Quest for the Legendary Jewel

[inui_yanagi]

Title: Quest For the Legendary Jewel
Characters: Inui, Yanagi, Yukimura, Echizen, Niou, Jirou, Karupin
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I did not create these characters, nor do i make any money from using them in this work of fiction. Konomi-sensei owns all these boys.
Summary: Lost in a world that they have no idea how they got to, Inui seeks a way to get home.
Notes: I apologize for what I did to Karupin (nothing bad, I assure you, just...you'll see :)); I also apologize for the huge lack of Jirou dialogue. I hope you don't mind too much, as him and Niou were mostly minor characters in the greater scheme of this rather long fic that just didn't really want to end. I think this definetely qualifies as lots of plot line. And I hope it fits into what you were hoping for. As for the list of characters, i seperated them with commas, since it doesn't really feature heavy on romance(though I think it's kind of obvious with Yukimura/Echizen ^.^').

Written for tenipuri_xpair, for arysthaeniru



Yanagi Renji was not surprised when he heard the metal soles of a pair of boots run up the steps of the hut he called home. He smiled to himself. Sadaharu sounds excited. He thought to himself.

“Renji!” Inui Sadaharu called out as he entered the dwelling. “I’ve found it!” He paused. “Well, I didn’t really find it, but I’ve information that will lead to it!” He babbled excitedly.

Yanagi raised his eyebrow. “Calm down, Sadaharu.” He said, sliding a cup of tea into his friend’s hand. “I take it you’re talking about the Dragon’s Tear?” He asked, taking a seat and indicating for Inui to do the same.

Inui nodded, taking a drink. He needed that moment of peace and reflection. “There are rumors...” He started.

“Rumors are not truth, Sadaharu. You should know that.” Yanagi admonished him.

“Rumors also usually have a basis in fact.” Inui countered. “It could be our ticket home.”

Yanagi frowned. “It’s been three years, Sadaharu. There is no way back. This is home now.”

Inui looked at him. “Have you given up so easily, Renji? We’ve figured out how this world works. I still believe there’s a way to go back, even if you don’t.” He said, Yanagi feeling the heartfelt plea in the words that were unspoken.

“Is that why you’ve come?” Yanagi asked, sitting back. “I’m done with adventuring. There is nothing left for me to gain.” He said.

“Ah, but you’d be wrong.” Inui said, leaning forward. “The dragon that guards its tear is a magical being. It’s said it will imbue its magic to the ones that defeat it.”

Yanagi raised his eyebrow. That was almost tempting. “How do you plan on defeating a magical being?” He asked, dreading the answer. Inui grinned. Yanagi frown grew even deeper. “I said no.”

“Please, Renji. You’re the only one with the skills needed to assist me in this endeavor.” Inui begged. Yanagi sighed.

“Let me sleep on it.”

Inui’s grin broadened. “I know what that means.”

“I haven’t agreed yet.” Yanagi told him. Inui rose.

“I don’t think you’ll turn this down.”

That night, Yanagi spent hours reading up the legends of this world’s dragons. He had no idea where the little library had come from, but he was glad of its existence.

He frowned as he found the information related to the dragon Inui had been talking about, and about the Dragon’s Tear jewel. The jewel was just as described - an actual, literal tear fallen from a dragon’s eye. It would seem that they were rare. Apparently dragon’s didn’t cry much.

That wasn’t the part that worried him. It was the amount of magic the dragon that seemed to be the guardian of a small hoard of these magical jewels was rumored to contain. He sighed quietly to himself. “You sure know how to pick a fight, Sadaharu.”

The next morning, Yanagi stood in his doorway. His eyes scanned over the little village that had set up in this somewhat clear space. The morning air was crisp, with just a smattering of dew on the light green grass.

“Renji!” Inui was crossing the town center. Yanagi just stayed in his door. It didn’t take long for Inui to close the distance. “What did you decide?” He asked.

“You can’t do this on your own.” Yanagi frowned. “Nor can you and I accomplish this as we are now. You will not be able to do a thing to that dragon if you do not find a way to accept magic. And even though I’m able to use magic, there is no guarantee that it is enough.” He stated. Inui looked confused.

“But magic just isn’t logical.” Inui protested.

“Magic isn’t logical. But logic can’t beat magic. Only magic can defeat magic.”

“Is that really the only way?” Inui asked quietly.

“If you want the Dragon’s Tear, then yes, it seems that it is.” Yanagi declared. “I shall accompany you, though.” Inui brightened up at that.

“You won’t regret this, Renji.”

“I hope not.”

They sat around Yanagi’s table, taking stock of their equipment. “That puny sword of yours isn’t going to be of much use. Not to mention, without the blade being imbued with some sort of magic, you can pretty much guarantee your failure.” Yanagi said.

Inui frowned, despite being resigned to this.

