Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ the Hanyou II: All's Fair in Love and War ❯ Chapter 12 It Starts to Boil and Foil ( Chapter 12 )

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

 

Yusuke Urameshi stood on the high ground that marked the edges of Yomi's Kingdom and took a deep breath of air. A tied up travel package was slung over his shoulder as he held it to himself was the only thing besides the clothes on the back he brought for this confrontation. Hokoshin, his fathers' right hand, had been asked by the boy himself to lead him to these dangerous lands after Raizen had died; the S class demon could only pray that what ever his new lord's plan was it wasn't fatal. He knew that both Joseph and Yomi roamed these lands now and Mukuro no doubt was snooping near by. One wrong move and their hope for a future to their lands power would be gone.

 

Yusuke noticed his company's nervousness and smiled back at the bald headed demon, “No sweating this, Hokoshin. We're just going for a good'ole chat with the big guy of these lands since Daddy dearest is in the grave now.” Hokoshin didn't seem impressed, “Besides that, Joey's on our side now so stop worrying like something's dieing.”

 

“You do know that if Lord Yomi were to hear that you were in conspiracy with Lord Joseph against him, he'd kill you, right?” Hokoshin said in a hushed tone.

 

“Yeah, I know they say that he can hear pretty damned well in this place,” his smirk grew menacing as he looked to the Keep off in the distance, “Let's try it, shall we?”

 

“My Lord?”

 

Yusuke took a big breath before shouting at the top of his lungs, “YOMIIIII! I HOPE YA CAN HEAR ME CAUSE I'M COMING AFTER YA SO GET SOME TEA BOILING FOR MY ARRIVAL ARLEADY!”

 

Hokoshin jumped startled at his young lords' actions, “DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE JUST DONE! NOW HE'LL KNOW WE'RE HERE!”

 

“Good.” Yusuke started for the castle.

 

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Yomi was wandering down one of his many hallways in his Keep to pass the time with Yoko tailing him closely as it was his place now. Yuda was on the other flank of the blind demon lord as the three walked down the hallway. Yomi's ears twitched as a young obnoxious voice shouted out though his lands making him stop a moment to hear it vulgarly announce Raizen's son's arrival. Yomi smirked at the stupid boy.

 

“Kurama, I presume this is your friend Urameshi?” he said with out turning to the silver Kitsune.

 

Yoko didn't flinch, “Obviously.” He snorted.

 

“He intrigues me with his forwardness. I wander if he really is this stupid or does he really have some plan against me? No matter,” Yomi smirked and turned to Yuda, “Yuda, arrange for Urameshi to be received properly as any lord should. I'll hear what he has to say. Tell the guards not to give him any trouble and I want you to measure his power.”

 

“Yes, milord” the goblin bowed before excusing himself briskly.

 

“Kurama, you and your men will be in the next room of us. If he gets too aggressive, I will not hesitate to signal the assassination.” Yomi said.

 

Kurama's golden eyes hardened. He didn't want to be pent up against his friend, but he knew this hour would come. Joey had vividly described what he could about the prediction and so far it was reining true. Never the less, he inclined his head dutifully, “Yes, Lord Yomi” he watched the demon lord walk off to get ready for Urameshi's arrival in the keep. His golden eyes turned to the direction he knew Yusuke was in and he looked conflicted.

 

//What the hell is that idiot thinking coming here.// Yoko sighed.

 

`We knew he would, but he has a record of being over reactive and zealously aggressive.' Kurama chimed, `We can only hope that what ever he's got planned isn't one of his less intelligent schemes he makes up at the spur of a moment.'

 

//Keep dreaming// Yoko snorted and made his way to his troop.

 

Joey waited till the silver fox was gone before he stepped into the hallway, easily hearing everything that just occurred. Ryoga stood at his flank, waiting to see what his lord would do. Would he interfere yet?

 

“It seems that Yusuke has done as your prediction stated; he is here.” Ryoga remarked.

