Word Count: 4000
Chapter 48: Surprise!
April 30, 1994
"C'mere!" Vash yelled and tossed Asher up into the air. The small child laughed gleefully before being tossed to Jin.
"Must you two toss my child around like he's a common ball?" I asked.
"Lady Ray is right, Jin. Put Asher down," Touya admonished quietly. Asher was set back on the ground, and he eagerly wobbled over to his Uncle Tiger. Just six weeks ago, Jin would have laughed Touya's advice off. Now?
"Aw, you're no fun anymore, Jin!" Vash yelled and crossed his arms with a pout.
"Yer jus' jealous!" Jin yelled back and nuzzled the side of Touya's neck. Yes, it took the rogue battle a month ago to help them realize just how much they really cared about each other. Now they're basically inseparable. I think it embarrassed Touya at first, but we've all grown used to Jin…well, being Jin.
"Me? Jealous? Ha!" Vash yelled.
"Yeah, who would want to settle down with just one sheila anyway? No offense, mate," Chu said and waved a hand in Touya's direction.
"None taken," Touya said with a non-aggravated sigh.
"Oi! No loving in front of the kid!" Souketsu yelled and hit Jin in the back of the head.
"Like you have any room to talk," Lia said as she settled herself down on the ground with us. I'm not really sure why we're all sitting around outside, especially since I had originally meant to share a picnic with Tiger and Asher.
"That wasn't our fault!" Ayame yelled with pink cheeks.
"What wasn't?" Botan asked. She was standing just behind Chu, whose hand was steadily inching closer to her bare leg. Chu's loud scream split the air as a very sinister-looking boot landed on his hand, and a smiling Kagemusha looked over at Botan.
"I believe Lieutenant Lia is referring to the incident that occurred a little over a week ago, when Kurama was visiting and seeing if Asher's skills had improved any during his absence," Kagemusha said.
"How were we supposed to know that the kid was close to that particular garden?" Souketsu asked.
"It's called eyes, dumbass!" Koku yelled as she walked up with the King. Kagemusha and Botan were now sitting as well, and I glared up at the tipsy Queen.
"No cussing in front of Asher, please," I said with a pointed glare.
"What brings you out here, my King?" Kagemusha asked.
"Ha! Isn't it obvious?" Chu yelled. We all turned to look at him, and Chu awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, tell us!" Lia yelled and nudged his ribs.
"They're hidin', o' course!" Chu yelled and looked at us as if we were stupid.
"Hmm? Hiding from what?" Faye whispered as she released Vash's ear.
"From the setting-up committee, of course! Those guys are crazy!" Rinku yelled as he jumped on Chu's shoulders. The two chatted happily together, and I leaned back against Tiger. Asher had moved to greet his Auntie Botan and Uncle Musha, and I felt Tiger rest his chin on my shoulder.
"I tried to tell them to keep things simple. Asher doesn't need a huge birthday party; just something to make him smile."
"Yes, but he has won over everyone in the palace's heart. It makes sense that they would want to do their very best for him," Tiger whispered.
"I suppose," I replied and relaxed against him.
Asher's birthday party was tonight; he was going to be three years old. I knew that Mukuro would be coming, because I had sent Tiger with a personal request. If anyone could talk Mukuro into doing something, it was Ti. He usually had to spar with her first though. I had talked to Kurama too, and he had promised to come. He said he had a very big surprise, and I couldn't wait to see what it was. Yomi and Shura were going to come too; I had received their letter of attendance just yesterday. I have seen Yomi three times in the past month, and it's always been during official business. Our relationship isn't as deep as it once was, and it's still a little awkward at times, but I think we'll be okay. Shura comes whenever Yomi does and usually spends his time with Asher.
