The Triad of Time, regarded as one of the most powerful artifacts in existence, was, for centuries, under the possession of the Reikai, safeguarded alongside other sacred relics of the Ancient World. Its origins, however, remain shrouded in mystery. Many believe it was forged by a being of such immense power that, while among the living, they were revered as a deity.
The Triad is a medallion-like amulet composed of three elements that grant its bearer the ability to manipulate the past, present, and future. Despite its legendary status, the artifact's workings remain incomprehensible, and its use has long been forbidden. In the past, its indiscriminate use brought chaos and destruction. The devastation was so immense that the Spirit World was forced to intervene, confiscating the Triad and dedicating itself to repairing the damage wrought by the few—but dangerously ambitious—individuals who had wielded it.
For centuries, the Time Triad remained under the Reikai's protection. However, despite the efforts, attempts to invade the Spirit World became increasingly frequent. The artifact's location was no secret, and its security was compromised. With the threat of a looming disaster, the Reikai faced a critical decision: they had to find a new hiding place for the Triad of Time.
In their search for a solution, the Reikai turned to the shinseijin, a race of warriors once feared by various species, including humans and youkai. Known for their prowess in battle and involvement in ancient wars, the shinseijin also bore a reputation for nobility and justice. They fought not for vanity or petty goals but to defend their people. Despite their strength, they longed for peace and sought to distance themselves from the conflicts and losses inherent to war. Constantly migrating across territories, they sought a place that aligned with their ideals.
The shinseijin considered themselves neither human nor demon. They believed themselves superior, destined for a higher purpose. This belief, though bordering on arrogance, did not make them needlessly aggressive. It was this unique nature that led the Spirit World to propose a deal: the shinseijin would be granted an isolated, protected territory under the Reikai's supervision, far from other species, in exchange for safeguarding the Triad against any threat.
The shinseijin accepted the offer, fully aware of the consequences if any of them attempted to claim the relic, they would all face severe repercussions. With the pact sealed, the Triad and the shinseijin were relocated to a secret dimension between the Makai and the Ningenkai, known as Shinkai. This hidden world became shinseijin's new home.
For millennia, the shinseijin thrived in Shinkai, dedicating themselves solely to preventing intruders from discovering and accessing the Triad. The artifact was secured within a dome protected by powerful barriers, accessible only to the Reikai's leader, Enma Dai-Oh, and the King of the shinseijin. The responsibility of protecting the artifact was passed down through the shinseijin royal lineage until it reached Pyokan, the 15th King of the shinseijin.
For thousands of years, the pact held strong, with no incidents threatening the Triad of Time—until Pyokan ascended the throne.
Years after becoming king, Pyokan attempted to steal the Triad of Time, shattering the pact between the shinseijin and the Reikai. The Spirit World responded swiftly when the alarm was triggered, but a bigger disaster was averted only due to Pyokan's daughter, Mitriss.
The theft occurred during a celebration marking Mitriss's coming of age and her formal designation as the next ruler. Pyokan used the distraction to enact his plan. However, Mitriss noticed her father's odd behavior and decided to follow him.
She found him at the dome, his hands on the medallion. Consumed by greed, Pyokan fought against his own daughter. When Reikai finally arrived, it was too late. Mitriss was dead, her body lying at his father's feet, whose expression of fury still marked his face, and the Triad of Time had vanished without a trace.
Pyokan was captured, and the shinseijin were deemed traitors, punished by the Reikai. Those who resisted were labeled accomplices, sparking a bloody conflict that claimed hundreds of shinseijin lives. As a final punishment, the Reikai sent violent and bloodthirsty youkais to Shinkai, sealing its exits and forcing the shinseijin to coexist in perpetual warfare with these monsters. A people once longing for their freedom and peace were condemned to live in an endless conflict.
Pyokan remains one of the Spirit World's most dangerous prisoners, having betrayed not only the Reikai but also his own people. He killed his daughter and left the Triad's whereabouts unknown. Despite numerous interrogations, he has never revealed why he sought the relic or what he intended to do with it. He confessed his crimes but has remained silent ever since.
And so, the mystery endures: where is the Triad of Time?
xxxx
Hiei and Kazumi listened attentively as Koenma recounted the tale, leaving their questions for the end.
— That's horrific. The entire story — Kazumi said, struggling to process what she had heard – He killed his own daughter!
She glanced at the prisoner chained on the other side of the reinforced glass. This time, her eyes burned with disdain. The story had struck a nerve, stirring both empathy for Mitriss and disgust for Pyokan. Kazumi, more than anyone, understood the pain of a strained relationship with a father. If Hiei hadn't intervened that morning and knocked Ichiro unconscious, she might have suffered the same fate.
