Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Homeward ❯ Asurha of the Inari ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. In no way to I lay claim to the characters or plot from this anime. However all original characters are of my own creation and are not to be copied without my permission.

 

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“Speech” `thoughts' /telepathy/

 

Flashbacks ***dreams*** Narration

 

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Rating: R for language, light gore, and some situations, which are inappropriate for children.

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Homeward

 

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Summary: “I know how men in exile feed on dreams of hope.” - Aeschylus

The path to war is winding. The path to victory is long. They carry you far from home. Yet the ReikaiTantei must face the roads' winding if they are to save the three worlds from civil war and collapse. Rising tides draw lines across the Makai, awakening rifts between clans. The human world turns to their weapons. Spirit World faces King Enma's wrath. Peace is far off and gone yet tangible even as the end draws ever nearer.

 

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Chapter 2: Asurha of the Inari

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Yusuke yawned, jaw popping after a moment at the length of the yawn. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. “So…why are we here?” He looked around Genkai's `living room' at the temple, each of his friends sitting on mats in a circle. Kurama and Kuwabara were seemingly the only ones not confused. Hiei was of course, nowhere to be found.

Genkai looked curious but sipped her tea nonchalantly. Yukina was busying herself brewing more but didn't seem all too interested in the conversation.

Kurama looked at Kuwabara then took the responsibility of speaking. “Genkai, perhaps you could start. Could you explain the concept of aggressive and protective elements?”

From behind her tea cup Genkai' arched an eyebrow. She set the cup down and sighed. “All right…I'm curious what this has to do with squat but fine. There are five elements, as you all know. Earth. Fire. Water. Wind. And Spirit. Earth, fire, and wind are called aggressive elements due to their controlling and oftentimes destructive natures. Water and spirit are called protective because of their life based actions. It's an ancient concept that can easily be argued and dismissed.” She shook her head, withered face looking tired, more so than she ever had. Yusuke looked at her with concern, the thought of her age dawning on him. But even as he felt compassion her head snapped up, the same old `take on all hell' grandma appearing and glaring at Kurama. “What does that have to do with Kuwabara's dream?”

Yusuke blinked. “What dream?”

Kuwabara looked solemn and crossed his arms. “Well, a spirit sensed that I was the strongest human so she came to me to tell me the world was going end. She gave me the responsibility of getting everyone together to save it.”

Yusuke twitched. “Kurama…what is he talking about?”

“Kuwabara had a vision. A spirit, he guesses female, showed him the destruction of all the worlds. Each by one of the aggressive elements. The human world fell to fire. The demon world by earth. And the Spirit world torn by wind.”

Genkai looked first from Kurama to Kuwabara. “Did she say anything else?”

“Somethin' about our salvation being hers…and how she wanted to go back to her own world…it was strange. She didn't seem human…” Kuwabara scratched his chin in thought.

Genkai took another sip of tea.

Yusuke sighed. “So what can we do? Not like we have any leads or anything…this `spirit' need to give more information before anyone could do anything. Otherwise its like some kinda goose chaise.”

Kurama looked at Kuwabara. “If this spirit is right then we'll see something soon. I believe the elements are a metaphor. The human world destroyed by fire. Fire could easily be anger, hatred. The Makai is torn apart by earth. Perhaps there's a rift being created between the demons. As for Spirit world…” He looked at the floor. “That I cannot decide upon.”

Genkai considered his comment. Then she nodded. “I think you're right. That would seem to be logical enough.”

Yusuke jerked upright. “Anyone else hear Botan just then?” He looked around, everyone regarding him oddly. “Guess not…okay then…”

Suddenly Botan's shrill voice broke through the temple. Yusuke looked smug, as if to say `I told you so'. “Yusuke? Genkai? Hello?”

Genkai sighed. “In here Botan!”

The Ferry girl appeared, kimono in slight disarray, as was her hair. She looked windswept and flushed. Her eyes, large and bright were by all appearances, on the verge of tears. “It's. Horrible…Ko-Enma's…She stood shakily upright, clutching her oar in tight, white knuckled hands. “Ko-Enma-sama's hurt. Yusuke you have to help me find out what happened. And Kurama, Kuwabara…please…”

Yusuke stood suddenly, appearing beside her. Gently he wrapped an arm around her thin shoulders, supporting her. “Slow down Botan. Tell us what happened.”

She nodded stiffly and swallowed. “I better sit down…Not sure if I can keep standing. I've been trying to find everyone.”

