After nearly two years of no written work…I'm sure to be booed off the stage if there was an imaginary one. But long last and some self-prompts from yours truly. I've finished revising another chapter to this never ending epic of mine. This may be several years late in thanking, but if there are still fans for this story. I have to beg minna for patience with me. I just don't know when the next chapter for this story will come out and frankly to say it, I don't know how to continue the chapters. I can imagine scenes for chapters, and I have already over 100 pages written for the not revised chapters, but real life beckons with graduating from college and moving on hopefully to graduate school.
I stopped reading Sailor Moon and Yu Yu Hakusho for such a long while, that I'm quite rusty in that fandom.
This chapter is woefully unbeta, so if there are grammatical issues. Have to apologize for that situation. I wrote this chapter with much inclination for being development and if there is any memory toward my original chapters. This chapter I feel is a much richer and more mature look into one of my original fandoms. Hope you all enjoy and not get too confused. In looking at my word count, there are 19 pages written.
I didn't put any references in this chapter. Naturally I assume for people who read this story to have actually seen the entire Yu Yu Hakusho series. I'm more worried about confusion from references of YYH, than I am about Sailor Moon. Cheers though!
Oh, much appreciate and a heartfelt gratefulness for people who would have opinions for my chapter.
means a break in scene.
Chapter 3
Tokyo
Up ahead: Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Botan saw something bad occurring.
Several clear blobs were seen slithering around the legs of people. Glowing white, the people silently dropped into an unconscious state.
Something felt wrong though; Yusuke couldn't smell any youkai scent around, seeing what was happening though he shouted, "Rei Gun!"
His energy ball impacted the blob, having no affect other than getting the blob aware of the Tantei. In response, the blob slowly shimmer a bluish-green hue: quickly forming into a gelatin figure. Turning around a face on the thing, it hissed, "Humans- must contribute - energy!"
Oozing out an arm, it made to grab onto Yusuke and the battle began.
Kurama with his Rose Whip; quickly whipped at the gel.
Charging forward, Kuwabara cried out, "Rei Ken!"
Botan grabbed her oar out and floating upward. She called out, "I'll go check if those people are all right."
Yusuke let out an affirmative shout as he and the others saw that defeating the monster weren't easy as it looked. The monsters duplicate itself every time Yusuke and the others attacked. This was bad, as Yusuke and Kuwabara slowly became exhausted.
Only Kurama seemed to be having some success, but slowly they were surrounded by these duplicated things.
Finally when it seemed that the monsters were closing in, a red rose embedded itself in the pavement in front of them. The tracker, unnoticed from Yusuke's pocket started to beep at a low frequency…
"Hurting innocent people in broad daylights were never a good thing, and this is not something that I: Tuxedo Kamen will forgive!"
Taking out his cane, Tuxedo Kamen threw several more roses at the demons, which exploded on impact, the monster cried out shrilly in pain, as it sent its copies to charge the masked man.
Yusuke and Kuwabara were shocked at the ease this masked man did to kill off the monsters. Now, what makes these demons easy for him to kill, when it seemed near impossible for Yusuke and the orange haired youth?
Kurama, upon seeing what happened, shook out of his tiredness and pulled several seeds from his hair, to quickly transform them into sharp vines. Somehow the beast was affected by living specimens.
From behind the beast, he quickly threw the vines and in retaliation, the monster sent out more minions from its body.
Dodging their attacks, Tuxedo Kamen and Kurama quickly backed up against each other in the middle to attack the monster together.
Yusuke and Kuwabara could only watch what was happening. Botan, by this time found that the people who were attacked, simply unconscious.
The tracker beeped again, still unheard by Yusuke who was actively watching the battle in front of him. His fists were clenched in anger. How can they not hurt the monster while Kurama can?
In that short instance of Yusuke's angered thoughts, someone leaped from behind him and into the battle. Her fist glowed with a brown copper color, as the figure punched into the main demon. The monster with its copies exploded into puddles and beams of energy started to spread back to the people they were taken from.
It all happened in less then a minute.
Stepping away from Kurama, the caped hero gave him a brief nod in thanks and walked toward his partner; leaving behind a contemplating youko fox.
Tuxedo Kamen had watched his sister land in a crouch. "Oniisan, daijobu ka?" she called out. He said, "Dajobu, Gaea. I'm definitely sure that we need to meet up with the others to investigate this battle a bit more. For this attack to have occurred, it must be the work of a new enemy."
He then leaned forward to whisper quietly in her ears, "We also have to look into the identities and powers of these people, standing behind us. I can sense that they're not normal people. Need to access that they're not enemies."
"Don't worry niisan, I'll tell you who they are. This group is trustworthy, because they're part of another group that also has concern for earth, like we are; but, please look at the time. We need to meet up with Usagi and the others, let me handle this for now. I need to warn them to not interfere in the business of the senshi, we'll be leaving after this, use your smoker bomb." replied Sailor Gaea just as silently.
