The park was bustling with humans of all ages. It was the perfect day to be out and about, not too hot, yet warm enough for the kids to wander jacketless as they played. Koko bounced among them, his tail hidden under the windbreaker that had once belonged to Kurama's younger brother, a cap hiding the small, yet visible, fox ears. Kurama found a spot near a large tree and set one of his blankets out on the sun-warmed grass. Koko followed him, setting down a small picnic basket on the soft fabric. He then joined Kurama in sitting on the blanket. They reached into the basket and pulled out the sandwiches Kurama had made before leaving. They were about to start eating, when a silent shadow fell over them. Kurama's head came up with a start at the appearance of the sudden visitor.
"Uncle Hiei!" Koko exclaimed, dropping his sandwich and jumping up to embrace the youkai.
Hiei barely acknowledged the greeting and pried the kitsune off of his shoulders before he had the chance to attack his hair. He'd spent the last hour and a half trying to get the damned knots out. Nodding to Kurama, he sat down next to his lover as Koko started on his sandwich rather messily. With Koko distracted for the moment, Kurama turned his attention to nuzzling Hiei's neck. At first, the fire demon seemed to protest, but realised that any obvious attempt to stop him would attract Koko's attention. He quickly gave in to his lover's affection, kissing the youko's lips in earnest, oblivious to any ningen that might have been watching. But Kurama wasn't worried. His kind did it all the time, whether being observed or not. He rolled, pinning Hiei down with his arm as he lay on his side, his free arm supporting his head. He then set his hungry kisses on the base of Hiei's throat. A sweet, rumbling purr came from the youkai as he closed his eyes to receive the arousing attention.
"RoseWhip!" cried a high-pitched voice.
Kurama was the next to cry out as something sharp and rather unmistakable hit his back. He heard his shirt tear, and swiftly rolled over to face a sheepish Koko. A thorned whip that was as black as ebony was grasped in his small hands. Funny how the weapon seemed to be tailored to his size. Even funnier...that was Kurama's attack! He sat up, Hiei joining him with a scowl that clearly stated his annoyance, as if the fire in his eyes didn't. Koko made a last minute effort to hide the whip behind his back as Kurama's hard gaze landed on him.
"Sorry 'bout your shirt, Cousin Kurama," he said meaningfully, smiling his usual big smile. "But I wanted to try your trick...You have to fix it though. It's the wrong colour." With that, he thrust the whip into Kurama's hands.
Kurama looked it over, then focused his ki. It reverted back to a rose, much similar to his own blooms...yet...yet this one was a menacing black instead of the deep red colour. He raised an eyebrow. Before he could even ask, Hiei cut him off.
"Look, you! I've had enough of your silly games! Go and leave us alone!"
"Hiei!" Kurama admonished.
"It's okay, Cousin Kurama, you guys were getting loud anyway! I'm going to go play somewhere else." With that, he picked up his pouch of toy cars and headed away from the couple.
Satisfied that they were now alone, Hiei wrestled Kurama to the ground.
Koko skipped merrily down the path, running his cars over nearby tree limbs and fence rails. Whatever came into view.
"Vroom! Vroom!" he squealed happily, making many the other kids jealous.
Not paying attention to where he was going, the giddy fox-racer slammed into the brick wall of the track. Snapping from his playful vision, Koko hit the ground with a thud, his cars scattering in all directions. "Oooh," he murmured, rubbing his sore bottom as he got to knees. "Speed bump."
He looked up to see what monster of a human he'd run into. He reeled back as he realised that it wasn't any human, but it was definitely a monster. Hovering over him was a tall, battered youkai, looking bloody, dirty, and extremely pissed. Like any smart youko would do, Koko began to back up, planning to scoot away until he was far enough back to gain his footing again. One look at the demon's torn limbs and face made Koko want to run away screaming to his "family."
::There's no running away from your true family, Koko::
Koko blinked, all thoughts of getting away frightened from his mind by the voice that suddenly replaced it. The man stepped toward him, his precious cars being crushed under the heavy boots.
"Who...why?" Koko stuttered, unable to form a solid sentence, too frightened to back away.
::I am called Yakumo, little one. You now belong to me::
All of the other ningen in the park continued to go on, as if they didn't even notice a tall, intimidating, and extremely angered man advancing on what looked to be a six-year-old boy. Where were all the humans that had seemed to be watching Kurama and Hiei so intently? Where was all that interest now? When he really needed it?
::No one's going to help you, if that's what you think. I own your soul, and it's time for you to come home::
"No..." Koko whimpered, trying to make his voice more, trying to scream for his cousin, his "uncle," anyone. "Kurama..."
::No more. Your evil cousin has done enough to your poor mind. I'm going to fix what he's done to you::
"Kurama....evil..."
It was wrong, dead wrong. Koko knew it, and somewhere in his mind, a little voice told him to run away. He couldn't, he was frozen in place by that cold voice. A voice that seemed inviting in its own way.
::You're coming home, Koko::
"Home?"
Koko blinked, then saw nothing more.
Hiei let out a disappointed groan as Kurama pulled his hands out from underneath his shirt. He had been captive to Kurama's touch and was rather annoyed that Kurama had stopped the teasing caresses. The youko left a kiss on the youkai's nose, his tongue darting out to lick Hiei's frowning lips.
"I know you'd like to continue this little escapade, darling," Kurama whispered, drawing his finger in soft circles around the youkai's abdomen. "But it's going to be dark soon, and we'll be free to move as we please once we get Koko bathed and in bed. Ne, koibito?"
Hiei snorted and sat up. "Hn. I'll be glad when he goes home to his mother."
"Hiei," Kurama scolded, half-serious. He could understand his fire demon's desire to be alone for more than an hour or so.
The youko stood up and gathered up the leftover food, knowing his brother would eat it gladly, and set to folding up the blanket. Hiei scanned the area for Koko in the meantime, frowning when he saw no sign of the kit. The human crowds were dispersing as the evening's chill set in, hauling their crestfallen children home for the night. Kurama finished packing up their things and sidled up next to Hiei, nudging his hips playfully.
"Find him?"