She walked to a tatami mat and sat down with Yusuke's help. Shaking slightly she looked at each quickly, licking her lips. “George heard something last night in Ko-Enma's bed room. It sounded like a horrible crash so he went to check…the window was destroyed, the bed was just wooden splinters…Ko-Enma was unconscious and lying in the floor…He hasn't woken up or moved. Also, he hasn't changed forms. He's still in his teenager form and it's been hours. That's never happened before...It usually wears him out so much…”

Yusuke looked at Kurama. “Ko-Enma's bedroom is floors above the ground. And through the window like that? Almost sounds like…”

Kurama nodded. “Wind demon…”

Botan blinked. “That's what most of the ogres thought too…” She looked around suddenly. “What's going on? Why is everyone here anyways?”

Genkai sighed, standing stiffly. She walked to one of the bookshelves the lined an inner wall. “To put it simply. The worlds are coming to an end.” She reached up, a withered hand grasping a book. She opened it, flipping pages absent-mindedly. “When all was created, a balance was formed. Think a pendulum swinging back and forth.” She closed the book, setting it on the floor. “Everything must end. Perhaps it's simply this world's time. But, if Kuwabara's spirit somehow sees a way out then it would seem the end is coming before it's meant to.” She reached for another book and grabbed a dark blue one. “Here we are.” She walked towards them, setting the book on the table before them. She opened it, turning decisively to a page. “Look at this.”

Kurama blinked, green eyes running along the words present below a sketch. What is this exactly?”

“The mirror. It's used to communicate between the living and the dead. It's made of pure silver, poor reflective surface but it branches between life and death.”

Yusuke blinked. “What's the point of this? Botan can bring this spirit to us right?” He looked at Botan.

Genkai shook her head. “No. I would think this Spirit isn't human. More than likely she's not demon either. Such mortal entities couldn't predict something like this. No. She's older.”

Kurama looked at her. “You're thinking pre-history? A soul that's been adrift for so long, it's seen this coming for centuries. But why contact us now?”

Botan blinked. “Well, a spirit can't just go to whatever world they please and talk to anyone…they have to have a guide. Plus they have to find someone who can even hear the-”

All eyes went to Kuwabara. Yusuke sniggered. “Wow. Pickings must've been slim…”

Kuwabara grinned. “See! I told you! She trusted me!”

Genkai rolled her eyes skyward, muttering something. “In any case…you'll need this mirror to talk to her. Otherwise you'll have to constantly put him to sleep.”

Botan looked around alarmed. “But what about Ko-Enma?”

Yusuke waved a hand. “I'll clue her in later. So, grandma, where's the mirror?”

Genkai sighed. “Must I tell you everything?” She glared towards Kurama. “You, tell them where it is, or get it yourself, whatever the case just do it quickly.”

Kurama nodded. “I'll retrieve the mirror. I…acquired it some time ago. I'll have it here by nightfall.” He stood, departing without another word.

Genkai looked at Yusuke and Botan. “Tell her quickly…and out of here. I'd like to read and drink tea in somewhat peace in my own home…”

Yukina shook her head and smiled, standing and straightening her kimono. “If Kurama and everyone will be around, I'll start something to eat.”

Botan and Yusuke nodded, quickly leaving to go outside.

 

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Hiei paced.

Pacing was a human habit, a symbol of their wasteful ways and attempts at abusing their own weak amounts energy.

Hiei despised humans.

Yet he paced.

He was standing in Mukuro's castle fortress of a home. He was standing in his home really…his home. The thought made him stand still, and then he shook his head roughly to clear it. Such sentimental bullshit was a distraction. He continued pacing.

The hallway, which he was walking a hole in, was stone and so, devoid of any warmth or décor. It led to Mukuro's chambers and his own. Along with the main connection between the other large rooms meant for guests or assemblies. One such room, Mukuro was having a lengthy discussion with `ambassadors' fro other demon lords. Normally Hiei would have been present. However business of patrolling and drilling had kept him away, his appearance coming some hour or so after the meeting within had begun. Mukuro, the bionic ruler of her own part of the Makai, would not tolerate an interruption. It irked him but he was late and therefore would have to wait…wait.

Hiei paced, boots gruffly thudding along the corridor.

Suddenly a large wooden door opened and Mukuro stepped through. She wore a simple outfit of dark purple with silver stitching that formed a robe of sorts. It set off her pale skin, setting fire to her hair. She looked to her right, glancing at Hiei. “I could hear you pacing…Really Hiei, patience would suit you fine.”

