Chapter 20: Pesanate (Or, heavy and ponderous)
"Are you certain you are all right?" Kurama asked through the bathroom door. "Do you need me to do anything?"
Acid caught in Asuka's throat before she could answer. Her fingers gripped the white porcelain toilet as her stomach cramped and she wretched. She tried to clear her throat of the bile but it backfired and made her throw up again. "Maybe just a towel," Asuka gasped, still hunched over the bowl.
She heard Kurama come closer. There was a rustling noise, and then he gently handed her a towel. Asuka wiped her mouth.
"I wish there was something I could do," he said helplessly.
"Believe me, I wish there was something you could do, too." Asuka sighed and then raised her hand for Kurama to help her up. He reached down and pulled her upward. Once Asuka straightened, she washed her hands and brushed her teeth. Anything to get the taste out.
"I'm sorry, Love," Kurama said as he tucked Asuka into his arms.
"At least it's normal, and it means this pregnancy is progressing as it should."
He smiled softly and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You always manage to find the good."
"Most of the time."
"May I assume you aren't feeling up to dinner?"
"You assume correctly, though I hope to eat later."
He nodded.
Asuka breathed in Kurama's musk and tried to center herself on his touch and his feel. She felt out-of-sorts.
"Everything else okay?" he asked.
She looked up at him. "I don't know. I've been feeling weird. It's like…something bad is happening, but I can't explain what it is."
"Hmmm…"
Someone knocked on the door.
Kurama and Asuka looked at each other before they both went down the hallway to the foyer. Kurama put his arm out, indicating Asuka should stay behind him while he looked through the peephole. "It's Botan." He opened the door.
"Asuka…Kurama. I need you to come to Yusuke's. Koenma is there. We've…got a problem."
Asuka's heart dropped. "Is it about the Makai?"
Botan gazed at Asuka for a moment before she said, "I'll let Koenma explain. Please hurry. There's not much time."
"We'll head over right away," Kurama said.
Botan got on her oar and disappeared.
Asuka went back to the kitchen and opened a box of protein bars that she had sitting on the counter. She grabbed two of them and brought them back to the landing where Kurama was putting on his shoes.
"What did you get?" he asked.
"Protein bars. They're pretty much the only thing I can eat when I'm feeling nauseous."
Asuka slipped on her shoes and then pulled on her jacket.
They exited their apartment and got into the car. Asuka unwrapped one of the protein bars she'd taken from the cabinet and tried forcing herself to eat. She didn't want anyone to know she was pregnant yet and eating a protein bar in front of her friends would raise questions.
We can't be focused on my pregnancy right now. It's better to just act as if nothing has changed. Hopefully, I don't throw up while I'm there.
"Asuka…" Kurama said, "Why did you ask Botan if this meeting was about a problem with the Makai?"
Oh. Oops. "Well, when I was staying with Yukina, Hiei told me the time distortions in the Makai were getting worse. That plus the weird feeling I had."
"You never mentioned that."
"Oh, I didn't? Sorry. I got caught up with our new happiness I forgot to mention it."
Kurama gave her a soft smile before his face turned serious. His hand tightened on the steering wheel. "No matter what Koenma says…you can't go anywhere near the Makai."
"I know," Asuka said as she placed her hand on her stomach. "I have a life to protect."
"I wouldn't want you going anywhere near there, regardless." Kurama's mouth pulled into a tight frown.
"Why?"
When Kurama didn't answer, she sighed. "Well, like I said, it doesn't matter. I have a life to protect."
"Your life is worth protecting, too. It's worth everything to me."
Asuka suppressed an exasperated huff. She didn't want to get into an argument with Kurama right now, so she looked out the window and frowned. I knew he'd get like this. He's hard to reason with when he's overprotective.
On cue, Kurama radiated a wave of resolve with his ki. Asuka ignored it and forced herself to take another bite of the protein bar.
When they arrived at the Urameshi's, Asuka saw the "closed for a private event" on the ramen shop door. She slid it open and found everyone except Shizuru gathered in the room. Her friends looked somber.
"Kurama, Asuka, we've been waiting," Koenma said, his face grave. "Come in."
Asuka saw Yukina and Kuwabara and moved toward them. Kurama followed close behind and sat next to her.
Without saying, Yukina passed Maeko to Asuka with a weary smile. Asuka leaned backward and put Maeko on her chest. The baby mewled and then snuggled into her. Kurama's emerald eyes widened, and he placed a hand on Asuka's shoulder.
