Another chapter to this long ass story of mine. Probably only a few left... then I will work on a sequel... onto the chapter!
Chapter 36-Crash
June 8,1994 Southern Makai
Shachi walked behind Daichi with measured steps, beady eyes shifting left then right as they delved further into the thickened jungle like growth that hung around them. They'd been traveling for nearly half an hour and the youkai's patience was being tested. "How much further before we reach your king?"
"We are nearly there," Daichi answered, nonplussed by the annoyance he could hear in the demon's voice. The reigen reached out to push aside the long strands of some kind of hanging moss. He crouched underneath then stood and continued onward, slowing to a halt before the trunk of a large tree.
Shachi and Kara followed warily, coming to a stop behind the SDF officer. "Why did you stop?"
"You'll see." the green haired man answered as he lifted his hand, pressing it against the rough gray bark.
The ground began to quake and the two youkai gasped and jumped back in alarm.
"What is going on?!" Shachi shouted above the rumbling only to blink as ground near the tree slid open, revealing a set of stairs that led down into a darkened pit.
Daichi gave no answer as he walked slowly forward then began to descend down the stairs, disappearing from view though his voice carried up from the abyss. "Don't be afraid, gentlemen. The dark won't hurt you."
The two youkai cast looks at each other before Shachi moved onto the staircase. He walked with cautious steps, his large frame engulfed in the darkness though his eyes quickly adjusted to the lack of light. Kara scooted close behind, the two demons snapping there heads up as the ground above shuddered and the entrance door (for what else could it be) closed, cutting them off from any potential escape.
"Are you two coming or not?"
The reigen's voice drew the pair's focus back in front of them.
"Yes, of course, we are." Shachi answered, a scowl on his scaled face as he began to walk down the steps. The air was stifling and sweat began to mar the large demon's forehead but he said nothing as the winding staircase eventually leveled and the three of them stopped before a metallic door. The former general's eyes shifted over to the black monitor to his right, quirking an eyebrow. Is that what I think it is? He wondered.
Daichi reached out, placing his hand on the monitor, blue light flaring underneath and the door suddenly opened, flooding the area with a warm light.
Shachi blinked, his vision adjusting to the brightness and he entered the hallway the same time as the reigen, his gaze sweeping between the metallic walls, marveling at the similarity to the construction of the buildings in Gandara and his curiosity got the better of him. "How long has this place been here?"
"Well before there were three kingdoms in Demon World," Daichi replied but did not elaborate, leading the two youkai passed several side hallways before veering right and coming to a stop halfway down the corridor. The reigen turned to his companions, voice even as he spoke. "Wait here. I'll return in a few moments."
Shachi watched as the green haired male disappeared behind another locked door, his gaze lowering to look at Kara when the parasite whispered,
"I don't like this boss. This place is too much like Yomi's palace."
"If that's the case, you should be quiet, Kara," Shachi countered. "Who knows who or what may be listening in as we speak."
The parasite frowned, going silent, wondering how long before the reigen returned. He didn't have long to wait as the door slid open and Daichi reemerged and addressed them. "King Enma will see you now. Follow me."
Kara slithered behind Shachi as the two youkai entered the room his gaze falling on red cloaked male who stared beyond the borders of a large glass window. His back remained turned to them, even as Daichi spoke,
"Here are the youkai I was talking about my lord."
"So you did...Greetings... welcome to my compound... I am King Enma as I'm sure Daichi has informed you." Enma murmured in a low and deep timbre.
Shachi sensed the great strength in the tall and lanky man before him, recognizing it as reikai energy. But was it really Enma? The great king who ruled the Gate of Judgment? Or some kind of decoy to confuse them. His skeptical nature got the better of him and the demon blurted out, "Do you really expect me to believe that you're the great King Enma? He's well over 30 feet in height and you're barely taller than me."
The corner of Enma's mouth curved up as he replied, "Much like youkai, I have the ability to shift into different forms, though the form you see now was forced upon me by our common enemy," He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Daichi tells me you come from Yomi's kingdom and seek to put an end to Kurama's life. Is this true?"
"It is," Shachi replied as he eyed the King warily. "Kurama forced me out of my position as general... and ruined my life. I want vengeance and a chance to kill him with my own hands."
"And are you willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal?"
There was a challenging tone in the reigen's voice that made Shachi bristle but he kept his anger in check. "Of course. I wouldn't have come all this way just to chicken out now."
Flashes of white light danced off Enma's glasses, high pitched screams now audible and he smiled at the sight before him and the youkai's answer. "Good."
June 8, 1994 Inside the Compound
Yoichi walked down the dimly lit hallway in the northern section of the compound, feeling a bit of anxiety creep up his spine. Normally, the boy heeded his father's warning to stay away from this section of the underground building but his mother's fluctuating ki drew him to follow. Something was wrong with her... some pain that he didn't understand and his steps grew faster, concern fueling his speed as he raced forward, skidding to a stop before a locked door. He panted a bit, his gaze shifting over to the monitor to his right and he swallowed, reaching out to rest his hand against the scanner, surprised when it clicked and slid open. The boy stepped into the darkened room, his eyes falling instantly on the woman with hair as blond as his own, concern weaved in his words as he called out to her, "Mother, what is wrong?"
Mizuki did not answer her son's question, her eyes fixated on something beyond a glass boxed room and Yoichi frowned and began to walk towards his mother, wondering what was so fascinating only to stop and let out a gasp as his eyes fell upon the still form of a beautiful young woman with long blue hair. He stared at her in awe, spellbound by the light he could see glowing within her. "Who... who is she?"
"She is your sister, Mitsuko."
Yoichi looked over at his mother in shock. "Sister?"
"From my previous marriage," Mizuki clarified, her voice soft and distant. "My... first... husband... died... and I remarried your father..."
The boy tilted his head as he listened, sensing something was off about his mother's voice. It sounded forced... strained... as if it wasn't her own. He turned his gaze back to the unconscious girl and asked, "If she is my sister... then how did she get here? Where has she been all this time?"
Confusion marred the lady's lovely features. "I... I don't know..." A sudden image flashed in her mind. A little girl... hair of blue... her arm outstretched, screaming for her mother... for her... the lady was screaming too, terror roaring in her veins as she cried for her daughter and reached out, trying to pull the little girl back... to save her... but strong hands seized Mizuki, yanking her away... Pain suddenly exploded in her skull and she winced, a whimper escaping her parted lips as she clutched her head and fell forward.
"Mother!" Yoichi cried, reaching out to catch his mother before she collapsed. "Mother what's wrong?!" The boy asked in alarm, studying her with frightened eyes. The lady's body was heavy and limp and he could no longer hear her pulse.
"Mizuki!"
Yoichi snapped his head up at the panicked sound of his father's voice. "Father, something's wrong with mother!"
Enma raced to his son's side and crouched down to sweep an unconscious Mizuki into his arms.
The boy backed away then followed the king out of the room and into the hallway. "Father, what's happening to her?"
"An old illness," Enma answered quickly but did not elaborate as he tore down the hall and shouted out, "Daichi!"
The SDF officer appeared instantly at his king's command, touching Enma's shoulder and the three of them disappeared, leaving Yoichi standing alone in the hall. He looked around in confusion for a second before sensing the green haired man's ki on the western side of the compound. The blond took off, heading in the direction of his parent's room. He got as far as the door before two guards blocked him. "Let me through!" He growled, trying to push past them only to be gently forced back.
