Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Inheritance ❯ The Fight ( Chapter 20 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: DNSora 
The fight you've all been waiting for. Our inevitable conclusion.
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Romance / Shounen | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.10.2010 | Updated On: 04.10.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 170 | Status: Work In Progress
The fight you've all been waiting for. Our inevitable conclusion.
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Romance / Shounen | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.10.2010 | Updated On: 04.10.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 170 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 20
The Fight
Two brilliant green eyes follow the dark form of Hiei under the water until it disappears underneath the rocks. If nothing else, at least his family would be safe. Giving Hiei the blade had been a very wise move on several points: insuring that Hiei would and could protect his family, providing a path for his ancestral history to continue, and provided him a way to get Hiei to leave. Kurama shakes his head and turns back toward the cave entrance.
It isn’t as though Kurama wouldn’t love to have Hiei fighting beside him. The though of fighting without is partner is rather daunting after having him there for so long, at the very least watching from the sidelines. However, this is his fight: a fight to the death at that. Kurama isn’t about to get the little kooromie involved more than he already is. Hiei could not be lost, that is something the fox would not be able to handle any more than his Mother’s untimely death. If he should live through this… I will grant his true desire. It has taken him far too long to figure out what it is and right before a major battle is not the time to tell someone how you feel. Feelings spilled out of fear of death loose so much in their validity. Kurama will not do that to Hiei.
No other member of his family is going to die for this.
In fact Kurama would ensure that this fiend never killed another living soul. He’d leave it to Koenma to ensure the security of the dead. A life free of the beast may be hard for him to comprehend, but he is more than willing to face the unknown. However the unknown has never had such a pleasant outlook before. Imagine that one of all creatures’ greatest fears actually looks pleasant to him? What a strange creature he has indeed become. How proud Inari must be.
The small smile that slowly but surely emerges is completely unbidden, even somewhat surprising. He has hope to win this battle, which is something he has never had before in a fight with the man. Perhaps that would be his greatest weapon of all. It is pointless to think that one could win a battle without really believing that they can, now isn’t it?
Kurama’s feet have carried him halfway to the entrance when Makatashi comes into view. They spend a moment just looking each other over. The glow from the lantern plants is peaceful but rather eerie in light the circumstances. Kurama takes in a long and silent breath through his nose. He feels his Mother’s presence wrap around him, the brush of her fur over his skin and suddenly he is calm. Kurama reaches out to the surrounding plants; using his energy, his emotions, his very soul. Just as Rika, his dear sister Rika had taught him so long ago. Makatashi gathers his energy as well; the battle is a hairsbreadth from starting.
***
All these centuries later and the last kitsune, the last true kitsune stands before me for the last time. Makatashi takes in the redhead standing but a few feet from him. All his centuries of hatred culminate in this one defiant creature. The little kit he burned all those years ago flares to life in his memory. That innocent little fox, love and tears mixed in big golden eyes; has been bathed in blood, nurtured in fear, and fed none but hate. The same hatred, blood, and fear that have been Makatashi’s own existence since those foxes took everything else from him.
Yes, his intention has been to make his kit a kindred spirit. How could anyone ever understand his pain unless they have experienced it for themselves? To watch one’s Family be brutally murdered for their way of life! To wonder why me? Or to wander through the world knowing no home, no friends, no happiness, and certainly no love. Everything Makatashi once was, was reflected back to him in the little kit’s eyes the night he slaughtered Sakura. Makatashi had taken the greatest of pleasure in turning the little brat into a copy of him.
Some might think it pissed him off when Yoko become defiant; striking out against the fur traders and kitsune hunters – but that wasn’t the case. In fact… he was thrilled! After all, how was that any different from how he himself had taken on the title of kitsune hunter? Oh how his ears hummed as each new act of revenge and destruction reached them. Sol what if those pelt hungry fools met their end at his pet’s claws? They were unimportant. It never even occurred to him that the kit might die by any other’s hand but his own.
Soon the kit’s rage could not just be contained to the fools that dared to call themselves hunters. The whole of Makai became his playground; Makatashi would have it no other way. The betrayal, murder, and death left in the wake of Yoko Kurama were things of legend! When his kit turned his quick witted mind on Reikai, Makatashi had fairly trembled with excitement. That’s when things started to go wrong.
The bloody chimera had damn near ruined everything. What right did that beast have to try and show his pet love? Oh but that feathered freak had been persistent! No matter the attempts he or the kit made to shake it, it had just come back for more abuse. What twisted thing actually desires the kind of pain that had been inflicted? But no matter, hadn’t he turned the chimera into the sharpest blade against his pet?
Perhaps a bit too sharp; the damage from that had killed his kit - or so everyone thought. He had searched frantically for the soul, hoping it had not passed on to the glen. It did not turn up in Reikai. Oh he was furious! How dare the little brat die! But then…nothing happened; no famine, no stillborn children, nothing untoward. So Makatashi took another look.
Oh! The sheer mischievous delight that ran down his spine when he first discovered what his brilliant little pet had done! It was the closest thing to happy he’d felt in a long time using a human woman to keep himself alive and escaping Enma; Yoko had outdone any of his previous escapades! Makatashi settled back to let Kurama regain his strength.