I love you too, she thought. No matter what happens, we'll get through this. You, me, and our baby. This is our future.
The door slid open behind them. Tetsuya, Tomiko, and Shizuru entered the restaurant. There were waves and smiles at the children before they went upstairs. Shizuru took a seat next to Kuwabara.
"The time distortions in the Makai have rapidly gotten stronger," Koenma said as if he were doing a cold open. "A lot stronger. And…I'm afraid that we're going to have to completely seal the Makai. No one, not even me, will be able to cross the threshold."
Asuka's heart dropped in the silence.
"Wait...why?" Yusuke managed.
Koenma sighed. "Because I'm afraid that whatever is happening in the Makai will infect the Ningenkai and eventually the Raekai. But if I seal the portal between the two realms, there's a chance this realm will remain safe."
"Woah woah woah," Kuwabara said. "There's a chance?! What are we doing to stop the distortions!?"
Koenma avoided looking at Asuka, but she could feel the anguish radiating from him. Neither one of them had managed to find an answer. "I have been researching the issue," he said, "but whatever is happening results from something going very wrong from the foundation of the realms. And Enma won't help."
"This is my fault," Asuka said. The words caused a tear to slip down her cheek. "I'm so sorry, everyone."
Yusuke frowned. "Why do you think it's your fault?"
Asuka bit her lip. "I've…been having this feeling that whatever is happening is because of me. I've been trying to get my powers back, but everything is wrong in my body and I keep hitting a wall. I don't know how to fix the situation without them."
Kurama went stiff next to her. His face was impassive, but fear seeped from his ki.
"Hey, you can't blame yourself for what's happening," Kuwabara said.
"That's right, Asuka," Yukina said. "This is Enma's fault."
"I know but…"
"No buts," Yusuke grinned. "We're gonna protect everyone. We already told you that."
Asuka sighed. That didn't make her feel any better.
"Will the distortions continue to get worse?" Shizuru asked Koenma.
"I think so."
"What's going to happen to all the yokai?"
Koenma's mouth pulled into a tight line. He rubbed the words "Jr" on his forehead.
"Wait, are they all going to die?" Yusuke asked.
"What about my brother?" Yukina asked.
When Koenma didn't answer, Yusuke, Kurama, and Kuwabara exchanged glances with each other. Yusuke said, "We'll go get him."
"You won't have time," Koenma said. "We have to close the barrier."
"Like hell you will!" Yusuke yelled. "After everything Hiei has done for you. And he's our…"
"He's our brother too," Kuwabara finished.
Koenma sighed. "I've got my people closing the barrier right now. There's only one place it's open, and that's the place that must be closed last."
"Under Mushiyori city. Let's go," Kuwabara said.
"I'm sorry, Kuwabara," Kurama said gently. "You can't come with us."
Kuwabara turned and leaned forward so he could see around Yukina. His eyebrows pulled further down as he scowled. "Don't you dare, Kurama. Don't you dare leave me behind. That's my brother and one of our best friends. You really think I'm gonna sit on my ass while you and Yusuke risk your lives?"
Asuka shivered. She hated this. She didn't want Kurama to leave, and she didn't want Yusuke to leave. She didn't want their husbands to risk their lives and leave them and their children behind. But they had to get Hiei out before the barrier closed. That was the only choice. Come on, ki! She thought desperately.
"He's right, Kuwabara," Yusuke said.
"The hell you just say?"
"Yusuke and I will have to use our yokai forms to travel within the Makai," Kurama said. "We'll need to do that for two reasons. We need to traverse the Makai as quickly as we can without stopping. The other reason is that yokai bodies are nearly immortal. We don't know the climate of what's happening in the Makai, or how it'll deteriorate once we're inside. I'm…afraid your human form is too fragile."
Kuwabara made a fist and almost slammed it into the table. But he stopped when he saw Maeko sleeping on Asuka. Instead, Kuwabara fisted his pants. "Damn it!"
"I am sorry," Kurama said. "I do sympathize."
"Come with us to the barrier," Asuka said to Kuwabara. "Please?"
Kuwabara nodded.
"Let me go talk to Keiko upstairs," Yusuke said as he stood up. "I'll just be a minute."
"If you're going to do this, you only have fourteen hours," Koenma said. "Can you really get to Mukuro's palace and back before then? What if Hiei isn't there?"
"We'll make it," Yusuke said before he disappeared upstairs.
Kurama and Kuwabara stood and moved toward the door. Asuka kissed Maeko on the forehead and then passed her back to Yukina.