"I'm sorry, my prince, but Enma forbid us from allowing anyone to enter... not even his own son may breach the bedchamber."
Yoichi's features tightened, voice rising an octave, insistent in his intention as he tried to bypass the guards once more. "But my mother is in trouble! I need to know she's okay!"
A hand took hold of his shoulder and a flash of light invaded Yoichi's vision, the sensation of teleportation a familiar one. The boy found himself in his own room and he whirled around, glaring up at the unwelcome interloper. "Why did you do that, Shunjun?!"
The blue haired male released his grip on the boy's shoulder, meeting the younger male's hostile gaze with an indifferent one. "Because your father ordered me to and because your little temper tantrum does your mother no good."
"How do you know what's going on with my mother?!" Yoichi demanded. "Why am I not allowed to be with her?"
Shunjun growled at the brat's obstinate behavior but kept his thoughts to himself as he answered, "Because it would only make Daichi's job harder. Your mother has a rare condition that affects her brain and causes fainting spells. Daichi is a healer and needs quiet and space to help the queen."
Yoichi tossed the SDF officer a look of suspicious bewilderment. "A condition? Fainting spells? How come I've never witnessed such things until now?"
"Because it is not an everyday event, my prince." Shunjun answered, blinking in surprise at the boy's next statement,
"Does it have something to do with Mitsuko's presence?"
"How do you know about her?"
There was a sharpness in the older man's tone and a defensiveness that unsettled Yoichi but he pressed on, unable to stifle his curiosity as he answered, "Because mother told me about her. She is my sister from her first marriage... but I don't understand how she got here... or what happened to her... is it the same thing as what's happening to my mother?"
Shunjun chose his words carefully as he replied, "Mitsuko is the way she is because of a youkai that seduced her... your father had your sister brought her for her own protection."
"A youkai... seduced her?" Yoichi repeated, studying Shunjun with troubled eyes. "Is that who Kurama is?"
Hatred flared across Shunjun's face at the mention of the kitsune's name."How did you hear about him?"
Yoichi was surprised at the rage in the older man's voice and answered in a puzzled tone of his own. "It was the name the two demons gave Daichi. He seemed rather upset and wouldn't tell me who he was. So who is he exactly?"
"That demon is the enemy!" He snarled in answer. "He took Botan away from her realm and seduced her... she belongs with her own people, not tainted by youkai blood!"
"Botan?" Yoichi murmured in confusion. "I thought her name was Mitsuko."
Shunjun realized his slip up and tried to correct his mistake, calming the rage festering in his heart as he answered in a more subdued tone. "Botan is Mitsuko... it was just another name for your sister... when she worked for your father... in Reikai..."
This new information intrigued the boy and he quickly forgot the earlier hostility of the SDF officer as he asked, "What did she do in Reikai? What is it like there?"
"She helped with a paperwork and filing," He answered tepidly, trying to avoid further details, knowing the prince had never seen his homeland. "As to Reikai, your father will be able to take you there soon enough. But for now you must wait in your room here. The king will be along shortly." Shunjun added then vanished from view.
The young prince flinched at the flash of light, irritated at the SDF officer for fleeing before Yoichi could ask any more questions. Why was everyone being so secretive? What was going on with his mother? Was his sister's physical state really the cause of the demon called Kurama? Or was something else causing Mitsuko's and his mother's illness?
Inside Enma and Mizuki's chambers
"How is she, Daichi?"
The officer withdrew his hands from Mizuki's head, his eyes opening as he looked over at his king. "She is stable, my lord. But it would best for her to rest in the peace and quiet of the room. Our presence may still affect her."
Enma nodded. "Then let us retire into the hall," He cast a concerned look over at his wife before leading his second in command away. One outside the room, the king addressed his guards. "No one is to enter this room without my express permission, is that understood?"
"It will be as your order, sire."
The king stalked off, Daichi to his left. "What caused Mizuki to collapse, Daichi?"
The smaller man kept his gaze forward as he answered. "Most likely it was due to the closeness of Mitsuko."
"But how can that be?" Enma murmured. "No ki should be able to escape the barrier surrounding her."
"True, but the images I saw in the queen's mind were of Mitsuko as a child... being torn away from Mizuki."
Enma cast his gaze downward. "I thought that memory had been suppressed..."
"It was," Daichi confirmed, tossing a look over at his leader. "But the closeness of Mitsuko triggered the memory. Mizuki's attempt to delve deeper into those images caused her collapse... a side affect of mind alteration... as I told you before, my king."
The former lord of Southern Reikai frowned, features turning grim. "Hmm..." He sounded, lifting his gaze at the sudden flash in the hallway, Shunjun now standing before him. "What of my son? Is he alright?"
"He's fine, my lord, if a bit shaken up," Shunjun answered, voice lowering as he whispered. "He knows who Mitsuko is. Claims the queen told him she was his sister."
"Which she is," Enma replied. "But that is not all you have to tell me is it, Shunjun?"
The SDF officer steeled his voice, trying to calm the anger in his heart as he growled. "He also knows about Kurama," He said, tossing a glare over at Daichi. "It seems our new... allies... mentioned his name in front of Yoichi."
Daichi stared at the larger man with impassive eyes, nonplussed by Shunjun's irritation, knowing the root cause. "So they did," He said then countered. "And how did you respond to that, hmm? Did you tell him the truth? Or did you tell Yoichi that Kurama was a evil youkai that seduced a helpless Mitsuko?"
Shunjun bristled at the smaller male's taunt, unable to stifle his anger as he snarled. "Kurama is scum that must be eliminated! He is the cause for our king's loss of power! He took what wasn't his and tainted it! For his crimes against Reikai he must pay!"
"Quite the fanatic aren't you, Shunjun?" Daichi taunted, for the second in command had little love for his comrade, despite the loyalty he held to Enma. "No wonder the kitsune managed to knock you on your ass."
"And I suppose your failure in killing him was any better?!" Shunjun snapped back, seething at the smaller man's insults.
Enma sighed at their petty bickering and growled. "Enough, the both of you."
The two officers grew silent, glaring at each other as their king spoke once more.
"Kurama is a threat that must be dealt with. That is why I have accepted our new friends into our plan... they will fight on our behalf in the tournament..." He paused, looking over at Daichi. "Are you sure your new plan will be effective? Will the youkai be able to handle the modifications you've created?"
"I do not know for certain, sire, but the one called Shachi hates Kurama with a passion to rival Shunjun's," He answered, smirking at darkness reflected in the larger male's eyes. "He will do whatever we ask, so long as he gets his shot at the fox spirit."
"Good... then you may implement your plan immediately."
Daichi bowed, smirking at Shunjun before teleporting away.
The blue haired man growled, going silent when Enma murmured,
"You really do need to work on managing your anger, Shunjun."
The officer's brow furrowed. "Demons are evil and must be eliminated... that's what you've always told us, my lord. Why should I have to temper my anger when it's justified?"
"Despite how many youkai act, they still serve a purpose," Enma replied. "You'd do well to remember that, Shunjun."
Shunjun disagreed but kept his thoughts to himself as he lowered his gaze and grumbled. "Yes, sir."
Satisfied with his subordinate's mild contrition, Enma spoke in a softer tone. "I want you to coordinate a guard for the northern corridor where Mitsuko is resting. No one is to go near her except for Daichi and myself."
