ELIXIR OF LIFE #19: The gods can only push men so far.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
An hour later, the yoroishi, Nasuti, and Jun continue arguing inside the Date house.
Kuroda rubs his cheek, having received a punch from Shuu. "You aren't quite done, Fuan-kun," he says. "Please, continue."
Shuu, seething, lunges at Kuroda; Ryo and Shin grab Shuu.
"Maybe we should hear Kuroda out before beating him to a pulp," says Touma, scowling. "He might have had a good reason for what he did."
Shuu sneers at Kuroda. "I'm all ears," he says with a nasty grin on his face.
Kuroda drops to his haunches, staring at the ground. "It will be difficult to say plainly," he says. "Any of my usual gaming analogies will be misconstrued as an inappropriate degree of levity."
"Just get to the point," spits Yamanouchi.
"Why did you abandon Lee-chan and Mizuno-san?" demands Jun.
"When fighting a war: what does it prove to fight a lost battle, when retreat is the wisest course?" asks Kuroda.
"You didn't answer Jun," says Seiji.
"I don't have to," says Kuroda. "One: it's clear that even I am not so arrogant as to think I can fight a giant god. Two," Kuroda continues, "even if Mizuno-san and I had succeeded in fending Enma-daiousama off, it was only a matter of time until Enma-daiousama either seized Lee-chan in a reincarnated life, or achieved his ultimate goal through some other method."
"Why should we care what his goal is!?" says Shuu.
"Because it's the only way for us to justify Lee-chan's death," says Kuroda. "I'm not certain of any of you," he continues, with a meaningful look to Shuu, "but if a man wounds me, I won't be satisfied by simply making his nose bloody."
Shuu stares at Kuroda, confused.
"It's inadequate, after all that you've lost because of Enma-daiousama," says Kuroda, "and considering what we all stand to lose."
Shuu sighs. "If by that, you mean killing the son of a bitch isn't enough," he says, tensing his fists, "that almost makes sense. I want the bastard to lose."
Seiji's grandfather sips from a saucer of sake. "From Kuroda-dono's perspective," he says, "Enma-daiousama would have to be defeated in all of his goals, and then dispatched-to make an example of him to his peers."
"His peers would be other gods, Date-sensei," says Sasaki.
"The gods can only push men so far," says Seiji.
"That still doesn't explain why you couldn't save Lee-chan," says Jun.
"Yamanouchi-dono's dream is the key," says Kuroda, handing Seiji, Touma, and Nasuti manila folders. "This is Kouma-kun's contribution at the moment," he adds with a smirk towards the unconscious Toshitada, bound to a chair.
"Why did we kidnap him again?" asks Shin.
"Sempai was only doing his job," adds Ryo, "and he's not responsible for killing Lee-chan."
"True," says Yamanouchi, "but we need to make the stubborn, conceited twit see that he should help us get at the one who did kill Lee-chan."
"We shall likely be marked as criminals by Reikai," says Sasaki. "The three of us and Kayura-dono will take Kouma-kun to the Youjekai," he continues, and the rest of you are welcome to join us there."
"That won't be necessary," grins Kayura as she appears. "Right now, we're zakou compared to what Reikai is worried about."
Yamanouchi and Sasaki scowl at Kayura.
"Calm down, you two," says Kayura. "I simply meant that our spies embedded in Reikai Intelligence tell me that there's a group trying to break the barrier to the Makai. Enma does not want that to happen."
"Then we should bust it open ourselves," says Shuu.
"Not a good idea," counters Kayura. "Ningenkai doesn't want that either-unless we humans want to be snack food for the most powerful yokai alive."
"Your point is that we'll be safe to figure out what the information in these folders mean while Reikai tries to contain the threat to their barrier," says Seiji.
Kayura nods.
"Then let's get to work, everyone," says Touma, putting on a pair of glasses and opening his folder.
Seiji nods approvingly. "Kouma-san's a great typist," he says.
Makoto, scowling, enters her apartment; Minako follows her inside.
"Fuck off, Aino," spits Makoto as she flings her book satchel towards the couch and stalks toward the kitchen.
Minako slips off her shoes at the door, then puts on her pair of courtesy slippers: a pair of white fuzzy slippers with a pair of embroidered fuschia hearts on each slipper.
Makoto grabs a Bundt pan and a box of flour.
"Ooh," says Minako. "German chocolate Bundt cake. You're really pissed."
"Go home!" demands Makoto, glowering as she quickly mixes the dry ingredients.
"I just wanted to say," says Minako slowly, "that your instincts were right."
"W...what?" asks Makoto, confused.
"About Seiji-san," says Minako. "You were right."
"What the hell do you mean?" continues Makoto.
"That he's not as straightforward as he appears," says Minako. "Far more than just a handsome face and sexy smile."
"Look," sighs Makoto balefully. "Date-san's not perfect or anything, but it's not his fault that his friends are deranged...and understandably angry at us."
"You're not confronting the problem," says Minako.
"What?" balks Makoto. "That from their perspective, we're accessories to a baby's divinely-ordained murder?"
"I can understand that viewpoint," says Minako, "but there's the whole matter of Rei's psychic soulmate...and who he really is."
"So what?" snorts Makoto. "Kuroda-kun possesses enchanted samurai armor. He's still the same creepy and goofy bookworm."
"'Enchanted samurai...'" mutters Minako inaudibly.
"Okay; speak up!" fumes Makoto.
"Fine," says Minako crisply, in her Silver Millennium persona. "What you just called the Yoroi no Gen, and its master," she continues, "is ridiculous. You'd be less silly if you called the bomb that dropped on Hiroshima a firecracker!"
"It's magical armor, isn't it!?" spits Makoto.
"Yes," says Minako. "One-ninth of a powerful armor wielded by a spiritual master of martial arts: the creator of the reihadou."
Makoto blinks.
"Defeating this fellow required the combined strength of all of the shitennou," continues Minako, "and that armor-during that time, a thousand years ago-wasn't nearly as strong as it would be now if it were reunited."
"The shitennou..." muses Makoto. "Each one of them proved stronger than us in a straightforward fight."
"The four of them and Beryl were able to destroy the entire Moon Kingdom in a single day," says Minako. "Truthfully, the only reason we were able to win the day and save Earth this time was because Beryl was too horny for Mamoru-san to think straight."