 

“So it would seem so, Ryoga.” Joey looked down the way he knew was to the front gates, “Let us welcome him, shall we? I'd hate for Yomi to play unfair too quickly now.” He smirked as he went out to greet the stubborn part-blood he had come to respect and like as an ally against Yomi.

 

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Yusuke approached the gates with Hokoshin, both on high alert as the soldiers formally lined the path seemingly for honor. They however knew that at any given time, the soldiers could fall in and surround them in attack. Yusuke nodded to the captain of them that waited them by the gate and saluted.

 

“Follow me, Lord Urameshi” said the demons low voice.

 

“Lead the way then” he nodded as he and Hokoshin followed the demon in armor into the daunting gates of Yomi's Keep. Another line of pristine guards in uniform lined their path at attention in Yusuke's honor while they were escorted on through. One demon seemed out of place. A goblin demon aged with time leaned forward out the line to get a glimpse of them approaching. He had a sinister look about him that called Yusuke and Hokoshin to train their wry eyes upon him. The demon held out a small device that seemed to beep erratically especially as they passed.

 

“It's Yomi's measuring device” Hokoshin whispered to Yusuke. Yusuke smirked; time to have a bit of fun.

 

He let his battle aura flare enough to be noticed and watched the awed look on the other demons face. The goblin was about to address him when another presence brought them to attention.

 

“It seems I have yet to meet the new runt of Raizen's I've heard so much about.” It was Joey. He approached with his ever present manservant, Ryoga at his side, “I am Lord Joseph Ishtar of the Eastern Lands. It pleases me that we finally meet.” Joey smirked as he inclined his head to the equally smirking Yusuke who played along.

 

“You look like more of a runt than I do, honestly” Yusuke looked him over, “You've even got a cape to go along with the frilly outfit.”

 

Jaden laughed, “'Fraid my laundry's a bit behind so it's all I have for now.” He stuck out a hand to shake which Yusuke accepted firmly.

 

“Call me Yusuke then” Yusuke added.

 

“Joey” Joey said and nodded over to Ryoga, “Goldy over here is called Ryoga.”

 

“That's Hokoshin” Yusuke nodded over his shoulder.

 

“Yes, we've met,” Joey eyed Hokoshin, “Lovely hair” he winked.

 

Hokoshin gave the loathed demon lord a dry look.

 

Yuda stood stock still at the easy interaction lord Joseph allowed to flow between himself and the whelp of Raizen. Weren't they enemies? He noticed his machine started rolling numbers again as it sensed Joey's aura.

 

`Now's my chance to gain inelegance on that bastards level!” Yuda discretely held it at the ready and was shocked to see the numbers climbing higher and higher before it fried. He looked up to see that Ryoga stood over him, casting a shadow dauntingly.

 

“Sorry about that. Is it broken?” Ryoga asked in all innocents.

 

Yuda gapped at him.

 

“Ryoga, stop making friends with every one and let's escort Yusuke to Lord Yomi. I'm sure he won't mind?” Joey looked to the soldier that was escorting them, daring the lower demon to protest.

 

“G-go ahead sir” the demon bowed.

 

“Lovely. Come along Yusuke. I think you're going to like it here.” the fox smirked.

 

Yusuke had trouble holding in his laughter as he followed the other lord into Yomi's Keep.

 

 

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“This is a …. Castle?” Desota looked around her in awe. The outside looked very traditional and was securely off-limits to the public, making it seem deserted, but the main hall the front door opened up to split two ways; one going up and the other going down to a basement below and inside the mountain itself. They had taken the basement route and ended up with loud blaring beats of music pumping in their ears as they came to a floor from the private stares. Demons and demoness's were crowded up on a large dance floor about 2 football fields wide with a platform walk out stage on one end and a DJ Platform on the other. Both stages had catwalks that were high off the ground and led to bird cages were half naked women dressed scantily to the music as they dropped down dirtily with lustful intent. At the far wall across from them she could see a long bar waited by at least 3 tenders. On their side, she noticed booths with drapes over them; why- she didn't know.

