Chapter III: Rumors…
It was barely noon, when two figures arrived at their destinies. They dismounted their horses and left them to the stable boys. Servants came out to welcome. They followed them inside the huge marble castle.
"Where is the lord of the house?" one of them asked.
"My lord Kurama is in the garden. We have sent words of your arrivals."
"Good." The other said.
"My lord had left instruction that you be welcomed and fed. We have prepared lunch for you. If your highnesses will please follow me, I will show to the dining room."
The followed the servant to the dining area where a feast was already laid. They were both seated and served. They were in the middle of lunch when the lord arrived.
"I see that you have made yourselves at home." He said.
He sat down and a servant brought him lunch. He eyed his allies while picking around his food. On his right was the prince of the South, Yusuke Urameshi. He was a powerful and determined fighter especially when those he loved where in danger. When they first met, Kurama had realized his power after they fought and decided that he rather have him as an ally than an enemy. On his left was Hiei, the prince of the East. Like Yusuke, he was quite powerful but unlike the latter, he was more reserved about his emotions. Both of them had been his friends and allies for along time. They had stood by each other countless time.
"But tell me, what brought about this impromptu visit." Kurama added.
"Rumors had been going around. It is said that you are planning on declaring war on Rekai." Yusuke said.
"Rumors? You came all this way to question me about rumors?" Kurama asked.
"We just want to know what's going on." Yusuke said.
"You know we can't afford this war." Hiei reminded him.
"I know that, damn it."
"Then is there any true in this."
"Of course not. I never had any intention on attacking Rekai."
"Then where did this rumor came from?" Hiei asked.
"How should know?" he said.
"Now that we have that settle, tell us, what did you bring from your last hunt?" Yusuke asked.
Youko Kurama grinned.
"Why don't I show you?"
The two other princes smiled, knowing that whatever the silver-haired lord had brought back was going to worth their while. They followed their friend down a hall and to a chamber. Kurama pushed open the huge heavy oak door to reveal a big chamber filled with gold, silver and other precious stones.
"It looks like this hunt had been more successful than the previous one." Yusuke said.
"Indeed, wherever did you go?" Hiei asked.
"I just paid a visit to my dear cousin."
"And you did not invite us. How selfish and greedy." Hiei said.
"Yes, you know how much we would have enjoyed that." Yusuke said.
"Sorry, dear friends.
"So how much damage did you cause?" Hiei asked.
"Let's just say that he won't be please once he's back."
The three mischievous princes looked at each other then laughed. For as long as they can remember, it had been their favorite pastime causing havoc to the Karasu's lands. And so far they had been successful.
"I wonder what my dear cousin is up to." Youko whispered.
"I bet he's dining and wining the King Enma."
"That's not surprising."
"Oh! Well."
"So how long before your next hunt?" Yusuke asked.
"I'm not certain. I have a few matters that need taking care of."
"You mean like your garden?" Yusuke laughed.
"My garden is far more important that your heads."
They laughed. They knew about their friend's obsession with his garden and they often teased him about it.
"So would you lords be staying the night?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so. We have much important matter to discuss."
"Then let us go to my study."
"Yes."
"Lady Botan, Master Jin is here to see you." Kitana said.
Botan was sitting in the dining room eating her lunch. She was so glad that no one was around. After spending the whole morning trying to avoid Karasu, it felt good to sit down and relax a bit.
"Tell him, I'll beright with him."
She finished her lunch in a hurry. She really wanted to see her dear friend. They had been friends since they were little. But as they grew up, they saw little of each other. Jin often had to leave for training or other important mission for her father. With Shadow on her heels, she walked to the library. Jin was standing in the middle of the room.
"Jin, I am s happy to see you." She said.
"So am I."
They hugged each other.
"How have you been? It has been so long since we parted." She pouted.
"I have been alright. How are you, my lady?"
"I'm fine as well. I have so much to tell. So much has happen since you left."
"Really. I have a lot to tell you too."
"Would you like to have some tea while we talk?"
"No thank you. I had lunch with my parents before I arrived but I was hopping you and I could go for a ride."
"That would be marvelous. Just let me talked to Kitana and them we can go to the stables."
"Why don't you go you find Kitana while I go to the stabled and get our horses ready?"
"Alright. I will meet you outside."
Lady Botan found her nanny in the kitchen. She informed her that she'll be riding with Jin and to tell her parents that she wouldn't be long. She then left for the stable. As promised, Jin had two horses, saddled and ready. She chose to ride the white stallion and left her friend with the brown one. Soon they both on their way to the forest. They didn't ride fast. They just took their time, enjoying the scenery.
"So tell, my lady, what did you wish to speak with me about?" Jin asked.
"I wished to hear your opinion on Karasu."
"You already know my opinion on him."
"I have told you before that father wish for me to marry him despite the fact that I don't love him. He said that our marriage was to be as soon as I turned twenty-three but last night he said that I have marrying as soon as possible. Tell me my friend, what should I do?"
"Do you know when the wedding is to take place?"
"No, father did not say and neither did mother."
"I'm afraid there's not much I can do, my dear lady."
"I know. I just wish father would take my feelings into account."
"He just wants you to happy."
"Happy? I do not love Karasu. That man is lying, manipulative bastard."
"Such words for a lady." Jin smiled.
"But what I said is the truth." She said.
"I agree with you. Something about him is unnerving."
"I know. Sometimes I want to run away from all of this."
"But where would you go?"
"I don't care where I go as long as it's far away from Karasu. Who knows maybe I'll meet Youko Kurama."
"What? You want to meet Youko Kurama? The Youko Kurama?"
"Yes. Have you met him during your travels?"
"Unfortunately or rather fortunately, I have not."
"Whatever do you mean by fortunately?"
"As I said I have not met Youko Kurama but I have heard rumors that he's not someone one would want to meet."
"Those are just rumors. I'm sure is he's a nice man."
"Are do you know that? You said so yourself you have never met him."
"And neither have you. You should not judge people based others' judgments."
"If you say so, my dear. We should get back, the sun is getting higher and it's getting hot."
"Alright but will you be staying for the night. Mother and father would love to have you stay for dinner and so would I."
"Need protection from your fiancé?"
She smiled.
"No, I would just love to have my dearest friend with me."
He laughed. They rode back to the castle.