Author's Note: Sorry for the wait guys. A series of circumstances has made it hard for me to update. I won't really get into details, but just know that things were life or death important.
Song for Chapter:
Sleepwalking Past Hope - H.I.M., Venus Doom
Chapter Five: Departure
Kotone sat alone in the sitting room of Genkai's temple, a fresh mug of hot tea clasped tightly between her claws. Her eyes were cast towards the ceiling, immersed in her own thoughts and plans. In all honesty, she was worried.
Yes, she had a plan, but it was shoddy at best. While she was off doing something she believed could help the war, those she knew and loved could be dying. Most of all, she was worried about Hiei. They had been together without a fight between the two when a war had to come and disrupt their peace. Though she knew something horrible had been in the works, she never figured it to be something so grand that all of Makai would be involved.
Yet, it was not only Makai at risk. There was not a doubt in her mind that war would spill into Ningenkai, and when it did Reikai would join the frontlines. That brought Koenma into things- who had been in constant contact with their group since the TouMa Tournament they participated in- and his father King Enma as well. It would not bode well for demons, considering the great King of Reikai had been chomping at the bits to eradicate all of demon-kind for longer than she had been alive.
Then there was Jin and all the others in their growing group, but her brother most importantly. He was one for playful fights and silly banter, not for war. She knew he was a tough and powerful demon, one that refused to take sides in this war, but Kotone felt this war would change and warp him into something much more foul. He could only take so much before he snapped. She could only pray he stayed close to Chu, Rinku, Shishi, Touya, and Suzuka.
Not only would all these factors come into play, but she knew the children would be determined to join in the war. It would only be a matter of time before they snuck away from Genkai's temple in search of a way to aid their families. She had to make sure they would not be heading into danger, but how? If they even set foot in Makai their lives were at stake.
Kotone also could not forget a huge factor: Mizue. The hawk hanyou had trained over the years to become strong, like her soul demon mate, but now she was completely incapacitated due to her pregnancy. Not to mention she was a very dear friend to the wind demoness and thus, she worried relentlessly on the well-being of both mother and unborn son, their first child.
Keiko, unfortunately, had not inherited any sort of power when choosing a long life with Yusuke, and thus she was in twice as much danger as any but Mizue. Yukina was not a fighter either, but she could hold her own in a match against a low-leveled demon or strong human if the right incentive was given. She was more of a lover than a fighter, and was also their healer. She would be harmed in this war if not careful, especially with such high classed demons running amuck. Akiye, at least, could deal with her own battles and possibly protect a small contingent around her, should the need arise.
The kids were pretty powerful all on their own, but none were ranked more than the lowest form of A-Class, and that was when- once again- proper incentive was used. Avaron and Yuji made a marvelous team, combining her fire and his wind, whereas Shoichi and Izume did not work so well together. She had inherited part of her father's Mazoku blood where her brother had not- strange enough-, but Shoichi was quite the capable boy alone. He was spiritually aware and had been taught- and improved- Yusuke's Spirit Gun technique, along with stealing some of his brash strategies.
Tadao, like Kuwabara, was spiritually aware and in possession of his own form of Spirit Sword. He had not inherited any demonic powers, save his looks- though, this was deemed normal considering twins of a koorime always were a male and a female, with the male taking after his father and the female taking after her mother completely-, but could handle his own with demons well enough. Koume was a healer, like Yukina, and blatantly refused to take a life no matter the occasion. She would only be useful in keeping them alive when injured, should the matter arise.
Now Kotone had to figure out what they could do to aid the war, knowing they would follow. She would need to decide on something that was not nearly as dangerous as fighting in the frontlines, but also kept them away from Mukuro and Yomi. The two were surely angry for the false deaths, one of which was framed for it and the other the instigator for the real slaughter that was supposed to occur, and revenge would be a give in.
Disrupting Kotone from her thoughts, Akiye, Mizue, Keiko, and Yukina entered the room. The three demons seemed much livelier now that they had rested and each carried their own mug of various hot drinks. Once they realized Kotone was in the room, they took seats around the table and couches.
"So what's going on and when are you leaving?" Mizue wasted no time in starting the imminent conversation.
"I can't tell you where I'm going, just that you won't see me for some time. I promise to all of you that I am not running away, for I would never do that to my friends and my family," immediately answered the wind demon, looking each female in the eye to make sure her point was made. "And I plan on leaving as soon as night arrives."
"Well, at least let me go with you!" Akiye pleaded, her eyes concerned and wanting. "I would feel much better if you were not alone."
"You need to stay behind and protect the others."
"The children can protect them well enough, I know it!"
"Yes, but could you live with that on your conscious if you found out they had been attacked and all died?" Kotone did not even allow Akiye the chance to argue before she added, "Besides, on my journey I will surely come across those that have not decided to join in the war or not, those that are powerful but in hiding. When I do, I'll try to change their minds and send them here. That way, all of you can make sure they are briefed on the situation. Now, I don't want this to last forever, so I only have one thing to ask of all of you. Trust me. Trust me with all your hearts and pray I can do what is impossible before the war decimates all of the three worlds."
