AN: Here's a revised version of chapter 7. Enjoy~
The following morning, Tsuki woke up with a major headache.
She couldn't sleep last night. Everytime she closed her eyes, the memories of traveling to the Spirit World and interacting with Koenma and the thieves kept appearing in her dreams.
Tsuki hated when she overthought things. Replaying the same vault scene over and over made her stress out too much.
After tossing and turning for what felt like hours, Tsuki stole a glance at the digital clock beside her bed. Blinking a couple of times so her eyes could adjust to the angry red glare of the numbers, she was not surprised to see that it was 6:30AM. She sat up slowly, sighing and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She was supposed to be up thirty minutes ago.
She could hear noise coming from the kitchen, definitely her grandfather making breakfast. Would he give her a long lecture about her actions? Trying not to ponder that thought, she dragged herself out of bed and headed to the bathroom to start her day.
Standing before the mirror, she gave herself a long look. Her usual shiny black hair was now a messy tangled mess, definitely resembling a bird's nest she thought. Her eyes had dark circles, and she looked sickly and pale. She nearly gasped, surprised at her appearance. All she wanted to do was head back to bed and sleep away the depression.
Giving out another sigh, she grabbed the Tylenol from the bottom cabinet. She cringed as the bitter pills numbed her tongue.
Yesterday, she had surprised herself by telling Lord Koenma that she would help him capture the three thieves.
Of course, the prince was thrilled that the young Saito was assisting him. However, Tsuki wasn't excited one bit. The only reason she said yes was to protect her family and friends from any possible harm.
She shuddered from the memory of watching the thieves easily dismantling the ogres' army. Not even Koenma could halt them from escaping. If they were strong enough to retrieve the treasures, then it was going to be difficult retrieving them.
She didn't know how this day was going to unfold, or if she was coming out of this alive. But, that didn't matter. Tsuki's goal was to make sure that those damn demons didn't harm the Human World.
"Grandfather?" Tsuki yelled out, looking for her grandfather as she stepped into the dining room. He was obviously not here, and she noticed her breakfast was waiting for her on the table.
"Grandfather?" Maybe he was in the kitchen.
It wasn't until Tsuki came closer towards the table that she spotted the letter.
Tsuki, meet me inside the honden after breakfast.
Grandfather
Tsuki suddenly had a dreadful feeling as she read the note. Her grandfather only went inside the honden when it was important. This suddenly felt all too overwhelming for her. Did he want to have a conversation with her and their animal spirit, Inari, present?
Since the start of their clan, the two tail fox provided each generation protection, guidance, and spiritual powers. When Tsuki was ready to fulfill her priestess duties, Inari was going to guide her just as she did for generations past.
Tsuki instinctively knew that Inari was going to be in her life for a very long time. As often as she could, Tsuki would take a break from studying and meditate with Inari. With each session, she could feel their bond getting stronger.
Despite the sun shining on her face, the strong winds made the air chilly and Tsuki couldn't help but shiver in response. Arriving at the room, she slowly slid the door open and peeked inside. Her grandfather was in a half lotus position, channeling his energy.
Tsuki watched silently as Inari's stone eyes began to glow bright. Each time her grandfather took a breather, her eyes grew even brighter. Their connection was growing stronger.
"Tsuki, sit down," Grandfather Saito commanded. The sudden voice of her grandfather spooked her and she gave a little jump. He didn't even bother to open his eyes, how did he even know she was there?
Without a word, she slipped in and assumed a sitting position beside her grandfather.
"Close your eyes." He ordered.
She forced herself to close her eyes despite feeling nervous.
"Take a deep breath and calm your mind." Easier said than done, grandfather.
Tsuki calmed her breathing, taking slow breaths in and out. The thoughts that had plagued her through the night was now at the forefront of her mind, and she could feel herself panicking.
"It's going to be okay, Tsuki. You're going to be okay." The calm sound of her grandfather's voice managed to soothe her nerves slightly and she tried to think of anything else.
Tsuki inhaled and exhaled, letting go of all her worries, self doubts. Instead, she thought of her koto and the lovely sounds that came out of it as she brushed the strings. This allowed her to focus on something soothing and calm, dispelling away the terrifying images of death and demons.
She continued to breathe deeply until she was in a mental state of clarity.
"Good, keep breathing. Now, do you feel the energy inside of you?"
"Yes," she replied, feeling the familiar energy swarming through her heart.
