You cannot go far alone. You enjoy your

journey better if you have people by your side.

Karan Patel

Genesis

"I still can't believe this."

The statement trailed away as we wound from one corridor to the next, clarity eluding Kuwabara's voice still. Morning sunlight streamed through natural parts in the canopied ceiling and, not for the first time, I marveled at the trees' beauty. Though we had been prepared to set off directly after court convened, both father and Hokushin demanded we remain in Schloss Wald one more night, that 'proper preparations' be made for such a journey–

What preparations could they have in mind?

"A waste." Hiei hissed behind me, ever-knowing my thoughts. "Doddering fools . . . How much provision can be made for a reconnaissance party?"

"Hey, watch your mouth!" The knight spun to face him, thick arms straining against a cerulean tunic.

Glare simmering, Hiei set his shoulders before complying, dutifully lowering his voice. "Nobles in general are simple-minded."

"How–" Kuwabara stifled his tongue and closed his eyes, somehow managing to continue his backward stride while keeping pace with us. After several steps, he took a deep breath, beady gaze boring into the smaller man. "How can you say that?"

A snort, the comforting sound of skin caressing wool as he crossed his arms. "Greed and pride always produce fools, no matter what title they use to excuse it. The more they have, the more they want."

"But, Prince Yusuke isn't like that and his Highness isn't, either!" A meaty hand gestured my way, one which could easily shroud my face. "And King Yomi has–"

"I said in general; there are always exceptions."

The back-handed compliment tugged a smile from my lips, though such was how Hiei gifted praise. "Surely you do not wish to argue before our journey even begins?"

Kuwabara blushed and we rounded another corner, turning to face forward. "Sorry." He mumbled, adjusting the leather sack at his shoulder. "Hey, do you have any idea why Urameshi asked us to bring these?"

I glanced at the strap across my chest, securing the burden between my shoulders. "No, though I'm sure he will–"

"Please reconsider!"

The cry seeped through a door left ajar, the light tumbling children spilling into the hall. Glancing at my companions, I bade them stay before creeping closer, willing the wood silence my steps. While Yusuke's room normally brimmed with laughter and the charm of the opposite sex, today only he and Hokushin occupied the chamber. Clearly caught in the midst of packing, my cousin sat on his bed surrounded by various knickknacks, brows raised at the sight before him.

For once appearing too small for his robes, Hokushin knelt on the floor, hands and feet lost in billowing black. Despite his impassioned plea, the Hornless' skin retained an ashen hue, forehead pressed to Yusuke's bare foot. Baring of bowed head and neck, revering the soles which trample earth and enemy alike–

The ultimate submission for an Oni.

"You are the light of your people, beloved by every clan! None of your siblings or clansmen other than King Raizen can claim such!" Eyes squeezed shut, Hokushin's forehead dug into Yusuke's skin, voice rising with each pass. "True peace for our land is within your grasp! Will you throw away everything you've worked for, my Lord?"

"'course not!" Yusuke clucked his tongue, nose wrinkling. "You think I'm an idiot?"

"Then take me with you!"

At that my cousin paused, emotion all at once locked behind a bronze mask.

Hokushin continued on, eyes squeezed shut. "The world despises our people, Lord Yusuke – they see us as nothing more than tools for war. In days past, this was advantageous: such meant wealth and strong alliances, insurance for Tourrin and all that dwelled therein. But now–" He ground his jaw, movement in the black hinting at fists. "Should any discover you, they'll kill you because of who you are; they need no other reason." His voice trembled then, tears brimming to wet Yusuke's foot. "I cannot allow that to happen!"

My cousin listened without protest or interruption; calm, contemplative–

So unlike the man I knew.

Finally, he spoke. "Raise your head, Hokushin."

A presence at my back and I knew Hiei and Kuwabara were watching, though I could not fault them for that. Slowly, the Hornless looked upon his lord, weathered face showcasing every hard-won scar and wrinkle. Not for the first time, I wondered how many of those were caused by the Prince before him, who even now carried the mantle of nobility with a peasant's bearing.

