<<Prison Arc>>
<<Am I a Demon? | I am a Demon | In Arrogance We Fall | No Regrets | Mistakes Were Made | Even Though I Am a Demon>>

The days are going by, and the date of Byakko's execution is approaching. And in his cell, the demon is choosing silence, though he cannot silence the demons of his own past as his fury grows with every recollection of his banishment. Elsewhere, Kumatetsu is likewise haunted by events of a much closer past, his heart torn by betrayal by Byakko's hateful words. Urged by his friends, the bear chooses to go have a heart to heart with the recovering Iozen, who in turn is haunted by his injuries, and some surprising words from his beloved child.


.:Rated general for:.
>Fundoshi

Yu Yu Hakusho is © Yoshihiro Togashi & Shueisha.
The Boy & the Beast is © Studio Chizu.


Word Count: 3619

If you enjoyed the story, feel free to comment and fave, I'd really appreciate it.

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Mistakes Were Made

The dungeons, though always dank and gloomy, seemed to be getting colder by the day as Byakko’s execution loomed. And yet Soshi marched, warm as ever, before the demon’s cell. By now his scar had healed so thoroughly there was nary a mark left on his now, almost flat middle. Truly his regenerative powers were beyond everything he had expected, and by that same token, the Lord sometimes wondered if cutting off the demon’s head would even kill him. A demon’s biology was something to be admired, and feared…. “I’ve come again Byakko,” the rabbit said slowly to the downturned head, “to ask again.”

The tiger didn’t move, though that was effectively because of the extra thick chains binding him to the spot. It had been very annoying that he had broken his chains in his prior confrontation with Kumatetsu. Regardless, Byakko chose silence; not even giving the lapin the dignity of even looking him in the eye. Soshi eyed him carefully, and sighed. “I’m disappointed in you, Byakko, but I cannot say I am surprised. I have decided this will be the last time I visit you, and do hope I can keep my promise. It is getting difficult to look at you now, and I hope that once you have passed, perhaps then my conscience will ease. Goodbye, Byakko” he said quietly, and left.

The tiger didn’t move. He didn’t even bother to smirk in triumph. It wasn’t worth it, even though he hated that damn rabbit. How could he even pretend to care like that? Who was he fooling? It was almost sick to be toying with him like that, trying to manipulate him into being something he wasn’t. But what was a demon without demons to be around? “You will be banished, forced to wander the planes of existence with no hope of return. I care not for which world you may end up in, but that world will be your tomb. This will be your punishment for your failures!”

The demon’s claws clenched tightly, a lump throbbing in his temple as he forced the thought away. The memory of his banishment had been bubbling up in his mind frequently now, and a dark feeling would build in his chest until he thought of something else. But it was always there, in the back of his mind waiting to come forth again. “Yes, we are grateful for your diligence Seiryu. But you, Byakko? You’ve disgraced us!”

The tiger shuddered through his grit teeth. “Why… Suzaku?” he whispered hoarsely.

“ENOUGH! Byakko, you are to be stripped of your title, your rank, your powers, and you are to be cast out!”

________________________________________

Elsewhere in Jutengai, a bear bakemono was standing on the verandah of his house in his fundoshi, the rays of sun bouncing off his perky red cheeks as he too was staving off unwanted thoughts. “HAA!” Kumatetsu shouted, punching at the air.

“Coward. Just like the rest of your detestable race. One bite and you’re terrified for your life as well. Get out of my sight.”

“RRRRRRRR-AAHHHHH!” the bear roared, upper-cutting the wind.

“What the hell do you even care?”

Snorting furiously, Kumatetsu tensed hard and unleashed a punch powerful enough the wind whirled around him.

“None of that mattered, ever. Whatever you think we had meant NOTHING TO ME!”

The bakemono screamed at the top of his lungs, punching hard with his left arm this time. “ARGH!” He groaned, falling to his knees from the pain surging from his shoulder. “Shit” he grunted, clasping his arm tightly.

It was impossible to get in the right headspace anymore. Usually he would sometimes think of Iozen when training, but now his damn brain was full of that obnoxious, smirking tiger. How? How the hell could he do that? Just throw his own damn life away when he could walk away if he just said sorry? How could his damn, stupid, childish pride convince him that death would be better? A frustrated growl escaped Kumatesu as he punched the ground testily. “Damn that bastard. Damn everyone!” he seethed.

Everything was going so well, then that damn crybaby went and pissed his damn diaper, complaining about it all the time. Oh, I’m a demon! Grrrr I’m A dEmOn! What the hell did that even mean? What was a demon when you got down to it? “A pain in the ass” Kumatetsu muttered, getting back up and scratching said-ass.

Boxing with one arm wasn’t the best way to train, but since he had a little longer for his wounds to heal, it was all he had.