Tuxedo Kamen nodded, looking sheepishly at his sister, when she mentioned his fiancé. He was kind of confused at what implications his sister said. They were rejecting assistance from what appears to be a group of allies, but if it was as his sister had said, and they represented a different group with a different purpose; then it would probably be best to not involve them.
Sailor Gaea stepped forward and said, "Reikai Tantei, please, don't interfere in these battles. They are not meant for your group to fight. Stay with your battles in Makai and leave Ningenkai for the Sailor Senshi to take care of. It is more our responsibility to protect the earth."
Yusuke mouth dropped slightly open as he wondered what this was all about. He'll have to question Koenma later. Right now he only replied, "We won't purposefully try to get involved in these battles, when it is obvious that our powers with the exception of only one cannot defeat these monsters; however, I would like to know who you are?"
The female before him only gave a small smile as she said, "Urameshi Yusuke, my identity isn't necessary for you to know, but know that the sailor senshi is protector of the earth, while there are other worlds that you can face your problems in. If you have any disagreements, take this to Enma-Daioh himself."
She then backed away as the masked man threw onto the ground a bomb that instantly surrounded the area with smoke.
When the smoke finally cleared, the two people were gone, leaving behind a very confused group.
Finally the tracker in Yusuke's pocket beeped shrilly and he pulled it out with disgust as he pressed the tracker to stop its loud annoying noise.
Botan and Kuwabara stood by looking at him with impatience while Kurama stood nearby looking on with a small smile. For a long time Yusuke stared at the screen as he finally held the tracker in front of Botan's worried looking face and said in a deadpanned voice, "Do you know what this means?"
His two observers face faulted and Botan yelled as she got back up, "Baka! If you didn't know what you were looking at then what in Enma's name were you looking at it for so long? Give it here then."
Yusuke shrugged as he handed over the tracker to the fuming ferry spirit, "Wanted to see your reactions."
Botan glared at him and muttered, "Yusuke no baka…" Kuwabara gave him the finger and Yusuke just grinned at them cheekily.
After giving a quick glance at the screen, Botan took out her oar and whacked Yusuke in the head, "Baka… how long did you even not hear the tracker! The signatures that this tracker was meant to track were just here. Why didn't you stop those two…one of them were who Enma-Daioh-sama wanted to see. That's probably what the girl was implying, she knew that Enma-Daioh-sama wants to see her."
"Itte…how was I suppose to know! Why didn't you stop them, seeing that the girl mention Enma-Daioh's name? We'll see them again if there's another attack again. Now if you would excuse me, Ms. Ferry girl, I need to go find Keiko now. Stick around Ningenkai for now, or make an appointment for me to see Koenma. Kurama, Kuwabara I'll see you another time," said Yusuke rubbing his head sheepishly and then leaving.
On the next block though, he saw a very familiar profile in an approaching car. The car passed him by as Yusuke finally found his voice and yelled out, "Keiko!"
The car made no point of stopping, but a hand waved out of the window in acknowledgment.
Yusuke started to run after the car, knowing that Keiko was in that car. He needed to talk with her and see if she was all right. Something had happened in the period she was gone, otherwise, why would she be seen riding in someone's car. Keeping the car in his sight, he chased after the car for several more blocks when it finally parked outside a café.
He recognized the area as being part of a wealthier shopping area of Tokyo: Juubangai. The place, where that Crown Game Center or something was, he had played there last week with Kuwabara, soundly beating him in "Sailor V" and a car racing game.
Now the car opened, Keiko with Terra and Mamoru got out.
Mamoru looked at the boy with curiosity. During their short drive here, he heard someone shout his sister's name. Terra had asked, "Is there anything wrong milady?"
They both saw a guy running after the car, but Keiko only said, "Onissan, please continue. He will be outside the car when we stop. Can you take Terra to go in meet up with Usagi and the others? I'll follow in a few more minutes."
Now Mamoru and Terra walked into the café. Keiko looked behind her. Yusuke walked up to her and she could only say, "Yusuke" before Yusuke started to say in an arguing tone, "Keiko, where have you been for the last month? I know that the Yukimura aren't your parents, but did you have to go, without saying anything? Were you angry at me for teasing, you know I don't really mean those things."
"Yusuke, I left, because I wanted to clear my mind for a bit, then I went to look for my past. I spent a month just looking for hints of my past and I found my oniisan. I was involved in an accident with amnesia when I was young and separated from my brother. Then I was then adopted by the Yukimura's. I apologize for making you worry about me. Now would you like to join me for lunch? I'm meeting up with my brother and his friends."
Yusuke stuck his hands into his pocket as he nodded.