Breathing a soft sigh, Yusuke placed his hand atop Hokushin's head, pinkie and thumb pressing the thick scars at his temples. "Look, I've already made the call – how would it look if I went back on my word now?" He smiled, despite his vassal's grim expression. "I appreciate your loyalty: for as long as I can remember, you've always watched over me, protected me, been there for me. No matter what mess I get into or how much you yell, I know you're always in my corner." Fingers flexing, my cousin paused, brows puckering. "That's why I need you to go home."

The older Oni remained silent, watching as his Lord pulled his hand away and leaned back, hair spilling across the sheets. "This all lines up a little too well. The Ice Princess disappearing, my old man getting worse; these guys from Hyouga just happening to show up when Fox Boy and I are together." Lips morphing into a scowl full of teeth, Yusuke's hands curled into fists, glare curdling the branches overhead. "I don't like it."

Hokushin straightened, ebony gaze darkening further as he rose to a kneeling position. "Do you believe this has anything to do with–?"

"No clue, that's what I want you to find out." A burst of air and Yusuke rolled to his feet, continuing his initial task of stuffing a small sack. "Keep a handle on things, be my eyes and ears while I'm gone. You know how our guys get when there's nothing to do. Oh, and don't worry about anyone finding me out." Knotting a thong around the sack's mouth, he glanced down, mischievous grin nearly kissing his cheekbones. "We both know I'm not stupid enough to get caught."

I chose then to make myself known, knocking softly before entering. "Yusuke, it's time."

My cousin did not appear flummoxed by my appearance, though Hokushin's face paled further. In fact, the Hornless made no move to rise."Hey!" Yusuke stretched on his tiptoes to peek over my shoulder, offering myself and our companions a toothy grin. "You guys all set?"

"Yes, everyone is waiting in the courtyard."

"Great!" Giving the room one final sweep, he slung the strange piped instrument over one shoulder, strapping two hand drums at his flanks. "Then let's–"

"Lord Yusuke!"

Smile slipping, he turned and eyed his vassal. Hokushin stood where Yusuke left him, all emotion tucked away. Though he rose over my cousin by at least one head, Hokushin made no move to appear intimidating as he stepped toward us, bearing the bag his Lord forgot. The moment he reclaimed the burden, however, Hokushin clamped his hand atop Yusuke's head, foremost and latter finger resting atop his horns while ruffling his hair. "Keep the heid."

Closing one eye, Yusuke pretended to fuss over his tussled braids but made no effort to escape that grip, huffing, "Don't I always?"

Yusuke wasted no time beginning the proceedings.

Whether observed by a seasoned audience or no, the Uchtáil always proved a sight to behold. Gifted by Lugh centuries before the Dragon's War, this ceremony allowed the Oni to adopt individuals of differing races into their ranks, accepted by both land and gods alike. Such was how the Tengu made their home in Tourrin, as well as how Dragons and Oni lived in peace–

And why the former's betrayal stung so.

Kuwabara stood before Yusuke, both bare from the waist up and surrounded by my cousin's people. Hokushin remained between them, flanked by his men who bore staves and drums; none of them smiled. If not for the lack of weapons, one would think another bout was about to take place.

Hiei shifted at my side as Hokushin began the ancient chant, voice rising above the drums at his back. "This is a waste of time."

Raising a brow, I glanced his way, noting the crossed arms and abnormal rigidity. "You don't approve Yusuke's choice?"

We stood apart from the group conducting the ceremony, observing beneath a forgotten corner of the orchards. Aside from us, no Gandaran other than father saw fit to appear for the Uchtáil. Dressed in earthen robes nearly the shade of the bowl Hokushin carried, he stood just behind Kuwabara, as was his right as King. Our words remained soft, though thankfully a gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, ensuring a private discourse.

"It's not my place to say."

The admission caught me off-guard and I gave him my full attention. Hiei was rarely at a loss for words, least of all with me, and never shrank from granting his honest opinion. Realization dawned and I tucked my chin, fingers catching cotton cloth. "You believe Hokushin should go in his place."

Hiei watched the Hornless dip his fingers into a mixture of honey and choice herbs, smearing the red ointment in curving patterns upon first Yusuke's skin, then Kuwabara's. Each line told a story, grotesque shapes and runes coming to life on canvases of flesh, though what it all meant I couldn't tell.

"He's going to get himself killed."

I pressed but he said nothing more, watching with a detachment rivaling Karasu's.