Hiei shook his head. Kurama searched the park as well, calling out his cousin's name a few times. When there was no answer, Hiei noticed Kurama's face twist into a worried expression. Hiei assisted the search by removing the ward for his Jagan. It opened and scanned the perimeter, looking for the last trace of Koko's youki. He found it not far from where they had lain, and motioned Kurama to follow him. In a few, quick strides, they reached the spot Hiei's third eye had located, and still didn't find the kitsune. Kurama found himself scanning the ground, and Hiei heard him gasp in horrified surprise. He turned to see his lover on the ground, a handful of crushed toy cars in his shaking hands. Hiei turned his still-open Jagan back on the immediate area and saw...
Hiei turned and looked at him, deadly serious and frighteningly scared. "You don't want to know, Fox," he replied bitterly. "You really don't want to know."
Koko slowly opened his eyes, the mere effort making his mind ache in protest. However, even when he closed them again, the pounding still remained. It kept up at such an intensity that Koko couldn't stand any more. He began to wail piteously, clutching his head and curling up into a tight ball to block out the pain. A hand fell on his bare arm, and a voice came so close to his ear, that the warm breath tickled his skin.
"You shouldn't be so loud. It's an easy way to get punished, or worse."
K heavy incense. He turned his head to see a rather young-looking youkai leaning against the wall next to his bed. His arms were crossed over his chest, adorned with leather straps that crossed over each other in no particular pattern. Koko realised he would stand at least three feet taller than himself, and the black outfit he wore suited him.
"Who are you?" Koko managed to ask.
"I am Kyoki," the youkai replied, moving from his place, a glass appearing in his hand. "Here, drink this."
He approached Koko, not in an intimidating manner, but rather cool and unhurried. He held the drink in front of Koko's face, waiting for the youko to take it from him.
"What is it? Poison?"
"It's something for your headache. You were expected to have one when you woke up. And don't be stupid. Why go through the trouble of bringing you just to kill you?" His red eyes seemed almost menacing under the curtain of black bangs, the youkai's hair reaching far past the centre of his back. He again held the cup out to Koko.
Warily, Koko took it from him and sipped at the brew. When it didn't seem to have any negative effects, he proceeded to down the entire glass. Kyoki snapped his fingers and the glass vanished straight from Koko's hands.
"Better?"
"Uh-huh. Where am I? I want to go home." The youko sat himself on the edge of the bed, his feet dangling over the side. He looked up at Kyoki with his endless amethyst eyes.
"I'm afraid you can't leave. This is your home now. You'll be staying under my care and training until the time comes for you to carry out your destiny." Kyoki turned to resume his position against the wall, studying the kitsune with a mocking gaze.
"No, it's not!" Koko protested, crossing his arms in much the same manner as Kyoki, lifting his head haughtily, as he'd seen Hiei do several times. "My home is with Cousin Kurama and Uncle Hiei and Kuwabara-kun and Yuusuke-kun. And if you try to keep me here, I'll blow you all away."
At this, Kyoki laughed. It rolled from his throat like a gentle peal of thunder. He smirked at the indignant youko. "You may speak those pretty words, but you hardly have the experience to back them up. Your power is great, Koko, but if you don't know how to use it, it is no good to you." He watched the kitsune scowl through intense, ruby eyes.
"How come I have to stay here?" Koko whined. "'Cuz some nasty guy who just picked me up off the street said so?"
"You're here for a reason, Koko. You were more than just a random choice. You belong here instead of with those foolish humans," Kyoki replied. "Now, if you're quite through, Master Yakumo asked me to take you to him when you were awake. We're leaving to see him now."
"Who?"
"Your new god and master. He is the one who will help us carry out what is right. I am a part of his legacy and now you will be as well." He reached for the youko's hand. "Now, will you come with me?"
"No! I don't like you! If this high and mighty Yakumo wants to see me, he can come here himself!" Koko tightened the cross of his arms and adopted a sullen expression.
"As you wish, little one, but you'd better get in the habit of receiving orders, not making them."
Kyoki bowed at the appearance of the voice, shifting lower as Yakumo himself appeared before Koko. He was in much better shape than when the kitsune first saw him. He had cleaned up and his wounds seemed to be taking care of themselves just fine.
"Hey! It's that guy again! Take me home before I pound you into the ground"
Kyoki growled at his rudeness. "That 'guy' is your master, and you had better treat him with respect, or else you won't find yourself in good shape to return home in."
"Calm yourself, Kyoki," Yakumo purred, sinisterly. Koko shivered as the haunting dark blue glare rested on him. "With age comes maturity. So will this youko learn his manners before the week is out. Just make sure that you follow orders and have him trained as I have asked. You know the procedure."
"Yes, Lord Yakumo," Kyoki said softly.
The Netherworld god vanished, and Kyoki straightened.
"What was that all about?" Koko wondered.
"Welcome to hell, little fox," Kyoki said, a devilish smile on his face.
"Koenma...you might want to have a seat before I begin the discussion," Kurama warned, walking into the living room with a tray of sake-spiked tea. He knew it would be needed. The young prince shook his head, remaining standing against the wall of Kurama's living room.
Yuusuke, Kuwabara, and Botan were also present, but the first two already knew what was coming...and they weren't a bit happy about it. Kurama passed around the cups, intentionally giving the plain one to Hiei, lest the youkai's intolerance for alcohol add to the already sour mood.
"What is it, Kurama? Why the important meeting?" Koenma questioned, sucking briefly on his pacifier before removing it to sip the tea.
Kurama sighed, glancing over at Hiei before replying, "Yakumo is back."
Koenma hit the floor hard, wishing he'd accepted the chair. He fumbled for the nearest one and hoisted himself rather sluggishly into it. "He's what?"
"I said that Yakumo has returned...and he's kidnapped Koko," Kurama clarified.
Koenma's face went white, and he downed his cup of tea in one swift gulp. He quickly located the flask of sake itself. He popped the lid and dumped some in his cup. "That's even worse," he grumbled, downing that one as quick as the first.
"He was nearly unstoppable the first time," Yuusuke yelled. "What are we supposed to do now that he's got a nine-tailed kitsune and gods-know-what-else?!"
Koenma looked to be at a loss for words.
"His goal cannot be as easily obtained as it nearly was the last time," Botan put in for her flustered friend. "Yuusuke destroyed the Meikai power sphere. That was Yakumo's draw of power to combine the realms. Without it, it will take sheer ki and hostility to gain all of the souls again. Perhaps if you get him at his weakest, you can win before the fight should even begin."
