Youko and his mate walked at a leisurely pace. Time didn't matter at this point. He knew where she was taking him. It had been years since they had come here. It was sacred to them, the beginning of their eternity. He picked up the pace, engaging her in a run. She smiled, taking off before him. She was always faster than him, but she never strayed too far ahead. He watched his goddess before him, not really caring for the run, just her smile as she did so. Her tawny hair was shining in the breaks of sun, the mark on her shoulder blade shining brightly. Their speeds were high, and it made getting to their destination quite quick.
They came to a stop, staring at the tree. Moriko smiled, walking up and finding her entrance way. They enter, neither of them sensing any other presence. She goes to observe her former den, while he made sure there wasn't any traps lying around. It felt strange to be here again. Everything was left the way it was before. A thick layer of dust coated everything, but that was to be expected. They walked into her old bedroom, where they used to spend most of their time. They didn't speak, memories were flooding their minds. A very particular one came to her, and she went in search of it, leaving her mate confused. She emerged quickly, her hands holding a small portion of Pralla seeds. He nodded, and she stowed them away in her clothes.
She gazed into his golden eyes. They seemed to say what she wanted them to say, so she walked up to him. He kissed her, taking her hand and leading her astray. She smiled, and almost too eagerly walked with him to what she suspected was their next destination. She could smell it, even over the rotting flesh of her birthplace. They arrived at the pool under the waterfall. It hadn't changed, waterfalls being what they are and all. That didn't matter though. They began to undress, and then, both plunged head first into the water.
They played a great deal, laughing and enjoying their time. As always, they raced to the cave inside the waterfall. Moriko surfaced, having won again. She had a strong suspicion that he let her win each time, but chose not to make an issue of it. They were just little things that made him happy. The seal of the wolf clan still hung there, as if it was just placed there a few hours ago. It was a symbol of their unity, and they knew it would hang there so long as they were with each other.
He kissed her then, with a fire in his belly. She responded positively, her senses reeling at his touch. They both lost control, happily giving into their desires. They mated in this sacred place. They knew they had time, despite their warning. Even if they were trapped here, they were sure they would be able to get back. She laid in his arms, her naked body pressed against his. He was stroking her hair lovingly, as he kissed the top of her head. She smiled, her memories bringing her to another state of bliss.
"I love you, my precious kitsune," she spoke softly.
"I love you... forever," he whispered in her ear. She snuggled her head into him, and he hugged her tighter. They sit like that for hours, but in reality, it is just a few minutes.
"Youko?"
"Yes koishii?"
"Why is it your presence was not absolute since we arrived here?"
"My power. It was not strong enough to remain," he then gave her a sly look, "But you already knew that, didn't you?"
She actually managed to look guilty, "I just thought I would give it a try."
"I could feel your power within me once you realized our surroundings."
"It was my suspicion. I thought perhaps that maybe you did not care for Yusuke's battle."
"In truth, the humans mean nothing to me. I just wanted to be out with you."
She smiled, kissing him once more. She sighed then, "It's sad that we cannot stay here."
"Yes, koishii. But one day, we'll return for all of eternity."
"We should head back."
"Not just yet, beloved," he said, kissing her deeply again.
...
She stands in the moonlight, drinking in it's view. There is a calm over her, a sense of peace. There is no reason to hunt, now is a time of reflection. She lays a hand on her abdomen. She could feel her young stirring inside of her. She senses them for days, but dares not make contact with them. She has come a long way since the beginning of her days. There is no remorse about leaving, however, she is content with the outcome. She smiles, feeling his presence at her back. His arms wrap around her slender frame. She leans back, enjoying his warmth. An endless bliss always occupies her mind at his thought, his touch.
"I had wondered where you went, beloved," he speaks softly in her ear.
"I hope I did not worry you. I felt the moon's energy, and it seemed to beckon to me," she replies. She does not look away from the gorgeous image before them.
"I understand, koishii," he kisses her cheek. He then moves his hand to lay atop hers, where the young grow, "Have you made any contact with them?"
She shakes her head slowly, "No, I'm not sure I wish to know about them. I may just wait and find out."
He laughs then, "That is most unusual."
She shrugs, "Wolves don't care about such terms."
"Then why are some things so important to you? Things that seem so tedious and trivial?"
"Those are customs. They must always be observed."
"I will never understand."
"I intend to keep it that way."
"Must you always be so cryptic?"
She nods, "It's the way of the wolves to be cryptic."
He smiles, "I love you."
She turns, "And I love you, my precious kitsune," and then she kisses him once more.
...