“None of that mattered, ever. Whatever you think we had meant NOTHING TO ME!”

His arm went limp mid-punch, falling lightly as he tried to shake the thought free. Why was it, out of everything Fatass had said, that that line, specifically, irritated him so much? There was enough of that demon to piss off an entire town (which he had achieved by the way), so why was it that one that got to him so much? “This is useless.”

Collapsing on the stone bench, he let his feet hang off the verandah and had his head to the wind. Well, at the very least, once Fatass was gone he could focus on fighting again. Maybe get a pupil too. The Lord had suggested that, but who would even be worth training? You need a special sort to keep up with him, and would need endurance like an elephant. Or a demon- “DAMN IT!”

Hanging his sweaty head, the bear rotated on the spot, almost kicking Hyakushubo in the process, with one nasty toenail almost cutting Tatara’s face. “Good afternoon Kumatetsu” the pig monk greeted plainly.

“Jeez, cut your nails” the monkey beside him complained.

“The heck you two sneaking up on me for?” Kumatetsu complained, sitting sideways on the stone bench.

“I was going to say something, but you were having a bit of a moment” Hyakushubo said dryly. “I came to see how you were recovering, and Tatara came along with me.”

“Hey now, I did also wanna see if Kumatetsu was doing alright. Plus having the place to ourselves again without the demon is pretty sweet” the simian bakemono grinned. His smile faded from the intensity of the ursine bakemono’s glare. “L-look, he was bad news alright?” Tatara said defensively.

“What do I care about him? He never cared about me?” Kumatetsu stated coldly.

“Then it may be best if we stop talking about him, for your sanity’s sake” the monk suggested.

“Fine, but what else can we talk about? The whole city is nothing but Fatass, Fatass, Fatass. Nothing else is being said!” the bear grumbled.

“I have heard that Iozen has recovered enough to receive visitors” the monkey chimed in, his nails lazily scratching his chin. “People have even been bringing him get well gifts.”

“Of course they would. I’ve noticed no one’s come here wishing me to get well” Kumatetsu complained petulantly.

“Would you want them to?” Hyakushubo inquired. “You aren’t exactly in the most welcoming moods these days.”

“It’d be nice, that’s all! It’s just cause he’s the goodie goodie, that’s all” the ursine fighter sneered.

“And you the evil demon” the monkey smirked.

The monk gave him a warning glance, and the smile faded once again. “I think we should say people’s concern is due to the severity of his injuries. He was lucky they weren’t fatal, though he won’t be training for many months now” the pig surmised.

“Well good, more time for me to get ahead” Kumatetsu grinned, preferring to think on the bright side.

“I had been thinking maybe you should visit him too” Hyakushubo suggested. “It might help put to rest the idea you were hoping he’d die, or had intentionally sic’ed Byakko on him.”

“People really think that, don’t they?” the crimson bakemono said bitterly. “I could barely control that tubby asshole on a good day; they really think I could get him to do what I want? He’d probably do something nice for Iozen just to be a contrarian asshole if I asked him to hurt him.”

“Regardless, it would also be the noble thing for you to do, Kumatetsu” the pig pointed out.

The bear sucked air through his teeth as he thought it over. “Fine! I do wanna see what Fatass did to him up close anyways. Right!” he declared, slapping his knees and getting up. “Better go see that jackass then.”

His two friends looked down carefully, and then back up to Kumatetsu’s face. “You should probably get dressed first” Tatara pointed out.

The crimson bakemono looked down at his nearly naked self, and bore an actually amused smile. “Yeah, probably” he chuckled.

________________________________________

Kumatetsu was now in high spirits as he walked down the bamboo path to Iozen’s home. Of course the nepotistic asshole got to enjoy an ancestral home on top of everything else, while he himself was living in effectively a hovel. Still, it was hard to shake his good mood as he drank in the groans coming from the front gate. The boar’s students had been very rude and confrontational. It’s not like he had to do what he did, but he sure as hell wanted to, and it felt good. “Guess Iozen’s not the good teacher he thinks he is” the bear thought smugly as he knocked on the front door.

It was a silent wait for too many awkward seconds until the door was opened by a plain pig woman. “Crap, what’s Iozen’s wife’s name?” Kumatetsu suddenly worried as he stared into the sow’s worried eyes. “Uhh, hi Mrs. Iozen. I’m here to see your jac- Your husband” he said in tone sort of resembling politeness, but without quite grasping the meaning.

“Iozen is still recovering from some previous guests. I don’t think he’ll be seeing anyone else today” the woman said furtively.

“Look, it won’t be long. And uhh, I probably should apologize for what happened, since Fatass isn’t here to do it” Kumatetsu insisted. “Or even wants to” the meaner part of his mind thought.

Iozen’s wife seemed at ends, casting a quiet glance behind her. “Just, try not to be too long. My husband needs his rest” she sighed, and opened the door.

