Outside Wants In
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Fighting On Arrival, Fighting For Survival
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To begin with, I am feeling conflicted about my current state. Maya, whether she knew it or not, needed me in her life. I expected to hear all sorts of complaints and arguments to the contrary, but I never expected her to be o eager to agree. Though she may not look it, the girl didn't seem scrapped for cash. Nevertheless, if I had to use money to assuage her temper, I would use everything within my arsenal to get this girl to see the importance of family.
I couldn't help but feel melancholy at this point. How could I tell the human mother who has raised me that I was a demon centuries old? How could I explain to the second person who has loved me unconditionally, that I had merged with the spirit of her future son, and that he was now and forever more a part of me?
With the advent of Maya, no longer could I live behind the lie. This woman who taught me human emotion, who showed me love so purely, deserved to know who I really was. Of course, to be fair, my human mother was not the first person to love me. No, that honor is reserved for Na'Barrae, my once and future mate. Na'Barrae Abeni Chidubem.
Even thinking of her name in my mind left me with a feeling of happy sadness. After we had become acquainted with another, I began to think that perhaps she was guided to me by God. Her moniker was appropriate in that regard. I recall her telling me that her first name was her family name, and the others were what the village elders decided on.
I both love and loathe her village names. I had wanted her to be alive when I returned from the demon world, and had discovered that she died while carrying my child. As for my child, how was I to have known that she lived? To be quite honest, I knew that I lacked the maturity, and the willingness to raise a strange foreign child even if she was my kit.
My selfishness overcame any attempts to find out the truth about my sudden love and our child. The pain that I felt then was palpable. How could this amazing woman come into my life and then leave just as swiftly? Back then, I was not able to rationalize as eloquently. I went on a rampage and stole every treasure that I had ever desired so viciously, so maliciously, that I didn't give a damn about those that I hurt in the process. It would be my both my saving grace, and my ultimate failure all in one.
This child, my seed made flesh, both confounded and frustrated me. On the one hand, I am proud of her survivor's mettle. She has the intelligence, beauty, and audacity that is admirable in a fox of my line. Unfortunately, there are still a few kinks to work out. She loathes me, and she seems to have a poor opinion of male demons in general. It's no surprise with the tragedy that she underwent at the hands of Akuma Toguro.
Even his damnable name meant "evil grotesque person." The name suited him very well. I still hadn't contemplated vengeance against him for his evil actions. He would pay for stealing her virginity, and I would make sure that his payment lasted a lifetime. I may be a legendary thief and murderer but I have no qualms whatsoever about killing child molesters, rapists, others of that detestable ilk.
I wouldn't be allowed a chance to further brood upon my situation because Genkai knocked on my door, letting herself inside. We stared at one another, both knowing that our conversation would remain private regarding Maya. She sat in front of me, already lighting up a cigarette, as I poured her a cup of green tea. We sipped slowly, feeling no need to rush the discussion.
This was the first time that I would be able to speak with the Spirit Wave Master in more than two weeks. While I didn't like lying to my human mother, it was necessary to keep up the ruse regarding a school trip that I used during the Dark Tournament. I needed time away from the Minamino household so that I could get my arrangements in order.
"Genkai, as you are aware I need to speak with you about Maya's living arrangements."
I placed my cup down, taking the empty cup and saucer to the sink to be washed. The Tokyo Hilton was a lovely establishment, and while I could appreciate the room service I preferred to clean up after myself. Also, it wouldn't bode well to have the housekeepers discover something of mine that should remain secret.
"What's there to discuss, Kurama? Maya so far has not had any complaints. She and Yukina are getting along as to be expected. She has a smart mouth, and isn't a terrible fighter. However, her attitude is totally reminiscent of a certain dimwit that we all know and love."
Genkai's words didn't surprise me in the least. When I managed to get Maya to agree to our deal, I knew that she would remain as surly as ever. It was in her benefit to maintain a demeanor of complete disobedience. It behooved her to make it as difficult as possible for the two of us to connect.
I wouldn't force her to yield to me, as that would only cause her to believe that I was like almost every other man that she has encountered in life—forceful and aggressive. No, it would take a modicum of finesse, guile, and subtle power plays that I have perfected to an exact science. My daughter, while not a slouch in any of those areas, would respect and recognize me as her father.
"I take it her training is going well?"
I asked, being sure to keep things light for the moment. I trusted Genkai with my life, but my newly found daughter was another story. I wanted to be sure that's she clicked with both Yukina and Genkai. Maya's rapport with those two women was imperative if my plan is to work. Genkai was essential because she had precious knowledge about Na'Barrae that Maya would be eager to learn about. Yukina's mild character would help to instill more desirable qualities.
This was why I wanted the three of them to function cohesively. When I tell my human mother the truth about my origins, I would need to plan for any unforeseen results. There was a huge possibility that she would reject both me and my daughter. She could also think that I am completely insane. I would need to tread lightly if my plan were to reach fruition.
"She needs a basic overhaul in training. We started with weights and muscle building. As a half demon she already has natural flexibility and speed, but she just doesn't know how to unlock these powers unless she is in fight-or-flight mode. Her spiritual and demon energy seem to work hand in hand. I suggest that you train her yourself, Kurama."
Genkai's heated glare said it all. She finished her tea and gave me her cup and saucer, which I took to the sink. I stared out the window below watching as salary men and women tittered to and fro, my mind traveled back to my secret plan. Maya would most benefit from my training, but as a male, there were some things that I couldn't teach her. I trusted in Genkai's abilities for the time being. Once I made housing arrangements for myself and for Maya, then I could concentrate on her training.
