Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Angel of Death ❯ Koenma and His Loony Toon Childhood Friend ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4

Koenma and His Loony Toon Childhood Friend

The wee hours. The sky was slowly shifting from soft lavender to lush pink. In the eastern horizon, traces of tangerine can already be glimpsed. It is a prelude to the glorious radiance of the colors of dawn.

Three figures stood out from the breathtaking beauty of the morning. Indeed, their grim expressions contrasted strongly against the jubilant aura of the rising sun. Not exactly. The red-haired one still had his magnificence. His shaggy mane rivals the flushing crimson of sunrise and the emerald eyes retained their mysterious luster.

Even the shorter fellow in his motionless, indifferent pose. His ruby dagger eyes was scanning the horizon. She in her stately withdrawn elegance ran her fingers through the spiky, disarrayed white-streaked black hair. But she only received a ferocious glare of ingratitude in return, so she scouted the opposite terrain instead, turning back form the sun and thereby intensifying the flaming locks of hers.

Hiei stopped abruptly. "We're here."

"I don't see anything." observed Kurama.

"You'll see." He glowed an eerie blackish purple.

Without warning, the impressive colors of dawn seemingly ran through each other, mixing like spilled paint. Now, instead of the vast empty grasslands, a huge fortress loomed before them.

Kurama whistled. "Impressive defense mechanism."

"Come," Hiei motioned for the others to follow. "We have to keep tight security around here. However, we don't usually use the mirage effect. This really must be an emergency."

Another portal swallowed the travellers and they found themselves in the courtyard. Here various creatures hustle and bustle appearing to be very busy indeed. Mostly they were warriors summoned by the emperor, like themselves. Yes, the boy Corin is nearing them, perhaps to fill them up with details.

"Well, Master Hiei," said the youth. "So you made it and with Master Kurama and Mukuro, too. Come along. They are not in the usual convention hall. I'll lead you to the new venue."

The three followed him through the various pathways of the castle. After a few staircases and a mind-boggling labyrinth, they reached a huge doorway of ebony engraved with intricate designs and inlaid with various riches. The giant portals opened and they were led to their seats on the large dais. Various murmurs greeted them when the audience caught sight of Mukuro. All were interested on how the once all-powerful conqueror fared during her long absence and under the new government. Or at least, to find out if she still retained her irresistible maleficence.

"Well, well," said the speaker struggling to be heard above the din. "Order, please. Order!"

"I'll have fries!"

"What about a bottle of spirits or so?"

"I want ale and toss in a few fried ascaris, too." <WORMS!?!?!?!????!!!!!!>

"Can I have spaghetti?"

"Very funny," muttered the hapless chairperson under his breath. He tried to hush up the entities present in the council, which, by the way, consisted not only of the three newcomers. Then, in a louder voice he said, "Good day to you all. I must admit it isn't exactly a good one. And none will ever be again if we don't move."

"Get to the point, already!" yelled an impatient voice.

"If it pleases you fair people of Makai, please hold your questions, comments, and suggestion till after all is explained," he announced trying hard to be placid but nonetheless his voice ended up in a squeak. It did suit him, though, for he was one mousy little fellow and looked like a cross between a shrimp and a rodent. "We do apologize for calling you all on such short notice. We understand we had caused you a lot of pains and discomforts. Believe me, you wouldn't be quite so indifferent if you have heard the story. So---"

"Come on, cut the crap!" the same impatient voice which came from a grouchy-looking, dog-eared, purple-capped man. "Why the hell did Enki put in charge a miserable creature like you? If Raizen was here you'd be no more than dog meat."

"Ha! Despite your humungous ears, you failed to heed his warning. Maybe you needed to have it cleaned or are you just plain too stupid to understand?" The little fellow was practically fuming. Then, he added under his breath, "It's not easy to announce the total annihilation of all things under the sun."

"That would be enough, gentlemen," intervened a firm, deep voice. "How do you expect to solve the problem, if we ourselves keep fighting? Now, here's someone else to explain the situation."