Sighing, my eyes roved back toward the castle. Our guests observed the ceremony in the shadow of Schloss Wald, almost lost to the darkness save for the train of Rui's robes. Thick cloak clasped at her throat, the Koorime was dressed for travel, a journey home which would have already commenced had not she insisted on witnessing this. Impassive as ever, she appeared uncaring of the beads of sweat dotting her forehead, victims of the heat of the day despite her strategic post. Karasu looked on at her back, his body encased in black wool save the open hem at his chest. Pectorals cresting and falling much like ocean waves, his hair spilled down his back, raven wings melding seamlessly with those locks. The scythes were nowhere to be seen yet I knew they were there, awaiting to defend his mistress.

Neither glanced our way.

"Dagda agus iomlán ár ndaoine, breá an finné." Hokushin rumbled as the drums began their sluggish song, fingertips dripping as he touched first Yusuke's forehead, then Kuwabara's. The human swallowed, unused to such scrutiny, the ferocity of an Oni's glare. "An aon sé tá bhur mac, agus bráthair."

From lips wrought of steel, my cousin spoke. "Dagda and all our people, bear witness." Kuwabara's brow furrowed at his firm tone yet I noted the gratitude behind that gaze, his relief. If the interruption bothered Hokushin, he hid it well. "This one wants to be your son, our brother."

The Hornless drew a dagger from his smock and Kuwabara blanched, eyes widening as the weapon went to Yusuke. Scowling, my cousin studied the blade, an article carved from an ancestral Ram's horn. The drums quickened their pace and he tilted his head, braids clacking like horse hooves on stone.

Then, without warning, he dragged the dagger down his arm.

Hokushin's men opened their mouths wide, throaty voices overpowering Kuwabara's cry. Their humming rose over pounding drums, gazes fixed on the cut marring the soft flesh of Yusuke's underarm. My cousin studied the wound for a moment, face slack, unimpressed by the blood streaming from wrist to elbow.

When he extended the slender blade to Kuwabara, the human balked, shaking his head. "H-hang on a minute! I have no idea what's going on–"

"Simple, you're being adopted." Yusuke tucked the dagger beneath one arm before dipping ready fingers into his own blood. Kuwabara stood rooted to the spot as he touched first one hollowed cheek, then the other, dotting the human's forehead before running a line of red down his nose, the procession finally ending at his chin. "Okay," He stepped back, offering the blade once more. "Your turn."

"What do you mean, 'adopted'? I'm not a child!"

Yusuke groaned, tipping his head back amidst drum beats and the Hornless' crooning. He'd never liked explaining intricate matters. "Look, you wanna go with us, right?" At Kuwabara's nod he lifted the blade, red creeping down shining metal. "The only way that can happen is if you become one of us, a citizen of Tourrin."

Kuwabara's jaw went slack at this and he shook his head. "I can't do that! That'd be betraying my land, my King–!" He glanced back at father, who smiled still despite the delayed proceedings.

"Don't sweat it, why do you think Uncle's here?" Yusuke jutted his chin, raising his voice over his countrymen. "You don't mind if I borrow Kuwabara for a bit, do you?"

"Not at all." Father chuckled, making no attempt to hide his amusement. "So long as he returns unharmed – I owe a debt to his family."

"Don't worry, he'll be fine."

Father's smile widened, scars creasing at the temples as Yusuke focused once more upon the knight. "Do as you will, then."

"You heard him." My cousin smirked, drawing small circles in the air with the blade tip. "Nothing holdin' you back now – real men don't go back on their word."

Kuwabara flushed at the obvious bait, meaty hands forming fists. "I'm not a coward." He ground out, meeting the Oni's challenging gaze.

"I know, why do you think I chose you?" All mirth left my cousin's countenance as he handed the dagger over, smirk slipping into a frown. "Don't prove me wrong now."

A moment's hesitation and then he followed Yusuke's example, slicing through soft flesh. Kuwabara couldn't quite hide his flinch though he gave no other indication of pain, squeezing the wound just as his predecessor had, blade tucked safely against his ribs. Per my cousin's instructions, he made the appropriate lines across Yusuke's forehead, cheeks and forehead, red glowing at his chin with the last pointed press.

Hokushin moved then, retrieving the dagger as the Hornless' chants dissolved to muted murmurs, drums setting the pace for every heart. "Fuil ar fuil, feoil ar feoil."