"What of Yoichi, my lord? Shouldn't you talk to him about his trip top side?"
"Your duty is to do as I command, Shunjun," Enma responded firmly. "My son is my own matter that I will deal with as I see fit."
The officer bowed, hiding his hurt expression at the rebuke. "Yes, my lord."
The king waited for Shunjun to vanish from view before continuing onward towards his son's room.
Yoichi's chambers
The prince stopped pacing at the sound of his door opening and turned to find the king standing in the doorway. "Father!" He exclaimed, rushing up to greet Enma. "How is mother? What happened to her? When can I see her?"
Enma held up a hand. "Easy, Yoichi, I'll answer your questions but first I want you to sit down and listen. Can you do that for me?"
The boy nodded and stepped over to his desk, pulling out the chair and sunk down, looking up expectantly at his father.
The king drew in a breath and let it out slowly. "Your mother suffers from a rare condition that flares up now and again. She will need time to rest and recover. In a few days you may visit her but for now, your mother must be allowed to rest in peace and alone."
Yoichi nodded in understanding though he could not help but to ask, "I will not bother her, father, but why did she pass out like that? I've never seen her so ill... so in pain... is it because of Mitsuko being here?"
Enma's features grew taunt. "What exactly did your mother tell you about Mitsuko, Yoichi?"
The boy tilted his head. "That she was my sister from her first marriage... but how could she have been married before you, father?"
"It's a long story, Yoichi," Enma began, revealing nothing of the truth as he added, "Suffice to say, your mother's first husband died and she remarried... you are the result of our union. That you have a sister, I cannot deny, but she is also in a delicate... state... and must be allowed to rest and recover."
Yoichi frowned. "Does Mitsuko's condition have something to do with the youkai named Kurama?"
Enma reached up to slide his glasses along the bridge of his nose as he prepared his lies. "The one called Kurama is a dangerous youkai. He attacked me while in Reikai to install another in my stead. He seduced your sister and caused her to go into a coma. He wants to wipe out my very existence, Yoichi, and if he finds out you are my son, he will kill you without hesitation or mercy. Such is the kind of youkai we are trying to deal with. If you ever meet him, run... run as far as you can... do not engage him... Do you understand, my son?"
The boy could hear genuine fear in his father's voice and it troubled him greatly. "I promise I will run, father. But why were the youkai looking for you? What is their connection to Kurama?"
Enma knew his son was curious by nature and given to question everything. And I don't see the reason to lie in this instance. "The tall scaled demon is called Shachi, a former general for Yomi's army. Do you remember your history lessons for Makai, Yoichi?"
"Of course, father," The boy said with a nod. "But why is Shachi after Kurama?"
"For the same reason Shunjun wants to kill Kurama. Vengeance." Enma answered. "That's why we're going to help Shachi, by making him strong enough to take Kurama head on in the Makai tournament."
"Makai tournament? What's that?"
"A fight based method of determining the ruler of this world," The king replied. "Only youkai can participate and Kurama will of course be fighting in this tournament as well. If Shachi survives to face him, our troubles could be over." He murmured more to himself than his son.
"And if Shachi loses?"
"Then Kurama will hunt us down... and take your sister away from her family. Is that what you want to happen?"
Yoichi frowned. He didn't know Mitsuko personally. But she is my sister. I can't let her be taken away from mother after being apart for so long. "No, father."
"I was hoping you would say that," Enma murmured. "Now then, there are a few things I must attend to but in the meantime, I want you to continue to practice on your defensive training. Can you do that for me, Yoichi?"
"Of course father."
"Good," The king said with a soft smile as he turned and headed towards the exit but stopped and added over his shoulder, "And one more thing. The next time you wish to head up top side for some fresh air, I will send one of the guards to go with you. I don't want you wandering around unprotected."
Yoichi's shoulders dropped. He enjoyed his little solo jaunts out into the realm of Makai. He was over 50 years old and close to adulthood, why the hell did he need a babysitter now? "But father..."
"I will not argue with you over this, Yoichi," Enma countered in a stern tone. "If you want to go out in Makai, you will go with a guard or not at all, is that understood?"
Yoichi lowered his gaze. "Yes, father."
"Good. I will talk to you later, Yoichi," Enma exited the room, the door sliding shut behind him. He walked with measured steps, his mind full of many dark things in relation to Kurama and his brow furrowed at the very real threat the kitsune presented. With the kingdoms dissolved the fox spirit would be free to roam. Which meant that danger of discovery was very real. "Shunjun." He called out in the still air, watching as a flash of light erupted and the bulky form of the SDF officer came into view.
"Yes, my lord?"
The king studied his loyal subordinate. "Have you finished coordinating the guard detail like I ordered?"
"Yes, Lord Enma, sir. No one will enter or leave the northern section without your express permission."
"That is good news indeed. Now then, I have a different assignment for you. One that requires your stealth and skill."
Shunjun was happy to be of use to his leader, wanting to make up for his slip of anger earlier. "Whatever you need of me, my king, I will do it."
Enma gave a nod of approval at his enthusiastic response. "Very well. You are to head to the west and verify whether or not Kurama is still working for Yomi. If he is not, I want you to report back here immediately. Do you understand?"
Shunjun listened to Enma's orders, bowing when they were completed. "I understand. It will be done as you command."
"Take care. And remember, observations only. Do not engage any youkai. I don't want to tip off our enemies anymore than they may possibly be."
The officer straightened his back. "Yes, my lord."
Light flashed in the hallway and Shunjun was gone, leaving Enma alone once more and the king headed back to his room, hoping Kurama would be too preoccupied with the coming tournament to go looking for him... and for Botan.
June 8, 1994 Western Makai near the border of Gandara
A flash of light erupted within the forest, Shunjun taking form and the officer started forward with cautious steps. He well knew the attuned hearing of Yomi and attempted to move silently towards the city of Gandara. Shunjun was familiar with the layout of Gandara itself, having traversed it several times while on intelligence gathering missions for Enma. He knew exactly where to go to find the information he needed. Suppressing his ki, Shunjun snuck into the city, mindful of security as he made his way to the central tower of Yomi's palace. Upon arriving, he passively sought out the kitsune's unique energy, finding it missing among the many various ki signatures. But just because I don't sense him, doesn't mean the bastard isn't here. Knowing he needed more concrete confirmation, Shunjun entered the palace by stealth, locating the nearest terminal on the ground floor. Recognizing it as similar to the ones built in the underground compound, Shunjun reached out, typing in a series of basic commands, casting a furtive look as the computer answered out loud,
"Kurama is no longer in Gandara."
Shit! Shunjun growled, knowing any sound was audible to Yomi. He had to move quickly before someone caught him. But I can't leave without more information. His fingers flew across the screen as he typed, Where is he now?
"Kurama's last known location was spotted on the southern trail out of Gandara."
Shunjun's features hardened. So you're heading south are you? Concern grew in the officer's mind. How had the kitsune figured it out? Was there someone here who knew the location of Enma's hideout? If that's the case, I must warn the king and prepare accordingly. He made to turn only to freeze as he felt something sharp poking between his shoulder blades.
"Don't move, reigen."
The voice was low and angry and the officer frowned. A youkai had managed to sneak up on him, but how? He dared a glance over his shoulder, finding a pair of blue eyes glaring back at him. The blond demon was young, barely an adult in youkai years. And his power was below Shunjun's own. "Who the hell are you?" He growled.