"That's all well and good in theory," Kuwabara responded, "but we wouldn't even know where to start looking for this guy, and even if we did, what's to say he still isn't as powerful as he was before? He managed to get a hold of Koko, didn't he?"
"But Koko's just a kit," Yuusuke cut in. "He could have been picked up by anyone very easily."
"I doubt it," Kurama said, shaking his blood-coloured head. "Koko was very adamant about keeping away from people he didn't trust. It had to have been difficult at first. He wouldn't just waltz right to Yakumo and say, 'take me!'"
"Kurama has a point," Hiei grumbled. "The fox might have been crazy, but he wasn't stupid."
"So what do you suggest we do?" Botan said, looking warily at an intoxicated Koenma.
"What can we do?" Kuwabara muttered tersely. "We don't know where to look, who all we're fighting, or how much power they have. The only way we'll know is by waiting to see what they do first."
Yuusuke "hmphed," leaning back in the armchair. "Yeah, and if we survive, we just might have a chance."
Kyoki waited until Yakumo was gone for awhile before turning back to the extremely frustrated youko. Koko looked on the verge of tears and tantrums, curled up with his arms around his knees. Kyoki stepped towards him, a tray appearing in his hands. Koko's head lifted minutely as the smell of delicious food wafted to his nose. He realised that he hadn't eaten in awhile and followed Kyoki with his eyes. A table appeared in front of Koko and Kyoki set the tray down. He turned away from the kitsune, the candle light shining on his back. In looking at his dinner, Koko noticed a pair of black wings folded tightly against the youkai's back, half obscured by the long hair that covered them. He was...what had Kurama called that race...chimera?
"Aren't you...going to stay here?" Koko asked timidly, poking at one of the items on his plate to make sure it wasn't still alive.
Kyoki turned back to him. "I wasn't expecting an invitation. You're going to be seeing a lot of me. I figured I'd leave you alone for awhile."
"But...but I'd be...lonely..." Koko said softly, taking small bites of his food.
"If you want me to stay, I will. And you are to drink this when you are finished eating. It will help you sleep." Kyoki indicated a glass on the table that Koko hadn't noticed before.
"Will it taste...nasty?" the kitsune asked cautiously.
Kyoki's lips turned in a grim smile. "No. The other one didn't, did it?"
Koko thought for a moment, then wrinkled his nose. "It tasted like eating one of Kuwabara-kun's old socks...yeah, pretty bad."
Kyoki looked startled, and yet slightly amused. "Well, I promise you, this one won't be nearly as bad. That one was medicine for your headache, and I can't think of too many medicines that actually taste pleasant."
"Okay. Do those actually work?" Koko suddenly stated.
Kyoki blinked in confusion, then found the youko pointing at his wings, eyes bright with interest.
"As a matter of fact, they do. You'll find out just how well once we begin your training." He smiled as if looking forward to the occurrence.
"Not going to be training! I'm going home to tell Cousin Kurama all about the bad man who brought me here!" He shovelled another portion of his dinner in his mouth. "Just as soon as I'm done eating."
Kyoki frowned. "You don't seem to understand. You can't go home. Not now or ever! Those humans have lied to you! They've destroyed your family, your destiny. Yakumo is giving you a chance to relive what was written for you. If Yuusuke Urameshi hadn't interfered, you would have been with us from the start. You're wasting your time thinking you belong in the Ningenkai. Your only home is here!" he snapped harshly, rising quickly from the bed.
Koko stood up on the mattress so he was eye-to-eye with Kyoki. "No! My home is with Kurama! I don't know what Yuusuke-kun did, but if it included trashing bad people like Yakumo, I'll believe in him more than you! My true place is with people who love me, not jerks like you guys!" Koko screamed in retort, his little brown tail puffing out with his anger, the tiny ears pinned back as if for a fight.
Kyoki smiled calmly, a tranquillity that made Koko's blood run cold. The youkai's ember-red eyes blazed into Koko's soul, as though reading it like an open book. He laughed that low rumble again. "Had they not interfered, you would have born here, and been loved just the same. You're only being lied to. I would have been like your brother, and that's what Yakumo wants now. You're right, it's awfully lonely here. At least stay the night, I don't want anything to happen to you. If you still think that your place is with them by morning, I'll let you go. Do we have a deal?"
"You promise you'll let me go? Absolutely promise?" The young kitsune's eyes were hopeful.
"Only if you don't think you belong here," Kyoki replied smoothly, smiling almost sweetly at him.
"Okay," Koko resigned, returning to his plate of food. He downed it quickly, reassured that he would be returned to his cousin by morning. Once finished, he reached for the glass Kyoki had left for him, while the youkai prepared his room for the night.
Seeing that his charge was finished, he made the entire table, tray and all, disappear. "Now that you've eaten, perhaps sleep will clear your mind. Your decision is important to us."
Koko nodded and scrambled under the covers, burying himself in them, his head barely visible. Kyoki smiled, satisfied, and turned to blow out the candles. Even in the pitch blackness, he knew the way out and headed for the door.
"Kyoki-san?"
He stopped, half-turning at the sound of Koko's voice. "Yes?"
"I can't sleep yet. I don't have my teddy bear."
Kyoki suppressed a laugh. The soon-to-be bearer of great power and destiny was asking for a stuffed toy just to get to sleep. He walked back to the bed, producing a snow-white bear, just perfect for Koko's size and handed it to the kit. The adoring smile he received made his own lips curl slightly. Very quickly, the youko was asleep. Kyoki stood studying the tender face a few moments longer before leaving. He knew that there would be many more nights like this to follow, because Koko's decision was now inevitable.
There he was! Koko's father stood facing Kuwabara-kun, a sword made from pure ki blazed in his hand. He had just knocked down the tall human and was prepared to finish what he'd started. Koko was confused. He saw Yuusuke and some little girl standing at the other side of the bridge that led to the elemental site. They were just watching, not doing anything to save Kuwabara. Not that that was a bad thing. But Koko wasn't sure what was going on or why his father was attacking one of his friends. Koko saw Kurama come running to the edge of the lake, just as Majari was about to deliver the killing blow. He called out Kuwabara's name, and Koko panicked at the sight of blood on his cousin's brown jacket. He was hurt!