But after staying put so long it seemed his kit no longer wished to run. A few tests proved that, yes, time had come for their last battle. So Makatashi too out his sharpest knife once more and engaged the innocent kit turned vengeful murderer. This battle had been his greatest yet. The kit has proven to be more powerful that even that vixen Mother of his. This was to be expected. After all, hadn’t Makatashi raised the kit himself?
Now, here in this place, his kit has finally come to the inevitable decision. Yoko Kurama would get revenge or die trying. When Makatashi wins, he and the kit will be permanently bonded and Makatashi can go on to kill that bitch Inari. Then and only then can he erase the existence of those worthless foxes! Then he can finally rest, with all his anger and hatred appeased. He knew what that would do to the rest of the world, but his heart could not move on. He’d been stuck this way for longer then even Enma Jr. had been alive.
He feels his opponent’s energy seep into the surrounding plant life. His kit is gearing up for the fight; the moment to begin is near. He is not quite sure he is ready to have it occur quite so soon. The choice is not his though and never has it been since he gave the choice to Kurama. Makatashi feels the familiar burning in his veins, the never ending battle so full of hate that had soaked into his very bones. The power was almost insurmountable at times. But now, after using so much, the searing pain has burned down to an ache. Makatashi hasn’t been so low since he fought The Seven; proof of the kit’s pure skill.
The both lunge and the fight begins.
***
Koenma stares hard at the two folders in front of him. Both had been flagged to come across his desk early. Amazing really, probably two of the thickest files he had ever handled, and yet he knew that there was a hell of a lot of missing from both. People too crafty, too skilled, too smart, too old for even Rekai’s intelligence. All of their spies and psychics were for not when it came to people like this, not always a good thing. He used to think such people were nothing but trouble until he had met Yusuke and began to rethink. They are the kind of people that can make or break the world with a choice; and can either be his greatest assets or foes. In this way Koenma had learned the lesson that would make him a far better ruler than his father had ever been. Koenma would not to let his fear or pride get in the way of his job because…
…anyone can make the choice to change.
With that being established, Koenma knew it to be his job to make that choice as easy as possible for these ready for it. Several would disapprove of the decision he was about to make, but one glance at the two files on his desk reaffirmed his determination.
It had taken a hell of a lot to find two of the souls he needed. Thankfully they had been sentenced to punishment instead of being reborn. The third was the simplest to find, but the most unpredictable. George had been wary as he sent him to fetch them; Koenma only trusted him with such an important task…So important that he had to talk with Inari. Talking to the fox goddess had expended a great deal of energy and resources as well as a few favors; but she had agreed to his plan quickly enough to surprise him.
When questioned, she laughed and replied that it could rival any made by her little Yoko Kurama and that she was obscenely pleased her kit seems to be having a good influence on Koenma; who in turn did not know if that was a compliment or not yet.
George chooses that moment to re-enter with the three souls in tow, he looks decidedly nervous. Koenma can’t blame him; a hell of a lot is riding on this.
Too much rides on this fight.
Two of the three souls look anxious. The other looks pissed off, but that is to be expected. After all, Kuronue never did like authority, even without Kurama’s influence. Koenma decides to address Kuronue first, as he is aware of the situation and will require less explaining.
“I don’t need to tell you about the fight that Kurama is in right now. He’s going to need support. I’ve arranged for backup from Inari, lead and support those that have gathered to his aid and she will take you into her glen rather than be judged by us.”
“Wait, you’re telling me… I get to help Foxy, be in charge, and escape punishment? What the fuck is the catch here?” Kuroune’s eyes narrow in suspicion as Koenma’s eyes flicker once more to the files on his desk.
“The only ‘catch’ as you say would be the risk of the battle itself. Your very soul will be in danger here, and should you fail, make no mistake about what you know will happen. This world that world, it won’t matte anymore. Everything will dissolve into famine and war. By the time Inari sends new messangers, there wil be nothing left of us! George will fill you in on the specifics of the mission. After all, that the battle is dangerous will certainly not keep you away – not when you know exactly what is at stake. So, your answer?”
“Fine I accept!” With that he walked out. A nod from Koenma sent George scrambling after the energetic chimera; that left the other two souls. The poor beings probably had no idea why they are even here. Koenma decides he best start explaining. If anyone can help the matter it would be them.
Koenma flips Kurama’s file closed and flips Makatashi’s open. If not even Reikai can predict the end to this fight then the end must be persuaded to their favor. He looks up at the two trembling forms before him.
“I’ve called you here over a very important matter Mr. and Mrs. Makatashi…”
***
Kurama makes his first attack a high slice for the face, but only clips Makatashi’s nose as he is forced to block a gut punch with his foot and spring backwards. The fox rebounds off the wall behind him and uses the momentum to bring Makatashi to the ground where his daggers are more deadly. The wind is knocked out of his opponents’ chest for a moment, and Kurama uses it to try and cut Makatashi’s throat. Unfortunately it is deflected but goes all the way through the shoulder. Kurama feels the foot on his chest right before he goes sailing backward. He twists and turns the fall into a roll to come right back to his feet.