"You're not going into the Makai, are you?" Yukina asked.
"No, but I'll be there waiting for them to return. I'll text you and Keiko any updates."
Yukina nodded. "I'm sorry Kurama has to go. That must be scary."
Asuka wished she could tell Yukina she wasn't scared, and she didn't feel guilty the guys had to handle the situation. But that wouldn't be honest. "Yeah…I'm scared," Asuka admitted.
Yukina squeezed Asuka with her free hand. "Guess I won't be sleeping tonight. Not that I would be anyway," she said as she looked down at Maeko.
"They'll get Hiei if it's the last thing they do," Asuka said with certainty.
"I know they will."
Asuka stood and made her way out of the restaurant. She shot Koenma another "I'm so sorry this is happening" glance his way, and he responded with a "It's not your fault," look.
Asuka gave Shizuru a hug on the way out and met up with Yusuke. "Is Keiko upset?"
Yusuke's face turned grim. "Very. But she understands."
Asuka nodded. Whether or not Keiko knew it, they were feeling the same. Yusuke threw his arm around Asuka and pulled her into a side hug as they walked out. "Hey…no mopin' while we're gone, alright? If any of us had to bear the weight of saving the world on our own, it woulda gone to shit a long time ago."
Asuka hesitated.
"I mean it."
"It's just…"
"Doesn't matter how guilty you feel. We'll figure it out. Right now, we gotta get Hiei. After that, we'll take care of the rest. Koenma is worried about what's gonna happen in the Makai, but I'm not worried. You know why?"
"Why?" Asuka asked.
"I believe in you. Even though you're not sure what to do now, you'll know when you need to."
"Thank you, friend," Asuka whispered.
"It's what I'm here for," he said seriously.
Kurama and Kuwabara were already in the car when Yusuke and Asuka came outside.
Asuka got into the front seat, and Yusuke got into the back. After everyone buckled, Kurama took off.
"How long until we get to Mushiyori city?" Kuwabara asked from the backseat.
"Normally it takes over an hour to get down there."
"But not tonight," Yusuke said.
"No."
As soon as Kurama entered the highway, he pushed down on the accelerator with such force the entire car lurched as it changed gears. Asuka gripped the armrest and looked out the window.
"What if we get pulled over by a cop?" Kuwabara asked.
To answer his question, Kurama seamlessly transitioned into his yokai form and expanded his ki in all directions. His amber eyes sparkled with the road's reflected light. His mouth was in a set line. "I'm using my yoki to sense who's ahead of us. If there are any police officers, I'll know before they see us."
The car accelerated faster. Cars, buildings, trucks, and signs whirred past as Kurama used his ki to safely weave through traffic.
Asuka closed her eyes and allowed her own ki to stir. She threaded it through the pathway around the baby growing inside of her.
Tell me Insight. Where is Hiei?
There was only a fog inside her mind. Frustrated, she shifted in her seat and forced herself into a meditative state. She thought about Hiei and the way his yoki felt. She thought about his face as he stared at his niece cradled in his sister's arms. She thought about the small smile, the unwavering loyalty he had to his friends, and how far he'd come.
Where is he?
The fog began to lift. She pushed her ki harder and expanded it more, still conscious of the life inside her.
Where is he?!
Then…she got an image of Hiei curled up against a stone wall with his arms wrapped around Mukuro. He looked upward and frowned.
Show me more!
The image expanded to include stone hallways and multiple rooms.
Asuka felt a yoki-filled hand grip hers and she let the vision go with a gasp. When she came back to herself, she saw it was Kurama's hand. His eyes were still fixed on the road.
"Don't push yourself," Kurama said flatly. "It's dangerous."
"I was getting somewhere."
"That is irrelevant. Please, Asuka."
"I know what I'm doing, Kurama. I'm keeping…myself safe. I wouldn't risk…" She turned away from him and folded her arms.
There was an uncomfortable silence in the car as they zoomed toward Mushiyori City.
"What did you see?" Yusuke asked finally.
"Hiei. He's with Mukuro. They're at her palace…in one of the underground rooms. I don't know which one. I'm sorry."
"That's helpful," Yusuke said. "We know where we need to go, and that eliminates a big chunk of the palace. Thank you, Asuka."
"I'm sorry I couldn't see more."
"Like I said, that's really helpful."
Kurama said nothing. He kept his eyes on the road and kept his focus on driving.
