you know the routine by now, read and review.
Many years ago in the Spirit World, the destiny of two demons intertwined. Akira and Kurama (better known as Youko back then ) were linked to one another and they could do nothing to prevent it. Here is how the story goes...
"My Lord, it is time for our neighbors to offer their yearly tribute. I have already dispatched the message. We give them two weeks time." A demon richly dressed said humbly as he bowed.
Piercing storm blue eyes glanced briefly at the bowed man, "Good. But tell them I wish for a better girl, one with a brain. My girls barely have any education, let alone know what the word means." The speaker sat upon a golden throne with luxourious velvet pillows. He let out a sigh, moving a few strands of dark copper hair.
"Of course, Lord Hayden." The man replied and left the grand room.
He laid back in his chair and closed his eyes, smile playing across his lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Maya! I'm back!" A girl called as she pushed away a crude straw door, leading into an even shabbier hut.
"Yes, yes. I could hear you breathing as you walked here. You must work on your stealth." Another girl said from a different room.
The first speaker came in, looking irritated. "Shut up. You're lucky I came back, I could have left and you would be all alone, with no one-"
"Alright. Thank you Akira, the great one with so much mercy." Maya said, rolling her eyes in sarcasm.
Akira made a face and sat on the bed next to her, "You know I wouldn't ditch you. You're still badly injured."
Maya scowled at being referred as weak, "I'm getting a lot better for your information." Then she felt a pang of familiar pain in her side. She tried very hard not to clutch the wound and worry Akira further.
"We'll find a way to get the cure. I'll bite my own leg off for it." Akira said, trying to earn a smile from her.
They both then caught voices coming from outside, "... rethink your decision. This is the daughter of the renowned Itoma Yaishe. It would be such a disgrace to use his only child as tribute." One man pleaded.
Akira started at the mention of her father's name. Tribute? She thought in alarm.
"What the hell?" Maya hissed as she heard someone enter the hut.
"Well it would be such a disgrace if we were forced to destroy this village." The second man said threateningly with no mercy.
"You do realize you are trespassing." Akira said in a cold and stony voice as two men walked in on the room they were in. She recognized both of them. The one that was stooped and had a cane to support his trembling figure was the village spokesperson, an old, old demon. The other one was a tall and upright fellow, with an expression of distaste. He was an official that came every year to collect a bride for their neighboring demon lord. She immediately put the information together and felt a sinking feeling in her stomach when she realized what was happening. The hiss of anger from Maya also showed that she knew what was happening.
"So this is the dwelling of Akira Yaishe." The official said, taking no notice of the two other people in the room.
Akira grew irritated at being ignored, "Listen. I am well aware of what you are here for, and my answer is no."
The offcial's eyes sparked maliciously, "Smart girl, aren't you? Lord Hayden will like that."
"She told you no." Maya spoke now, a fire building in her dark eyes.
"And I will kill you if I have reinforce my answer." Akira replied, fists clenched.
Meanwhile, the other man sank away, shame etched in his wrinkled face.
The official smiled, "Bold of you, threatening a servant of Hayden."
Akira's eyes took on their characteristic glow as a flare of spirit energy came from her hand.
"Impressive. But my, I have forgotten my manners. I am Master Ikkoku, servant of the Great Hayden. You will grow to respect him, do not worry." He said, unfazed by her threat. His eyes drifted to Maya, who was trying to look as powerful as possible, the effect ruined by the fact that she was lying helplessly on a bed.
Akira noticed this and stood defensively in front of her, "I will never call you a master."
"Really? Well, I see persuasion is not an option. But I do see your friend is badly injured. Your spokesperson told me all about this. Work of a poison blade, as I've heard." Ikkoku said, eyes shining in cruel laughter, "And you have no resources to cure her. How unfortunate."
"So what are you saying? You can help her?" Akira asked cautiously, trying hard to hide her hope.
"He's lying, don't believe him." Maya said and grabbed her arm, as if afraid to let her go.
"There are a few conditions to it of course." Ikkoku said slyly.