Kurama flicks the blood off his blade as Makatashi probes the injury at his shoulder. It must be strange for him; a wound remaining instead of healing back over immediately. Kurama’s mind strays for a second to the gem in his pocket before snapping back as the battle resumes. He ducks a high kick from Makatashi and attempts a disembowelment. The black haired fiend barely manages to catch the blade before it sinks into his gut. But it puts him in an awkward position that the fox makes full use of, as Kurama delivers a powerful kick to Makatashi’s temple, a thought creeps up… has the hunter’s extended use of the protecting gem rendered his blocking and dodging abilities weak?
Yet another obstacle in my favor… Inari has truly blessed me this day!
As the blood runs from Makatashi’s temple his anger sparks to a whole new level. He lunges at Kurama and bowls him over with sheer force. They skid, to stop at the edge of the river as Makatashi wraps his long fingers around Kurama’s neck. Kurama plunges his dagger into the bastard’s back again and again as his head is slowly pushed under the freezing water. No matter how many times he stabs the though, the burning inside of Makatashi cauterizes the wound. The fox’s lungs start to burn. He finally brings his knee up and hits Makatashi hard between the legs. That pain if enough for Kurama to throw him off and crawl away.
Both of them rather slowly and shakily get to their feet. Kurama plunges his hand into his hair and pulls out Rika’s rose flicking it into his whip then pulls it in a quick flash, a strike for Makatashi’s chest. His hand shoots up and the whip is forced to wrap around his arm instead. Where this his normal whip it would be destroyed in that grasp, but Rika’s is special. Kurama pulls hard and the thorns tear flesh just a bit more before the whip is ripped from his grasp and tossed aside. By this time Makatashi must be severely hurting for blood and his right arm would be mostly useless. So far, so good.
Unfortunately for Kurama, Makatashi is intent on turning the tide of this battle. He doesn’t give the kitsune a chance to recover. As soon as the whip is cast aside he charges again, hitting Kurama square in the chest with his uninjured shoulder. Kurama goes flying backward and smacks into the cave wall, rolling to the side as Makatashi follows up with a punch hard enough to make part of the wall crumble away. The furious assault continues as more of the cave gives way. Kurama doesn’t get any chance to recover and Makatashi is no where near slowing down.
I just need to think!
The battle will end very quickly if continued this way. The fox reaches out to the plants in the cave. They respond vigorously, latching onto Makatashi and trying their best to hold them still as he tears them out of the ground and off the walls. Kurama uses the moments his opponent is bound to catch his breath. The plants won’t hold him very long, but long enough for Kurama to catch his breath and summon what he really needs – a sinning tree. Now a sinning tree won’t be able to actually fool someone like Makatashi. However, the only way to get free is to overload it with energy. The effort will greatly deplete Makatashi’s energy supply. He pulls the seed free of his hair and influxes enough energy into it to make it mature before flicking it straight at Makatashi.
“Eat this!” Purple eyes look up on shock as it matures mid-flight and wraps around him before he can move out of the way or destroy it.
He has no choice but to overwhelm the damn thing just as his kit had planned; the sooner the better too. He throws most of what he has at his disposal all at once. The tree explodes and sends them both flying back into the cave walls. The cave groans and shutters from the humongous release of energy, that and the plants Makatashi had ripped from the walls. Rocks crumble and fall into the river; roll down the walls but it quiets down as the dust settles. Kurama weakly gets to his feet feeling the blood dribble down his back from the impact with the jagged rocks. His muscles scream in protest and his only consolation is that his plan had worked and Makatashi looks worse than he feels.
“You’ll need more than that kit!”
Once more Makatashi doesn’t waste time; he immediately attacks Kurama after regaining his feet. The fox is caught unprepared and takes a hard hit to the torso; he can feel his ribs crack from the blow. Broken ribs plus a bruised windpipe makes for very difficult breathing. It is followed up by a crack across the face that sends him far enough back to get away from the immediate onslaught. He breathes out what little is left in his lungs so that he can resume breathing shallowly. Hopefully he will be able to breathe deeply again before his movement causes his oxygen level to drop enough for him to pass out. Dodging the blows is made harder and harder as he continues to use more oxygen than he can take it. Makatashi’s knuckles and boots start to graze the fox’s clothing when his reactions slow down.
Finally, blessedly, the muscle below Kurama’s lungs loosens and he gulps large amounts of air. His poor battered windpipe nearly chokes him for stretching it so. Another few minutes of deep breathing allows his body to recover enough to get away from Makatashi’s onslaught completely… or at least long enough to mount a counter attack.
A few remaining vines on the floor twist around Makatashi’s ankle and trip him as Kurama pulls one of his more vicious pets from his stock. The Rabanu plant; a plant he had originally designed to be used against Hiei during the impending war. The plant is carnivorous and seeks out large bodies of heat and power. It has only one mouth but its many thorn ridden vines are vicious and can each become a new plant as they are chopped off. This plant in particular was responsible for the extinction of fifty-nine different species of demon.