"Rest assured Genkai, I will be training her. However, at the moment, Maya needs stability, and she needs to be comfortable around unthreatening people. As an acquaintance of her mother, you would be best suited to train with her. The fact that you are a master of martial and spiritual arts doesn't hurt either. As for Yukina, her compassion is sincere, and she can school Maya in Demon arts, and perhaps some of her more desirable qualities will rub off on the girl."
Genkai smirked, and then brought her nearly forgotten cigarette back to her wrinkled lips. I could tell that she was mulling over my plan, silently searching for vulnerabilities. My plan was not by any means fool proof, but it was the best that I could devise in my child's best interest.
"Change of subject. What are you going to do about your human mother? If you get rejected by your mother, will it affect your ability to parent your daughter? Where will you live? I don't doubt that you have the finances should something drastic arise, but can you provide a stable household, a stable life?"
"Maya is a lot like Hiei in many ways. While Maya has known the love of a few people, she still has experienced the pain of rejection, fear, hatred, and all other vices that humans and demons employ. While I know that they didn't really hit it off, they understand one another to an extent. Though Hiei would never admit to it, he seeks the same thing that she does—love, acceptance, and family."
Genkai nodded her head, clearly agreeing with my assessment. For all of their fierce glares and harsh words, behind the bravado were two people that longed for the trinity. Her nod of agreement soon turned to a look of confusion. I still hadn't answered her question. My answer had nothing to do with what she'd asked, but maybe she would see the correlation later. Smiling, I presented her with a plate of sushi, my manners never faltering during our conversation.
"Where we would live is moot, for the time being. I love my human mother very much, but if it comes to choosing between the two, I will. I appreciate all that my mother has given me, all that she has shown me. Her familial love for me helped to numb the sorrow I felt with Na'Barrae's passing. Shiori Minamino may not accept my true demonic self, but I can't be a hypocrite by rejecting my daughter. Maya is Na'Barrae's progeny, that fact alone more than garners my favor."
Genkai billowed smoke from her mouth throughout my diatribe, clearly unimpressed with my declarations. She knew all of this before even asking the question, but as a friend of my deceased mate, she needed to know that I would do right by Na'Barrae's daughter.
"I want her on the team. As a half demon with the potential for considerable power, Maya is in a unique position. It doesn't have to be in a fighting capacity, but we could use her help. Maya is to be quite frank, an anomaly. Born with the power of a priestess and demon, she could be essential in helping our cause. Not only would she become a permanent fixture here, but she can get first hand experience in dealing with the demon and spiritual worlds!"
Genkai's rare show of enthusiasm made me suspicious. This plan wasn't competing with my own, but it obviously didn't originate from the spirit master. This idea had bureaucracy stamped all over it, and there was only one person that I knew who would have a vested interest in Maya.
"Koenma put you up to this didn't he?"
If I didn't owe Koenma for releasing me from my sentence earlier, he would be feeling my wrath now, prince of spirit world or not. I could just picture the diminutive leader stamping papers left and right, all while grinning. This must have been his idea of payback for using the mirror during the missing artifacts debacle. I hope that Jorge Saotome gave him hell.
"Maybe."
"Stop playing coy, Genkai. I know that he put you up to this. I'll consider it for now. Maya will probably object to the idea. Still, it does have some merit. We both know that the demon world's pull will be too much for her to resist and eventually, she'll want to go there. Having her battle ready as a member of the team would be a plus. I'll put it on the back burner for now."
"Duly noted. I'm going to head back to the compound. You're welcome to come along with me. I figured you'd want to witness her progress first hand."
"No not yet. I'll visit as soon as possible. For now, my presence would be an unwelcome distraction. I need her training and becoming stronger. When I arrive, my business arrangements will have been completed. Send her my regards. Try not to be too hard on her. She's no shivering violet, but she is barely at Kuwabara's level."
My words were not meant to offend. I personally thought that Kuwabara was considerably strong for his age and species. As a human being, he didn't have the luxury of training for hundreds of years to gain powers that some demons have never reached. Unlike Yusuke, he had never died, and thus his spiritual energy was never given a boost from the time when he was dead. Nevertheless, Kuwabara's spiritual awareness was substantial.
"I understand your feelings, but she's not someone who has been trained since she was a toddler. Give the poor kid a break, Kurama."
Maya had never been formally trained by a demon with her powers, least of all a spirit fox. However, she had entered the Dark Tournament, and was strong enough to take on at least D, D-, and D+ Class demons and apparitions. I suppose it was unfair to have such high expectations of the girl. I couldn't help feeling this way. She is my and Na'Barrae's daughter. It's only natural that I expect the best from her. There was no doubt in my mind that she would deliver.
"I'll talk to you later."
The Spirit Master acquiesced, letting herself out. As the door opened, I could hear her gravelly voice from the living room.
"I should have left earlier. With only those two guarding the temple, I fear for my valuables."
"What would that be? Ancient scrolls? Secret potions or gems of some kind?"
"None of that. I'm worried about my video games."
I chuckled lightly at her words, knowing that my daughter was in good hands. It seems like Genkai found another Yusuke in Maya. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. With that taken care of, I could focus on telling my mother the truth about my origins. I could only hope that she would be accepting of this knowledge. For the first time in a long time, I could feel the shadow of doubt cloud my mind.
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Footnotes: Thanks for reviewing: Kurisuti Kamae, natsumi-chan, NayNaybby, V-LOVE, smurf87, Dracosorlie, Bootsie. I appreciate the reviews. Don't worry I won't turn this into some sappy, mushy love fest. That's not my style, and that ain't realistic.