Chap. 9 – From beyond the grave

A hot and humid afternoon found one Genma Saotome, self-proclaimed honourable martial artist, trekking through yet another seemingly tropical jungle. Having recovered from a most dishonourable sneak attack from those blasted cats Genma had packed camp to set off in the utmost urgency in search of his successor. After he had eaten, washed, slept, and bandaged his wounds first of course.

Swearing out loud a few choice phrases, Genma swatted again at the bloody insects that plagued him. He had been tramping through this scenery for the past two weeks and by Kami was he getting sick of it. Green has become the new pink in his eyes, a most utterly despicable colour. He couldn't wait till he was out of this hellhole swamped by demon like life forms that made a living out of torturing him.

Slap! He squished an enormously disproportionate mosquito that had landed on his forearm and was attempting to feast on his life's blood. He soooo should have taken the peddler's deal on insect repellents despite the fact the bugger was so obviously trying to swindle him.

All this, he thought, was that boy's fault! If he didn't react so abnormally to the Neko ken training then none of this would be happening. He would not be hunting down the ungrateful brat through the wilderness of China (and lord knows that's one huge country) and getting eaten alive through the process. Genma vowed to himself that once he gets his hands on the green-eyed child, the boy would regret doing whatever it is he did that day.

Inwardly shuddering at the events on that fateful evening, Genma let out a deep sigh. He'd never before experience such a power, and the way it washed over him…he would never forget that feeling. A green fire that was alive, that burned and chilled him from the inside all at the same time. If that was somehow the boy's potential exposed due to the circumstance, then he simply must get the child back. Why, if that raw power was trained appropriately by the appropriate person – namely himself, then the boy could be the greatest ever. His very own prodigy…Genma's face took on a dreamy look as he envisioned a future where his successor, now proudly claimed as his son was famous and renowned. The boy would be undyingly grateful to him for all he has done, showering him with riches, why he could retire early buy a grand estate, travel first class and not to mention the food…

As his thoughts ran amok, Genma wiped his sleeve across his face, cleaning up the drool that had pooled at the corner of his mouth. Face set with new determination the balding martial artist trudged onwards.

Back at the village of Joketsuzoku, completely unawares of the delusional plans involving him that a certain fat martial artist was making, one green-eyed boy, now known as Harry Potter slept on. Despite his outwardly serene appearance, his rapidly darting eyeballs evident upon close examination betrayed the happenings inside his mind.

The boy found himself floating again. Inside a cocoon of warmth woven from fine thread of gold, he blinked awake. The voice was no longer singing but the calming presence remained. He carefully stretched, testing out his form and found himself to be in much better condition than previously. He was still wearing his training gi albeit it was in better from than it ever was, exempt from dirt, mud, scratches and patches that were normally littered across the white garment. Curious he peeked out from his position and found himself confronted by the ocean. The blue-green waves lapped gently upon the shore and in the distant horizon the sun was dawning, casting its orange glow upon the land to light up the sandy beach below him in glittering gold. The scene was breathtaking and Harry dared not blink, for fear that it will all disappear as soon as he closed his eyes. He loved the sea, had loved it the moment he laid eyes on it too far back to remember. He loved the way the ocean changed, the way it morphed as if it were a living being. When he and his sensei had the fortune to train on a beach once, the older man had ridiculed his love of nature. Stating that there were better things to do than admire scenery like a pansy, his sensei had dragged him back to training. Now, however, Harry took it all in and found himself overwhelmed with awe and a feeling he could not name.

It was not until later, so absorbed as he was in the setting, that the boy spotted the figure stretched languidly across the boulders some distance away down the beach. Curiosity taking over him again, he scrambled down his floating sanctuary on to the beach. A small smile gracing his face as he felt the damp sand sift between his toes the green-eyed boy darted forward soundlessly, towards the unknown figure.

It was a woman, a beautiful woman with auburn hair. A woman that was familiar to him somehow, although he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He stood in front of her relaxed form, not sure of what to do, not wanting to awaken this ethereal creature from her slumber. So the boy just stood and watched and waited.

He didn't know how long it was, time didn't seem to exist wherever he was. But Harry found himself staring into brilliant emerald eyes. Eyes that danced, eyes filled with unconditional love, eyes that were a mirror image to his. He felt the breath catch in his throat.

"Harry," She spoke, voice gentle and as lovely as he had envisioned. "My baby."

Reaching out the women embraced him, and the boy let her, despite years of training and mistrust of strangers that was ingrained into him. He needed this, needed it more than anything else he has ever needed, needed this strange and beautiful woman to hold him, to love him like no one has before. Eyes blurring, Harry hugged back, and felt the connection strengthen eliciting memories long forgotten.

Gasping, the boy uttered, hope and desperation apparent in his unsteady voice.

"Mother?"