"I guess," says Makoto. "Otherwise, we would have had to deal with all four of them again instead of Kunzite and Zoisite. What's your point?" she asks.
"Rajura is a general and ranking noble of the Youjekai," says Minako, "a neutral realm where-in the past-humans coexisted with yokai and other supernatural beings; it was to be a model society for Earth itself."
"What happened?" wonders Makoto.
"That master of the reihadou happened," says Minako, grim. "Arago."
"Okay..." says Makoto. "So what?"
"That raises an important question, don't you think?" asks Minako.
"About what? Aside from-of course-what a guy from the Sengoku era who lived in a magical kingdom would possibly want to do here?" says Makoto.
"What kind of fellow is Seiji-san," asks Minako, "that he feels at ease with those three soldiers-former servants of a demon emperor-living in his house?"
"I...I don't know!" balks Makoto. "The more I see of that man," she fumes, "the less I understand."
"If you release me now," says Toshitada, glaring at Kuroda, "I will do my best to ensure this doesn't count against the three of you."
"We will release you when you've come to your senses, Kouma," says Yamanouchi.
"Haven't we had a similar conversation before?" asks Toshitada.
"Yes!" grins Sasaki cheerfully, eating an azuki sweet bun. "Want one?"
"No," spits Toshitada.
"Don't be a sore loser, Kouma," says Yamanouchi.
"It's true that you and the three of us are working once more at cross-purposes," says Kuroda, "but this time, old comrade, you are the one who has chosen to be deluded."
"You would dare to put Enma-daiousama and Arago in the same category!?" says Toshitada, livid.
"No, Kouma-kun," says Sasaki. "While Arago was evil, we received from him what we had chosen to receive."
Toshitada scowls at the trio.
"Enma-daiousama stole Lee-chan's life," continues Sasaki, "and used our own weapons to do it."
"You can't expect me to openly oppose Enma-daiousama without proof," counters Toshitada. "The three of you are so stupid, it's a wonder you had survived the Sengoku period before Arago."
"If you weren't already dead, Kouma," spits Yamanouchi, "I'd kill you myself."
"Toshitada's point is that he's the only one in a position to learn what my dad's plan is," says Koenma as he appears before the group. "You idiots are about to force my hand too soon!"
"Is that so...?" says Kuroda with a soft, knowing smile.
"You see," Koenma continues with an annoyed look at Toshitada, "this fellow has already prodded me to investigate my father, and I tend to listen to him from time to time."
"Does it have anything to do with those individuals trying to breach the Makai barrier?" asks Sasaki.
Koenma pouts. "You're lucky that I have your stupid Youjekai spies in my custody instead of Dad's. Kayura really gets on my nerves!" he fumes.
"Indeed," says Kayura. "But seriously: answer Sasaki-kun's question."
"It has to do with a missing videotape from our archives," says Koenma. "To keep it simple: if the magnitude of human sins were fully known," he continues, "then various divine authorities would begin to question Reikai's current hard-line stance against yokai. Heaven knows that Toshitada has questioned it enough without the damned tape."
"Amen to that, Koenma-sama," says Yamanouchi wryly.
"I'm going to send Yusuke and his usual team to deal with the threat while Toshitada continues his investigation," Koenma continues. "I need you three and the rest of the yoroishi to stay out of his way."
"As you wish," says Kuroda as he frees Toshitada. "Please keep in mind that whatever you discover in your probe is what Enma-daiousama wants you to find. You will have barely scratched the surface."
"If it's proven that my father engaged in any wrongdoing," says Koenma, "then that will be enough to indict him for trial." Koenma turns to leave.
Toshitada starts to follow, but Koenma stops him.
"You still have a bit of business to clear up with them, don't you?" asks Koenma.
"I do, my liege," says Toshitada, looking at Sasaki, "but now is not the time to deal with it."
"You won't be able to put it off forever," says Koenma. "I'll let you come with me this time," he continues, "but you must resolve the matter in order to finish your penance."
"I understand," says Toshitada, bowing to Koenma. He and Koenma leave the three former Masho atop the roof of the Date house.
Kuroda touches his chin. "Sasaki-kun," he says after a moment. "I've long had this thought..."
"It's easier for me to think that Kouma-kun's a naive fool," says Sasaki. "If he has anything to say in regards to that day, Kuroda-dono, then let him say it when he's ready."
Yamanouchi grins sympathetically. Knowing the poor bastard as well as I do, he says to himself, he probably was a naive fool.
"We were wrong," says Ami with conviction. "You won't tell me otherwise, Rei."
"It's pointless to argue this, Ami," counters Rei. "Enma-daiousama's a god; we couldn't have stood in his way if we'd wanted to."
"Don't hand me that crap!" spits Ami.
Rei blanches at Ami's language. Kuwabara-kun is starting to rub off on her, the priestess smiles in spite of the argument. Probably in a very good way.
"You, Usagi, and I ran over a demigod with an airplane," Ami continues.
"Jadeite ran himself over with the plane he'd planned to kill us with," scoffs Rei.
"Didn't Usagi kill Kunzite on her own?" asks Ami.
"From what Usagi told us when we regained our memories," says Rei, "Kunzite just stood there and took the hit. I think on some twisted level," she continues, "those jerks wanted us to win."
"Nephrite was the only one remotely sympathetic to our side," counters Ami, "Artemis' research on the Silver Millenium period notwithstanding." She sighs.
"The past is the past regarding him," says Rei. "Besides, you have Kuwabara-kun to take care of you now."
"How, exactly?" asks Ami, scowling.
"You know how!" teases Rei. "Seriously, Ami: enjoy your time with Kuwabara-kun while you can," she continues. "You and I both know how brief that time will be."
"I think...there's something you don't know about me," says Ami.
Rei studies Ami.
"I don't cope with losing very well," says Ami quietly. "That's one of the reasons...why I'm so angry that we let Lee-chan go without a fight. We've never simply given in before-to anyone, no matter how powerful."
"We had no choice in this one," says Rei. "It was either Lee-chan or..." Rei trails off.
"Or whom?" asks Ami, a bitter smile on her face. "What exactly did Enma-daiousama tell you?" she asks Rei.
"You're too sharp, Mizuno-you know that?" says Rei, returning the bitter smile. "Enma-daiousama told me, alone, that the future of Earth was in jeopardy if I didn't get you to give him Lee-chan."