Akira fell silent. She knew the conditions already, "Let me think about it." She did not look at Maya in the eyes.
"Yes. Tomorrow night should suffice. For now, I bid you good day." Ikkoku said and walked out.
"He's a little weasel, him and his master. I've heard awful stories about Hayden, he's-" Maya began to plead.
"Theres no other way Maya. Hotoru's disappeared, and God knows where the rest of Catalyst is. My father's dead, right now all I have is you. And I won't let you leave me like everyone else did." Akira said strongly, blocking out any reasoning Maya had.
She fell silent and looked up at the ceiling as Akira left the room, "Akira..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The long grass stirred as swift feet ran across it. Youko halted, and silver white hair fell over his shoulders. His golden eyes narrowed in suspicion, feeling a nearby hostile force.
He made a rapid turn, claws making contact with someone. He looked down and saw glowering blue eyes staring at him. Hayden.
Quickly recovering, Hayden bolted up and delivered a powerful punch that sent Youko flying.
"Fool!" Youko said in rage as he rushed towards him.
"Still prowling about Youko?" Hayden said calmly as he nimbly dodged him.
He had regained his cool and collected persona as he swiped Hayden with his shining claws. It was no use. Both demons were too equally matched in strength and speed.
"No use Hayden. Neither of us will win today. Like every battle." Youko said and withdraw. Hayden knew this also and stepped away.
"You're right. Not today. Some other time." Hayden said and disappeared.
Youko sat on the ground, moonlight revealing silver among the white hair. Every day he had contemplated what a good friend of his had made him promise.
"Youko. I am old. My time is coming." Itoma Yaishe had said.
"Not you. You're too strong." Youko said, alarmed by his solemness.
This brought a smile to Itoma, "If only. My skills are breaking. Catalyst needs a leader. When I die, my daughter is to take my place. She cannot die."
Youko remained quiet. He had often heard much about Itoma's daughter.
"I need a favor from you." Itoma said and turned to him.
"Name it." Youko said.
"Please. When I am gone, promise me to take care of Akira. She is all that matters to me now. Make sure no harm comes to her." Itoma said, voice breaking.
Youko remained silent for a moment. Itoma never showed any weakness. Never. But here he was, on the edge of tears, "Yes. I promise on my life I will protect Akira at any costs."
A great relief had crossed his face, "Thank you Youko. I owe you everything."
Ten days later, Itoma had died. He somehow knew his death was coming. And Youko was unable to fulfill his promise. Days passed by as Youko fervently searched for his daughter. She seemed to have run away when Itoma died.
His thought was suddenly broken by a rustling noise. Could it be Hayden? If it was, he wasn't being very stealthy.
In the blink of an eye, Youko seized a figure behind the tall bushes. It was a demon that looked of an elite class. Nonetheless, he seemed to be a lower class apparition. He stunk of Hayden's scent. A spy, Youko thought in disgust.
"U-unhand me." He stuttered, squirming to get free. Like a worm, Youko thought distastefully.
"What is your business spying on me?" Youko asked, fangs bared.
"My business is not with you tonight. I am on other matters." Ikkoku said desperately. For once he was telling the truth. He had just been passing through the bushes when Youko captured him.
He saw no lie in his eyes. Reluctantly, he let him go. Ikkoku was about to run off when Youko said, "Tell your Master that his habit of taking women from this village is a habit that only a foolish tyrant would commit." He saw a flash of anger as Ikkoku ran off, like prey that a predator with a full belly let go.
With one last look at the shining white moon, Youko ran, which looked more like he was flying over the field.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The carriage slowly drove across the bumpy terrain, making it uncomfortable for the passengers.
Akira and Maya ignored it. Akira sadly looked over at Maya who was staring out the window with a blank face.
"Maya..." Akira said and put a hand on her shoulder.
She pushed her hand off blatantly. She continued her punishment to Akira successfully.