Majari gave him a sidelong glance at the arrival of the youko, his approval of Kurama's looks apparent in the raised eyebrow and pleased murmur. He barely had time to consider it though, as he turned back to the troublesome human. Koko saw it all as though he were standing right there, though he never remembered such a battle taking place. He barely saw his father to begin with, and he wanted to know why he was fighting with friends. Didn't he know that Kurama was family?
Surprisingly, Kuwabara didn't look at all scared that he was about to die. Instead he gave a low laugh and moved his bloody hand from his shoulder, placing his palm on the ground next to him. Before anyone could think, another blast of ki appeared underneath Majari, striking the god in the arm. Koko winced as though feeling the pain himself. His father considered the wound, then taunted that he would not be caught off guard so easily.
"Bakayaro!" Kuwabara retorted. "I just invented a new killing technique."
The hand moved back to his shoulder and it exploded into golden ki, accompanied by his yell. Majari grinned, approving of the maneuver and experimenting with it himself. There was a blinding flash as the two attacked each other, and Koko blinked, trying to see into the flares, wondering who had landed the final strike. The first one to be seen when the smoke cleared was his father.
"Pitiful bastard," he muttered.
A familiar low laugh accompanied the withdrawal of the mists. Kuwabara was getting to his feet, a smirk on his face. He knew what he was doing. He had drained Majari's ki intentionally, knowing that the god didn't stand a chance in hand-to-hand combat. Koko gulped convulsively. His father was going to die. No...this was how his father died. Kuwabara killed him! While the others stood by and watched, Kuwabara murdered his father. Koko's eyes narrowed. He would get revenge.
::This is what you truly want, Koko. With us, you can achieve it::
Yakumo. Koko flinched, but knew his words to be the truth. Majari had served him loyally, had died for him. Surely, his father could not have worked for the wrong side willingly.
::Your father served me well, he wanted you to carry on in his legacy. But your supposed family, Kimiyo, and that damned Kurama ruined it all. So I was forced to take you the way I did. Kurama has hurt us, and so has Yuusuke. They must all pay::
Yes, Koko realised, standing tall, his voice older, stronger. This was his destiny. To take his father's place as the god of the Netherworld. The others would suffer dearly for Majari's death. Especially the one named Kuwabara...
Kyoki watched Koko leave his bedroom, raising an eyebrow. I'll be damned, he thought. It really did work. When Yakumo had told him about the drink that would drastically manipulate the youko's age, he wasn't kidding. Kyoki guessed him to be about sixty in kitsune years, a ningen's handsome age of twenty-four. He smiled, admiring Koko from his shadows. The fox was considerably taller, perhaps an inch or so shorter than himself. His skin was a light cinnamon, his hair long and flowing. He moved with such grace, his muscles toned and developed as though he'd spent those eight years working out. His eyes were cold, demanding explanations, revenge. That was when Kyoki was positive that Yakumo's brew had actually worked. It had triggered the memories needed to put the youko in their hands for sure. He smirked, deciding to approach Koko.
Emerging from the shadows, he slipped into stride, unnoticed, walking beside Koko. "Good morning," he greeted, somewhat grimly amused.
Koko glanced at him, anger in his violet eyes. "What's so good about it?"
"Well," Kyoki replied. "That depends on whether you'll be staying with us."
"I will. Kuwabara needs to die," was the youko's dead-serious answer.
Kyoki raised an eyebrow. "Is it about your father? I hear that the human killed him. I told you they were good for nothing."
Koko nodded curtly. "I can't believe they lied to me all this time."
"What do you expect from a bunch of humans?" Kyoki responded with a disgusted look.
"It doesn't matter. I'll get my revenge," Koko shrugged. "Until then...tag, you're it!" he cried, whacking Kyoki on the head before taking off down the hall.
Kyoki rubbed his skull as he watched the kitsune leave. "Maturity with age, huh? I'll believe it when I see it."
"So, how did someone like you end up under Yakumo's employ?" Koko asked, trying to catch his breath.
Kyoki glanced up at him from the blade of his sword. "I've been here for as long as I can remember. I don't think I was born here, but I was raised by Yakumo and his three gods from little on."
"Do you actually like it here?" The brown kitsune checked himself for injuries, amazed that Kyoki hadn't managed to inflict any, this time.
The chimera shrugged. "I suppose. I've been treated right, raised to use my power, trained to become a warrior, and the saviour of a god. I can't complain."
"But doesn't it get lonely? I mean, there really isn't anyone to talk to, and I doubt Yakumo makes good dinner company."
"What does a warrior need with company?"
"There's more to look forward to in life than fighting."
Kyoki shrugged his shoulders again. "That's the only thing I've known, and it's not the worst fate."
"I think it would be. Day in and day out stuck inside this gloomy fortress. And even when you do leave, you don't really go very far. It must get tired after...how old are you?"
"About three centuries."
"Gods! Three hundred years stuck here?! I hope Yakumo does what he has to quick. I have better things to do with three centuries of my life. Like dancing and thieving, visiting my mom, going back to my cousin..."
Kyoki cut him off in his rambling by swiping at him with his blade.
"Hey!"
"I said you could have a few moments to catch your breath, I didn't expect you to waste it with useless jabbering. Now, come. You still have much to learn."
The Reikai Prince, Koenma, looked at the papers spread out on his desk. Due to his hangover, he had been drastically detained from his work. His father would kill him if he came home to find his son backlogged as far as he was. The toddler was determined to finish by sundown.
"Koenma-sama?"
"Nani?!" he snapped, without looking up. He had barely delved himself into the files, before he was interrupted by Botan's voice.
"We have some information on Yakumo's sudden reappearance."
Koenma looked up. This was worth hearing. "What is it, Botan?"
The bubbly spirit guide pulled some documents from her long pink sleeve and began looking them over.
"According to records, Yakumo did die after the fight with Yuusuke and the others. As far as we knew, all of his other minions were destroyed as well. But there was one that stayed behind. One that nobody knew about, and for a good reason."
Koenma raised an eyebrow. "Another demi-god?"
"Not quite, but one with enough power to pull the broken pieces together, both of the kekkai and Yakumo himself, and put them back together."
"That's a lot of power!" the prince mused. "Go on."