"I'll ask the questions here," Kanjaku growled in return, applying more pressure to the short sword in his hand, the tip precariously close to sinking into Shunjun's back. "Who are you and why are you searching for Kurama?"
"Because I was ordered to." Shunjun answered, wondering if this youkai brat had information that could aid in his mission.
"Ordered to? By who? Does it have something to do with Botan?"
Surprise flashed on the officer's face. How in the hell did he know about that?!
Kanjaku saw the expression on the larger man's face and his mind began to put the pieces of the puzzle in place. "You are one of the ones who took her, aren't you? And now you're trying to find Kurama to stop him from taking her back," The blond youkai lifted the sword to the side of Shunjun's neck, voice angry as he demanded, "Where is she? Where are you hiding Botan?"
Shunjun winced as the sharp edge of the blade cut into his skin. I have to escape before Yomi finds out I'm here, if he hasn't already. "Alright... I'll tell you... the truth is she's..." He felt the pressure ease off his neck when he paused and the officer seized the advantage, whirling away from the blade to face the youkai.
Kanjaku was stunned at the move, too slow to react or defend himself as Shunjun's hand snaked out, grabbing the youkai's wrist, breaking it before launching a vicious kick into Kanjaku's midsection, knocking him off his feet, the younger male's lean form smashing into the wall and through it.
The air grew still and the SDF officer smirked at the demon's rapidly fading life energy. "Serves you right, filthy demon scum." Footsteps were heard and the officer knew it was time to go. Closing his eyes, he disappeared in a flash of light just as several youkai rushed into the room.
"What is going on? Where did the intruder go?" One of the men shouted. Another turned his head in the direction of the whole in the wall and he rushed forward, eyes widening at the prone and bleeding form of Kanjaku and he crawled through the wreckage, pulling the injured youkai into his arms as he weaved back out into the hall. "His life force is fading! I need to get him to the healing tank as soon as possible, the rest of you stand guard and look for clues!" The guard rushed to the elevator, frantically pushing the button that would take him to the healing room, hoping he wasn't too late to save his comrade from death.
June 8, 1994 Late hours, Enma's compound
Shunjun appeared in a flash of light inside the control room in the center of the compound, drawn to the spike in his king's ki. He gave a bow, straightening his back as Enma asked,
"What did you find in Gandara, Shunjun?"
"Kurama is no longer under Yomi's command, nor is he in the west," Shunjun began, leaving out his run-in and assault on the blond youkai earlier. "His last known location was heading south, away from the city."
Enma crossed his hands behind his back and turned from the officer. "As I suspected. He's heading this way. Which means he has somehow received information of our general location."
"But how?" Shunjun asked. "No one in Reikai or Makai knows about this place."
"Yet they know of the incident regarding Satoru's death," Enma replied, moving closer to the control panel below a massive screen. "And my elder son, despite his betrayal, is not stupid. He reinstated Otake as captain and most likely ordered him dig into any and all files pertaining to that event and found some kernel of information about our current situation. Given Kurama's intelligence and Koenma's resources, I have no doubt the fox spirit was informed of such truths and has decided to search the very lands Satoru died in hopes of finding Botan."
Shunjun frowned. "So what do we do now?"
"We cannot fight Kurama on strength alone... we must resort, therefore, to other methods in dealing with our... problem..." Enma replied turning to the guard posted several feet to his right. "Find Daichi and bring him up on the monitor."
The guard did as the king commanded, pushing the small green button to his left. The screen flared to life, splitting into numerous views both inside and outside the compound then typed in a series of commands, isolating the video in the top right corner and magnified it, revealing Daichi looming over a table of glowing white spheres.
Enma leaned forward, speaking into the hidden mic as he asked, "Daichi, how is your latest experiment going?"
The officer paused in his work, sliding the goggles up and onto his forehead as he lifted his gaze to stare into the tiny camera monitoring him. "It's going well, my king, though the spheres are not quite ready for the testing stage yet."
"You may get your chance to test those orbs sooner than anticipated."
Daichi quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"It seems our enemy has caught wind of our general location. We must prepare accordingly."
The officer understood his king's meaning and nodded. "I will makes sure all personnel are outfitted with this weapon as soon as I finish forming them."
"See that you do. Enma out." The king nodded at the guard and the seated officer pushed the button, the screen going blank once more.
"What of security, my lord?" Shunjun asked.
Enma kept his focus on the guard, voice commanding but soft as he addressed his subordinate. "Tamotsu, I want you activate all surveillance within a 50 mile radius and alert me the moment Kurama shows up."
"Yes, King Enma." Tamotsu replied, imputing the commands as the screen flared back to life, revealing the grounds above and well beyond the compound.
Enma turned, cloak whirling behind him as he walked out of the room and into the hall, Shunjun close behind. "Tell me, Shunjun, did you run into any resistance when you entered Gandara?"
"None, my lord," The blue haired man lied. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I do not want to incur the wrath of any more youkai." Enma replied. "Kurama's strength is bad enough to deal with... Yomi's power is too great to counter... without help... which is what Daichi's working on."
"Do you think those little spheres will be able to hurt youkai?"
Enma smiled slightly. "We'll find out soon enough... til then... keep everything in lock down... no one enters... and no one leaves."
June 9, 1994 Early Morning Hours Healing Room Central Palace
Yomi stood before the unconscious Kanjaku as he floated in the healing tank. The news of his adopted child's injuries had startled the normally placid lord of the west. Despite his reputation, Yomi did care about his men and his people. In concern he had dropped everything to check on the status of Kanjaku's health, relieved as his sharp hearing picked up the blond youkai's strengthening heartbeat and the slow mending of broken bone. But that relief did little to ease the anger Yomi felt. Someone had managed to sneak into his domain, injure his best covert operative, and leave with some sort of information about his kingdom or his men. But who was it? Who had dared to enter Gandara and what was their true purpose?
"Lord Yomi?"
The tall youkai swiveled to the side in the direction of the voice, his own tempered as he asked, "What is it, Youda?"
"The men have finished their investigation and report. I have the contents ready for viewing."
Yomi held out his hand, closing it when he felt his subordinate place a antenna like device into his palm. The king lifted it up to his forehead, pressing it against the skin as tendrils penetrated beyond and through his skull, latching onto the gray matter of his brain, correcting visual pathways back to his Occipital lobe. He lowered his hand back to his side then nodded, signaling for Youda to play the video. Images began to flash in his mind's eye, witnessing the assault and the theft of data by a tall, blue haired male. But it was not the man's appearance that made Yomi's jaw clench in anger. It was the red circle on the left side of the intruder's vest that roused his emotion. So an SDF officer was involved, was he? My suspicions were correct after all.
Yomi reached up, gently shutting off the power as the tendrils withdrew back into the device and he tugged it off his forehead, the tiny wounds sealing shut before the lord of the west could even hand the antenna back to Youda. "Listen to me carefully, Youda. I want you to take the portable viewer and the disc I had you make for Kurama and give them to Junichi."
"And what are his orders, my lord?"
"Have him commandeer one of the HATV's and head south. When he finds Kurama, I want him to deliver those two items." Yomi replied. "Tell Junichi to inform the kitsune of Kanjaku's assault and his health. And my own regrets for not being able to help him sooner."
Youda frowned, puzzled at the last statement. "My lord... what do you mean by that?"