Akira faced her defeat and resigned to looking out her window. Ikkoku sat up in front, steering the horses. Her head began to boil as she remembered his infuriating smirk. She felt so helpless, like a someone drowning in a raging sea with no one to help her. And why couldn't Maya understand why she was doing this? Akira's eyes narrowed in contempt until she noticed something. A demon standing next to the road. Their eyes met. His amber eyes widened as he stared at her. Akira had a sudden feeling that she knew him.
But before she could think anymore about it, Ikkoku began to go faster and the stranger disappeared quickly.
Up in front, Ikkoku had noticed Youko standing by the road and picked up speed, wanting no trouble.
Akira heard pounding feet behind the carriage. She turned to see the stranger pursuing them hotly, eyes locked on her. Even Maya pulled away from the window to see the demon behind them.
Ikkoku desperately speeded the horses up. He knew he should have brought faster horses and cursed himself for not doing so.
Youko's face full of grim determination, he tore away two wheels of the carraige and it came to a sudden halt.
He's trying to loot us, Akira thought. This carriage was richly adorned, it was bound to attract robbers. And he'll kill me and Maya. Maya was too weak too fight with her injuries, and Ikkoku was a low level apparition of no use against this strong enemy. She would have to fight him. Thats fine by me, she thought with a grin. Stepping out of the carriage, Akira began to feel the adrenaline of a battle coming up.
Maya was feeling desperate. What if Akira couldn't fight this enemy? She wouldn't stand a chance, being so handicapped. Ikkoku was also aware he had no chance against Youko.
Itoma's daughter. Youko could see their striking resemblance. The same emerald eyes that seemed to have a light of their own, almost an inner fire. Itoma's hard features had been softened into the girl's face. And he had raised her well. Her spirit energy has soared up, impressive for someone who looked so harmless. But there was one problem. She didn't know who he was.
It turned out she wasn't much of a talker. With incredible speed, Akira charged, conjuring a handful of fire.
He barely missed the fury of her embers. So she was an element conjurer. Like her father. Youko had to prove that he meant no harm. But that was near impossible when she constantly charged with even stronger attacks from before.
Maya and Ikkoku watched in astoundment. Maya realized that both of them were on the same spirit energy levels. It was a stalemate.
Akira began to grow impatient. He had been defensive through the entire battle, never attacking her. It was a trick of some sort. And she wouldn't fall for it. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrists with a vice-like grip.
"Listen to me, I don't want to fight you. I'm-" Youko began urgently. Akira interjected with a vicious punch, forcing him to let go and stagger back.
"A bit too late for that." Akira said icily and pulled back.
Youko felt furious. His cheek stung and ached where she had punched him. Akira refused to listen. He resolved to knock her unconcious. Then he would tie her up. Then he could burn her alive, he thought irritably. No. He promised Itoma.
Ikkoku pulled one of the two horses away from the carriage. He would have to find a different bride. It was too dangerous for him to stay.
"Where do you think your going?" Maya said and clutched his shoulder tightly. To Ikkoku, her grip felt like it would pop his arm off.
"N-nowhere." He stuttered and backed away from the horse.
"I thought so." she said in satisfaction.
Youko felt impatience knaw him as Akira continued her savage attacks. Growing sick of it, he shouted, "Stop it! You wouldn't want to kill your father's friend, would you?"
Akira stood still all of the sudden. He knew her father. His friend. Itoma had told her to search for him. He had never told her the person's name. He said that person would protect her. A scowl contorted her face. She needed no protector. This demon would not play bodyguard to her. Nonetheless, she would never harm any of her father's friends.
Back in the carriage, Maya quickly remembered him. Youko, Itoma had called him. Ikkoku relaxed when they stopped fighting.
A deep mistrust crossed Akira's face. Itoma apparently also raised her to be paranoid, Youko mused. She turned away and walked back to the carriage. What was she doing? He thought and followed her.
"Whatever my father told you to do, forget it. I need no protection from a total stranger, friend to my father or not." Akira said over her shoulder. He noticed the fiery glow from her eyes had diminished, and now reflected weariness of one who had seen too much for one lifetime.
Youko remembered Itoma had the same look in his eyes when he had said his time was coming. The same saddened, lost look.
