Author's Note: Like this title says- completely coincidental- circumstances have made updating harder. Terribly sorry loves.
DoppleGengar: It is soooo good to have you back, love! -huggles- Because we are PMing, I'll keep this short. Thank you for the feedback, my dear!
Song for Chapter:
Until We Die - Escape the Fate, Ungrateful
Chapter Seven: Circumstances
"Just where in the hell are we?" Daiki grumbled for the umpteenth time, stomping childishly beside Hajime in the lush forests native to southern Makai. "I swear we've been lost for days! Not to mention I'm fucking starving!"
"It has only been three days since our last meal and we had meat, for Makai's sake!" Hajime scowled at the far shorter friend, sea foam eyes glittering with a haunting light.
"You call lizard demon food?! I want some chips or something! Maybe a visit to Ningenkai! Since they evolved more they have the best pizza!" The little fire demon rubbed his stomach, though it growled in response. "See, even my stomach agrees!"
"We're never going to find our destination with all this whining. Our friends could be dying and Kotone instructed Kurama on exactly who to find. I would prefer to starve a little than waste time," huffed the brute.
Daiki rubbed his forehead in agitation, the lack of food nearly causing him to go insane. He had already imagined Hajime as a walking slab of cooked beef more times than not. "You know, I've never had soul demon before..."
"I'll steal yours and eat it for the hell of it."
"Oh, it's on you damn dirty oaf!" The fire demon leapt at his friend, claws extended and ready to at least give the demon a good beating.
Hajime merely grabbed Daiki by the scruff of his top, jostling him around until he saw flashes of light in his vision and his empty stomach was churning. "Are you done or what?"
"Yeah, yeah, put me down already!"
After dropping the irate demon to the ground, Hajime stilled and massaged his temples. "I just can't get over the one part during that message. 'She will find you if you search for her.' I don't get it."
"You know Ko likes to be cryptic, and especially when working with Kurama. The two could write a damn book of unsolvable riddles."
A noise in the brush caught there attention, causing the two to assume a fighting stance. Fire danced around Daiki's fists while an inhuman glow covered Hajime's form in a pale light, the souls of others swirling in the aura.
"Show yourself," ordered the tallest of the two, his eyes hard and his demon heart pulsing once with adrenaline. "We have no time for this."
A lilting laugh unlike anything they had ever heard sounded and soon, a figure emerged from the bushes. She was surreal in beauty with hair as white as virgin snow and eyes a daring silver. Her body was barely covered in a sheer dress with glittering golden vine designs, hiding only the most important of aspects of her female figure. She was tall, slender, and very well endowed, but the two knew she was ancient. The wisdom hidden deep beneath those sterling orbs was overwhelming, much like Kurama's.
"I believe you have plenty of time, my handsome friends," she cooed, though never moved closer. "I am Hatsukichi, and from what I heard, I shall assume you've found what you seek."
"Are you the leader of the fox clan? The only existing one left in this fucking world?" Daiki glowered, yet his cheeks held a defined blush. Her attire was... unforgettable, to say the least.
'Just think of Akiye, Dai. Remember, this is a siren of our world. She'll devour us whole if given the chance,' Hajime urged through telepathy and the euphoria surrounding his friend immediately ceased.
"Indeed I am," Hatsukichi purred and finally moved closer. Her hand gently touched both their chests, caressing them, and she laughed that musical sound once more. "Now, how about you eat and drink with my people." Her words, seemingly a question, were set in stone as she grabbed their hands and pulled them through the woods.
"I'm starving! This sounds like a great idea!" Daiki hollered exuberantly and his movements became more willing.
Hajime watched the woman's smile curl into something foul before sending another message to his friend, 'Don't eat or drink from her table, Daiki! I mean it! She's up to something.'
They found themselves at a makeshift camp covered by a wall of vicious plants, ones that would gladly eat any trying to intrude upon their hideout. At the center was the largest of crafted tents, the front opened to reveal an elaborate table of vines and plush silks and riches scattered throughout. Food was on this table, steaming and nearly irresistible with the aroma wafting from them.
