Chapter 1: Heir To The Throne
Liquid pools of amethysts widened when she felt the strong ki that emenated from two different location. The ki was both familiar and foreign to her acute senses and she lifted her gaze to the tower, where her father rests, and felt the ki there too.
"Nobutada," she called softly to her chief counsel and bodyguard. "Did you just...I mean, its an incredibly ridiculuous query, but do you think --" She let the question trail off when he turned to her with a serious expression.
"Yes, my lady," the faithful servant answered to the unvoiced question. "There is no mistake."
She let out a sugh and looked up at the tower once again, determination hardened her eyes and love softened them at the same time. She turned to Nobutada again and said, "Gather all my men and have someone pack my belongings. All of them. I don't want to leave a sign of my existance to linger inthe castle. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my lady," and the faithful servant turned to do his mistress bidding when she called him again.
"One more thing, Nobutada," she said softly. "I request an audience wioth my father on the earliest occasion possible. Preferably before Kitakami goes away for his quest."
The serant nodded and went on his way. She looked up at the tower again and sighed. Everything and everyone she'd known for the last twenty years of her life had been in this country. But she knew that this moment would come and she knew that there is no other choice.
The heir to Raizen's throne will be restored and his destiny will be fulfilled.
-----
"Are you telling me that this Raizen person is my father and he's demanding me to return to his kingdom?" Yusuke Urameshi asked, torn between annoyance and disbelief.
"Not exactly demanding," Kitakami amended. He should've grabbed this impertinent boy when he was still a babe, at least then, he wouldn't have to deal with his cockiness. "I was also under the impression that Lord Raizen desires to face you, his son, in battle."
Tch. Ever since he returened to Ningenkai after his battle with Sensui, a battle that gotten out of hand, no thanks to his so-called father, he's been contemplating whether or not to seek him out. Still, he had to admire this Raizen person's emmisarry for danglking the promise of battle between father and son as bait.
"Lord Raizen is weakening, Urameshi," Kitakami continued, breaking through his thoughts. "Dying, to put it bluntly. He needs his heir to lead and protect his holdings. Once he dies without you, his successor, by his side a power struggle will occur between the leaders of the other two nations in an attempt to rise above the other. And if the struggle between Mokuro and Yomi is not settled, a war will break out."
"So, I'm the equalizer, is that it?"
"You are Raizen's heir," Kitakami stressed. "And, yes, your presence will soothe the worrying of the other lesser nobles. Our country needs you. The blood of Raizen has been awakened; embrace your destiny and come back ith us to Makai."
"And if I refuse?" the young man challenged.
"Then, we'll have to take you by force," Kitakami replied blandly. "Would you prefer to be presented to your father all bound and gagged?"
Yusuke's expression became fierce at the veiled threat then calmed again. He shrugged offhandedly and started to walk away. "Give time to tie up a few loose ends here then I'll go."
-----
After a few days of notifying his friends of his plans, Yusuke met up again with Kitakami and his two cohorts at Genkai-sama's place where a tunnel will be open for them, thanks to Koenma's influence. He followed his escort in the portal until they arrived at the other side.
"How long will it take for us to reach your place?" Yusuke asked as he surveyed the barren landscape.
"Eight to ten days if we walk," Kitakami answered, a small smile playing on his lips. "But, of course, we can always run."
Yusuke rolled his eyes in exasperation. Does he always have to pry answeres from this guy? "Look, baldy, I want tis whole Raizen-is-your-father business finished so I can fix whatever problem you want to be fixed and return home," he said sarcastically, earning a death galare fro his companions. "How long, that's all I ask."
"Four days," Kitakami bit out. "We'll be there in four days if everybody keeps the speed up. Can you catch up, Urameshi?"
"I'm ready when you are."
Kitakami nodded to his comrades and started the pace. They didn't stop running except for the occasional rest and drink of water. Kitakami admired Yusuke's endurance and he bore the exhaustion of running without complaints. He's relieved that Lord Raizen's son didn't grow up to be such a wimp, else he'd be paying it with his life.
After four days of long and tedious journey, they have finally arrived at the outskirts of the main village where Raizen holds his court. Yusuke surveyed his surroundings curiously as they walked towards the castle, passing through the busy marketplace. Some of the population looked on and talked amongst themselves with a mixture of alarm and anticipation. And on everyone's lips, the news of the return of the Lord's heir passed.
"My father is in there?" Yusuke asked as they reached the castle's threshold, looking up at the imposing structure of clay and rocks.
"Your father is in his chambers," Kitakami replied. "He rarely leaves the safety of the keep."
"Then, how does he run the country?"
Kitakami's hand stilled when he reached to open the heavy metal door. The question has taken him off guard and he had orders to follow. "He has someone he trusts to rule in his stead," he answered vaguely and pushed the door open.