San sat atop her favourite tree in Genkai's forest. She enjoyed the breeze of a nice day, and yet, she was also bored. It seemed that all the excitement disappeared with Sensui's body. She didn't understand why she felt so bored now. Wolves liked to avoid conflict, didn't like to fight unless they had to. She assumed it was the human in her. She wondered about that, having trouble understanding humans as it was. Why were they so emotional? At least they weren't very dull, craving action all the time. She thought back to the time she spent in her demon form. She was able to revert back and forth now, without a problem. The spirit cuffs were off, her power was flourishing nicely. She was already immensely powerful with them on, and now that they were off, that power was through the charts. She knew she was at least an S class now, she just wondered where on the list she was. She didn't bother to ask Koenma, who was at the temple a lot because of the treason to his father. Yukina had also come to live there, searching for Hiei. She didn't know she was searching for Hiei, but life was complicated like that. San wondered why Hiei was so adamant about speaking to his sister. Why hide the truth? She supposed it was because he didn't care for family. Then again, she knew quite a bit about the ice apparitions, and the fact that Hiei was male said enough.
"Hey, San?" she froze, hearing a voice. She then realized it was Yusuke. She let her guard down again, this was bad.
"What's up?" she turned to her otouto. Yes, ever since his second death, that was how she thought of him, as her little brother.
"I just... I need some advice."
"About...?"
"This.. thing that's happened to me."
She blinked, "About you being a demon?"
"Sort of. It's like... I'm not myself. Everyone is getting back to their lives, going to school and shit. I just don't feel like I belong here."
"Probably don't. I don't exactly know that you need from me?"
"Well... You kinda went through the same thing, how did you deal with it?"
"Yusuke, I'm still a demon. I didn't possess or merge with a human, I just have the same form at the moment. I created this image and forced myself into it."
He looked confused, "But... Kurama said that sometimes your judgement is off because you're learning to deal with human emotions."
"Oh. That's the part you're having trouble with."
"Well... yeah..."
She pondered this for a moment, "I'm not really sure, Yusuke. I mean, it's hard to put into words. It takes time, but eventually, after a few years, I'm sure you could get it together."
He groaned, "I knew you would say something like that. I asked grandma, but all she told me was to go see the spirit detective before Sensui. Said that the two of us were pretty much alike."
"The second Rekai Tantei. Sounds interesting, mind if I tag along?"
He laughed, "Actually, funny part about that is, she told me that you should go check in on the other psychics to make sure they aren't causing any more mischief. She wants a full report by the end of the day."
It was her turn to groan, "Of course..."
"Looks like you're still completing your training huh?"
She sighed, "Yeah. Since the cuffs came off, I've been unstable. Kurama and Hiei could sense my power from miles off, and Genkai didn't want me attracting attention here. Not that anyone would really coming, knowing and S class demon was here, but her main concern was the SDF. She didn't want me to tangle with them."
"Yeah, Koenma told me that they want my head. King Enma was paying a hefty price for it."
"You should be careful, Yusuke. They're a force to be reckoned with."
"You sound just like pacifier breath, you know that?"
"Yusuke, one of them was a demon hunter, and is the reason I'm here with my mate. The bastard brags about how he cornered us."
"Really? I'm surprised you haven't killed him yet."
"Waiting for the best opportunity."
"There should be one soon. I know I sure as hell don't want to be on the receiving end of your revenge. Especially with how your power jacked up. If it makes you feel any better though, I could barely tell your level when I got here."
"You're a walking disaster. But thanks," she stood at that moment. "I suppose I should get started on my mission."
He stood as well, "Yeah. I gotta figure this out before it all goes over my head."
She hugged him then, putting him into shock, "Good luck. I hope your hunt goes well."
"Uh, thanks?" he was obviously confused by her affection lately. He hugged her back, however, like the sister he never had until now. She looked at him, and then, they both jumped away in opposite directions. She changed into her wolf form, knowing it would be faster to get around this way, sticking strictly to the forest. She thought about stopping in to see Kurama first, but she had seen him earlier in the morning, and knew that she'd see him again later on in the evening. The run actually helped her, made her feel so much more at ease. She could run for days like this, and life would feel good. It seemed like she hadn't changed into this form in a while, not really having a use for it as of late. But she still loved it, and how much faster she was. Hunting was also must more appealing this way. Her senses tripled, as if they weren't good already. She almost reached her destination, seeing her target a hundred feet away. But for some reason, they seemed blurred. She stopped, laid down. It was probably the shape change that was causing this. She wasn't used to looking at the world this way. She closed her eyes for a moment the world black under her eyelids.
...
Kurama was walking down the alley. The moon had risen, and the street lights were dim because of the rain. He was returning from Genkai's, wondering where his mate had gone to. He was worried, however. Genkai told him that she sent her on a mission a week and a half ago, and she hadn't returned yet. It wasn't an urgent one, but San had been through a lot lately, and he assumed that she was running, like she usually did to relax. But she would've at least checked in by now. He worried about these changes she had gone through lately. She was able to resume her demon form, she was now an S class, and her powers of darkness flourished freely through her body. He was proud that she was able to over some these obstacles, and train well enough to control herself. He just wished he could see her. He could feel something uneasy, even though there was a peace over the world. Uneasy peace, it wasn't something he wasn't expecting. Nor was he expecting the demons trailing along behind him. He stopped, turning towards them, his eyes narrowing.