"I see," says Ami. "Far more than you do," she adds, crying.
Rei holds Ami. "What do you mean...?" she asks Ami.
"Lee-chan...is only the first casualty. There will be billions of others," Ami continues. "There must be..."
Usagi, trembling, enters her room...only to see Shingo playing Street Fighter II on her Super Famicom with Kuwabara.
"Shingo," says Usagi, "if you're going to use my things without my permission, at least take them to your room."
Shingo studies Usagi as he pauses the game; he and Kuwabara note Usagi's eyes.
"Are you alright, Tsukino-san?" asks Kuwabara.
"Yeah; you're never this reasonable about your stuff," adds Shingo.
"Just take the Famicom to your room before I change my mind," says Usagi.
"Whatever's bothering your sister," says Kuwabara, with understanding, "she wants to deal with it on her own." He leaves Usagi's room.
Shingo turns off the Super Famicom and disconnects it from Usagi's television. "Aneki," he says. "If you need help with something, you know I'm here for you, right?"
"What I know is that I have a little brother who loves to invade my privacy," spits Usagi. "Now get out of my room!"
Shingo sighs, shakes his head, and takes the Super Famicom with him out of Usagi's room.
Usagi shuts the door, walks to her bed, then weeps.
"Who the hell is 'Selenity'?" asks Touma.
"Whoever she is, if she can stop Earth's crystallization," notes Seiji, "then it makes sense that she could undo what Enma-daiousama did to Lee-chan."
"That name..." says Kayura, touching her chin. "It's familiar to me: that name and Endymion."
"Endymion's a character from Greek mythology," says Seiji. "You're not that old, Kayura-dono."
"I know that much," says Kayura. "The Endymion I refer to was the namesake of the one you named; a brave prince in love with the princess of the moon, Selenity."
"You truly are a little girl after all," teases Kuroda.
"Don't make me spank you again, Kuroda-kun," says Kayura, pointing a sai at Kuroda.
"Careful with that sharp object, Kayura-dono," counters Kuroda. "You'll put my eye out."
Kayura slaps her forehead at Kuroda's bad joke.
Kuroda chuckles. "In any event, there is someone connected to the moon that I had observed," he continues, "a girl wearing the same type of poorly-conceived combat uniform as Mizuno-dono."
"You think this girl could be Selenity?" asks Kayura.
"Helpfully, the girl is literally named 'Tsukino Usagi'," Kuroda says, grinning.
"Be serious, Kuroda-kun," says Seiji.
"I am," says Kuroda, pulling out other manila folders. "Here are the files of the five 'senshi' I have observed."
Seiji reads a folder, the one on "Tsukino Usagi". "She's the reincarnation of 'Selenity-hime', who lived on the moon a thousand years ago."
"This reads like a really bad shojo anime," balks Touma. "Are you sure Enma's not toying with us?" It's just like that scenario she wrote... he muses silently.
"The girls are real," says Kuroda, "as is Mizuno-dono's power as Sailor Mercury. If we are to learn the truth about them," he continues, "perhaps we can test them out for ourselves."
The group continues to read the files, including four more folders that Kuroda produces.
"If these Sailor senshi are in on Enma-daiousama's conspiracy," says Seiji, "then they're our enemies. And if Yamanouchi-kun's dream, the temporary break of Kuroda-kun's bond with Rei-san, and these files are correct," he continues, grim, "then they have no choice but to be."
"But that would make Makoto-dono our enemy, Date-san!" says Sasaki, in shock. "To say nothing of Rei-dono," he continues, studying Kuroda.
"It cannot be helped," says Seiji stonily, his hands trembling. "Makoto-san would likely see matters the same way."
"And Rei-dono has already resolved to oppose us," adds Kuroda calmly, "no matter her private feelings."
"Why can't we just explain to them that Enma-sama's a murderer?" counters Nasuti.
Kuroda laughs harshly.
"Don't discount it! Makoto, Ami, and Usagi are all from Juuban Middle: they were Xiao's schoolmates, and good friends to her," continues Nasuti. "Besides," she adds to Kuroda, "didn't Ami try to protect Lee-chan?"
"Everything you say is true, Nasuti-dono," says Kuroda. "Regrettably, my kunoichi and my sweet one both know the kind of powers Lee-chan's soul had...and has their duty to their mistress to uphold. Makoto-dono takes the matter seriously as well."
"We have to capture Tsukino-san and make her undo Enma-daiousama's work," says Seiji. "She won't willingly sacrifice her own child-not even for Xiao-san's sake."
"And those young women aren't going to meekly allow us to abduct their mistress," adds Kuroda. "Remember that there are eight of these women sworn to protect Tsukino-dono. We'll have to be cautious and cunning."
"Then we'll take out Mizuno first," says Touma, "as soon as Koenma sends Urameshi and Kuwabara out to stop those maniacs from opening the Makai barrier. The last thing we need is to fight Kuwabara."
"Kuwabara-kun has been steadily losing his spiritual abilities," notes Kuroda.
"Power or no power," counters Touma, "that bastard's even more stubborn than Shuu, and can take a beating. We wait until he and Urameshi are on assignment."
"We could send Yamanouchi-dono after Kuwabara-kun if he causes trouble for us," says Kuroda.
"No," says Kayura. "Touma-kun's plan is the best, Kuroda-kun."
"Why, Kayura-dono?" asks Kuroda.
"Because Kuwabara-kun...hasn't lost his power at all," says Kayura. "Kuwabara-kun had already surpassed Yamanouchi-kun in raw potential some time ago, during the Dark Tournament."
"With all due respect, Kayura-dono," counters Kuroda stiffly, "Yamanouchi-dono is experienced enough as a soldier-and superior in his swordsmanship-to compensate for any deficiency in power."
"As you don't believe me, Kuroda-kun," Kayura giggles, "then send Yamanouchi-kun to observe Kuwabara-kun-during the Makai barrier investigation."
"I will go with Yamanouchi-dono," says Kuroda. "I must see this for myself."
"Feel free, Kuroda-kun," says Kayura.
"Thank you, Kayura-dono," says Kuroda, smiling thinly as he bows to Kayura and leaves.
"You still like to bait them, don't you?" grins Seiji.