"That's the energy that has been passed down through the Saito tribe. As I told you before, Inari has been with us since the beginning of our clan. Even before the Human World became the Human World."
Tsuki continued to listen, her mind focusing on her grandfather's words. She had heard these stories many times throughout the years of her childhood. Over time she had gotten over the stories, and never paid them any attention. Today, after all that had happened, she found herself focusing on his words.
"For years the Saito's tribe's primary focus was to protect and guide the Human World. With the help of the Spirit World, we have maintained balance. My time as a protector is over. Unfortunately, my daughter, your mother only was given a few years to protect it before she was taken away. Now Tsuki, since you have accepted your first mission, it's time to fulfill the Saito's duties."
Inari roared, causing Tsuki to quickly open her eyes. She watched as the giant statue shook left and right.
"Inari is ready to guide you on your path. Are you ready?" Was she ready?
"...Yes…" She confirmed, still slightly unsure of herself.
"Very well. Inari!"
The statue shook even hardest , responding to her grandfather's call. It felt like the room was now beginning to shake before finally the two tail fox was able to jump out from her statue, landing right in front of them.
Tsuki gazed with admiration as Inari stretched out her long two tails. To Tsuki,, Inari was the most beautiful fox she had ever seen. The spirit animal had powers and wisdom that was so ancient and majestic.
They bowed to Inari who watched them in silence. She looked at them both, her golden eyes silently observing.
Grandfather Saito went back to his crossed leg position. "Inari, it's time. Please guide my granddaughter to her highest potential!"
Inari growled in response and approached Tsuki.
They both made eye contact before Inari sniffed and licked Tsuki's pale face.
Tsuki laughed as Inari touched her forehead. Like always, the contact was warm and loving.
I'll always be with you, Inari stated, transforming back to her spirit form.
The spirit swirled and swished around Tsuki before entering her body.
Tsuki gasped. It didn't hurt but she felt an enormous amount of energy flowing throughout her body. The energy was powerful. She had never felt this rush of power in her entire life.
Suddenly, all of Tsuki's anxieties and frustrations melted away. Instantly she felt extreme warmth and peace, especially around her heart.
She continued to silently sit beside her grandfather, breathing in the new energy.
"Are you ready for the mission?" Grandfather Saito asked, finally making eye contact with his granddaughter.
"Yes," Tsuki answered. This time, she felt confident. With Inari supporting her, she no longer felt hopeless. Now, she would do her best to save the Human World.
Grandfather Saito nodded as he stared at Inari's statue. "Tsuki, remember everything I've taught you. All of the wisdom and spiritual energy is inside you. With the help of Inari, you can't be stopped."
"But how can I use this new power?" She was certainly grateful that Inari would be watching over her, but Tsuki didn't know how to channel the spiritual animal's energy.
"When the time is right, you'll know what to do and Inari will be already." Grandfather Saito stood up and approached his granddaughter. "Tsuki, I'm proud of you. You have worked so hard for this moment. I'm sure your mother is proud of you as well."
Tsuki bit her lip. "I hope so too."
Her grandfather smirked. "You know, your mother had the same expression and attitude when she started her first mission."
"Really?"
"Yes, her objective was battling a 12 foot ogre! Of course she beat him, but l had to make sure that she didn't get too cocky. Oh, she had so much fire. Just like me when I was young. The Saito tribe has always been powerful, especially the women. Sooner or later you'll realize the potential you carry inside."
"Thank you, grandfather." Becoming a priestess wasn't an effortless task. Tsuki knew she had so much growing and training to do. She just didn't want to fail and let her loved ones down.
Grandfather Saito gave her a firm hug.
"Be strong, granddaughter and fight for the Human World. It's in your hands now."
Tsuki returned the hug. "I'll do everything that I can.
"Hey Tsuki." Botan waved as soon as she spotted Tsuki.
Just like yesterday, the grim reaper stood at the bottom of the stairwell.
"Hey Botan," Tsuki greeted as she made her way down the staircase. "I hope you weren't waiting too long."
"No, not at all! I actually just got here."
Tsuki raised her eyebrow as she studied the grim reaper's outfit. This time, she was wearing a cute dark pink sweater and blue jeans that showed off her white skin.
"Aren't we riding the plane again? You're not wearing your boots or jacket."
Botan chuckled. "Nope, not today. We're taking a more casual ride to the district. It only takes about twenty minutes to get there."