"You must be stealthier than that to surprise me," said Kurama. There were three standing before him, "I hope you have good reason for approaching, stranger."
The demon in the middle reached into his clothing, and pulled something out, "For you," he spoke. The spirit orb floated towards Kurama, "A spirit orb from Lord Yomi."
Kurama gasped, "You said Yomi?"
"Our work is done," said the demon, and the three of them disappeared. Kurama grabbed the spirit orb, wondering what his former pack-mate could possibly have to say to him. He threw the spirit orb against a post, the shadow taking the form of his former friend and partner, Yomi.
"It's been a long time, Kurama. Too long. It's good to see you alive and well. Of course, I can't actually see you, this is actually just a spirit of words. But perhaps, I hope to meet you in person soon. Back when you knew me, neither of us was very powerful. But that's changed. I've grown stronger. Much stronger. Strong enough to rival with Raizen and Mukuro for the Makai," said Yomi. Kurama was surprised to hear that, gripping his make shift seat, "You remember those names, don't you? They were already in power when you left. Well, several hundred years ago, I joined their ranks. And now, I'm prepared for my next ascension. I'm planning to throne Makai and unify all Makai as one nation under me. But if I am to succeed this, I need your assistance, Kurama. And so, my friend, I plead with you to join my crusade. If you believe in the unification, then I beg you to return to us. Oh, and one more thing. I almost forgot to tell you, I apprehended the one who stole the light from me. I think you'll be amused as I when you see who it was. You'll see when you come back to the Makai, I guess," and he disappeared with those words. Kurama didn't have time to ponder that, however.
"An old friend of yours?" Hiei startled the fox.
"Hiei?"
Hiei smirked, "Caught you off guard. Now don't feel too special, you aren't the only one who received a midnight visitor. Messengers came to me as well, though in my case, they were sent by Mukuro."
"Mukuro?"
Hiei threw his spirit orb in the same place as Kurama's, "See for yourself," and just like Yomi, the shadowy image of Mukuro appeared before them on the wall.
"Greetings, Hiei. I am Mukuro. I would be here in person, but I seldom show my face in public. Not out of fear, but out of annoyance by being awed by adoring fans. Your recent appearance here has come to my attention. And I have to wonder... Why aren't you working for me? You could... be my right hand man. I'll let you in on a little secret you'll hear soon. Raizen's on the brink of death, and when he's gone, Yomi's full force will strike. He wishes for a unified universe. But you would already think about how that's disgusting. If I am correct in my assumption, join me."
"What a talkative and self important fool he is," said Hiei, "Was he always like that, Kurama?"
"Much worse. Mukuro has always been a dangerous, tyrannical ruler. You have no idea, Hiei, the damage Mukuro could do. Makai thrown into chaos," Kurama asnwered.
"Then I suppose this is going to be interesting. Well, I'm off to visit him now. Good-bye," said Hiei, turning his back on the fox. "You can breathe you know, I'm not going there to help him."
"Yes, that is good thinking. It will be beneficial for us to have a man on the inside whom Mukuro trusts. Just be sure to get as much information as you can without raising suspicions."
"Oh I'm sure I'll use him for everything I can. Maybe I'll see you there? On the opposing side?"
Kurama stood just then, "While I wish to not participate in a Makai war, I can't ignore Yomi's pursuit of a unified three worlds."
"Hn. I'm sure that has nothing to do with your past."
"No. Yomi went on his own path. Besides..." Kurama looked up to the sky, "...San is missing." and he jumped out of sight.
...
Kurama was on his way towards Genkai's temple. He hadn't seen or heard from San in nearly a week. He was hoping she had returned, he was really starting to worry. She at least would have left something to show she was around, but there was nothing. The many steps to the temple seemed to be endless, as if he was going nowhere. The moon was up and shining brightly, but the passage of time was long, as it always was when he worried about his mate. Where could she have gone? He knew that she wasn't in any pain, he would've felt it. How could anyone hope to compete with her? Wouldn't they feel her power? He stopped then. He was at the top, and he heard many familiar voices. An eerie wind blew. He increased his pace a little, following the way towards all the voices, hoping his mate was among them. Kuwabara, Yusuke, Yukina, Genkai, Botan, Koenma and Hiei. But there was also the scents of the SDF. What were they doing here?
"I was personally invited to return to Makai as well," Kurama heard Hiei speak.
"Don't tell me. You're going to fight on behalf of Urameshi's demon daddy too?" asked Kuwabara. He seemed to be taking the news well.