“Thanks” the crimson bakemono said crassly.

He tried not to pay too much attention to Iozen’s place, instead staring straight ahead until he was guided to the boar’s room. “Please wait here” the female pig said as he slipped inside.

Exhaling slowly, the bear idly tapped his foot as he wondered what he was even going to say. Really he didn’t even know Iozen well enough to even have small talk with him. And what else he was going to say? Sorry my rampaging demon charge mauled you. I’ll do better to control his uncontrollable temper next time? “Hmm?”

Snapping his neck to the right, Kumatetsu caught sight of Iozen’s older son, Ichirohiko, staring at him from the end of the hall. There was something about the way the kid looked with his piercing eyes that always put the crimson bakemono on edge. Just… something was unnatural about him. “My husband will see you now” the female pig said from the doorway.

She stared at him expectantly, and had politely ignored his sudden surprised yelp and jump from addressing. “Th-thanks” the bear said in embarrassment, before looking down the hall to find Ichirohiko gone.

Once inside, Kumatetsu did his best to not show disgruntlement at how big Iozen’s bedroom was, especially his bed. He remained stoic as the door closed behind him, leaving just him, and the boar. The boar didn’t look too bad, aside from the large quantity of bandaging around his chest, or from the glassy, almost resentful look being worn by its owner. “I’m surprised you came” the golden bakemono remarked.

“I felt it was a good idea. Show everyone I care sort of thing” the bear uttered carelessly.

“Your concern is very heartwarming, Kumatetsu” the boar put glibly.

“Yeah, I, well, y’know” the crimson bakemono rambled, then sighed. “Look, I didn’t set you up, if that’s what you think. I don’t know what got into Fatass’ head or why he went after your kid, besides wanting a snack, I guess? I could barely control him half the time, and never after he lost his damn mind” he admitted while sitting at the foot of Iozen’s bed.

“Did you really just come here to make some excuses at me?” the golden boar sighed, mostly in disappointment.

“I came because, well, I am sorta glad he didn’t kill you. But, mostly, I wanna know what he said” Kumatetsu answered.

“You heard his insults, clear as day Kumatetsu” Iozen said all too hastily.

“Yeah, I know those insults. I wanna know what he said to you when he got real close to you. I know Fatass, probably better than anyone else. He likes getting under your skin. And I know you enough to know you wouldn’t turn anything sharp on anyone, not even your worst enemy. He must’ve said something really bad to make you gore him like that” the bear observed.

The golden bakemono’s hands clung tightly to his sheet. “I… cannot repeat it. He said something unspeakable. Something no bakemono should ever hear about their family. I refuse to repeat it now” he decided.

“I guessed yeah” the bear sniffed. “He said some weird stuff, which I don’t really get. You’re not going to tell me what he meant are you?”

“No” was the sharp reply.

It was quiet between the two who seemed disinterested in looking each other in the eye. “They’re going to kill him in a few days” Kumatetsu suddenly declared.

“Some may think they should’ve done so sooner” Iozen said grimly.

“I just wanted you to know” the crimson bakemono explained.

“Because you blame me?”

“No. Just figured someone should care that he’s dying” Kumatetsu said, getting off the bed.

“You don’t?” Iozen asked.

“According to him there was nothing between us. So I guess I don’t. Be seeing you Iozen. Get better soon.”

And then he was gone, leaving Iozen very much, definitely, truly, alone. “You can stop listening from the window Ichirohiko” he called to the open bedroom window. A young head with a boar hat popped up from under the window sill, and nimbly climbed inside. “I thought I told you to stop eavesdropping on my private conversations” the boar scolded.

“I’m sorry Father. I just wanted to know why you let Kumatetsu speak with you?” the young boy asked.

“It’s not as if he is forbidden to do so” the golden bakemono pointed out.

“But he’s a total oaf! An embarrassment Father!” Ichirohiko protested. “You have better things to do than to talk to him.”

“Perhaps, but I was feeling charitable enough to see him, since he was courageous enough to even come here in the first place.”

“He was?”

“He felt some responsibility for what happened, even though he wasn’t the one who hurt me. That takes some courage; or, at least, some courageous selfishness.”

“I see, Father” the child said quietly.

There was a quiet between them, broken by another surprise visitor. “Lord, what a pleasant surprise” Iozen remarked as Soshi entered through the door, for once.

“That is very good. Would have hated for my intrusion to have been an unpleasant surprise” the old rabbit chuckled. It was clearly a chuckle he shared with none, as the boar was quite uncomfortable and the boy stared placidly. “Well, how are you recovering Iozen?” Soshi asked, the disappointment of his joke masked behind pleasantry.

“I have a way to go before I will be able to train again. Thankfully there is no long term damage, but the doctors don’t want me to work myself too hard until they feel I have fully recovered” the boar replied.