“There is hope for you yet, Sadaharu.” Yanagi told him, retrieving a folded piece of paper from a bookshelf that revealed a map of the area. “Our loyalties from home have faded so much, it’s a bit confusing now as to who belongs where.” He tapped the dot that marked the village they were currently in. “We’re here. Over here,” He pointed with the end of a quill he’d used for a pen, “is our first stop.”

“That’s Hyotei territory.” Inui remarked, frowning.

“There have been defectors.” Yanagi told him. “Though, it has brought more of an alliance than anything. They have become great mages there. I don’t know what’s happened between those that have left for there, but it would be well worth the journey if you want the skills to defeat this dragon. And it’s not like the borders are guarded, Sadaharu.”

“I know that. I just didn’t think I’d have any business there.”

“You do now.” Yanagi told him. “If we start out now, we should make it by nightfall.” He said, packing up the map and some other essentials.

“You never did tell me how you became such a great mage yourself, Renji.” Inui commented. “Most of Rikkai I had heard had become warriors, mostly for the survival benefits.”

“It’s a story for another time, Sadaharu.” Yanagi told him quietly. “Shall we then?” He indicated the door. Inui nodded and proceeded outside.

“Inui-sempai! You’re leaving so soon?” A pair of golden, cat-like eyes glared at him accusingly from beneath a floppy helmet.

“I am.” He said. Another person came up behind the younger one. “This quest is too dangerous.” He explained.

“I want to go with.”

“Not this time, Echizen.” Inui told him. Yanagi came up behind Inui. He smiled at the pair.

“You’re safer here with Seiichi.” Yanagi told him. “You came here for the training we could give you. It would not be wise to join Sadaharu on this quest at the moment.”

“You’re going to Hyotei, aren’t you?” A quieter voice asked. Yanagi nodded.

“We’ll be careful, Seiichi, I promise.”

“I know you will.” Yukimura said. “Say hi to our friends there.”

“I’m sure they’ll say hi to us first. We need to get to the mountains though.”

“I still want to go.” Echizen spoke up.

“Not yet.” Yukimura said, clasping his hand on the shoulder in front of him.

“Perhaps on the final quest you may join us.” Inui said. “You’d be welcome as well, Yukimura.” He said, knowing that those two had grown quite fond of the other and were hard to separate now.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Yukimura said. “Have a safe journey.” Echizen scowled a little. After Inui and Yanagi had made it safely into the woods, he finally turned to Yukimura.

“Why wouldn’t anyone let me go along? I’m pretty strong.”

“A strong warrior yes. Not a strong mage. Hyotei has been absorbing mages left and right, from any where. I’m lucky Renji managed to return.” Yukimura frowned. “The experience in those lands changed him. He’s more mage than warrior now, despite his training.”

Echizen dipped his head down. So that was why they wouldn’t let him accompany his sempai. “Will Inui-sempai come back like that?” He asked.

“I can only hope for his sake that he doesn’t.” He really didn’t want to see another person that looked like they were permanently haunted and could barely use a sword anymore. The lands were dangerous, and magic alone wasn’t going to keep a person safe.

The journey had taken most of the rest of the day. It was starting to get dark. “Perhaps it’s time we made camp and make it to the next village tomorrow.” Yanagi suggested. Inui nodded. They had mostly been left alone on their journey. There were a few passersby, but none that seemed like they were interested in what the pair was doing.

Inui managed to start a fire. Hopefully that would discourage scavengers and other unwanted beasts from them. He shed his light armor and sat down. Yanagi sat down next to him and stared into the fire.

“Renji...” Inui started.

“Yes, Sadaharu?”

“Will you tell me now?” Yanagi sighed.

“If you insist. I’m not sure you want to hear the story though. It might dissuade you from completing this task.”

“If I have to do this to defeat that dragon, I will. Even if it is unpleasant.”

Yanagi sighed. “We had sent out a party to gather food. We came too far across the border, where the animals are even imbued with magic. It’s nothing more than basic spells, but it’s enough to injure a human.” He paused. “I got separated from the hunting party, and somehow my sense of direction was impaired.”

Inui was listening intently. Yanagi was a good storyteller, and somehow he was wrapped up in the words, almost reliving the experience with the other as he recounted his tale.

“I took up shelter under a tree. I thought I was safe until there was an earthquake and the ground swallowed me whole. I landed much as you might imagine, on my rear end, limbs askew. When I arose, there was an overwhelming presence...I can’t say it was evil, good, or even human, but there was another being there. It definitely gave me goose bumps.” He took a deep breath. “It apparently passed it’s judgment quickly and decided I wasn’t worth its time. I took the opportunity to run, except, I couldn’t. I don’t know what was wrong, until another person showed up.”

Inui raised an eyebrow.

Yanagi laughed. “It was rather absurd. They didn’t say anything, they didn’t do anything, despite my asking for assistance. They turned and left. I remember being angry at them. Somehow, that triggered something, and I was running after them. I caught up to the other person....who then shot a fireball at me.”

Inui gasped a little.