"Blood for blood, flesh for flesh." Yusuke lifted his leaking arm and Kuwabara followed suite, unmoving as the Oni pressed his wound to his. However, when my cousin grabbed orange curls and bashed their foreheads together, the human hissed, instinctively fighting the grip before realization struck and he froze.

"Ar deasghnáth, an fear seo táár, duine againn."

"By rite, this man is ours, one of us." Hand clasping bloody hand, Yusuke grinned, nose-to-nose with our befuddled friend. "Welcome to the family, Kuwabara."

The rest happened rather quickly, one event flowing into the next like streams joining the river on its way to the ocean. Beginning with Hokushin, the Hornless approached Kuwabara, placing their hands on his head according to custom. Acceptance radiated from all in place of warmth, and that seemed enough for my cousin.

Expecting more would have been foolish.

Father approached the pair last, smile serene though I could not tell what thoughts lay behind his sealed lids. Reaching with both hands, he accepted their red-lined limbs with grace, murmuring softly to himself. The flowers joined the song and light shone from his palms, startling both yet father held fast, slender fingers never once loosening their grip. Wild roses danced alongside vivid posies and lilies, willingly giving their King whatever he needed.

Then it was done, the wounds disappearing as if they never were.

"You did well, both of you." Father's smile widened as he released his hold, hands moving to either man's shoulder. "We expect much from you."

Kuwabara fell silent, red darkening both cheeks and Yusuke grinned, offering some witty remark of his own.

I glanced at Hiei only to find his attention focused elsewhere. Arms crossed, my companion stared at our other guests with nothing less than disdain, a deep scowl lining his face. Lost in thought, he did not seem aware of anything else, not the intensity of his glare nor the fact that I watched him from a pace away. To my surprise, Karasu readily met his gaze while Rui watched the Oni's ceremony, either unknowing or uncaring of Hiei's ire. The tengu's eyes remained emotionless as ever, posture perfect yet unassuming, metal mask dull beneath the shade of wood and stone. Jaw set, every muscle taut, irises smoldering embers in his skull–

Hiei appeared ready to explode at any moment.

When the two finally began their trek across the lawn, I sighed, clasping his shoulder. "We'd best join them."

Hiei didn't move, gave no indication he'd heard me. Brow furrowing, I tightened my grip only to feel him jolt, spinning to swat my hand away with an angry fist. The moment he saw me, however, he froze, eyes widening as clarity rushed in.

We remained that way for a moment, his fist raised and my hand on him still, unable or unwilling to move. Though I hid my surprise, the reality of the situation hit home for he paled, averting his gaze before tucking both hands into his pockets.

Arms falling at my side, I stepped closer, noting his worried lip, flesh caught between clenched teeth. "Don't worry, no one noticed." The whisper appeared lost to him, though I knew he heard for a fraction of tension left his body, the expectation of a blow fading like smoke.

Smiling, I nodded toward the grounds, sunlight warm on my back as I stepped from beneath the trees. "Shall we?"

The Oni's cheer knew no bounds. Formalities resolved, each ram greeted Kuwabara in his own way, teasing his size, tugging his hair, even throwing playful punches at his shoulders and stomach. Our friend took all this in stride, defending his honor when he felt the need, though honestly he seemed to be enjoying himself. Not surprisingly, he was the first to notice our arrival, curls falling into his face as he grinned.

It had been quite some time since I'd last seen him this happy.

"Congratulations, Sir Knight."

Everything stopped for that voice, cold and clear as a winter morning. Rui and Karasu materialized as the crowd parted, both dipping their heads to Kuwabara in barely perceptible bows. While his mistress straightened to face the human, however, the Tengu kept his gaze lowered, gaze lingering over the delicate arch of her neck, nape exposed by elaborate twists of blue. Hair slipping over one shoulder, he appeared oblivious to all but her, never looking up though I did nothing to hide my stare.

"Being accepted by a people other than your own is an impressive feat, especially for one as young as you. That process being initiated by royalty is nearly unheard of, as well. Hyouga offers her blessing."

She and he bowed once more, Karasu focusing on his boots when Rui turned to face me. "Prince Kurama, shortly after our arrival I committed an offense against you. For that, I apologize."