He followed Keiko inside, not at all sure if he should take a hold of her hand.
Even after a long period of knowing one another, and Keiko waiting for him, he was still not sure on how their relationship was. They've never talked about it. She had kissed him at the beach, but that was only once. Still she was always there, so he didn't think any of it, until she was gone for that month.
Yusuke knew that he cared very deeply for her and love her, but that he can never seem to say. Keiko would probably take it the wrong way, with the way he acts. Now he was curious to meet Keiko's older brother. Getting to know him would probably help him understand his relationship Keiko.
Somewhere else
It was cold in the damp cavern as a transfixed man stood before a glowing ball. He had been watching as energy was transferred to the orb. Abruptly the ball grew dim, signaling something had happened.
Quickly casting a spell to preserve the energy, he gave a short scream of rage as the orb suddenly exploded, wasting all the time and effort made to collect this energy.
Consulting a levitating glowing chart nearby with lists of potential energy seekers, his eyes wandered over the long list filled with various categories, strengths and life status of his minions: a mirror demon cluster element known as the Tele-screens.
Immediately his eyes picked up a missing light in the water class. He mentally cursed as he saw the deceased minion had held a sizable amount of energy; enough to continue inching on its way to release a more powerful demon that will wreak havoc on a plane he once knew as home.
Now he snapped his fingers, summoning a stone class tele-screen. He gave the assignment of collecting more energy, to it, sending it on its merry way. His hands waved over the space next to him: materializing a chair.
Sitting down, he held his chin in his hand as his cold eyes looked toward the dim orb. He wondered who was strong enough to defeat a Tele-screen. Surely it can't be who he was waiting for…
Juubangai District -Tokyo
Motoki's sister,Unazuki had just taken the senshi's order when Mamoru walked in the café. The Inners and Outers were sitting at two booths of their own while Usagi sat with Luna and Artemis. She brightened up when she saw her boyfriend and waved him over.
Mamoru gave a smile in return as he walked over. Sitting next to her, he lets go of Terra and gave a kiss on Usagi's forehead. He decided to talk about the battle later when they go back to the Outer Mansion, although the moon cats had jumped off the table, so he knew that Terra would tell the other two what happened. Right now he just wanted to enjoy lunch; so, he said out loud, "It appears that Keiko had bumped into someone she knew before leaving the Yukimura's"
Usagi and the others were a bit surprised; the moon princess finally gave a slight tilt of her head. Smiling mischievously with eyes sparkling, she asked innocently, "Is that someone, a guy?"
Rei, Minako and Makoto started to look more attentively at the door and when the door opened, they saw with open mouths as Keiko came in with a pretty cute guy. The others weren't as showy about their observation. In their booth, under the table, Haruka's hand cracked. She recognized the guy as being the local 'gang member,' how did Keiko know this guy? Michiru placed a hand on her shoulder as she calmed her lover. Setsuna only sipped her coffee as Hotaru also sipped her tea. Ami was sitting at the other booth attempted to ignore her Inner sisters as she stirred her drink.
Keiko walked over with Yusuke behind her. He started to feel a little nervous as he saw three booths filled with a large gaggle of girl. Keiko's brother was the only male there. From the group he was surprised to see Tenoh Haruka and Kaioh Michiru. They were famous people that Yusuke saw from news papers that his ma brought home with the sake bottles.
Making their way over to the booth, Keiko greeted everyone before sliding in the same booth with Usagi and Mamoru.
Unazuki had then come over before Usagi could ask her question to ask what food the three new additions to the table wanted to order. Afterwards, Usagi only placed her chin on her hands as she leaned forward.
"Keiko do you want to introduce your companion before Haruka decks him for sitting too close to you?" as she then inclined her head over to the Outer booth.
Keiko said with a glance at Haruka, "Usagi-chan this is my childhood friend, Urameshi Yusuke. Calm down Haruka, he's not part of a gang, as rumors goes; he's just gets into many fights and is a very good fighter."
Yusuke shot her a surprised look as his mind processes what she was saying; he didn't know if it would impact anything, though he heard that Tenoh Haruka wanted to deck him. He figured that even the famous car racer had heard of his reputation. Now then why was Keiko acting this distant?
"Yusuke, this is Tsukino Usagi, she's my brother, Chiba Mamoru's fiancée. I'm still using Yukimura's name, because of sentimental reasons, but I am a Chiba as well. Behind us in the booth would be: Mizuno Ami, Hino Rei, Kino Makoto and Aino Minako. Over there would be: Tenoh Haruka, Kaioh Michiru, Meiou Setsuna and Tomoe Hotaru. They're all close family friends. That black cat over there is Usagi's cat, Luna. Artemis is Minako and my cat is the third one, her name is Terra. You wouldn't be able to let her and Puu meet right?"