 

Nor did she have the chance to find out. Nar took her hand while Jaden held out his had at Kurosuki.

 

“Give me the kid and I'll blare out the noise so it doesn't hurt him” He yelled over the music.

 

Desota gently handed her son over to Jaden who held the kit preciously in his arms. Just because the kid was sired by a bastard he hated didn't mean he'd take it out on his son! He actually had a soft spot for the little kit after he got to see him more often. The kit wailed in protest as he was being given away from his mother. He didn't seem to like the loud pop music beating his youngling eardrums into submission as they flattened pitifully to the kits head. Jaden quickly maneuvered the kit to crook of his arm to free his right hand that hovered over the kits ears. Shadow magic fluttered around the kit's ears, acting as gentle ear mufflers to block out the noise. Kurosuki paused in his wailing when all went quiet, but he was still in the arms of an unfamiliar male and he could only barely sense his mother in this crowd of so many. He bawled again.

 

“Tell me we're getting away from here!” Desota pleaded Nar as she looked back at her son cautiously.

 

“WHAT??” Nar shouted over the music.

 

“I SAID TELL ME WE'RE GETTING OUT OF HERE!” Desota shouted.

 

“OH! SURE! IT'S JUST FASTER THIS WAY! AND I HAD TO CHECK UP ON THE BAR!”

 

“Oh, why?” Desota asked.

 

“HUH?”

 

“I ASKED WHY!”

 

“BECAUSE I'M THE MANAGER THERE! IT'LL ONLY TAKE A SECOND, HANG TIGHT, KAY?” with that, Nar sunk into the sea of grinding and bumping bodies of the dance floor to make her way to her bar.

 

“NAR???” Desota looked around frantically.

 

“Don't worry,” Jaden said in her ear from behind her so he didn't have to yell. It sent unwanted shivers down her spine. The fact that Kurosuki giggled up at her when he could feel her body heat soothed her somewhat, though, “I can get ya to your chambers if you don't wanna wait on Nar to get out of here.”

 

She knew that might not be a good idea, but this place made her nervous with Kurosuki. If she didn't have a child to think about, she'd just suck it up, but…., “Yes, please”

 

“Come on” he took her hand and led her through the crowd. When they bumped into someone, they'd often get some dirty look like it was all their fault, but one glance at Jaden seemed to make the other person back off and let them pass with out hesitation. It made Desota wander if there was more to Jaden here than the guy actually let on. His powers were handy at times, could they also be deadly?

 

She sighed a relief when Jaden pulled her through the doors and away from the flashing lights and chaos of the dance club floor behind them. She was thankful for what ever the doors were made out of since when it closed, no sound blared through muffled or otherwise.

 

“Better?” Jaden smiled knowingly.

 

“It really wasn't that bad,” Desota admitted, “I kinda liked that song…. It's just…” She looked at Kurosuki who started suckling his thumb boardly.

 

“Yeah, I figured as much” Jaden gently handed the kit back to Desota, “C'mon. I'll show ya where to let him rest. There's a babysitter all ready for you.”

 

“Babysitter?” Desota blinked.

 

“Yeah, Nar and I wanted to party down at the floor with ya on your first night. There's this babysitter that used to babysit you when you were a kit, so you probably know her.”

 

“Her??” Desota still didn't quite get it.

 

Jaden lead her up a winding staircase on the right side and then led her down a long hallway of cheery wood lined with pictures and artifacts of her ancestors. None of which she recognized or paid mind to as she dumbly followed the male in front of her, wandering who he was talking about and searching her memories for a `baby sitter'.

