Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Ancient Destinies ❯ The Journey Is Under Way ( Chapter 2 )

“I don't understand. We are winning the battle, the demons have three times more casualties then we do.” Liluye argued pointing out the stained glass window towards the city walls. In the distance splashes of light and flying debris revealed the bloody battle at the gates.

 

“My vision was clear Liluye” the King said in a stern voice. “As the general of my army there is no one better suited for the task at hand. The demons will win this battle and with it….the war” his voice shook slightly; he was never one to accept defeat especially when the defeat meant the extinction of his people. He looked at his general as she stood proudly before him. Her face was splattered with blood and dirt as was the rest of her, her hair wet from sweat and blood. How many wounds had she received that day? He could not tell. His people were known for their rapid healing. She was his pride and joy; it broke his heart to see her beauty hidden behind the brutality of battle. Liluye could not help but read the Kings emotions as they poured off him in waves. He was her king, and even in this dark hour he tried his best to show the strength of his people but she knew he felt lost and was hurting. Draped in the finest cloth did not hide all his scars, he as all the kings before him had seen many battlefields. He knew the art of war far better then she would ever, but through it all he remained pure of heart. His graying hair and wrinkled face was stern and soft all in the same moment. She admired him more than any other she knew.

 

“What is it you will have me do, your majesty?” Liluye reluctantly said rolling over on her sleeping mat.

 

“I will have you cook me two eggs sunny side up with buttermilk pancakes.” Liluye cracked an eye to see Sitara sitting next to her in her pink bunny pjs. Sitara smiled brightly at Liluye, who just grumbled and pulled the covers over her head. “Get up Liluye, the guys will be here soon. Just think how it will look after you went all military on their butts for them to find you still sleeping when they get here.” Sitara giggled at the thought of Liluye's embarrassment, but she was brought back to reality when Liluye's pillow smacked into her face. Liluye got up and walked into the bathroom to get dressed. Ten minutes later she was walking out into the sun, glad for the warmth and the promise of another day. Sitara was dancing around in circles trying to fight off the boredom bug as she called it. Liluye smiled at her companions' strange behavior and even chuckled at the irony of the whole thing.

 

“Good morning Liluye, Sitara” Botan said as she came out from around the corner. She was carrying two boxes. Sitara stopped dancing and ran over to greet Botan.

 

“Good morning Botan” Liluye said kindly taking one of the boxes from her so she could set the other down.

 

“Morning Botan!” Sitara said giving her a hug.

 

“These packages are for you.” Botan said pointing to the boxes on the ground. Sure enough one was labeled for Sitara and the other for Liluye. The girls looked at each other curiously then at the boxes before tearing into them. Sitara was over joyed to pull out a full body suit in a dark green. It was of the finest and strongest fabric spirit world had to offer. Along with the body suit there were pieces of armor and a pair of boots, each piece lavishly carved, decorated in green and gold. As Sitara ran to put her suit on Liluye just stared into the box, tears welling up in her eyes.

 

“What is it Liluye? Are you alright?” Botan asked looking concerned.

“Oh sorry” Liluye said wiping away a stray tear.

 

“Koenma had these made for the two of you and felt it would help you during this difficult mission.” Botan said happily.

 

“That was very kind of him.” Liluye said still staring at the contents of the box.

 

“So what's the matter Liluye?” Botan said still concerned. Liluye let out a small giggle and smiled slightly.

 

“This” she said as she pulled the outfit from the box standing to show it off “is just like the uniform that I wore in battle so long ago. I used to feel so strong in it, like nothing could defeat me…..or my troops.” Liluye looked at Botan and smiled brightly. “Let's see if it still feels that way” she grabbed the box and ran after Sitara.

 

“Mornin Kuwa, ready for our journey?” Yusuke asked as Kuwabara ran up beside him.

 

“Yea, do you think we will really be gone for weeks?” Kuwabara asked pulling his bag higher on his shoulder.

 

“As long as those two fools don't lead us in circles, it should only take us a few days to defeat this lunatic.” Hiei said jumping down from a tree.