"Those three are cute when they're frustrated," says Kayura.
"Is it true what you said about Kuwabara?" asks Touma.
"I have a reliable inside source regarding Kuwabara-kun," says Kayura.
"Who?" asks Seiji.
"For now," says Kayura, "let's just remember that Arago was once a human being."
Ami finishes explaining her assessment of the yoroishi to Rei, Makoto, and Minako.
"...and so, I'll gather intelligence on the other four yoroishi, to reduce the current advantage they have against us," says Ami.
"Okay," says Minako. "But don't keep us out of the loop anymore: understood?"
Ami nods, then leaves Hikawa Shrine.
"Why?" asks Makoto, glowering at Rei.
"Where's Usagi?" asks Rei, quiet.
"I sent her grocery shopping," says Minako brightly, but with a sharp look in her eyes. "She's going to make a big meal for us, and we'll have a picnic here."
"Why?" continues Makoto, her question almost a growl.
"Where did Ami run off to?" asks Minako.
"It's just as she said: she's doing some business-related research for us," says Rei calmly.
"Why!?" thunders Makoto, tensing her fists.
"You need to clarify your question, Makoto," says Rei, narrowing her eyes at Makoto. "What do you want to know the 'why' of?"
Minako pinches the bridge of her nose.
"Why," says Makoto softly. "As in: why in the fuck didn't you just tell us that Kuroda-kun was a Sengoku-era samurai?"
"It wasn't relevant," says Rei. "I thought that you all trusted my judgment."
"But that would have explained everything!" spits Makoto.
"How?" hisses Rei.
Makoto throws a copy of Usagi's diary entry onto the porch of the Shrine. "What possible room do we have for skepticism about centuries-old samurai and magic armor," she counters, "when this fucked-up 'problem-solving math assignment' of Touma's is our actual future?"
"Rei," spits Minako, dropping her cheerful affect. "I guarantee you that Kuroda-kun's cohorts know everything about us by now."
"Yeah-now," smirks Rei. "Because Kuroda-kun got the same riot act from all of his friends...except Yamanouchi-kun and Sasaki-kun. He's such a lucky old bastard."
"What are you saying?" asks Makoto.
"Before this mess," says Rei, "only my identity and Ami's was in danger of being compromised, and Kuroda-kun had faithfully kept that a secret from his friends for his own reasons."
"How did Ami blow her cover?" asks Minako.
"A futile stunt done to protect Kuwabara-kun from Kunzite's influence," says Rei. "Thankfully, Kuwabara-kun's not going to press the issue."
"Ah, that Kuwabara-kun: he's such a fine fellow. As to Kuroda-kun," says Minako, winking at Rei, "we'll definitely talk about that."
"There's nothing to talk about," says Rei curtly.
"You have a five year-old psychic love bond with him!" counters Minako. "You won't profane this shrine by trying to bullshit us-saying it's nothing."
Rei stares at Minako.
Makoto scowls at Rei and Minako. "Aino," she says, "we have big problems, if what Ami said before she left is true."
Minako sighs. "In other business," she says with a look to Rei as her tone grows serious, "five of these armor-bearers, or yoroishi, have been identified."
Rei nods. "One is Kuroda-kun, known as Rajura: Masho no Gen. One, who is dead, is Toshitada-san: the shinigami who was at the Higurashi shrine. He was once Shutendouji: Masho no Oni. The other two I know of for certain are Yamanouchi Naotoki, alias Naaza: Masho no Doku; and Sasaki Kujuurou, also known as Anubis: Masho no Yami."
"That...explains a bit," muses Makoto.
"There's also Fuan-kun," continues Rei, "who bears the Yoroi no Kongou."
"Okay," says Makoto. "Leaving out Toshitada-san, that's four trained martial artists-three of them soldiers from the Sengoku period-who have pieces of an ancient magical armor."
"Armor powerful enough to make its original owner," says Minako soberly, "a formidable threat to Earth and the Moon Kingdom."
"Arago," says Rei, trembling, "the ruler-no, usurper-of the Youjekai."
"Worse than that, ladies," says Artemis, eating a piece of broiled fish.
"It took the combined strength of the shitennou to keep him pinned on Earth," says Minako. "That's why Arago had taken over the Youjekai in the first place."
"Keep in mind that the shitennou are the same jerks who destroyed the Moon Kingdom in a day," adds Makoto.
"They had an army," says Rei, pouting. "Besides," she continues, "Rajura-Kuroda-kun-had never confronted Jadeite or Kunzite directly. He's smart enough to avoid unwinnable fights-which tells us that there are limits to the yoroi's power."
Minako touches her chin.
"Also, if Arago's original yoroi was that strong," continues Rei, "then the yoroishi would have found a way to combine their armor's power-*"
"Kikoutei," says Artemis. "Only needs five of the nine pieces," the white cat continues, "with the Yoroi no Rekka as the core piece."
"Further than the Kikoutei," says Rei, rubbing her arms. "Let's wait for Ami to come back with her research," she continues, "so that we have a better idea of what we're up against."
"I can give you a rough estimate," says Makoto tersely. "Think about the Sengoku period," she continues, "and the fact that three of the yoroishi actually lived and fought during that period."
Minako studies Makoto, while Rei blinks at the tall girl.
"Hell," continues Makoto, trembling as she smiles nervously, "Sasaki-san even mentioned having a half-brother named Kojirou..."
Minako pats Makoto's shoulder. "Do you think the famous Sasaki Kojirou gave Sasaki-kun a few pointers way back when?" she asks.
"Pointers!?" balks Makoto. "Thinking about it now, Sasaki-san was probably the better swordsman all along."
"That's certainly Kuroda-kun's opinion," says Rei, "but he's biased: they were friends since Kuroda-kun was thirteen."
"Our history teachers lied to us!" quips Minako.
Makoto glares at Minako.
"Calm down, Makoto," says Minako. "I'm just wondering how you came to that conclusion."
"Simple," says Makoto. "I've seen him spar with Date-san and Yamanouchi-san in kendo. And don't get me started with Yamanouchi-san! He's this insane fusion of Miyamoto Musashi and Bruce Lee," she continues, "and Sasaki-san's the only one who can spar with him."
Rei sighs. "All the more reason," she says, "why we need to wait until Ami returns to us with her research."