A tall, rather lanky person stepped forward. The room darkened and only a single spotlight remained focused on the speaker, hence illuminating his every feature. As he looked up, he casually swept back his brown waves with a hand, thus making visible the abbreviated word "junior" on his forehead.

"Good morning, " he said. "I suppose, I need no further introductions."

But, of course. Who else would be wearing a pacifier wherever, whenever and whatever the situation is? Who else but the irresistible and somewhat amusing Koenma? A wave of murmurs hit the audience.

"All right, then," he said. "For formalities' sake, my name is Koenma Daiou, son of Enma Daiou and Prince of Reikai. I have come in behalf of the astral world to ask for your co-operation to solve a major catastrophe. This will be a rather long tale. And it's not one I would enjoy telling." His hazel eyes turned somber.

Kurama and Hiei exchanged meaningful glances. This is really important. Koenma had the impression that youkai will surely gobble him up on sight and imagine him coming here himself instead of his customary style of sending messengers or speaking on videophones.

Beside him, Hiei felt a tremor pass through Mukuro. He didn't exactly feel it. Nothing rocked the steel-tough disposition of his wife. He deigned to look at her. She was staring blankly at the monitor that had just popped out of nowhere. Attentive as she may seem, he knew very well she was distracted. It was that same thing she felt this morning. But now it was being suppressed and was probably perceptible only to him. Guess she still takes care of her image.

Hiei's puzzlement and apprehension wasn't lessened either after what Koenma had to say.

"Somebody had sent Lethe threats and their king Arawn seeks the assistance of Makai."

Murmurs rushed from those present. Hiei glanced at Mukuro beside him. She was still unaffected. He had hoped and expected that that would have calmed her down a bit.

"Are you telling me they send for us at the crack of dawn for this," said Hiei. "I thought it was an extreme emergency, like the end of the world or something. And Lethe? Have you heard of that, Kurama?"

"Lethe is a land of magic and enchantments." he answered. "From what I know, its a topsy turvy place. They say even the physical laws aren't followed there. But its a part of the Reikai, I think."

Koenma turned to him. "That's right. Lethe is inhabited by witches, magicians and other creatures that are not so ordinary even for Makai. Animals and even inanimate objects have the ability of speech and rational thinking. Lethe is bound by numerous enchantments. But it is not simply a part of Reikai. Indeed, if you only knew, as you will soon will, you'll realize the threat this problem poses."

"Yes," added Enki. "Koenma explained it to us a while ago. Right now we have limited information but we will tell you what we have so far. Well, Koenma will start."

"The Lethe in the myths and legends is usually the city-state Lethe." began Koenma. "See, all of Lethe is actually the oblivious space between the three realms. But the city-state itself or what we call Kentrona is the intersection of the three. It is rather confusing. Lethe is a part of each of the world and yet it isn't."

Koenma scratched his head. "Here's the tough part. I'll make it simple without all the technicality and physics stuff. Being the intersection of the three worlds, Kentrona has the potential powers of each. Kentrona is the best source of subatomic energy sought by many people. And having Kentrona under your thumb is like having the rest of Lethe under your command and you'll have the rest of the worlds by the neck. See, Kentrona has the fastest portals which can send you anywhere without needing to travel through the whole of Lethe. As you know, there is a barrier between the three realms, but lately it was loosen up a great deal, especially since relationships have improved greatly. Still, you have to know where and when exactly to go to be able to travel and people with doubtful purposes may be denied access. Plus, you gotta have your papers fixed and other legalities and I must say its really a great idea, though it adds to me a lot of work. However, through the portals of Lethe, you can reach any place in the universe without all the hassle.

"Another thing that makes Lethe irresistible is its great potentials for power. Lethe is a source of tremendous energy. It's inhabitants are proof enough. In Lethe, every being understands that power should be used for good and not to destroy. These people are sometimes too soft in my opinion, which makes the easy targets for opportunistic psychos. They know well enough what can happen to those who dare try manipulate the powers of Lethe. One, destroy himself. Two, lose control and unleash enough power to annihilate all things under the sun. Or else, three, gain total control and have power for ultimate domination."

