A/N HOLY CRAP!! Chapter 12 is finally, FINALLY done! Do you have any idea how long I've been working on this stupid thing? Ok…so it's not stupid…but hey, this is an important chapter. Please, for the sake of all the hard work I put into it, do not simply skim the words written here! I promise that it'll have been somewhat worth the wait. : ) For the sake of surprise, I'm not going to reveal or hint at anything that goes on in this chapter. Oh yeah…and just to hold your interest…I've already started Chapter Thirteen ;) …So STAY TUNED!
Author Replies to Comments left for Chapter 11
Silver on the Tree- yeah, Erin did react rather calmly didn't she? I think most people would have completely flipped out…ok, most Saiyuki fans would have completely flipped out :P Anyhow- here's your update!
Jiko Hitasura- She shall prove to be an interesting character, I promise you this! and its ok to use the "" things hehe, I use them all the time. It's a habit- but it works well when one wants to pretend to be Hakkai, ne?
Asian-Orange- I'm glad you don't think my characters are Mary-Sue-ish…I don't think they are either, and for a very good reason sniggers one which I won't divulge at the moment. Sanzo is quite suspicious, isn't he? I guess he has reason to be so, though…
BeachpeleThank you, thank you! And as requested, I did keep writing! Here's proof of it : )
Dragoncat Prances around to the song . I think you've got the general gist of things down as far as the elementals go. As for Goku and Erin- my, my, have you been prying into my mind? You're one of my most observant readers, thanks for paying such wonderful attention to detail!
Elriel You would have glomped Hakkai? Yes…I think I would have too he is my favorite, after all…And it certainly seems that despite her short time of being in the story, Erin has a lot of fans already!
Cynicalspiritvalea Another Erin with blue hair? My goodness, I don't know if I can handle two of them. chuckle I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far, keep reading!! ;)
Disclaimer(s)/Claimer(s): - Well, well, you all know the drill here, people! I don't own nor am I affiliated with Saiyuki or its characters- all Saiyuki characters belong to Kazuya Minekura and neither of us are profiting from the creation of this fic, it's merely for reading enjoyment. All original characters belong to their respective owners, please do not steal them!! ;) Now…sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Chapter Twelve
The Hunt
GansuForest
The majesty of a flying dragon never failed to amaze youkai prince Kougaji. It seemed that no matter the distance in need of coverage, a dragon could bring its rider there in a day or less.
Today was less.
After the majority of a day's traveling, the lush green tops of the Gansu Forest broke cloudy white monotony in the sky. Kougaji gave Subaru's long neck an appreciative pat after making a smooth and noiseless landing in a clearing amongst the trees. The dragon all but purred at the given gratitude, bowing his head gracefully as the violet eyed youkai began to undo the reins from his and his apothecary's hands.
Upon feeling this movement, Yaone's tangerine eyes flew wide open, taking in their surroundings.
Where had the sky gone?
How did these trees get there?
Logic settled in place of bewilderment when Kougaji spoke.
"Did you sleep well, Yaone?"
She remained mounted on Subaru's back as the prince's feet touched a mossy carpet. Her gaze remained one of mild alarm and worry.
"My Lord Kougaji, why didn't you wake me up? I was supposed to help you search!"
Kougaji smiled faintly, offering a tanned palm to help her from the dragon's back. His tenor-laced voice met her ears smoothly.
"Relax, Yaone. It wasn't hard to find and I know you needed the rest. We still have to hunt for the sphere, you know."
Yaone slid down to the forest floor with his assistance, shaking her head of dark purple hair at him. How she wished to tell him the much needed rest had been the best few hours of sleep she'd had in a long while.
As her cheeks flushed at the thought, Kougaji took notice.
"What's wrong? You don't have a fever, do you?"
His concern for her was genuine. Kougaji couldn't make Yaone go on if she didn't feel well. They would rest, even if it meant losing time. Her well-being was too important to him…and to this mission. If something were to happen to her…he'd never forgive himself.
"I'm fine, Lord Kougaji. Shall we begin searching?" Yaone clasped her hands together, smiling brightly. Focusing only on the task at hand remained the objective here- she couldn't afford to let blushing girly thoughts get in the way.
Though somewhat skeptical of his assistant's words, Kou motioned to the supply pack the female youkai carried on her back.
"Good. Take out the files containing the coordinates of the sphere then. We'll have to try and make sense of Ni's chicken scratch, but we should be able to get the gist of it."
Obligingly, Yaone slid the pack off and removed the manila folder from it. Undoubtedly the twisted scientist had come to his senses and discovered his precious data missing. It would remain so- Kougaji and Yaone had absolutely no intentions of returning the files to Ni, especially once they found the sphere there would no longer be much need for the data…or the doctor.