Murmurs amongst the Oni and though Father remained as placid as ever, his surprise registered through flexed brows. Yusuke's mouth twisted in satisfaction; I saw Hiei's scowl from the corner of my eye. "There is no need, Lady Rui."

"Oh, but there is – we cannot have malice between our kingdoms." As she spoke, I searched for a motive, some scheme which required an audience.

However, no such thing reflected in her gaze or bearing. Taking a breath, I straightened, steeling myself. "If that is the case, it is not I you need apologize to."

"I'm well aware, which is why I have a token for your man."

A token? Truly, I hadn't expected this, her complacency or her gift. Glancing back, I stepped away, leaving them to face one another. Hands open and ready at his thighs, Hiei watched her with poorly concealed hatred, fire churning his eyes, too-tense jaw threatening to crack. Heat choked the air around us, harsh and unprecedented for this time of year.

If Rui noticed his state, however, she hid it well. "Karasu."

Pale hand cutting a path through the warm morning, the Tengu moved with speed rivaling Hiei's, pulling some invisible strap at his waist. The tunic parted instantly, falling open to flank his bare abdomen. Unexpectedly toned muscle awaited there, swelling beneath alabaster skin, flesh lined with spiraling veins, brutish bruises, and scars both old and new. A thick lock of hair slipped with the motion, outlying a dark nipple before spilling to kiss a protruding hip. All of this happened quite naturally, no trace of shock rising from his mistress' request. In fact, Karasu never ceased studying his shoes, not even when Kuwabara drew in a sharp breath.

Yusuke raised a brow, though otherwise neither he nor his people reacted to the display. Nudity was a common part of daily life for rams and while they were used to seeing a man's body, they knew such went against Gandaran custom. In fact, aside from my cousin, Hiei was the only person I'd ever seen in a state of undress, and even then only for the treatment of wounds.

For his part, my companion didn't seem bothered by the Tengu's actions. Rather, Hiei stared at Karasu's exposed side, eyes wide as thrift blooms. Only then did I see the slick leather peeking from that waist, a twisting, dark thing made from a nightmare forest. The garish curves brought to mind my cousin's crown, only irreparably tainted, something no one could want much less wield.

However, Hiei's gaze stated otherwise. I watched his jaw fall slack, pupils shrinking to pinpricks as Karasu retrieved the dagger from his trousers, presenting it reverently to his mistress. Rui accepted the offering, eyes roving over all that flesh before focusing once more on the object in her hand. Smiling, she drew it from the thin scabbard, revealing a black blade with edges not unlike rushing currents, waves coming to a fine point at the end. A marvelous weapon, one I'd never seen before–

Though any enjoyment I should have felt was extinguished by the grunt from Hiei's throat, as if all the wind had been knocked from him. Face paling further, he appeared unaware of making the sound, of anything save the blade.

"Weaving athame – a weapon unique to the Tengu." Rui hummed, petting the blade's spine with delicate fingers before sheathing it once more, stepping forward. "Along with the mishap from before, Karasu injured you severely in your bout. A pleasure sport nearly ended in a blood bath." Hiei stiffened under her cooing, right fist coiling at his side. "For that, I bequeath you this. I trust you will make good use of it?"

When Hiei simply stared, father answered in his stead. "Of course he will." My companion started, raising those wide eyes as father came to his side, smiling. Flowers chattered in the breeze, soft songs filling my ears. "Hiei would be honored to accept Hyouga's gift."

All eyes fell on Hiei then, yet still he hesitated, gaze traveling from the extended dagger to father. Finally, he stepped forward, taking the blade with a shallow bow.

Rui nodded at his retreat, arms slipping beneath her cloak. "May it aid you on your journey." She tipped her head, watching as Karasu refastened his tunic. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Yomi. We will notify Queen Hina of your kindness."

Father returned her bow, a graceful movement only one of his years could possess. "Are you sure you cannot stay longer, Lady Rui? We would be delighted to have you a while longer."

"Unfortunately, no. The winds are bothersome this time of year. If we do not leave now, I'm not sure when the next opportunity will come."

She turned to her man, then, touching his bicep thoughtfully. "Princess Yukina must be found and returned safely as soon as possible. I fear without her presence, the Queen's heart will not last – she truly is a benevolent ruler." At some unknown signal, Karasu scooped her into his arms, wings extending to their full length. "Please . . . find her before it is too late."