That's when Tsuki noticed the car parked next to her shrine. It appeared to be a modern car, a blue four seater.
She nodded. "Then we should get going. The quicker we find them, the better."
"Right," Botan agreed as she unlocked the car door.
"Have you spoken with Yusuke about the mission?" Botan inquired, shifting the stick to drive.
Tsuki rolled her eyes. "I tried calling him multiple times last night, but he never answered. I guess he's still enjoying his rebirth on Earth. I tried to call his mom afterwards, who of course was drunk and she told me he had gone out gambling."
Botan chuckled. "Typical Yusuke. Well, Lord Koenma suggested that we use him. I immediately told him no. I mean he just came back from the dead! It's too soon in my opinion."
"You're right," Tsuki agreed. "Yusuke needs more time to channel his spiritual energy. He's no match for those demons."
"Yes, hopefully Lord Koenma and I can start his training as soon as this mission is over. Come on, let's get going." The two climbed in. Botan sped off to their destination.
"How's the Spirit World?" Tsuki finally asked after a comfortable silence.
The grim reaper let out a deep sigh.
"We've been busy all night trying to figure out our next step. Lord Koenma is worried that it might be too late. He wished he could have stopped them himself, but his powers are useless in the Human World. We only have a few days until King Emma comes back. Those treasures are his most precious possessions. If he noticed them missing, I guarantee you he'll cause a lot of commotion in the Human World."
"What do you think he'll do?" Tsuki didn't like the idea of King Emma coming in and making a ruckus.
"Anything could happen, Tsuki. Earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, you name it. King Emma doesn't hold back when he's furious."
Tsuki shuddered at the thought. She had to avoid that consequence at all cost.
"Botan, I'll help out as much as I can. I don't know how helpful I can be against those demons, but we'll find a way to get those treasures back."
"I know and I'm really honored to help you. Ever since I've been interacting with you and Yusuke, I can see why the Human World is a special place. I know our chances are low, but I'm not giving up without a fight."
They smiled at each other appreciating one's presence
Despite it being still early, the Ninwawa district was slowly but surely filling up with people who were there for the shopping center.
"Do you know the exact location of the thieves?" Tsuki questioned the grim reaper as she parked the car.
Botan shook her head. "Unfortunately, we couldn't detect their spiritual energy after I dropped you off. Somehow, they were able to hide it really well. Maybe they're keeping quiet until the coast is clear."
"Maybe," Tsuki stated, not believing in Botan's possible reason. "The tall and short one seem to enjoy causing chaos."
"You're right about that. We should start looking for them here at the shopping center. There will be a bunch of people for the thieves to attract. Apparently the big guy Goki loves eating human souls, especially young children," Botan stated. "Are you ready?"
Tsuki smiled grimly and shook her head. "No, but I know I have to be ready. Let's go."
A sudden beep captured the girls' attention. Botan quickly pulled out her phone.
"It's just a text!" She confirmed, glancing at her phone. Tsuki watched as Botan read the message and immediately frowned.
"What is Botan?"
"Lord Koenma has summoned me...it's an urgent matter...yet,he's not explaining everything."
"Do you think it's important?" Tsuki asked just as the radio began to switch stations rapidly. They both looked on in shock as the noise of static shock became louder until finally, "Botan! Can you hear me?! I need you back in the Spirit World ASAP!"
Tsuki sighed. "Botan, just go. It must be important. I'll detect the thieves."
"Nonsense! He can wait! I'm sure it's not super important." Unfortunately, the grim reaper spoke too soon. Her phone just kept ringing.
"BOTAN! You have a direct order from your lord to come in immediately! Let Tsuki precede with the mission!"
Botan let out a groan. "Fine, whatever you do, don't go after them until I come back. Find them, but don't engage. Got it?"
"Okay," Tsuki paused. "How are we going to remain in contact?"
"Here." Botan tossed the small black radio towards her. "That way you don't have to worry about me disconnecting. Remember, when you find them, message me right away and stay undetected. All right?"
Tsuki nodded.
Botan turned on the ignition and drove off, leaving the young priestess in the parking lot.
Tsuki took another deep breath. When she exhaled, she felt a warm loving energy inside as a strong wind blew her black hair back.
I'm going to be okay. I'll find them, she thought as she hurried towards the downtown area.
Damn it, where could these thieves be?
By now the Ninwawa district was packed full of people. Tsuki realized it would be hard to try and find the thieves amongst the crowd.
