Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Before I Die ❯ Chapter 1

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Author's Notes: this story idea came to mind when I got to Alma Kinan in Suikoden III. I enjoyed the area so much that I felt I had to write some story to go with it. Seeing as this game is as old as 2002, I decided to just do a scenery/character cross-over with Jin and Touya going to the well, hidden village. None of the main characters from Suikoden III will be in here mingling with the two demons so you don't need to know any that show up. I just want it to be solely focused on the two demon's relationship so, trust me, you shouldn't be confused.

Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho's characters were created by Yoshihiro Togashi and Suikoden III and its characters and places are made by Yoshitaka Murayama / Noritada Matsukawa.

Description: Before Touya dies from an incurable illness, he wants to see the hidden village of Alma Kinan… (Jin x Touya) (Crossover scenario)

Musical Inspiration: Mysterious People - Suikoden III soundtrack

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The sun's rays crept over the quiet land, mixed with many beliefs and scarred from a 50 year old war. Zexen's Castle stonewalls illuminated from the rising sun's magical touch, bringing everything within it slowly to life. Doors and windows opened to allow the morning light inside to rejuvenate those that had just woken. The market square hesitated very little as they opened their booths for the coming day. The morning breeze swept tenderly through the large town, wiring about in an invisible dance before creeping up to an open window in the small inn, which was located near the docks.

The whisper of the wind hissed silently through the wood crafted windowsill, teasing the silken, white curtains before whisking over the table and to the two beds, which rested side by side. The bodies underneath the wrinkled, pure white fabrics didn't flinch from the rooster crowing or the feel of the sun's light there against their skin. With the wind not giving up, the currents brushed against the hair strands that could be seen peeking out from the covers that were pulled up close to their chins.

The covers moving off of the bed closest to the door revealed the tall redheaded demon. Wiping the sleep from his eyes, Jin pulled himself out from under the fabric to feel the cool, morning air caress his skin. His feet dragging against the wooden floor, he made it to the opened window to lock it back into place. “I guess I forgot to close that window last night,” Jin murmured to himself.

His fingers exploring his own, messy hair to catch an annoying itch, he walked over towards the other bed and character within the rented inn. Placing his hand on the lumpy covers, he shook it gently. “Touya, are you awake?”

The person underneath expressed a soft moan, dragging himself steadily out from under the covers to reveal his weary expression and pallid complexion. “Jin, what time is it?” Touya wondered as he rubbed his eyes free of the sleep that had gathered there during the night.

“The sun just rose,” Jin responded as he pushed himself up off of the bed, his palms resting on the sheets with a smile. “So, how are you feeling today? Do you feel up to getting something to eat?”

Touya pressed his hands against the bed beneath him to give him the energy to get to his bare feet. He hadn't been feeling all too well lately, but figured with it being the winter season it was just a winter illness he was most likely to catch even if he lived most of his life in the cold mountains as a child. The feeling would come and go dealing with nausea, overheating, and night sweats. Grabbing his brush, which rested on the nightstand right between the two beds, Touya worked on fixing his sky blue hair and aqua colored bangs.

Jin didn't bother with his hair as he walked over to the dresser to pull out his attire for the day. The redhead took his dark brown pants, which already had a black belt looped in the buckle loops, and a short sleeve soft green colored shirt with a lighter hue of brown for the vest he wore over it. Both the shirt and the vest had intricate designs upon them in the color of white. As he lain the fabric out on his bed, Jin grabbed onto the white, night shirt he was wearing to pull it up over his head.

The pants that the redhead had dragged out to wear for the day unraveled, slowly, a small crystal ball, which was rolling steadily from its hiding spot since it was disturbed. The pure white orb rolling off the side of the bed covers, its pure surface hit the floor with a loud tap at first from the fall before rolling across the floorboards to creep under Touya's bed.

Jin's pointed ears catching the sound he looked through the neck of his soft green colored tee he was trying to get on. “What was that?” He asked Touya once he finally got his shirt over his broad chest.

