And the ball keeps rolling...
--
Phantoms
VII
--
Botan was worried.
It seemed that over the past year all she had been was worried, but now that feeling was multiplied tenfold. The factions were one thing to consider, but ever since Hikaru had wreaked havoc over the Makai, things at home had seemingly taken a permanent turn for the worst. Even though the affair had been kept a tight secret, it wasn't to anyone's surprise when the Ningenkai found out; the humans and the Makai were becoming fast friends, and it was a feat that something like Hikaru had even managed to stay undisclosed for so long.
And even though the Reikai had been preparing for the worst, it still quivered in the wake of the fresh accusations and scandals. Hikaru had turned out to be a female youkai. But here was the kicker: She had been wrongly accused of her crimes nearly two centuries prior and her punishment was unnecessary. She had been yet another victim of Enma's design to paint the Makai's inhabitants as ruthless barbarians. It infuriated Botan to think of how Koenma's father could have perpetrated such devious actions. And now they were paying for it. No amount of paperwork and press conferences would appease the protestors; Koenma's enemies were practically hovering on the edge, planning their coup, and Botan was about ready to give up.
It wouldn't have been so bad if Koenma were up to the game. But he wasn't. That realization had dawned upon Botan too late. Try as she might, she couldn't motivate her boss. It was as if nothing fazed him anymore. There was a dull look in Koenma's eyes nowadays and she dreaded visiting his office to hand in her daily reports. When he had overthrown his father, he had been distressed for a while—which was expected. But he had bounced back a few days later, ready to take on the challenge of leading the Reikai. The first event that really shook him up was the hostage crisis. Though it was alleviated quickly with the help of Yusuke and the others, Botan knew that Koenma had been affected drastically by the event. It wasn't just his father's mistakes he would have to correct, but it was also his responsibility to gather the people of the Reikai and unite them.
But the Reikai hadn't united. It had remained fractured these past few years and those division lines were only growing stronger. Those who had been under Koenma in the recent past were loyal to a fault, but gathering new allies was the real challenge. And Koenma was not the man he once was.
"Koenma-sama, I'm here to drop off today's transfer notes. Also, the souls of Area Eight are rebelling again. They refuse to cross over to their designated assignments and the guards don't know what to do. They don't want to risk injuring them so they've built a blockade. The souls are staying within the perimeter for now," announced Botan as she entered Koenma's office.
It was a mess. Papers were strewn from ceiling to floor, the desk nearly hidden by the pile of books and charts. Diagrams, graphs, statistics. Botan had seen them. Most offered a bleak outlook. Koenma had stopped requesting them months ago, but these old ones remained. Untouched. A sign of failure. Botan hardened her gaze as she saw her boss turn towards her. He was facing the window. It was his usual sentry. Watching the Reikai run amok seemed to be his latest pastime and Botan didn't know what to make of it. She could only push and prod and hope he would awaken from his stupor. So far there was nothing.
"If they wish to damn their eternal lives then let them be. Give them a warning. If they don't obey then let the guards do as they see fit. The souls seemed to have forgotten that we've been managing their ever afters for well over two millennia. Maybe if they see the consequences themselves they'll rethink future acts of rebellion."
The apathy that coated his words made Botan shudder inwardly. It was a far cry from how the Koenma of twenty years past would behave. But she only dropped off her reports before bowing and leaving the room. Outside the office, she rested against the wall. The oni scrambled across the hallways, phones ringing incessantly from within the cubicles. Botan tightened his fists, refusing to let the tears spill.
"God… If there is a God… We could sure use some help," she whispered.
--
"So I heard you wanted to talk to me?" greeted Yusuke as he abruptly entered Koenma's office as if he owned the place.
Looking up from his paperwork, Koenma gave a small smile. As exuberant as ever, Yusuke always managed to brighten up things without even trying. It filled Koenma with relief to know at least that wouldn't change.