Yusuke shrugged as he said to Keiko, "Maybe, he's with Genkai now though, you've introduced me to too many names, might take me a while for me to remember."
Then turning to the other booths, Yusuke said in a louder voice, "How do you all do?"
The Inners all gave him smiles: Minako and Makoto more so then Rei and Ami, while over at the Outers: Hotaru gave him a timid wave as the others gave slight acknowledgements.
"Don't worry, you'll get to know us all soon, if you are around Keiko a lot. She moved in with Setsuna, Hotaru, Haruka and Michiru at their home." said Usagi cheerfully.
The food came as Luna jumped on the table to silently warn Usagi to be quiet.
Keiko said, "How are your friends and your boss?"
"Same as always, though my boss as you know, should take a vacation." Yusuke said as he picked up his sandwich.
"That's nice to hear."
They spent the lunch chitchatting about topics here and there.
Mamoru and Usagi learned that Yusuke lived with his mother and worked as a detective/student, not like what rumors said. Haruka had stopped shooting glares at Yusuke as she heard this information as well.
Yusuke in turn learned that most of Usagi's friends and herself were in the same year as Keiko and him. He also learned that Mamoru was at his second year in medical school. Throughout this meeting though, he felt a strange feeling of power vibrating through the entire group. Somehow his youkai senses picked up something strange about these humans and even Keiko had that strange feeling now.
Laterafter lunch was over, Yusuke and Keiko parted ways. Mamoru had insisted on treating him, so Yusuke only shrugged and said his thanks. He said to Keiko on the side, that he'll call her later.
He walked away, intending to see Koenma as soon as possible. It seems that he would have to collect on one of the many small favors the demi-god owe for checking up the lives of Chiba Mamoru and everyone else he just met today and on top of that, he wanted to get more information about those two fighters. It didn't seem that those monster attacks would stop anytime soon, if the spiel that the masked man said held true.
It was also indicated by the tracker that they were individuals holding Reikai signatures for Enma-Daioh's to go searching for. Except, somehow this entire assignment was much more then what it would appear. There were several questions to be answered for. Were they as old as dirt? Were they souls that need to be reincarnated? Were they souls that never got the full dressing down from the Death lord, for previous committed crimes? Or were they enemies that Reikai is to be wary of? Now that didn't seem right at all…
Keiko had inwardly chucked when she heard Makoto sigh afterwards and whisper to the other Inners, "He's acts just like my old Sempai." amidst the groans of the Inners. She had watched him leave and was wondering what the extents of her feelings for him now were. She had waited for him when he went off to fight in Maikai, had worried him numerous times over the battles he had fought and of the previous worrying time when he was revived from death. Now that she knew of her past and of her duties. She weren't sure as to how Yusuke would fit into her life now. She didn't imagine that she wanted him to know of her current situation and her duties as it appears they would be in opposition to what battles she fought now. Being senshi of Earth or the site of Ningenkai was not at all agreeing with the idea of Rekai placing its jurisdiction over what was called "her turf." She would have to let the other senshi exactly the background of Yusuke and his work. Keiko had watched him leave, before getting into Haruka's car. Her brother said later, there would be a meeting at Rei's temple.
Makai
The forested clearing was filled with the usual noises of animals chirping or screaming. Which ever came first: in a never ending pattern; however this pattern was disturbed for an instance when sounds of running filled the air. Hiei was chasing after a target for his assignment from Mukuro. He was closing in on the demon, ready to release his katana for the killing when a loud crash from behind him, made him stop and look back to be nearly knocked over by a dark shadow.
Hiei rolled out of the way and watched as the shadow rolled off for the trees, only to ricochet around the clearing. In this mad process of pin balling around, the shadow had knocked down every tree it hit and knocked over Hiei's target in the process. The serpent demon creature was killed upon impact and when the figure finally revealed itself, Hiei could only stand there stupefied.
Before him was a snowy white fox, it gave him a fox version of a grin before disappearing. This only left him to wonder what had prompted this reclusive creature of the kitsune class to even assist him.
Earth
The sailor senshi had all gathered at Rei's temple in the clearing where Mamoru spoke about the battle, with some of his speculations, and then Keiko spoke.
As Keiko had expected, the rest of the senshi was surprised, but not as surprised about the various existence of Ningenkai, Makai, and Reikai.
Terra stepped in then and said, "During the Silver Millennium, there was an existing pathway between the Makai and Ningenkai. Since the fall of the Silver Millennium, there was a shattering of the path and it has come to my understanding that this is not the right time to merge a path between the three worlds. Milady had told me that there was recently a tournament, and Makai has become a much more dangerous place then when it was in the Silver Millennium. When the princess and the time, meaning Crystal Tokyo, have happened, then merging the worlds wouldn't be a problem. This is my opinion as an advisor."