"No one has seen this particular servant, but he was powerful enough to remain unnoticed and give his master another chance to take over the Ningenkai. With the leftover pieces of the kekkai, they've managed to create a small dimension of their own that is similar to the original Meikai, but not nearly as large or powerful. It houses Yakumo now, and any gates that would lead to it are sealed tightly and warded. Only those that are in the world can frequent the entrances and exits."
"Is that where Kurama's cousin is?"
"Power levels being emitted do hint that someone with a nine-tail ki status is indeed in that dimension. Also those of Yakumo and the one who released him. There's another ki being emitted, but it can't be traced to anything yet."
Koenma sat back in his chair. He sucked thoughtfully at his pacifier, rubbing his chin with one hand. "So that's how he came back," he muttered softly. "He was more prepared for the battle than I thought." Koenma blinked his large brown eyes, then nodded at Botan.
"Arigatou. Pass the information on to Yuusuke and the others. Keep an eye on things and make sure word gets to me if anything changes. Right now, I have to finish this, or my dad's gonna kill me."
"Hai!"
"Yah!"
Kyoki dodged as a wild burst of ki reeled throught right where his head had been. His sword clattered to the ground, and he turned to glare at Koko. The kitsune looked sheepish as his energy left a hole in the stone wall.
"The next time I tell you to defend yourself," Kyoki growled, straightening, "that means dodge or counterattack with your weapon, not blow my head off!"
"It got you defenseless, didn't it?"
Kyoki's scowl got even deeper, reminding Koko of his Uncle Hiei. He giggled. "Look," he said, trying to hide a snicker unsuccessfully. "I didn't mean to! I actually thought you would slice me in two with that thing. I panicked!"
Kyoki sighed, picking up his sword. "I know control, and besides, Lord Yakumo would kill me if I killed you. Don't you know how to use your ki at all? It shouldn't discharge by itself. Only children do that because they don't know any better."
Koko's smile faded. "I am a child! Yakumo may have done this to my body, but I'm still a kit inside!" he shouted, placing a hand on his chest. "I didn't ask for this, so don't take it out on me!"
Kyoki sheathed his sword, throwing his hands in the air. "I'm sorry, I didn't really mean it that way! I...forgot about..." he trailed off, turning his eyes away.
Koko just crossed his arms.
Sighing, the chimera once again brought his eyes back up to the youko. "Why don't I...show you how to use your power better. Believe me, it takes practice. That much was pounded into me when I first started. Raigo never was an easy teacher."
Koko tilted his head, his curiosity getting the better of his childish anger. "Uncle Hiei told me about Raigo. They both had a Jagan, and Hiei blasted him to pieces with the Kokuryuuha."
Kyoki nodded, frowning. "Yakumo-sama wasn't too happy about it, but I didn't think it was any great loss. I never liked him anyway. So will you let me teach you the proper way to use your ki?"
"You're the demon in charge. Do whatever you want, but no surprise attacks, all right? I still have bruises from yesterday."
Kyoki rolled his eyes. "If you weren't so careless and paid attention to some of the things I try to teach you, you might stand a better chance at keeping your complexion one solid colour. Sheesh, nine tails and you don't know how to use a single one. This could take some time."
Koko growled his own version of a warning not to push that subject, and Kyoki didn't feel like arguing. He slipped behind Koko, taking ahold of his wrists and guiding them outright. Koko immediately stiffened as Kyoki's body pressed against his, and he suppressed a shiver, barely. Gentle heat rolled off of the youkai's skin, making him think of the way Hiei's heat followed him wherever he went. He smiled. Kyoki was just tall enough that his breath tickled the sensitive silk hair of his furry ears. He swallowed a nervous lump in his throat.
"Now, listen to me," Kyoki began, that soft voice echoing in his ears. "Controlling ki is more mental than physical, even though ki is related to your physical strength. The first thing you have to do is ground and center. Close your eyes."
Koko did so, the loss of his sight making him concentrate on his other senses. The light sound of Kyoki's sweet tenor, the slightly musky smell of Kyoki's hair and clothing, the feel of that strong muscular body against his, the heat rolling off of his partner...and rising in his cheeks. Ki was the furthest thing from his mind.
"Without ground and center, your ki is similar to a storm, uncontrolled all throughout your body. I want you to concentrate on pulling what power you can into one controlled center, understand?"
Koko nodded, pushing other thoughts out of his head and doing what Kyoki said. In moments, he felt a lot steadier as most of his ki was reigned in.
Kyoki nodded. "Good. You got that faster than I expected you to."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Koko asked, indignanatly, turning his head to try and look at Kyoki.
"Nothing. Now, stop breaking your concentration."
Koko sighed. He turned back, once more closing his eyes. Kyoki shook his arms a little bit.
"Quit being so tense and open up your hands. Good. Now, draw a bit of your ki into one focal point, such as the center of your hands."
Koko took a deep breath, pushing himself to comply with his trainer. In moments, a tiny globe of golden light could be seen between his fingers. He opened his eyes and gave a tiny squeal of delight. The energy separated, fading. Kyoki shook him again.
"Concentrate!" he hissed.
Koko turned serious and his power revived itself.
"Now, aim for that hole in the wall you just made. It's as good a target as any. Now...fire!"
The energy left Koko's hands in the blink of an eye. There was a sound of exploding stone as the ki hit it's mark, making the hole in the wall wider. Koko grinned. He did it!
He almost gave a slight sound of protest as Kyoki released him and pulled away. He cleared his throat.
"Will it always take this much concentration? I've never seen Hiei or Kurama concentrate this much on such a simple attack."
Kyoki snorted at the mention of his family, but answered. "No. The first few times will be this deliberate, but once you get the hang of it, it only takes a simple thought and a target."
Koko had a very silly grin on his face. "Now I can finally get you back for all those bruises!"
Kyoki chuckled, that devilish grin returning to his face. Koko hated that look sometimes. It always meant he was in for something.
"Don't get your hopes up over one shot. It's not that easy to fight me, not even with your ki."
And it wasn't...
"That's it! I quit!" Koko announced, falling over flat. "I refuse to take any more of this abuse!"
Kyoki stood over him, a silver scythe in one hand, looking down at the fallen youko. "What are you talking about? I've barely begun to warm up. You really are no challenge."
Koko stuck his tongue out at Kyoki. "I don't want to do this anymore! You always win and I'm sick of it!"