Daiki's mouth began to salivate as he was seated on one of the plush cushions and his plate was served to him personally. Hajime sat opposite of him with Hatsukichi between them at the head of the table. Once they were both given food and wine, more joined the table and the merrymaking began.
Half-naked women danced for the group while others scurried to serve wine. Hatsukichi and her two special guests were taken the best care of, though Daiki and Hajime did not dare touch their plates.
"Lady Hatsukichi, I would like to discuss why we are here," Hajime called to the temptress, breaking his even gaze on Daiki to do so. "Please, we are strapped for time."
She smiled adoringly at the male and fluttered her dark lashes. Leaning forward, she spoke, "But, my dear friend, you have not even touched your food. Your friend has devoured quite the amount and I only wonder, is my meal not fit for your palette?"
Hajime shot his eyes towards Daiki, who had cleaned a few plates since his attention had strayed from the fire demon. He could already see the haze coming to Daiki's eyes and worry grew in the pit of his stomach like hot coals.
"Would it be an interest to you if I say that Youko Kurama has sent me?"
The table stilled, the minstrels ceased, and the dancers fled when the name of the legendary bandit was uttered. Hatsukichi leaned away, a hard look on her face and one that could be considered frightening.
"What did you say?" Her tone was laced with both admiration and malice. "Youko Kurama is dead, if you have not heard. He has been for ages now."
Hajime smiled, feeling as if he had the upper hand at long last. Her attention had strayed from Daiki completely, who was still gorging himself on the sweet smelling food. "No, he lives. Did you not hear, over a century ago, about his brief appearance at both the Dark and Makai Tournaments? The TouMa? That was not false, my lady."
Hatsukichi scowled and her claws dug into the vines of the table. "Nothing more than the trick of a smart human boy with red hair. I know of what you speak, but I do not believe. Show me proof."
Without hesitation, a seed was pulled from Hajime's pocket, delicately carried in a small vial. The single seed pulsed and was a vibrant red, much unlike anything the brute had ever seen. "He thought you might say that. I am close to him and before I left on this journey, he bade me to show you this as proof."
Hatsukichi graciously accepted the vial and poured the seed into her hand. Her own prowess wove into the strange speck and soon it bloomed into a rose. The flower was white, but a color much resembling blood had tainted the tops of the petals. It was magnificent and quite beautiful, if the soul demon had any say.
"This... this is..." the woman stammered, her eyes wide and mouth slack, "his calling card, at least to the world of demon foxes. It is how he is known by us."
"Then you believe me?" Hajime leaned closer, brows furrowed in serious contemplation. If this went sour, he would steal Daiki away and they would leave. In the meantime, he needed a reaction.
"Yes, I'm afraid I do. Youko is the oldest of all of us, considering he is still alive, but he is not the only that carries great power," she mumbled with a lopsided grin. "I will listen to you, strange demon. Everyone, out."
Though the command was quiet, the entourage of demon foxes scurried from the tent. The front was loosened and a makeshift door created out of the fabric. It would do little to keep out their conversation, but the thought was well-placed.
"Speak then," she sighed, a pout on her lips. Her prey had been taken from her, and all thanks to a male she believe dead. Considering Youko's age, she must listen to him. That was the hierarchy of her race.
"War has been waging, as I know you've heard-"
"We will not join," she hissed, sitting up straight and snarling. "I will not put my people at risk for some territorial squabble!"
Hajime raised a hand and shook his head, quieting the irate female. "Allow me to finish, Lady Hatsukichi. Kurama has not asked you to join this war completely, but instead wishes you to meet someone that has a great favor to ask you. Her name is Kotone and she has asked you meet her on Hanging Neck Island in Ningenkai within the month. Youko has ordered your acceptance."
A scowl marred her glowing features, but she really had no other choice. "This Kotone, is she his mate now?"
The laugh that rose from Hajime's throat was sure to make the beautiful female angry, but he could not help himself. The thought of Youko and Kotone together was dreadful, considering the banter that went on between the two. "Not at all, she is merely a good friend of his, one all of us trust. She has begun to set a plan into motion that could end this war before it causes any serious damage to the three worlds."