"Actually, it's the opposite. The invitation was from one of Raizen's major enemies. Mukuro."
"You really aren't going to accept that are you Hiei?"
"In fact, I am. I belong in the Makai world, not this one."
"Even if that means going up against your friend Urameshi while you're there?"
"If that is our destiny then so be it. After all, I always have wanted a re-match."
"Me too," Kurama took his cue.
"Kurama too?" questioned Kuwabara.
"My presence in Makai has also been requested. But in behest of the third ruler, Lord Yomi. An old acquaintance."
"I feel like the only one left at the dance."
"I'll be leaving for Makai myself. Probably sometime after Yusuke and Hiei do."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing! Have you all gone totally bonkers? I thought we had a good thing going. I thought we had a team! We were going to fight the good fight together! But it turns out you'll fight any fight, even if it means fighting each other! I considered you my friends, but you're no friends of mine."
"Somehow I think I'll manage to live with that," said Hiei.
"I'm going to kill you, you little punk!" declared Kuwabara, jumping off the balcony and about to lay a blow to Hiei.
"Stop," commanded Genkai, "We have no reason to believe they are abandoning the good fight."
"Get off it old lady, they're going to demon world. Fighting is all they do!"
"Kazuma, just because someone is born a demon doesn't necessarily make them evil. Or have you forgotten that I too am of Makai?" Yukina stepped in. Kuwabara gave up at that point. Yusuke jumped down just then, walking over to his friend.
"Listen pal," said Yusuke.
"What do you want with me traitor?"
Kurama couldn't hear their whispers. San would be able to if she were here. But then they began to speak up, Kuwabara never really being all that good with whispers.
"Another thing, do you think you could find Yukina's brother while you're there?"
Kurama smirked.
"Sure, if he happens to be there at the same time as me," Yusuke laughed, looking nervously over his shoulder at the now glaring fire apparition.
"Why does everyone get all weird and nervous when I bring up Yukina's brother?"
The question was left unanswered. And then there was Kuwabara's sister. Then, it was time to go. The SDF was preparing for Yusuke and Hiei's departure. The large spirit animal known as Puu was saying good bye to the departed. Kurama wasn't really expecting all of this to happen on a simple visit to Genkai's, but the fact that San wasn't here just proved that she hadn't returned yet. They were all waiting on Yusuke.
"Does anyone else think it's kind of ironic? That someone as strong as Sensui had to go through all that trouble to open up a hole to demon world, but these little weak security guards can do it with barely a snap of their fingers?" asked Yusuke.
"Urameshi," Kuwabara spoke up. Yusuke turned to look at his friend, "Forget what I said before. We may have chosen to follow different paths, but you and I will always be..."
"Kuwabara?"
"Sorry, I just got some dirt stuck in my contact lens, that's all."
"You don't wear contacts," said Shizuru.
"He doesn't?" said Botan confused. Kurama was sure San would wonder about that.
"The portal is ready now, sir," announced one of the female SDF officers.
"Well done. Alright Mr. Urameshi," said the one in command.
"Right," said Yusuke, "I guess that's my cue. Well, Kurama, Hiei... See you on the flip side," and Yusuke began his walk towards the portal.
"Oh Yusuke... You aren't really going to leave us, are you?" asked Botan near tears.
"I'm afraid so. So long guys," and Yusuke jumped into the portal. Botan cried while the others remained silent. The SDF began to seal the portal after him. Hiei would be the next to leave. Kurama watched, as Yukina asked her brother to find him. Kurama smiled slightly. It seemed this whole night was made out to be ironic. The fox watched as Hiei disappeared then. The SDF continued to seal the portal, while the others dispersed. There was nothing left to be said. Kurama walked up to Genkai. They walked into the dojo.
"Kurama," Genkai acknowledged.
"Genkai," Kurama nodded at his mate's mentor.
"I'm going to assume that San hasn't graced you with her presence either."
"Correct. I have not seen her since last week. Not a trace."
"She hasn't been here either. I sent her out to look in on the other psychics. She didn't come back."
"I was aware."
"I know, I wasn't finished yet."
"My apologies."
"As I was saying, she didn't come back. That points towards two things. One of them actually is still, for lack of a better word, evil. Or something happened to her on her way there or back. Either way, her disappearance and your recent summons to Makai seem to be quite the coincidence, don't you think?"
"But San couldn't get into Makai. She's an S class now, not a chance in passing the barrier. That also makes it hard to believe that she could be beaten."
"That also occurred to me. It leaves us at a stand still. I trust she can take care of herself, and I chose to remain here. I'm old, and Yusuke has my power. Going out to look for her wouldn't be beneficial to anyone now."
"I understand. I'll be leaving for Makai in two months. I'll try and look for her while I'm here."
"Thank you."