The taller male waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "It's not important... just do as I command and do it quickly. The longer we delay, the more difficult it will become to find Kurama."
The smaller male bowed. "As you wish, my king."
June 9, 1994 Morning Hours Southern Makai
Kurama walked with his men along the heavily forested path that led further into the south lands. The first day had been uneventful and the group had rested the night, recuperating through sleep before waking up and beginning their trek once more. They were a few hours into their search when the sound of an engine caught Kurama's ears and he stopped, looking back behind him.
"What is it, Kurama?" Touya asked, turning with the others to follow the kitsune's gaze, staring up at the sky.
"Someone's coming this way," The redhead answered as he cocked his head. "Someone on an HATV."
"Well, if it's traveling from that direction, it must be coming from Yomi's kingdom." Suzuka murmured.
"True... but what could be so important that Yomi would send one of his own men to find us?" Shishi asked.
"Maybe it has something to do with Kurama's lass?" Jin suggested.
A bit of hope filled the kitsune at the wind master's words, though he gave no outward indication. "We'll know soon enough. Here comes the rider now."
The hovercraft cleared the massive branches of the surrounding tree life, sinking down to land on the grass lined path. A short and lean youkai slid off the machine, removing their helmet to reveal a young male with combed back dark green hair and the kitsune recognized him immediately. "Junichi?"
"Who's Junichi?" Touya asked.
"One of Yomi's palace guards," Kurama answered before stepping forward. "What are you doing here, Junichi? Has something happened in the west?"
"Yes, it has General," Junichi replied, still using the kitsune's old title out of respect. "Someone infiltrated the palace last night and attacked Kanjaku, injuring him severely."
Kurama frowned, worry in his voice as he asked, "Is he alright? What happened?"
"Kanjaku will live, Kurama. But as to what happened... that is why Yomi sent me to find you," The smaller man rested the helmet on the seat of his craft then pushed a button, a small cargo space visible and the youkai reached in, pulling out a tablet and something in a small clear case. He approached slowly, handing the device to the redhead first. "This contains the footage of the assault."
Kurama took the tablet and studied it, finding a play symbol and he pushed it, the rest of the men closing in to peer over the redhead's shoulders. The screen flared to life, surprise flashed across Kurama's face before turning instantly to loathing and anger and a growl erupted from his throat. "Shunjun."
"Shunjun?" Touya murmured. "Who is that?"
"A former SDF officer that helped Enma escape," Kurama answered, anger still in his eyes as he watched the attack on Kanjaku and Shunjun's subsequent escape. The kitsune shut off the viewer, lowering it as he lifted his gaze to Junichi. "What was Shunjun searching for at the palace, Junichi?"
"Information on your location," The smaller youkai answered. "Yomi believes this proves Enma is indeed in Makai and well aware of your intentions to search him out and plans to try to stop you. You must take great care while in the south. There is no telling what Enma has up his sleeve... or who his allies are."
Kurama nodded at the advice, watching as the younger youkai held up the small case.
"He also wanted me to give this to you," Junichi murmured. "And to tell you he regrets not helping you, sooner."
"Those are his words?" Kurama asked in mild surprise.
"They are." Junichi confirmed, holding up the case for the kitsune to take.
Kurama reached out, carefully taking the case and lifted it up to his face, studying the small circular gold disc inside. "What is this?"
"A disc Yomi had created for you. It will play in the portable viewer whenever you decide to watch it."
Kurama lowered the case, his focus back on the guard. "So I get to keep these two items then?"
Junichi nodded. "They are yours to do as you wish. The charge works on youkai energy so simply touch it to give it as much of a boost as you need," The youkai turned and headed back to his hovercraft, grabbing his helmet before pulling it over his head. "Good luck, general. And when you find the bastard who hurt Kanjaku, make sure he pays for what he's done."
Kurama acknowledged the request, watching as the guard lifted the HATV high into the air, swinging the bike around before zooming off and towards Gandara.
"So what's on that disc thing, mate?" Chu asked.
"I'm not certain, but it's possible it relates to the search for Botan in some manner."
"You should watch it then. There could be information that will help us locate Botan faster." Suzuka suggested.
Kurama agreed and opened the case, lifting the disc and holding it in his right hand as his left turned the tablet, searching for a slot and finding it. Gently, the kitsune pressed the disc until it disappeared. The screen lit up, revealing various charts about spiritual and energy barriers, his mind consuming and filing every example and theory as they flashed in slow sequences. And by the time the disc finished, the redhead knew what he had to do to free Botan from her prison. Shutting down the tablet, Kurama shook off his backpack, placing the viewer inside before sliding the pack back onto his back, eyes on his men as he spoke. "Let's go." The seven men headed down the path once more, traversing deeper into the wilds of the south as they continued their search for the kidnapped ferry girl.
June 12, 1994 Southern Makai
"Four days mate, and nary a demon in sight. Rather odd don't ya think?"
Kurama looked up from the flickering flames of the campfire at the sound of Chu's voice, his own subdued. "Yes, it is rather odd," He admitted, crossing his arms as he looked up at the clear red sky. "And the ones we have talked to were too scared to offer any real information."
"Is it possible they truly don't know the whereabouts of Enma's hideout?" Touya asked.
Kurama kept his gaze skyward as he answered, "That is certainly a possibility. It is also highly possible they do know something and choose to remain tight lipped about it."
"Out of fear of death or retribution?" Suzuka asked, apple green eyes focused curiously on the fox spirit who nodded.
"A more likely scenario, yes. Those who fled at our approach and those who would not speak to us must be terrified of something. It has to relate to Enma or the youkai that killed Botan's father."
"That's a bit of jump, don't you think, Kurama?" Shishi asked. "The fools probably ran off because they could sense our power and wanted nothing to do with us."
Kurama turned his attention over to the purple haired youkai. "Yet there are demons stronger than the seven of us that live in the south lands," He countered then shook his head. "No... it has to be someone connected to the murder of Satoru. Which means it's either Enma or the murderer himself."
Shishi made a face. "If he's that powerful, what chance do we have of defeating him?"
"Scared are you, Shishi?" Suzuka teased.
"I'm not scared, I'm being realistic!" The purple haired youkai growled. "I want to know what plans Kurama has in place is we run into this murdering youkai."
"My goal is to free Botan from her captors, and with the information from the disc, we now have a method to do so," Kurama replied, a resolved tone in his words. "If I have to fight everyone to get to her, I will do so. No matter what their power level. As to a plan, I have several, most of them of the stealthy variety but if you wish to offer a better alternative, I'm all ears."
Shishi frowned. Stupid fox. He grumbled silently then gasped at the sense of a sudden and massive explosion of youki.
Kurama felt it as well and he jumped to his feet, the rest of the group following through the darkened brush, coming to a stop in a nearby clearing and the kitsune's eyes widened at the sight that met his eyes. There, stretching straight up into the sky, was a beam of red light, the pulsing wave of demon energy radiating outward.
"Such power! Astounding!" Suzuka commented as he stared at the energy beam with awe.
"Given me goosebumps, that it is..." Jin said with a grin. "The energy doesn't belong to Yusuke though..."
"No... it's stronger that Yusuke's... that's for sure..." Chu concurred, an excited look crossing his scruffy features. "It's invigorating, mate... makes me want to go out and start a fight for fun, hah hah!"
"You always want to go off and fight, even when you know you'll lose." Rinku murmured, wincing when Chu bopped him on top of his his head. "Oww!"