Kneeling down to the hardwood floor, Touya lifted up the covers that draped towards the floor to find the object, which slightly sparkled there in the darkness the bed created. Touya reached for it to pull it out into the light. Blowing the dust and whatever else mated with the clear surface, he showed Jin the item he dropped. “It is your wind rune. You wouldn't want to misplace that, would you?”

A rune was used as ways for people to call upon powers such as fire, wind, water, and thunder to name a few of the elementals. It was mostly found in the possession of warriors, but even commoners could be known to carrier them to protect themselves against foes whether they were from the wild or from the Grassland Clans, as the Zexens weren't too fond of them and called them barbarians. The main elemental runes of the 27 were of fire, wind, water, and thunder and rumors always roamed about the legendary True Runes of those elements that were supposedly super strong and would make the bearer immortal until surrendering its power.

Jin took his rune back from Touya with a soft chuckle. “I most certainly wouldn't want to. Speaking of runes, since you lost yours a few months ago, I was thinking we could go searching for some at Brass Castle seeing as Vinay Del Zexay doesn't have many wonderful ones.”

Touya put his brush down where he found it, heading over to the dresser he shared with Jin at the inn room they always had rented out. “I guess it wouldn't hurt to. So far I am not feeling as queasy as I normally am.” Opening back up the mahogany drawers etched in designs to pull out his attire, he placed his folded up baggy, deep blue pants on his bed with his black, short sleeve shirt with a few designs that reminded him of his old home back up in the mountain as it was dappled in snow flake designs. “I still wish I could find my old water rune. I can't imagine how it could have fallen from my sword after many years of combat.”

“I can't either since normally those runes should be affixed perfectly in the weapon or armor you wear,” Jin remarked as he put his brown, leather boots on next that he tucked into his pants. “That is, unless, it was done by someone who was inexperienced.”

“Everyone up in the snow capped mountains was experienced,” Touya said in his people's defense. “Even if they were cut off from civilization, they knew how to affix runes perfectly.” Slipping his bare feet into the sandals he always wore that held a strap, which rested over the top of his foot that were decorated in many soft colors, Touya stretched slightly to pop his weary muscles. “It probably came off because of too many battles it experienced.”

“Whatever you say buddy,” Jin chuckled, patting the former ice user with his palm. “Now come on, let's go downstairs and get something to eat for breakfast.”

Touya blew the candle out that illuminated the room so that it could be saved for later on in the night. He followed behind the tall redhead closely as they both exited the bedroom to be welcomed by the soft spoken people who had entered the inn's bar area already for the morning.

Glasses clanked together as the bartender, who was also the inn owner, filled up some of the glasses of drinks that were already ordered up for the morning. The man's wife took the ground as the only waitress seeing as the inn wasn't very big and neither was the bar area. It was a small inn but well known, nonetheless for the service. The bar was still slightly dim, however, seeing as it too was just waking from the nightly hours. The only things to lighten it back up and show every detail within was the morning sun and the fire, which was lit on the side of the wall closely to the base of the ascending, wooden staircase.

Jin made it down to the last step of the moaning staircase before offering his hand to Touya so that the former water rune wielder could take it and be helped down from the last step or two. “Do you want the usual?” Jin asked silently to his partner, his palm pressing tenderly into Touya's back so as to guide him to the nearest table.

Touya's slender hands graced the wooded table, which was bathing slightly in the candlelight, with his tense body slightly relaxing within the cushioned seat he chose. “Yes, please,” he grunted as he got situated in the chair crafted of mahogany. His fingers resting upon the fine craftsmanship, the warm, flickering flame incased in the lamp there on the table warmed his chilly fingers, Touya took in the sights nervously.

The redhead man, well known at the inn, walked over to the innkeeper with a smile to him. “Hey, Simon,” Jin said kindly, his arms crossing over the bar top. “Can you give me two jars of milk and the breakfast order?”

