After a long and intense moment later, the redhead took a deep breath and went over to the pillar that had a small crate box at its bottom, knowing full well how much pressure this could give on his soul, like the last time he had let the issue slip out of his grip at the temple.
The teen boy turned back around and threw the orb at the other pillar in front of him and Ruby.
As soon as the glass broke, the shards were flying all around in the air, but what was inside of it, that splashed onto the wall like ink. A substance that came to life and began to move upward on the wall, turning into different directions while creating a clear and detailed image of a demon who had long black hair, horns, sharp ears and eyes that were closed from the world.
"Yomi. . ." Kurama breathed out through his gritting teeth as he took a seat on the crate and glared at the image slightly, feeling tense. Ruby could feel his tension, but before she can offer her comfort, the image of Yomi spoke up to them, catching her full attention and a little off guard since she had never seen such ways of communication before her life.
"It's been a long time Kurama." Yomi started his speech, calmness and confidence written all over his face. Emotions that matched his voice and it's tone perfectly well. "Too long. It's good to see you alive and well. Of course, I can't actually see as this is just a Spirit of Words. Regardless, I hope to meet you in person soon." While the talking was happening Ruby would occasionally glance at the Fox-Demon beside her, curious about his reaction. And as she somewhat suspected, he was restless. . . "Back when you know me, either or us were very powerful, but that's changed. I've grew stronger. Much stronger. I was able to make myself a name at the day of your 'leave', and from then on I became strong enough to rival Raizen and Mukuro for control of the Demon World." The young female bender gasped slightly at the information while Kurama shifted in his seat, hands clutching on the wooden crate's edge tightly while his eyes went narrow. "You remember those names, don't you? They were already in power when you left. But several hundred years ago, I joined their ranks, and now I'm prepared for my next accession. I'm planning to dethrone the two of them and then we'll unify all of Demon World as one nation under me. But if I am to succeed in this, I'll require your assistance Kurama. And so, my friend, I plead with you to join my crusade. If you believe in the unification, then I beg you to return to us." Kurama's glare became harder as he sees that how Yomi did change in power, and attitude the last time he had seen him. But what never changes is his personality and the craving for power. The one thing he knows well when he was Yoko back then. And from this conclusion, his ex-second-in-command, the now demon King, he no doubt wants to see the Fox-Demon, but not as he is right now. . . As Shuichi . . . He wants Yoko. . . The demon side of his that Kurama wants to forget about, or at least put aside so he can be the person that he wants to be. . . but. . . he began to question that too. . . "Oh, and one more thing, I almost forgot about. " Yomi dramatically trailed down, making Ruby narrow her eyes at him, unaware of that secretive glance that Kurama stole from her, worried that she might end up being exposed to something that he didn't want her to hear. "I heard from one of my loyal subjects that he had seen you with someone very. . . special to say the least. . ." Hearing that piece of information the redhead's heart sank while his nails dug into the wooden surface deep without noticing any pain what so ever. " I'll wait for your answer. . . . and if you do accept my invitation and decide to come. . . we have much to discuss. . ." With those last words from him, his image disappeared leaving Ruby utterly puzzled, and frightened by all this. . . And Kurama. . . from his intense expression. . . It was clear evidence that he knows what his former demon ally was talking about. . .
And the fact that this was happening now. . . This bomb that Yomi had thrown at him, it pushed him off his balance, that's for sure. . .
But the big question here is, what is he going to do now. . . What can he do in this tight situation. . . ?
_________________________________________________________
The uncomfortable silence filled the air once the message had faded away completely from our view.
I felt the shivers ran down my spine at each and every word that left this demon's, Yomi's mouth. The tone he used and that smirk he was wearing the entire time. He sounded and looked so confident with himself. Not to mention how confident he was with his future plans that he just shared with Kurama, who was also involved in this. . .
I turned my head to the side and glanced at the redhead who was still as tense as he was before. . .
It was gut-wrenching to see how stressed he looked the entire message that someone from his past had sent to him. But what got him the most was the ending part. . .
"Kurama. . . ?" I called out his name in a gentle tone as I found my courage to step forward, so I can get closer to his side. Before I am able to form some kind of question, he turned to me with an expression I had never seen him wear so much before on his face.
The same expression that I had seen the last time he visited the temple to see me and give the invitations to me and Miyuki. . . That face made me stumble in my words and way of thinking for a moment, mainly because this just meant something serious is going on behind all this. . . something that he is afraid to share with others-.
"A friend of yours Kurama?" A new voice questioned us, startling me to a heart attack almost. I whipped my head around fast and I see. . .
"Hiei!" Both me and Kurama called out the Fire-Demon's name, surprised to even see him even on the same place as us. Inside the city.
"Hn, caught you both off guard." Hiei replied with a satisfied smirk on his face.