Kurama nestles it into the ground and leaps behind it, it captures Makatashi mid-flight as he leaps at the kitsune. To Kurama’s undisguised amusement, Makatashi cuts off a few vines before he recognizes the plant. The fox is only to glad to help them grow to maturity as well. In a matter of moments there are three giant carnivorous plants eating at the hunter. While Makatashi is taking care of them, Kurama takes stock of his own injuries and the state of the cave. Both his body and the walls are on the brink of collapse. There is nothing that can be done about the walls and it doesn’t seem as though Makatashi cares at all about the area around them. He is summoning up his energy to blow the plants away. This will undoubtedly collapse the cave and kill them both.
Kurama sighs heavily and leans back against the cave wall, watching as Makatashi’s energy is released, bent on killing them both. It may not exactly be a victory but at the very least, he and Makatashi would go together. The fiend would no longer be able to hurt any of his friends or family ever again. Chunks of the ceiling break free in large quantities crashing all around. Being crushed isn’t exactly a pleasant way to die. Just as Kurama is about to close his eyes for the last time he sees a strange and familiar light, slowly he crawls toward it as the rock reigns down around him.
Makatashi cackles in delighted glee, his voice lost to the sound of the cave… no the very mountain coming down around him. His delight only grows as the fox is covered by the falling rock. He’d saved just enough energy to blast a hole through the rubble and get out. He can come back for the Kit’s pelt when he is better recovered. As he gathers up his energy a hand falls on his shoulder and he whirls around in sheer shock.
But it is not Kurama that meets his gaze. Indeed it takes him a second to recognize the astral forms in front of him. Time and memories slowly shift aside before the proper names comes to mind.
“Father! Mother! What!? How is this to be?” His parents smile at him warmly and embrace him.
“We have come to get you son. We’ve waited for you for so long. Come with us now.” His father puts one hand on each of his shoulders as he speaks and suddenly Makatashi feels like a ten-year-old boy again. “The kitsune aren’t important, family is. We have a nice little place waiting for us in the afterlife. Forget this world and its problems, come with your family. We are all waiting, and have been for a long time.”
Slowly Makatashi exhales. Surely he could not just give up on his quest? It has consumed most, if not all his life. But… what is revenge in the face of those you are getting revenge for? Wasn’t this all originally about revenge? He has a family, and they miss him. The kitsune is dead anyway… does he really need to go after Inari? That had been the plan but…
No, he needs to go with his family; just as he should have so very long ago.
Makatashi closes his eyes and breathes in for the last time. He embraces his parents as the stones fall down to crush his mortal body. The pain seems distant and so far away, as if it is someone else’s body. The warm embrace carries him from his hate and anger and loneliness to the realm of spirits. At last he has a home and a place to belong.
_______________________________________________________________ _______________
A/N:
It always takes me a while to write fight scenes but here it is and I hope it doesn’t disappoint. This is the longest chapter I have written yet. Isn’t that fun? But this is the climax and the resolution is soon to come, yea falling action.
I hope you all enjoyed Makatashi’s back story. It is my personal belief that the best villains are not the ‘born bad’ type but rather those that actually believe they are doing the right thing. People just fight harder when they believe that they have been wronged, or are making things ‘better’. People who are ‘born bad’ don’t know both sides, cannot understand the ‘hero’ and that is why they will always fail. It’s not as much fun reading about a villain you know doesn’t stand a chance.
The comparison between Kurama and Makatashi was essential as well. Many people forget that Yoko was not all sunshine and daisies. Well, let’s face it Suuichi Minamino is pretty scary too. The sinning tree thing with Ani Tuguro made even Hiei look like an angel. The difference being that Yoko branched out and started to love others again; even if his sense of right and wrong is still original. In this way I am much happier with this ending than the one I had planned – Makatashi got the opportunity at a second chance as well.
Having Koenma interfere actually wasn’t originally going to interfere. That ending is courtesy of my fingertips, who decided that all on there own. They might have been plotting against me with my muse. I’m not sure yet but I’m going to investigate. But after looking it over I realized this ending was much better than the one I had planned. So here it is and I hope you enjoy it.
I’m sure you all want to know about Kurama and exactly what is going to happen since Makatashi did declare him dead and he followed the light, (please don’t kill me). So I’ll get on the next chapter.
Please review!!!
-san: Mr. or Mrs.
-sama: Lord
-kun: Young man that is a friend
-chan: Female, young boy, or lover
Baka: idiot
Chimera: Half animal, half human in appearance.
Geta: Wooden sandals
Haha: Mother
Hai: Yes
Hiruseki: tear gem
Inari: Fox goddess
Jagan: Hiei's 3rd eye
Ki: Energy signal, spirit energy
Kitsune: Fox spirit
Kleptomania: Compulsive need to steal
Makai: Demon world
Mazaku: Type of demon that Yusuke is
Ne: Right?