“It is interesting to see you in the morning ordering such choices, Jin,” Simon replied with a chuckle in the back of his throat as he grabbed the two glasses that the man had asked for so he could fill them up with cow's milk he had within his bar. “I see your friend is out and about for once.”

Jin couldn't help but gaze over his shoulder for a moment to look at Touya who appeared quite ill in the face from where he was standing in wait for their order. “Mmm, yes, he is.” Shifting his attention back to Simon, he expressed a sigh of sadness.

“What is it?” the innkeeper asked, continuing to play as the bartender as he often did, juggling both jobs. “It is hardly like you to sound so worried or even sad.” Finishing with the glasses that were asked, Simon slid one over to Jin in case he was thirsty from a night's work as well as a night's sleep.

His fingers gracing the cold handle of the mug he was given, Jin ruffled up his hair once more with a shrug of his broad shoulders. “I am just worried about him. He was as fit as I was not too long ago, and now he seems like an aging, old man when he doesn't even appear the part.” Tapping his finger against the glass he held and claimed as his own, Jin shook his head before looking back within Simon's deep brown eyes. “Just tell me I am overreacting or something.”

“Well, it wouldn't be the first,” Simon admitted in a joking manner, finishing the meal that Jin had often requested. “I think your working the night hours for the Zexen Knights is what is causing you to go a little loose in the noggin.” The innkeeper lining up everything properly on the plates he had ready for Jin, he handed it over to the towering man with a smile of reassurance. “I am sure everything will be fine.”

“Thanks, Simon,” Jin said in return, accepting the plates even if it was Simon's wife to do the honors as the waitress. Keeping the plates high above his head, Jin made it back over to the wooden table that his friend remained near, placing Touya's plate in front of him as well as his drink. “There we go, Touya. There is your drink and your eggs and biscuits since you don't like meat, you picky eater.”

Touya offered a smile to show his acknowledgement in Jin's joke at his vegetarian appetite. “I don't see why you pick at my eating habits when you hardly eat at all, Jin.” Picking up the fork closest to him, he began to poke at his eggs to make the yolk run with the white before bothering to eat.

“I have to be slim in order to use my wind rune for flight,” Jin reminded Touya as he ate his noodle soup.

“While we are at Brass Castle,” Touya began, wiping his mouth with his napkin, “I would like to stop by the bookstore so I can find something to read to pass the time.” Touya was known to bypass the time lately in reading about the world he was within. He enjoyed fact over fiction any day, and when he was up in the mountains, he didn't know a thing about those who lived around him.

“Once we hunt for a new water rune, we will do so,” Jin agreed as he continued to eat his breakfast meal. “Just eat your food and we will be on our way.”

The crowd within the Vinay Del Zexay market talked away and just as loudly as ever as the two eventually made their way out of the inn and into the streets. The silver armor that the Zexen Knights wore clanked loudly as the knights patrolled the streets about every corner. Jin pushed his way through the crowd with Touya right behind him, though he silently held onto the pallid, young man's hand. He was aware if such a thing was caught, people would gasp upon it.

“Don't worry about walking to Brass Castle, Touya,” Jin called over the talkative crowd. “I will get you a ride to there without problems.”

“Jin, you are being ridiculous,” Touya assured his partner as they made it up the steep hill, which curved towards the entrance into Vinay Del Zexay. “I assure you that I can walk by myself. Just because I am sick doesn't necessarily mean I am cripple.” Touya had spent most of his time indoors at the inn once he felt weak and unlike himself lately. When local doctors were unable to find the problem and diagnose it, Jin became leery and asked him to remain within the cobblestone walls of Vinay Del Zexay.

“Regardless, old man, I can get you there without you having to lift a leg,” Jin assured as he rushed towards the exit of Vinay Del Zexay. Looking over his shoulder at his lagging friend, he laughed at Touya with a grin from ear to ear. “Come on, Touya, try and catch up with me if you're not so weak!” Jin encouraged, his fingers slipping out from his partner's so he could run to the entrance. “I'll beat you to it!”