"Serves ya right fer telling me I'd lose..."
"That's not what I said at all!" The boy protested, rubbing his sore head.
"Well, it seems we're going to have to train extra hard to even stand a chance in this tournament." Shishi grumbled.
Touya said nothing, his gaze cast over to the silent form of Kurama. He could tell the kitsune was contemplating something important and he found himself asking, "Do you think this could be the signal for you to meet up with Yusuke?"
"No," Kurama answered softly. "The ki is on a different level than Yusuke's... most likely this is simply an expression of remembrance from Raizen's friends. It's similar to what I felt from Yomi... Which means Shishiwakamaru is correct. You will all have to train very hard in the next few months to survive in the tournament. But given your training in Ningenkai, you should be well used to the rigors of harsh methods."
"Don't we know it." Shishi muttered under his breath.
"And what about you, Kurama? Don't you want to train as well?" Touya asked.
"I will have to, of course," Kurama admitted. "But I'm not quite ready to return north to meet up with Yusuke. I need a bit more time to search for Botan," He paused, looking over at his friend. "if you wish to head out on your own, however, I will not fault you for it."
Touya gave a slight smile. "It is true that I am eager to start training but I think we need to all sleep on it... the surge of energy... has caused an emotional reaction... and I don't want to just take off on my own without thinking things over first."
"A wise decision," Kurama said with a nod, looking back up at the beam of pure energy. "The sight and strength of this ki can be felt through the vastness of Makai itself. It calls to the inherent desire to fight that lies within every youkai's heart... but it takes a strength of mind to silence the seductive call of battle and formulate strategy to defeat one's enemy... even if that enemy is within."
"Quite poetic, Kurama," Susuka commented in a tone of admiration. "I sometimes forget just how fast that mind of yours works."
"Well, let's do as the laddie says and close our eyes for a wee bit of rest. We can decide to follow whichever way the wind blows in the morn." Jin said with a toothy grin and the group headed back to the campfire to rest and think over their decision.
June 13, 1994 Southern Makai
"Are you sure you won't come with us?" Touya asked as he studied Kurama.
"If I don't find Botan soon, I will meet up with you in the north," The kitsune said with a smile, understanding his friends decision to begin training for the tournament. "Tell Yusuke I will see him in a week or so and we'll begin preparations for the tournament then."
Touya nodded. "I'll make sure to pass your message along." The ice youkai held out his hand, smiling when the kitsune took it. "Good luck, Kurama and be careful, alright?"
Kurama shook the smaller man's hand and smiled. "You as well."
Touya returned the smile then let go, pivoting around to join the rest of the group.
"Good luck to ya, mate! Make sure to bring that lovely sheila with ya if ya find her! And don't let those Reikai bastards get away with what they've done!" Chu said with a wave.
Kurama gave a nod then returned the wave, standing still until the men were out of sight before letting out a sigh. Going on alone was infinitely more dangerous and perhaps foolish. But I cannot abandon Botan now. Adjusting his backpack, the redhead set off once again, guided by a desire to rescue his beloved and a need to punish those who took her away from him. Hang on, Botan. Just a bit longer. I'm going to find you and bring you home, I promise.
June 14, 1994 Enma's compound
Yoichi sat reading a book as his mother hummed softly, trimming flowers and arranging them into a blue vase in the center of a round table. The boy's restlessness was growing, the frustration at having his questions rebuffed by his father and the officers about his sister and his mother's situation nearly unbearable. Why won't they talk to me about it? Why hasn't Mitsuko woken up? Why is mother spacey acting? Why can't she remember where her daughter came from or how she got here? Such questions burned in the boy's curious mind. And it didn't help that his greatest outlet from frustration, freedom to roam above ground, was denied due to security concerns. Didn't his father understand the need for fresh air and solitude without the whole compound knowing what he was up to? Was the threat of Kurama finding them that grave to deny even access with a guard to the outside world?
The humming stopped and Yoichi looked up from his book, shifting his gaze over to his mother. There was a look of concern marring her face and the boy asked in a worried tone. "What's wrong, mother?"
"The vase... I have no Minami flowers to add to the arrangement," She answered, her shoulders dropping at this fact. "I've never finished my flower projects without a Minami in the mix."
Yoichi knew well of the flower she spoke of. Minami trees were native to Makai, producing vibrant blue flowers that bloomed through the year. The trouble was, these trees grew only in select places, usually on ridges overlooking free flowing water. The closest of which is near the Haiyai river. Yoichi had been warned several times not to go near it for fear of falling in and being swept off into the dangerously fast current. Who knew how far beyond the eastern border of the south lands Haiyai traversed. But I bet it would be fun to travel down it and explore. Maybe when I'm a bit older. He thought, his mind shifting gears and an idea came to him then. His mother needed a Minami flower. To do that, someone would have to go topside to retrieve it for her. And Yoichi was more than ready to escape the compound and do a little exploring of his own. "I can go and get you a Minami, mother."
Mizuki smiled happily at her son. "You would do that for me, Yoichi?"
"Of course. I love you and want to help you. If it's a Minami flower you need, I will go get it for you." He answered, hoping he didn't sound too eager to leave her side.
The lady seemed to mull it over before nodding. "Alright. But you must promise to be careful."
Yoichi rose moving to kiss her cheek. "I promise, mother." He sat the book down and headed for the exit. "I'll be back soon." He entered into the hall, mindful of the cameras that recorded every move, knowing the guards would be more concerned with what was going on outside then in. But first things first. Yoichi stopped before the side wall monitor, his voice a soft whisper as he spoke. "Computer, tell me where the current positions of King Enma, Daichi, and Shunjun?"
There was a slight pause before the monitor answered. "King Enma is currently in the observational room above the training facility. Officer Daichi is directing training exercises with his men, and Shunjun is at post in the northern section of the compound. Is there anything else you request?"
Yoichi pondered for a moment before asking. "Computer, is there any way to delay the video feed within 10 miles of the compound?"
"With proper authorization, video feeds may be delayed or shut off."
Yoichi's brow furrowed. "And what is proper authorization?"
"Proper authorization is a coded sequence that corresponds with the owner's voice."
"And there's no other way?"
"Surveillance feeds can also be altered directly in the central control room."
The central control room. Just great. He grumbled inwardly. The had to be a way to bypass the system without getting caught. A thought came to him then and he grinned. He'd been working on voice practice with Daichi and had become rather adept at mimicking the voices of several people within the compound, including his father. But would it work? Guess there's only one way to find out. Clearing his throat, Yoichi closed his eyes, altering his pitch and tone, practicing a few times before deciding to test it. "Computer, identify this voice."
A small beep was heard. "King Enma is the owner of this voice."
Yoichi beamed. The computer had been fooled... now came the hard part. His features grew stern, visualizing his father in his mind as he continued in a commanding tone. "Computer, what is my current authorization code?"
The machine did not respond at first and Yoichi's heart pounded, wondering if he'd reached a dead end only to let out the breath he'd been holding when the system answered. "Alpha 001."
