Yusuke and Hiei have passed Zerka’s initiation and have received their first rewards. While they celebrated the night away, Kurama was preparing to leave his demon family despite Yokira’s attempts to entice his Yoko side to emerge. While leaving, Remayolo informed him that he had to stay the month to ensure his human mother’s safety. To add to this burden, Yokira threatened to inform the rest of the pack about Kurama’s wife, Midori, if he did not change back into Yoko Kurama. Will Kurama abide to protect Midori? What is Remayolo scheming? What will Yusuke and Hiei learn now that they are in Zerka?

Episode 9 : Strategies Unfold

***FLASHBACK OF KURAMA AND MIDORI***

[By the pond at night, Kurama and Midori are talking to one another.]

Midori: Thank you for your support through this first year, I really appreciate it.

Kurama: Don’t mention it, you have helped me too.

Midori: [averts eyes, blushing] Don’t be silly, I could never repay your kindness.

[Kurama smiles. Midori smiles but a tear trickles out of her eye. Kurama lifts his hand to brush it off with his finger and steps in closer to Midori. They embrace.]

END FLASHBACK

[Kurama stands on his ledge on the mountain during the day staring off to the distance.]

Kurama: I vowed to protect you, I am sorry that the price of your protection will hurt you so much. [turns towards burrow leading to the den; shifts into Yoko Kurama form]

* * *

[Midori sneezes while sitting at the desk in her apartment.]

Midori: Oh, [picks up wedding photo and gazes upon it] I suppose you are thinking of me too, dear. [smiles, replaces photo]

[There is a knock on the door. Midori sets down her pencil and slides her notes into a pile then gets up and goes over to open it and sees Kayko with her son, Kazuki]

Midori: Oh welcome Kayko! What a pleasant surprise; do come in!

Kayko: [enters] Thank you. How have you been feeling?

Midori: I’ve been hanging in there, the best I can. [sits down in a chair] May I hold the little one?

Kayko: Oh that’s right, [hands Kazuki over for Midori to hold] you haven’t met Kazuki yet. [sits down on the couch]

Midori: [cooing] Ah isn’t he the most precious thing you have ever seen? That’s right, you are absolutely precious!

Kazuki: [coos]

Midori: [normal voice] So how has life been treating you?

Kayko: I suppose it is all right. Other than Yusuke gone, I can’t really complain.

Midori: [looks thoughtfully past Kayko] Yes, Kurama has been gone for a while too. I suppose I shouldn’t expect him back until the end of the month.

Kayko: Doesn’t it scare you? That he might not come back?

Midori: [closes eyes and smiles] No. I trust that he will return. [places Kazuki on the ground]

Kayko: [shakes head and smiles] I don’t understand how you can remain so happy.

Midori: How can I not be with such a cute face around? [looks at Kazuki] His eyes are so bright and smile so sure. [Kazuki crawls to the coffee table and holds on the edge] Children are the hope of the future. Our men are out there to protect us and our kids. [Kazuki gets hold of a book and pulls it onto the floor with him] Thanks to them, this little boy will be able keep on smiling and laughing.

Kayko: But he’ll need a father too.

Midori: It is true that sacrifices must be made to preserve peace. Our husbands chose that sacrifice. And we are making a sacrifice to let them go. Not only so they can keep our lives safe, [Kazuki grabs keys and opens the book puts the keys in and closes the cover] but all the others around us. [Kazuki opens the book and sees the keys are still where he left them] When I think of it like that, I can’t help but love Kurama that much more. [Kazuki closes book] He is risking his life for everyone’s freedom. So is Yusuke.

[Kazuki opens the book again to see the keys have not moved. With joy, he clasps his hands together and coos.]

Kayko: It does sound admirable. But Yusuke has gone off so many times in the past; I can’t help but feel, well…selfish. I mean, why can’t someone else take a turn to defend us?

Midori: Is there anyone else capable?