"Sounds noble," Hatsukichi huffed. "Is she too good to come see me in person? I find it disrespectful that she wishes that I go to her."
"No, but she is busy trying to save all of us, if possible," the mood turned somber as he spoke. "You see, my lady, it is not only our lives at stake, but our children's. Kotone has two of her own, along with four more from her friends, and soon my mate will give birth to our firstborn. You must understand, we are not going along with this war for ourselves and our own amusement, but to keep our offspring safe."
Hatsukichi's eyes softened and she allowed the corners of her mouth to turn up into a sincere smile. "I had a kit of my own, but he was taken by a demon years before this day. I would have died to protect him, if I could have been there. I understand your plight. If this is what you fight for, I will see this Kotone."
"Oh thank you," Hajime called, grabbing her hands in his and bowing his head. "We will be forever grateful, my lady. In fact, allow us to take you to her. The trip will take a long time, but we know where the island is."
The female gently pulled her hands from his and patted the top of them. "Yes, that would do fine. Now, perhaps I should find you some proper food? We will leave in the morning hours. The two of you should rest and prepare yourselves."
"If you don't mind, I think I'll find my own food," he mumbled, earning a quirked brow in response.
"Yes, of course. I do not blame you. You may have my tent for the night then," she graciously stood and bowed to him. "Sleep well."
Before she could open the flap, the brute called back to her, "It's Hajime, my lady."
"And it is Hatsu, Hajime."
~:.:{Don't Tell Me I Won't Succeed, It Lights The Fire Under Me}:.:~
"SPIRIT GUN!"
The attack tore through dozens, killing more and injuring less, allowing the putrid scent of seared flesh to mar the Mazoku's senses.
Three days ago, war had been fully waged and the minor battles taking place had proved to be nothing compared to what Yomi had in store for the opposition. What once had been clean, rocky hills were now doused in blood and strewn bodies from both his own troops, Mukuro's, and Yomi's.
Unlike the other kings, Yusuke had joined the first wave and made sure that all opposing him knew just what they were up against. He had hoped many would cower in fear and run, but they had not. Instead, they came with a vengeance he had not expected.
Chu, Suzuka, Shishiwakamaru, an adult Rinku, and Kuwabara were beside him every step of the way. The first four had appeared just after Jin and Touya had left, but they had informed Yusuke that they would stay and fight. The Windmaster would find Kotone without their help and that much was obvious. If anything, they would only hinder the process.
Mukuro had given her signature, eerie smile whenever Yusuke announced they had four astounding fighters joining their side. It made his skin crawl and he wanted to wipe that look off her face the moment she offered it.
'Stupid bitch!' He knew Hiei was livid with having to stay with the King of Alaric, silently fuming, but Yusuke had made it very clear that he did not support her decision and wanted his friend back. If it had been his kids she put in danger, he would have torn that beast's head clean from her body. Well, maybe clean was the wrong word...
"URAMESHI!" Kuwabara had fallen, a grave wound etched into his leg. It would not kill him from blood-loss, but it hindered him more than he wanted to let on. He had shouted because another had figured this out and was advancing menacingly towards the human with an extraordinarily long life.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Yusuke fired his Shotgun and took out every last approaching demon. The King of Tourin snatched his friend up and hurried from the scene.
He arrived at his fortress, which was serving as the medical headquarters- save the top floor- for the time being. The wounded were in the thousands and the Mazoku could not fathom the amount of healers in comparison. They were not doing so well...
"Someone look after this man immediately!" screamed the king and many rushed to do just as he asked. "I have to call a retreat for now."
He had not ceased in the fighting since the first day marker, meaning his demon body was growing weary from hunger and sleep deprivation. His troops, most of which were far weaker than he, were surely suffering and if the medical ward was enough of a guess, he assumed he was right.
"HEY GUYS!" He had caught up to the four demon fighters eagerly slaughtering the enemy. "WE HAVE TO SIGNAL A RETREAT! HELP ME AT THE FRONT!"
"YOU GOT IT, LAD!"
"The Beautiful Suzuka will gladly assist."
"You betcha, Yus!"
"I suppose."