"What are you even doing here?" I couldn't help but ask him. "I thought you were not interested in 'human things' as you put it."
"Tsk, I was roaming around as usual." He told me bluntly as usual before his gaze fell onto my redheaded boyfriend who still looked uneasy. Thought I noticed some change in his eyes the more he stared at the Fire Demon's figure. . . " I assume that message was meant for you?"
"Y-yes. . ." Kurama replied with a slight stutter in his voice, another slight change which caught my attention again, and raised the level of my concerns of course, because he never done that for as long as I can remember.
Things like these small gestures. . . they still surprise me at times since, he was always or at least mostly the calm and collected one. . . But now that I think about it, I can't really blame him for acting so startled or at least concerned like this.
I would have felt the same way if I ever get the that small taste from my own past. Something that would have triggered some of my own emotions up to the surface as well. . .
"Now, don't feel too special. " The demon ally added carelessly. "You weren't the only one who received a midnight visitor." At that, I felt my heart stop for a second. He was invited as well. . . ?
"Are they from Demon World too?" I questioned him, sounding a little bit careful.
"Yes." Hiei replied a bit smoothly. "A messenger came to me as well, though in my case, they were sent by Mukuro."
"Mukuro?" Kurama breathed out that name, knowingly.
In his message, Yomi had mentioned this name before. And from the information at hand, I was able to gather the main point of it all in some ways. Still, there are some links missing here. . .
"See it for yourself." Hiei said nonchalantly before taking out his orb from his pocket, similar to what Kurama received from those strangers, and throw it at the wall. The same effect came. Ink spilling everywhere while it drew a figure. Someone with tied up hands and head completely covered with bandages like a mummy and talismans. The only thing that can be seen was the eye. . .
"Greetings Hiei, I am Mukuro." The demon introduced himself, voice so deep and distorted that is kind of terrified me a bit, because I couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated. "I would've been there in person, but I seldom show my face in public. Not out of fear, but out of annoyance at being mobbed by my adoring fans." As the introduction went on, I noticed Hiei's face changing expressions. He held an amused smirk on his face, which puzzled me and worried me inside at the same time, because it gave me a feeling that is setting me over the edge a little. I can't put my finger on it, but what I do know is that it is a bit concerning to me. . . Maybe I am exaggerating it, but. . . I can't help but worry about him now. . . Especially after what happened between him and Miyuki. "Your recent appearance here has come to my attention and I had to wonder: Why aren't you working for me? Think of it. You could be my right-hand man." My stomach once more tied into a know and like in the previous message, I felt uncomfortable with this, while listening. "I'll even let you in on a little secret, for your ears only. Raizen is on the brink of death, and when he breath his very last breath, I will strike Yomi with full force. He pushes for a 'peaceful', unified Demon World. I'm sure the mere thought of such a desecration of our homeland disgust you. If I'm correct in my assumption, you should join me." Once the sentence came to an end of his sentence, Mukoro's figure faded away.
"What a talkative and self-important fool he is." Hiei commented in a bored tone before looking over his shoulder to look at my Fox-Demon who was still sitting on the crate box. "Was he always like that, Kurama?" He asked curiously but had a slight sarcasm in his tone.
"And much more." Kurama replied to his question. "Mukuro has always been a dangerous, tyrannical ruler. You have no idea Hiei of the damage Mukuro could do. Demon World thrown into chaos right after the Phoenix of Light's passing. . ." The redhead trailed down with his sentence, making my heart sank deeper into my stomach before I turn to look at Hiei's direction.
"Then I suppose this is going to be interesting." Hiei replied with no care of the world, something that I usually got used to, but this time I actually felt baffled by his way of thinking. Was he serious? And just as I thought it couldn't get any worse. . . "We'll, I'm off to visit him now. Goodbye." He added before turning on his heels and let his back face us. I can feel my eyes widen in disbelief because I just couldn't believe what I was hearing from him with my own ears. Is he really serious about accepting the invitation just like that? "You can breathe you know, I'm not going there to help him."
"Yes, that is good thinking." Kurama replied to him before I can utter out my own thoughts in this. "It would be beneficial for us to have a man on the inside whom Mukuro trusts. Just be sure to get as much information as you can without raising suspicions."
"Oh, I'm sure I'll use him for everything I do." Hiei told him with more sarcasm in his voice and he took a few steps away from the couple. However, before leaving the area, I was able to find my voice again.
"Wait, Hiei!" I called out to him, but he didn't seem to budge and just kept on walking. "But if you go, what will Miyuki think?!" That seem to get his attention, because he stopped on his track. I feel the air shifting around me, making the chill ran down my spine, slapping me with the fact that what I had said might end up biting me in the ass. But instead of being scared of the consequences, and Hiei's wrath, I stood my ground instead. Mainly because of Miyuki's sake. "I mean, have you thought about talking to her about. . . this? " I added now that small feeling of hesitation coming to my senses. . .