Hopefully, using the creature inside the orb would prove Kougaji's theories true. If in fact the fire soul submitted to the youkai prince's will and held enough power to overthrow Gyukomen Koushu and her army…then perhaps it also contained the essentials to free Rasetsunyo.
Yaone turned her gaze to her prince as he continued to study the data in the file. For his sake, she hoped it worked. She, Ririn, and Dokugakuji couldn't stand to see Kougaji so melancholy anymore- that just wasn't his true spirit. Kou shouldn't have to subject himself to Koushu's half-baked plans in order to snag the much needed sutras just to keep alive the hope of freeing his mother. It wasn't fair for one thing, that Koushu continued to lead her step-son like an animal following a strung piece of meat. Being humbled by no more than a conniving snake was hardly anything to have pride for- it simply broke Yaone's heart.
"We'll head south first and then continue south-east. That's what this seems to be telling me anyhow." Kougaji's words broke the silence, shattering the apothecary's thoughts.
When at first she didn't respond, the youkai prince lifted his gaze to her from the pages in hand. "Or have you deduced something different? Yaone?"
After glancing to the coordinates and deciding Kougaji had the right idea, Yaone brought her orange orbs to meet his. A reassuring smile spread over her lips.
"South for six miles and then south-east for three and a half is the precise direction. It's a good chance to take, Lord Kougaji."
A gentle smile flitted over the prince's semi-worried visage as he closed the manila folder and handed it back to the pharmacist. If she had suggested a different direction, he would have taken it under serious consideration. Kougaji valued her opinion, whether or not he would ever admit it was beside the point. Yaone's agreement to his conclusion only boosted his confidence.
With a pat of affection to Subaru, who would lie in patient wait for his master's return, Kougaji turned south.
"Let the hunt begin." He murmured, his feet taking the first few steps toward the surrounding trees.
Wordlessly, Yaone slid the folder back into the supply pack and repositioned it on her back before following her prince's path.
KonranTower
Amidst jagged boulders littering a darkened land, a monstrous tower posing as an exceptionally large spiked rock jutted to the mist filled sky. The sun did not reach this place- or perhaps it did, but the veil of blackened clouds constantly overhead gave the illusion of a constant night. Maybe before Togenkyo had fallen victim to the hapless spread of inane youkai insanity this land had been beautiful- it was difficult to tell now, but the appearance of the tower's whereabouts held no importance to the one who resided there now.
From a throne room near the tower's peak, he watched and waited, and grew impatient.
The War Prince Homura became bored of the seemingly endless goose-chase for the Maten Scriptures. Before the Sanzo-ikkou "mysteriously" vanished from Shangri-La, the half-god had paid a visit to the parallel world through an opening he had taken painstaking patience to create. Homura had caught wind of the Merciful Goddess' plan to revive the legendary elemental souls of old in order to aid the prevention of their own world's destruction.
Naturally, since it would only be another obstacle against him, he wanted to hinder Kanzeon by seeking out the avatars for his own plans.
Creating an entirely new universe to replace the injustices and horrors of the existing one sounded so wonderful to Homura. In a new world, the heavens could not judge against unions which long since were labeled "taboo"- there wouldn't be a place for youkai there, and thus no chance of their going insane from lack of humanity. Mortals, he supposed, would very well exist in this place, but they too would have to be newly created, and then the gods could mingle and go where they so desired. Gods and mortals could walk as one people…there would be no such thing as a heretic derived from both races…
Perhaps his dreams were folly; Homura knew that officials in Tenkai buzzed about frantically in search of a way to thwart him. They might succeed, but the risk was worth the effort. He did this for his own sake…and for what he had lost.
"Rinrei…" Her name tumbled from his lips listlessly. He did this for her; for the immortal woman who showed him light, love, and above all, life.
Why those in Tenkai chose to punish Rinrei, Homura would never truly comprehend. It was he who was to blame for falling in love with her…but then, what could possibly detain an emotion as powerful as love?
Was Homura to blame for his heritage? How could they look down upon him when it was his immortal mother and her human lover who had created the half-god? What had even happened to his mother? It was quite likely she'd faced punishment, maybe even exile or death. Homura knew what his sentence was from the start, even if it hadn't been so obvious that he was being held prisoner.
They confined him, per orders of his uncle, the Jade Emperor. Homura never saw the light of day, so he could never yearn or miss what his eyes never witnessed. He never had pleasurable company- only the guards who sneered and insulted him through the cast iron bars of his prison. Those very guards often spoke of their captive's execution, and so it was all Homura looked forward to.
