukune by her sides.

One of the first people called up was Fang-Fang. Akasha asked her first, most pressing question. "Fang-Fang, did you destroy Beijing?"

"I did not, my Queen. We were pushing back only as hard as the Chinese government were pushing us," Fang-Fang stated. "They offered peace negotiations. I sent Ling-Ling to negotiate. They blew up the peace talks, I am still looking for Ling-Ling's pieces! Right after that, they dropped nuclear bombs on my mountain and the city of Lhasa!" he said waving his arms in anger. "There is no chance of peace now, how can I, in any way, talk peace to someone so vile? We also have no nuclear weapons to use on them."

Queen Akasha regarded him. "I believe you. From all the reports, I believe demons were behind it. Fang-Fang, although your anger is great, keep in mind it was not the Chinese people who did that to your followers. Do not make them suffer, that is what the devil wants."

"Yes, My Queen," Fang-Fang said with a bow.

Next, Akasha heard about the attempted infiltration of the Kremlin from Issa, which thankfully was stopped. Unfortunately, no other country had the foresight to guard their capitals with yokai or holy figures to prevent such an infiltration. She urged all those present to quickly rectify that situation immediately.

An Israeli man was there to ask for help. They were holding on, but the war was expanding rapidly. Again, the US was helping them, and Russia was guarding their territory nearby, but the situation was becoming critical. Iran and the US were in an 'unofficial' war supporting their various sides. Two US ships were sunk, as were all four Iranian subs and one of their destroyers.

Akasha listened to him. They had expanded their 'protection zone' around Israel, which meant all their fighters were nowhere near the gate to the underworld. This was not good.

Tsukune realized this too. He asked to speak, Akasha gave him the floor.

Looking at the crowd, he said, "I've realized something. The trouble in China, the terrorist activities in Europe, even the war in the mideast … It's all one big diversion. Yes, China is in the worst shape and has our full attention, BUT the one place we need to be the most concerned about is that gate to the abyss, which is pretty much being ignored! Yes, we are hunting demons, and we're doing it far away from where they are coming from! That gate is heavily guarded by spells, and I'm sure the devil's forces behind it. The devil is drawing us off from the objective we should be focusing on. I am just as guilty as everyone else. We have been running around the globe, in every place except the place we should be!" Turning to Akasha, he said, "My Queen, if we are to defeat these evil forces, we must destroy that gate. Everything else we are doing it only … running around and stamping out small fires, not the source."

"Can we destroy it?' Akasha asked.

"We can try," Tsukune offered.

"Mother, may I speak," Moka asked.

Tsukune sat down and gave Moka the floor. Moka said, "That gate at Megiddo is very well protected by magic. There is an entity actively guarding it. What it is and what it is capable of, we do not yet know. So, what do we do with hole was cannot fill? We cap it. Collect witches, priests, whoever is needed and cap the magic dome over that place with one of ours. Demons might be able to rise up, but they will have nowhere to go. Once we do that, we will have the time to find out how we can get rid of it."

"Very good thinking, Moka," Akasha said with a nod. To the assembly, Akasha asked, "Does anyone have a workable, alternative solution?"

Chris stood up and said, "Your Majesty, Moka is right. If we cannot destroy it, we must at least contain these demons."

John Smith stood up and said, "Golly good show! Your Majesty, I do believe that is our best option."

Others voiced their approval of Moka's idea.

"Then so shall it be," Akasha announced. "Moka, Tsukune, cap that gate, use whoever you need to and get it done a soon as possible."

.

Syria was being pounded hard, there was almost nothing left of Palestine and the Gaza strip. Lebanon was being invaded, driving the 'Muslim Brotherhood' back. Israel was winning with a large influx of American equipment and support. So far, Iran had yet to get significant numbers of soldiers or equipment close enough to the battles to make a difference. Saudi Arabia came in on the American/Israeli side, helping to keep Iran from making any true impact in the area.

Iran changed their supply lines and tactics. Warships got sunk and overland routes were bombed. It seemed that there was no way they were able to get supplies and troops where they were needed. Two sources helped Iran solve the problem. One was a deals with smaller countries in Africa. The other was with Saudi flags on oil tankers.

Somalia was a poorer country and liked the money and oil provided by Iran to refit the oil tankers with large, dry holds and flag them with Saudi flags before they went up into the Red Sea. With weapons meeting them there from North Korea, the ex-oil tankers became under cover troops ships, most of who were Somali mercenaries looking to fight, loot and bring back spoils from their victories. The demon there promised them everything, including female slaves if they succeeded. Iran still moved mostly empty trucks and fake artillery though Syria to give their enemy something to bomb.

Having ten tankers moving into the Red Sea, Iran got nine through the Suez canal. The last was sunk to block the canal. By the time it sunk, the others ran aground on the Gaza strip. Out the now opening bows, tanks, mobile guns and all the troops they could carry raced out and engaged the peacekeeping forces Israel had left after pacifying the area. With most of the heavy fighters gone north, Israel was caught flat footed. With these forces now clearing the Gaza strip they drove into Israel, cutting off the Israeli soldiers supply lines. This and a direct attack on Saudi Arabia also allowed them to transport real supplies across Iraq with much less interference. As well as an army of 3 million and thousands of tanks and multiple types of missiles.