"Hn." Hiei curtly huffed me off with a harsh and strict tone, clearly disliking that I brought up the topic. "I'll talk to her about this later." He replied with honesty, but he changed his tone pretty quickly. "Tsk, I honestly don't you why you're so worried. It's not like I'll leave her forever." The Fire Demon made a point. . . but. . . it didn't sounder right. . .
No. . .
It didn't felt stable for me in a way. . . It didn't reassure me from my concerns.
"But what if you end up staying there longer than you should?" I began to press it further a little, finding this courage that I never thought I had in me. "I know your home is there Hiei, but at the same time you really should consider Miyuki's thoughts as well in this matter." Courage to speak against someone so arrogant and easily irritated as this demon before me who dislikes everyone, but cares about my best friend. . .
I honestly thought this might be a foolish move, and maybe suicide since this is Hiei I am speaking up against. Speaking about a topic that is one of his rare but deepest sore spot, both to Miyuki, and to him especially. . . .
Sadly, my brain with the logical thoughts, it delivered this realization too late before I could have stopped myself from exploding it all into Hiei's face. . .
And then as many would have expected, came the backlash. . .
"It's none of your concern!" He eventually snapped at me in reply while looking over his shoulder and give a small glare of fury at my direction. This can either mean that I had went a bit too far by bringing it up in the first place, or I am right about my statement and he also knew deep down it's true, but doesn't want to accept it. "This is my business only, and I don't want your nose in it, girl!" He snarled at me a little, right before his fast exit.
Once his black cloaked figure flashed away from my eyes I felt my stomach dropped into my shoes while my gaze fell down to my feet in utter dread.
I let out a small but shaky breath, as shook my head in disapproval, still in disbelief at the fact that I was able to pull a stunt like that. . . But then later on I came back to reality. . . To the reality where things are once again out of control, and as always we have to pay the price. . . This time however, it was different on so many levels. . . but in the worst kind of twist possible. . .
It eventually lead me back to why I even let my emotions explode out of me.
Hiei and his decision to go back to Demon World. . . pouncing on any chance the moment offered to him without thinking it through first. . .
Even after everything that him and Miyuki had to go through together. . . I. . . I just don't understand why. . .
I honestly don't know what came over me back at those few moments. . . Other than the thought of my very first friend and training partner. . .
Maybe. . . a small part of me wanted to see that if Hiei still cares about her. . .
Miyuki's feelings were obvious from the get go. Even if she tried to hide it from me and Yukina, I was still able to feel it and see it for sure that even after their separation, she wants him to be there. And yes, from their very first interactions together, back at the fox - apparition incident, I was still able to see some sort of spark between them. . . Meaning Hiei must be feeling the same way. . .
Yes, Miyuki did say that she and him are not a couple anymore, but at the same time I can tell that these two want to be in each others lives again.
But now. . . here is Hiei, confidently telling us that he would leave to Demon World to meet up with this demon king or who, someone he knows nothing about other than rumours. But what made me broke is the attitude he used, like this is not such a big deal while not even thinking about once how this would affect the person, he supposed to care about most. . .
I just don't understand him at all. . .
I was suddenly broken out of my thoughts when I feel a warm hand being placed onto my shoulder, forcing a small gasp out of me and turn my head to the person, making me end up look deeply into Kurama's emerald-green eyes that reflected so much warmth to me.
"Let him handle it." The redhead told me trying to reassure me, but from his gaze, I can sense his worry, which also raises mine. "If anything happens, then I'm sure Miyuki is able to at least talk to him about this in a mature way." At that I ended up taking a deep breath in, and let it out before collecting my thoughts.
"Yeah. . . I hope you're right. . ." I whispered out under my breath as I looked at those huge shadows, that Hiei disappeared into not too long ago. . .
Maybe. . . I was being a bit pushy here . . . or just my mixed emotions speak out. . . either way, Kurama is right. . .
This isn't really any of my business. . . And if anyone can really get some sense into that Fire Demon, or at least talk to him, make him understand something. . . It will be Miyuki. . .
"Come on Little Lotus, let's get you home." I hear my Fox-Demon telling me soothingly as his arm rubbed my arm. I just sighed again and accepted his suggestion.
I turned on my heels and continued on with our path toward the train station, with my legs carrying me, and mind racing through many things without any break.
At this point all I can do is pray for the gods, or whoever is willing to listen to my pleas, because this is all too much for me. We just defeated another evil being that wants to tip the world's balance, create more chaos. . . And after a month or so, they decided to pop their heads out of nowhere again. . .
I can be there when help is needed, but at the same time, I just can't go on like this forever.
I . . . I Just can't anymore. . .
We all went through torture . . . We already have many hard times before. . .
I don't want to be thrown into any of this anymore. . .