"Well maybe if you paid more attention to my lessons instead of fooling around, you'd learn something! Until then, you can lie there and take my beatings or try to defend yourself and what little honour you have left!"
Koko scowled and rose to his feet. Even after Kyoki had taught him a thing or two about using his ki, somehow, the chimera always had a hand up on him. For the last eight weeks, he had tried time and again to come up with a way to catch his trainer off guard. Nothing worked. He had tried to pay attention to Kyoki's words, but they meant nothing to the inexperienced kitsune. He would much rather use his power and energy to thieve and play. He had matured a lot in the gruelling exercises, and tried especially hard when he knew Yakumo was observing. Even so, Kyoki beat him down just the same, and the youko was tired of it.
A razor-sharp scythe sliced the air, and Koko dodged it, expertly, his moves in defense apparently better than those in offense. But he didn't fight back. He wasn't sure how. His ki still took a lot of time to concentrate, and that usually resulted in even more bruises.
Kyoki grinned slyly. "Come on, Koko, I know you've got the fight in there somewhere," he half-taunted, half-pushed. "Or maybe you're just as weak as your father was."
Kyoki knew that the moment the words left his lips, they were a mistake. Koko's ki flared up as the youko fumed, becoming a burning gold around him. Kyoki took a step back, never expecting the sudden rage. In seconds, the gathering energy merged into a writhing phoenix that screamed, becoming a vent for Koko's frustration and anger at what was said. The cold, merciless green eyes of the bird landed on Kyoki, the shrill trumpet sounding again. Before he knew what happened, Kyoki felt the world crash down on him, his vision going black.
From the shadows, Yakumo laughed. It was time for the next phase in his plan.
Kyoki's head felt like a million youkai had trampled it. He groaned as the life slowly seeped back into his limbs. Something warm and soft stroked his arm and he opened his eyes, startled. He found Koko pulling his hand back, his sheepish smile above him.
"Koko," he breathed, hoarsely.
"Yo," the kitsune replied. "Sorry about the little accident. I didn't mean to put you out for nearly two hours."
"Two hours?" Kyoki sat up, rubbing his temples. He looked at Koko, a grim respect on his face. "I guess I deserved that. I didn't mean what I said."
"I know," Koko replied. "But it did the trick, ne?"
"Yeah, I guess it did." Kyoki found himself staring at Koko's huge bright eyes. He seemed to drown in them, being sucked into the depths of Koko's soul. He tore his gaze away, getting up and looking toward the window.
"You remind me of Hiei when Kurama is trying to make him lie still and take some healing herbs. He's very stubborn...and so are you. But since you're up, would you explain this?" He held up his right wrist, and Kyoki came back toward him. Koko had wrapped his arm up after the incident, and as the youko peeled back the bandages, he could see why. His skin was raw, most likely from the burn of his ki being used. That much ki could do such damage. He sat across from the kitsune and timidly took Koko's hand. He examined the golden phoenix that coiled majestically around his forearm.
"It's a sign of the Gods. According to legend, when a powerful youkai accepts the powers of an animal god, they bear the tattoo of that animal to distinguish the unique spells. It's not uncommon, but you don't see it on ordinary youkai," Kyoki explained.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Koko asked, confused.
"It means that I don't ever want to be in your way again," Kyoki stated firmly. "You could do some major damage with that thing."
"Wonderful. Just how am I supposed to learn to control this thing? Normally, I would go to Uncle Hiei and ask him. He has a dragon on his arm, but he usually keeps it bandaged. Now I see why."
Kyoki scowled, annoyed that Koko still thought of his old friends, even more so that he still considered them some sort of family. He tried to focus his attention on something else, and caught a crimson glint out of the corner of his eye. He turned back to look at Koko's chest. Around the kitsune's neck hung a silver and ruby pendant on a silver chain. He was surprised he'd never noticed it before, yet the only reason he saw it now was because he'd torn Koko's shirt there at practice. He reached out to touch the necklace.
"Where did you get this?"
"Cousin Kurama gave it to me...the day that Yakumo brought me here. He told me it belonged to a good friend of his. This necklace was supposed to be given to his firstborn child, but he died before he ever got to see his kid."
"It's beautiful. I wish I had gotten to see my father. Yakumo told me he was killed in a battle. Kurama killed him," Kyoki whispered.
"My Cousin Kurama?! He was the nicest person I knew, and only killed when he had to. Now if you want a mindless murderer, go to Uncle Hiei. He nearly bumped me off twice, but that's because I have a habit of tying his hair into knots." Koko shrugged, reaching a hand up to finger the pendant thoughtfully. "But I told Kurama that the necklace was too pretty to be kept in a box. I promised him that if I ever ran into Kuronue's son, I would give it to him."
Kyoki snapped to attention, his eyes catching and holding Koko's. "Did you say...Kuronue?"
"Yeah...my Cousin Kurama said that they were good friends...the best. And when Kuronue said that he was having his first child, they went on a raiding mission to celebrate. That's how thieves do that, you know. Kurama was going to give Kuronue the...Kagami no Kin for the baby."
Kyoki abruptly moved away from Koko, getting to his feet hastily. He turned his back on the kitsune, leaning on his dresser table for support. Koko could see the already fine skin of his knuckles become white as he gripped the edge.
"Kyoki," Koko said softly, rising to approach his friend. "Is something wrong? Was it something I said? I'm only telling you what Cousin Kurama told me."
Kyoki's voice was a menacing whisper. "He lied to you."
"Kurama doesn't lie, Kyoki. He never has. He told me that Kuronue died on that mission. The necklace was broken from his neck and the guards caught him. Kuronue's last words told Kurama to run. He didn't want Kurama to die too...Kyoki, Kurama was crying over this necklace."
Kyoki spun around, nearly hitting Koko in the face. His cheeks were red with anger. "Oh, I'm sure tears fell! Over laughter that came when Kuronue was dead! That youko killed him, I know! Damn it, he's lied to you! Yes, Kuronue cared for Kurama, but that bastard didn't give a damn about his partner, he murdered him!"
"And what proof do you have of this?" Koko asked steadily, if not a bit shaken.