"Am I going to meet this 'someone'?" Yusuke asked again as they continued to the stairs. "I mean, you've told me many times on the way over here that I am my father's heir and rule when the time comes and I don't know this someone. He might assume my place as the next leader. Not, of course, that I'm accepting the job or anything."
"Of course," Kitakami echoed and hesitated. "But I'm afraid that the person you are seeking is not here. If you have any more questions, my lord, it would be better if you directed them to Lord Raizen. I am not authorize to disclose any information with a sensitive nature such as this."
After what seemed like an eternity, they had reached the Master's chamber and Yusuke had grown restless when he felt the strong ki emanating from behind the doors that held his past, present and future. Kitakami pushed it open and Yusuke followed him inside. The room was shrouded in shadows and jumped when a torch came to life, the fire coming from an unknown source.
"I see that you have not failed me this time, Kitakami," a deep voice in the shadows said. "Else, I would've regretted to lose such an able and loyal soldier." Beside Yusuke, Kitakami kneeled before his lord.
"I hope I've redeemed myself, my lord," Kitakami said respectfully. "I present you your son and heir, Yusuke."
"Leave us, Kitakami, and seek the rest you deserve from your long journey," the voice said again. "I'm afraid my son's questions could not wait for long."
Kitakami rose and bowed again to both Yusuke and the figure in the shadows before taking his leave and closing the heavy metal door. Silence descended upon the room as Yusuke sized up his father's ki.
"Come a little closer, Yusuke," he said. "I know that you are curious to see the face that sired you."
Yusuke released the breath he didn't know he was holding and stepped closer to the shadows. His eyes seemed to adjust in the gloom and then he saw him, his long pale blond hair swept across his back as he hunched over. His breathing was laborious and his thin body barely supported him as he sat on his throne. But despite the cadaverous appearance, he had the air of an aging warrior, still proud and arrogant and ready for the next battle to rage his way. His brown eyes, like Yusuke's, glittered in satisfaction when he saw his long lost son.
Then, all of a sudden, he fired an energy ball at Yusuke through the Rei Gun. Yusuke barely escaped and looked at his father in surprise. Isn't he supposed to be on death's door? He wondered as he straightened. And his wonder turned to annoyance when Raizen lifted a mocking brow.
"Why did you interfere in my battle with Sensui?" Yusuke asked without preamble.
Raizen chuckled. "You don't go beating around the bush, do you, my son?" he said and chickled again. "Your candor is a good characteristic of a great leader."
"Why, Raizen? I didn't ask you to point out my leadership skills."
Raizen sighed and looked up at him as he would look at a soldier under him. "You are my son," he said. "Do you really want a weak mortal such as he to end your life in a battle?"
"At least the battle was fairly won," Yusuke bit out angrily. "I fight my own battles, Father, and I do not need your interference."
"And so you do," Raizen conceded. "You have your duties to your country, Yusuke. Fulfill them well. You are dismissed."
Yusuke narrowed his eyes at him in a barely concealed annoyance and left without a backward glance.
---
Kitakami ran swiftly into the forest, dodging branches and avoiding wild animals until he reached a campsite. He bowed at the campers and sought out Nobutada.
"Nobutada," he called out when he saw the man who just arrived from a successful hunt. "I have news. Where is the Mistress?"
"She's over yonder," Nobutada replied and left his companions to the preparation of the game they had captured. "She's taking her bath at the lake."
"Unprotected?" Kitakami asked then shrugged. "You know the repercussions when she gets kidnapped. Again."
"Do you think me a fool?" Nobutada said scathingly. "Whoever tries to abduct her again will pass over the dead bodies of those loyal to her. Including me."
Kitakami smiled inwardly, it was always rewarding, riling Nobutada to a temper, and chose not to answer as they neared the lake. He saw ten of his mistress's men surrounding the perimeter of the lake and another five hidden among the trees.
"It's a little over the top, don't you think?" Kitakami asked innocently and Nobutada growled menacingly at him.
Nobutada's mistress saw him and approached the bank where her yukata was. Nobutada dutifully picked up the wrapper and covered his mistress with it as she rose from the waters, her ink black hair heavy from its wetness. Kitakami approached her and kneeled.
"My lady, I have important news," he began and rose when she nodded her approval. "I have just returned from an errand your father sent me to."
"And?" she prodded patiently.
"I have returned from the errand most successful." Kitakami announced. "Your brother has been restored."
A sweet smile brightened Lady Sumire's face at the news.