In his quarters at the Old Palace in the Youjekai, Sasaki observes Yamanouchi-training outside-through his bedroom window,.
It's always astonishing, Sasaki muses, to see how disciplined Yamanouchi-dono is. How controlled and focused. And yet, he continues, how at odds with his rough speech.
Yukina wakes, sitting up in Sasaki's bed.
Sasaki turns his head, glancing towards his bed-only to whip his head away, blushing.
"Ah, that's right," says Yukina, smiling as she dons Sasaki's yukata to cover herself. "Humans are embarrassed by naked bodies."
"That...is not quite the right word, Yukina-dono," says Sasaki, exasperated. "I find you beautiful, not embarrassing," he continues, composing himself.
Yukina studies Sasaki.
"I am honored," says Sasaki, sitting beside Yukina on the bed, "that you would deem me worthy to meet your needs...though you won't be able to return to your homeland because of me."
"That cold place...is not home to me," says Yukina, a frown on her face. "I thank you, Kujuurou-san, for cutting my ties to it."
Sasaki chuckles. "That's a new way to refer to the matter," he says. "Though I'm certain that Kuwabara-kun would have eagerly assisted you had you asked him."
"Kazuma-san?" wonders Yukina.
"He adores you, Yukina-dono," says Sasaki. "I'd honestly say that his love for you is greater than mine."
"That's possible. Kazuma-san does say that he loves me," says Yukina. "Nonetheless, he's very young," she continues, "and it would be cruel of me to take advantage of him, or to steal him from Mizuno-san: the one who has the key to Kazuma-san's heart."
"Are you jealous?" asks Sasaki.
"I don't understand," says Yukina.
"Are you angry that he professes his love for you," says Sasaki, "but truly loves another?"
"Why?" wonders Yukina.
"I know jealousy is a human failing," says Sasaki, "but I also know that it's not an emotion unknown to yokai."
"I know what jealousy is," says Yukina, "but I've never felt it towards anyone. I love Kazuma-san," she continues, "and I want him to be happy. He's so happy when he thinks of Mizuno-san, just as you're happy when you share stories about Rin-san."
Sasaki laughs. "Rin-dono would have been horrified if you had addressed her that way," he says. "Her opinion of humans was quite low," he adds, "and we were certainly not deserving of any honorifics."
Yukina studies Sasaki.
"At first, she would always be angry when I addressed her as 'Rin-dono'," continues Sasaki, "even though I was just trying to be respectful. Of course, as we both grew older, I found that I liked to tease Rin-dono on occassion-just to make her eyes shine for me, even if it was only because I was annoying her."
"And the two of you became close," says Yukina. "It makes sense, then, that you were prepared to kill Toguro-san," she adds. "He resembled the man you hated so much: the one who took her away from you."
"That memory...opens a dark place in my heart," says Sasaki quietly. "I would rather not revisit it."
"I understand your feelings," says Yukina, picking up a pair of large hiruiseki. "It's an empty place, and cold," she continues, "where the only warmth you can feel is your own anger."
Sasaki touches Yukina's shoulder.
"That anger," continues Yukina. "I'm sick of it, and I want to find my brother...so that I can rid myself of my anger."
Sasaki draws Yukina close to him. "That is a dangerous path to tread, Yukina-dono," he warns.
"Then," says Yukina, "let's walk in the path of light. Let's bring Kazuma-san and Mizuno-san happiness, so that we can learn to be happy."
Sasaki notes the pair of hiruiseki. "These are beautiful," he says. "I'm not surprised that in our greed, we humans would dare to steal these from you."
"Except that I have given these to you freely," says Yukina.
"And these are not mine to take, Yukina-dono," says Sasaki. "You have made your intent for these clear."
"So we'll give these to Mizuno-san and Kazuma-san," says Yukina.
Sasaki nods; he sets the hiruiseki on the nightstand near his bed.
"And we will share," continues Yukina, stroking Sasaki's cheek, "in each other's friendship."
Sasaki touches Yukina's chin. "It is my honor, Yukina-dono," he says as he begins to kiss her.
Yukina returns the kiss; Sasaki lowers Yukina to his bed.
"This...is a lot to consider, Chiba-san," says Kenji stiffly. "You-and especially Usagi-are both still rather young."
"I'm serious, Tsukino-san," says Mamoru gravely. "I won't change my mind."
"Usagi hasn't finished her schooling," says Ikuko, staring at both Usagi and Mamoru.
"And you haven't finished college," adds Kenji, adjusting his glasses.
"To be blunt, Tsukino-san," says Mamoru, "the matter's already decided between Usagi and myself: her consent is all I require to act."
Kenji blinks at Usagi, in shock.
"Okaasan, otousan: Mamoru-san and I will marry," says Usagi, trembling as she squares her shoulders. "Either we will have your blessing now," she continues, determined, "or your forgiveness later-if at all."
"I...will fix more coffee," says Ikuko breathlessly. "Usagi," she adds as she takes out a second mug. "How does Chiba-san like his coffee?"
"Mamoru-san likes it the same as-*" Usagi begins.
"Usagi!" says Ikuko sharply, but quietly. "Don't shout across the room. Please come here," she continues, beckoning to Usagi.
Usagi complies.
"I would have gladly told her..." begins Mamoru; his words trail off as he notes Kenji's glare.
"The time for such forthrightness," says Kenji icily, "would have been before the two of you opted to discuss marriage...without consulting us..."
"...and you're terrible at lying about those matters," continues Ikuko, a wry smile on her face.
"But we weren't intimate when that-!" gasps Usagi.
Ikuko pops a spoonful of sugar inside Usagi's mouth. "You don't have to tell me," she says, smiling. "Please understand, Usagi: we both knew this day for you and Mamoru would come soon," she continues. "Just not this soon."
"So...if I told you that I'm pregnant, okaasan," says Usagi after she swallows the sugar, "would that explain our urgency?"
"Most young ladies your age would have ended that condition," says Ikuko gravely, "if they conceived a child with an older man."
"I am, though," continues Usagi. "I wanted to start my family now," she adds, "with Mamoru-san..."
"...and we did this," says Mamoru, "because we want to keep our destiny in our own hands. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, Tsukino-san," he continues, "and that's as it should be, don't you think?"
Ikuko and Usagi bring Kenji and Mamoru fresh mugs of coffee: black, with sugar.