“Very good, very good. And I believe that was Kumatetsu leaving yes? How good it was to have him visit you” the lapin said with a knowing smile.

“Yes. I was very surprised myself that he came. We talked for a short while, but that was it” the golden bakemono explained.

“What a busy day for you Iozen. But, I admit, I have not come purely on a well-wishing venture. Truthfully what I plan to ask of you is very selfish of me, but it must be done” Soshi sighed.

“Is it about the demon’s…?” Iozen began, but paused to look at his son. “Ichirohiko, the Lord and I have something to discuss. I would like you to leave and… go wash your feet. They have become very dirty from the garden bed” he ordered.

“Oh, I think he’ll be fine. Nothing too special to discuss really” Soshi began, his hand waving dismissively. “Your son will be quite fine hearing what I have to say.”

The golden bakemono grunted, but, who was he to deny the Lord’s will? Thinking things at least safe enough, he began anew: “This is about the demon’s execution, isn’t it?”

The rabbit seemed a little taken aback, or perhaps he just seemed disappointed? The Lord was unreadable at times. “I suppose Kumatetsu told you that?” he figured.

“He did.”

“That Kumatetsu, always a troublemaker. Yes, Byakko is due to be executed soon. Privately, of course. I do not wish to make such a sorry affair a public spectacle. However, I would like you to be there, as a witness to events” the lapin bakemono explained.

“So I can confirm to the others that he is indeed dead?” Iozen guessed.

“Yes, and to ensure that justice is done. He is, after all, the one who injured you so harshly that you now lay bedridden, after all” Soshi commented.

It seemed like an innocent enough remark, and yet, the boar’s hair bristled, and something surged from the pits of his morality. “It wouldn’t have happened had I not lost my temper first” he admitted guiltily.

“It’s not like the demon didn’t deserve it….”

The two adults stared at Ichirohiko, who had become so quiet he had nearly faded into the room. “What did you say?” the Lord asked.

The child flinched, but something seemed to fuel him, pushing him onwards. “The demon deserves it” he repeated, albeit forcefully. “He chased me and Jiromaru through the streets and has done a lot of bad things. He hurt my father so badly he can’t do anything but lie in bed all day!”

“True, true, as expected from another injured party” the rabbit nodded in agreeance.

Iozen seemed a little lost for words; what had come over his son? “Ichirohiko, I agree that he shouldn’t have chased you or injured me, but death is not something anyone “deserves”” he said scathingly.

“But you said justice must be done to those who do wrong” the boy returned forcefully. “You said you wanted that demon gone! Why aren’t you happy to be getting what you want?”

The boar grunted as he pulled himself higher in his bed, revealing more bandages as he did so. “Because justice isn’t about getting what you want, it’s about doing what’s right! And I will NOT have you talking like that about anyone. Do you understand me?” he growled fatherly.

The boar-hatted child seemed to back off, and he nodded. “Sorry Papa” he said sheepishly.

“Go wash your feet, Ichirohiko” Iozen sighed, returning to his relaxed position.

The boy left without a word, and the rabbit stroked his chin thoughtfully. “He is quite the strong-willed young boar, isn’t he?” he remarked.

“Perhaps a little too strong-willed. I don’t know where he gets ideas like that from” the golden bakemono sighed and shook his head.

“Children have such a pure and simple view of the world, Iozen. To them, justice could be much the same as getting what you want if there is a villain in play” the old lapin philosophized. “We do often teach our children through stories that the day is saved once the villain is slain. Quite a childish view of justice, once you start to think about it.”

“I just…. I do not want any of my children expressing joy at the idea of anyone dying, no matter how much they may seem to deserve it. Whatever the demon has done, truthfully, no one “deserves” to die” Iozen explained.

“Though, some may need to die, if it’s necessary for the safety of others?” Soshi asked piercingly.

The boar grimaced, and wanted to look away from the rabbit but couldn’t. “Some people are just… beyond redemption” he decided.

“Perhaps. A leopard cannot change his spots, no matter how much he may try. And yes, perhaps a demon cannot change his stripes. You have done much to help ease my worries about this. I will send a messenger along tomorrow to let you know the time and place of the execution. And while it is not mandatory for you to be there, I would like you to be, to ensure that justice, truly, is done. But I will burden you no longer. Rest well Iozen, though not for too long. We can’t have a candidate resting on their laurels can we?” the old bakemono chuckled, and in a blink, he was gone.

“Indeed” Iozen said quietly as he settled down in his bed.

He wasn’t sure why, but the way the lord spoke about his injuries brought a guilt in him he hadn’t felt since he was being disciplined by his own father. Yes, he had struck first, but with what the demon said, could you blame him? It just begged the question though: How did he know Ichirohiko was human?