The fire youkai snorted. “How went the meeting?” He fell into step with her, the two of them heading down the hall towards her chambers. She seemed worn, sweat glistening along her forehead. It was hot. For him it was comfortable but other demons had found the heat to be excruciating. For whatever reason the Makai had turned into an oven, the red sky only adding to the heat and atmosphere.

Mukuro sighed heavily, opening the door into her room and slamming it shut heatedly after he had entered. Hiei arched an eyebrow, nearly asking where her own `patience' was but thought better of it.

“Not very well actually. The other demon lords are facing the same problems we are. Heat. Exhaustion. Strange attitudes running through troops at the drop of a hat. Also there are rumors of something else…something that you mind find of interest.” She wiped her forehead, removing her clothing and standing before him in a simply tank top and black leggings. Her eyes met his evenly, watching his expression carefully. “The Koorime are dying. Reports are swarming in about it. The heat is destroying them, slowly but surely. The weakest have fallen from the island, or perhaps were thrown. It's hard to say.”

No reaction. Hiei's face remained passive. “Permission to leave.”

She blinked, nearly telling him `hell no'. With the strangeness surrounding her own kingdom she needed his strength. But the reply caught in her throat, she paused. He wanted to go check for himself? No. He would believe her own reports surely. Perhaps it was obligations to the friends in the human world. She waved a hand. “Fine. But don't stay gone very long Hiei. I have need of you.”

He nodded once, and then flickered out of sight, as he was apt to do.

Mukuro simply shook her head, turning to write out orders on her desk.

 

Page break.

 

Darkness was settling over the hills around Genkai's temple. City lights danced around in the distance, all seemingly well. But the air was heavy. Clouds on the horizon threatened with a storm. But rain hadn't made an appearance as of yet. Instead, a breeze blew, hot and humid.

Kurama walked up the steps before the temple, coming to the top holding a small parcel in his hands. He looked much as he had that morning, though there was perhaps a faint glimmer in his eyes, traces of gold betraying the form he had taken recently. “Yusuke?”

The dark haired teen stuck his head of the temple. “Hi there. On time as always, eh Kurama?” Yusuke flashed a grin, beckoning inside. “We've been trying to get Kuwabara to go to sleep but he can't with Yukina running around.” Brown eyes rolled. “He's friggin' ridiculous.”

“Well, with this, that won't be necessary, hopefully.” Kurama unwrapped a small mirror slowly. A perfect circle of silver appeared, the face smooth with rivulets and pears decorating the edges. “A far cry from the mirror you once wanted to fight more for, ne, Yusuke?”

He chuckled in answer. “Yeah. Come on.”

Both boys ducked inside as small raindrops began to fall outside. The living room was well lit by small candle lamps on the table and two windowsills. Genkai was sitting much where they had left her the morning before. She sipped a bowl of soup and eyeballed them as they entered. “Botan is resting. And Yukina and Kuwabara are cooking. However I wouldn't suggest eating any of it. Kuwabara is a horrible cook and Yukina can't pay attention with him around.” Despite the gruffness in her voice the older lady seemed to find amusement. “Kuwabara! Yukina! Kurama is here.”

The kitchen suddenly was host to a few clangs, a loud `Kazuma' and the sound of something breaking. After a moment Yukina and Kuwabara appeared, both looking slightly damp and Yukina furiously scrubbing a dark spot on the front of her powder blue kimono.

Genkai sighed. “All right Kurama, set the mirror on the table and let Kuwabara put his hand on it. We'll see if she comes.”

Kurama did as instructed, watching the silver surface carefully. Kuwabara in turn placed his hand hesitantly over the mirror.

Nothing happened.

Yusuke groaned. “Now what?”

“Have patience Yusuke.” Kurama was starring intently at the silver, green eyes melding with the silver and reflecting back eerily. Kuwabara swallowed.

Outside the open door rain continued to poor, though Hiei stood just outside on the porch, watching closely him self. Upon looking to see that Yukina was safe he settled for watching what the others were up to.

Kuwabara sighed, watching the mirror intently. His own reflection stared back. His face the same as always. However as he watched his eyes changed, turning purple. His face slowly altered until a woman stared back, white hair settling along her face and neck. She seemed beautiful, though otherworldly. Delicate eyebrows arched. “Why is it I am called?”