This past month has been one of the best of my life. I didn't realize just how separated I had become from my extended family, and I do think of all of my friends as family. I've spent the past few weeks with them…sparring with the King, drinking with the Queen and Chu, eating lunch with the girls, chasing giant demonic butterflies, and Tiger and I even spent an entire night just dancing under the moons. I've dedicated some of my time to personally visiting the homes of the soldiers we've lost and helping the families in any way that I can, and I even took Asher to go see his Aunt Cook and Uncle Hokushin. It's all been very peaceful, just like it is now…
I glanced around at my circle of friends and felt my chest expanding in joy. Was I dying? Most definitely. I could feel it now in the weariness of my muscles and the fragility of my bones, but I was happy. My only wish now is to see all of my loved ones before I pass on. Sitting here now though, it's hard to believe that it'll all be over so soon. Souketsu and Koku are locked in an arm wrestling match, and Enki and Ayame are cheering on their mates' opponent. Jin and Touya look completely cut off from the world as they whisper quietly together…at least, they did until Rinku tackled them both. Lia and Chu are arguing, quite loudly, about nothing and everything at the same time. Vash and Faye are sitting with their sides glued together, complete opposites but still making the other whole. Botan and Kagemusha are talking to Asher, who is taking turns playing with their hair.
"Tiger?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"I really love my friends." I could feel the tears gathering in my eyes, and Tiger must have sensed the emotion in my voice because his arms wrapped around me.
"As do I, my lady, as do I." My eyes closed in contentment, and I let the voices of my loved ones wash over me.
"So this is where everyone has been hiding. Scared of a little decorating?" The voice definitely belonged to Mukuro, and I cracked my eyes open to smile at her. I could just see the tips of Hiei's hair over her shoulder, and Kurama stepped up to her other side.
"I don't see you in there helping," I said with a fanged smile.
"I'm not here to decorate. I'm here to deliver," Mukuro said with a smile of her own. I felt my eyebrows pull together in confusion, and my confusion only grew as Mukuro and Kurama both stepped to the side. A tall figure stepped between the two, and I felt my jaw slacken in surprise. Another person stood at his side, and I blinked in order to refocus. Because what I was seeing couldn't be real.
"Uh, hi, Auntie Ray," the deep masculine voice said.
"Oh my…Kazuma, is that you?"
One Week Earlier / April 23, 1994
Kurama
"If you're sure…"
"Look me in the eye, Kurama. Do I look sure to you?" I looked up into his eyes, like he had asked. Odd, I had never really noticed the color of his eyes before. Blue, bright blue. Like the color of the Human World sky. His eyes were clear; there were no doubts.
"Yes, you look sure. I suppose you are as well?" Brown, the same color as the whiskey she loved so much. The colors may have been different, but the resolve was the same.
"What do you think?"
"A week, I will take you in one week. First, I need to find an escort."
"Escort?" The two had shared a look, and I had smiled.
"Yes, an escort. There may be some measure of peace, but do you honestly believe that I alone can escort two humans into the Demon World? I will need at least one other to accompany us. I will go directly to the Demon World and find someone. I will come to get you in a week, so be prepared."
"We'll be ready."
That is how I found myself running across the sands of Demon World towards Gandara. If anyone would be willing to help me in this, it would be Yomi. The guards at the gate to the city let me pass, and I found one of Yomi's servants as soon as I entered the palace. I was told that he was in his study and declined an offer to be led. I knew perfectly well how to reach Yomi's private study by now. Yomi was sitting in one of the many chairs in the room, facing towards the open window. The sky was dark now, and the only light in the room came from the moons and a few candles.
"Hello, Kurama." Yomi's voice was quieter than usual tonight. Perhaps he was just tired.
"Hello, Yomi," I replied just as quietly.
"What brings you here tonight, my old friend? You walk with a purpose." I smiled. Only Yomi could analyze me through my very footsteps.
"I have a favor to ask of you."
"Oh? What is it?"
"I need help escorting two humans into the Demon World." I saw Yomi's body tense as I stepped further into the room, and I knew that one sentence would get all of his attention.
"Two humans? For what purpose?"