He was completely sure that he would die in that place.
When the time came upon which his cell door opened, the young heretic figured his life expired. However, his uncle had granted him freedom from the damp, dark jail cell, and nothing could have surprised Homura more. After being granted a new lease on his life, Homura was able to taste the outside world.
A beautiful blue sky unmarred by anything, save for wispy white clouds, met his mismatched blue and gold eyes. The sun glinted brightly, rays dancing over the cherry blossom trees which lined a perfectly paved walkway where the wind sent petals floating across. The buildings stood proudly, each in their own place, creating a sense of order and refinery.
It amazed him what he had missed for so many years, what he had never been introduced to. The novelty, though, of this wonderfully made heaven, wore off as it became quite obvious to Homura that he was still not free.
His wrists remained bound and shackled, a sign of his heretic lineage, and despite the leniency given to him by the Emperor, Homura was not able to wander as he pleased. Depression settled in, and not even the brightest sky and field full of untouched flowers could shake it. Often, he wished for death to take him, for his mortality to overtake the gift of a long life.
Rinrei had been the only one to pry Homura from that self-imprisonment, and when he could no longer see her angelic smile or hear her sweet voice, he yearned more for death to come. His insides became hollow- fortunately it numbed some of the physical pain experienced as the Jade Emperor reprimanded his nephew by means of torture.
After being cast away as nothing but trash, Homura felt like a walking void. Not much time had passed before he met Zenon, a hellion who had lost his mortal wife and child under the hands of a twisted youkai. And then Shien came into the picture having been plagued by his failure as Prince Nataku's advisor and right hand man. With his new companions, inspiration struck Homura to devise a plan.
Luckily, Zenon and Shien shared the point of view for need of a new universe. Who needed a world where the heavens could exile a god simple for showing empathy for those in the lower world? For his inability to help falling in love with an innocent mortal woman and consummating a holy union with her in which another guiltless life was produced? Who needed a world where the Jade Emperor displayed such cruelty as to send a child god to face a most perilous enemy? Where he would send a back up army and the then War Prince's advisor with strict orders to them not to intervene no matter the situation's status under penalty of death?
The exiled trio had enough of such a world. They watched as a once great empire crumbled beneath violence, misconception, and the spreading insanity of a youkai nation. It may appear to be a low blow, striking down Togenkyo and Tenkai at their worst, in their time of need, but Homura viewed it as merciful.
Whatever the case, Tenkai would pay for the suffering it'd caused, not only among the outcast gods but among the innocents punished for guilt by association.
"What better way than to turn their own against them?" Homura murmured thoughtfully to the air.
The words caught the ears of Shien, who stood to the left of the three-stepped throne. Without turning, the silver haired god spoke with a gentle and silky voice.
"Are you plotting again, my friend, or merely thinking aloud?"
From the cover of the second pillar to the right of the steps, Zenon voiced his own thoughts huskily.
"I'm willin' to bet he's brewin' a plan."
Homura managed a mirthless and vindictive smile. "I have been doing some silent reminiscing and planning, yes…If you recall my trip to the parallel world, I had come across the host of an elemental body."
Zenon moved from his post, gloved hands resting on leather clad hips, one green eye gazing intently to the War God as the other remained hidden behind scars and an eye patch.
"Yeah, ya told us that- but the avatar couldn't be used because that bitch, the Merciful Goddess, awakened her first, right?" He moved a hand through his spiky orange hair. "Those lousy bastards in Tenkai are always ruining our fun."
"Zenon…keep in mind we discovered the plans a little too late to do much about it." Shien reminded calmly as he turned to Homura. "What is it, then, that you're speculating?"
Satisfied that a prospective argument had been conciliated, the half-god gazed steadily to his henchmen each in turn. "I've heard talk about the fourth element not having been awakened. I suppose that since her last reign, Tenkai is more than wary to do so. However, it seems that others are searching for it to assist the revival of Gyomaoh. If we were to find it first or even to simply pluck it from them…"
"I get ya. If we took this fourth element, it'd be like hitting the jackpot." Zenon caught the drift, nodding.
"Yes, but there is good reason for the heavens not wanting to awaken the avatar- she has been known to rebel against orders. May I ask you something, Homura?" Shien inquired, lifting one hand. "What exactly do you hope to accomplish by having this element in your possession?"
Homura allowed his smile to phase into a smirk, his mismatched gaze shadowed when he lowered his chin. Dark blue-raven hair fell over the chakra-marked forehead as a devious chuckle escaped him.