Kenji takes the mug from Usagi. "Ah," he says, sipping the coffee.
Usagi sighs. "I know I should have told you sooner, otousan," she says, "but that's no reason to give Mamoru-san a hard time."
"No, Usagi," says Mamoru, accepting the mug of coffee from Ikuko. "He's fighting to protect his daughter. I will honor his example."
"Then you both understand what is expected of you," says Kenji.
"Yes, sir," says Usagi, resolute. "We will see this through to the end."
"I love odango-atama," adds Mamoru, smirking, "and I want her as my wife."
"And I will have 'Mamo-baka' as my husband," says Usagi, returning Mamoru's smirk, "until death do us part-which will be far sooner than he expects if he doesn't cut out his teasing."
Shingo stands in the doorway; he laughs. "I thought those two were married already," he quips.
"Go to your room, Shingo!" grin Usagi, Mamoru, and the two parents.
Outside Michiru's mansion, Haruka smiles as Michiru smoothes Hotaru's hair; Hotaru sleeps with a half-open textbook in her hand. Michiru sighs, kissing Hotaru's forehead.
"She's studying too hard," quips Haruka. "We'll have to fire Ami."
Michiru stands. "We'll do no such thing," she says with a playful smile. "With everything that's going on in their lives," she continues, the smile fading, "they need a center of normalcy...for as long as it can last." Michiru rubs her arms.
"Don't think that way," says Haruka, firm. "We've always known that the day would come when those four would come into their own. The three of us," she continues, gazing at Hotaru, "are no longer needed."
"That's true," says Michiru. "I understand that quite well, Haruka. You'd think, though, that Luna and Artemis would be the ones to turn us away," she continues, "or Usagi herself."
"Take away our powers and memories," says Haruka, "and let us lead normal lives. That would be what Usagi would do to all eight of us if we let her," she adds. "Makoto always says that Usagi has guts, and I no longer doubt that."
"Those four have incredible strength," says Michiru, "along with a purity of spirit that makes the three of us rather redundant. Truly, they are worthy to be our queen's royal guard."
"So we mustn't blame them, Michiru," says Haruka, "for what is about to come to pass. If any of them knew of a way to stop it, they would."
"I'm not," says Michiru. "At least this time," she continues, trembling, "we know how it started, and we know the name of the one I'd personally damn to hell if I could."
Setsuna sips a glass of wine, smiling. "It appears that the opportunity is approaching us," she says.
Enma appears before the three women.
Setsuna crosses her legs, appraising Enma coolly. Haruka scowls at Enma, while Michiru narrows her eyes.
Enma adjusts his glasses. "I would speak with you alone, Meioh Setsuna," he says.
Setsuna sips her glass of wine. "There's nothing you need to discuss with me," she says, "that can't be said in front of my comrades. I have worked with them, in one fashion or another, for over a thousand years-which is nothing to me, the Guardian of Time and high priestess to the Receiver of Many and the Queen of Chthonia."
Enma glowers at Setsuna.
"I have no intention of humoring your conceited arrogance today, Enma-daiousama," continues Setsuna.
"Very well," says Enma, his face impassive. "I merely arrived to warn you of an impending threat to the timeline that the reborn Selenity and Endymion have caused with their recklessness."
Setsuna locks her eyes onto Enma. "You...dare to insult the queen of the Moon Kingdom, and the king of the Earth?" she hisses.
Enma's eyes widen.
Setsuna stands, setting down her wine glass. "All that the current incarnation of the queen of the Moon has done," she continues, "is complete the circle of time, and repair what you, in your greed and ignorance, have broken. In a rather elegant and natural manner that I'd be a fool to protest, may I add."
"The Crystal Tokyo timeline will cease to exist," says Enma tersely, "unless you act."
"I will not act," says Setsuna. "The Crystal Tokyo timeline was not meant to exist," she continues, "and I refuse to sustain your lie."
"I command-*" begins Enma.
"You...command me...?" scoffs Setsuna, her voice only slightly above a whisper.
"I demand that you stop Tsukino Usagi's pregnancy," bellows Enma.
"You are so far outside your domain and your depth that you have forgotten your place, Enma-daiousama," says Setsuna. "You do not-you cannot-command me," she continues.
Enma scowls.
"I outrank you, you overgrown ass," says Setsuna quietly. "So, to put you back in your place: in the name of Persephone Praxidike Chthonios, return to the cubicle in the miniscule corner of hell you came from."
Before Enma could respond, a vortex wreathed in blue flames appears beneath him, with shadowy chains binding his body. The vortex drags him below it, then disappears.
Haruka and Michiru stare at Setsuna in mute shock.
Setsuna chuckles. "I'm not called 'Sailor Pluto' for nothing, you know," she says.
"You...damned a god to hell..." says Michiru, astonished.
"Reikai is a part of hell, or Limbo, to be precise," says Setsuna. "I just sent him back to his office. Hopefully," she continues, "that scares him enough to end his stupid plan."
"Is all of that crap about you serving Hades and Persephone true?" wonders Haruka.
Setsuna nods. "My royal Plutonian bloodline is descended from the founder of an ancient mystery cult which worshipped Persephone and Hades in secret," she says. "Along with other mystery cults, devoted to other deities in what you're familiar with as the Greek pantheon, my clan was able to devise ways to transcend the veil of the stars: the firmament of heaven. We solved the Riddle of Nimrod, and proved ourselves worthy to..." Setsuna trails off...
...as Haruka and Michiru both stare at Setsuna, confused.
"Sorry," grins Setsuna. "I got carried away. Basically," she continues, "it was the best way my ancestors-and yours-could describe being able to travel in space at the time. No space shuttle or radios."
"I wonder sometimes," says Michiru, "how much of those ancient records were lost when the Dark Kingdom attacked."
"It was ananke that the Moon Kingdom fell," says Setsuna, "and we, humankind, are the ones charged to maintain that balance here in Ningenkai, the human-and living-world."
"And how do we do that?" balks Haruka.
"Just by living," says Setsuna. "Every choice we make, every action we take, alters fate and time."
"That...makes us gods," whispers Michiru, trembling.
"It's been noted in several religions and mythologies," says Setsuna, picking up Hotaru's textbook. "Why act so surprised?"