 

Jaden opened a sliding door to reveal a traditionally furnished room that had a king sized bed near the wall with a balcony on the opposite end and dark drapes that hung over it. It was dark and the only light was by candle light, “This is your room. Kurosuki will be asleep with in the room across form you.” he turned and opened the other door across the hall way, “We figured you could….. Use some rest” Jaden smiled

 

“But…” Desota stopped when she saw an old woman with short spiked gray hair with white streaks and wrinkled brown eyes. The old woman didn't look hunched over, just aged, but still tall and proud. She had long elf like ears and a light brush of a tail similar to a horse….

 

This was an old equine demoness. It suddenly clicked as the equine aged demoness turned to her with warm brown eyes, “You haven't changed, princess. You still look a like to mother” her speak was broken awkwardly with a foreign accent that Desota could never forget.

 

“Nanny Hyate!” she cried out happily rushing forward to greet the elder demoness.

 

Hyate smiled and embraced the youth gently, not wanting to squash the child between them, “And whose this?” she looked down and cooed at Kurosuki who eyed the older woman wryly.

 

“This is my son Kurosuki,” Desota showed him off proudly.

 

“He is blind?” Hyate gagged.

 

“Yes, but he can see aura outlines so yes he can somewhat see your features. Just not in the colors we see.” She explained.

 

“Is it true,” Hyate held a wrinkled finger out for Kurosuki to examine at his own will fondly, “that this be son of silver fox Yoko thief?”

 

“Yoko Kurama?” Desota corrected.

 

“Yes Yes” the old woman nodded.

 

“Yes. It's true. Kurosuki is Yoko Kurama's heir and son”

 

The old woman smiled devilishly and nudged Desota, “He Hot stuff! You get good catch!”

 

Desota blushed while Hyate took Kurosuki from her to cuddle the baby on her own. Kurosuki looked back at his mother as if asking why she kept giving him to strange people all the time, “Uh... well” Desota stuttered.

 

“You've got it all wrong, old hag” Jaden snorted, “They're not mated anymore”

 

“Divorced?” Hyate asked, then her features darkened, “He no rape princess did bastard?”

 

“NO!” Desota quickly said.

 

“Just about.” Jaden shrugged.

 

“Hush, you! You weren't even there!”

 

“And you can't remember it.” Jaden reminded, then quickly took it back, wanting to hit his head on something again for being stupid…..AGAIN.

 

“You no remember….? Ah,” Hyate's face was solemn, “Hyate remember Lordy saying something like this to Hyate.” She sighed, “Hyate knows all about it”

 

“You do?” Desota said with sadness.

 

“Hyate knows pain.” Hyate nodded, “But, anyways. Princess must go get dressed for night out! Is why Hyate looking after bebe!” she shooed Desota and Jaden out and closed the door before either could word protest, “Go fun! Go FUN!”

 

Desota sweat dropped, “I'm not so sure it's safe to leave her with Kurosuki….”

 

“She did fine with you. What could go wrong?” Jaden shrugged.

 

“THERE YOU ARE! I'VE BEEN ALL OVER LOOKING FOR YOU'RE ASSES!” Nar shouted form the stairwell. She looked terribly disheveled and out of breath. She stomped up to Desota, hooked an arm with the hanyou and dragged the girl back into her temporary quarters, “Come along now, it's time to get you out of that drag and get you into something suitable for the night.”

 

“I'll help you!” Jaden volunteered, but got a fire ball aimed for his crotch that just narrowly missed and singed the hem of his shoe instead as he jerked out of the way violently, “DAMN! A SIMPLE NO WOULD SURFICE, GODDAMN IT!”

 

“That got your attention better though” Nar giggled as she slide the door shut forcefully, “Go meet us down there.”

 

“Yes, oh mighty evil bitch” Jaden grumbled and stalked off.

 

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Yusuke and Hokoshin sat in front of a Japanese style table on the fluffy pillows that waited them wile Joey and Ryoga sat a little off to the side along the wall between them and where Yomi will be seated. Speaking of Yomi, the demon lord entered with a slight nod to Yusuke followed by the lemur demoness, Tsuya. Both of them were dressed in tradition Japanese style clothing for the occasion of using the dojo as a meeting place. In Tsuya's hands were a tea cup and a pot of tea. She set it down before Yusuke and poured him some. At Yusuke's bewildered look, the demoness smiled.