"That, my friends, will only be divulged once the avatar is retrieved."
HoutouCastle
Laboratory
Something between a smirk and utter chagrin played across Dr. Ni Jenyi's face. He remained bewildered as to how Yaone had been able to play his mind so well. Of course he'd had suspicion the moment the female apothecary showed up- so then why had he thrown caution to the wind?
He supposed it was nothing more than falling helplessly to being a typical red blooded male. Yaone was rather attractive- more so than his dear Lady Gyukomen Koushu- though he'd never dare speak it aloud.
Dr. Huang sat at her console within the lab, still absolutely disgusted by what'd happened. She'd found her colleague passed out in the hallway, and to make matters worse, the same fate befell her not long after she went into the lab to investigate. She had a brief tête-à-tête with Kougaji's apothecary before a cloud of sweet smelling powder mulled her senses.
Huang barely had time to react, unable to speak intelligible words, before her body met the cold floor. Yaone obviously had no other intentions aside from stealing Ni's data files, and so only put those in her way in a temporary sleep. When the two scientists had finally come to, they discovered that Koushu had already been informed by Professor Wang of the events.
Surprisingly, their lives were all spared.
"Undoubtedly this was per orders of…our ungrateful Prince Kougaji." Ni slouched in his swivel chair near his computer.
Casting him a dark look, Huang pushed square wire-rimmed glasses up the bridge of her narrow nose. "Undoubtedly…Ni how could you be so careless and oblivious?! Any of Kougaji's companions coming down here is extremely suspicious!"
Ni clutched his white bunny doll closer, sighing in mock sorrow.
"I'm so…sorry, Dr, Huang…but you see, sometimes male tendencies…take over logic. Not that I'd expect you to know how that goes, hmm?" A slow chuckle parted his lips. "Not that I'd expect…any of those tendencies…male or otherwise to overwhelm you…Miss Class President is just so conservative, ne Snoogums?"
He lifted the bunny doll as though consulting it and then faced it to Huang, nodding its head once.
Glowering, Huang stood from her chair abruptly, speaking with a biting tone. "I wouldn't have let the files fall into the hands of anyone else, that's for sure!"
Ni chuckled again, shaking his head. "My, my…Lady Gyukomen Koushu isn't worried…in fact…Kougaji just may be…doing us a favor."
"Not if he plans on using that thing against us, but I guess the thought hadn't crossed your greasy little mind." The female scientist fumed. "He's only interested in freeing Rasetsunyo- any idiot could deduce that based on his constant inquisitions to Koushu about it. The rest of us could be swallowed up by the earth for all he cares, just as long as his mother was free."
By the new smug expression Ni displayed, Huang knew she shouldn't have spoken those last words.
"You wouldn't like to be…swallowed up…Dr. Huang? I'm sure it could be…arranged…"
Pivoting on her heels, Huang crossed her arms, lips drawn into a tight line. Genius or not, she couldn't stand the man as a person- if he could even be called a man was debatable. Nonetheless, she was stuck working with him, and despite Ni's crude and lewd behavior, he did have a rather brilliant mind.
"Vulgar comments aside, Ni, what do you propose we do about the situation? Wait like sitting ducks?"
The gangly man lit a cigarette much to Huang's annoyance, and brought the bunny doll to one ear as though listening to it speak. The next words from Ni's thin lips were contorted to the higher pitched voice of Snoogums.
"Why keep asking the…good doctor, hmm? No ideas of…your own? Can't you think…without someone holding your hand?"
Somehow Huang kept her patience. "I wouldn't hold your hand, let alone touch any part of you, with a twenty foot pole!" Well…she had kept most of it. At least she hadn't tried to wring his filthy pencil-neck.
Yet…the bunny doll did have a point…Wait- what was she thinking?! Ni had a point- why did she have to always consult him about a plan? Surely she was capable of making a plan of her own, wasn't she?
"Is there a way to track them? Can't you find them with your computer?"
"Of course I can," Ni dropped the ventriloquist act, "but why would I want to, hmm?"
Huang sat back down, eyebrows quirked. "To find out exactly what they're doing," she replied heatedly. "Then we'll know the precise location of the sphere and can send Koushu's demons to take it."
Applause met her ears- slow, halting, and very sarcastic. "A good effort, Dr. Huang…but it's useless." Ni rejected the idea. "Our…prince and his…lovely assistant are too much of a match for our…measly demons. Besides, the Lady isn't so worried. Gyomaoh's son has no thought…on how to open the sphere."