Ningen: Human
Ningenkai: Human world
Nyoi: Mythical staff that can change length and thickness
Oona: Woman
Reikai: Spirit world
Sakura Tree: cherry tree
Shinigami: Spirit of death, Grim reaper
Tantei: Detectives
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho nor any of its characters. They belong to Yoshihiro Togashi. The plot and original characters of this fic, are however, mine."
The Fight
Two brilliant green eyes follow the dark form of Hiei under the water until it disappears underneath the rocks. If nothing else, at least his family would be safe. Giving Hiei the blade had been a very wise move on several points: insuring that Hiei would and could protect his family, providing a path for his ancestral history to continue, and provided him a way to get Hiei to leave. Kurama shakes his head and turns back toward the cave entrance.
It isn’t as though Kurama wouldn’t love to have Hiei fighting beside him. The though of fighting without is partner is rather daunting after having him there for so long, at the very least watching from the sidelines. However, this is his fight: a fight to the death at that. Kurama isn’t about to get the little kooromie involved more than he already is. Hiei could not be lost, that is something the fox would not be able to handle any more than his Mother’s untimely death. If he should live through this… I will grant his true desire. It has taken him far too long to figure out what it is and right before a major battle is not the time to tell someone how you feel. Feelings spilled out of fear of death loose so much in their validity. Kurama will not do that to Hiei.
No other member of his family is going to die for this.
In fact Kurama would ensure that this fiend never killed another living soul. He’d leave it to Koenma to ensure the security of the dead. A life free of the beast may be hard for him to comprehend, but he is more than willing to face the unknown. However the unknown has never had such a pleasant outlook before. Imagine that one of all creatures’ greatest fears actually looks pleasant to him? What a strange creature he has indeed become. How proud Inari must be.
The small smile that slowly but surely emerges is completely unbidden, even somewhat surprising. He has hope to win this battle, which is something he has never had before in a fight with the man. Perhaps that would be his greatest weapon of all. It is pointless to think that one could win a battle without really believing that they can, now isn’t it?
Kurama’s feet have carried him halfway to the entrance when Makatashi comes into view. They spend a moment just looking each other over. The glow from the lantern plants is peaceful but rather eerie in light the circumstances. Kurama takes in a long and silent breath through his nose. He feels his Mother’s presence wrap around him, the brush of her fur over his skin and suddenly he is calm. Kurama reaches out to the surrounding plants; using his energy, his emotions, his very soul. Just as Rika, his dear sister Rika had taught him so long ago. Makatashi gathers his energy as well; the battle is a hairsbreadth from starting.
***
All these centuries later and the last kitsune, the last true kitsune stands before me for the last time. Makatashi takes in the redhead standing but a few feet from him. All his centuries of hatred culminate in this one defiant creature. The little kit he burned all those years ago flares to life in his memory. That innocent little fox, love and tears mixed in big golden eyes; has been bathed in blood, nurtured in fear, and fed none but hate. The same hatred, blood, and fear that have been Makatashi’s own existence since those foxes took everything else from him.
Yes, his intention has been to make his kit a kindred spirit. How could anyone ever understand his pain unless they have experienced it for themselves? To watch one’s Family be brutally murdered for their way of life! To wonder why me? Or to wander through the world knowing no home, no friends, no happiness, and certainly no love. Everything Makatashi once was, was reflected back to him in the little kit’s eyes the night he slaughtered Sakura. Makatashi had taken the greatest of pleasure in turning the little brat into a copy of him.
Some might think it pissed him off when Yoko become defiant; striking out against the fur traders and kitsune hunters – but that wasn’t the case. In fact… he was thrilled! After all, how was that any different from how he himself had taken on the title of kitsune hunter? Oh how his ears hummed as each new act of revenge and destruction reached them. Sol what if those pelt hungry fools met their end at his pet’s claws? They were unimportant. It never even occurred to him that the kit might die by any other’s hand but his own.
Soon the kit’s rage could not just be contained to the fools that dared to call themselves hunters. The whole of Makai became his playground; Makatashi would have it no other way. The betrayal, murder, and death left in the wake of Yoko Kurama were things of legend! When his kit turned his quick witted mind on Reikai, Makatashi had fairly trembled with excitement. That’s when things started to go wrong.
The bloody chimera had damn near ruined everything. What right did that beast have to try and show his pet love? Oh but that feathered freak had been persistent! No matter the attempts he or the kit made to shake it, it had just come back for more abuse. What twisted thing actually desires the kind of pain that had been inflicted? But no matter, hadn’t he turned the chimera into the sharpest blade against his pet?
Perhaps a bit too sharp; the damage from that had killed his kit - or so everyone thought. He had searched frantically for the soul, hoping it had not passed on to the glen. It did not turn up in Reikai. Oh he was furious! How dare the little brat die! But then…nothing happened; no famine, no stillborn children, nothing untoward. So Makatashi took another look.
Oh! The sheer mischievous delight that ran down his spine when he first discovered what his brilliant little pet had done! It was the closest thing to happy he’d felt in a long time using a human woman to keep himself alive and escaping Enma; Yoko had outdone any of his previous escapades! Makatashi settled back to let Kurama regain his strength.