Kyoki was visibly trembling, his fists clenched at his sides. "Kuronue lived to see the mission through, only it was Kurama's trap that nearly killed him. He made away with the treasure having no intention of giving it up. And when that bastard youko found out that Kuronue was still alive, he killed him with his bare hands. Yakumo showed it all to me. Kurama killed him! He killed my father!"
"You're Kuronue's son?!" Koko asked incredulously, taken aback by the discovery.
"Yes," came Kyoki's strained reply. "I never got to see him! And it's all Kurama's fault!" Kyoki spun away from the confused, violet eyes, wrenching his fists. There was a faint, yet audible plink that echoed through the room.
"Kyoki," Koko stepped in front of Kyoki, taking the demon's shoulders, "Kurama's never lied to me. Anything he says I believe over Yakumo or anything else that implies otherwise. He didn't kill your father, he wouldn't lie about that. He wants to see you, I know he does."
Kyoki's eyes were dangerous, smouldering under the long bangs. As quickly as they had come, any tears were gone. "Oh, he's going to see me, all right. I'll be the last thing he sees before he dies!"
"I'm sorry, Kyoki, I won't let you do that. To get to Kurama, you'll have to destroy me. I won't let you kill him just because you're living a lie."
Kyoki threw Koko's hands off of his shoulders and regarded the youko with a harsh glare. "Just how do you intend to stop me? I will see Kurama suffer the same way my father did. I had only just seen him before he tried to get revenge on Kurama. I won't let that youko get away with what he did!"
With that, he stormed from Koko's room, slamming the door shut behind him. Koko sighed wearily, exhausted both physically and mentally. He hadn't expected to be bombarded with such a serious matter. He felt for Kyoki's loss, but still didn't believe that Kurama would have done such a thing, especially to someone he seemed to care for so much. Yawning, Koko crawled into bed and pulled the covers tightly around him. Searching blindly with his hands, Koko found the soft, white bear under his blankets and pulled it to his chest. Sleep would get his mind off things for awhile, and that's just what he intended to do.
Kyoki stared out of his bedroom window for a long time before climbing into bed. Could Koko have been telling the truth about Kurama? He'd been with the kitsune for nearly three months and always knew when Koko was serious and when he wasn't. This was one of those rare times when Koko was dead serious, and it scared him a little. He had been so determined to defend Kurama, that he was finding it harder to think of things clearly. The stories, the awful nightmares he had about his father, came rushing back, mingled with Koko's insistence that they weren't real. Kyoki buried his head in the pillows. He couldn't let it plague him any more that night or he'd go mad. With one last tear for Kuronue, he finally gave in to sleep.
Yakumo watched his charges warily. It was too close, way too close for his comfort. He needed to reassure them that he was always right. If he didn't, his entire plan would fall apart, and he couldn't risk that for anything.
Kyoki stood in the clearing, Koko at his side. In the distance, they saw two figures running away from the Palace of the Makai. One was no doubt a youko. The silver hair glinted in the early morning sun. Behind him was a dark-clothed figure, matching his strides perfectly. They stopped a second to admire their stolen treasure, then took off again, just as the main gates opened. Hordes of youkai streamed out, brandishing weapons, but the pair was unconcerned. They were far ahead of the drink-muddled guards. It would be a flawless getaway.
The youko, the two observers knew as Kurama, looked back at the other demon, Kuronue. Their eyes met and they smiled at each other, swiftly turning their attention back to getting away. To Kyoki, this was all familiar, and he trembled as he knew what to expect. Koko, meanwhile, watched in fascination, all of the scene before him sinking in detail by detail. Almost too fast to be seen, a tiny blade of bamboo left Kurama's slim fingers, deftly slicing through the chain around Kuronue's neck with deadly accuracy. It went sailing off behind him and Kuronue veered around to go after it.
"Kuronue! Don't!" Kurama called to his partner's back, smiling delightfully.
"I need it!" was the shouted reply.
But Kurama knew, and was sure his plan would work. Koko watched horrified as Kuronue reached out to retrieve his precious necklace...
He wouldn't leave that goddamned necklace behind... Stalks of sharpened bamboo came piercing down, some hitting Kuronue's flesh, and he screamed.
Kurama looked back, his smile fading into a feigned look of shocked terror.
"Kuronue!"
"Traitor," the demon hissed...
The earth moved. Voices...
"Kyoki, we've found your father...in the Ningenkai...someone he knew...the one who tried to kill him...
Kyoki and Koko found themselves in a foggy construction site. Kyoki knew this place too. This was where his father had died. The two of them watched ningen Kurama, beaten and bloody, being addressed by a proud Kuronue.
"What's the matter, Kurama, aren't you going to fight back?" Kuronue asked.
Kurama stared defiantly at him, but said nothing.
"Do you plan to kill me again to get your way?"
Kurama blinked, determined to make Kuronue listen to him. "No...that time in the woods...your pendant..."
The necklace Kuronue had been twirling about his finger came to rest around his hand. "Hm. I'll use this scythe to cleanse your rotten soul." With that, he tossed the pendant into the air, much to Kurama's surprise. Koko flinched as Kuronue leapt out of sight to attack the kneeling human. Kurama didn't bother to move, simply pulled a sprig of bamboo from his brilliant red hair.
"Shiine!" Kuronue screamed.
Koko clenched his eyes shut, afraid for what would happen next. There was a resounding clang of metal hitting the ground. Koko slowly opened his eyes, only to see Kuronue stagger limply over his opponent. A sword, Kurama's sword formed of the bamboo, pierced his midsection completely through. Koko gasped, horrified and betrayed. He looked over at Kyoki, who shook with rage and sadness. It was obvious that it was not the first time he'd seen this happen. Koko slid closer and took Kyoki's hand in his, just as everything faded from view...
Kyoki was snapped awake by a light rapping on his door. He sat up, wiping the sheen of sweat from his face. It had happened again, and this time Koko had seen it all for himself. He no longer had any doubts about who was right. It didn't matter what the kitsune said. Kurama was going to die.
"Kyoki," said Koko's soft voice from the hall. "Can I come in?"
Kyoki got up and put a shirt on, seating himself on the edge of his bed before giving Koko permission to enter. The kitsune stepped in timidly, his delicate ears drooping, his tail as far between his legs as it could get without tripping him. He looked guiltily at Kyoki before dropping to his knees before the youkai. Koko took his hand.
