Chapter 5
"Welcome to Heliopolis"
As soon as the truck crosses the threshold, the portal to the human world closes. Sensing the change in landscape, Shizuru changes speed, "Hang on people, I don't think this is one of those all-terrain vehicles." For a short while, things seem to be going well. Along the way, Hiei and Kuwabara check on Yukina and Keiko. Thanks to Keiko's necklace, she's fine. Kiyoni gave Yukina an enchanted bracelet made of blue topaz. With the same properties as Keiko's jewelry and a freezing spell, Yukina is equally stable. "Hey," Kuwabara knocks on the back window again, "How's my sister?"
"You see I'm still driving, dumbass," Shizuru yells back.
Botan hovers over to the passenger side as Yusuke rolls down the window. "How much further do we have to go," she asks. "She said once we arrive here, it's in her hands," Kurama replies.
"In her hands, how," Botan retorts. He shrugs.
At the entrance gates, a pair of watchmen notice the outsiders in a distance. "Hey, is that them? The guests of the princess," inquires one guard. "Do you see anyone with red hair," the other guard questions back. They both look for the one with red hair. When that question goes unanswered, the guardsmen send a message to the royal family.
Inside a security and surveillance office, both Kiyoni and her birth mother, Queen Ava, bear witness to the commotion concerning the watchmen of the front gate. "So, Kiyoni. Is this group the one we're expecting," Ava proposes. With a closer look, Kiyoni notices Botan and Koenma, "Yes, mother. They're here."
The gang's streak of good luck comes to an end when sand is caught within the truck's undercarriage. "Please tell me Kiyoni gave you a plan B," Yusuke implores Kurama as everyone gets out of the truck. Kurama shakes his head, "I'm sorry but, no. She probably didn't think that we would come in this manner."
"Fine, then I'll make my own damn plan B," Yusuke steps forward while inhaling a giant whiff of air, "KIYONI! YOU PRETTY PIECE OF ROYAL ASS! CAN YOU HEAR ME, KIYONI, 'CAUSE WE'RE COMING! SO BOIL UP A KETTLE OF TEA!"
Kiyoni watches nervously as Ava is mortified by Yusuke's actions. "Just who does that boy think he is, addressing you like that? Has he no manners," she complains. Kiyoni gives an awkward laugh, "That's Yusuke Urameshi for you."
"That loud mouth is Yusuke Urameshi? The same Urameshi that Mister Yomi talked about?"
"That would be him, mom," Kiyoni displays an uncomfortable smile.
"Unbelievable," Ava then notices someone familiar, "Is that who I think it is?" Using a touchscreen displayed in front of her, she takes a closer view of her target, "Is that Shuuichi?" Kiyoni follows her mother's view using a different screen. Her heart melts as her pendant glows again, "Yes, mother. Most definitely."
"The fact that he's one of the visitors able to come here without any special treatment or spell, intrigues me. Mind telling me why that is?"
Kiyoni's nervousness creeps up again, "See…the reason is…"
Ava stops her, "Explanations later. Welcome your guests. Your father and I will join you out front." Kiyoni is relieved as she disables the hidden shield and the guardsmen receive their orders.
Back outside, Kiyoni's friends wait for a moment of hope. "If anyone has any bright ideas, feel free to share them," Yusuke announces. As Kurama looks along the horizon, he makes a mental wish, "Alright, Kiyoni. Time to take over now." Silence fills the atmosphere for a moment. Suddenly, the desert winds pick up speed. The pace increases by the minute. Within less than ten minutes, Kiyoni's guests are engulfed in a sandstorm. The girls take shelter inside while the boys make use of Koenma's force field, using the truck as extra cover.
"Well, there's the sandstorm I was expecting," Yusuke admits. The other boys give him their version of a "Really?" face.
Botan waves for their attention through a cracked window, "Hey, you might want to see this." She gestures the guys to look towards the horizon. The blustery sands decrease speed and lighten as a large city slowly comes into view. They've made it to the vampire capital of Demon World, Heliopolis. Koenma disables his shield as the girls exit the vehicle. "Is that what I think it is," Kuwabara is in disbelief. "Holy crap," Yusuke is astonished, "You mean to tell me Kiyoni's gonna be the queen of that? You've hit the jackpot, Kurama!" Kurama doesn't know what to say.
The security officials in charge of the front gate approach the group on their hover bikes. "Welcome, guests of the princess," asserts the first. "We've been ordered to escort you to the palace," finishes the other. "Um, how exactly are you gonna do that? There are nine of us and only two of you," Shizuru points out.