But after staying put so long it seemed his kit no longer wished to run. A few tests proved that, yes, time had come for their last battle. So Makatashi too out his sharpest knife once more and engaged the innocent kit turned vengeful murderer. This battle had been his greatest yet. The kit has proven to be more powerful that even that vixen Mother of his. This was to be expected. After all, hadn’t Makatashi raised the kit himself?
Now, here in this place, his kit has finally come to the inevitable decision. Yoko Kurama would get revenge or die trying. When Makatashi wins, he and the kit will be permanently bonded and Makatashi can go on to kill that bitch Inari. Then and only then can he erase the existence of those worthless foxes! Then he can finally rest, with all his anger and hatred appeased. He knew what that would do to the rest of the world, but his heart could not move on. He’d been stuck this way for longer then even Enma Jr. had been alive.
He feels his opponent’s energy seep into the surrounding plant life. His kit is gearing up for the fight; the moment to begin is near. He is not quite sure he is ready to have it occur quite so soon. The choice is not his though and never has it been since he gave the choice to Kurama. Makatashi feels the familiar burning in his veins, the never ending battle so full of hate that had soaked into his very bones. The power was almost insurmountable at times. But now, after using so much, the searing pain has burned down to an ache. Makatashi hasn’t been so low since he fought The Seven; proof of the kit’s pure skill.
The both lunge and the fight begins.
***
Koenma stares hard at the two folders in front of him. Both had been flagged to come across his desk early. Amazing really, probably two of the thickest files he had ever handled, and yet he knew that there was a hell of a lot of missing from both. People too crafty, too skilled, too smart, too old for even Rekai’s intelligence. All of their spies and psychics were for not when it came to people like this, not always a good thing. He used to think such people were nothing but trouble until he had met Yusuke and began to rethink. They are the kind of people that can make or break the world with a choice; and can either be his greatest assets or foes. In this way Koenma had learned the lesson that would make him a far better ruler than his father had ever been. Koenma would not to let his fear or pride get in the way of his job because…
…anyone can make the choice to change.
With that being established, Koenma knew it to be his job to make that choice as easy as possible for these ready for it. Several would disapprove of the decision he was about to make, but one glance at the two files on his desk reaffirmed his determination.
It had taken a hell of a lot to find two of the souls he needed. Thankfully they had been sentenced to punishment instead of being reborn. The third was the simplest to find, but the most unpredictable. George had been wary as he sent him to fetch them; Koenma only trusted him with such an important task…So important that he had to talk with Inari. Talking to the fox goddess had expended a great deal of energy and resources as well as a few favors; but she had agreed to his plan quickly enough to surprise him.
When questioned, she laughed and replied that it could rival any made by her little Yoko Kurama and that she was obscenely pleased her kit seems to be having a good influence on Koenma; who in turn did not know if that was a compliment or not yet.
George chooses that moment to re-enter with the three souls in tow, he looks decidedly nervous. Koenma can’t blame him; a hell of a lot is riding on this.
Too much rides on this fight.
Two of the three souls look anxious. The other looks pissed off, but that is to be expected. After all, Kuronue never did like authority, even without Kurama’s influence. Koenma decides to address Kuronue first, as he is aware of the situation and will require less explaining.
“I don’t need to tell you about the fight that Kurama is in right now. He’s going to need support. I’ve arranged for backup from Inari, lead and support those that have gathered to his aid and she will take you into her glen rather than be judged by us.”
“Wait, you’re telling me… I get to help Foxy, be in charge, and escape punishment? What the fuck is the catch here?” Kuroune’s eyes narrow in suspicion as Koenma’s eyes flicker once more to the files on his desk.
“The only ‘catch’ as you say would be the risk of the battle itself. Your very soul will be in danger here, and should you fail, make no mistake about what you know will happen. This world that world, it won’t matte anymore. Everything will dissolve into famine and war. By the time Inari sends new messangers, there wil be nothing left of us! George will fill you in on the specifics of the mission. After all, that the battle is dangerous will certainly not keep you away – not when you know exactly what is at stake. So, your answer?”
“Fine I accept!” With that he walked out. A nod from Koenma sent George scrambling after the energetic chimera; that left the other two souls. The poor beings probably had no idea why they are even here. Koenma decides he best start explaining. If anyone can help the matter it would be them.
Koenma flips Kurama’s file closed and flips Makatashi’s open. If not even Reikai can predict the end to this fight then the end must be persuaded to their favor. He looks up at the two trembling forms before him.
“I’ve called you here over a very important matter Mr. and Mrs. Makatashi…”
***
Kurama makes his first attack a high slice for the face, but only clips Makatashi’s nose as he is forced to block a gut punch with his foot and spring backwards. The fox rebounds off the wall behind him and uses the momentum to bring Makatashi to the ground where his daggers are more deadly. The wind is knocked out of his opponents’ chest for a moment, and Kurama uses it to try and cut Makatashi’s throat. Unfortunately it is deflected but goes all the way through the shoulder. Kurama feels the foot on his chest right before he goes sailing backward. He twists and turns the fall into a roll to come right back to his feet.