"They are friends of mine, and of Ray's. They have not seen her in many years, and they know some of the others here as well. I promised to bring them here in time for Asher's birthday party, but I cannot do it alone. I was hoping you would be able to help me, especially since it would put a smile on my cousin's face." I was smiling as I spoke, but my smile quickly disappeared. Yomi's body tensed even further, and the temperature dropped inside of the room despite the heat outdoors.
"Yomi, has something happened between you and Ray?" The last time I had mentioned Yomi's name in front of my cousin, she had mumbled something about the both of them being very busy and then had quickly changed the subject.
"It is nothing for you to worry about, Kurama." Yomi's voice was hard and unyielding, but that had never stopped me before. I stopped just behind his chair and looked out at the night sky.
"What's happened, Yomi? Did you two have a fight?"
"No."
"Then what is it?" The silence that hung in the air was deafening, but I said no more. Yomi would speak when he was ready.
"I love your cousin, Kurama. I believe that I always have, but love is not always enough, is it, dear friend?" Something cold and prickly wrapped around my human heart, and I knew this conversation would not be a pleasant one.
"Yomi? What happened?"
"I know that she loves me as well, which is why I let her use me for as long as I did." Yomi paused after my nearly silent gasp and then continued, "I could not endure it any longer. She made her a choice a long time ago, and I cannot comfort her forever. It will be easier this way, for the both of us."
If I didn't have my demon sense of scent, I would have been worried that Yomi and Ray had shared a physical relationship. I knew that my cousin still remained untouched though, and she would remain that way unless her one true soulmate came to his senses.
"Yomi, I—"
"I know that I should have been stronger for her. If you are able, save your reprimands for another time," Yomi said in a strained voice. My hand settled down upon his shoulder, and I curled my fingers in the fabric of his shirt.
"I was going to say that I am sorry you were treated in such a way. You deserve better, Yomi." My voice seemed to echo in the silent room, and I glanced down at the hand that still rested on the goat's shoulder. My hand seemed so much smaller than it did the last time I had laid it upon his shoulder. Then again, Yomi had been much smaller back then.
"Do I, Kurama? Deserve better?" Yomi turned his face towards mine, where I was standing beside his chair.
I have seen several emotions pass over the goat's face over the years…Anger, relief, joy, pain, confusion, calm, peace…but I had never seen this kind of grief before. My hand left the warm shoulder and traced over the eyes that I'd had permanently closed. Guilt and shame still clouded my heart every time I looked at Yomi's face, but I knew that a thousand apologies would not give Yomi his sight back. My forehead came to rest against his own between his horns, and I let my eyelashes flutter against his closed lids.
"You deserve the best, my old friend. My only wish is that I live long enough to see you truly happy," I whispered. I felt Yomi inhale and then exhale, and I braced my hands on his shoulders.
"I was happy once, a long time ago. I was sitting around a fire, between two meddlesome cousins and across from an insane bat and a mocking feline. Surely you remember?"
I did. How could I forget?
"C'mon, Yomi! Quit scowling!" Ray yelled and poked the goat's cheek. The light from our private fire accentuated the anger in Yomi's dark brown eyes, not that Ray cared. She knew that Yomi would never really hurt her.
"Yes, it's not your fault that you just so happened to fall while trying to escape," Tiger said with a wide smile. Ray stretched out her leg to nudge Tiger with her foot, but nothing could get rid of his mocking smile and laughing yellow eyes.
"No, it's his damn fault!" Yomi yelled and pointed across the fire. Navy blue eyes widened in surprise as he pointed a finger at himself.
"Me? How was I supposed to know that the branch I threw down was going to land in Yomi's path and not in the guards'?" Kuronue asked with an innocent look in his eyes.
"Oh? What happened to your 'perfect aim'?" Yomi asked and continued to glare.
"Even us perfect beings make a mistake from time to time. Not that you would know…" Tiger gave a whooping laugh, and Ray instantly started yelling at him for making fun of her gallant knight. (Yomi had saved her after she tripped over some bushes just a few days before.)
"Enough!" My voice wasn't raised, but it had the desired effect.