Xian Pu was bored. Watching Harry sleep was all fine and dandy, but when that's the only thing you've been doing for the past five hours…well said task begins to hold as much fun and excitement as watching paint dry. And Xian Pu would know all about that, the girl eyed the newly painted walls of the recovery bay with distaste. After a rather nasty incident with cream puffs, Mu Tsu and a rubber ducky, Lan finally got the excuse to refurbish and decked the whole room in neon blue, lavender, orange and green. Lan had always had a weird streak, the healer thought white walls were too bland and dreary for good healing to take place in and decided to liven things up a bit with some colour. She stated in that calm no-nonsense voice that such an improvement would aid in the recovery of the patient as colours bring a sense of life and enjoyment. Personally Xian Pu thought the only aid the newly decorated room would bring to the healing process was to give the patient the aspiration to heal as fast as possible to escape the blinding room.

'Where are earth did she find those colours anyhow?' Sighing in bemusement Xian Pu allowed herself to settle back in her newly cushioned wicker chair and returned to Harry gazing.

The boy in question was currently staring in awe at his long dead mother who didn't appear so dead at that moment. He had heard the tale as told by his sensei many times, how his parents had died in a terrible, tragic accident and how by risking his life the balding martial artist had managed to save Harry but was too late for his poor parents. How Genma had kept him and raised him as his own child, training him as his heir, how the boy should show more respect and gratitude to his saviour. Lily gave a wane smile and tucked a lock of red-gold hair behind her ear.

"That's a bunch of bull-crap you realise." The boy startled.

"You… can read my mind?" His eyes widened.

Lily threw back her head releasing a peal of tinkering laughter.

"Oh my son, there is much you don't know. For instance, your true heritage as a wizard, how your father and I really perished and the weight that lies on your small shoulders."

"A what?"

"Shush love, we haven't much time. But I want you to know that your father and I love you, very very much. He wished to be here as well but the one you would know as Izanami drives a hard bargain." At this the woman shook her head, resigned.

"I am amazed I am here at all myself. But there is no time to dwell on that. Listen my Harry, my little boy. It is love that saved you and love that will see you into the man you are to become. Your road is not an easy one, and sometimes you may stray off the path set for you. But you must be strong, for I know you have the conviction and courage needed for the tasks ahead."

Upon hearing his given name, so long neglected, the boy blinked as if waking up for the first time. Fixing his mother's words in his mind, he promised to follow her wishes, swearing this in his honour.

"There are people who ask too much, people who do not hesitate to thrust such responsibility onto shoulders much too young. Do not hate nor resent them Harry, they are weak so you can be strong. Believe in yourself even if others do not, but most importantly you must learn to see through this." A gentle tap on his chest, where below lay his beating heart, a childish heart that loved and accepted.

With smiling eyes that twinkled with what looked suspiciously like tears, the woman embraced her child one last time. Kissing him gently upon the forehead and both cheeks she whispered.

"It's time my little one. Time for you to go back. As much as I would love to keep you here with me, I cannot deprive a broken world of its hero."

Pushing him towards the sea, she stepped back, figure becoming translucent as the setting behind her. Green eyes wild, the boy attempted to run back to his mother's warm embrace, not wishing to leave now that he has finally found her. Lily shook her magnificent head, tears flowing freely down her cheeks she waved her baby boy onwards.

"Into the shadows you will go my mageling, but remember, light will shine in the most unexpected of places. And despite the impossibilities you may face, the wild spirit in you will conquer all."

Harry felt the sea take him, as the beach and its lone occupant faded away. His mother's final words still ringing in his ears he felt blackness overcome him and he slipped away.

"May our love keep you safe."

Kuh Long nearly dropped her cup of tea as her great granddaughter came storming in as if a hoard of Musk warriors were on her tail. Cheeks flushed Xian Pu sprinted the rest of the way across the hall ignoring the curious and some disapproving glances shot her way by the occupants currently training in the dojo. Coming to a stop inches away from the Matriarch, the heiress of the village hastily bowed paying her respects before her mouth took her away and what sounded like an incoherent babble streamed forth.

The most respected elder blinked almost owlishly as she tried to sort out the onslaught of words. Catching a 'Harry' and 'awake' she quickly raised a hand to halt the overexcited girl.

"Slower Xian Pu."

"I apologise Elder." Xian caught her breath and began anew. "The boy, Harry Potter, woke up not more than ten minutes ago. Healer Lan is attending to him at this very moment, while I was given the task of informing you of this new development." She spoke formerly aware of the audience they held.

"The boy, Elder, is in apparent good health with one exception." Kuh Long let a slight frown develop at this.

"His mind…?" The Matriarch queried.

"No, Elder, we have reason to believe his mind is completely in tact from his responses." Came the response.

"Then?"

"Well let's just say that Lan's new colour scheme won't be bothering him too much. The boy cannot see, Elder. Harry Potter is blind."

A/N: Whee! Another chapter! Same old routine – review for more! Come on 10 reviews per chappie isn't that much to ask for surely?