The guardsmen laugh, "Way ahead of you." A shuttle van arrives to carry the friendly clique away, surprising everyone. "Please, climb aboard. Friends of the future Pharaoh Queen," both men suggest.
"What about this truck," Kuwabara looks back.
Shizuru grabs him by the collar, "Get the damn bags and listen to those men, you moron." The guards load the bus with everyone's luggage before getting back on their bikes. With everyone present and accounted for, the bus heads for the city.
The front gates of the city-state open, giving Kiyoni's friends an up-close and personal view of this unfamiliar territory. As described, the city is astonishing. The first major area they see is Divinity Village where major spiritual figures (such as Osiris, Buddha, Zeus, and Jesus Christ) and many places of worship are the backbone for the numerous religious cultures of the country. Beyond the marketplaces of the kingdom, lies its residential landscape; including a stadium and sporting area in the center. The style of the area's structure can be described as an advanced/futuristic version of the empires of Egypt and central/Eastern Africa, for the most part. However, it does have its differences. Given that Heliopolis is a multicultural territory, countries representing the northeastern portion of the human world, have established and designed their own neighborhoods. Another way to blend in while maintaining their respective cultures.
To the far north of the city, acres upon acres of forest, vegetation, and farmlands roam the countryside. Water, from the icy highlands and borderlines of the country, flow into an equally great river; splitting the green into two sides with a volcano on each side and the waterway leading to the country's shoreline and oceanfront. However, all of that is only the perimeter. Four bridges (representing north, south, east, and west) connect to the city's center point, Elite Island, which is where the shuttle van is headed. On this mountainous landmass, noble and royal families inhabit this part of the country. Two statues (one male and one female) stand proudly in front of the island's gate, welcoming the outsiders. "Whoa," Yusuke looks around, "This is awesome!" "Why the hell would she keep all of this from me," Kurama asks himself.
"We're approaching the palace. I suggest you all prepare yourselves," warns the shuttle driver.
Kiyoni anxiously watches her friends arrive while standing a couple of steps down from her parents. Kenichi and Ayesha accompany them as well as the bus safely lands on the palace courtyard. Only a pathway of more guardsmen stand between the outsiders and the royal family. Kenichi steps forward, "Men, attention!" The soldiers follow orders. "Whoa, now that's cool," Yusuke comments as he steps out of the bus behind Keiko. Waves and smiles are exchanged between her and Kiyoni. When everyone departs from the vehicle, the group is called to attention by Kenichi, "Greetings, inhabitants of the human world," Kiyoni face palms herself in embarrassment as Kenichi continues, "Presenting the royal family-,"
Kiyoni interrupts him, "That's enough, dad. Please, they're my friends. No grand introduction is necessary." She walks through the path of soldiers, "You guys came through just in time!" "Hey, Kiyoni," Keiko gives the princess a hug.
"Oh, Keiko how are you? Are you alright, so far?"
"Yes, I'm fine. The necklace is working like a charm."
"Yukina," Kiyoni shrieks, "You seem to be doing fine as well." "Yes, thanks again for inviting me," Yukina bows.
Kiyoni takes her hand, "Oh, Yukina. I'm the one who should be grateful for your arrival. We're gonna have so much fun, just you wait." She later greets Botan and Shizuru before getting to the boys.
Meanwhile, Hiei has a separate conversation with Kurama, "Hmm, not bad. I guess." "Hmm? What are you mumbling," Hiei has Kurama's attention.
"This place. Not bad."
Kurama raises an eyebrow, "I take it you're going to play the auditor role while you're here?"
"…Maybe."
"Hiei! You've arrived," Kiyoni greets. "I wouldn't get too happy if I were you," Hiei bellows, "I plan to keep a close eye on you for as long as I'm here."
"Sure thing," Kiyoni displays another awkward smile. Her demeanor changes upon looking at Kurama while he stares and smiles back. The young royal stands directly in front of her man, longing for this moment.
"Hey you," she welcomes with a voice that's both friendly and flirtatious. He replies with a hint of interest of his own, "Hello." Noticing her jewelry, Kurama points out, "Your necklace is glo-." He's interrupted by a kiss; one that says, "Welcome to Heliopolis", "I missed you", and "It's about time", simultaneously. Kurama is surprised by Kiyoni's impulsive behavior. However, being a recent victim to impulse himself, he lets it slide as he succumbs to her charms.
"Whoa. Did my kiss with Yusuke look that impressive," Keiko surveys the girls. "Uh-huh," they respond.
"Now who's the one who's rose whipped," Kuwabara whispers to Koenma and Yusuke, causing all three to snicker.
