Survivor

Clarity Scifiroots

A long while ago Shinkou kinda challenged a Yomi fic on me to the song “Survivor”. I agreed and here’s what came out. ;;^^

April 16, 2001

---

<<*Introduction*>>

He stood on one of the high balconies of his palace, simply standing in one place. His ebony hair whipped around his shoulders and across his face. For an instant a familiar scent reached him and he was thrown back centuries to a time when his vision was filled with light… A hand fisted in reflex, aching, but he distracted himself, reflecting.

<<Now that you are out of my life,
I'm so much better>>

That was right, ever since that day when his eyes had… healed shut, he had been bitter. There wasn’t anything he was seeking, any longer…

But not even a year later he had managed to gather faithful followers that were amazed by his skills, “even though he was blind”. Although he took on no one else to warm his bed, to replace his past, beautiful silver lover, his soul had toughened enough that he needed no such company.

This time he had the followers – was the leader. He had the command and took the lead. The power was his alone and he needn’t worry about things slipping from his control.

<<You thought that I'd be weak without ya,
but I'm stronger>>

“Yomi-sama, the expected guest has arrived.”

He turned his head just slightly, replying in a cool tone, “You may lead him to the top of the stairs. Allow him to find me.”

“Yes, sir!” The underling scurried off to follow orders.

For certain he was stronger than he had ever been centuries ago. Had he stayed with the silver youko he would never be where he was. Probably dead… after all, he had almost been –

But he wouldn’t think on that, refused to believe it, still.

<<You thought that I'd be broke without ya,
but I'm richer>>

His kingdom prospered with the highest technology and some of the strongest fighters. His son, Shura, was an amazingly fast learner and catching quickly to his own skills. Still, he himself kept on continuing to improve. He had no other ties other than Shura – no one else to truly care for. He’d moved on and succeeded quite well.

<<You thought that I'd be sad without ya,
I laugh harder>>

Yomi’s lips twitched, and he allowed a smirk to cross his face. Many a times he had laughed at past things said by the youko. How foolish he had been at the time to even listen, but now he could easily show that he had fared quite well and suffered little damage.

<<You thought I wouldn't grow without ya,
now I'm wiser

You thought that I'd be helpless without ya,
but I'm smarter>>

::Flashback::

“At least you’re now learning,” the rich voice sounded rather bored, obviously the youkai knowing he was higher above any of the group he was currently working with.

In the firelight the youko’s figure was outlined in warm tones. Simply sliding back on his garments made him appealing to the eyes and silently the dark-haired youkai watched from the side. He, too, sat and slowly moved to grab his clothes.

Turning his head back, the youko cocked an eyebrow. “You realize you’ll always need a teacher. I suppose I ought to help you out, hmm? And I guess I could…”

“Whatever you think best,” was the low reply. The dark-haired youkai swallowed slightly, meeting the cool golden gaze. The cold eyes narrowed as lips turned up in a smile,

“Good. You’ll listen just as teacher tells you, I’m sure.”

::End::

Moving closer to the balcony railing, Yomi laughed, but it sounded empty. “I do believe I know more than ‘teacher’ now.”

<<You thought that I'd be stressed without ya,
but I'm chillin'>>

“Yomi.”

<And he arrives…> He didn’t care to turn, there was no need to. Let the other approach in due time. For now he was still amusing himself with thoughts of comparing past to present.

At one time he would have been a mess on his own, without a true companion. But he had learned from the youko… had learned how to depend on himself and how to build up walls to keep others away. Now he was able to stand with his back to his once-time lover and keep completely calm without a problem. Mentally he smirked.

<<I'm a survivor (what),>>

The other was approaching, his footsteps nearly silent but still picked up by Yomi’s keen hearing. The dark-haired youkai turned his head slightly. “You’ve come.”

<<I'm not gonna give up (what)>>

He’d made it on his own, as had his past companion; leader; teacher; lover… But there were still things remaining to be said, to be resolved. It was time to finish that.

<<I'm not gonna' stop (what), >>

“Do you remember you past clearly, Kurama?”

<<I'm gonna work harder (what)>>

He heard the quick inhale of breath that betrayed nervousness from the other. So, the other seemed on edge, obviously guessing at the topic he would bring up.

<<I'm a survivor (what), I'm gonna make it (what)>>

So far he had gotten this far, He had no worries over about this conversation. It was insignificant to all he’d faced in the past centuries.

<<I will survive (what), keep on survivin' (what)>>

However, he had to wonder why the other radiated a wavering fear… an unsure emotion about him, something guilty and self-hating.