 

“Well perhaps they have a reason for their time estimate but I think perhaps there is more to this mission then we were told” Kurama said as he, too joined.

 

“I was thinking last night about all this and I'm confused” Kuwabara said thoughtfully.

 

“You were thinking…..that's a shock” Hiei said, smirking. Kuwabara didn't hear him; he was too much into his thoughts.

 

“What are you confused about Kuwabara?” Kurama asked.

 

“Why have we never heard of these Ancients till yesterday, if they were the protectors of humankind wouldn't there be something written about them?” Kuwabara said, scratching his head.

 

“Frankly Kuwabara, there is very little information about the Ancients. No one knows how the demons destroyed them or even how they lived before then. Humans were too primitive to have written about them at the time but many believe they sparked later human myths. What is known about them has been passed down from the demons that were there at the time of the Ancients' reign.” Kurama said.

 

“Were you one of those demons?” Yusuke asked.

 

“No, I was not even born then. I met a demon once that was though and he told me many stories of the Ancients. Most I believe were stretched to boost his image but he couldn't have made it all up.” Kurama said. “But he didn't call them Ancients.”

 

“What did he call them?” Kuwabara asked

 

“Seers” Kurama said plainly.

 

“Seers what do they see.” Kuwabara asked confused. Kurama was about to answer his question when he saw Koenma coming towards them.

 

“Good morning men”

 

“Good morning Koenma. When did you get here?” Yusuke said, putting his bag down.

 

“I just arrived a few moments ago. I wanted to see you all off and to tell you a little more about your mission. This is a very sensitive mission, I want you all to give respect to both the girls they know what they are doing so listen to them.” Koenma said, hoping no one would object.

“Yeah. Got ya, Koenma.” Yusuke said, obviously not paying attention.

 

“So where are Frosty and Tinkerbelle?” Hiei asked, getting annoyed of waiting. He had been ready to leave the minute the toddler gave them their mission. Now he was dealing with two ridiculous females: one with a screw or two loose and the other with a death wish. All they could do from what he could tell was get in the way. He couldn't feel any power coming from them; they had no spirit signature at all, like they weren't even there.

 

“Right here, short stack.” Liluye said smiling as she came around the corner with Sitara and Botan not far behind. Both were now dressed in the uniforms Koenma had, had made for them. Sitara did a little twirl for everyone to see her new threads. Liluye smiled as Sitara forced her into a twirl so Koenma could get a good look. Botan giggled at the two girls. Liluye's uniform was different from Sitara's; it was red and silver and had far more complicated armor along with a large arm guard on the left.

 

“Very nice girls, I was actually worried they would not fit…or that they would upset you.” Koenma said looking pleased.

 

“They are quite fine. We thank you very much, my lord.” Liluye said, curtsying low with her left hand over her right shoulder and her head bowed. Sitara did the same making Koenma feel even more regal then usual. Yusuke and Kuwabara watched the girls every move trying to catch what made them so special. Kurama and Hiei watched with little interest, if any.

 

“Can we get going now?” Hiei groaned.

 

“Yes of course” Liluye said as they both rose. Sitara walked to a clear spot and started waving her hand in a circle several times causing a portal to open in front of her.

 

“Step into the portal of DOOM!” Liluye said before laughing maniacally. Everyone just looked at her strangely, even Sitara. “Ok, so I can't make a joke, so sue me” she said as she entered the portal.

 

“Who wants to go into the “portal of doom” next” Yusuke said, mimicking Liluye.

 

“Ooo Oooh! Me! Me! I'm next! Sitara said, walking past everyone to the portal. “Bye Botan, Bye Koenma! I'll be back, so don't touch my anime collection!” Sitara jumped into the portal. The guys said goodbye to Koenma and Botan then they too entered the portal.

 

However they weren't prepared for what the portal did, as soon as they had enter they it felt like a string was attached to their stomachs as they were yanked in all sorts of directions like a terrible roller coaster. The next thing they all knew, they were sprawled out on the Makai soil looking rather ill.