Feeling Jin's fingers slip from his own, Touya clutched his fists as he put all his strength that he had into his legs. “But that isn't fair! You are ahead of me!” Touya called out over the roaring noises that the city made.

Merely laughing, Jin ran as quickly as he could for the arched entrance and exit made of stone. “Stop making up excuses and hurry up!”

Touya tried with all his might, but he was unable to get to the outside of the large city of Zexen before his taller partner. Trying to catch his breath once outside on the dirt road, he bent slightly over to plant his palms on his thighs. “That wasn't fair, you cheater! You were way ahead of me!”

Jin placed his hands upon his hips with a chuckle tickling the back of his throat at Touya's excuse. “Are you sure you don't need help going to Brass Castle? We need to go through the Zexen Woods to get there and that is quite a walk.”

“As I said, I am not a crippled old man,” Touya insisted as he tried to recollect himself. Brushing off his attire, he headed on in front of Jin to make it towards the forest that was apart of Zexen's territory. “If I need any help, wait until I collapse,” the former water rune user teased, his hands gracing his pockets.

Rolling his eyes at the humor Touya still had to express to him, Jin hurried after him as they made it out of Vinay Del Zexay's gates.

The Brass Castle was the main meeting place for the Zexen Knights as well as a great place for merchants and the like to gather to barter and sell their goods and services. It appeared to be a bridge to those from the east heading to the Zexen Council in Vinay Del Zexay to the west. The feel of the cobblestone bridge, which resided several feet in the air to connect to the castle market and meeting quarters for the knights in the center, felt cold to Jin's bare feet as he walked upon it without his boots he had on earlier. His discomfort in the cold was clearly expressed as he jumped slightly from the feel of the stone.

“These boots really need to be fixed,” Jin grumbled, making his way over towards a free bench so he could put his shoes back on. “They are much too small.”

Touya made it over towards the other bench to sit upon. His arms resting upon his thighs, he watched Jin struggle with his boots since the morning air cooled the walking path. “That is what you get for having big feet.”

“You make it sound like I asked for them when I was born!” Jin grumbled as he put his boots back on even if his feet were begging that they be relieved of the footwear. “Well, I guess we best hurry on in and take a look around. It appears that the early bird shoppers are already here, so let us hurry before the good stuff gets taken.” Getting to his weary feet, Jin gazed over at Touya to find him looking a little paler than usual. “Touya, Is something the matter?”

Touya's fingers were massaging his forehead as it was pounding and his stomach churning in pain. He dared not admit to the problems knowing how in the past Jin would get worried and send him back home to the Vinay Del Zexay Inn. “I am alright,” Touya lied as he got to his feet with Jin's help. “You know how the morning air sometimes does things to me. I am sure I will be fine in a matter of moments.”

Jin could tell there was something not right about Touya, but pressed his palm gently into his back to lead him onward down the bridge, which connected to the castle ahead. “Okay…if you say so, kiddo.” Slipping his hand into his pocket, he traveled onward with a sigh being released through his nostrils. “So I guess we will stop by the rune store first and then check out your bookstore.”

“Thank you, Jin,” Touya said in return as they walked through the archway into the castle's first area of stores and gathering sites. Digging into his pocket, he pulled out the book he had read previously. “I have already read everything I could on the Fire Bringer from 50 years ago. It is a very interesting story but incomplete sadly.”

“Incomplete, huh?” Jin wondered aloud, watching some of the villagers and knights walking and conversing about the area as they made it through the next stone made archway into the Zexen Knight's meeting, eating, and armor rooms. “I have heard rumors about him, but I am sure they are things you have already read.”

“He appeared to be quite the warrior for the Grasslanders,” Touya expressed, his fingers rolling over the old covering of the book in his hands. It had seen better days from the look of things as its pages were browned from age and curled slightly due to many over before Touya reading it.

Jin caught some of the knights pausing in their patrols within the castle hearing such a term within their presence. His hand upon his friend's shoulder, he turned Touya towards him to whisper in his ear. “Then you know not to speak about it out loud in these parts. The knights aren't exactly open to the Grasslanders even if some are on occasion spotted here.”