The silence was deafening, though every set of eyes were on the begging wind demon. She held strong, her shoulders square and chin held high. It was after the uncomfortable stillness that, at last, all the women consented.
"You're stupid to ask. Daiki would've said the same."
"I trust you, Sister."
"I swear on my feathers!"
"Of course we trust you, Ko."
The wind demon smiled serenely, feeling as if a weight had been lifted when, in reality, more had been added on. The trusted her to succeed...
"I'll get the kids." Yukina shuffled from the room and returned shortly with the six offspring of three of the women present. "Get comfortable, please. Keiko, Mizue, will the two of you help me prepare provisions?"
They left the room, meaning Kotone was at the mercy of six teenagers who certainly did not like to be left in the dark. At least she had Akiye for back-up...
"You're leaving, you won't tell us where to, and you won't allow any to go with you," Yuji stated, as if he had read her mind. Fortunately, he did not possess any sort of Jagan or psychic capabilities and thus could not really do so. The closest he had ever come was brief whisperings from Akihiko and Yuji Takanari, though these instances had ceased long ago.
"That about sums it up," Kotone mumbled, pursing her lips. The boy was just as brilliant as the man he was named after, if that was even possible.
"Why the hell can't we go with you?" Avaron growled, leaping to her feet. "And don't you dare say it's too dangerous! Sitting here is dangerous, damn it! This war is not going to be contained to Makai, and you already realized that!"
The younger generation had been aware of her fears too. At least now she knew she was not the only that believed her rampaging ideas would come to pass.
"Besides Aunt Ko, our skills could be useful," Tadao stated proudly, puffing his chest out and grinning. "My Spirit Sword is getting huge! I can kill ten demons with just pulling it out!"
"I've finally got the Spirit Bazooka down," added Shoichi while wrapping his arm childishly around Tadao. The two really were their fathers' children...
"I can call out the Mazoku at any time," mumbled Izume, glaring at her younger brother. "Shoichi, stop that." He merely stuck his tongue out at her.
"Mother has taught me a lot about healing. I can aid the wounded, the dying," whispered the quiet koorime, Koume.
Kotone felt her eye twitch, and her mouth opened to speak when Yuji cut her off, "Everyone, please calm yourselves. Mother, continue."
"Thank you, Yuji," she grumbled. Her voice lowered slightly, "I need you six to protect this house and Ningenkai. You are right, Ava, I know the war will spill into this world and its people are not ready for genocide of this kind. They may have their technology and their weapons, but they are no match for demons who could eradicate cities with the flex of their pinky. When war comes here, this realm needs to be protected. As you all know, a war in Ningenkai involving Makai will spark the retaliation of Reikai. They're rather protective of the human race, as you all know."
"They're fragile here." It had been Koume that spoke, her eyes closing at the horror she felt for this race. They would not be able to survive this if things escalated.
"Do you see now why I ask you to stay? My mission could be lethal, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make. I've died once and I've experienced pain I do not want any of you to have to endure, but I fear you will during these dark days." Kotone's fists clenched, nails biting into her palms and drawing half-circles of blood. "I've lost those that were closer than any to me in hard times. Hell, I was killed by one of those very people, one I had to return the favor to and I watched him die the man I knew before the carnage."
All grew quiet, knowing the man she spoke of, the lightning demon she had named her son after. He was a sore subject for Daiki, Hajime, and Kotone, and all were made very aware of that through secret conversations that had been overheard.
Kotone's eyes flitted to the window, drawing attention to the fact that darkness had descended upon the temple. It was time for her to go.
"I have to be leaving." She pulled her cloak from the couch and tugged it over her head. The black material would make it hard to be seen in the dead of night, just as she wanted.
First, the wind demon moved to Shoichi and Tadao, giving each a hard hug and holding onto their shoulders. "Tadao, Shoichi, the two of you are a magnificent team and I know you can do wonderful things. Protect them, please. You must."
"We will Aunt Ko!"
"We promise!"
Next were Koume and Izume, the first of which was near tears. "Koume, the wounded might find their way here. When they do, I trust you will do what is right."
"Of course, Aunt Ko."
"And Izume, the Mazoku blood may not be as prominent in you as your father, but you are astoundingly strong nonetheless. Don't do anything reckless and keep the boys in line."
"You have my word."
The hardest pair to say good-bye to was, as expected, Yuji and Avaron. She took her daughter in her arms, and despite her previous rage, Avaron graciously returned the gesture. "Mother, be safe or I swear-"
"I will. Promise me you'll behave. You are one of the strongest out of this group and I know you have a horrid temper, much like your father, but you can do great things." Kotone could not cry at this time, due to all the stress and thoughts on her, but if it were possible she would now. "I love you."
"Love you too, and I promise you I'll do my best."
"That's my girl." Kotone did not have to offer the hug first, for Yuji cradled the shorter woman tightly. "Yuji, you're smart, unbelievably so. Use that to your advantage and be ready for anything that may come."
"I've already began to prepare," he whispered in her long ear, which matched his noticeably. "I love you, Mother."