"Fine; this is why I don't bother. Nothing I say is ever taken into consideration. I almost hope that Kougaji uses the creature inside the sphere to his advantage, just to prove you and your "dear" Lady wrong." Huang seethed but regretted the words as soon as they were uttered.
"How…treasonous of you, Huang." A wry smile crossed his lips as Ni turned to face his monitor. "I do hope…Lady Gyukomen Koushu doesn't catching wind of such…tell-tale words. But…if it sates your hunger…"
The soft-spoken scientist pulled up a screen and in moments, three cursors appeared- one being the location of the sphere and the other two marking Kougaji and Yaone's whereabouts.
"Go on and…track away."
Dr. Huang clenched her jaw at the other, ignoring his smug tone and the sudden uprising of wild laughter from Professor Wang. The youkai scientist had remained quiet up until this point, and Huang wondered if he'd been enthralled with what she was sure proved to be entertaining dialogue. With a brush back of her dark brown hair, the female doctor left her seat to study the screen.
"It seems they've gotten very close to the mark…but what are those?" she gestured to a few more cursors that had appeared. "That isn't the Sanzo-ikkou is it? Didn't they disappear?"
Curious, Ni brought his attention to the console. "Hmm…no…they are tracked with different colored cursors…it seems our prince…has unexpected company…"
GansuForest
"My Lord Kougaji…do you feel that?" Yaone clutched the supply pack straps tightly in her fingers, ginger gaze flitting from tree to tree.
Kougaji didn't reply right away. They had come near to the heart of the forest and he'd sensed extra presences coming and going for the last four miles or so. According to the data given on Ni's files, the sphere's location should be around where Kou and Yaone treaded.
The youkai pair continued on their way, remaining within close quarters of each other. Neither had expected this mission to go without a hitch- there was likely something bound to go wrong.
That something had followed them, grown in number along the way, and finally caught up.
"Yaone, get back!" Kougaji ordered as he summoned his strength, violet gaze darkening with the formation of a fire spell between his palms.
Obeying, Yaone leapt away from the prince as he released whirlwind of fire in time to vanquish three approaching youkai. There was demons here- no surprise- but these weren't Koushu's bar-coded, mindless brand. These youkai did not have the stench of lost humanity.
As more ambled forth from the trees, the demon prince realized he and Yaone were outnumbered by far and completely surrounded. He kept his guard and advised her to do the same. These youkai hadn't attacked the pair even though three of their own had fallen.
From the midst of their new company, one singled himself out by coming forth. He appeared young in age, perhaps in his very early twenties, and had scarlet eyes which peeked from behind strands of thick blue-black, the rest of it pulled into a ponytail that reached his mid-back. A white trench coat enveloped his tall, broad shouldered torso, its maroon collar flipped high on his neck, the maroon trimmed hem brushing the back of his knees. Beneath the coat, a vest of the darker color was buttoned up above a pair of crisp white slacks hugging a narrow waist, and the legs of the pants were tucked into tall black laced boots.
His gaze remained cold as it rested upon the youkai prince.
"You are the Son of Gyomaoh, are you not?"
Kougaji lowered his hands, taking on a less threatening stance. "As much as I dislike admitting it, yes I am."
The other youkai's thin lips curved into a curious smile. "What business does Prince Kougaji have in the Gansu Forest?"
"I don't see how it's any of your concern. Who are you, anyway?" The reply held impatient heat.
"You're rather demanding, aren't you, son of Gyomaoh? I see your patience is wearing out already, however, so I shall acquiesce to your inquiry. My name is Tsung Lao, youkai mercenary under the command of heaven's Jade Emperor."
Yaone returned to Kou's side quietly, speaking to him with a soft volume. "Is that possible? I thought the heavens cared nothing for youkai and refused to interact with them."
"I thought the same." Kougaji replied simply, his attention never leaving Tsung Lao.
"Your assumptions, on any other occasion, would prove correct." Lao began, having heard their conversation. "However, this is an agreement withstanding more than five hundred years. It is my duty, and the duty of my clan, to monitor all activity in this forest."
"Over five hundred years?" Kougaji scoffed, skeptical. He'd been imprisoned for quite a long time but it was through the work of scriptures or magic- it was how his appearance was preserved. "You hardly look that old."
Lao detected the sarcasm but it hardly bothered him. Anyone he told this to had replied basically with the same words as the youkai prince's. The Gansu Forest did not have very many visitors, and most of those who'd passed were only travelers without negative intentions.
Yet there had been some who had ulterior motives for crossing these trees.
Tsung Lao brought a black gloved hand to his face, sweeping back the thick bangs to reveal a tri-chakra on his forehead.
"Does this answer your question, my friend?"