"I owe you an apology, Kyoki. I guess..." Koko paused, swallowing a lump in his throat. "I guess that Kurama did lie to me. I won't try to stop you from doing whatever it is that you need to do."
Koko reached behind his neck and unclasped the chain. He removed the ruby necklace and leaned upward to put it around Kyoki's slender throat.
"What are you doing?" Kyoki asked.
"It's not mine anymore, Kyoki. I promised that if I ever found you, that I would return it. I always keep my promises. And besides, think of it as a token of our friendship. I'll never leave your side, no matter what the humans try to do."
Kyoki nodded, smiling a little. "Thank you."
"Now that you have that settled," Yakumo's voice broke in through the darkness. "It's time to move on to bigger and better things."
Kurama reached for the near-empty flask of sake with a shaking hand. He was finally numb, and it felt wonderful. There hadn't been a day that dragged by that he didn't think about his little cousin. It sickened him to think that it was his fault the young kitsune had wound up in Yakumo's grasp. Kurama scowled. When he got his hands on that bastard...
Hiei watched his lover peculiarly, wondering if this was how he acted when he drank too much. The youko was lost in another world, guilty, ashamed, and worried. He had stood by as Kurama took the sake bottle all to himself and used it to drown out his thoughts.
"This's all my fault," Kurama muttered, half into the hands that obscured his face. "I can' believe I let him get kidnapped."
Hiei sighed, looking at him and touching the red cheek. "Look, Fox, it wasn't entirely your fault. I'm the one who told the kid to get lost in the first place."
Kurama looked up at Hiei, his eyes glassy and dull from the drink. He glanced back at the near-empty bottle. "I think this stuff's getting to me. You actually sound guilty for something," he murmured, a silly smile coming to his face. "You...guilty!" He laughed, a hollow sound, not like the other times Hiei had heard joy roll from his lover's throat. Very quickly, the giggles dissolved into sobs, and Kurama buried his head in his arms. Hiei sighed, not knowing what else he could do. He had honestly tried to find Koko. He had searched as far as he could with his Jagan, and he even went back to the Makai to look. There was nothing left to do but wait.
"Hey, Kurama! The door was open!" Yuusuke's voice called out. He strolled into the kitchen to find Kurama crying his eyes out, and Hiei at a loss for words and ideas to comfort his friend. He paused at the doorway. "Did I come at a bad time?"
Hiei shrugged, looking at him. "He's drunk," was all he said.
Yuusuke raised an eyebrow at the concept of the usually level-headed Kurama being drunk. "Let me guess, this has to do with a certain kit by the name of Koko?"
Hiei nodded, noticing the trembling in Kurama's sobs become slower, more controlled. The smaller demon reached out to tilt the youko's face gently towards his. He looked up at Yuusuke. "He's cried himself to sleep. I'm going to put him in bed."
Yuusuke nodded. "I think that I have something that might take his mind off the situation for awhile. That's what I came here for." He waved four tickets into the air. "I just heard about this debut concert and I thought I'd buy the tickets for it. These two seem to be a very interesting pair."
"You want me to what?!" Kyoki sputtered, incredulously.
"Oh come on," Koko replied excitedly. "I think it's a wonderful idea! It's perfect!"
"Then do this yourself! I refuse to get up there and make a fool out of myself in front of a bunch of ningen!" stated Kyoki firmly. He sat down on the edge of Koko's bed and crossed his arms.
"What? You already make a fool of yourself in front of me." Koko pretended not to notice the evil look in Kyoki's eyes. "Besides, Yakumo's right. With the spell of your voice to hold those humans, we can steal the power we need without them knowing what we're up to. And...you have a lovely voice," Koko added with a wink.
Kyoki flushed and looked away. "Oh, I do not!" He sighed and looked out of the window, considering the plan their master had come up with. A pair of ningen, a singer and a dancer, would become idols in their "home country," then decide that their fame isn't enough, they had to go elsewhere and share their talents. That was where Koko and Kyoki came in. They were the lures to bring the fish home. And they made a beautiful pair, no matter how often they argued.
Koko reached for Kyoki's hair, twisting it into braids.
"Must you always do that?" Kyoki wondered, frustrated.
Koko grinned, his smile radiant. "Of course I do! It makes you look so...so...
"Stupid," Kyoki finished glumly.
"Beautiful," Koko breathed, tugging on the strands he held until he and Kyoki were nose to nose. Then, very carefully, he turned his head and pressed his lips to Kyoki's for a brief moment, letting him go soon after. The youkai blinked.
"What was that for?"
"Just to see your stunned face. But we should be getting ready soon. Yakumo is sending us down for our first concert tonight." Koko jumped up and began getting ready, half-wishing he'd told the real truth for his actions. It was true, he'd wanted to see how Kyoki would react to the kiss, but there was something more driving him to taste those lips. Something stronger, burning. He loved Kyoki, but didn't want to say it to the demon's face. Kuronue's son valued pride and strength so highly, Koko was afraid he would see the affection as a weakness instead of the feeling it was meant to be. Maybe someday, Kyoki would either accept him or turn him down, but it was too soon now. Koko wondered just what Kyoki was thinking, although he was content that he'd been able to actually kiss the surprised demon. Oh, well, Koko thought, a grim smile coming to his face. At least he didn't hit me.
Kyoki whacked Koko in the back of the head with one of the soft pillows from his bed. He didn't like being caught off guard. He had seen enough to know what a kiss was and what it meant, but he wasn't sure if Koko was serious. He had only been around men for the three hundred years of his life, and he'd never once been kissed. It didn't make him feel confident in his own thoughts and actions. As it was, his thoughts on his more-than-mere-partner were somewhat muddled in his mind. He'd been hoping to sort them out when he got time to think about it.
Koko turned around and whipped the shirt he was holding at Kyoki. The youkai gave a startled cry and started to attack him with the other pillow.
"Enough," came a sharp command.
Kyoki and Koko whirled around to see Yakumo standing in the room, his arms crossed, looking at him with his narrow eyes. They bowed, embarrassed that they had been caught fooling around when they should have been preparing for the mission. Kyoki shot Koko a glare. For some reason, he didn't mind that the youko often started fights like that, but he had always been keeping it a guarded secret. Koko just smiled, undaunted, probably confident that he would get his chance to play later that evening.