Kurama flicks the blood off his blade as Makatashi probes the injury at his shoulder. It must be strange for him; a wound remaining instead of healing back over immediately. Kurama’s mind strays for a second to the gem in his pocket before snapping back as the battle resumes. He ducks a high kick from Makatashi and attempts a disembowelment. The black haired fiend barely manages to catch the blade before it sinks into his gut. But it puts him in an awkward position that the fox makes full use of, as Kurama delivers a powerful kick to Makatashi’s temple, a thought creeps up… has the hunter’s extended use of the protecting gem rendered his blocking and dodging abilities weak?
Yet another obstacle in my favor… Inari has truly blessed me this day!
As the blood runs from Makatashi’s temple his anger sparks to a whole new level. He lunges at Kurama and bowls him over with sheer force. They skid, to stop at the edge of the river as Makatashi wraps his long fingers around Kurama’s neck. Kurama plunges his dagger into the bastard’s back again and again as his head is slowly pushed under the freezing water. No matter how many times he stabs the though, the burning inside of Makatashi cauterizes the wound. The fox’s lungs start to burn. He finally brings his knee up and hits Makatashi hard between the legs. That pain if enough for Kurama to throw him off and crawl away.
Both of them rather slowly and shakily get to their feet. Kurama plunges his hand into his hair and pulls out Rika’s rose flicking it into his whip then pulls it in a quick flash, a strike for Makatashi’s chest. His hand shoots up and the whip is forced to wrap around his arm instead. Where this his normal whip it would be destroyed in that grasp, but Rika’s is special. Kurama pulls hard and the thorns tear flesh just a bit more before the whip is ripped from his grasp and tossed aside. By this time Makatashi must be severely hurting for blood and his right arm would be mostly useless. So far, so good.
Unfortunately for Kurama, Makatashi is intent on turning the tide of this battle. He doesn’t give the kitsune a chance to recover. As soon as the whip is cast aside he charges again, hitting Kurama square in the chest with his uninjured shoulder. Kurama goes flying backward and smacks into the cave wall, rolling to the side as Makatashi follows up with a punch hard enough to make part of the wall crumble away. The furious assault continues as more of the cave gives way. Kurama doesn’t get any chance to recover and Makatashi is no where near slowing down.
I just need to think!
The battle will end very quickly if continued this way. The fox reaches out to the plants in the cave. They respond vigorously, latching onto Makatashi and trying their best to hold them still as he tears them out of the ground and off the walls. Kurama uses the moments his opponent is bound to catch his breath. The plants won’t hold him very long, but long enough for Kurama to catch his breath and summon what he really needs – a sinning tree. Now a sinning tree won’t be able to actually fool someone like Makatashi. However, the only way to get free is to overload it with energy. The effort will greatly deplete Makatashi’s energy supply. He pulls the seed free of his hair and influxes enough energy into it to make it mature before flicking it straight at Makatashi.
“Eat this!” Purple eyes look up on shock as it matures mid-flight and wraps around him before he can move out of the way or destroy it.
He has no choice but to overwhelm the damn thing just as his kit had planned; the sooner the better too. He throws most of what he has at his disposal all at once. The tree explodes and sends them both flying back into the cave walls. The cave groans and shutters from the humongous release of energy, that and the plants Makatashi had ripped from the walls. Rocks crumble and fall into the river; roll down the walls but it quiets down as the dust settles. Kurama weakly gets to his feet feeling the blood dribble down his back from the impact with the jagged rocks. His muscles scream in protest and his only consolation is that his plan had worked and Makatashi looks worse than he feels.
“You’ll need more than that kit!”
Once more Makatashi doesn’t waste time; he immediately attacks Kurama after regaining his feet. The fox is caught unprepared and takes a hard hit to the torso; he can feel his ribs crack from the blow. Broken ribs plus a bruised windpipe makes for very difficult breathing. It is followed up by a crack across the face that sends him far enough back to get away from the immediate onslaught. He breathes out what little is left in his lungs so that he can resume breathing shallowly. Hopefully he will be able to breathe deeply again before his movement causes his oxygen level to drop enough for him to pass out. Dodging the blows is made harder and harder as he continues to use more oxygen than he can take it. Makatashi’s knuckles and boots start to graze the fox’s clothing when his reactions slow down.
Finally, blessedly, the muscle below Kurama’s lungs loosens and he gulps large amounts of air. His poor battered windpipe nearly chokes him for stretching it so. Another few minutes of deep breathing allows his body to recover enough to get away from Makatashi’s onslaught completely… or at least long enough to mount a counter attack.
A few remaining vines on the floor twist around Makatashi’s ankle and trip him as Kurama pulls one of his more vicious pets from his stock. The Rabanu plant; a plant he had originally designed to be used against Hiei during the impending war. The plant is carnivorous and seeks out large bodies of heat and power. It has only one mouth but its many thorn ridden vines are vicious and can each become a new plant as they are chopped off. This plant in particular was responsible for the extinction of fifty-nine different species of demon.