 

“Your tea, milord” she said and bowed before she excused herself.

 

“Wow, I guess you really do have good ears” Yusuke said sheepishly.

 

Yomi nodded at the compliment, then turned with a troubled furrow of his brows to Joey, “Lord Joseph? I didn't expect you to bestow us with your presence in this meeting.”

 

“Curiosity is my nature, Lord Yomi” Joey excused with a smile of good grace falsely, “When I ran into the youth Urameshi I was smitten with it and felt a need to follow and learn of his reasons. I'm not a bother am I?”

 

“Not at all.” Yomi accepted, but he wasn't trusting the fox's word at all, “You sent for a council with me?”

 

“1st of all, word on the street is that you hold Desota Ishtar here?” Yusuke inquired.

 

“I do, but she is not here at the time. A friend, Lord Josephs mate Lady Nar, has taken her out for a ride in the country for the day and has yet only to return. May I ask what this is about?” Yomi prodded.

 

Blue eyes peeked through the cracked shoji of the next room. Jin smiled as he recognized Yusuke. He held up a paper with writing on it so the others could see.

 

-He's just the same, he is! Hasn't changed one itty bitty bit!

 

Chou also peeked through it and smiled excitedly -He's stronger now! He's built like a ship with all those muscles!

 

Toya held up his own paper impassively -That's all good but what're we going to do when Yomi sends the signal?

 

They all turned to Yoko who held up a paper -I was thinking the same thing, and though I do serve Yomi, I will protect Yusuke if I need to, how about you? Whose side are you on?

 

Chou, Suzuki, Toya, Renku, and Jin all held up one paper - Yusuke's! - It read.

 

Renku held up another - do you even have to ask?

 

They turned to Shishi and Hakkuto who hadn't answered or even spoke yet. Shishi held up a paper coolly- undecided

 

Suzuki took a marker and marked it out then wrote - he meant Yusuke's! *smilelyface-hearts*

 

Shishi glared at the blond.

 

Hakkuto held up a paper as well - Lord Joseph is out there as well and he seems to favor Yusuke too. I think he and Yusuke may be conspiring something together.

 

-Then we wait and see what happens- Yoko wrote back.

 

Yusuke smirked at the elder demon, “I came here to tell you exactly how I'm gonna kick your ass.” He stated. Yomi and the others stiffened.

 

//He's doomed.// Yoko thought.

 

`The idiot!' Ryoga gawked at the boy his lord put so much faith into. Joey was even tense.

 

Yomi's aura started to rise, “Is that so then?”

 

Joey bit back a growl and Kurama and the others got ready for action. Ryoga put a hand to his sword ready and willing to draw it.

 

“Yeah, but first I have a sort… offing.” Yusuke heaved the bag and let it drop heavily on the table and slid it toward Yomi.

 

//He cant be that naïve!// Yoko slumped, `A peace offering?' Kurama tried to catch Yususke's angle.

 

`This'll be easier than I thought' Yomi though, “Lovely,” he spoke out loud then smiled innocently, “Could you open it for me? I'm afraid I can't see as well as I used to.”

 

“Sure, but they'll scatter a bit, so be warned” Yusuke smiled bigger as he untied the bag and let thousands of small priceless jewels tumble and roll out across the table. Some even to the floor, Joey and Ryoga's eyes widened in surprise while Hokoshin gawked in horror.

 

“YOU'RE GIVING HIM OUR COUNTRIES TREASURE STONES! DO YOU KNOW HOW PRICELESS EACH ONE OF THOSE ARE!?” he yelped.

 

Yomi picked one up, “My, my, this is a surprise then,” Yomi fingered it and felt a carving, “It has something carved…. `Mukuro'…. And that one says Joseph and Ryoga…. Kurama, Hiei, and myself…? What's the meaning of all this?”