"Very reasonable suggestion." spoke up Makoto.
"I agree," chimed Ami typing what everyone had spoken about into her computer, "Keiko, you are not strong as of now. When you transform into Kora and with the assistance of Endymion then connecting the worlds wouldn't be a serious problem."
"Still there is the presence of these Reikai Tantei. If that is what your opinion is, then we shall plan accordingly. There are many things that we, as guardians of the various planets in this system must learn. We must and shall rise to protect our home once more." said Usagi while the others nodded.
Mamoru then asked, "Since this is the course of action, Keiko. Then would you think it would be wise to try and find the Hikarimori?"
"If it is what the fates directs then we will locate them. For now, the enemy attack is still at its early stage. We will have to try and suppress them at this stage, rather then try to find the Hikarimori; if we did that then we might be disrupting their reincarnation's current life," said Keiko.
Following this was a moment of silence until someone they heard Rei's jiichan calling from inside. The meeting ended then.
A few weeks later
Brrrrrrriiiiinnnnngggg
It was several weeks after the first appearance of the two targets and school was just starting for its new term.
Now frustrated beyond belief, Yusuke remembered his last meeting with Koenma...
Reikai
"What do you want, Yusuke? Can't you see I'm busy!" grumbled Koenma as he furiously stamped the stack of papers before him.
"I want to know about some things that are happening in the Ningenkai right now"
"What do you want to know…"
"Who and what is the background of the people, Enma-Daioh wants to seek?"
Yusuke's one question caught Koenma off guard and he slowly stopped stamping the papers before him. Laying down the stamp carefully, the demi-god regarded Yusuke thoughtfully as he asked, "Why do you want to know?"
"I'm sure Botan had told you what happened at the battle; so, just by the words one of the targets said and this fighter's familiarity with the workings of Reikai, makes me wonder if this summoning is as simple as just, Enma-Daioh wanting to see them. As for that miserable battle, without them, I'm sure you would have lost your best team out there. Why weren't Kuwabara and I able to attack? What is the purpose of these monsters taking energy?"
In the few seconds following Yusuke's last statement, Koenma threw the royal seal of Enma at him. Yusuke ducked as the seal went flying and hit George; the oni was coming in the room with a huge stack of papers and with stars flying around his head. George went down with a crash as the paper went fluttering around…
Koenma groaned with annoyance as he turned back to Yusuke. He said crossly, "If there is anything beyond this mission, then that's not your business to know; I could only answer a few of your questions. The rest of the information is confidential on the account that only my father can answer.
"If those monsters show up again, don't ever engage them in combat. To defeat them, you would have to possess very strong astral energy to defeat these beings, which this is one thing that Hiei, you, and Kuwabara don't have… "
"What's astral energy?" Yusuke interrupted.
Koenma frowned at his questioning and answered, "Astral energy is energy drawn from any one of the planets or stars in this galaxy. The fighters that posses this energy is not in our jurisdiction.
"To also continue on with what I was saying before I was rudely interrupted. In the entire Taneti group, only Kurama would fare a better chance of defeating these monsters, but even he would be hard press to win the battle. If you want to know why Kurama's the only person able to fight these monsters, ask him."
The demi-god stopped talked when he saw Yusuke's sour face. He said in a matter-of-factly tone, ""Yusuke, even if you were a descendant of Raizen, I wouldn't send you within a mile of those demons by yourself. These demons are not youkai's at all, and you don't have the right power to defeat them. Defeating those monsters is not your battle to fight.
"I need to stress to you the importance of this mission. Don't try and ask Botan anymore information, she won't know. All I'm just asking now that you and the others track down those two people, my father wants to see; also when there's no battle to fight, the tracker can not pick up on those people's signatures. These people are like any normal ningen and if they're not in their battle form, there will be no signature for the tracker to find.
"Now go away Yusuke, I still have work to do. GEORGE, YOU IDIOT, WAKE UP! YOU DON'T SERIOUSLY THINK THAT YOU COULD HAVE A VACATION OVER THERE! BAKA…"
Yusuke walked out of the room, as Koenma kept ranting to an unconscious oni about the mess he created.
Present Time, Tokyo
The afternoon crawled at its usual snail's pace and finally the dismissal bell rang…
Yusuke and Kuwabara walked out of the schoolyard. They were heading off to pick up Kurama to go to Genkai's temple for training.
They stopped when a sleek yellow car pulled up along the curb: the driver was Tenoh Haruka and a calico colored cat. Both inhabitants of the car nodded an acknowledgement to Yusuke. Kuwabara poked his side.
"Haruka!" shouted a voice from behind them. The crowds parted as Keiko walked towards the car. She greeted Yusuke and Kuwabara with a nod and without a word, Keiko got into the car "Hey yourself, Keiko," said Haruka calmly.