There ended up being no police officers on their journey down to the city, and as a result, they arrived in half the time. Kurama wove his way through the city and parked at the edge of the tunnel.
"Can't believe we're back here," Kuwabara muttered after they'd all gotten out of the car. "I really hate this place."
"At least we don't have to fight our way through a maze," Yusuke said as he cracked his knuckles. "Let's hurry."
Kurama hadn't bothered to release his Yoko form. His tail swished from side to side as they entered the tunnel. Asuka felt his nervous energy radiate from him as they sunk deeper underground.
"Good thing you remember the way Kurama," Kuwabara laughed nervously.
Although Asuka hadn't been with them when they fought Sensui and his subordinates in these tunnels, she had seen it with her Foresight. The trauma of everything that had happened was a scar that, if not carefully tended, would tear open.
Even the rocks within the tunnel seemed to echo the pain and loss of those miserable hours.
They walked on in silence, memories echoing all around until Kurama snarled. It was such an angry…visceral sound that it made Asuka jump.
She turned in surprise, expecting a dangerous enemy. Instead, a gnarly, purple-rooted shape with a face vague enough to invoke the scream towered above them. Its tendrils were hooked into a face that was coming out of another face and buried into the flesh of the man.
Asuka shivered.
"Oh, hiya Toguro," Yusuke said nonchalantly as he walked past. "How's hell?"
Toguro's eyes were white with no pupils and his clothes were threadbare from decomposition.
Kurama slid between Asuka and the tree and directed her to circle widely around it. His amber eyes glowed with anger and rage.
"He can't…" Asuka whispered.
"I'm not taking any chances."
Asuka nodded and walked silently past.
Once they were out of the tree's sight, Kurama's shoulders relaxed, but his focus remained sharp.
"Kinda strange to be back at the spot where I died," Yusuke said as they hurried through the rest of the cave system. "I've died twice already. Wonder when I'll die next."
"Not for a long time yet," Kuwabara said.
Yusuke rubbed his hand through his hair. "Yeah, not for a long time yet."
After hurrying through the rest of the tunnels, they arrived at the Makai's entrance. Asuka saw Koenma, some of his special task force, and Botan. All of their faces were grim.
"You've got less than thirteen hours," Koenma said. "We can't wait any longer than that."
"Yeah yeah," Yusuke said. "You comin' Kurama?"
"Just one moment." Kurama gently took Asuka's and pulled her off to the side. There was a small room near the barrier that was separate, almost like a den.
Asuka shivered.
"What is it?" Kurama asked.
"I don't know. This room is giving me…a weird feeling. Like something bad happened here? Or could've happened? Or maybe… in some alternate timeline or universe? It's confusing. I don't understand."
"Try not to dwell on it."
"…I'll try."
Kurama's mouth fastened to hers so quickly that she didn't even notice him moving into the kiss. Heat and love poured out of his emotions as his tongue slid over hers, and his canines gently poked her bottom lip. "I love you," he whispered after he pulled away.
"I love you. Come back safely. Please."
"I will." He dropped to one knee, lifted her shirt, and pressed a gentle kiss on her abdomen, right where their baby was.
"Kurama! We gotta go!" Yusuke shouted from the main room.
Kurama and Asuka exited the little room. He squeezed her hand, and Asuka's heart caught in her throat. She resisted the temptation to touch her belly.
Kuwabara shook Kurama's hand and Yusuke's hand. Then Yusuke closed his eyes and brought forth his yokai form. Blue marks swirled around his forearms and down across his face.
Kurama looked back at Asuka one last time before he nodded to Yusuke.
They both jumped across the plane.
Author's Note:
Hello! I was gone for a lot longer than I expected. I ended up getting a lot more hours than my manager originally thought she'd be able to schedule me for which is great! My bank account thanks me.
Just an FYI: I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back to a regular posting schedule. For one it's summer where I live so there's no school for my kiddo, and for another, I'm trying to get a submission together for a last-minute publishing thing. It's one of those "gotta shoot my shot" opportunities and I only have a few more weeks to get everything together for it. So, no promises on when I'll be able to upload the next chapter, but know that I'll do my best to work on it and get it out as soon as I can.
For now, please send positive vibes my way that the company I'm submitting to (yes company! very exciting) loves my submission and wants me to sign a contract to write them a short story (yes contracts, it's all very official and grown-up) because that would be such a dream and potentially career-launching.
In the meantime, hope your June is filled with love, and if you celebrate Pride, your Pride month is especially joyous.
-Arielle