[A/N: They talk funny, I know. I just got the feel of the Medieval times whenever I remember those episodes of YYH. Now, don't be shy and give me some lovin'... I mean, reviews -;;]
Liquid pools of amethysts widened when she felt the strong ki that emenated from two different location. The ki was both familiar and foreign to her acute senses and she lifted her gaze to the tower, where her father rests, and felt the ki there too.
"Nobutada," she called softly to her chief counsel and bodyguard. "Did you just...I mean, its an incredibly ridiculuous query, but do you think --" She let the question trail off when he turned to her with a serious expression.
"Yes, my lady," the faithful servant answered to the unvoiced question. "There is no mistake."
She let out a sugh and looked up at the tower once again, determination hardened her eyes and love softened them at the same time. She turned to Nobutada again and said, "Gather all my men and have someone pack my belongings. All of them. I don't want to leave a sign of my existance to linger inthe castle. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my lady," and the faithful servant turned to do his mistress bidding when she called him again.
"One more thing, Nobutada," she said softly. "I request an audience wioth my father on the earliest occasion possible. Preferably before Kitakami goes away for his quest."
The serant nodded and went on his way. She looked up at the tower again and sighed. Everything and everyone she'd known for the last twenty years of her life had been in this country. But she knew that this moment would come and she knew that there is no other choice.
The heir to Raizen's throne will be restored and his destiny will be fulfilled.
-----
"Are you telling me that this Raizen person is my father and he's demanding me to return to his kingdom?" Yusuke Urameshi asked, torn between annoyance and disbelief.
"Not exactly demanding," Kitakami amended. He should've grabbed this impertinent boy when he was still a babe, at least then, he wouldn't have to deal with his cockiness. "I was also under the impression that Lord Raizen desires to face you, his son, in battle."
Tch. Ever since he returened to Ningenkai after his battle with Sensui, a battle that gotten out of hand, no thanks to his so-called father, he's been contemplating whether or not to seek him out. Still, he had to admire this Raizen person's emmisarry for danglking the promise of battle between father and son as bait.
"Lord Raizen is weakening, Urameshi," Kitakami continued, breaking through his thoughts. "Dying, to put it bluntly. He needs his heir to lead and protect his holdings. Once he dies without you, his successor, by his side a power struggle will occur between the leaders of the other two nations in an attempt to rise above the other. And if the struggle between Mokuro and Yomi is not settled, a war will break out."
"So, I'm the equalizer, is that it?"
"You are Raizen's heir," Kitakami stressed. "And, yes, your presence will soothe the worrying of the other lesser nobles. Our country needs you. The blood of Raizen has been awakened; embrace your destiny and come back ith us to Makai."
"And if I refuse?" the young man challenged.
"Then, we'll have to take you by force," Kitakami replied blandly. "Would you prefer to be presented to your father all bound and gagged?"
Yusuke's expression became fierce at the veiled threat then calmed again. He shrugged offhandedly and started to walk away. "Give time to tie up a few loose ends here then I'll go."
-----
After a few days of notifying his friends of his plans, Yusuke met up again with Kitakami and his two cohorts at Genkai-sama's place where a tunnel will be open for them, thanks to Koenma's influence. He followed his escort in the portal until they arrived at the other side.
"How long will it take for us to reach your place?" Yusuke asked as he surveyed the barren landscape.
"Eight to ten days if we walk," Kitakami answered, a small smile playing on his lips. "But, of course, we can always run."
Yusuke rolled his eyes in exasperation. Does he always have to pry answeres from this guy? "Look, baldy, I want tis whole Raizen-is-your-father business finished so I can fix whatever problem you want to be fixed and return home," he said sarcastically, earning a death galare fro his companions. "How long, that's all I ask."
"Four days," Kitakami bit out. "We'll be there in four days if everybody keeps the speed up. Can you catch up, Urameshi?"
"I'm ready when you are."
Kitakami nodded to his comrades and started the pace. They didn't stop running except for the occasional rest and drink of water. Kitakami admired Yusuke's endurance and he bore the exhaustion of running without complaints. He's relieved that Lord Raizen's son didn't grow up to be such a wimp, else he'd be paying it with his life.
After four days of long and tedious journey, they have finally arrived at the outskirts of the main village where Raizen holds his court. Yusuke surveyed his surroundings curiously as they walked towards the castle, passing through the busy marketplace. Some of the population looked on and talked amongst themselves with a mixture of alarm and anticipation. And on everyone's lips, the news of the return of the Lord's heir passed.
"My father is in there?" Yusuke asked as they reached the castle's threshold, looking up at the imposing structure of clay and rocks.
"Your father is in his chambers," Kitakami replied. "He rarely leaves the safety of the keep."
"Then, how does he run the country?"
Kitakami's hand stilled when he reached to open the heavy metal door. The question has taken him off guard and he had orders to follow. "He has someone he trusts to rule in his stead," he answered vaguely and pushed the door open.