"I love you too, Son."
She unraveled from the boy and gave all of them a hard look, earning a nod of respect from the group. She began to walk outside, followed by the children and joined by the women that had been preparing food for her journey. Akiye had been silent during the entire exchange between the kids, knowing it was necessary she remain unnoticed for the conversation.
When Kotone was near the tree line, she turned and embraced all four of her adult friends. "Mizue, be safe. Keiko, be strong. Yukina, be careful. Akiye, keep your eyes open. I love all of you, and all of you as well," she said loudly, proudly, and the last sentence was directed towards all of the offspring.
"You just watch your ass," Akiye grumbled, crossing her arms and smiling.
"We love you as well," added Yukina.
"Here. There should be about three weeks-worth if you eat lightly." Keiko handed her a bag stuffed to the brim with salted meats and anything non-perishable that was not in a can. "Be safe."
"And remember, we will see you soon." Mizue grinned lightly, hand on her belly. "And maybe it'll be one more."
Kotone beamed, despite the situation, and nodded in hopes she would meet the newborn when she returned. He would be a symbol of life in dark and deadly times. Her gaze moved to each child and they offered their own smiles and nods in agreement to their previous discussion. It was Yuji and Avaron that held her gaze the longest, and she knew that- no matter the lack of words- they would be alright without her.
The wind demon turned her back to the group, though did not immediately walk away. She cast an eye over her shoulder and gave a thoughtful smirk. "You know, I've heard there are many clans of Makai that roam quietly, unseen and rarely heard. They're strong and very regal, a hierarchy all their own, and I mean that for each and every one of them. Shame, isn't it?"
Yuji's calculating stare was all she needed before she disappeared into the night.
~:.:{All Is Lost In This War And All We Can Do Is Wail And Weep To The Saddest Song}:.:~
Meanwhile, where one was leaving two more were arriving, though at a completely unrelated location. There was a clearing deep in one of the dangerous forests surrounding the battle grounds, which had started in small waves. Mukuro and Yusuke were creating more plans and thus, too busy to worry over defecting members.
Two figures entered this very clearing, cloaked by darkness and alone save one other that had been scheduled to meet them. His hood was removed and they followed suit. Daiki and Hajime had been requested to meet a certain fox demon by a very close friend of theirs.
"Kurama, Ko said to come see you before we did anything else. What's going on?" Hajime whispered. He knew Yomi's hearing was exceptional, and if he heard this conversation it could mean death to any of the three, if not all.
"Wouldn't even fucking tell us the reason," grumbled Daiki half-heartedly.
Kurama noiselessly approached and drew a scroll from his cloak, his own words muted. He believed them to be out of range of the blind king, but he was precautious nonetheless. "She asked me to deliver this to the two of you. We both believed you would leave when she did."
"She spoke to you about all this?" Hajime narrowed his eyes, a little hurt that one of his closest friends had kept this from him.
"No, the letter she sent detailed her worries and everything she thought I should be kept up to date on, along with the urgency to rescue the children," he hushed. "I have no idea what she is up to, really, but I've been thinking of a few scenarios. The one I believe to be the likeliest is also the most foolish, so one can only hope this is not her path."
"And what path is this?" Daiki glanced around, searching for any that might be eavesdropping.
"A path of death," was all he offered. "Now please, take the scroll and do as she asks. When you find them, tell them Youko Kurama lives inside another, but he lives nonetheless. It might save your lives. Now, I must be going. If Yomi realizes I have left, he will grow suspicious. I believe he has already placed a wary ear upon me, more often than not."
"Kurama," Hajime uttered, stopping the fox and holding a thick palm out, "we trust you. Do not betray this trust."
"Never, my friends." The redhead grasped Hajime's hand, then Daiki's, before he made his way off into the woods surrounding him.
"Open the damn thing," Daiki continued to whisper.
Hajime did as he was told and his eerie eyes skimmed across the page. His jaw set tight in understanding before handing over the scroll to his companion. Daiki did the same, his teeth grinding together in determination before the letter caught fire in his hands, allowing it to burn and sizzle. He dropped the parchment and stomped on it, destroying any evidence without second thought.
"This is going to be rough, I know it," the brute sighed. "She has to have a plan, and Kurama too, if they're sending us to find them."
"You know, the bitch that leads them is rumored to seduce men before cutting off their balls, right?" Daiki rubbed his face, trying to scratch away the loathing he felt at this mission. "Well, let's get moving."
"We need to think up a plan to keep our balls in place, too. We may not be seduced, but I highly doubt that'll stop her." Hajime cringed, but the two made their way out of the clearing and off into a different direction as their redheaded friend.
The trio never realized unnaturally enhanced ears had overheard their entire conversation.
Next in 'Revelation, Defamation':
Kotone would do what she had to in hopes that this war would be won. And if that meant bringing back those that were never supposed to be resuscitated, she would, despite what it did to her own life and energy. If Kurama ever found out just what she was doing with those seeds, he might have never given them to her. Well, she had a surprise for him in store.