"You might think however kind hearted and pacifist the Lethians are, they should have at least come up with defenses," said Enki. "They have. Their armies have long mastered the arts of warfare. Some say it's even better than Makai's. They usually concentrate on tactics and try to avoid violence as much as possible. Personally, I think that in general they are weak and lily-livered for not employing their knowledge well. They are capable of taking over this world, you know. Many of their people choose to develop their potentials and they're many skilled witches and magicians among them. They know perfectly well about powerful curses and how to use their spiritual energy to the fullest, but they don't seem to care about using them. And most of the populace have become rather lax and very careless. Lethe has always been protected by very powerful wizards and enchantresses. The great ruling clan of Drynwyn had long protected the land of Lethe and had fought off invaders countless times before."

"In fact, they have helped Reikai a number of times as well, when things really get out of hand. But we pretty much clean up our own messes, so we very rarely have to ask help. Anyway, their present king now is old Arawn," put in Koenma. "Presently, the Lethians are leaving the defending part to the four grandchildren of the king. Somehow, something happened, which led to the weakening of Lethe. We don't exactly know ourselves."

"Some smug ones like to blame it on the peaceful nature of Lethe. They say their prudence is gnawing on the very pillars that support their existence," commented Enki. "Others blame it on the leaders. But I think, though the first argument may be conceivable, the second one is nowhere near the true reason. Despite his old age, the king is a wise and shrewd ruler. He was very powerful during his days, I remember, and as always time claims a great toll. But, that's no problem. His grandchildren fill in the job of fighting. Rumors say that they are powerful, alright, but rather odd and different from the typical Lethians, probably due to the fact that they grew up in Ningenkai. And they are young, very young that we may consider them here in Makai mere infants. Some of them are barely past their twenties (human age). Their age tends to boost the confidence of their enemies and so they constantly have to prove their worth. They've whipped a lot of asses, so I've heard."

"I never heard about those powerful entities you talk off," interrupted a disagreeable person. He was rather irritated at losing his snooze and was feeling very sulky indeed. "Nor 'bout that Lethe you speak of."

"That's because they're careful that cowardly creatures like you won't be driven off scampering for cover in fear of them," answered an equally annoyed Enki. "Anyway, we think there might have been some sort of an internal power struggle. Someone from Lethe is suppose to come here and clear things up. She should have been here hours ago."

"Lethe is having trouble with their portals," said Koenma. "She called to say she'll be late. But she should be here by now..."

As if on cue, a blinding light flashed. A gaping hole seemed to have suddenly appeared out of nowhere creating a rip in mere space. Many shielded themselves from the strong whipping of the wind roused by the tremendous amount of energy. Some cowered. But set above the racket caused by the commotion, a steady, loud scream, seemingly of enjoyment as well as fear, was heard. Out of nowhere, from that powerful, yet oddly fascinating void, a figure fell straight down... right on top of Koenma!

"Ahhhhh! Oomph," the stranger landed on the him. A clear youthful voice cried out, "Oh dear! I shall never learn to manage."

The person awkwardly picked itself up. He pulled the equally flustered Koenma from the spot where he flattened the Prince of Reikai. He looked quite indignant but nonetheless still maintained his dignified air.

"I'm so sorry, your Majesty," the person apologized earnestly. "I wasn't quite aware of my landing area. I guess, my wand got a little atrophied through lack of use."

The other people present in the assembly picked themselves up as well. But everyone's eyes were on the newcomer, the newcomer whose arrival pretty much shook the assembly of shrewd warriors. Well, that is something.

I wonder who she is, thought Kurama. He decided she was a girl due to her clothes. You certainly can't determine it from her face. Indeed, not a part of it was visible being covered by her gorgeous raven black hair glinting in the bright light of the dais. "I thought she came from Lethe," muttered Kurama. "That girl is wearing a school uniform like those in Ningenkai. Hey! That uniform looks familiar."

The girl swished her hair without care. She took out a claw like object and passed it easily through her hair, drawing the shaggy mane from her face. It was like curtains drawn. Her oval face can now be clearly seen.