<<Thought I couldn't breath without ya,
I'm inhalin'>>

Yomi reminded himself he needn’t concern himself with someone else’s fears or emotions. It wasn’t him, so he needn’t bother.

“It’s amusing to feel how young that human soul of yours is,” he remarked. Beside him, the redhead swallowed slowly, watching the expressionless countenance with a bit of wariness. “Do you recall how you continued to convince me that I could do nothing on my own and had to relay on you?”

There was no answer.

<<You thought I couldn't see without ya,
perfect vision>>

“When my sight was taken by…” he skimmed over that and continued with the main thought, “I did loose that light. I can hardly recall what that light looks like anymore, other than that it’s most beautiful. But even so, look where we’re standing now. See what my path turned out to me. I still found it. I could still envision it. Even without…you.”

<<You thought I couldn't last without ya,
but I'm lastin'>>

Yomi turned his head to face Kurama. “Do you see that I’m here? Did you fail with your plans…?”

The redhead took a few staggered breathes, opening his mouth, “A moment… Yomi, I –“

“I’m still here. Made it on my own. And you’re here too, aren’t you? But Youko died and its host was raised. A sort of poetic justice, I suppose. That one so self-confident and independent had to look to someone else to survive.”

<<You thought that I would die without ya,
but I'm livin'>>

Once his sight was suddenly swept away from him, he’d taken the fall off the cliff, incredibly disoriented. He’d been left to die, all of the group that he had had with him had died. He’d been the only one still alive and even in the state he was in, he struggled to keep on, not ready to give up without a fight.

<<Thought that I would fail without ya,
but I'm on top>>

And through all his struggles he was now at the top. One of the most powerful Maikai lords and an extremely formidable opponent.

<<Thought that it would be over by now,
but it won't stop
Thought that I would self destruct,
but I'm still here>>

“I didn’t want to believe it,” Yomi continued after a time. “It doesn’t quite make sense, and is a bit amusing, but I didn’t want to believe that you would have done such a thing. Of course I assume you were attempting my death?” His voice dropped dangerously and a hand curled into a fist involuntarily.

Pausing, he uncurled his fingers, keeping himself calm. “Well, you failed, as you know. And I still kept on while you were lost. Seems the roles are switched, hm?”

Kurama whipped his head away, not wishing to stare at the pale faced framed in silky black hair. The blank look upon that face was tearing at him, causing him to acknowledge his past.

<<Even in my years to come,
I'm still gonna be here>>

“Don’t be so nervous.” The youkai’s hand landed on the redhead’s shoulder. “I’d not condescend to take revenge. It would be worthless.” His lips twitched. “You’re valuable and still quite the amazing fighter.

“I did always admire you; which is something that still remains.” Beneath his hand, Kurama shivered slightly.

“So you’ll keep on here,” Kurama spoke carefully, “and I’ll keep on where I am. So. What else is there? Why…”

<<I'm a survivor (what), >>

“…did you ask me here?” The redhead turned back around and slipped out from underneath Yomi’s hand.

<<I'm not gonna give up (what)>>

“Why did you bring up the past, now? I had an apology before… I don’t know if I can find a sincere one now.”

<<I'm not gonna stop (what), >>

With a hint of a frown, Yomi spoke. “I didn’t wish to acknowledge it in the past. And I don’t need an apology now.”

<<I'm gonna work harder (what)>>

He has to stop for a few moments, gathering his words together. If things were to go correctly, words had to flow smoothly.

<<I'm a survivor (what), I'm gonna make it (what)>>

Kurama murmured, “Well, Youko acts as he does. It is not in his nature to act very caring for it is too much weakness and too much trouble for his profession.

“To make it he became what he was and didn’t care. I cannot apologize for his actions if they are simply what he is.”

<<I will survive (what), keep on survivin' (what)>>

“Of course, understandable,” Yomi replied immediately, turning and moving down the balcony a bit further. “We all do what we need to… survive.”

<<I'm wishin' you the best,
pray that you are blessed
Much success, no stress, and lots of happiness
(I'm better than that)>>

Finding the correct words, or at least managing best he could, once again Yomi started, “Of course the past is where it ought to be, behind us. For future relations, however, I believe that it needed to be brought up and laid out in the open.

“Things can be… wrapped up this way. You keep on with your life in Ningenkai, with your human family and those Tantei friends of yours. There you’re succeeding, are you not? And if you are not happy, you are content.”

There was only silence as Yomi paused, giving Kurama time to reply if he replied.

“Don’t be surprised. Although I doubt much surprises you, even now. I won’t hold any grudges against you. Your skill deserves respect. You have that from me.”

<<I'm a survivor (what),
I'm not gonna give up (what)>>

“I’ve a kingdom to rule, watch over. I see how you must have been thrilled to control others. I assume that has passed now.”