“Guys! It's her! It's Her! I know that voice!” He looked up to each person, glowing. Then he looked down. She was gone…”Hey!”

Kurama gently grabbed Kuwabara's hand, catching his eyes and nodding to his left. In the doorway stood the woman. Against the storm outside she seemed peaceful and ageless. Her skin was pale, white hair catching lighting's light and holding it. Her eyes were deep set and bottomless, deep pools of sorrow. She wore pale colored clothing, a faint red and purple kimono that settled on her form lightly. It stopped well above her knees allowing for easy movement. She stepped forward, sandals not making a sound on the wooden floors. “Why is it you call me?” She tilted her head, hair shifting lightly.

Kurama cleared his throat, touched by her beauty and sadness. She was an old spirit, older by far then him. In front of her the fox suddenly felt young and foolish, almost awkward. Green eyes reflected her face, mirroring her age. “We call you as you called to us. Do you remember the dream which you sent to Kuwabara, this human here?” He gestured to Kuwabara in turn.

Purple eyes didn't blink or falter, simply shifted slightly. “I have sent many dreams…cried out to so many souls. None take heed. None will listen. All shall fade…”

Her form seemed to flicker and Yusuke leapt to his feet. “We're listening! We're right here asking you, what can we do?”

She regarded him for the first time, walking toward him slowly. Yusuke sat on the opposite side of the table from yet she strode right through it, standing with her calves half submerged in the wood. Kuwabara gaped. “Who are you? You seem different.”

“I'm Yusuke, a Spirit Detective for Ko-Enma. You came to Kuwabara in his sleep. The smart guy is Kurama. The old lady is Genkai. The girl is Yukina. Now, you know us, who are you?”

She blinked, turning suddenly and looking out the door. “And him out there?”

“Huh?” Yusuke blinked, noticing Hiei for the first time. “Oh. That's Hiei. Sorry didn't know he was there…”

She nodded. “My name is Asurha.” She suddenly seemed more solid, less otherworldly.

Yusuke silently gave himself a pat on the back. Introducing everyone was an impulse; he didn't think it'd actually keep the spirit around. “All right Asurha. We're asking you. We don't want the world to end. None of the worlds. How do we stop it?”

She walked from the table, becoming more and more solid. She looked directly at Hiei. “The elements are out of balance. Hatred, Rivalries, and Change are tearing your worlds apart. The elements respond…the balance must be restored.”

Kuwabara blinked. “How do we do that?”

Asurha shook her head. “Humans hate. They will destroy each other in hatred. Demons fight and shall kill each other. And Spirit World will crumble in answer. To save all, you must start with one.” She reached one hand out to Hiei. “You, you have seen the demon world. The Makai is groaning beneath the weight of your fights. How is it there?”

Hiei flashed his fangs once, not liking the woman. She wasn't demon or human. She was strange. He settled himself to watching each of her movements carefully. “It's hot.”

“And the demons? How are the demons?”

“They are falling prey to their basic impulses, fighting each other in ranks or randomly attacking whoever is nearby. They are aggressive.” Hiei's voice cracked like a whip with malice.

Asurha nodded. “Spirit World, your Reikai, is crying out from the pressure in the human world and demon world. It will fall to the winds.”

She looked at Yusuke. “You, this world, how does it feel?” She glanced at Kurama, expecting one of them to answer.

However Yukina's voice broke the answer. “It's crying…the animals are gone. And everything is just waiting…holding its breath.”

Asurha nodded.

Hiei snarled. “That doesn't explain how we are to fix this? Where do we begin?”

She sighed, flickering in sight before solidifying again. “The purest of the elements have stepped back. Find their embodiments. They are trapped, crying out. Water rests in this world. Guarded by twins of the earth. Spirit rests in the Makai. Watched over by flames of wrath and anger.” She closed her eyes. “I will offer my power when I can. But without form, there is little I can do.”

Kurama blinked. “We can give you form.”

“How?” seemed come from three directions at once.

Kurama nodded. “You died, when? If we can find that out Spirit World could grant you form, at least for a time.”

Yusuke secretly pictured Ko-Enma having a stroke at the request...then again Ko-Enma was out. “We'll have to talk to Enma…He's a to hell with the consequences kind of guy. He might do that.”

Asurha settled purple orbs on Yusuke. “I passed thousands of ages ago…Tell this Enma to search for Asurha of Inari.” She vanished.

Yusuke exhaled and sat down with a thump. “Well…now what?”

 

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End of Chapter 2