— It is horrific — Koenma agreed — What Pyokan did is unforgivable. That's why he was sentenced to death. Reikai rarely imposes such a punishment, but his threat to the world is too great to ignore.
— Then why is he still alive? — Hiei asked bluntly — What are you waiting for?
— Everyone agreed with the death sentence — Koenma explained — But they also agreed we couldn't let the Triad of Time remain lost. If it falls into the wrong hands, the entire planet is at risk. Pyokan is the only one who knows its location. His execution has been delayed in hopes he'll reveal where it is. But he hasn't spoken, and here we are.
— No clues at all? —Kazumi asked.
— None. He confessed to the crime when captured and hasn't spoken since. I've never even heard his voice. We're sure the Triad is still in Shinkai, since the theft happened there, and soon after, the shinseijin were imprisoned in that place. We've conducted multiple searches since the incident, but finding it is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Pyokan's next trial is tomorrow, and the Reikai jury has lost patience. I'm the only one voting against his execution, but I'm likely to lose this time. I wish I could delay it longer…
Hiei rolled his eyes.
— If he hasn't talked in 300 years, he won't start now. Just give up.
— You're probably right — Koenma admitted — But all attempts so far were made by my father before he stepped down. I've only recently taken over and haven't had my chance yet. I believe we haven't exhausted every option. And our best chance is standing right here.
Koenma turned to Kazumi, who raised her eyebrows in shock.
— Me? What could I possibly do?
— It's simple, Kazumi — Koenma said, his tone overly enthusiastic — Getting close to Pyokan is nearly impossible. He's become violently aggressive and can't be interrogated directly because he's a psychomancer—a master of mental manipulation. He can drive someone to suicide just by looking them in the eye. He invades minds, scrambles thoughts, induces hallucinations. The weaker the mind, the easier his control. We've tested this extensively. But you, Kazumi, are a blocker. His powers won't work on you. You could face him directly and negotiate.
– You want me to walk into that cell, face a psychopathic killer, and ask where he hid the medallion?
– When you put it like that, it sounds dangerous, but I promise you'll be safe. Pyokan's energy has been drained, and all his powers are neutralized—except his mental abilities, which we can't block. But you're immune to them.
– This is insane! What if you're wrong?
– Genkai confirmed you're a blocker. That's proof enough.
– That woman is old! She could've made a mistake!
– Look, Kazumi, we can test you again if it'll help you feel confident. But time is running out. Pyokan's trial is tomorrow. This could be our last chance. I need your help.
Kazumi didn't respond, overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation. Since accidentally stumbling into the Makai the day before, her life had been turned upside down.
The guards who had been in the room before the three arrived pretended not to pay attention to the conversation, though they frequently exchanged incredulous glances, as if Koenma's idea was the most absurd thing they'd ever heard. The spiritual leader then asked them for a moment of privacy and requested that they step out of the room for a while. They complied, leaving Koenma alone with Hiei and Kazumi.
– Look, Kazumi, you don't have to answer right now. I don't want to pressure you – Koenma said gently – Go home, sleep on it, and call me tonight with your decision. – He handed her a card with a phone number. — Consider it a job offer. A short-term assignment for me. It won't last more than a few days, and I guarantee you'll be well compensated. I know you need this. You lost your job yesterday, didn't you?
— How do you know that? — Kazumi shot Hiei with an accusatory glare.
— We in the Reikai know everything. I checked your background when I learned about your abilities. I also know about your father and how difficult life with him must have been. And your sister…you need to help her, don't you? This is your chance, Kazumi. This is the most dangerous artifact in the world. If we find it, you'll be richly rewarded. Think about it.
xxxx
Kazumi was overwhelmed as she left the building. Confused and unsure of what to do, she walked away quickly, her steps hurried, with Hiei trailing behind. She had noticed Koenma speaking to him privately as they exited the restricted area, clearly instructing him to keep an eye on her. However, Kazumi didn't confront Hiei until they were far enough from the building.
— So, you're going to keep following me? He told you to stay on my tail, didn't he?
— Don't be ridiculous — Hiei replied, stopping beside her — I don't receive orders from Koenma. I've already done what I needed to do. I brought you to him, and now you're on your own. I'm done with this.
Caught off guard, Kazumi hesitated.
— So... you're just going to stop following me?
— Isn't it obvious? You're no longer my problem. Decide whether you're going to work for the Spirit World or not, and they'll figure out what to do with you. I have nothing to do with that stupid offer Koenma made you. The only thing I know is that he lied when he said he knew everything because if he really did, he wouldn't have sent you back to that house after what happened this morning.