"Am I going to meet this 'someone'?" Yusuke asked again as they continued to the stairs. "I mean, you've told me many times on the way over here that I am my father's heir and rule when the time comes and I don't know this someone. He might assume my place as the next leader. Not, of course, that I'm accepting the job or anything."
"Of course," Kitakami echoed and hesitated. "But I'm afraid that the person you are seeking is not here. If you have any more questions, my lord, it would be better if you directed them to Lord Raizen. I am not authorize to disclose any information with a sensitive nature such as this."
After what seemed like an eternity, they had reached the Master's chamber and Yusuke had grown restless when he felt the strong ki emanating from behind the doors that held his past, present and future. Kitakami pushed it open and Yusuke followed him inside. The room was shrouded in shadows and jumped when a torch came to life, the fire coming from an unknown source.
"I see that you have not failed me this time, Kitakami," a deep voice in the shadows said. "Else, I would've regretted to lose such an able and loyal soldier." Beside Yusuke, Kitakami kneeled before his lord.
"I hope I've redeemed myself, my lord," Kitakami said respectfully. "I present you your son and heir, Yusuke."
"Leave us, Kitakami, and seek the rest you deserve from your long journey," the voice said again. "I'm afraid my son's questions could not wait for long."
Kitakami rose and bowed again to both Yusuke and the figure in the shadows before taking his leave and closing the heavy metal door. Silence descended upon the room as Yusuke sized up his father's ki.
"Come a little closer, Yusuke," he said. "I know that you are curious to see the face that sired you."
Yusuke released the breath he didn't know he was holding and stepped closer to the shadows. His eyes seemed to adjust in the gloom and then he saw him, his long pale blond hair swept across his back as he hunched over. His breathing was laborious and his thin body barely supported him as he sat on his throne. But despite the cadaverous appearance, he had the air of an aging warrior, still proud and arrogant and ready for the next battle to rage his way. His brown eyes, like Yusuke's, glittered in satisfaction when he saw his long lost son.
Then, all of a sudden, he fired an energy ball at Yusuke through the Rei Gun. Yusuke barely escaped and looked at his father in surprise. Isn't he supposed to be on death's door? He wondered as he straightened. And his wonder turned to annoyance when Raizen lifted a mocking brow.
"Why did you interfere in my battle with Sensui?" Yusuke asked without preamble.
Raizen chuckled. "You don't go beating around the bush, do you, my son?" he said and chickled again. "Your candor is a good characteristic of a great leader."
"Why, Raizen? I didn't ask you to point out my leadership skills."
Raizen sighed and looked up at him as he would look at a soldier under him. "You are my son," he said. "Do you really want a weak mortal such as he to end your life in a battle?"
"At least the battle was fairly won," Yusuke bit out angrily. "I fight my own battles, Father, and I do not need your interference."
"And so you do," Raizen conceded. "You have your duties to your country, Yusuke. Fulfill them well. You are dismissed."
Yusuke narrowed his eyes at him in a barely concealed annoyance and left without a backward glance.
---
Kitakami ran swiftly into the forest, dodging branches and avoiding wild animals until he reached a campsite. He bowed at the campers and sought out Nobutada.
"Nobutada," he called out when he saw the man who just arrived from a successful hunt. "I have news. Where is the Mistress?"
"She's over yonder," Nobutada replied and left his companions to the preparation of the game they had captured. "She's taking her bath at the lake."
"Unprotected?" Kitakami asked then shrugged. "You know the repercussions when she gets kidnapped. Again."
"Do you think me a fool?" Nobutada said scathingly. "Whoever tries to abduct her again will pass over the dead bodies of those loyal to her. Including me."
Kitakami smiled inwardly, it was always rewarding, riling Nobutada to a temper, and chose not to answer as they neared the lake. He saw ten of his mistress's men surrounding the perimeter of the lake and another five hidden among the trees.
"It's a little over the top, don't you think?" Kitakami asked innocently and Nobutada growled menacingly at him.
Nobutada's mistress saw him and approached the bank where her yukata was. Nobutada dutifully picked up the wrapper and covered his mistress with it as she rose from the waters, her ink black hair heavy from its wetness. Kitakami approached her and kneeled.
"My lady, I have important news," he began and rose when she nodded her approval. "I have just returned from an errand your father sent me to."
"And?" she prodded patiently.
"I have returned from the errand most successful." Kitakami announced. "Your brother has been restored."
A sweet smile brightened Lady Sumire's face at the news.
[A/N: They talk funny, I know. I just got the feel of the Medieval times whenever I remember those episodes of YYH. Now, don't be shy and give me some lovin'... I mean, reviews -;;]