 

“Ever since my old man died, I'm the new king of the mountain, but I didn't do anything to deserve it. We all want power and apparently this feud has been going on for so damn long, I'm feeling restless for a new way to decide who runs all.” Yusuke explained, “We'll have a tournament and the one that comes out on top runs the lands, no questions asked, but not for long. In a few years, we'll have another tournament. Ya see, back home they call it `democracy', but instead of votes, we vote with our fists. So what do ya say?”

 

“A Tournament?” Yomi sounded dead panned as if this youth were just proving to be stupider than he thought, “You'd give it all up just like that and you expect me to do it? HA!” Yomi's aura flared dauntingly, knowing he had one up on Yusuke for being so naïve, “And who would back you up on this tournament? Who would enter such a thing?”

 

“SIGN ME UP!” Jin burst through the shoji excitedly. Yusuke looked flabbergasted a minute to see a new face, then recognized the red headed wind demon.

 

“Jin?”

 

“I'LL HAVE A GO AS WELL!” Chou bounded in.

 

“CHOU?! What are you guys doing here?!” Yususke's approached his long time no see friends.

 

Kurama smiled as he saw his close friend reunite with the others then turned to Yomi with cold eyes, “Yomi, should this tournament commence I no longer serve your side, but MY own just like Yusuke implied.”

 

“Not you too,” Yomi sighed.

 

“We will not hesitate to take his side over yours…” Kurama stated boldly to the intimidating lord.

 

Yomi's aura flared again, “You have not won over the say so of your opponents Urameshi”

 

Another aura pressure shoved Yomi's forcefully and quickly to submission with incredible force that had Yomi grunting with strain, “what?!”

 

Joey stood with his blue eyes slanted and cold at the other demon lord, “I too feel a need for change. I'm restless with this stand still and resign my position as King of my lands to join Yusuke's tournament. You, however, I cannot allow to bully your weight around.” His fox ears twitched as he sensed Mukuro's thoughts that she sent to him from where she watched with Hiei at a distance. He saw the look on Yomi's and Yusuke's faces and knew they heard her laughter too.

 

“I doubt Mukuro will turn Yusuke's plan down. What do you say?” the fox asked with a smirk.

 

Yomi sat down defeated with a heavy sigh, “You knew all along this was coming. You let me walk right into this with out a glimmer of compassion?”

 

“I prefer to keep things like that out of reach to many people. You are certainly not the first.” Joey smirked and looked at Yusuke who grinned back.

 

“Very well then” Yomi grudged, “I….. I accept Yususke's terms.”

 

“Then the all Demon realm tournament shall be held in center point of all the territories; where all four of our countries breach each other. 3 months to prepare.” Joey predicted as he turned watched Yomi turn to leave, “Oh and Yomi?”

 

Yomi turned to the fox only to feel a cut mare his cheek in warning. What cut him and where it came from was still a mystery to him but he knew it was from Joey.

 

“Do not go using helpless demoness's of my protection again in this tournament. I tend to get rather hostile in retribution” he warned.

 

“I have a feeling Ms. Ishtar is no longer in my care, nor will I meet her in the times to come for a while. Good day to you, Ishtar” he nodded.

 

“So where's Dessy now?” Yusuke grinned, “She's gotta hear this!”

 

“She's probably in a dance floor back at her home by now.” Jaden smiled.

 

The other demons looked confused besides Ryoga.

 

“Dance floor??” Jin blinked, “there a party somewhere no invited us to?”

 

“Nah, you're all invited anytime, since things turned out this way, I see no reason why we cant celebrate at my place since it's still my home, just not considered my castle anymore…” Joey shrugged.

 

“All the way to the Eastern Lands?” Shishi deadpanned.

 

“Run fast then if you don't like the timing” Jin sounded excited, “LETS GO!”