"You've recuperated from your attack then?" he inquired politely. Yusuke insisted on informalities, and Koenma often acted overbearing just to spite him.
Yusuke nodded, glancing around the office. Papers, books, more papers, and more books. It made him feel queasy just looking at them. "Like I would ever let a soul do me in? Granted, it's a soul doped up on reiki, but still," he began. He nudged a fallen book with his foot. "Been busy, I see."
Koenma waved a hand. "Oh, the usual political mess. Even here we can't escape from them," he said dismissively. "But my concern right now is the renegade soul. I've a means to get rid of it, but I'll need your help."
Yusuke grinned at him. "Come on, Koenma. You and I have history, man. Of course I got your back."
The former detective's lightheartedness made Koenma yearn for something. The past, perhaps. It had been so easy then. Koenma couldn't resist from smiling again at the way Yusuke offered his assistance no strings attached. He knew he would have Yusuke's unadulterated support without asking, but to see his companion's determination was something else. There was a light in Yusuke that seemed to always burn. He would never say it out loud, but Koenma admired him.
"My special forces will manage the barrier. I will be in charge of sealing. I'll rely on you, Kurama, and Hiei to weaken the soul enough for me to do the job," he began to explain. He cast a wry look at Yusuke. "Save the world again, Yusuke."
"Hey, that's my specialty," replied Yusuke, laughing. Then he narrowed his gaze on Koenma. "What about you, though? This soul is strong. Can you really seal it on your own?"
Koenma gave a carefully offhanded shrug. "It might be the death of me, but it's the only option we've got right now. We don't have the time to wait for safer alternatives," he replied airily.
Yusuke stared at him for a long moment. "I get the odd feeling you're not telling me everything, but I'll let it slide for now. I'll figure it out eventually, Koenma."
He said the last sentence with a teasing tone, but Koenma could detect the undercurrent of seriousness in Yusuke's voice. He always was more perceptive than his peers gave him credit for. Koenma breathed a little more easily.
"Well, I guess I better get back then. God knows what Hiei's doing to my body back in the Makai. He's been grumpy ever since he overextended his use on the Jagan trying to save my life. Hmm. I guess I should be more appreciative, huh?"
At this Koenma chuckled. "You were able to successfully separate your spiritual self from your physical body this time around, though. I suppose aging does have its purposes."
Yusuke's eyes flashed. "Oi, no old jokes. Besides, you're way older than me, Koenma. Despite all appearances otherwise," he retorted. He began to make his way out the office. "I'll see you soon, you big baby. Try not to let the workload cramp your style. If I see you slip up, I'll personally deliver you a lecture you'll never forget."
--
Kurama could barely withhold his amusement as Hiei sulked in the corner of the room.
It was with some bafflement he had been informed of his friend's sudden arrival, and when he came upon Hiei in his greenroom, Kurama could all but laugh. Hiei was in an uncustomary mood. He waited by his plants with all the pretence of patience and nonchalance, but anyone who really knew him could sense his frustration.
"The greenroom, Hiei? If you had but journeyed another floor up, you could have just came directly to my own suite. What deterred you from that last flight?" he had inquired.
To which Hiei responded with a glare, "Your servant caught me as I was climbing up to this floor and stopped me. I'll admit this: your companion is fast if not an imbecile."
Kurama had bowed at the compliment. But now Hiei had lost his conversation. Kurama would normally have sent for refreshments, but he could see that all his friend wanted at the moment was privacy so he had sent away his servants promptly. Fortunately for him, patience was secondhand nature and he had no quarrels with waiting for Hiei to gather his thoughts.
Then finally, "He sent for me."
It didn't take a genius to figure out who Hiei was speaking about, but Kurama feigned ignorance nevertheless. "'He'? Who is that exactly?" he asked innocently.
"Don't play naïve with me, Kurama," warned Hiei.
Kurama smiled acquiescently. "So what is your dilemma?"