The blond blinked. That's it? That's the code? Father really needs to work on the security functions of this place. Then again, why would it be complicated. No one was the enemy here. They were isolated and hidden. Complex codes were not needed. Steeling himself, Yoichi straightened his shoulders and commanded. "Computer, open access to surveillance video feeds. Authorization code Alpha 001"
The screen flared to life and Yoichi grinned, remotely viewing the various feeds and his fingers flew along the touchscreen keyboard, recording each feed for several seconds before setting them on a loop, effectively allowing him to sneak out undetected and unseen. Work complete, the prince moved back, suppressing his ki as he walked down the long hall and the main entrance door that led to the stairway that rose to the surface of Makai.
June 14, 1994 near the Kesai Mountain range
Kurama walked at a steady pace, his ears and senses alert for the slightest hint of Reikai energy. Since his friends departure yesterday, the kitsune had traveled without rest, driven by a desire to find and rescue Botan. His mind went over the information he had learned from the disc, taking careful note of the landscape. In order to hide in a world of ki sensitive beings, one would have to have mastery of energy barriers. Those of Reikai blood were unparalleled in defensive constructs and shields. But hiding a fortress fit for a king would be difficult to do, even with barriers. Someone would stumble upon it. Unless the hideout was built underground.
Yet if it were underground, there would still be issues. They would need to grow food... have access to air... his ears picked up the faint roaring sound and he stopped, turning sideways, emerald eyes studying the thickened growth of trees. And the ability to harness and collect water. He finished in his mind, walking off the main path and into the thickened brush, guided by the ever growing sound of a river.
Near the Haiyai River
Yoichi craned his head back as he studied the massive trunk of the Minami tree. It'd taken him a solid 20 minutes of hiking to reach this point near the cliff. The trunks hung out over the edge and his sharp eyes caught sight of vibrant flashes of blue. There were closer trees than the one he now stood under but none of them produced as big or as beautiful flowers as this tree did. But he would have to climb to reach the closest flowers and so the boy grabbed onto the nearest branch, pulling himself up and repeated the process again and again, moving higher and higher off the ground.
He stopped, balancing his lean frame as he turned, his gaze falling on a particularly impressive Minami flower at the end of the limb. Yoichi stood still for several seconds, spellbound by the vibrant blue hue. It seemed to call out to him... humming a song only he could hear and he answered, drawn to the beauty and light as he crouched down onto his belly. The prince slowly pulling himself forward until he was within arm's reach. His eyes wandered for a brief second, dropping to stare down at the churning white water below. Yoichi felt the branch starting to bend a little and a warning went off in his head, instinct telling him to abandon the electric flower of blue, to stop tempting death from sweeping down to consume him. But I can't go back without this flower for mother. It's too beautiful to let go.
Despite the precarious situation, Yoichi stretched out his hand. Almost got it... almost... his shaking hand closed around the flower and he plucked it quickly, a grin spreading across his lips. "I got it!" He shouted in triumph only to gasp at the sound of wood cracking behind him. A quick look over his shoulder was all that Yoichi was afforded before the branch snapped and he went tumbling down, down, down into the rampaging river below.
Inside the compound
Enma remained standing in the observational room, gaze fixed on the bursts of light the erupted down below. Daichi's new weapon was proving rather interesting. But until we test it out on a youkai, we won't know the full capabilities of its destructive power.
"Enma?"
The king's expression shifted to surprise at the sound of Mizuki's voice and he whirled around, walking quickly towards her to stop her from getting too close to the viewing window. "Mizuki, what a pleasant surprise. Let's go out into the hall to talk alright?" He replied softly, guiding her with gentle hands back out into corridor. Once there, he lowered his arms back to his side and asked. "Now then, what seems to be troubling you, love?"
The lady did not question why she was escorted away from the room, her concerned eyes focused on her husband's face as she answered. "Yoichi hasn't come back yet and I'm worried."
Enma studied his wife in confusion. "Hasn't come back? From his room?"
Mizuki shook her head. "He went out to gather a Minami flower for me and hasn't returned home. And I'm afraid something might have happened to him."
The king frowned. "That's impossible. If Yoichi left the compound, our guards would have noticed."
"He said he would get me that flower. He promised. Yoichi never breaks a promise, you know that, love," Mizuki countered. "He's outside right now... I know he is."
Enma moved from his wife to the control monitor on the side wall, driven by the worry in her voice to verify whether or not his son had disobeyed his order to remain below ground. "Computer, connect me with central control."
A soft beep was heard prompting Enma who asked in a commanding tone, "This is king Enma, speaking. Who is currently on duty monitoring the video feeds?"
A man's deep voice answered in a respectful tone. "Kunio, sir. What may I do for you, my king?"
"Has my son appeared on any of the video feeds in the last hour?"
"No, my lord. If he had, I would have informed you and stopped him immediately."
"I see... Enma out," The king cut off communication, turning back to his wife. "There's no evidence he left he compound, Mizuki. Perhaps he fell asleep in his room?"
"I don't sense him anywhere here, do you?"
There was a terseness in her voice that was unusual and he pivoted back to the monitor, calling out once more. "Where is the current location of Yoichi?"
A pause then a beep sounded in the air. "Yoichi is nowhere in the compound."
"What?!" Enma snapped. "But that's impossible! I set up surveillance to cover all angles of the compound!"
"Correction. Video feeds are currently on a loop per King Enma's authorization code."
"Authorization code... but I didn't..." Enma's voice died out, realization hitting him then. Yoichi was adept with his voice, having tutored extensively with Daichi. And knowing the boy's adventurous and inquisitive nature, he was willing to do whatever it took to go topside. Including using his mother's request as an excuse to go above ground. My son... you're rather clever... foolish but clever... "Daichi, Shunjun!"
The two SDF officers appeared instantly before their king.
"Yes, my lord?" The two men asked at the same time, glaring at one other before turning their focus on their leader.
"Yoichi has bypassed security and entered Makai... find him and bring him back here quickly." Enma ordered in a gruff tone, his anger nearly palpable and the two men stood up and nodded.
"It will be done as you command, my king." Daichi replied with a chest salute, disappearing a second before an agitated Shunjun did the same.
"Do you think Yoichi will be alright?" Mizuki asked, moving closer to her husband who wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Yes, love. Yoichi will be fine. Daichi and Shunjun will find him and bring him safely back to us." He better be. Or there will be hell to pay. He added silently, escorting his wife back to the common room to wait for Yoichi's return.
The Haiyai River
Everything was happening so fast, his body rolling continuously under the current before being violently shoved to the surface and Yoichi gasped for air, flailing about in a panic. He was being swept away... far from home... far from the safety of his father and his people. If I don't do something, I will die! In desperation he looked around for something to grab onto but all that surrounded him was a swirling torrent of white. He tried to call out for someone, anyone to save him. "HELP!" He screamed at the top of his lungs, going under as he was pulled down by the current then dragged up to the surface seconds later. He choked, spitting out water, voice becoming hoarse as he shouted, "HELP ME, PLEASE!"
In the forest near the Haiyai River
Kurama was nearly to the river's edge when his ears picked up "HELP! HELP ME, PLEASE!" above the constant roar of the rushing water and he charged forward, crashing through brush until he burst out into a long cliff edge. His keen eyes caught sight of someone waving their arms in the middle of the churning current and he assessed his options. I could use a vine to pull them out but the distance and rate of speed is to great from this height and angle. I must get closer. His raced along the edge of the cliff, sweeping his gaze around for a safe drop off point, spotting a descending ledge and he leapt halfway down, landing with natural grace, balancing himself as he took out a seed, feeding it power, transforming it into a vine and he lashed out, the end gripping the trunk of a small tree and he swung down, rolling to his feet as he landed on a thin strip of rocky shoreline.