 

“Watch that first step, it's a doozy” Liluye said standing over Hiei, smiling brightly down at him. Hiei looked at her strangely thinking `I think she's taken far too many rides in this portal.' Liluye just kept smiling at him: she had decided that even though she may not like them, she was going to use kindness as a weapon. Hiei glared at her as he got up.

 

“Stop smiling at me, Frosty.” Hiei growled then walked away from her. Liluye just smiled bigger to the point her cheeks hurt. The others detangled themselves and followed after Hiei.

 

“Is it me or she getting weirder? First she bosses us around now she's smiling at Hiei.” Yusuke said when they were a little distance from the girls.

 

“Maybe she's got a crush on the shrimp.” Kuwabara said laughing to himself. Hiei glared at him moving his hand towards his katana.

 

“Don't offend me Kuwabara it will be the last thing you do.” Hiei said darkly. Kuwabara just hid behind Kurama who sighed.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

“I can tell this is going to be so much fun.” Liluye said sarcastically to Sitara as she came into view. Sitara just nodded as she examined a plant she had found, walking towards the guys.

 

“Liluye we can use this in our dinner, it's edible. It must be a new species exclusive to this region.” Sitara said looking at the plant then gesturing around.

 

“How do you know its edible, Sitara?” Liluye asked as they reached where the others were.

 

“It doesn't have the correct biology to be non-edible. It's the relative to the Minak, a poisonous flowering plant that thrives to the east of here. This must have become mutated as it was carried here in some manner. It's missing the venom sack typical of the Minak, though.” Sitara said absent mindedly as she gathered more of the plant. The guys were surprised to hear Sitara talk in such a knowledgeable manner, especially Kurama. She was the last person he expected to know anything about Makai plants. `I'm defiantly going to have to investigate all this much further.' He thought watching her closely.

 

Liluye noticed their faces and said “we need to head west from here for 5 miles.” She pointed towards the west and took the lead.

 

“Wait a second lady, how do you know that and how do you even know which way is west?” Yusuke said, seeing an opportunity to find out more about the mission. Liluye groaned; she hated being questioned. “I know which way is west because of the position of the sun and I know that west is the right way because I have been there before.” Liluye said with a slight tone in her voice as if to tell him not to question her again but still trying to be nice.

 

“You don't have to be so mean about it, jeez” Yusuke said starting to take off at a run. Liluye glared at him and grabbed him before he got too far away.

 

“Hey whatcha do that for?' Yusuke growled as she yanked him back.

 

“I was not being mean and if you don't mind, we will walk. Akuna isn't going anywhere just yet.” Liluye said smiling and once again taking the lead. Yusuke was about to ask another question when Sitara stopped him.

 

“You see, we can't run like all of you can over long distances. We would only make it two or three miles before we would have to rest for awhile.” Sitara said rather timidly. She knew Liluye could hear her every word and that she was probably not happy that Sitara had just told them one of their biggest weaknesses. She also knew Liluye didn't trust them or even like them, but she did.

”I guess we walk then.” Kurama said as he followed after Liluye.

 

They walked in silence for the rest of the day. Only the occasional humming from Sitara could be heard, once she even dared to grab Liluye and belt out the chorus to “Sugar We're Going Down” by Fall Out Boy. Liluye just went limp, causing Sitara to struggle with her weight since Liluye was a good three inches taller. Finally, Sitara pushed Liluye off to have her giggle as she continued on her way, knowing she had frustrated Sitara into silence. Hiei kept an eye on Liluye, curious as to what made Koenma want to employ her and what her power was. Kurama, on the other hand, was being amused by the continuous and sometimes curious antics of a certain redhead.

 

Liluye noticed that the light of day would be gone in a few hours, so she started looking for a suitable spot to make camp. Liluye walked on for another ten minutes before stopping and finally speaking. “We can make camp over in that thicket.” She pointed to her right and made her way to it but was stopped by more questions.

 

“Uh, why are we making camp, why not just continue? Besides, we need water and I don't know about you, but the last water source I saw was a ways back there.” Yusuke said.