Many years ago in the Spirit World, the destiny of two demons intertwined. Akira and Kurama (better known as Youko back then ) were linked to one another and they could do nothing to prevent it. Here is how the story goes...
"My Lord, it is time for our neighbors to offer their yearly tribute. I have already dispatched the message. We give them two weeks time." A demon richly dressed said humbly as he bowed.
Piercing storm blue eyes glanced briefly at the bowed man, "Good. But tell them I wish for a better girl, one with a brain. My girls barely have any education, let alone know what the word means." The speaker sat upon a golden throne with luxourious velvet pillows. He let out a sigh, moving a few strands of dark copper hair.
"Of course, Lord Hayden." The man replied and left the grand room.
He laid back in his chair and closed his eyes, smile playing across his lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Maya! I'm back!" A girl called as she pushed away a crude straw door, leading into an even shabbier hut.
"Yes, yes. I could hear you breathing as you walked here. You must work on your stealth." Another girl said from a different room.
The first speaker came in, looking irritated. "Shut up. You're lucky I came back, I could have left and you would be all alone, with no one-"
"Alright. Thank you Akira, the great one with so much mercy." Maya said, rolling her eyes in sarcasm.
Akira made a face and sat on the bed next to her, "You know I wouldn't ditch you. You're still badly injured."
Maya scowled at being referred as weak, "I'm getting a lot better for your information." Then she felt a pang of familiar pain in her side. She tried very hard not to clutch the wound and worry Akira further.
"We'll find a way to get the cure. I'll bite my own leg off for it." Akira said, trying to earn a smile from her.
They both then caught voices coming from outside, "... rethink your decision. This is the daughter of the renowned Itoma Yaishe. It would be such a disgrace to use his only child as tribute." One man pleaded.
Akira started at the mention of her father's name. Tribute? She thought in alarm.
"What the hell?" Maya hissed as she heard someone enter the hut.
"Well it would be such a disgrace if we were forced to destroy this village." The second man said threateningly with no mercy.
"You do realize you are trespassing." Akira said in a cold and stony voice as two men walked in on the room they were in. She recognized both of them. The one that was stooped and had a cane to support his trembling figure was the village spokesperson, an old, old demon. The other one was a tall and upright fellow, with an expression of distaste. He was an official that came every year to collect a bride for their neighboring demon lord. She immediately put the information together and felt a sinking feeling in her stomach when she realized what was happening. The hiss of anger from Maya also showed that she knew what was happening.
"So this is the dwelling of Akira Yaishe." The official said, taking no notice of the two other people in the room.
Akira grew irritated at being ignored, "Listen. I am well aware of what you are here for, and my answer is no."
The offcial's eyes sparked maliciously, "Smart girl, aren't you? Lord Hayden will like that."
"She told you no." Maya spoke now, a fire building in her dark eyes.
"And I will kill you if I have reinforce my answer." Akira replied, fists clenched.
Meanwhile, the other man sank away, shame etched in his wrinkled face.
The official smiled, "Bold of you, threatening a servant of Hayden."
Akira's eyes took on their characteristic glow as a flare of spirit energy came from her hand.
"Impressive. But my, I have forgotten my manners. I am Master Ikkoku, servant of the Great Hayden. You will grow to respect him, do not worry." He said, unfazed by her threat. His eyes drifted to Maya, who was trying to look as powerful as possible, the effect ruined by the fact that she was lying helplessly on a bed.
Akira noticed this and stood defensively in front of her, "I will never call you a master."
"Really? Well, I see persuasion is not an option. But I do see your friend is badly injured. Your spokesperson told me all about this. Work of a poison blade, as I've heard." Ikkoku said, eyes shining in cruel laughter, "And you have no resources to cure her. How unfortunate."
"So what are you saying? You can help her?" Akira asked cautiously, trying hard to hide her hope.
"He's lying, don't believe him." Maya said and grabbed her arm, as if afraid to let her go.
"There are a few conditions to it of course." Ikkoku said slyly.
