Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to a blessed thing except my husband, daughter, house and car.
Notes:
Nanashi – means no name
Riu – means trouble, evil influence
Belonging
Chapter 2
It took Yoko days of traveling before he was able to determine where approximately he was. After encountering nothing but weak creatures who ran in terror of him, he finally came across a neko youkai who was willing to speak with him and answer his questions.
"They're called humans. Haven't you ever seen them before? The world is littered with them."
"N-no. They don't exist….in my territory."
"You're lucky. For the most part they're weak and will avoid you. They make decent enough food if you're really hungry but I'd stick with game if you can. Much more flavorful."
Yoko watched the neko rip another piece of meat from his recent kill and take a big, bloody bite.
"So demons are in the minority here."
"There's more of us than you think. Most just choose to stay hidden because of the holy folk who have the power to kill demons with their magic."
Yoko scoffed as he considered the possibility of any of the weaklings he encountered capable of destroying a demon.
"Any demon who allows himself to be killed by one of those weak creatures deserves his death. Pathetic."
"Don't discount them….um, hey. I just realized. I don't know your name."
Yoko stared at the neko, reluctant to give his name. A thief couldn't enjoy anonymity if he gave his name out to everyone he met. But he didn't want to insult the demon who was giving him very valuable information either.
"My apologies. My name…..is Kurama."
Yoko inclined his head in a show of respect and this seemed to satisfy the neko who returned his attention to his meal.
The two spoke for several more hours and Yoko gained a lot of information about the world in which he now found himself. From what the neko had told him, Yoko surmised he had somehow managed to get transported from the Makai to the Ningenkai. He could only speculate that it was the result of a high level spell by the master of the castle. He'd been told about the world of the humans but never had any intentions or desire to visit. Now he was stuck here until he found a way back or his brother came and found him.
In the meantime he'd procured a den and within months he'd established a small territory which he guarded fiercely. Once he was settled and familiarized himself with his new surroundings, he resumed his life of thievery. There's no sense in letting my skills diminish. Once Yuudai finds me he'll no doubt expect me to pick right up where I left off.
Yoko looked around his comfortable yet lonely den, a sad light to his eyes. Hurry, Yuudai. I miss you and the clan so much.
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"Ah, welcome, silver spirit."
Kurama's lips curved slightly at the moniker. In the two years he'd lived in this world, his reputation as a thief had been solidified. When they spoke of his exploits, he was known only as the "silver spirit". The thief that could only be caught by the moonlight, and seen only as a silver streak as he made his escape under the cover of darkness. His reputation had spread well beyond his territory and he was now looking to explore new regions.
"Greetings, Nanashi."
"Come for your spell?" A vulpine smile was her only answer from the kitsune. The old woman cackled and slowly rose from her chair, her cane wobbling as she used it to support her aged and frail frame. "Of course you are. Why else would you visit an old woman?"
"You will not be seeing me for awhile. I am going on a journey."
"I'm assuming this journey is not one that will lead you home."
Any fondness Kurama felt for the old sorceress quickly vanished at her teasing. He told her the circumstances of his arrival in her world years ago and oddly enough she had believed him. He placed a certain amount of trust in her, using her specialized skills to assist him in his more difficult schemes where a partner would have been in order.
He'd thought about starting up his own thieves' guild, but some part of him felt like he would be betraying his brother and fellow clan.
"The source of four will return you to your world, kitsune."
"What nonsense are you spouting, witch?" Sharp golden eyes watched every move of the old hag as she hobbled around her dwelling, creating the spell he desired.
"Four gems, sent to our world by the gods, are rumored to have the ability to travel across time. If you truly are from another world as you say, they may be your only salvation."
"And where are these gems?"
He picked up a small statue and pretended to admire it while keeping his voice casual, as if he were humoring the old woman. But all the while his mind was racing with the possibility of returning home, to his own world and his family. Yuudai.
"Three have names attached to them and one is missing. The Lord of the Western Plains, The Lord of the Southern Region and a temple located on Mount Hakurei. They all have their names linked to the gems. The fourth has never been connected with any owner and it is believed to still be in the possession of the gods, waiting until they find someone worthy to bestow it upon."
"What do these gems look like?"
"The deepest blue you can imagine, cut into rectangles with one end being sharp, triangular. They must be fit together to perform the spell."
Kurama felt the realization pierce his mind and he stood there, eyes wide, staring into nothing. He heard the old sorceress' cackle and it brought him out of his shock.
"Can you perform the spell? The one to send me home?"
"No. But I know of one who can."
"Alert this someone that his services will be needed."
Kurama turned and started for the door, the old sorceress calling after him.
"What about your spell?"
"Forget it. I have something more pressing at the moment. I'll be back soon."
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Kurama sat there, staring down at the object in his hand. A gem, of the deepest blue, rectangular in shape except for one end which was pointed and razor sharp, as proven by the bleeding finger he now sucked on. I've had the key to returning home all along. Now all I have to do is procure the other three.
"Yuudai, I'm coming home."
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Procuring the gem from its owner in the south only took one month, and then Kurama set his sights on the owner to the west. The temple on Mt. Hakurei was very remote and he was saving that location for last. Upon his return to his territory from his successful mission in the south he visited the old sorceress, seeking her contacts in the western territory.
"Seek out my sister. She is more powerful than I am. Younger and prettier too."
So he now found himself within a house tucked into the deepest shadows of the forest with an amused sorceress.
"So you are Nanashi's younger sister? The family resemblance is uncanny." Sharp black eyes glinted at him behind long blood red hair. She lives to cause mischief. Her name alone serves as a warning. "If it is not too much too ask, Riu, just how much younger are you than your sister?"
"Three minutes."
Indeed, if it weren't for the hair he would think they were the same age. And whatever that age might be, it had to be very high, even for a human using spiritual magic to prolong their life.
"Why have you sought me out, kitsune?"
Her playful demeanor did not falter and Kurama found himself with a gnawing sense of impending disaster the more he studied the sorceress. If her spell does not work, I will kill her. Nothing will come between me and getting that gem. I already have two and the third is within my grasp.
"I was led to believe you could provide me with a few spells."
"I only help if I find your reason interesting."
Kurama had been trying to scout the fortress of the demon ruler who was in possession of the third gem for the past two weeks. Unfortunately, the demon had some sort of magical barrier in place keeping every demon at bay. The first spell he needed was one that would allow him to pass through the barrier undetected. Breaking the barrier would only bring him to the attention of the demon. But how much can I really trust this witch? Nanashi is much more trustworthy.
"I need to pass through the barrier that protects the fortress of this region's demon lord."
"Is that so? For what purpose?"
"He has something I want. Now will you do the spell or not?"
The old sorceress cackled and Kurama couldn't suppress the shiver that raced up his spine. He watched as she used spirit energy to glide to a cabinet in the corner, removing several bottles and a parchment. As she mixed the ingredients, preparing his spell, her smile faded, but she kept the amusement in her voice.
"Before I give you this, kitsune, I will give you a friendly warning. The Lord of the Western Plains is not someone to trifle with. He is cold, ruthless and very powerful. If you should encounter him, run. Do not be a fool and try to fight him. Better to be considered a coward and be alive, then be considered brave and dead."
Kurama nodded and secured the spell within his bag after handing payment over to the witch.
"Thank you."
The old woman laughed darkly to herself. "He will have fun with you, pretty one."
To be continued…..