The five drove their swords, their fists, yoyos, and anything they could to kill the invading army as they moved. The front lines were the seediest, coated more in gore than anywhere else. Seeing their king approach brought hope to the troops, but it was short-lived.
"MY ARMY AND MUKURO'S, RETREAT NOW!" Yusuke's shout had prompted all he asked to begin fleeing back to the castles, where many camps were set up miles away. It was a safe zone for the group.
Yomi's army tried to push forward, but between the five super-powered demons, they could not break past them. Slowly, the other army began to back down, less inclined to pursue a swift death. This first wave would not be able to defeat the five, but surely the second and third could do them in easily. They moved back to regroup.
"Yusuke Urameshi, I will give you two days to tend to your wounded. After that, we will bring far more power than you have ever seen against you as a wave to the jagged cliffs." Yomi's voice seemed omnipotent, as if it were everywhere at once. It unnerved the King of Tourin, but he sure as hell was not going to let that blind bastard know that.
"WE'LL BE READY, YOU BASTARD! " It was unnecessary to scream as he did, but rage bubbled inside of Yusuke.
The opposition retreated gratefully while the five friends proceeded to make their way to Yusuke's castle. In truth, they needed to check on Kuwabara. Thus, for the expanse of miles they trekked, their pace resembling a sprint of a human but insignificant in demon standards.
They found the brute in a room alone, tended to by a single healer. Sweat trickled down her brow and the faint glow emitting from her hands had dulled considerably compared to what Yusuke knew she was capable of.
"Saika, go rest. Immediately. No detours," he ordered and took a seat next to his friend's bedside.
"Yes, my King." She scurried from the room with heavy feet, dragging herself as best as she could. In the meantime, Shishiwakamaru closed the thick door behind her.
"If this keeps up, we're going to get creamed," Kuwabara mumbled, the pain no longer as intense but the sedative given enough to make him woozy.
"We've tried everything! We need Kotone, Jin, and Touya out here. They would help matters. Of course, so would that damn shrimp, Hiei, but Mukuro's so far up his ass-"
"She thinks he'll run back to Kotone the first chance he gets," interrupted Suzuka. He was not close with the wind demoness, but he begrudgingly respected her. What Mukuro had done was simply wrong in his mind. "Honestly, he might do it."
"He's right," Shishi snorted, crossing his arms. "Mukuro's no fool. Hiei is obviously worried about her and their offspring, from what I could make of him up close." The fire apparition had been more irritable than usual, in other words, and to a deadly degree.
"Well, the sheila ain't comin' back anytime soon, I'm guessin'," added Chu, painfully sober. His alcohol had worn off and in all honesty, he needed the suppression to be gone moments after the fight had started days ago.
Rinku grinned, "But she has a plan, obviously! Now we need to make a good one too, or else we'll all be dead before she gets back."
"Agreed," Suzuka agreed first. "Perhaps we should move around the enemy, Yusuke."
Yusuke, once contemplative and somber, grinned wickedly. "That is one hell of an idea. Instead of just punching them in their ugly faces, let's punch them in their ugly backs too."
"You plan on splitting up the army?" Shishi's brow rose. The idea was ludicrous. Yomi would be expecting something like that when he realized their troops had dwindled further than the death toll.
"No, I'm sending you four, dumbass. It'll be a lot harder to pick out four guys missing- even demons of your strength- from the tens of thousands fighting. You guys willing?"
After a few minutes of silence, everyone consented, save Kuwabara, who knew the question was not directed at him. He would only slow down the ungodly speed of the four male demons, especially if his leg was not fully healed.
"Alright, leave tomorrow when it gets dark. That way, you can eat and sleep and blah, blah, blah. This might just help us out."
"Or we'll die trying," Chu winked unabashedly.
"Hey guys," Kuwabara called, making himself known, "would you get the hell out so I can maybe get some sleep?"
Next in 'Revelation, Defamation':
Kotone's plan was working; Kuronue was back from the dead and thus far, he was certainly working out. No limbs were falling off, no homicidal tendencies- save what he already had- but she knew she couldn't stop there. Even if it killed her, there was more that needed to become part of her amassing army. She had loved ones to protect.