"Except...what exactly did Usagi and Mamoru-san do to worry Enma so much?" asks Haruka.
"With a small bit of help from the ginzuishou," says Setsuna, "Usagi and Mamoru simply decided to have Chibi-usa a bit ahead of schedule."
Haruka rubs her forehead, shaking her head in disbelief. "Usagi...wished herself to be pregnant with Chibi-usa?" she asks.
"With the Chibi-usa who would be born to a third-year middle school student and a sophomore university student in this age," says Setsuna. "The soul is the girl we know from the Crystal Tokyo timeline, but when she is born, she will express herself differently than before."
"You're saying that Usagi transported Chibi-usa' soul from the future," says Michiru.
"A soul needs a body!" snorts Haruka. "The ginzuishou can't create matter ex nihilio."
Michiru and Setsuna giggle.
Haruka stares at the other women a moment.
Michiru gives Haruka a canny smile.
Haruka notes Michiru's smile, then her eyes widen in realization. "They..." she says, laughing heartily. "They-Usagi and Mamoru-san-literally fucked up Enma's plan!"
Michiru and Setsuna's laughter joins Haruka's own.
This will prove to be difficult, muses Ami silently.
Ami jumps just as she packs her transformation wand into a sports purse, startled by loud, insistent knocking on the front door. She dashes to the door, then peeks through the keyhole.
"Please answer the door," says Yamanouchi, frowning. "I don't intend any harm."
Ami squares her shoulders, then opens the door.
"You'll understand, Mizuno-dono," says Yamanouchi as he enters and removes his canvas sneakers, "why I have failed to pay you the courtesy of informing you of my arrival."
"Frankly, Yamanouchi-kun," says Ami, "I was expecting a surprise visit from Kuroda-kun."
"Kuroda's too subtle," says Yamanouchi, "and this isn't the time to trifle with you, Mizuno-dono."
"I..." begins Ami, trembling under Yamanouchi's intense gaze. "I can definitely understand. Under the circumstances, discourtesy is actually warranted."
"You are not our enemy," says Yamanouchi flatly. "Killing you would resolve nothing."
"Then please state your purpose," says Ami, a determined look in her eyes.
Yamanouchi smiles slightly. "You have courage, Mizuno-dono," he says as he pulls files out of a book satchel.
Ami stares at Yamanouchi, who sets the files next to her notebook on the table.
Yamanouchi reads over the notes. "You're also very observant," he continues, "but that's unsurprising, given your intelligence."
"That's just a list of conjectures," says Ami, "about who the remaining four of you could be."
"Sanada was a fine guess as Rekka," grins Yamanouchi. "'Owing to the fact that Sanada-san was the last with Usagi's diary'," he continues, reading Ami's notes, "'and that he clearly cut through the lock on the diary: based on Kazuma-san's description of how the lock mechanism was tampered with, I can safely surmise that Sanada-san has some mastery over fire'."
"Sanada-san has to have some connection to this business of yours," says Ami, "and the warrior in the red armor used fire in his techniques."
Nodding, Yamanouchi continues thumbing through the notebook before setting it down on the table. "At that point," he says, "we weren't making any particular effort to be subtle or secretive."
Ami folds her arms. "You do realize that we will use this information against you," she says, "if you attempt to attack or intimidate Usagi."
"Courage and strength aren't always equals, Mizuno-dono," says Yamanouchi. "We aren't as weak as that," he continues, "and we shall not allow your future to come to pass."
Ami glowers at Yamanouchi, fighting back tears.
Yamanouchi pulls a clear bead out of his pocket, about the size of a marble. "This is also for you, Mizuno-dono," he says, placing the bead in Ami's hands.
Ami accepts the bead, studying it. "What...is it?" she asks after a moment.
"It's your betrothal gift," says Yamanouchi, "from a friend of that fellow you love."
Ami stares at Yamanouchi, confused.
"That man, Kuwabara, has its mate," says Yamanouchi as he heads to the door. "If your courage doesn't fail you," he continues, slipping back on his sneakers, "then you'll reject the future that Enma has planned for us, and embrace the future embodied by the treasure in your hand." With that, Yamanouchi leaves Ami's house.
"So what do you think, baa-san?" asks Yusuke.
"That shit will only get worse from here," says Genkai. "Gods are egotistical and territorial."
"Hn. Like humans," says Hiei.
Kurama sighs.
"It's true," says Ken. "Gods do tend to favor humans."
"It doesn't seem fair when you put it that way," says Yusuke.
"You're human yourself, Yusuke," says Kurama.
"Yeah," says Yusuke, "but I know we're full of shit sometimes, and Koenma-who's a god-is full of shit sometimes."
The two yokai and Genkai study Yusuke. Kuwabara gazes into the distance, not reacting to Yusuke's words.
"All of this crap is because of Koenma's old man, Enma," continues Yusuke, snickering ruefully. "A fucking baby's dead because of him."
"We don't know who animated the Yoroi no Oni," says Kurama calmly.
"Toshitada sure as hell didn't do it!" spits Yusuke. "He'd take a page from that god who cut off his dad's balls and do the same to Enma with a kusarigama before he'd obey an order like that!"
"Cronos," says Kurama. "I'm amazed you know that."
"Shit," snorts Yusuke. "Being dead was boring as fuck, so I did some reading in Reikai's library. That's the one thing I remember reading before Botan chased me out."
Genkai shakes her head, studying Kuwabara.
"Oi! Kuwabara!" continues Yusuke. "If you don't quit pretending that you ain't listening, I'll beat the shit out of you some more."
Kuwabara turns to Yusuke. "It won't change shit, but feel free," he says, a resigned smile on his face.
Yusuke stares at Kuwabara a moment, tensing his fists; fuming, he silently walks away.
"I find it disturbing that the fool is exercising sound judgment," says Hiei. He disappears into the trees.
"Maybe that power loss of Kuwabara's is really getting to him," says Ken. He heads off after Yusuke.
"Are you well, Kuwabara-kun...?" asks Kurama.
"No," says Kuwabara.
"Go after Yusuke before he does something stupid," says Genkai.
Kurama nods, following after Ken and Yusuke.
Genkai touches her chin a moment, then leaps up and kicks at Kuwabara's head.
Kuwabara dodges, his expression unchanged.
"What's the matter with you?" hisses Genkai, throwing a punch to Kuwabara's midsection.