Taking a long deep breath, she calmed her nerves and closed her eyes. Tuning out the distracting noises of the area, she sought to find any unusual energy levels amongst the people. There was nothing abnormal about the energy levels, and Tsuki opened her eyes again wondering if the thieves were even here. Nothing appeared abnormal to her.
Trying not to feel hopeless, Tsuki decided to turn back and wait for Botan at the car. Would Botan be on her way back now? With another pair of eyes, spotting the thieves would be much easier. What was it that Koenma wanted that Botan had to leave during something so crucial?
Lost in thought, she would have completely missed it had her senses not been already attuned to the surroundings. Amidst the crowd, three seemingly normal looking people walked towards her. She quickly turned around, walking a different direction and waited. Turning slightly to observe them, she noticed that they hadn't noticed her. What luck!
Deciding that she would wait to contact Botan, she tailed the thieves carefully.
"Oh my goodness!"
"Somebody help!"
"Call the ambulance!"
Tsuki spun around to see the disturbance.
A young boy laid helplessly on the sidewalk as a large crowd formed around the boy.
The father was crouched behind him, gently shaking the boy to wake him. The father was distraught and crying out for help, trying to resuscitate the boy. Tsuki looked closer, the slight rise of the boy's chest and the color in his face; he was still alive. Before she could determine if he was unconscious due to natural causes, a white orb came out of the boy's body.
His soul! Tsuki's gasped.
The orb hovered above the boy's body for a moment before quickly flying towards the direction of the thieves.
Tsuki frowned. How could they? She turned towards the direction of the thieves, it was time to stop them.
The young priestess couldn't see them anymore and tried running towards the area where she last saw them. Before she could take further steps towards their direction, a strong grip grabbed her wrist.
"Whoa! Slow down, Tsuki! You don't want them to spot us yet," a familiar voice teased.
"Yusuke!" Tsuki turned around, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"To help catch the thieves. Duh," he answered, lightly tapping her forehead. He was still wearing his school uniform.
"What? Why? Who sent you? How the hell do you know where to find me?"
He ignored her frantic questions and headed towards the directions of the thieves.
"We should get out of this commotion before we lose them. I'll tell you along the way."
Yusuke explained everything. His first day back at school was horrible. Everyone except Keiko and Takenaka-sensei kept their distance.
"When that bastard Iwagoto accused me of stealing our classmates items, I was interrogated until Koenma came to visit me. He informed me that the Spirit World needed help."
"Were you able to prove your innocence?"
"Yep, and I've gotten my revenge," Yusuke grinned triumphantly. "He had it coming."
Tsuki turned to him. "That reminds me, I've been trying to reach you. Why haven't you been returning my calls?"
He gave her a cheesy grin, knowing he had been caught red-handed in something he shouldn't have done.
"Sorry, I was going to call you back but I was...preoccupied," He explained while rubbing the back of his head.
Preoccupied my ass! I know what you were doing!
Tsuki's right eyebrow gave an involuntary twitch. She wanted to strangle him. However, there were far more important things to do at the moment. The strangulation could wait for another day, preferably with the help of Keiko.
Instead, she informed Yusuke what happened in the Spirit World, describing in every detail how the thieves successfully took the treasures and escaped the vault unharmed.
"Yusuke, they're strong. I have spiritual powers, but I know a dangerous opponent when I see one. We need to proceed with caution."
"Why did you think Koenma came to get me? He knew you needed my help."
"Why didn't he inform us?" Tsuki was flattered that Koenma thought of her, but she didn't know if this was an intelligent or ridiculous move.
"It was a last minute decision. Besides, he knew what Botan would be up against it if he asked me ahead of time."
Yusuke touched her shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.
"Tsuki, never think you're alone. I got your back."
The young priestess smiled. His determined brown eyes gave her reassurance.
They continued to walk for another 20 minutes, finally reaching a large quiet forest.
The thieves were nowhere in sight. However, Tsuki could still feel their presence. They were close.
The location was perfect. With no humans in sight, they can move in freely now.
Tsuki grabbed the radio from her bag and pushed the talk button. "Botan, it's Tsuki. I have located the thieves. They're inside the forest that's near the east side of the Ninwawa district."
They heard a strong static before the grim reaper answer.
"Tsuki! I'm so sorry for the wait! I've just finished speaking to Lord Koenma. Did you know he decided to put Yusuke on this mission?!"