"Where's Michiru?"
"She's somewhere doing God knows what, probably one of her art. She said she'd be back later. Hotaru's already back home with Setsuna. How was school?"
"It was fine. Haruka, I'm not going back home yet. I want to ask if you could stop by a temple. It's a bit out of the way."
"Sure."
"Yusuke, do you and Kuwabara-kun want a lift? I'm heading towards Genkai sensei's temple. I thought maybe you'd like a lift there instead of walking there."
"Okay…whatever you say, Keiko," spoke up Kuwabara from beside Yusuke.
Keiko smiled up at them as she said, "Get in, then! Haruka, this is Kuwabara Kazuma, he's one of Yusuke's friends.
After fastening their seat belts, Yusuke asked, "Keiko can you stop by Kurama's school to pick him up? We were planning to go to Baasan's place with him."
"Sure…is that okay, Haruka?"
Turning to Haruka, she gave her the directions and they were on their way…
Yusuke watched Keiko all the way to Kurama's school, deciding that she had somehow changed when she disappeared -- not her appearance, but her personality. Yusuke remembered hearing things about Keiko from a boy a few weeks earlier…
"Haven't you heard, Urameshi Yusuke? That Keiko isn't the Yukimura couple's true daughter. She's just some brat they picked out of an orphanage," the punk grinned, replying cheekily while Yusuke held him in a choke
He finally slammed the punk's head into the wall when the punk used some colorful expression about the Yukimura's foolishness in adopting and raising an orphan.
Keiko was just different! It was as if a relationship had never even existed between him and Keiko, for all Yusuke could tell. She was treating him as if he was an ordinary friend, and now this new group of friends.
They picked up Kurama at his school and Keiko introduced him to Haruka.
Haruka then said, "Aren't you one of the best students in Tokyo?"
Kurama replied, "Not at all, Tenoh-san, not at all. I'm not as good as I'd like to be…"
Haruka nodded while the others looked on. The rest of the drive passed quietly with a tape of Michiru's music coming from the stereo system.
When they got to the temple, Keiko kissed Haruka good-bye on the cheek, close to the lips.
"Haruka, I'll call on the cell if I want to be picked up."
"Fine… "
Keiko watched as her friend drove away, then she climbed up the stairs to the temple where she found its inhabitants outside.
"Good afternoon, Genkai-san. Hello, Yukina-chan."
"Hello, Keiko-chan," said Yukina.
Keiko nodded as she turned to the old master, "Genkai-san, can I look at your scroll archive?"
"Is there any reason?"
"Nothing really, I'm just searching for a scroll that my friend asked about and I had remembered that you had a particularly large ancient scroll collection to look through," said Keiko.
"Follow me then, Keiko."
Taking Keiko to the room where the scrolls and documents were stored, Genkai left the girl there, wondering what's the true reason she would ask to look at old scrolls. Maybe it was connected to the new aura that was radiating from the girl. Genkai shrugged and left to deal with her wayward student and friends.
Outside Yusuke waited with Botan. Kuwabara as usual was fawning over Yukina. Koenma had said that the Reikai Tantei should have special training, and gave Botan special leave to come to Ningenkai during these times. They met and practiced at Genkai's temple because of the wards that surrounded the place.
Hiei, who was standing off to the side with Kurama, was staring with narrow eyes as he considered the fact, of letting the ningen talk with his younger sister. He had decided not to talk with Yusuke and Kuwabara about the kitsune in Makai.
"Oi… Baasan! What's Keiko doing here today?" shouted Yusuke.
"Why don't you ask her yourself…" snapped back Genkai.
When she received no response… Genkai barked "Baka! Are you supposed to be asking me questions about Keiko or using your time here!"
"Okay, okay, baasan, you don't have to get on our case! Hey, Botan!" called Yusuke walking towards the blue haired girl.
"Yes, Yusuke?" Botan responded, looking over.
"Can you tell Koenma that I need to see him? I need to ask him about Keiko's earlier disappearance, he might know…"
"Hai, but why? Koenma-sama's in a bad mood these days. He yelled at me for four times today. Me! Me! The cute Botan," she moaned, eyes beginning to water. Tearing up a bit. "And poor George's worse off then me! As far as I know, George's in his room bawling his eyes out after Koenma-sama kicked him out of the office!"
"Okay, but can you schedule a meeting as soon as possible?"
"I'll try…" sniffed Botan.
Yusuke nodded and walked toward the others, "Minna, what are we standing around here for? We can talk about other stuff later, but if you guys are man enough to face me, then come on!" challenged Yusuke as he moved forward. He threw a quick punch towards Hiei.
Hiei dodged Yusuke's punch, flicking out of view only to appear up in the air. Taking out his katana, he and Yusuke began to spar.