With that, Hiei turned and walked away, leaving Kazumi behind. She stood frozen, watching him grow more distant, her chest heavy with a swirl of conflicting emotions. She had wished so many times for him to disappear, but now that he truly was leaving, she felt an intense sense of loneliness and vulnerability. And in that moment, the idea of being alone terrified her.
— Wait! — she called out before he vanished from sight.
Hiei stopped and turned to look at her as she approached him hesitantly. The uncertainty on her face made it clear she wanted to ask him something, but he said nothing, letting her gather the courage to speak.
— I don't want to go back home. I'm afraid of what Ichiro might do to me if he remembers what happened — she admitted, swallowing her pride despite how much it hurt to ask someone for help — I don't have anywhere else to go…
Hiei understood her meaning. The fear she felt toward her father was obvious in her body language. That man would likely wake up enraged after being knocked out. He might even assume it was his own daughter who had attacked him.
— I can't offer you a place to stay if that's what you're looking for. I don't live here in the human world.
— I know. I was thinking maybe I could stay at that woman's house—Genkai's. You know her, right? Could you talk to her for me? I know you don't owe me anything, but…
Her voice trailed off. She expected rejection and figured there was no point in begging someone who clearly despised her.
Hiei sighed. Helping Kazumi wasn't part of his plans, but something about her defeated demeanor tugged at him. It was strange, but he felt a small twinge of guilt—after all, he was the one who had knocked out that drunk. Letting her face the fallout alone didn't seem right.
— I can take you to Genkai's place. You ask her by yourself.
Kazumi was stunned. She could hardly believe what she had just heard. Relief washed over her, and she felt a pang of guilt for being so harsh with Hiei earlier. Maybe she had judged him too quickly, even if he hadn't exactly been friendly toward her either.
— Thank you! — she said, a smile breaking across her face. — I just need to stop by somewhere first. Do you mind waiting before taking me there?
— Where are you going?
— I need to visit my sister.
xxxx
Hiei followed Kazumi to the rehabilitation clinic where her sister, Noembi, was staying—a place for the treatment of both neurological conditions and substance abuse issues. Despite Kazumi's warning that it might take a while, Hiei opted to wait outside. Kazumi entered alone, walking through the reception area until a nurse directed her to Noembi's shared room.
Noembi greeted her with an exuberant smile, her enthusiasm almost overwhelming in contrast to Kazumi's somber mood.
— Sis! — Noembi exclaimed, getting up from her bed to hug Kazumi — It's so good to see you! I thought you were coming yesterday. I got worried when you didn't show up.
— Sorry, something came up.
As they pulled apart, Noembi's gaze fell on the bandage around Kazumi's wrist and the faint cut on her chin. Concern immediately darkened her expression, and she leapt to the most obvious conclusion.
— What happened to you? Did he…?
— No! — Kazumi interrupted quickly — I fell and hurt myself.
Kazumi rarely kept secrets from her sister, but revealing the truth about the Makai wasn't an option. She knew Noembi would assume the injuries were Ichiro's doing. Her sister, four years older, was painfully familiar with the kind of man their father was. Ichiro had always been a source of turmoil for their family. As the eldest, Noembi had been the first to endure his fits of rage, and after bearing it for four years longer than Kazumi, she had eventually crumbled under the weight, leading to depression, addiction, and a near-fatal suicide attempt.
Convincing Noembi to enter rehab had been a grueling process, but Kazumi had pushed until her sister finally agreed. She knew getting away from Ichiro was the best thing for Noembi. Since then, Kazumi had taken on their father's wrath alone, often wondering if she would eventually break the same way her sister had.
— Do you expect me to believe that? Tell me the truth, Kazumi. Did Ichiro hurt you?
— I swear, he didn't. I really did fall. I was running late for work and just tripped. There was a slope, some rocks, a few sharp branches…I got hurt all over.
Lying to Noembi was hard, but since it wasn't entirely false, Kazumi managed to sound convincing enough to ease her sister's concern.
— When did you get so clumsy, sis?
The tension broke as they both chuckled, and the afternoon passed with lighthearted conversation, avoiding past traumas. They gossiped about neighbors, mocked celebrity scandals, discussed crime stories on the news and debated music, their clashing tastes sparking playful arguments that ended in laughter and off-key singing. For a while, Kazumi felt a fleeting lightness, almost forgetting the storm clouds looming over her life.
— How's work? Everything okay there? — Noembi asked suddenly.
Reality struck Kazumi. She considered lying but knew her expression would betray her.
— I got fired yesterday — she admitted.