Koenma was right. She didn't sound so pleased.
"Yes, Yusuke is with me right now."
"Hey Botan!" Yusuke greeted. "Tsuki and I are perfectly capable of taking these guys down. They don't seem so tough to me."
"Yusuke," Botan warned in a stern voice. She already knew his irrational behavior. "Please, don't do anything rash. I'm on my way. We could beat the thieves if we put our minds together."
"No can do, Botan. The thieves are already starting trouble."
"He's right," Tsuki added. "A young boy's soul was captured. I believe Goki used the orb to get it. We have to stop them before things get worse.
"Yusuke, Tsuki, please. I'm begging you. Wait until I get there. I know you guys are anxious but we have to be realistic. It's better to have a plan."
Botan was correct. Yusuke just became a spirit detective and this was Tsuki's first real mission.
Before the young priestess could respond, Yusuke snatched the radio right out of her hand with lightning speed.
"Yusuke! What are you doing?" Tsuki yelled, reaching as high as she could to grab the radio. It was no use, Yusuke was six inches taller than her.
"Tsuki? Yusuke? Are you still there?" Botan asked. They could hear the franticness in her voice.
He gave her a wink before pushing the talk button.
"What Botan? What was that? Can you repeat that?"
"What? Yusuke, what are you talking about?"
"I'm sorry, Botan. You're breaking up. So you're okay with us preceding?
"Yusuke Urameshi, don't you dare-"
Yusuke turned off the power before Botan could finish her sentence.
Tsuki stared at him in disbelief. What a sneaky devil!
He shrugged his shoulders, tossing the radio back towards her. "Stop worrying, you got me now."
"No offense Yusuke, but what can you do? I haven't seen you in action other than beating people up."
"Tsuki Saito, I can't believe you're underestimating me. Give me some credit. I helped you recover my body from the fire didn't I?"
"...Yes…" She admitted. Even though she was going to use her divine bells to break the door.
"Wasn't I able to pass all of Koenma's tests and granted permission to return to my body?"
"...Yes…"
"And did I just recently stop you from blowing our cover?"
"...Yes…"
"There you go! Besides, I got something," Yusuke stated. "Koenma showed me a nice trick to aid in our mission."
Whatever Koenma showed him, she sure hoped that it was enough.
"Alright, spirit detective. Let's go."
They jogged at a steady pace, Tsuki directing Yusuke into the thieves' location. The trails were smooth and straight as they shuffled through the twigs and fallen leaves. The forest had a strong earthy smell, calming Tsuki's nerves a bit.
"We're getting close. Their energy is getting stronger."
They finally made it to the thieves' area. The sector was an open field where decomposed leaves and broken branches of trees scattered everywhere.
They slowly crept to a tall blooming deciduous tree, peaking at their direction.
Hiei was showing off the sword, admiring the weapon's power as it slash through the tree branches.
Goki was eyeing the orb, careful not to drop it with his large rough hands.
Kurama was standing near a tree, deep in thought it seemed.
"Are those the items they stole?" Yusuke whispered in Tsuki's ear.
The young priestesses nodded, not taking her eyes off the thieves for a second.
They continued to watch as Hiei approached his enormous partner.
He looked at the sword, raising the weapon high in the air.
"With this," he proudly stated. "I'll be able to make an army of human demons."
"I'll gladly feed your demonic army with the orb," Goki grinned, rubbing his big belly. "I'm sure my stomach can't eat all of the human souls."
They both chuckled, amused by their witty remarks.
"Those bastards," Tsuki muttered the anger making her voice nearly quiver. "We have to stop them."
Yusuke nodded in agreement. "You're definitely right about that."
They watched as Hiei and Goki turned to their red hair partner.
"And Kurama," Hiei continued. "With his dark mirror, he'll unleash evil powers when the moon is full and strong."
Without saying a word, Kurama stepped forward, his hands comfortably inside his pockets.
He looked at his partners. "I apologize, but I'm leaving the group."
"What?!" Hiei and Goki yelled in unison.
Hiei frowned. "What do you mean? You want to leave us?"
"Yes, that's right, " Kurama confirmed in a matter of fact tone. The nasty stares that he got didn't intimidate him at all.
"Kurama, you coward!" Hiei growled. "Ever since you came to the Human World, you allowed these humans to soften you up!"
Goki stepped forward, his large hand extending out. "I don't care if he leaves, just give us the mirror."