<<I'm not gonna stop (what),
I'm gonna work harder (what)>>

Yomi turned, suddenly wanting to inquire about a certain subject. “Might I question if you’ve moved on to find a… ‘companion’ in this new, human life of yours?”

<<I'm a survivor (what), I'm gonna make it (what)
I will survive (what) , keep on survivin' (what)>>

Suddenly Kurama started laughing lightly. Quickly quieting, he responded, “I’ve found my friends have been enough. Someday I’m sure there’ll be someone else but for now it doesn’t matter to me at all. And I suppose you’ve kept alone?”

“Why take someone else?”

<<After all of the darkness and sadness,
soon comes happiness>>

Kurama was silent and so was Yomi. Within that phrase some ancient emotion has dripped in and has startled both speaker and listener. Swallowing, Kurama parted his lips to speak but nothing came.

Recovering, Yomi commented, “There is Shura to fill my mind, to train him and raise him. It’s best my distractions aren’t elsewhere.”

<<If I surround myself with positive things,
I'll gain prosperity>>

Softly Kurama sighed, but remarked nothing on the bit of anger and want that had leaked through earlier. “He’ll succeed. You’ve been very dedicated to him, I see that. But what do you wish for him?”

“Whatever he would like…” Yomi was facing out over the city. “He wants to have enough strength to beat me in a match, and to take down Yuusuke.”

Kurama grinned. “High standards, for sure.”

A small smirk crossed Yomi’s lips. “Yes, he certainly does have quite the goals.”

<<I'm a survivor (what),
I'm not gonna give up (what)
I'm not gonna stop (what),
I'm gonna work harder (what)
I'm a survivor (what), I'm gonna make it (what)
I will survive (what),keep on survivin' (what)>>

“But, like us, he’ll meet what he’s aiming for. Surely he’ll come bearably close.” As he spoke, Kurama made his way to stand beside Yomi. “He’s got the spirit you had. Of course that spirit still lingers… It’s just… altered.”

Having kept watch of the youkai’s face the entire time, Kurama noted when Yomi reacted slightly.

“You’re right. Time to leave everything where it is and keep on.” The redhead rested a hand on Yomi’s forearm. “I rather amazed…” he said softly, “that you even took to time to bring it up.” He smiled faintly and removed his hand, turning. “Yeah, we’re both survivors, aren’t we? I’m sure your son will be the same.”

<<I'm a survivor (what), >>

Yomi turned as Kurama moved away towards the door back inside the palace. “You will return to Ningenkai?”

“Yes,” came the reply. “I still have college to finish there. Then I’ll have to take on a job.”

“Will you not return to Maikai? A position could easily be obtained for you in Yuusuke’s kingdom… and I’d be pleased to have you here.”

<<I'm not gonna give up (what)>>

Kurama grinned and the wind picked up, tossing long hair in front of either figure’s faces. “I may take you up on the offer later. But I still have my family there. Ningenkai still has many mysteries. I intend to find them out.”

<<I'm not gonna stop (what), >>

“Perhaps, then, you will share with me later.”

Tucking his hair back in place as the wind calmed again, Kurama replied, “I’d like that. All right. Perhaps next time.”

<<I'm gonna work harder (what)>>

“I’ll expect you back in the near future, then,” Yomi told him, still not moving from his position next to the railing.

“Of course!” Kurama’s voice took on a mischievous tone. “I’ll have to continue training to that I might have a match and beat you. It’s been some time since we’ve faced one another.”

“That it has!” Yomi responded with a short bit of laughter.

<<I'm a survivor (what), I'm gonna make it (what)>>

Kurama moved off of the balcony and back inside, knowing his way out. Yomi leaned back against the railing, considering the prospect of having the redhead return. There was no telling when they would talk again, the ‘near future’ could be as much as a few years for most youkai. However, he would like to wait less of time.

Any way, he would wait and continue training Shura and himself. It seemed like a fair challenge that had been proposed. To face one another again would be quite interesting. It excited him almost as much as the idea of matching against Yuusuke.

<<I will survive (what), keep on survivin' (what)>>

He heard footfalls coming towards the balcony and quickly he identified the feel of his son’s aura. With a slight smile he moved towards the doorway to meet with Shura. He was late, he realized, and Shura would insist on making up all lost time.

<Correct, quite high goals… Wait until he understands you more, Kurama, and then he’ll see how to train appropriately. His strength is high, but can he match your other skills?> He smiled and trailed after Shura as his son complained about him not coming to start on time.

~ * ~ * ~ Owari ~ * ~ * ~

for now.

PHEW! I gotta revise this =P