Ayesha approaches the couple, clearing her throat to get their attention, "Excuse me, your highness? Pardon the intrusion but, you have to introduce your parents now." "Perhaps, you should do that before you get in trouble," Kurama advises telepathically.
"If we ignore her, she'll go away. Besides, I'm really not in the mood for pleasantries, right now," Kiyoni replies in the same manner.
Ayesha continues to get Kiyoni's attention, "Your highness? Your highness?" The rest of the guests laugh at the improvised show.
"Time to step in," Akio suggests. "Yes, before our princess gets too out of hand," Ava agrees. Hand-in-hand, the reigning king and queen approach their daughter and guests.
"Princess Kiyoni Ikeda," Akio calls, "Remember your place. Show some control."
Heeding her father's word, Kiyoni lips separate from Kurama's. Stepping back, she bows to her visitor, "My bad." "No harm done, princess," Kurama bows back.
"Well then, I guess I should introduce everyone," Kiyoni proclaims, "Starting off, we have Pharaoh Queen Ava Ikeda and King Doctor Akio Ikeda, a.k.a., my real mom and dad." Everyone bows to the royal couple, "We thank you for opening your doors to us."
"Yes, well. So long as you adhere to our rules during your stay, you will have a most pleasant vacation indeed," Ava reassures.
"Excuse me, sir," Keiko focuses her attention on Akio, "You're a doctor and a king?" "Yes. Not only am I the king and second-in-command of this territory, I'm also one of this country's leading doctors. Hematology is my specialty," he replies.
"My brother and I were personally diagnosed with anemia, by him, when we were kids," Kiyoni articulates.
"I have a question," Kuwabara continues, "From what I remember in school, most pharaohs were men. So aren't 'king' and 'pharaoh' the same thing?" Kiyoni holds back laughter as Shizuru punches her brother in the shoulder again. "Egypt had its share of women running the country, Kuwabara," Kiyoni goes on, "My mom is no different."
"I suggest you remember that the next time you greet me," Ava implies. Her eyes flash red to highlight her statement.
Kuwabara bows apologetically, "Yes, ma'am."
In an attempt to lighten the situation, Kiyoni takes charge again, "Okay, let's continue with the introductions, shall we?" She names off her guests one by one, "Mom, dad. This is Yukina and Keiko." The girls wave hello while Kiyoni moves down the list, "And then we have Shizuru and Botan." Those two girls say hello. She wraps an arm around Yusuke's shoulders, "And for the boys, we have Yusuke and Kazuma…" "You can call me Kuwabara, if you like," he boasts.
Kiyoni presents the young administrator, "This is Koenma, Prince of the Spirit World." "It's an honor to meet you both. I hope to learn a lot from you during my time here," Koenma wishes. "Consider the honor, ours," Akio with the rebuttal, "The opportunity to expose our lands to new royalty is both anticipated and exciting."
Kiyoni finishes her introductions, "Finally, we have Hiei and…" "There's no need," Ava walks towards the two demons, "Hiei, I welcome you to Heliopolis. I wish your stay here is as comfortable as possible."
"Hmm," Hiei remarks.
Ava dismisses Hiei's actions in favor of Kurama, "Shuuichi Minamino, come to me, my second son," she embraces her former neighbor. "Second son," everyone exclaims.
"Don't worry, everyone," Akio ensures, "She calls him that due to how close he and Kiyoni were."
"It's true. His parents welcomed me as much as my parents welcomed him," Kiyoni vouches while leaning on her father's shoulder.
"It's good to see you once again, your highness," Kurama concludes. "Oh, please. You don't have to be so formal with me. 'Mom' or 'Mrs. Ikeda' will do just fine, nothing's changed. Better yet, just call me 'mom'," Ava instructs with an excited look on her face.
"'Mom' it is," Kurama relents with an awkward smile.
Kiyoni steps in, "Good! Now that we all know each other, let's go inside, huh?" "Ooh, I hope there's some food in the future," Kuwabara raves.
"Very well. I'm sure all of you are quite exhausted from your journey. Ayesha, show them the way, please," Akio instructs.
Ayesha heeds the order, "Yes, my king. Everyone, follow me." The kids make their way inside with Kiyoni taking hold of Kurama's arm along the way; ecstatic to see him in her world. He sneaks a kiss on the forehead in return. Meanwhile, a few of the guards grab the luggage from the shuttle bus to be taken to the guest rooms.
The only one who doesn't tag along is Hiei. At the moment, the opportunity to see what petty crimes he can get away with while in a new territory is much more tempting than "babysitting" a teenage princess. "I'll save my investigation attempts for another time," he tells himself before disappearing. The transfer between worlds is now complete. For the next few days, these eclectic group of young people will experience a vacation like none other.