Akira fell silent. She knew the conditions already, "Let me think about it." She did not look at Maya in the eyes.
"Yes. Tomorrow night should suffice. For now, I bid you good day." Ikkoku said and walked out.
"He's a little weasel, him and his master. I've heard awful stories about Hayden, he's-" Maya began to plead.
"Theres no other way Maya. Hotoru's disappeared, and God knows where the rest of Catalyst is. My father's dead, right now all I have is you. And I won't let you leave me like everyone else did." Akira said strongly, blocking out any reasoning Maya had.
She fell silent and looked up at the ceiling as Akira left the room, "Akira..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The long grass stirred as swift feet ran across it. Youko halted, and silver white hair fell over his shoulders. His golden eyes narrowed in suspicion, feeling a nearby hostile force.
He made a rapid turn, claws making contact with someone. He looked down and saw glowering blue eyes staring at him. Hayden.
Quickly recovering, Hayden bolted up and delivered a powerful punch that sent Youko flying.
"Fool!" Youko said in rage as he rushed towards him.
"Still prowling about Youko?" Hayden said calmly as he nimbly dodged him.
He had regained his cool and collected persona as he swiped Hayden with his shining claws. It was no use. Both demons were too equally matched in strength and speed.
"No use Hayden. Neither of us will win today. Like every battle." Youko said and withdraw. Hayden knew this also and stepped away.
"You're right. Not today. Some other time." Hayden said and disappeared.
Youko sat on the ground, moonlight revealing silver among the white hair. Every day he had contemplated what a good friend of his had made him promise.
"Youko. I am old. My time is coming." Itoma Yaishe had said.
"Not you. You're too strong." Youko said, alarmed by his solemness.
This brought a smile to Itoma, "If only. My skills are breaking. Catalyst needs a leader. When I die, my daughter is to take my place. She cannot die."
Youko remained quiet. He had often heard much about Itoma's daughter.
"I need a favor from you." Itoma said and turned to him.
"Name it." Youko said.
"Please. When I am gone, promise me to take care of Akira. She is all that matters to me now. Make sure no harm comes to her." Itoma said, voice breaking.
Youko remained silent for a moment. Itoma never showed any weakness. Never. But here he was, on the edge of tears, "Yes. I promise on my life I will protect Akira at any costs."
A great relief had crossed his face, "Thank you Youko. I owe you everything."
Ten days later, Itoma had died. He somehow knew his death was coming. And Youko was unable to fulfill his promise. Days passed by as Youko fervently searched for his daughter. She seemed to have run away when Itoma died.
His thought was suddenly broken by a rustling noise. Could it be Hayden? If it was, he wasn't being very stealthy.
In the blink of an eye, Youko seized a figure behind the tall bushes. It was a demon that looked of an elite class. Nonetheless, he seemed to be a lower class apparition. He stunk of Hayden's scent. A spy, Youko thought in disgust.
"U-unhand me." He stuttered, squirming to get free. Like a worm, Youko thought distastefully.
"What is your business spying on me?" Youko asked, fangs bared.
"My business is not with you tonight. I am on other matters." Ikkoku said desperately. For once he was telling the truth. He had just been passing through the bushes when Youko captured him.
He saw no lie in his eyes. Reluctantly, he let him go. Ikkoku was about to run off when Youko said, "Tell your Master that his habit of taking women from this village is a habit that only a foolish tyrant would commit." He saw a flash of anger as Ikkoku ran off, like prey that a predator with a full belly let go.
With one last look at the shining white moon, Youko ran, which looked more like he was flying over the field.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The carriage slowly drove across the bumpy terrain, making it uncomfortable for the passengers.
Akira and Maya ignored it. Akira sadly looked over at Maya who was staring out the window with a blank face.
"Maya..." Akira said and put a hand on her shoulder.
She pushed her hand off blatantly. She continued her punishment to Akira successfully.