The sun graced the two once more as they made it out of the castle and into the main market spot within Brass Castle. The smell of cold was still on the air as the two ventured towards the wooden door that belonged to the rune store within the area. Jin's hand gracing the brass knob, he opened it for Touya as the former water rune user rolled his eyes at the ignorance of the Zexens.

“I wish that the Zexen people and knights would stop being so narrow-minded,” he grumbled as Touya walked onward into the store. The curtains draped behind the front desk, where the rune sage sat seemed to glitter when the wind snuck within the building. Bookshelves were on either side, lined with information about the runes and how to use them. Touya had read such information up in the endless winter mountaintops.

Scoffing a bit at his partner's remark, he nudged Touya with his elbow tenderly. “You know you cannot ask people from a 50 year old war to get over such a young whine-fest.” Pointing at the runes within view, Jin smiled at his partner. “So—see which one you want.”

Touya leaned upon the countertop to take in the runes there before him. His narrow eyes spotted one polished in blue; he embraced it with his hand to bring it closer to him. “This is a water rune. It is the most basic one actually.”

“Would you like to buy it?” Jin asked, resting his knuckles against his chin with his elbow upon the counter.

“Well,” Touya sighed, “it is the best thing I can get at this moment.” Touya missed his old water rune that was most powerful and was given to him by his mother before she passed long ago. It meant a lot to him and still pained Touya that he was without it. Rolling the polished orb over his fingers, he flicked it up in the air when it touched his thumb to grab it in midair. “I guess we will take it.”

Digging into his pockets, Jin pulled out the money he had to place it on the counter for the woman. “I guess he wants it.” Snapping his fingers at Touya, he motioned for the weapon his partner used.

Touya pulled his sword out of its sheath to place upon the counter for the sage to take. “Can you please make sure it won't move from the sword? My last rune was lost to me in a battle.”

“Of course, sir,” the young woman replied, taking the weapon as well as the rune that he purchased. “I will have this done within the hour.” Moving her long, pure white hair out of her face, she turned to head into the backroom with the items in her possession.

Placing his palm on Touya's back, he patted it before grabbing gently onto the nook of his partner's neck. “Since that is going to take awhile, let's go next door to the bookstore you adore.”

Smiling to Jin at the tall redhead next to him, Touya turned on his heels to make it out of the rune store and back into the cool Brass Castle's shopping square. The morning sun beating down on Touya once more made him flinch from the light. Bringing his hand up to block the bright light, he groaned in displeasure with his headache acting back up. The scenery before him began to twist and turn making his stomach act up as it had previously. With his hand over his stomach, he leaned over and purged what little he had consumed before falling over onto his side—blacking out.

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I thought I would put this here since some people have short reading spans in AN and don't read everything. This is for those who want to leave criticism:

Reviews: I accept reviews as well as criticism; HOWEVER, I will not accept criticism from someone who is too chicken to leave their e-mail address or some ways of me being able to get in contact with those who do. I have been horribly critiqued by little children who either hate the subject I am writing about and are trying to cover that up with a harsh critique, or are younger readers and writers who think I have a grammar `oh-no' when my college grammar teacher has stated otherwise—and I think I will go with the professional.

I want to get better, but I cannot with little children and tweens alike being picky about the subject matter when it doesn't fit to their taste. If you don't like this story because you don't like yaoi, then please do not critique my story, because I know it is hard for people to say what is in everyone's best interest without getting your personal distaste in on the subject matter. I want to be an author and not write fanfics all my life, but please don't try to critique if you're either not an English Major or have not taken college grammar. Just because you wrote a story that got 500 plus reviews doesn't make you the `biotch of grammar and plotline' so please don't use it as your alibi. I am sorry, but I cannot handle anymore awful critiques from those who don't know what they're saying, but if you do critique and I contact you—don't worry—I am just standing by my story calmly. If I don't—then you did a good job. If you can't critique, a nice review would be just fine.