Life Goes On

Nope, thoth, the other subplot has nothing to do with Yomi and Mukuro. I thought the kitchen scene would blow the surprise, lol.

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Scene 57 ------------------------------------------- Alaric

* Even with his speed and his special transportation orb, it takes Yomi nearly the whole rest of the day to find the mobile fortress. His appearance, unexpected of course, causes the guards at the front door to nearly collapse from panic.


Yomi- Relax, I come in peace.

Guard #1- Call for Lord Ryuji!


* The second guard hurries inside the door. The first guard continues to watch the Ganderan Lord, despite his assurance of peace. In a few moments, Ryuji appears in the open doorway to face Yomi unafraid.


Ryuji- Lord Yomi. We had no word that you were coming.

Yomi- I was just over to visit Lord Urameshi.. I wish to see Mukuro.

Ryuji- Don't you mean Lord Mukuro?


* Ryuji crosses his arms with a slight smirk. Yomi scowls down at him.


Yomi- Do not press me into calling her what I truly desire to.


* Ryuji hesitates then turns to lead Yomi inside. In the long, dark hall that leads to one of the councilrooms, Ryuji half glances up at the goat beside him. He uses his jagan to communicate, knowing that Yomi will hear him.


(#) Ryuji- If you mean words like b----, tyrant, monster.. I concur.

(#) Yomi- Those would be a few good choices.

(#) Ryuji- So, why are you here?

(#) Yomi- To do whatever I can to get your Lord to let you help your brother.


* Ryuji sighs and shakes his head slightly as he looks back ahead.


(#) Ryuji- I'm afraid it's not wise to mention either Hiei's or Yusuke's name to her right now.


* They pause before entering the councilroom.


(#) Yomi- Do you think I fear her?

(#) Ryuji- She did beat your a-- before.

(#) Yomi- She got lucky.


* Ryuji's mouth tilts in a half smirk again as he turns and leads Yomi through the double doors into the larger, but not much brighter, councilroom. The new Second moves to the intercom on the desk off to one side.


Ryuji- Lord Mukuro. Lord Yomi is here to see you.. We are in Councilroom three.


* There is a long moment of silence, then Mukuro's angry voice returns volumously through the small intercom.


Mukuro- I'm not entertaining visitors today! Send him away!


* Yomi moves over to press the button and speak before Ryuji can react.


Yomi- I haven't come all the way across two territories to be brushed off, Mukuro.

Mukuro- I'm sorry to hear you wasted your time, Yomi.

Yomi- You have two choices.. Get down here and face me.. or get yourself a new Second.


* Yomi holds a hand up to stave Ryuji off when the fire demon steps back into a defensive posture.


Mukuro- Is it so important that you would risk war with me?

Yomi- Hai.


* Another stretch of silence.


Mukuro- Ryuji, see to the goat's comfort.. I'm on my way down.


* Yomi releases the button and chuckles.


Yomi- Sometimes force is the only thing she'll understand.

Ryuji- You and Hiei are the only two I've ever seen manipulate her.


* Yomi moves to sit down in one of the chairs at the large table.


(#) Yomi- So why does she want your brother's baby?


* Ryuji hesitates, then goes over to stand beside Yomi.


(#) Ryuji- I'll tell you what I told the Toushin.. She's wanted Hiei's baby ever since she met him.. She is the only Makai Ruler without a true heir.

(#) Yomi- I thought she chose Hiei to be her heir.

(#) Ryuji- She destroyed the copies of those papers in a fit of rage.. But the originals are still in her safe.


* Before they can exchange anything else, Mukuro enters rather boisterously.


Mukuro- Say your piece to me then leave.

Yomi- If you'll calm yourself down I have a proposal.


* Mukuro stands still to look from Yomi to her Second and back.


Mukuro- If this is some kind of a conspiracy between the two of you..

Yomi- Why would I conspire with this unknown fire demon?


* Ryuji glances a scowl at Yomi then shrugs at Mukuro. Yomi stands.


Yomi- You are aware that there was an assassination attempt on Lord Urameshi.

Mukuro- Nothing happens in Demon World that I'm unaware of.


* To this statement Yomi lowers his face and chuckles a moment. Then he is struck with a disturbing thought and looks toward her again.


Yomi- If I learn that you had anything to do with that attempt..


* Yomi relaxes when he senses the anger that flares inside Mukuro.


Mukuro- If I wanted that punk dead he would already be laying beside that pathetic Father of his! I do not send someone else to do my killing in such a dispicable fashion!

Yomi- Of course.. You enjoy the killing too much.. So what satisfaction will you get from either Hiei's or his baby's death?

Mukuro- That is none of your concern.

Yomi- I'm making it my concern.

Mukuro- What should it matter to you?!

Yomi- Because I find that I rather enjoy the relative balance of power that Demon World has settled with since Urameshi's Tournament.

Mukuro- Then you've gone soft as all the rumors say you have.


* Yomi scowls until he recomposes himself and considers the information that his senses have collected during their exchange.


Yomi- I'm afraid I made a misjudgement concerning you.. I had no idea that you were this cold and uncaring, Lord Mukuro.


* Yomi tilts his face toward Ryuji a moment.


Mukuro- My motives are my own.. I don't meddle in your territory.. I request that you show the same courtesy.

Yomi- I didn't come here to.. meddle.. I came to attempt to reason with you on Lord Hiei's behalf.. I've found the small guy to be worthy of both friendship and honor.. If I were you.. in your condition.. I would not turn my back so quickly on my heir..

Mukuro- Thanks to Urameshi I have no heir! Show yourself out!


* Ryuji lowers his eyes. Yomi decides to honor the request, but pauses beside her on the way out.


Yomi- (Quietly) I have an excellent medical staff at my disposal..


* When the proud woman just turns her half-covered face away Yomi senses the coldness that she suddenly exudes. He sighs and continues on his way. Ryuji looks up, but remains quiet as he watches Mukuro move to look out of the large window.


Mukuro- (Quietly) You are dismissed, Lord Ryuji.


* Ryuji bows respectfully then leaves, closing the doors quietly behind him.