Startled, Kougaji's eyes widened and he took a step back, pulling Yaone with him gently by her arm. An immortal youkai? It was unheard of! Were all of them..? Those in the immediate circle around him and his apothecary bore the same markings, unobstructed by loose strands of hair. Those behind them did not.
"How many are there?" Yaone breathed eyes wide with growing apprehension.
"There are twenty of us under direct service to the Emperor. The others come and go with the flow of time but serve as though every day is their last." Lao dropped his hand and pushed back the fabric of his coat to reveal an elaborately crafted pommel of a sheathed katana. "I hold to my heart those of my clan very dearly and you have blindly slaughtered three of them."
"We thought we were under attack," Kougaji argued his point, unflinching. "Anyone else would have assumed the same."
Lao's empty expression returned, scarlet eyes becoming fiery. He hated resorting to violence, and by nature he was hardly mean-tempered. The death of his companions had been a swift and merciful one, he guessed, and though it wouldn't be forgotten, he supposed overlooking the act was possible. It all depended on the youkai prince's intentions.
"Have you come for the Fire Soul?"
So that was what it was called. Kougaji found it made sense now for Tsung Lao's clan to patrol and protect Gansu Forest. Why wouldn't Tenkai have someone to keep the sphere from leaving with the wrong kind of people? How like the gods to assign the underlings of the lower world to do their dirty work…
Kougaji lifted his chin in challenge. "I have every intention on taking it. I'm prepared to fight to the death to have it."
A gasp parted Yaone's lips. "Lord Kougaji…" the pharmacist suddenly felt a fear beyond comprehension. She could not lose him. She refused to lose him.
"I see…then I am prepared to face you as well, Son of Gyomaoh. I suspect it shall be an interesting spar." Lao drew his katana, the blade glinting like silver lightning. "My apologies in advance to both you and your companion for your untimely death."
Yaone began to protest- Lao had a weapon; he held the advantage of immortality; Kougaji had nothing but his spells, his summons, and a very mortal life. There lay almost no hope in defeating the enemy. Nevertheless, the youkai prince kept his determined solemnity and changed his stance to the offensive.
"Don't be so confident. I may surprise you yet." Kougaji replied coldly to Lao. "Yaone…stay back. I don't want you caught in the crossfire…and I may need you afterward."
What else could she do? It was an order from her prince and she had to obey. Yaone walked to a safer distance and almost immediately upon doing so, two pairs of hands detained her. She struggled to break free, but Lao called to her.
"Please don't worry; no harm will befall you, no matter the outcome, you have my word. This lies between he and I…they only hold you back to ensure that you shall not intervene."
Casting his gaze to Yaone to be sure that she was fine, Kougaji growled low. "Enough talk; that isn't what I came here for." He swung his attention back to Tsung Lao. "Let's get this over and done with already."
Tsung Lao smiled, lifting his katana above his head so that the tip of the blade seemed to vanish by its own brilliance. "As you wish, my friend."
Within that moment, the fight for the fire soul ensued. As the immortal youkai sped toward him, Kougaji began chanting a spell, bringing his palms high to his chest. The flames shot out in a severe spiral in a beeline for Lao, seemingly consuming him in their vengeance.
"Don't call me a friend!" the youkai prince growled as he watched the silver bladed katana cut clean through his attack. "I don't kill friends."
Evading another lash of fire, Tsung Lao took to the air, leaping to impossible heights, spinning the katana so that its point aimed straight down at Kougaji. He did not reply- he had no use for talk during an important battle. The only thing on his mind was defeating the enemy and protecting the Fire Soul Sphere from falling into the wrong hands.
Kougaji was forced to roll away from the attack, sliding back onto his knees, sneering at the immortal. Lao freed his weapon from the ground's hold where Kou had recently stood and brought the blade broadside widthwise in front of his face. They both paused, assessing each others' positions and then leapt back toward each other.
Chanting once again, the youkai prince thrust his hands forward to unleash several fire balls in Lao's direction. Evidently, Lao could not be bothered by the offense and swung his blade so rapidly that the fire balls reflected from him and reverted to the one who'd released them.
'He must truly need this sphere…' Lao thought to himself, twirling the katana by the pommel and swinging it, catching Kougaji's shoulder with the tip of the blade. 'Nobody has ever fought so hard for it.'
Taking no notice of the injury dealt to him, Kougaji pressed on, emitting a snarl from his lips as his hand wrapped around the sharp edge of Lao's weapon. It cut into his palm, drawing crimson liquid when it was retracted. The prince lifted his unharmed hand to summon another stream of liquid fire.