And. . . I don't want to lose anyone to another deathmatch. . .
Not like. . . her. . .
If only. . . there is a way that the people I love can be happy. . .
If only there is a solution to find peace. . .
_________________________________________________________
"Are you sure you don't mind it Miyu?" Yusuke asked as he dried his hair with the towel that I was able to fetch up from somewhere.
"Hn, if I did, then I wouldn't even suggest it in the first place." I retorted to him with an annoyed tone as I finally got to dry myself better.
"Y-yeah, right. . ." My brother stammered while that big drop of sweat began to roll off of his forehead. I just rolled my eyes at him and went over the window to check on Aki and Puu who poked their heads inside to see Yusuke. "Hey there, you guys!" My sibling greeted the two gigantic Spirit Beast, and began to pet them each in the head. The two accepted his affection without hesitation. . .
But while he was doing that, and was not paying much attention to me, I turned my head and looked at the outside world expectedly. . . for some reason. . .
My eyes trying to focus through the rain shower's thick cover while I try to look for something. . . or rather. . . someone. . . Maybe because in the depths of my soul. . . I was secretly waiting for Hiei to just show up again like in those last times. . . Like. . . my heart telling me that, I really need him right now. . . But I my logical side knows better than to hope in such foolish ideals of mine. . . wanting something that I once had. . .
Then came a small knock at my room's door ripping me out of my thoughts and making me snap my head toward its direction.
There, I see Boss Baby himself in his glorious form that already hit puberty for who knows how many times.
"Koenma?" I questioned him while my eyebrow rose up to the ceiling.
"What happened there at Kuroko's?" Koenma questioned us, getting right on the point. "I called her not too long ago, and from her I heard that there were three demons that wanted to chat with you two."
"How much did she tell you?" I asked him as I walked away from the window and sat at the edge of my bed.
"Not much.." The brunette teen boy answered to my question as he set himself comfortable by leaning against the wall behind him. "But she did suggest to ask about both of your point of views."
"Of course, you are." Yusuke commented tiredly with an eyeroll of his. "So how many would you like to hear?" He questioned but in a more sarcastic tone, but the brunette teen in front of us ignored it.
"All of it." Koenma asked, his expression turning into a serious one. "Because if we don't do something about it, all three worlds could be destroyed, just like at the time when Zankoku was at his best." Again, here we go again, another rollercoaster ride is waiting for us, caring so little about how we would feel about it. . .
I gave out a small and bitter sight before fixating my hair and look at the prince's direction.
"There were three demon monks that came unannounced." I began with the explanation. "Their leader, Hokushin was an S Class demon, but he and his comrades used some kind of device to make it low enough for them to come. They asked both me and Yusuke to come back to Demon World, because their King, Raizen is dying. "
"What?" Koenma exclaimed slightly with a surprised tone as he got from his resting spot and leaned closer to us in a halt. "Raizen as in, Toshin Raizen, one of the Kings in Demon World?" As a reply I silently nodded my head, and from the corner of my eyes, I even see Yusuke nodding as well.
"Yeah, who we are also related by blood." My brother adder more context. " Man, it's almost like we are in it's some sort of plot from some messed up manga or some shit. . ." Yusuke commented out loud with sarcasm in his voice, but of course, I agreed with him on this strange part.
"And what did you two say to them?" The prince asked us, looking uneasy and sounding urgent. "Did you agree to go back to Demon World?!" He now questioned this one, sounding a bit urgent, like he we are gambling or some horse shit.
"Well, the baldheads gave us a deadline after three weeks. . ." Yusuke told him trailing down with his sentence and sound really disappointing. And that caught my attention like he really wanted to. . .
Does he really consider accepting the offer. . . ?
"You are thinking of accepting it, Yusuke?" Koenma voiced out my question on point, and I turned to look at Yusuke's face.
I hear him sigh out loud before bumping the back of his head against the wall while closing his eyes and later on run a hand through his black locks, frustration starting to show on him.
"I really don't know, but. . ." My brother began, hesitantly, but I cut in fast.
"Just say it Yusuke." I told him, my tone going a little firm, but later on it began to soften up a little while the muscles on my face began to relax as well. "No one here is going to judge you." I added my reassurance as well, because I know how he can be at times with judgements from others. Especially the ones that are coming from people him and I are close to.
After all, we had faced them many times from people around us. . . And we had to endure them ever since we were born into this world. . . However, we had each others' backs then. . .
Even though we never really had the best relationship in these past years, we still had that mutual agreement between us as siblings, whenever it comes to the judgements of others. . . .
A long pause later. . . Yusuke finally give an answer. . . An answer that I never expected to hear from him. . . but at the same time I knew deep in my heart that it was the response all along. . .
"Right off the bat, as always you guys. . ." He confessed with honesty before taking out a long sigh through his nose. "Yes, I do think about going back to Demon World. . ."