.

The Chinese learned some tough lessons about their high-tech equipment. Expensive modern tanks could just be flipped over and made useless by a single Orc who was hiding in waiting. One Siren was able to destroy a well fortified position with a long scream. Their soldiers could not hit the blurs of motion coming at them, let along turn quick enough to do anything about the ones who had gotten behind them. Fang-Fang's armies drove through the Chinese lines, leaving large sections surrounded and isolated. Driving along in the south of China, Fang-Fang's army made 150 miles in one day of constant attack. The Chinese government forces were in chaos.

.

In the Church on Witch Hill, Father Tappan, Tsukune, Moka, Ruby, Mariko and Lin sat in Chris' office to firm up their plan on capping the gate to the Abyss with their own Magic barrier.

Ruby looked at the faces around the table and said, "It's going to take a full coven of Witches. Father Tappan, I believe the best protection for us is 13 priests. One for each Witch present. We also need to be prepared to cast the instant the portal is open. I am sure whatever is guarding that hill will attempt to stop us."

Chris nodded slowly and said, "I agree. It must be a powerful holy force as well as powerful magic to ensure we succeed."

Tsukune glanced at each of them and asked, "How do we know there is just one of these gates?"

"We don't," Chris said firmly. "All we know is that this is a very large and important gate to the underworld. We must close it one way or the other."

"Mom?" Mariko asked. "Can we really do that through a portal? I thought we had to be present and close to the place we want the barrier to be?"

"We do, dear," Ruby told her. "The coven and the priests prepare everything, spells and blessings, then one person goes through to cast the final activation. That's the safest way. If we all gather round with the hill in sight to do the casting and blessings, I am sure we will be violently countered."

"Killed," Mariko clarified.

"Yes."

Mariko frowned and asked, "So who is going through?"

"I will," Ruby said. "I know the enormity of what we're dealing with. I cannot trust this to just anyone."

"How will you get away if whoever is guarding that hill casts on you?" Mariko asked.

Ruby grew a grin and said, "I will be quicker than they are. They will be reacting to my presence while I am casting the barrier. By the time anyone can get a spell off, the barrier will be up," Ruby explained."

"And this barrier will be anti-magic as well as a spirit barrier?" Mariko asked in a prod.

Ruby nodded. "Once completely formed, nothing will get through it," Ruby assured her.

"I'm one of the Coven. Mom, I'll gather the others. Just tell us when," Mariko said.

"Yes, this is going to be a very powerful spell that is why a full coven is needed, besides me" Ruby told her. "Once we're done here, I will gather the spell material and await Father Tappan collecting his priests."

"We have a solid plan, let's get it started," Tsukune said.

.

From what Yukari told her, Ruby knew the entity at that gate would not delay in a response to them casting magic there. Ruby would also have to stay long enough to ensure their spell took hold. This was going to be very dangerous. As they departed to go do their Jobs, Ruby caught Tsukune's arm and pulled him to the side.

In a serious tone, Ruby said, 'Tsukune, we've known each other for a long time now. What we are facing now is a full blown war. People are going to die. People we know and love. When it happens, and it will, you must stay focused on the fight. Grieving is for after the battle."

Tsukune let out a long breath. "I really hope that won't happen. We need to watch out for each other."

"It will happen," Ruby said firmly. "Sacrifices are going to need to be made. I know you care deeply for all of us. That is why I have always loved you. Promise me when we do lose someone, you will mourn them and miss them, but you will keep up the fight as hard as you can. All of us and the world is depending on you."

Tsukune swallowed. Looking at Ruby, he noted something in her eyes he couldn't quite place. "I will, and we will watch out for each other," he said firmly.

"I know we will do our best," Ruby agreed.

They parted. Ruby headed home to start getting ready for the large conjuring. As she walked along, she noted with pride how large and vibrant Witch Hill was. They had made this place what it was together, a bastion of intertwined souls, a fortress of strong spirit to nurture this generation and the next. It was a good legacy.

Ruby often wondered when she'd been resurrected after she'd been burned alive, the real reason she'd come back. Yes, she wanted to see Jade grow up into the powerful young witch she now was. She wanted to stand by Hosio and Mariko, and to continue to give and receive the wonderful love that permeated their existence. The only thing was, her own existence was now limited. She had traded her eternal soul for the chance to continue this life by binding her spirit to her bones. Mariko's energy that night had given her the power.

The entity at that gate had to be a Litch, a very powerful user of magic that lived only due to the power it contained. It's body may rot, but it would keep on living so long as it had that immense power. The only real way to seal that gate off was to weaken the Litch to the point where it could not sustain itself, hence it could not attack their barrier.

To draw the power out of a Litch, it had to be unsuspecting, and casting a spell. To draw that much power was very dangerous. Ruby's old master had a scroll of how to perform such, and a tale of a Witch who'd done it. The witch did succeed but her body was cindered and her soul was blown into the hereafter.

Ruby knew there would be no hereafter for her. She had to take this job, because the only other witches she knew that might be capable of success were Mariko and Lin. She would not send her daughter off to a probable death, and Lin was finally getting a good life and found someone to be happy with. After her horrid life as a slave had been, Lin deserved some time in happiness.

"I love you all," Ruby said to no one as she approached her house.