Hiei uncrossed his arms, a troubled expression coming over his face. It was highly unusual and, though he would never say it to Hiei directly, endearing. "He actually sent an oni to me. I didn't even know he employed them. He invited me to…to dinner."
"Oh, I can see your problem already," agreed Kurama with an exaggerated nod. "It must be difficult indeed to choose between accepting and declining. I don't know, Hiei. This may be your most challenging obstacle yet."
"Your sarcasm, fox, is unwarranted and unrequired," replied Hiei darkly. He closed his eyes. "I know I'm being a fool," he admitted more quietly.
It seemed Kurama had finally broken through. Hiei appeared calmer now. Kurama regarded him fondly. "I'll assume you accepted the invitation?" he asked.
"Of course."
"Of course," repeated Kurama, nodding approvingly. "Then why are you in such a fit?"
Hiei frowned at him. "I…" He was about to say he wasn't in a fit, but that would have only made the fox think he was right. And perhaps he was. Kurama could read him like a book. He regained his composure; there was no point in delaying. "He invited me for dinner tomorrow night. Tomorrow is the fifteenth anniversary of Keiko's death."
All at once, understanding hit Kurama. He could have scolded himself for his thoughtlessness. It was little wonder Hiei was so anxious. Fifteen years plus of waiting and nonverbal promises were more than enough to cause unease in the stoutest. And with Hiei and Yusuke… Kurama could understand many things, but the tenuous bond his two friends shared was incomprehensible to say the least. It was without doubt one of the strongest attachments he'd ever seen in his life, but it was also completely unfathomable. He didn't know when it was exactly they came together; he doubted even they knew. Friendship had been the base but everything else that came after was as concrete as air. But that was the beauty of it. Perhaps no one was meant to know.
When Keiko had passed away, he had thought that would be it. Yusuke and Hiei would finally close the strange rift that was suspended between them. But then a year had passed and nothing changed. And now it was almost fifteen years post-Keiko's death; time flew by so quickly without Kurama even realizing.
"I would be inclined to believe Yusuke did that on purpose."
"Yes, I don't doubt that," replied Hiei dryly. "But this is Yusuke. I don't know what to expect."
Kurama smiled. "Contrary to popular believe, he has changed. He's more mature and…more unpredictable than ever. Yes, I see your concerns," he said, shaking his head. "But when has that ever stopped you?"
Hiei looked sharply at him. "It isn't stopping me, Kurama. It's just that after all this time, with a gesture like this… I don't think I'll be able to handle it well if I were to be let down. And Yusuke has tried my patience many times in recent history," he said somberly. His eyes flashed. "I do not want to be disappointed again."
It was futile to offer words of support. Hiei had been supporting himself his entire life; he was only confessing his misgivings to a trusted friend. Kurama knew without fail that Hiei would carry on fine if such a letdown occurred. He would probably even continue waiting for Yusuke because that was just how it went. Love was a powerful, cruel thing. But Kurama knew Yusuke too. And he knew that Yusuke wouldn't just randomly invite Hiei to dinner on Keiko's death anniversary; that he had sent for an oni to personally deliver the notice was significant enough. Kurama never knew Yusuke to plan for many things, but he had obviously thought this out.
"Come, Hiei. Let me accompany you back to Mukuro's fortress. Or rather, yours. How was the funeral by the way?"
Hiei accepted the topic change wordlessly. Perhaps even gratefully. "You're not feeling scorned are you, fox?"
"Of course not. After all, it was only yourself and Yusuke who attended. Why ever should I feel left out?" he replied coolly.
"It was her wishes—"
"I'm only teasing, Hiei. I respected Mukuro very much to recognize her desire and honor it. Did the ceremony do her justice?"
Hiei snorted. "The garden was ruined by the storm from the previous night so the affair was more morbid than it had to be. Of course, that didn't stop Yusuke from laughing the entire time."
Kurama chuckled. "Our Yusuke… There are some things that never change. At least not too much."