An awkward silence followed. Kazumi felt ashamed, especially knowing the growing debt for Noembi's treatment. Even with her previous salary, she'd struggled to keep up with payments. Now, with no income, she was completely lost.
— I'm being discharged — Noembi said.
— What? What do you mean?
— They said I'm doing well. Recovered. The psychiatrist thinks I'm ready to leave. I will start working and help you at home.
Kazumi froze. Her plan had been to save enough money to rent a safe place for them, far from Ichiro. But now, with her savings stolen and no job, Noembi would have to return to the house that nearly destroyed her.
A lump formed in Kazumi's throat. She was happy for Noembi's recovery but terrified of what lay ahead. Fighting tears, she hugged her sister tightly.
— Don't worry about money — she whispered — I'll find another job soon.
After saying goodbye, Kazumi didn't leave immediately. She sought out the clinic supervisor and begged for an extension, explaining their dire situation.
"Every day your sister stays here, your debt grows," the supervisor warned. "I'll pay it," Kazumi pleaded. "Just give me more time." The supervisor finally relented. "Ten more days. That's all I can give you."
Kazumi left the clinic feeling more dejected than when she arrived.
Hiei waited outside, silent as ever, and escorted her to Genkai's temple. His quiet presence was a comfort, as Kazumi wasn't in the mood to talk. Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the long journey.
At the temple, Genkai greeted them with her usual brusque demeanor, making Kazumi doubt whether she'd get any help. But when she explained she had nowhere to go, Genkai immediately invited her inside.
— Go ahead — Genkai told her — I'll meet you inside. I need to talk to Hiei for a minute.
Kazumi thanked her and obeyed, hesitating to say goodbye to Hiei before deciding against it. Regretting it halfway, she entered the temple, unsure if she'd see him again.
The minimalistic decor appealed to her, and the space felt cozy. The garden view was stunning. As she wandered through the rooms, she noticed a collection of photo frames. Some held old, faded black-and-white images of a much younger Genkai. Others were more recent, featuring her as she was now, alongside people Kazumi didn't recognize—except for Yukina, who appeared in one photo, and Hiei, looking irritated and standing apart from the rest.
— Find something interesting? — Genkai's voice startled her.
— Just looking at the photos — she replied, pointing to Yukina — Where is this girl? She's not here today?
— Yukina doesn't live here.
— Oh…really? The other day, I thought she might be related to you or something.
— She's not. She lives in another house with someone else from that photo. I'm just her mentor.
— Mentor?
— She's a youkai living in the human world. I'm helping her transition.
— So you help youkai live peacefully among humans? Did you help Hiei too?
— No. I only help those who need it. People like you. I hear you have a decision to make today. Have you decided what you'll say to Koenma?
— No.
— It's not a difficult decision, girl. I could tell your life is a mess just by looking at you. The truth is written all over your face, but the chance to change it is in your hands.
— And is it worth risking my life? I don't know if anyone told you, but I have to negotiate with a murderer.
— Your life is at risk either way. Yours, mine, everyone's. While that relic remains lost, the whole world is in danger. But it's your choice. If you'd rather keep living as you are, that's your problem. You can go back to what you call home and face the problems you tried to escape by coming here.
Kazumi didn't respond, and the conversation ended there. For the rest of the day, they exchanged only a few words about trivial matters. After dinner, Kazumi retreated to her room, needing time alone with her thoughts.
She stared at her phone, building up the courage to dial Koenma's number. Each time, her resolve faltered before she could press the call button. Frustrated, she alternated between picking up the phone and setting it aside, her nerves in shreds.
Then, the phone buzzed, startling her. For a moment, she thought Koenma was calling her, but then she remembered she hadn't shared her number with him. The name "Sonya" flashed on the screen, and she answered, relieved.
— Hi, Sonya.
— Kazumi! How are you? I hope you're feeling better. I've been worried about you since yesterday.
— I'm fine, really. Thanks for asking — Kazumi lied.
— I've got good news! Remember how I told you my cousin was looking for a babysitter? I talked to her, and she hasn't found anyone yet. I recommended you, and she wants to meet you! The pay isn't great, but it might help you get by. Are you free tomorrow? I can introduce you two. What do you think?
— Sonya, you're amazing! I don't know how to thank you.
— No need to thank me, silly. I told you I'd help. So, shall we arrange it for tomorrow?
Kazumi hesitated. Genkai's words echoed in her mind: "If you'd rather keep living as you are, that's your problem." She couldn't stop thinking about the clinic debt and the prospect of Noembi returning to Ichiro's house. The babysitting job, while kind, wasn't a solution to her mounting problems.
Biting her lip, she made her decision.
— Sonya, you're such a great friend. I really appreciate this, but… I've already found another job.