Kayko: Well…

Midori: We married great men. With that comes great sacrifice; where much is given, much is required. We can only expect that there will be other demands for their attention.

Kayko: But what about my need for his attention? It feels like I don’t matter…

Midori: But you do matter! You inspire Yusuke; even when you are not right there beside him. Remember, behind every great man is a very wonderful woman. What you are doing and the sacrifices you make are just as admirable, even if they aren’t as recognizable.

Kayko: I still miss him.

Midori: Look at this little one. [holds Kazuki in standing position] How he turns out will be greatly influenced by his mother. By now teaching him principles of love and truth, you will help him with decisions later down the road. If you don’t believe me, look at my mother-in-law. She raised a demon and he turned out okay.

Kayko: [laughs] I suppose that is true. [takes Kazuki back from Midori]

Midori: So tell me what was it like when you were pregnant…was labor hard? I’m kind of nervous about what it will be like…

* * *

[In the foxes den, Remayolo half grins at seeing Kurama transformed into Yoko Kurama. He strides around him, looking down upon him. Yoko Kurama rigidly stands at attention with serious eyes. Remayolo stops behind him.]

Remayolo: Now here is your true power. [embraces and holds Yoko Kurama from behind] At last we can unite our powers into the element of Life. You’re power is now mine and soon all three worlds will shake at our feet!

* * *

[Morning rises for Zerka. Demons lay scattered across the previous bonfire festivities, most of them are snoozing. Zerk, Modaruk, and other prominent figures in Zerka stand off to the side in serious discussion.]

Prominent Figure #1: We should have enough now to proceed with our plans. I’m tired of waiting!

Zerk: So tell me, Modaruk, what do you see in means of achieving our one goal?

Modaruk: Ehay and Sukeyuay seem to work well as a team and each can hold their own when separate. They are resourceful. I’d wager they would be able to make it to the crystals and back, returning with enough for us.

Prominent Figure #2: We should send them right away then.

Prominent Figure #3: Before they know the purpose; otherwise they might steal the power for themselves.

Zerk: True, those crystals will ensure our victory of taking over all the worlds; we wouldn’t want to let some amateurs overthrow our hard earned achievements. Still, it is risky to send them as they are…

* * *

[Teen Koenma, Botan, and George lie under their table groaning.]

Teen Koenma: Have you found that medicine yet?

George: I told you, they don’t have any, Koenma sir.

Botan: Do you think we’ll have to abort this mission?

Teen Koenma: [suddenly devoid of ailments] And miss what that fish girl wants with Yusuke? Never! We could be on to something here!

***COMMERCIAL BREAK***

[In the fox den, Yoko Kurama sits sternly and quietly. Okiya, Osuko, and Endoya surround him with smiles and caresses. Remayolo stands in front of them while Yokira contently sits off to the side.]

Remayolo: At last we are all reunited again! This calls for a celebration. We should do something fun, exciting, and dangerous. We should go on an adventure that we were not able to do while our brother was absent.

Endoya: So tell us what you have been planning.

Okiya: I don’t believe Little Yoko has caught wind of it yet…

Yoko Kurama: Yes. Why have you so earnestly sought my aid? augh…

[Remayoko shoots a glare at Yoko Kurama. Yoko Kurama collapses forward with eyes wide open and pupils shrunk. His hands hold him up so his face doesn’t hit the ground, but his breaths are shallow and rapid. Yokira alertly rises to one knee.]

Remayolo: Dear brother, remember your place.

[Yoko Kurama slightly nods with a grunt through clenched teeth. Remayolo smirks and Yoko Kurama resumes breathing normally. He sits back up and resumes his calm composure then Yokira goes back to sitting as well. Remayolo stands in silence to build suspense.]