This time it did hit Tsung Lao, square in the chest, causing his feet to stumble in their advance. Despite the blow, the ageless demon fought on, his clothes displaying charred marks, his skin an angry red from the brunt of the flames.
It had hurt him- but not terribly so. 'It's a good thing…that would have easily taken out anyone else.'
'Jesus, that barely did anything to him!' Kougaji shook his head, lifting his chin in time to avoid getting skewered by the thin sword.
Spinning on his heels, Kou swung around so his back was pressed against Tsung Lao's own, and he gripped the wrist of the immortal's sword hand. Expending much effort, the demon prince forced the extended arm down in an attempt to steal control of the pommel.
He failed.
Lao twisted, arching his back to land a backward kick to the middle of Kougaji's spine, freeing from the strong grasp.
Groaning, the violet eyed youkai found himself face down on the forest floor, his back feeling like it'd been broken a hundred times over. He first caught his breath and then flipped himself over to find himself face to blade.
The katana pointed in between strands of maroon hair, Tsung Lao's scarlet gaze fiercely trained upon his opponent. "If you surrender now, I shall spare your life, Son of Gyomaoh, and you will be free to leave Gansu."
Kougaji could taste blood in his mouth, a result of the powerful kick that Lao had administered. He could hear the fear in Yaone's voice as she called to him, asking if he was alright, begging him to stop this.
"Over my dead body." Kou spat, clapping the insulting blade between his palms, forcing it to move to the side so he could return to his feet.
The momentum of Kougaji's movement caused Lao to take a step back, allowing enough time for them to face each other on their feet once more. Wiping the dribble of blood that had trickled from the corner of his mouth, the youkai prince dropped his gaze to the hilt of the katana.
Embedded within the cool silver metal was an orb that shone bright orange-red. All this time, the sphere had been so close, and it explained Lao's absolute refusal to let Kougaji loose the katana from his grip.
When the realization that Gyomaoh's son had made a startling revelation hit Tsung Lao, he drew his weapon back, high above his head. The challenge began anew, both youkai men circling each other, studying their rivals' moves carefully, catching the attempts to deter the other with intimidating gazes.
Their movement halted and they both smirked to the other. Kou spat blood to the ground as Lao brushed his loosened hair back behind his shoulders and they were upon each other again.
Tsung Lao pivoted to the right, dodging the prospectively potent torrent of heated combustion from Kougaji. His muscles bunched in his legs and, letting out a terrible cry, he leapt up and over to his enemy, prepared to strike. This could not go on anymore- the madness had to be stopped.
Much to Kou's dismay, his fleeting steps were not quick enough to avoid Lao's advance, nor were his arms raised in time for his defense. The blade of the katana plunged into the demon prince's chest, coming clear out of his back, tearing through the fabric of the dark blue jacket he wore.
Yaone's screams of utter horror echoed above the canopy of the forest, watching Kougaji drop to his knees, his eyes filling with disbelief.
The prince's gaze met the ageless' and found sympathy and regret glimmering behind the ruby pools. Tsung Lao withdrew his weapon from the tanned flesh of the fallen, sorrow clear in his gentle voice.
"You were an adversary worthy of my time. I apologize to you once again, Son of Gyomaoh."
Kougaji did not answer though his lips moved to form words, his head hung low, watching the crimson flowing from the wound in his chest. His breath escaped erratically, coming between the words which could not be discerned by anyone else.
"My Lord Kougaji!!" Yaone cried, breaking free from the grip of those who'd held her back for the duration of the fight.
Sensing her movement, Kougaji's head jerked upward suddenly, eyes warning her to remain where she stood. His mouth spoke the last of what he needed to say and with what remained of it, he accumulated the energy crucial to complete his task.
A black hole expanded from behind his kneeling form, the noise blaring from it deafening those surrounding him. In moments, a golem from hell, wrapped in a blazing bonfire, tore through the opening, mouth gaping to show a single bloodshot eyeball. It stared Tsung Lao in the eye and the immortal youkai recognized it to be a summoning from another realm.
With no time to escape the inevitable, the raven haired demon mercenary accepted his fate, holding tightly the pommel of his katana as the raging inferno enveloped him completely.
In moments the golem had vanished, leaving nothing in its wake but the odious scent of burnt flesh and melted steel. The protector of the Gansu Forest, the holder of the Fire Soul, had been conquered after a long five hundred plus years of patrolling the woods.
Kougaji slumped to the ground, noticing the other immortal demons fading from their posts. With the expelling of their leader, their lives were forfeit, having been tied directly with Lao's own. Only those of mortal blood were spared and they had already begun their silent and defeated retreat into the trees.