"Kurama?"
"Yomi is too valuable for us to lose. If your aim is off again, Kuronue, then I will gladly give you some lessons." My eyes must have had the steely look I had perfected, because Kuronue had paled and nodded his head.
"Yeah, take that, ya bat!" And everything went right back to normal.
"I should have been better to you back then. I should have been better to a lot of people back then," I said as the memory unfolded itself.
"Everything happens for a reason, Kurama. Try not to dwell on painful memories," Yomi whispered. I moved up and gently placed my lips against Yomi's forehead, like I had done long ago when he pulled off a successful mission.
"I will try as long as you do, old friend." Yomi hummed his agreement, and we spent the rest of the night in comfortable silence and enjoying the other's presence. Ever since my return to the Demon World those short years ago, I have felt somewhat awkward in Yomi's presence. There was too much pain between us, but it finally feels as if we're moving closer to a friendship like we should have had long ago.
I set out at first light to find someone else to help me escort, and I felt much lighter this time as I ran across the sand. Somehow, I felt as if everything was going to be okay…
Present / Earlier That Day / April 30, 1994
"Kurama! There ya are!" I smiled up into Kuwabara's warm blue eyes and then looked over at Shizuru. They were both dressed in jeans and tee-shirts, and they each had a bag slung over their shoulder.
"I see that you are both ready to go. Very well then, follow me," I said and turned around. I heard them both hurrying to catch up with me, and Kuwabara fell into step beside me.
"So, why'd ya ask us to meet ya in an empty park?" Kuwabara asked.
"There's a portal very close by."
"Who's escorting us? Anyone we know?" Shizuru asked.
"It's a surprise," I said and led them through the portal. The sunlight here is a little harsher, and I looked over to see both Kuwabaras blinking in the light from the two suns.
"These are the humans that you have asked us to escort, Kurama?" Mukuro asked. Her voice was aloof, but I could hear the underlying humor.
"Yes, that's the oaf," Hiei confirmed.
"That you, shorty? C'mere, ya little brat!" Kuwabara must have surprised Hiei, because he managed to catch a fistful of Hiei's black shirt.
"Release me," Hiei said from between clenched teeth.
"Are they always like this?" Mukuro asked.
"Pretty much," Shizuru said with a small shrug.
"How…amusing." Mukuro was smiling when I looked over at her, and Shizuru was looking at her brother with a slight twinge of annoyance. Maybe it's because he's eating dirt with Hiei's foot resting on his back?
"We don't have time for this, you two! Don't we have a party to get to?" Shizuru asked. Kuwabara jumped up fast enough to throw Hiei off of him, but the fire demon landed perfectly on his feet next to Mukuro.
"I still don't understand why we have to be the ones to escort them," Hiei said and crossed his arms.
"Because Yomi didn't want to. Now, come along, Hiei. We don't want to miss Asher's party," Mukuro said and glanced over at the two humans.
"I still can't believe Auntie Ray's a mommy," Kuwabara said and shook his head.
"Less talking, more walking!" Shizuru yelled. I could see the edges of Mukuro's lips tip into a smile, and I believe that even Hiei's scowl wasn't as severe as usual. Perhaps this trip won't be so bad after all…
.xXx.
"Whoa…is that it?"
We were stopped on a hill overlooking the palace and valley below, and I really looked at Enki's palace for the first time. The front of the palace was facing us, so we could see all of its splendor. It truly was magnificent and a sight to behold. Most of the Demon World was dry and resembled a desert, but the weather was more favorable here in the north. Rolling green hills covered every inch of the land, and the palace was surrounded by forests. The light from the red sun shone over the light gray (and slightly green due to the number of vines) palace.
"Why is it so big?" Shizuru asked.
"To fit all of the idiots who live there," Hiei replied.
"How many people live inside?" Kuwabara asked.