Yokira Voiceover: Why is he being so stubborn? I wanted him back, but seeing him like this just doesn’t feel right…

Remayolo: Once upon a very long time ago; [while talking images appear to go with the monologue] even eons before we came to be, back when Demon World was being created, there were The Mahabi. With enormous power, the world was formed. Virhum created all the soils and dirt we stand on today. Jalap made water flow all around and filled in the crevices. Pavayu surrounded what room remained with atmosphere. Then Anji breathed a sultry breath filling the world with warmth and light. However, these four often bickered. Virhum did not like his work smothered in liquid and would shake to create holes and burry the water and Jalap would mount up enough strength to crumble the formed mountains with tidal waves. Pavayu would send chilling cold winds that would freeze the others while Anji sent lava to entrap them. Each wanted to rule the others and the war between the four raged on. With all their individual efforts however, they could not create much. Then one day, Dokerei came along and stepped in on their fight and took charge. Under his supervision, their combined powers created an environment that living organisms could survive in. Not long after, plants and animals inhabited the world.

Okiya: [now sprawled out in Yoko Kurama’s lap] And that’s what our powers are modeled after. [yawn] What a bedtime story, though Little Yoko probably hasn’t heard that one in a while…

Remayolo: There is another legend however. [complimentary images continue] There was a revolt against The Mahabi after the world was created. Some feared the overwhelming power of these gods, others simply feared the short tempers that could ignite cataclysms that would ruin the lives they had assumed, a few were even jealous and desired the power for themselves. This coalition overpowered The Mahabi and that was the end of them. No one actually knows what became of the seemingly invincible Mahabi. One rumor states that those who lead the insurrection kept all the power for themselves and now hide in the depths of Demon World with unbelievable power. Another anecdote implies that the influential rebels sealed up the power of The Mahabi and use it to grant immortality to those who offer them priceless riches. The hearsay that I would like to scrutinize is where The Mahabi were tired of fighting against that which sprouted from their world and simply faded away after preserving their power into many tiny gems that would maintain the stability of the world. Ziberian Crystals! But if anyone were to hold even one of these stones, they would be filled with such power that they would become invincible. If they fell into the wrong hands, the balance of the world could be disrupted! To prevent this, The Mahabi hid all the Ziberian Crystals. This legendary location is referred to as the Crystal Caverns where obstacles of all sorts block and guard the treasure…obstacles relating to the elements which we control.

Osuko: So now that our pack is complete again, we should be able to make it past all the obstacles.

Remayolo: Precisely, so what do think of my proposition?

Endoya: I think it sounds simply fascinating!

Osuko: With that power and invincibility, we wouldn’t need to be so secretive with our doings anymore.

Okiya: We would gain control over the universe!

[Remayolo glares down at Yoko Kurama, who gives a gasp then tilts his head forward in affirmation. Remayolo, Osuko, Okiya, and Endoya look over at Yokira since she hasn’t responded yet, and has just been sitting silently in the corner the whole time.]

Yokira: [unenthusiastically] Let’s do it.

* * *

[Members of Zerka are still sleeping where they had partied. Ehay is asleep under a table, sitting up against a table leg. Sukeyuay is sprawled out with other members of Zerka nearby.]

Sukeyuay: [quietly mumbles] I don’t need to go to work…it’s cold outside… [rolls to the side while clutching a table cloth as a blanket]

[The Initiatory Demon walks up to Sukeyuay then kicks his side then walks over to Ehay and kicks his shoulder. Ehay raises his head, causing it to hit the table.]

Sukeyuay: You got some nerve interrupting a guy’s dream!

Initiatory Demon: Hey my sleeping beauties! The council wants to see ya!

Ehay: [Emerges from table with hand on head] What is this about?

Initiatory Demon: Oh you’ll see, apparently the two of you have impressed the council.

Sukeyuay: Great! They saw my unique talents!

Ehay: [under breath] Or ouble-tray.

[Sukeyuay and Ehay follow the Initiatory Demon to the council in silence until they arrive. The Initiatory Demon waves his arm to present the two to the council and steps to the side.]