Kurama nestles it into the ground and leaps behind it, it captures Makatashi mid-flight as he leaps at the kitsune. To Kurama’s undisguised amusement, Makatashi cuts off a few vines before he recognizes the plant. The fox is only to glad to help them grow to maturity as well. In a matter of moments there are three giant carnivorous plants eating at the hunter. While Makatashi is taking care of them, Kurama takes stock of his own injuries and the state of the cave. Both his body and the walls are on the brink of collapse. There is nothing that can be done about the walls and it doesn’t seem as though Makatashi cares at all about the area around them. He is summoning up his energy to blow the plants away. This will undoubtedly collapse the cave and kill them both.
Kurama sighs heavily and leans back against the cave wall, watching as Makatashi’s energy is released, bent on killing them both. It may not exactly be a victory but at the very least, he and Makatashi would go together. The fiend would no longer be able to hurt any of his friends or family ever again. Chunks of the ceiling break free in large quantities crashing all around. Being crushed isn’t exactly a pleasant way to die. Just as Kurama is about to close his eyes for the last time he sees a strange and familiar light, slowly he crawls toward it as the rock reigns down around him.
Makatashi cackles in delighted glee, his voice lost to the sound of the cave… no the very mountain coming down around him. His delight only grows as the fox is covered by the falling rock. He’d saved just enough energy to blast a hole through the rubble and get out. He can come back for the Kit’s pelt when he is better recovered. As he gathers up his energy a hand falls on his shoulder and he whirls around in sheer shock.
But it is not Kurama that meets his gaze. Indeed it takes him a second to recognize the astral forms in front of him. Time and memories slowly shift aside before the proper names comes to mind.
“Father! Mother! What!? How is this to be?” His parents smile at him warmly and embrace him.
“We have come to get you son. We’ve waited for you for so long. Come with us now.” His father puts one hand on each of his shoulders as he speaks and suddenly Makatashi feels like a ten-year-old boy again. “The kitsune aren’t important, family is. We have a nice little place waiting for us in the afterlife. Forget this world and its problems, come with your family. We are all waiting, and have been for a long time.”
Slowly Makatashi exhales. Surely he could not just give up on his quest? It has consumed most, if not all his life. But… what is revenge in the face of those you are getting revenge for? Wasn’t this all originally about revenge? He has a family, and they miss him. The kitsune is dead anyway… does he really need to go after Inari? That had been the plan but…
No, he needs to go with his family; just as he should have so very long ago.
Makatashi closes his eyes and breathes in for the last time. He embraces his parents as the stones fall down to crush his mortal body. The pain seems distant and so far away, as if it is someone else’s body. The warm embrace carries him from his hate and anger and loneliness to the realm of spirits. At last he has a home and a place to belong.
_______________________________________________________________ _______________
A/N:
It always takes me a while to write fight scenes but here it is and I hope it doesn’t disappoint. This is the longest chapter I have written yet. Isn’t that fun? But this is the climax and the resolution is soon to come, yea falling action.
I hope you all enjoyed Makatashi’s back story. It is my personal belief that the best villains are not the ‘born bad’ type but rather those that actually believe they are doing the right thing. People just fight harder when they believe that they have been wronged, or are making things ‘better’. People who are ‘born bad’ don’t know both sides, cannot understand the ‘hero’ and that is why they will always fail. It’s not as much fun reading about a villain you know doesn’t stand a chance.
The comparison between Kurama and Makatashi was essential as well. Many people forget that Yoko was not all sunshine and daisies. Well, let’s face it Suuichi Minamino is pretty scary too. The sinning tree thing with Ani Tuguro made even Hiei look like an angel. The difference being that Yoko branched out and started to love others again; even if his sense of right and wrong is still original. In this way I am much happier with this ending than the one I had planned – Makatashi got the opportunity at a second chance as well.
Having Koenma interfere actually wasn’t originally going to interfere. That ending is courtesy of my fingertips, who decided that all on there own. They might have been plotting against me with my muse. I’m not sure yet but I’m going to investigate. But after looking it over I realized this ending was much better than the one I had planned. So here it is and I hope you enjoy it.
I’m sure you all want to know about Kurama and exactly what is going to happen since Makatashi did declare him dead and he followed the light, (please don’t kill me). So I’ll get on the next chapter.
Please review!!!
-san: Mr. or Mrs.
-sama: Lord
-kun: Young man that is a friend
-chan: Female, young boy, or lover
Baka: idiot
Chimera: Half animal, half human in appearance.
Geta: Wooden sandals
Haha: Mother
Hai: Yes
Hiruseki: tear gem
Inari: Fox goddess
Jagan: Hiei's 3rd eye
Ki: Energy signal, spirit energy
Kitsune: Fox spirit
Kleptomania: Compulsive need to steal
Makai: Demon world
Mazaku: Type of demon that Yusuke is
Ne: Right?
Ningen: Human
Ningenkai: Human world
Nyoi: Mythical staff that can change length and thickness
Oona: Woman
Reikai: Spirit world
Sakura Tree: cherry tree
Shinigami: Spirit of death, Grim reaper
Tantei: Detectives
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho nor any of its characters. They belong to Yoshihiro Togashi. The plot and original characters of this fic, are however, mine."