Across Time
foxgloves
Prologue
The visions started in fragments, and so it took time before they made any sense; even to a practiced psychic like Genkai.
A lengthy set of stairs. Different this time though; she noticed the marker at the bottom for the first time, never there before. Another small detail creating a bigger picture.
Sunset Shrine.
Passing beneath the red torii arches at the top, tidy shrine grounds stretched out; an old man sweeping the flagstones dutifully.
On one side of the property, a magnificent God Tree; talisman tied around its trunk, swaying in the breeze.
And on the other, a small shack; weathered. Ah yes, she wanted to go there. What was inside?
Sliding the door open, sunlight poured in from behind Genkai's back, the tiny flecks of dust in the air sparkling when they caught the light. Down a rickety set of stairs, she gazed at an old well. Head cocked to the side, she considered it with a shrewd look.
This was the farthest she'd made it in the vision thus far. It always ended here.
Slowly, she lifted a foot, prepared to take the first step in descending the stairs.
And in a wisp, the vision dissipated like a candle blown out.
Dull pink eyes blinked open and Genkai scowled, frustrated. She needed a cigarette.
Gathering herself, she ambled out of her private dojo and out to the engawa that wrapped around the building. In a practiced motion, she withdrew a package of cigarettes from her pocket, expertly lit it and took a long, deep drag. The smoke filled her lungs and she relaxed. Now she could think.
As usual, she never could get far enough into the vision to determine what the meaning of the well was, but she supposed that didn't matter so much now. Taking another puff on the cigarette, she blew a smoke ring, mind working. "Sunset Shrine."
That would be easy enough to find. From there it was a simple investigation.
But she was old, and well, she didn't feel like it. That kind of bullshit was for Dimwit and his friends.
Sensing someone coming, Genkai slanted her gaze towards the young ice maiden who approached, carefully carrying a tray of tea. The psychic thought to herself that a stiff drink would've been preferred, but she already smoked almost a pack a day, and apparently that wasn't good for you, but she certainly wasn't about to give up those, so tea would have to do.
"Would you like tea out in the garden, Genkai-sama?" Yukina asked politely.
"Fine," Genkai agreed, "but do something for me, would you?"
Ever ready to serve, Yukina perked up. "Yes?"
"Call Koenma. I need to talk to him about something."