Yaone dashed to the youkai prince's side, lifting his head to her lap as she kneeled to the ground, assessing his wounds. The most critical was the final blow dealt by the katana- it was up to her to stave the blood flow and repair his flesh as best she could. Tears flooded to her tangerine eyes and Kougaji gazed to her in bewilderment.
"What are you…crying for? I'm just…fine, Yaone."
"I was scared, Lord Kougaji, please forgive me." She sniffled in reply, wiping the salty tears with the back of her gloved hand. "You must hold still and please do not talk; save your energy for the journey back to Houtou."
"The sphere…Yaone, where is the sphere?" He ignored her request, scanning the ground for the orb he had seen resting in the hilt of Lao's katana. If he had inadvertently destroyed the sphere with the golem's attack, then this all would have been in vain.
Taking brief precious seconds to search the immediate area for the orb, Yaone's gaze caught upon something shimmering in her prince's hand. She reached out, taking a small orange-red ball from his palm and held it up for him to see.
A smile spread across Kou's lips…it had been saved. He sighed, panting for breath, but the pain had dulled already. There was hope yet. His mother still had a chance, and Koushu, along with her meddling lackeys, had nothing against him now.
"Now please, Lord Kougaji, let me tend to these wounds…" Yaone insisted and when he nodded to her, she began the process of mending what had been broken.
Tenkai
LotusGarden
Kanzeon Bosatsu tired of waiting. She knew that only a week or so had passed in the parallel world where the avatars resided, but it was the equivalent of about half a month in this one. The elementals had been awaken, she had made sure of that, but Sanzo's constant denunciation of who they were caused much hindrance in the realization of it on the girls' part.
The effeminate emerald-eyed companion of his had the right idea by assuming the trio of young women the Sanzo-ikkou had come across was who they sought. Even Son Goku, a simpleton of a chimp, had come to the same conclusion.
"Why do you insist on being so bone-headed, Konzen…I honestly don't know where you get it from…"
From beside the throne, the silver haired Jiroushin sighed exasperatedly. The Merciful Goddess noticed it right away.
"What is it, Jiroushin?"
His eyes widened. "It's nothing, Merciful Goddess. What makes you think…"
"…Oh please, spare me your hemming and hawing." Kanzeon waved a gold-bangle clad arm. "You've been letting out more hot air than the Jade Emperor these past few days, so out with it."
Jiroushin hung his head as he spoke, fatigue evident in his tone. "Why don't you just bring the Sanzo group and the elementals back to Shangri La? Wouldn't that be much easier?"
"I suppose so, but where is the fun in that?" she replied, red painted lips curling at the corners. "The elemental hosts must come to a full awakening and degree of enlightenment before being exposed to this world, anyway."
"By whose orders?" Jiroushin inquired, an almost sly smile lighting his worn face.
Kanzeon quirked a fine dark brow. "By nobody's orders…alright, by mine, I suppose."
"Ah…" the subsidiary god voiced, still keeping his smile.
The raven haired goddess sighed, resting her chin in a palm. "What is it now? I can practically hear that grin."
Jiroushin clasped his hands together. "Forgive my forwardness, Merciful Goddess, but wouldn't it prove more entertaining if you did bring them back here?"
"What? Are you crazy?" Kanzeon lifted her head from her hand, gazing down toward Togenkyo. "Subject them to inhumane youkai before their gifts have come to term? Make them travel with Konzen and his motley crew of misfits until they all figure out there is a purpose behind their meeting?" She paused, imagining such a scene. "Actually, yes, that would be most amusing."
"So what do you say to it?" Jiroushin inquired urgently. The way he figured it, if the avatars were in Shangri La, it would be less bothersome to keep watch from a separate world. Also, if things became far too hectic or chaotic, it would be much easier and less tiring for Kanzeon to intervene.
The goddess cast her indigo gaze to him. "Oh alright…but let's wait just a few more days. I have a feeling something interesting has yet to happen in the other world to Konzen."
Bringing a palm to his forehead, the aged god shook his head. "What am I ever going to do with you?"
"I'm sure you'll figure it out someday, Jiroushin." Her reply sounded, laced with delight. Her gaze flitted back to survey the lower world, coming across the canopy of the Gansu Forest.
"Why…is that Gyomaoh's son down there?" She murmured to herself, focusing in on the injured youkai prince being tended to by his female pharmacist. "What is in his hand?"
For once, worry crossed the otherwise complacent visage of Kanzeon Bosatsu. Her voice fell to a stunned whisper.
"I can't believe it…he's found the Fire Soul."