Kuwabara's grin was feral as he swiped at Kurama with his Rei Ken. However, Kurama was already ready for him… the Rei Ken struck against Kurama's plants. The sparring began as Genkai stood by with a small smile, Botan next to her, watching… Yukina had gone back to her gardens earlier, tending to her flowers.
Inside the room, Keiko sneezed from the dust as she finally found what she was looking for. As she was searching through the scrolls she was surprise that she could read the words on the scrolls, but then she remembered learning all this on the moon. Opening the scroll carefully, she read the archaic Japanese script, "And so, as the prophecy decrees, the messiah, along with other warriors, shall defeat this nefarious social order at the stake of a once pure being's life."
I wonder who this means; I'll have to bring this back to the others for discussion and ask them who they think this pure soul and dark being might be… thought Keiko.
Suddenly the cell phone rang shrilly. Sailor Moon had said that the moon cats would have to work on Keiko's own communicator, but for the time being, Setsuna had given her a cell phone as a temporary makeshift, in case of a Tele-screen attack or any other emergencies.
Opening up the receiver, Keiko said "Moshi-moshi?"
"Keiko…?"
"Hello Setsuna…don't worry, Haruka said that she'd pick me up later."
"That's very nice … but I didn't call you because of that. I called to warn you that Artemis, Luna and Terra picked up some evil vibes near the temple where you are right now…"
"Okay, I'll go check it out… Anything else?"
"Nothing of importance, for now."
"Later then, Setsuna!" replied Keiko with a smile.
Shutting off the phone, Keiko went outside, slipping the scroll inside her sub-space pocket.
Seeing Yusuke and the others training, Keiko went over to Genkai and Botan.
"Excuse me Genkai, hello Botan. Something just came up and I need to leave. I borrow this scroll for the time being? I'll return it as soon as I can…"
"Be careful on your way out."
Yusuke had noticed Keiko's presence. He leapt away from Kurama's whip and stared at her.
When Keiko started to leave, Kuwabara said, "Oi, Keiko-san!"
Keiko shouted back, "Sorry, Kuwabara-kun. I can't stay now. I'll see you and Yusuke in school…"
When she was a reasonable distance away from the temple, Keiko pulled out her henshin stick and shouted, "Earth Crystal Planet Power Make-up!" Transforming into Sailor Gaea, she quickly jumped through the trees to the place from which the evil energy was coming. Arriving at the scene she noted the events and then hid among the tree's foliage to wait fro the Reikai Tantei.
Yusuke wondered where Keiko was going. Genkai then called for a break.
As soon as everyone was drinking water, they all heard a scream from outside.
Dropping his cup, Yusuke began running in the direction of the scream. He also heard the tracker beeping shrilly.
They reached a clearing and saw A-class youkai there with several captured humans. From the way they were dressed, they were escaped convicts from Reikai, Yusuke and the others waited for an opportunity to attack.
Overhead the clearing, Sailor Gaea treaded lightly through the branches. Reaching a spot behind Kuwabara, she touched him in order to copy his powers for a short while. She then leaps over him to the center of the two groups. Crouching, she saw the large group of ugly monsters with several humans captives.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing, scaring humans out in a place like this?" she called, standing up from her crouch.
"And what's it to you, human?" sneered one of the monsters, loosening its hold on an unconscious victim.
"Let's not waste time and capture her instead. I love to hear girls like her screaming and squirming," said another, licking its chops and staring at Sailor Gaea's legs revealed by the short Sailor skirt.
"I don't think so. Do you even know who I am?" Sailor Gaea asked.
Angrily a clawed monster cried as it rushed towards her with murderous intent, "I don't care who the hell you are, but feel the blades of my claws as I tear into you!"
However it never got to Sailor Gaea for as it approached her, she cried out, "Earth Rei Ken, nobiro!" (lengthen)
A green-blue Rei Ken shot out instead of the usual orange one. Kuwabara yelped when he saw his own weapon being used like when he was fighting Maja Li.
The youkai gave a last scream as it died. The other youkai fell back as the youkai's corpse fell down.
"Who the fk are you!" cried out one of the more timid youkai
"I've been waiting for you to ask me that question, I am Sailor Gaea and I'm also Kora…!"
"Ha! Do you think we care who the hell you are …" said another youkai backhanding the timid youkai…
Holding a hand to its face, the timid youkai whimpers, "Don't you remember the legend about this Kora…!"
"I don't care… companions, ATTACK!" shouted the youkai; with the other youkai they attacked the sailor senshi all at once.
"Oi! Come on!" shouted Yusuke watching what was happening before leaping into the fray with the other Tantei.
Sailor Gaea, remembering how the Hikarimori would help her, appreciated the extra help. She then heard the words, "Dead Scream…"
Everyone stopped and watched in surprise as a magenta sphere came shooting past them. It hit a large youkai, who screeched in pain.