Zerk: Impressive performance during the instigation my brothers. Such caliber is rare to witness even among the finest of our members. We would like to extend leadership opportunities to the two of you. They would, of course, be to help all the members of the brotherhood.

Sukeyuay: [acting cautious] I don’t know… we still don’t know too much about what’s going on. How do you know we won’t screw things up?

Zerk: Wise…very wise. But all you would be required to do is help the others reach your levels of skill.

Sukeyuay: And why, should we except?

Zerk: To help the others, that is why we are a brotherhood is it not? [pause] However…if you were interested in power…or treasure…or just simple pleasure…we may be able to work something out for you. [eyes meet Sukeyuay’s] But only if any of that appealed to you.

Sukeyuay: [serious tone] How about ‘D’? All of the above.

Zerk: We don’t usually let our newcomers come straight to the top, but if you both can prove yourselves, we could make some room for you up here.

Sukeyuay: And what exactly is it that you want us to do?

Zerk: [points] If you travel for a day and a half in that general direction, you should be able to spot a portentous miasma that surrounds the legendary Crystal Caverns. The center of these caverns holds a very unique looking crystal. If you can pass the trials along the way and bring back some of those crystals as proof, then you will have shown you hold all the qualities necessary to accept the responsibilities and privileges among our exalted leadership. And do not worry about our organization’s details; we will give you a perfect understanding of it upon your successful return.

Sukeyuay: And all we gotta do is bring back some shiny trinkets? Sure. You’re on.

Initiatory Demon: Come this way, we’ll make you ready for the journey.

[Sukeyuay and Ehay follow the Initiatory Demon away from the party while the council watches and muses.]

Prominent Figure #1: Well they fell right into that one.

Prominent Figure #2: Gullible as newborns.

* * *

[In the fox den, Yokira, Endoya, and Okiya pamper themselves while chatting]

Okiya: Do you think they will be able to bridge the gap in so short a time?

Endoya: With all the time it took us to achieve what we have now, I doubt it. But Remayolo will make sure Little Yoko is prepared enough for the task.

Okiya: Sister, you must tell us about the humans you have been with. Found any Scrumptious ones?

Yokira: Mmmhmhmhm…such a variety of exceptional delicacies. But alas, since those anti-human eating laws it has just been mortals, mortals everywhere, but not a bite to eat…I didn’t want to attract attention from the wrong demons while there…but it was all so tempting, I did slip a few times; especially when I had pressing males that couldn’t resist me after hearing my voice.

* * *

[In a forest Remayolo observes and directs Yoko Kurama fighting against Osuko. Yoko Kurama lashes a whip at Osuko, but mid-strike it bursts into flames and disintegrates.]

Remayolo: I have supplemented your power, now you must discover what skills you are able to do with that strength now.

[Osuko prepares a ball of fire in his hand. Yoko Kurama uses a bamboo chute to extend towards Osuko as if to spear him, but again his weapon is incinerated. Simultaneously Osuko is hit from the back; he turns and sees rancorous tree limbs protruding from the ground.]

Osuko: [screams] You got me!

[Osuko tackles Yoko Kurama. As they rumble, Remayolo approaches.]

Yoko Kurama and Osuko: [turning for a joint attack] BURNING FOREST BLAST!

[Remayolo crosses his arms in front to block. Yoko Kurama and Osuko laugh as the smoke clears out. Remayolo emerges with a displeased look on his face then springs on top of them, initiating a three-way playful brawl.]

Narrator: And thus training went. Two forces, one goal. But who will gain the prize?

“Kuwabara here to announce that the wait is over! I know you have all been waiting to see yours truly! Okay, so my screen time may be interrupted for a bit just to update you on how the others are doing at that cavern place, But still, Genkai left us her temple to be a sanctuary for demons which Yukina-the love of my life-has been managing splendidly! So be sure to catch us next time on YuYu Hakusho Beyond!”