"I'm not really sure, to be honest. The kitchens and laundry are in the basement. The ground floor is used for the more normal functions. There's libraries, studies, the King's royal office where the more official meetings are held, there's a few dining rooms, and the large ballroom where most of the celebrations take place. The rest of the floors are divided into living quarters, which are determined by rank."
"Rank?" Kuwabara asked.
"Yes. The second floor is the servant's quarters. The third floor is reserved for any visiting nobles, since their meetings can sometimes last for days at a time. Honored guests are given a room on the fourth floor, which is where you two will be staying. High-ranking officers stay on the fifth floor, and right now only ten colonels and two captains occupy it. Four lieutenants, three of which you know, and the two sergeants are on the sixth floor. Ray is usually the only one on the seventh floor, unless there is a visiting ruler or second. The eighth floor is only occupied by the King and Queen."
"So…the Queen and King have to walk the farthest to get to their rooms? And the servants don't have to go all that far? Isn't it usually the other way around?" Shizuru asked.
"In our world, the strongest are on top, both figuratively and literally," Mukuro said.
"Well, that sucks," Kuwabara mumbled.
"What's that over there? I can feel a lot of energy coming from that direction," Shizuru said with a pointed look to the West.
"You can sense spirit energy?"
"Yes." Simple and to the point.
"Those are the Army Grounds, where Ray's army lives and trains. That's also where Ray and everyone else is gathered at the moment. We should keep moving," I said and started the descent down the hill. Kuwabara and Shizuru were much faster than average humans, largely in part due to their immense spirit energy, so it wasn't long before I could see the large group sitting in a circle on the ground. Ray was leaning against Tiger with her eyes closed, and everyone else was so wrapped up in conversation that they didn't even notice our presence.
"So this is where everyone has been hiding. Scared of a little decorating?" Mukuro taunted. Ray's lips tipped into a small smile as one eye opened, and I stepped up beside Mukuro. Hiei stood just behind Mukuro, and Kuwabara and Shizuru were behind the three of us.
"I don't see you in there helping." Ray's wide smile showed off all of her fangs, and Mukuro smiled in return.
"I'm not here to decorate. I'm here to deliver." Ray looked confused, and Mukuro and I stepped to the side at the same time. Everyone's eyes were on us now, and I could see Kuwabara and Shizuru stepping forward.
"Uh, hi, Auntie Ray," Kuwabara said with a sheepish smile.
"Oh my…Kazuma, is that you?"
Human World / Approx. Ten Minutes Later
Thanks for leaving an actual address this time. What's it like in America? Genkai wants to know if you've been keeping up on your training, and Yukina said to remind you to eat. Shizuru just said not to act like an idiot and scar some poor people for life.
Look, I just wanted to let you know, me and Shizuru are going away for a little while. To the Demon World actually. Wait a minute before you start getting mad! Just hear me out, okay? Me and Shizuru ain't stupid, and we've been thinking about this for a long time. We finally talked to Kurama, and he's agreed to help us out. We'll already be gone by the time you get this, but I didn't want to just leave without telling you anything. When you get everything sorted out, come see us.
Take care of yourself, Urameshi.
Callused hands gently folded the letter and placed it inside a small hidden pocket. The bark against his back was warm from the sun, and the grass tickling his bare calves moved gently with the swaying breeze. He had come to see his auntie's original homeland, and he could see why she loved it the way she did. It was peaceful and staying here had helped him.
When you get everything sorted out…
Everything was nearly sorted out, but he wasn't ready to return quite yet. Soon though. Very soon. Then he'd knock some sense into that ugly mug for being stupid enough to go into the Demon World without him.
Ending Note: Now, first things first, I'm sorry about all of the jumping around. There is a reason for that though! I wanted it to be all jumbled together. If anyone was confused, I apologize, and feel free to ask me any questions!
Okay, next, I want to address the whole Yomi/Kurama thing. I am not saying that they are ex-lovers, and I am also not saying that they aren't. I'm leaving that up to everyone's imagination.
I know I cut this off at a weird place, but I wanted it that way. The next chapter should be very…interesting.