Kurama darted forward, within closing distance of the flailing being and he snapped out with precise aim, the thornless vine wrapping around the boy's chest and the kitsune tightened his hold. He grit his teeth, fighting the strength of the current as he began to pull the person closer to safety. "Hang on! Just a bit... more... and I'll have you..."
Yoichi felt the sudden pressure of something wrapping around him and at first he fought against the binding only to look over his shoulder as he felt himself being pulled away from the center of the fast moving river and towards the safety of the thin strip of shoreline. There was a man standing there. A man he didn't recognize. He sensed youkai energy but it felt... helpful... not threatening and he wondered who this stranger was. Does it matter? He's trying to save your life! Don't panic! Let him help you!
Kurama gave a final tug, dragging the shaking being onto the shore, retracting his vine as the boy coughed then tried to stand only for his legs to buckle. He began to collapse but was stopped by the kitsune's outstretched arm. He guided the boy to sit down, voice and tone calming and non threatening. "Easy now... you've gone through a great ordeal... you need to rest for a moment..."
Yoichi did as the redhead suggested, lowering his head as he fought for breath. His body was shaking and he felt so tired. "Thank... Thank you..."
"You're welcome," Kurama replied with a smile as he studied the teen. He could sense no particular energy from the boy and he wondered who he was. "How did you fall into the river?"
Yoichi kept his gaze downward, opening his right hand where the crushed remains of the blue flower still remained. "I... I was looking for a Minami flower for my mother... she... she loves flowers... and I found the most beautiful one... but the branch broke... and I dropped into the river... she will be so very angry with me."
There was something in the way he spoke of his mother that reminded the kitsune of his own and he smiled softly. "Angry at the danger, yes... but mothers love their sons... no matter how many times they fail..."
The boy blinked and lifted his head to study the man. "You... You think so?"
Kurama saw the amethyst eyes... so very like Botan's... and he scrutinized the teen's face. There were similarities between his beloved and the boy that were too great to be coincidence... But how... How could she have a brother?! Don't tell me Enma... "Is your mother's name... Mizuki?"
The boy's eyebrows shot up. "How did you know that? Do you work for my father?"
I used to. He commented silently, about to ask another question when a familiar voice shouted down from the opposite cliff wall.
"Yoichi, get away from that man before he kills you!"
The reigen shifted his gaze to his right, finding Shunjun staring down at him. "Kills me? Why would he kill me? This man just saved me!"
"Kurama is not a man!" Shunjun snarled. "He's a dirty youkai!"
Yoichi gasped, moving his focus back to the redhead. This man... is Kurama? But how? The picture father showed me was of a fox spirit... not a human male!
Kurama's hate filled stare was aimed solely on the blue haired SDF officer. "Shunjun..." He growled, lifting his hand, silently commanding the trees near his enemy to come to life and the branches whipped down, trying to smash the officer into the ground. The kitsune lowered his arm and began to climb up the cliff wall only to widen his eyes as something small and white suddenly exploded before him. Needle points of reiki pierced through his body, embedding themselves into flesh and bone, burning as they burrowed even further into the fox spirit's chest, arms, and legs. The force of the energy attack knocked Kurama off and away from the cliff wall and he caught a flash of a man with green hair landing beside a visibly shaken Yoichi before the kitsune's lean form crashed into the frothing torrent of water below. The redhead was swept rapidly away from his attackers, his body convulsing in pain beneath the raging white water as he popped to the surface. A snarl of agony burst from his lips, the sound morphing into a heartbroken scream. He recognized this ki... twisted though it was and he called out to her in his mind... called to her desperately... please... make it stop! Make the pain stop! Botan!
Whew. Another chapter complete. Hope everyone enjoyed it. I didn't get to everything I wanted to, but I'm wore out and in need of a break. So I stopped it here. Next time we will get into Hiei and Mukuro's relationship... they aren't.. um... involved just yet... but there are feelings there... they just express it in... ways that fit their personalities... We see what happens with Kurama... and if his pleas to Botan are answered... then there's the building of the tournament... some loose ends to tidy up and then we will have the start of the Makai competition. If you liked this, do please leave a review. I live for them... when I don't get them... I get really bummed out. Onto reviews!
PenguinsHockey14- Yes, Mizuki is not quite herself and that relates to the mind alteration. Koenma and Kasumi will be shocked for sure... as well Botan... eventually...I always write longer chapters than most. 10000 plus words is a lot to do for one chapter and I only type on my days off. So really, it took me four days to write this. That's about what it takes for each story... I'm just too worn out by work to do much typing when I get home. Most likely Botan will be rescued or found during the tournament... I've been waiting for that PM for some time now and I'm very curious to see your questions. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Thanks for reading and leaving me a few lines!
heartluv- It was a fun scene to write. Yusuke is great at fighting... planning stuff... not so much. Good thing Kurama's going to be there to help him, right? Enma does love Mizuki... but she was never his to have in the first place... the things he has done are inexcusable and there will be a reckoning eventually. Given what I've written so far, Botan is more aware than is visible. Yoichi's been sheltered so he is very naive in terms of what his father's done... he'll begin to learn and understand more... Thanks for reading and leaving a review!
draconic skysong- Yes, stuff is going to go down... the ramifications could be catastrophic for the three realms if Enma remains unchecked. I hope you do check out Falling. It's M rated for a reason, though, just to warn ya. Thanks for leaving a review and for reading!
peonyrose100- Botan won't be in stasis forever, I promise. I am glad you enjoy it and that it has you on the edge of your seat. Thanks for taking the time to read and to review! Always appreciate it!
V91- Those are fair points. I don't plan to keep Botan in stasis forever. Atsushi (or Daichi as that is his true name) is loyal because he believes in his king's vision and knows many things even his other officers are truly unaware of... even Shunjun, loyal due to his hatred of youkai, is ignorant of the true purpose of Enma's plan. You'll see what I mean eventually. Hope this chapter pleased you as well and I'm happy you really like Falling. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
generationforever08- I am thrilled that you enjoy it! I do my best to make it entertaining! I thank you for the praise and the review! Don't be afraid to review this chapter as well! And I saw your review for Falling and am happy you liked that story too!
Guest- Wait no more, here is your answer... hope you liked it! Thanks for leaving a line and for reading!
Animercom- I wanted to work in Kuwabara seeing Yusuke earlier than intended so I had Yukina be the one to deliver the message to Kurama. I do love to do the dialogue between the characters and their interactions are always a blast to do.
That is correct Daichi is Atsushi. Japanese names are difficult, I agree. You are also correct. Yoichi is the son of Enma and Mizuki and Botan's half brother. They have the same eyes after all...
Daichi is loyal to Enma... always has been and follows him because he believes in the former king's vision of the three realms. Hopefully this chapter was good as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Queen 0f Games- Always love Kuwabara and Yusuke's interaction. I thought it was a clever addition myself. As you read, it didn't go too well for Kurama... but of course the kitsune survives.
Yoichi plays an important part in the story. Yes, Mizuki is under a type of spell... caused by Daichi's mind alteration. She suffers similar conditions to Botan when she tries to dig deeper into her own mind and past.
No Hiei and Mukuro interaction yet as I could not fit it in. There will be some of that in the next chapter though, I promise. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and I thank you for reading and reviewing my stuff. Always look forward to hearing from you!