With that, the Tengu sprinted off, wings flapping once, twice before he leaped off a small rise, carrying them up and away from us. In moments, they were gone without so much as a backward glance, dark specs soon lost among the clouds.

Not too long after, the four of us stood before father and Hokushin, Yusuke's people and Gandaran warriors spread behind them. The 'provisions', it turned out, were a simple affair: a bag of food and gold each, a newly-inked map of Gandara and the surrounding lands, as well as a blessing from both men. Hokushin's came first, begging the strength, fortitude and solidarity of Tourrin's mountains and hills; father's requested the speed of Gandara's rivers and wisdom of the wood, for understanding of the flower's song, no matter where this journey took us. The seeds in my clothes and hair shook at their words, and I couldn't help but sense the others felt similarly.

As we turned to depart, however, a new voice cut through the Oni's cheers, begging us to wait. Shizuru hurried across the lawn with her lady's maid, braids flying behind her. A vision in blue, she didn't stop running until she stood before us, leaning against her brother's offered arm.

"Sis!" Kuwabara exclaimed, clearly as astonished as I. When she didn't respond for lack of breath, he swallowed, helping her stand tall. "I, uh, didn't think you were coming–"

"Of course I'd come to see you off, you're my little brother." Her gruff reply didn't put him off, neither did her refusal to look him in the eye. Rather, she stared at me, eyes milky, distant–

Laced with salvia smoke. "Lady Shizuru–"

"Beware strange woods, and the man dressed in white." She spoke in a voice which was both hers and not her own; no, this voice was deeper, as if spoken from an ancient well.

A seer's voice.

"Seek the Spirit of the Forest, for he will guard your life."

The Spirit of the Forest? Something stirred at that name though before I could question her further the lace left her eyes and she slumped once more, yet still Kuwabara held her weight. "Hey, sis? Shizuru, are you okay?"

Panic made his voice squeak, gaze flickering about desperately. Yusuke went to her other side, batting away her maid in favor of taking her arm. "Hey, somebody lend a hand!"

Immediately, a cumbersome ram stepped forth, taking her carefully into his arms. Shizuru truly appeared wan against that red shoulder, lids fluttering open to spy her brother. Weakness was not uncommon after an induced vision, though normally such things did not make her faint.

"You'd better come back." She breathed, fair hair falling against one cheek as her attention shifted to Hiei. "Look after him."

Though I was unsure of if the 'he' she referred to was myself or Kuwabara, Hiei nodded anyway, watching along with the rest of us as she was escorted back into the castle.

"There is nothing left to say." Father chuckled, handing one last pouch to me. "I wish you success and a speedy journey."

"As do I, Lord Yusuke." Hokushin said, somber mask fully donned as he likewise handed my cousin a pouch. "Please, do not cause Prince Kurama any unnecessary trouble."

"Aw, don't worry," Yusuke grinned, slipping both arms through the openings in his plaid before shouldering his war club and piped instrument. "We'll be back before you know it!"

More sentimental goodbyes and we were off, weaving a path through the capital's streets, each building resting snugly between great roots and thick branches. Though a few stared after us, there was no grand farewell, no parades or crying women. Ours was a secret mission, after all–

None outside of Schloss Wald knew of it.

"So, Urameshi, I've been meaning to ask you something." Kuwabara drawled as we fled the cobbled streets for hard earth and shaded canopies, the King's Forest embracing us without a fuss.

"Yeah?" Yusuke called back just ahead of us, burdens making quite the racket while Hiei followed silently behind. The leaves whispered to one another, tugging my hair and breeches though I would not divulge our secret to anyone, not even them.

The price was too great.

"You said you've got a plan, a way for us to look for the princess unnoticed." The knight knit his brow, clearly uncomfortable with the order to walk at my side. "What is it?"

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" My cousin turned, a toothy grin lighting his face as he laid a hand on one of the drums at his hips. "We're going to be traveling minstrels!"

A/N: Hello and welcome back! Sorry this chapter took so long but we made it! Thank you so much for those who have favorited, followed and reviewed!

So, drama on all fronts, one weird prophecy and an adoption ceremony later, and our boys are on their journey! Where will they travel first, and what's up with Yusuke's idea of making a medieval boy band? Read on to find out!