Life Goes On

Sorry, folks. I've not been feeling well lately. We've had cold, wet weather here and that really bothers my arthritis and my asthma, too. Then both of these ailments, not to mention the allergies I've been developing lately, serve to drive my Diabetes levels higher than they should be so I just want to sleep all the time. I'm not ducking out of any of my projects, though, so please be patient. Thank you.


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Scene 7 ------------------------------------------- Demon World

* Yukina is sitting on the edge of a low-built, modern-type bed tucking a thin blanket up over Kasaba. She caresses the sleeping boy's cheek, still damp from when he'd cried himself to sleep. The ice maiden is amazed at how much he has grown up, obviously faster than a normal child his age would. She also sighs at how much he resembles his human Father Kuwabara. Yukina then looks toward the door to the small room when it opens slowly. She stands when Ryuji enters and faces her.


Yukina- Who are you? Why do I feel so.. connected to you?

Ryuji- You should know me,.. sister.


* The fire demon's red eyes flick toward Kasaba a bit nervously.


Ryuji- Is the boy okay?

Yukina- Frightened... You called me..?

Ryuji- I don't have much time.. Your only saving grace right now is that Kurai has no idea who you truly are.. or that we're related.

Yukina- Related? - Then this is why you look so much like.. You're a full fire demon..


* Ryuji cocks his head momentarily as if listening to an imaginary voice.


Ryuji- Kurai is busy feasting on someone else or I wouldn't be able to be here.. So just listen.. My name is Ryuji. For now, that's all you need to know about me. I'm going to do everything I can to keep you safe until I can contact Lord Hiei.. You must trust me and not let on that I have spoken to you. Do you understand this?


* When Yukina nods Ryuji listens again a moment.


Ryuji- Kurai is a blood demon.. Do you understand the implications of this?


* When Yukina nods with wide eyes the taller, dark demon sighs.


Ryuji- No doubt, Lord Hiei already knows that you're missing.. He watches you like a hawk.. I can only hope that he'll find us soon.


* Ryuji looks past Yukina toward Kasaba.


Ryuji- I will reveal to Master Kurai whatever I must to keep you alive until I learn more of his plans, sister.. But I may not be able to do much for that half human boy..

Yukina- This.. half human boy.. is our brother's grandson.. If it's him that this blood demon is after..

Ryuji- Hiei's.. grand.. Wait, you mean this is.. Imiko?

Yukina- Yes. But he only knows his human name Kasaba.

Ryuji- Oh s---..!


* Yukina is a little stunned when the black, flame-haired demon blinks past her to the bed. She watches him bend to lay a hand on Kasaba's forehead a moment. Yukina moves carefully over beside her step-brother to see that he has his eyes closed. Just as she speaks Ryuji pulls his hand away.


Yukina- What's wrong?

Ryuji- This boy is very strong.. I may have to reveal his importance to Master Kurai..

Yukina- Why do you call that blood your master?


* Ryuji turns to glance upward.


Ryuji- I have to go. He's calling me..

Yukina- I, too, will do whatever I have to for Imiko's safety.


* Ryuji rubs his chin thoughtfully as he glances back down at her.


Ryuji- Can you give me a Hireusecki?


* Yukina studies Ryuji a moment, then bows her face into her hands. In a couple moments she raises her face and holds up her hands. Ryuji nods and takes the two pearlescent gems.


Ryuji- There's only one thing Master Kurai loves more than blood.. Money.. If I have to, I will use these to show him how valuable you truly are.

Yukina- I understand.. I will produce as many as I need to for Imiko's safety.


* Ryuji nods again then leaves quickly. Out in the hall he holds one of the teargems up in front of the torch's flames to inspect it. He then repeats the inspection on the other.


Ryuji- Exquisitely perfect, sister.


* Ryuji then pockets the gems and looks toward the cieling with a scowl.


Ryuji- Uh, d--- it! I'm coming, already! -- Son of a b----..


* Ryuji hurries up a couple flights of stairs. When he reaches the landing at the top of the stairs the lumbering demon Gustus comes around a corner in the hall that leads to the main house.


Gustus- There you are. The master is screeching for you.

Ryuji- I heard him. I'm on my way.

Gustus- Takin' a peek at our maiden, were ya?

Ryuji- Mind your own business, Gustus.

Gustus- It's no biggie.. I was just on my way down to visit her myself.

Ryuji- If you touch her, you will die.


* Ryuji holds a fist up and it bursts into flames. The weaker, lumbering demon quickly turns and heads back the way he came. Ryuji smirks and shakes his hand back to normal, 'Thank Enma you're all gutless cowards'. The fire demon then raises the hand to his temple.


Ryuji- I said I'm coming, Master!


* Ryuji shakes his head angrily and blurs away.