 

“Are you going to question my every decision?” Liluye asked. “I don't mean to sound mean, but I know this situation far better then you and there are reasons for the things I do. As far as the water is concerned, I'll take care of it.” She said with a slightly threatening tone through a forced smile. She turned to Hiei and said “Short stack, you will be on fire wood duty, Yusuke, you and Kuwabara are on tent duty. Sitara, you're on food duty along with Kurama.”

 

Hiei couldn't decide if he wanted to hurt her or if he should just follow her order. He settled for ramming into her shoulder as he passed her to go get the wood saying “My name is Hiei, Frosty.” Liluye glared after the fire demon. Soon, everyone was taking care of their assigned tasks. Kuwabara and Yusuke were arguing over how to put up a tent, since each time they tried, it would collapse on them. Sitara pulled out the food stuffs she had brought along and Kurama watched as she began to cook the freeze dried meal. Then she handed him a knife to start chopping the plants she had gathered along the way. Kurama was beginning to become rather taken by this strange young woman. Liluye wandered around the parameter of the camp, placing small glass balls as she went in the crooks of trees and rocks from a pouch she carried. When she returned the tents were up, the fire wood was piled off to the side, and the dinner Sitara had prepared was steaming over the fire.

 

“So where's the water, oh gracious leader?” Hiei smirked at her. Liluye just gave him a smile and positioned herself next to the collapsible water pot Sitara had brought along. She took her pouch and poured water from it into the pot.

 

“There's your water boys enjoy.” Liluye said smiling as she walked over to get some food.

 

“Where did you get the water?” Kurama asked since there wasn't any water near by from what he could tell.

 

“That's my secret but don't worry it's not poison. I still have use for all of you.” Liluye said laughing. The guys stopped from drinking the water and sniffed it first before continuing to drink it. They mostly ate in silence except for the odd two person conversation that popped up from time to time.

 

“This stew is excellent, Sitara.” Kurama commented, making Sitara blush.

 

“Oh, thank you, Kurama” Sitara said, trying to hide the blush she was sure had turned her face bright red.

 

“Your face is red, Sitara.” Liluye said plainly as she ate her stew. Sitara blushed even redder and slugged Liluye in the arm, giving her dead arm. “OW! What did I do?”

 

“Grrr you.” Sitara said shaking her fist at Liluye, who just giggled. No one noticed Kurama's apparent enjoyment of the situation but Hiei. Hiei knew this could bring trouble if Liluye found out that the fox was developing a thing for Sitara, as it was obvious they were more like sisters then friends. Hiei just figured he would knock Liluye over the head a few times if she caused trouble; after all she seemed weak enough. Soon everyone was yawning…or to be more precise, Liluye and Sitara were yawing.

 

“Who wants to go on guard duty?” Yusuke said stretching.

 

“Don't worry about that, Yusuke. I have set up a barrier around the camp if any demon comes by we will all know.” Liluye said, yawning yet again.

 

“Well I think we should all turn in for the night.” Kurama said, patting his legs then standing. Everyone followed suit and piled into their tents. Sitara and Liluye in one and the guys in the other. For awhile no one could sleep from the constant fussing the guys made.

 

“Kuwabara, get your elbow out of my rib!” Yusuke groaned.

 

“Hey, that's my sheet!” Kuwabara whined as Hiei stole himself a second cover just for the hell of it.

 

“Hiei, give it back to him and Yusuke, watch where you put your hand.” Kurama said with his voice rising at the last part. Yusuke let out a small disgusted scream and tried to get as far from Kurama as possible, rubbing his hand on the blanket. The girls couldn't help but bust out laughing, making Kurama and Yusuke go bright red. Yusuke stayed in his small corner and the others moved further from each other.

 

“Goodnight, boys” Sitara sang from inside the tent. They each said goodnight back except Hiei. “Careful what you dream of, boys” Liluye said causing her and Sitara to start giggling, there was no response from the guys. After a little while, everyone was settled when Sitara sat up and pointed a finger at Liluye accusingly. “Hey you never made me my eggs and pancakes!” After that, the shadow of a hand appeared and a loud whop was heard and Sitara's silhouette dropped from view, followed by the hand.