Kurama stared at the girl just like everyone else but much less indiscreetly. The seemingly perfect nose, the regal nose felt oddly familiar. And those eyebrows, those gracefully arched majestic brows. He felt like he had seen them before. Yes, the way she raises them. All too familiar.

"Forgive my lack of punctuality, " started the girl. "I came from school when I was called of to Lethe, see. And I had some business to finish. Besides, Kentrona had shut down its portals for safety purposes. I had to transport myself my way. I had a few engagements to call off." She shrugged.

"Never mind," said Koenma, a trace annoyance in his voice. He turned to the audience. "This is one of the princesses of Lethe. She'll provide us with other information we'll need."

Kurama turned to the others. "The Lethian royal family is supposed to be from magicians and enchantresses," he said. "But this one doesn't only dress like one but also smells like a---"

"A human?" Koenma finished Kurama's sentence for him.

"Well, I am human," said the princess. "At least, half one. My mother is a Ningen."

"Ought not you say was?" asked Koenma rather tactlessly.

"Uh, yes." A trace of sadness crossed the absolutely gorgeous eyes. They were almond shaped but slightly elongated and tilted. It was fringed with thick lashes. Not too long but just so. Koenma particularly noticed it when she momentarily closed her eyes at the memory of her departed parents. Those lashes rather reminded him of his secret love. Not the princess for sure, though she is a childhood friend. Her childhood. Koenma had an extended one.

Koenma felt rather uncomfortable of having raised a sensitive matter. His previously energetic guest was now tranquil and withdrawn.

"Um," he said out of the blue. "So have you met the ruler of Makai? This is Enki." Koenma gestured to the huge man offering his hand for a handshake.

"Excuse me?" said she rather puzzled. "I thought you are Enki, Sir."

She fumbled around in her blazer pockets. She finally found what she was looking for. It was a pair of spectacles, which she promptly popped on.

"I know that girl," Kurama whispered to his companions. "She's a schoolmate of Keiko and even tutors Yusuke. That girl is---"

"For heaven's sake, Ebony," exclaimed the exasperated Koenma. "You've been speaking with me for so long and on top of that fell on top of me and you don't even remember me!?!"

Ebony peered closer at the sulky Koenma. She was amazingly nearly as tall as the lanky giant prince. She saw the letters JR and the ever-present pacifier.

She gave a cry of sheer delight. "Koenma?!? Is it really you? Hi there old buddy old pal." With that she literally leapt on his shoulders and, having boosted herself, disappeared.

"Oh bother," muttered a not-so-elated Koenma. "Here comes that dear old Koenma-spike." After which, he immediately scrambled out of the way.

Too late. Ebony materialized out of nowhere and thumped Koenma smacked on the head, just as one might do to a volleyball. But Ebony is good in volleyball, not on landings.

That must have hurt Koenma. Ebony seemed light enough but being in the most uncomfortable position is embarrassing, especially for a prince. Oh well! Ebony's a princess herself, right?

"So you still remember me," mumbled the prince from underneath her.

"How could I forget?" squealed Ebony. "I baby sat for you quite regularly. I just didn't recognise you soon enough. Poor eyesight, you know."

Koenma's face was beet red. He stood up unmindful of Ebony sitting on him. She didn't fall off. She did an impressive somersault and for once landed fine.

"Show off," muttered Koenma crossly. "You know you never fail to embarrass anyone."

"Aw," said Ebony, still grinning mischievously. "You look good alright, though I like you better as a toddler. No wonder that girl--"

"Yeah right. So you can bully me and turn me into a beach ball. Very funny."

"Look who's talking. Aiea told me you used to steal my candies when I was a baby so I learned to bop people in the head."

"Once in your life try acting like a young lady, Ebony."

"You're not acting so mature yourself, Koenma."

"You know, if King Arawn didn't speak and had not father forced me and all that, I wouldn't have believed this is an emergency."

"Nonsense. The only way to cope with things deadly serious is to take it lightly."

(EDITING:101500: Ramayana na bukas. Keep your fingers crossed. And your toes too! 0:15 Actually, 101600 na, so mamaya na ang Ramayana.)