"Sailor Pluto!" called out Sailor Gaea.
"Sailor Gaea," acknowledged the green haired Sailor senshi, striking another youkai with her Time Key.
Behind her, Sailor Saturn was also there. She went over to look at the unconscious humans.
As the last youkai fell under Yusuke's punch. He looked over to where Kurama and Kuwabara were busy tying up the defeated demons.
Sailor Gaea walked over to where her solider sisters were. Speaking to them in a quiet tone, she said, "Thanks for the help Pluto. How are the civilians, Saturn?"
"They're all right, they'll awake soon though. Are these like you said youkai from Makai?"
"Em hm, guess they didn't really change from the Silver Millennium. Pluto, I need to call a meeting at soon as possible. I may have found something that could be of some use."
"All right Gaea. I'm sure it won't be too late to start a meeting." Sailor Pluto said as she Saturn nodded in agreement.
Stepping onto the trees, they made a move to leave when Yusuke called out, "Please wait!"
Gaea waved the other two senshi onward as she looked backwards said, "Is there anything Urameshi Yusuke? I apologize if there was any problem in stepping on your turf."
"Uhh...that's no problem. Now Enma-Daioh wants to see you…" replied Yusuke sheepishly and without any preamble.
The earth senshi gave a nod of acknowledgement as she said, "Thank you for your notification. I trust that your friends would clean up this scene suitably." She quickly jumped through the trees following her comrades.
The old master placed a strong concealment ward to keep the unconscious youkai under control and unseen to people who wouldn't know about demons.
Yusuke raked a hand through his hair as he said, "Botan, we really need to have another meeting with Koenma and soon."
He then stepped back as Kuwabara said, "You should have been here to see the battle a few minutes ago. Sailor Gaea and two other sailor senshi showed up. We were fighting A-class youkai and Sailor Gaea defeated several A-classed youkai by herself…
"However, I have a protest to make! She used my Rei Ken! I thought I was the only one to know how to do a Rei Ken, it's already bad enough that Hiei is copying my Rei Ken with his Jaoh Ensatsu Ken!"
Kurama then said, "I also heard something about a legend. Can you clarify this?"
Botan nodded and replied, "Calm down, Kuwa-chan. As for clarifying your concern Kurama, the best person to ask should be Koenma-sama. I can tell you what I know; this is of confidential matter though,
"Years before I worked for the Reikai, the legend was when the Reikai weren't even regulating control between Makai and Ningenkai. Control was regulated by a mysterious maiden and a band of warriors called the Hikarimori. It is said that the maiden was Earth's princess and defender.
"I once asked Koenma-sama if the maiden was still alive, but he said to me in a very cold voice never to mention it again. That was the first time he ever acted that way to me…" finished Botan with a sob, tears welling up again.
"Still, how can this Sailor Gaea have the power to copy anyone's powers and defeat several A-class youkai? Her ki isn't even above A-class, yet she defeated them so easily," asked Kurama.
"She might very well be Earth's protector then, after Koenma-sama's last meeting with Yusuke, he said to me that the Earth's protector is one of the strongest besides the astral protectors of Saturn and Pluto," sniffed Botan.
"Stop your crying then Botan, and come on… I have already arranged a transport for these youkai to be taken back to the Reikai," called out Genkai, beckoning the others to follow her back to the temple.
"Baasan, did Keiko say where she was going?" asked Yusuke.
"Why don't you ask her yourself! I'm not her keeper." replied Genkai shortly.
Yusuke opened and shut his mouth. Not wanting to look like a gapping fish. He gave a brusque nod and followed his master back to the temple.
Reikai
While Koenma worked frantically in his office at another part of the palace, Enma-Daioh was in his sanctuary-his indoor gardens. Unless it was an extreme emergency, everyone knew never to disturb the god of the underworld when he was at his gardens.
Now as he walked around his garden mechanically, his left hand held crumpled copies of a transcript from Urameshi Yusuke's meeting with his son and an earlier report from Ferry-girl Botan on the tracker's target findings. His right hand was in his pocket with fingers laced around a ribbon and locket of hair.
Enma-Daioh's normally imposing face now reflected a melancholy expression. Normally at this time now, he would be busy at his desk, however in one of those rare moments – he felt the need to walk away from his work for a bit of wool gathering.
Immortality was not easy to bear. How many times had he witness the passing of reincarnations of his original love? At times he was grateful for the work he was able to do, but at times he wanted to just let everything drift away. He never verbally stated this fact to his son, but he was very grateful for the extra work that Koenma took off his shoulders.
Still at moments of free times like this, it had him thinking of that one person. How many years has it been since he had seen Kora. Would she remember him? Even if she remembers him, would she hate him?
End Chapter 3