Akira faced her defeat and resigned to looking out her window. Ikkoku sat up in front, steering the horses. Her head began to boil as she remembered his infuriating smirk. She felt so helpless, like a someone drowning in a raging sea with no one to help her. And why couldn't Maya understand why she was doing this? Akira's eyes narrowed in contempt until she noticed something. A demon standing next to the road. Their eyes met. His amber eyes widened as he stared at her. Akira had a sudden feeling that she knew him.
But before she could think anymore about it, Ikkoku began to go faster and the stranger disappeared quickly.
Up in front, Ikkoku had noticed Youko standing by the road and picked up speed, wanting no trouble.
Akira heard pounding feet behind the carriage. She turned to see the stranger pursuing them hotly, eyes locked on her. Even Maya pulled away from the window to see the demon behind them.
Ikkoku desperately speeded the horses up. He knew he should have brought faster horses and cursed himself for not doing so.
Youko's face full of grim determination, he tore away two wheels of the carraige and it came to a sudden halt.
He's trying to loot us, Akira thought. This carriage was richly adorned, it was bound to attract robbers. And he'll kill me and Maya. Maya was too weak too fight with her injuries, and Ikkoku was a low level apparition of no use against this strong enemy. She would have to fight him. Thats fine by me, she thought with a grin. Stepping out of the carriage, Akira began to feel the adrenaline of a battle coming up.
Maya was feeling desperate. What if Akira couldn't fight this enemy? She wouldn't stand a chance, being so handicapped. Ikkoku was also aware he had no chance against Youko.
Itoma's daughter. Youko could see their striking resemblance. The same emerald eyes that seemed to have a light of their own, almost an inner fire. Itoma's hard features had been softened into the girl's face. And he had raised her well. Her spirit energy has soared up, impressive for someone who looked so harmless. But there was one problem. She didn't know who he was.
It turned out she wasn't much of a talker. With incredible speed, Akira charged, conjuring a handful of fire.
He barely missed the fury of her embers. So she was an element conjurer. Like her father. Youko had to prove that he meant no harm. But that was near impossible when she constantly charged with even stronger attacks from before.
Maya and Ikkoku watched in astoundment. Maya realized that both of them were on the same spirit energy levels. It was a stalemate.
Akira began to grow impatient. He had been defensive through the entire battle, never attacking her. It was a trick of some sort. And she wouldn't fall for it. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrists with a vice-like grip.
"Listen to me, I don't want to fight you. I'm-" Youko began urgently. Akira interjected with a vicious punch, forcing him to let go and stagger back.
"A bit too late for that." Akira said icily and pulled back.
Youko felt furious. His cheek stung and ached where she had punched him. Akira refused to listen. He resolved to knock her unconcious. Then he would tie her up. Then he could burn her alive, he thought irritably. No. He promised Itoma.
Ikkoku pulled one of the two horses away from the carriage. He would have to find a different bride. It was too dangerous for him to stay.
"Where do you think your going?" Maya said and clutched his shoulder tightly. To Ikkoku, her grip felt like it would pop his arm off.
"N-nowhere." He stuttered and backed away from the horse.
"I thought so." she said in satisfaction.
Youko felt impatience knaw him as Akira continued her savage attacks. Growing sick of it, he shouted, "Stop it! You wouldn't want to kill your father's friend, would you?"
Akira stood still all of the sudden. He knew her father. His friend. Itoma had told her to search for him. He had never told her the person's name. He said that person would protect her. A scowl contorted her face. She needed no protector. This demon would not play bodyguard to her. Nonetheless, she would never harm any of her father's friends.
Back in the carriage, Maya quickly remembered him. Youko, Itoma had called him. Ikkoku relaxed when they stopped fighting.
A deep mistrust crossed Akira's face. Itoma apparently also raised her to be paranoid, Youko mused. She turned away and walked back to the carriage. What was she doing? He thought and followed her.
"Whatever my father told you to do, forget it. I need no protection from a total stranger, friend to my father or not." Akira said over her shoulder. He noticed the fiery glow from her eyes had diminished, and now reflected weariness of one who had seen too much for one lifetime.
Youko remembered Itoma had the same look in his eyes when he had said his time was coming. The same saddened, lost look.