"I'm keeping the mirror," Kurama calmly stated. "I need it."
The large demon gritted his teeth. "Ugh, you! I will not allow you to take that mirror!"
That's strange. Tsuki was confused. After all of this time, why would he change his mind now?
She was so focused on the argument, she didn't even notice Yusuke was already standing up.
The young spirit detective walked towards their direction. "Let's go, Tsuki. It's now or never."
"Yusuke, wait!" Tsuki stood up. "We need to figure out-"
Before she could finish her sentence, he was already in their view.
Tsuki cursed under her breath and ran right after him.
By the time she got to him, the thieves were already alert, eyeing Yusuke suspiciously.
"Who are you?" Hiei questioned Yusuke. "How did you find us?"
As she approached the group, Tsuki and Hiei locked eyes first.
Tsuki glared at him. However, instead of glaring back, the fire demon gave her a small smirk.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the priestess from the Spirit World. So Koenma sent you to retrieve the treasures?"
Without a word, Tsuki transformed her bracelet into her divine bells. There was no more talking. It was time to fight.
Hiei smiled now.
"Did he also order you to bring this weakling?" He eyed Yusuke up and down.
"He doesn't look so tough," Goki mocked. "I bet I can beat him with one punch."
They both chuckle again, amused that a mere human would even try to stop them.
Before Tsuki can retort, Yusuke stepped forward.
"Speak for yourself. I thought I was going to meet some tough demons, but all I see is three losers bickering at each other."
Oh you have no clue, Yusuke. Yet, She appreciated his confidence.
Tsuki and Kurama both exchanged looks..
Kurama didn't say anything. He studied the situation silently. He was trying to figure out the next best move.
She didn't sense any danger. His green eyes remained dull and heavy as if all the life and light left his face.
Without a word, Kurama turned around and walked the opposite direction, clutching the mirror in his right hand.
Before Tsuki could think about stopping him, Goki's gigantic body stood in front of them, blocking their view.
He flexed his enormous hard muscles. "I'll show you how tough I am, human."
Hiei scoffed and turned his back away from them. "Do what you want, Goki. There's no need to make a scene here."
"Hey wait!" Tsuki cried. The fire demon was already dashing away, not even bothering to look back.
She couldn't let him get away! Tsuki dashed right after him, leaving Yusuke behind with Goki.
"Hold up you coward! Stop running!"
Hiei was incredibly fast. Tsuki couldn't keep up with him when she was wearing her sandals.
The short demon was having no trouble running and jumping from tree branch to tree branch. Luckily, she was able to follow his moves while running through the trails.
Just when she thought she was getting closer to the demon, he skirted even further to keep distance.
Damn him, Tsuki anxiously thought. Now he was only teasing her.
What could she do? She was going to lose him if they kept this up.
Then suddenly, she had an idea. There was no way she could catch Hiei. However, she can stop him by force.
Tsuki halted to a complete stop and extended her divine bells, aiming at Hiei who was putting more distance between them.
She focused her spiritual energy onto her weapon as it started to glow white.
Steady.
Tsuki only had one shot before he disappeared completely out of her sight.
Steady.
She continued to concentrate, making sure her energy was calm. Just like her grandfather had taught her.
Now!
"Spirit arrow!" Tsuki shouted as she released her power. She knew she wouldn't miss. The blast was a magnet towards Hiei's demonic energy.
The priestess watched Hiei glanced over his shoulder as the arrow came closer and closer.
With one swift movement, he used the sword to block the attack.
Hiei was able to avoid harmful damage but the blast pushed him backwards by five feet.
His red eyes glistened with excitement as the arrow disappeared into the air.
Tsuki slowly walked toward his space. Her divine bells was still aimed in his direction. She now had his full attention.
"Not bad, priestess," he stated, grinning.
"Give me the sword and you won't get hurt." Oh, she wanted to wipe that grin right off his face.
"If I don't priestess, are you going to take it from me?"
"If I let you go," Tsuki explained. Her weapon began to glow for another attack. "The Human World will be in grave danger. I can't let that happen. Give me the sword."
Hiei scoffed. "Do you really think I actually care? I'm not Kurama. The Human World is merely a place for me to do as I please."
"Sometimes doing as you please leads to consequence, especially if it harms other people." Tsuki was appalled that he would say such a thing! Were all demons like this?