Kuwabara grabs Genkai, then pins her against a tree. "Do you miss Toguro that much, Genkai-shihan?" he asks listlessly.
"It's part of what it means to be human, Kuwabara Kazuma," says Genkai. "And you are human."
"So what, Genkai-shihan?" asks Kuwabara.
Genkai spits in Kuwabara's face, causing Kuwabara to release his hold. "So feel, you dumbass!" she says, punching Kuwabara in the face and knocking him to the ground.
Kuwabara rises from the ground after a moment, touching his bruising jaw as he starts to sit up...
...except that Genkai pounces onto Kuwabara's torso before he can react, pinning him to the ground.
"What the fuck are you doing, Genkai-shihan!?" balks Kuwabara, confused.
"You can sense it, can't you?" glowers Genkai.
"You know my reikan isn't working right at this point," counters Kuwabara.
"Then how were you-a barely-trained piss dribble-able to dodge any attacks from me?" demands Genkai. "I may have transferred the reihadou to Yusuke," she adds, "but I still know my shit."
"I've been in enough fights to know how to dodge punches and kicks," says Kuwabara.
"And your reikan has been active since you were inside your mother, you arrogant shit," says Genkai.
Kuwabara stares at Genkai.
"That thing you felt as Beryl was trying to kill you," continues Genkai. "How did it feel to you?"
Kuwabara grips Genkai's arms, then moves her gently off him as he sits up. "It felt...familiar. Familiar but...wrong," he says slowly. "Like it was old and not old at the same time."
"It reminds you of someone," says Genkai.
Kuwabara nods. "We are fucked no matter what we do," he says, grim. "Enma-daiousama will see to that, because he's a jackass," he continues, rising to his feet, "and because of him, that thing will grow and grow."
Genkai trembles, watching as Kuwabara's aura flares gold-white.
"It will fucking grow, and grow," Kuwabara spits, tears in his eyes, "until it eats everything else! It was behind that bitch Beryl, and behind the Black Moon Clan, and behind Neherenia...and the whole thing is because of Enma-daiousama's stupid bullshit!"
Arcs of gold lightning strike down the meadow and forest, causing crow tengu and other winged yokai to flee the trees.
"Everything is going to die," says Kuwabara. "There will be nothing left..."
Kuwabara faints. The golden storm disperses.
Hiei, Kurama, Ken, and Yusuke approach Genkai, who rubs her arms.
"Baa-san!" spits Yusuke, gripping her shoulders. "Where'd that fucking storm come from?"
Genkai nods to Kuwabara's prone body.
"Hn. That kind of power is too much for him," says Hiei.
Genkai smirks. "That was the kind of power you wanted to pick a fight with," she says to Yusuke, "when you thought you'd shake your fist at Saitou."
"Ah," grins Yusuke, "so Kuwabara can finally start to keep up with me."
"Keep in mind," says Kurama, "that Higashi-kun was actually Kunzite-dono, and I would have avoided fighting him if I could."
"This whole business has tired the boy out," says Genkai. "Take Kuwabara home. I need to meditate."
Ken picks Kuwabara up, hoisting Kuwabara onto his back. He leaves with Kurama and Hiei.
"And you, Yusuke," says Genkai. "Prepare yourself. Life will become more dangerous...very soon."
Yusuke studies Genkai a moment, then nods. He follows after Ken, Kurama, and Hiei.
Genkai drops to her knees. "I'm getting too old for this shit..." she mutters.
Rei and Kuroda stare at the koi fish in a pond at Hikawa Shrine.
"I...I want to thank you, Kuroda-kun," says Rei after a moment.
Kuroda smiles. "That is unnecessary, Rei-dono," he says. "If you recall, that was my pleasure."
"Indeed," says Rei, giving Kuroda an exasperated smile in return.
"It is a husband's duty and honor to guard his wife," says Kuroda.
"To have a man so devoted to you," says Rei, "is actually terrifying."
"True," says Kuroda, "but in your young folly, you sought me out."
"It was self-defense, Rajura!" fumes Rei.
"And my retaliation against your inadvertent proposal was the same, Rei-dono," says Kuroda.
Rei squares her shoulders. "In order for us to act freely," she says, "we have to rescind our bond."
"Yet we cannot," says Kuroda. "We must either endure the bond," he continues, "or consummate our union."
"I refuse to break my vow-and I don't care if you think I can't fulfill it," says Rei.
"I refuse to present my neck to my enemy," says Kuroda. "That would be foolish."
"But I'm-*" Rei begins...
...but Kuroda cuts her off with a brief, gentle kiss. "You are my wife, Rei-dono," he says after breaking the kiss. "Enma-daiousama, the one who can-and has offered-to terminate our bond, is our mutual enemy."
"And yet," says Rei, "he's an enemy we can't fight against." She rubs her arms. "It will lead to a terrible end."
Kuroda studies Rei.
"Kuwabara-kun..." continues Rei. "I felt his despair, his anguish. He senses the end of Crystal Tokyo...no. The end..." she adds, trembling, "...of everything."
"A heavy burden for Kuwabara-kun to carry," says Kuroda, placing his arm around Rei and drawing her close to him. "You need not say anymore, with regard to that matter," he adds, grave.
"Jirogorou..." breathes Rei, her eyes filled with tears.
Kuroda embraces Rei. "Let me love you, Rei-dono," he whispers, kissing Rei's forehead. "Let us love as we should," he continues, touching Rei's chin as he gazes into her eyes, "and forget all else."
"I will not break my vow to my queen," says Rei, tears falling down her cheeks as she returns Kuroda's embrace, "but I accept your love."
Though I know we shall work at cross-purposes, muses Kuroda as he rubs Rei's back, I will do what must be done to restore balance...and save this foolish girl: my sweet one.
At home, Ami enters her bedroom, switching on the light.
A tall figure lies on Ami's bed, a pillow over his head; his long legs hang over the foot of the bed.
"Otousan...?" wonders Ami, happy. "I didn't know you had come over to visit," she adds, removing the pillow...
The figure, awake, sits up. "Hello, Ami-chan," says the man.
"C-cousin...!" Ami gasps, astonished.
"I admit that it has been a while since I saw you last, Ami-chan," smiles the man.
"What brings you here," Ami asks, "Shinobu-san?"