Her statement only made him laugh. "I'm in no mood of hearing any type of spirituality crap, priestess. Darkness has always surrounded me. Either you let it consume you, or you conquer it."
Tsuki tightened up her lips to force herself not to speak. No matter how Hiei was making her upset, she had to concentrate now.
The fire demon must have noticed her frustration. Like he did with Goki, he proudly raised the weapon in the air.
"If you want the sword, then you must take it from me. Unless, you're too weak t-"
A spirit arrow came so close to his face, Hiei had barely enough time to avoid it.
Almost. Tsuki was angry. There was no way she was going to let some demon use her home as a playground.
Hiei smirked as a small thin line of red appeared on his cheek. "If I win, you're going to be my first human slave."
"Never."
Before Tsuki could release another spirit arrow, Hiei was right in front of her, swinging the sword.
So fast! Tsuki thought as she blocked his strike with her divine bells. Now, her eyes were having a hard time tracing his movements.
Tsuki skipped back to avoid another swift attack, but Hiei was already right behind her.
She turned around, shielding herself with her divine bells. There was no time to counter.
Before the sword could make contact with her skin, Tsuki created a spiritual barrier.
The fire demon squinted his eyes. He couldn't necessarily see the clear barrier but he knew that something was blocking his attack.
Hiei jumped backwards, creating some distance between them.
Breathing heavily, Tsuki watched as he eyed the sword carefully, making sure that there weren't any scratches on the steel.
"You just keep surprising me, priestess. Let's see if you can keep that barrier up." With a blur, Hiei was in front of her again. One after the other his sword came down upon her barrier.
Tsuki cried out, gripping her divine bells even tighter. Even though he wasn't hitting her directly, she could feel the swords impact on the barrier. The weapon was demonic. She could hear and feel evil cries of a dark powerful spirit. No wonder it needed to be locked up.
Every time he sliced the barrier, Tsuki could feel it weakening. She knew she couldn't stay here for too long. She needed to react and fast.
"What's wrong, priestess?" He taunted as he continued to slash rapidly at her barrier. "Aren't you going to attack? Don't tell me you're done."
Tsuki stood her ground. She only had a few seconds before the barrier was going to break.
"Fine, if you're just going to stand here, then I'll end it now!"
Hiei gave the sword a final swing, causing the barrier to evaporate.
Tsuki cried out in pain. No! She had failed her first mission.
Sweat poured her forehead as she panted, she was on her knees now. After a few seconds, she noticed Hiei was still standing there.
"Look at me," he commanded, using the weapon to lift her face up.
Slowly, her eyes drifted up to his. The amusement in his eyes only enraged her.
He gave her a victorious smirk.
"Your powers aren't that bad, priestess. You'll be useful in my army."
Tsuki glared at him. She would admit, she had underestimated her fighting abilities but she was a Saito, not a puppet.
"You're not going to win, Hiei. You may be a strong demon, but your plan will never work. The Human World is meant for the humans."
"You talk a lot even though you're on your knees. Face it, priestess. You lost. Give up and follow me to victory."
"I'm not done yet." Tsuki closed her eyes. Immediately she felt a strong energy inside her, ready to burst out.
Her body began to glow bright blue leading to Inari's spirit breaking free from her body.
Instinctively, Hiei swiftly stepped backwards before the fox could strike him.
Inari in her animal form growled. Blue fox fire began to swirl around her body as she crept closer to Hiei.
Hiei raised his sword again, standing his ground. "If you want to play then-"
Abruptly, they heard footsteps coming closer to their area.
"Hey!" Someone yelled.
"Who's there?"
"Let's check it out!" They continued to listen to their rants as they came closer to the area.
"What a nuisance," Hiei disappointedly stated. He lowered his sword. "Consider yourself lucky, priestess. Looks like you won't be my slave today."
"I'll never...be your..slave. The Human World...isn't your...playground...We're not your..toys!" Tsuki was having a difficult time breathing. Calling Inari drained so much of her energy.
"We'll see about that. Until then." The fire demon jumped and dashed away.
Once she knew he was gone, Tsuki relaxed her shoulders and put her head on the fresh grass.
Inari whimpered. She lowered her head, sniffing Tsuki.
The young priestess looked up and smiled at the worried fox. "Thank you...Inari. I knew...I was a goner... if I didn't summon...you."
Suddenly, the trees began to spin in constant circles. Her eyes were having a hard time staying open.
The last thing she remembered was a person approaching her as everything went pinch black.