“It obviously missed me, Sadaharu. I had jumped out of the way, and drew my blade, intending to fight. He kept casting what seemed like his entire spell list at me, and then he had the nerve to mock me. ‘You can’t defeat magic with that weak piece of metal, boy.’ He told me.” Yanagi sighed. “He had cast a higher level spell, and I don’t know what happened, but somehow I had managed to create a barrier around myself and his spell was lost to the heavens. He had looked surprised, then he relaxed and had the nerve to laugh.”

Inui looked confused at this. “He laughed at you?”

“Just let me finish the story, Sadaharu. Yes, he was laughing. I sheathed my sword, as I no longer felt he was threat. I approached him, hands open to show I had no intent of harming him. I got close enough to see his face.....I have to admit, I’m not sure what I saw exactly. He wore old fashioned wizard’s robes, including a hood, so it was difficult to make out features....I could swear...” He shuddered a little.

“Could swear what?”

“I could have sworn it was my own face.” Yanagi finally finished, voice a lot quieter than it had been. “Since that day, I’ve been growing stronger in magic ability, but my strength...and skill...with blades have dropped considerably. It’s worrying Seiichi considerably, not to mention Genichirou.”

Inui frowned. Yanagi looked at him. “You may lose your fighting edge as well, Sadaharu. But I know you believe in a way home, so I support you in what you think is necessary.” His hand took his friend’s and squeezed it tightly. “You may find a way to balance the two.” Yanagi felt a renewed sense of loss at some of the ability he had lost in gaining magical abilities.

“I won’t...I can’t let that happen, Renji.” Inui said, squeezing his friend’s hand back. He freed his hand and wrapped his arm around him. “I didn’t realize you’d gone through such an ordeal.” He said.

“It’s a hard story to swallow. I knew you’d believe it. I haven’t told anyone else because I don’t think they will. They can all tell I’ve changed though. Seiichi no longer sends me on the hunting parties.” Yanagi sighed. “I’ve become a burden.”

“You’re not a burden.” Inui reassured him.

“Thank you, Sadaharu.” He said quietly, leaning against his friend. At least someone still believed in him.

The pair trudged through the forest for the next few hours. It seemed like the forest was just getting deeper and deeper.

“Does this forest actually end somewhere?” Inui asked, starting to believe that they would never find their way out of it.

“Logically, it has to end somewhere, Sadaharu.” Yanagi pointed out. “No, there’s a deeper power at work here.” He said, bowing his head, and whispering a few words. A bright light lit up their surroundings.. “Ah...this way.” He said.

“Magic at work. How could I not have been able to tell?”

“It’s magic designed to make you lost. There are very few that can do that.”

“And even fewer that can defy it.” An annoyed voice from a tree limb said, jumping down in front of them. “We don’t want you here.”

“That’s no way to speak to an old friend.” Yanagi said. “We’re just trying to make our way to the mountains. We have a larger quest that will involve more magic than even I have...perhaps in the entire land.”

Niou snorted. “I doubt that for a second.”

“I didn’t realize you were the doubting type.” Yanagi countered. “It’s not as if we’re disturbing you.”

“Not me I’m worried about you disturbing.” He said, nodding towards a small grove of trees. “Sir Snores-a-lot on the other hand...” Niou said this with a touch of affection in his voice.

“We’ll be quiet.’ Yanagi assured him. ‘We should be out of this area in less than 10 minutes if you’ll let us go in peace.”

“Fine, fine. Just one question.”

“What’s that?” Inui asked.

“What’s this uber-quest you’re on?” Niou asked, leaning up against a tree.

Inui smiled. “Something that may take us home.”

“Have you heard of the Dragon’s Tear?” Yanagi asked.

“Heard of it, yeah, believe in it, not so much.’ Niou mused, shrugging. “Do what you want though. It’s not like it’ll matter either.”

Inui frowned as Yanagi just put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a small push back on their trail.

‘That could have went better.” Inui said.

“We have plenty of allies, Sadaharu.” Yanagi reassured him. “The spell is wearing off, but he won’t bother us again. At least, not until our return trip. Though perhaps we should detour around this way on the way back...or wherever we’re going.’ He suggested. Inui nodded in answer.

They traveled in peace for a while. ‘What’s so special about the mountains, Renji?”

“They’re rumored to be the source of magic in this world, from what I’ve read.”

“How can that be?” Yanagi shrugged in answer.

‘I don’t know everything, Sadaharu.”

‘I know.’ Inui said quietly. “It’s late...let’s make camp for the night.’

The evening passed slowly and without interruptions. The morning dawned peacefully.

“If I was more superstitious, I’d almost say something was about to go wrong.” Yanagi mused as he stretched the night’s kinks out of his body.

“It does feel that way.” Inui agreed as he pulled on the last bit of his light armor. “We’re almost there, though.” Yanagi nodded in agreement.

“We should reach the base of the mountains before noon.’

“What are we waiting for?” Inui said, taking the first few steps away from their campsite.

The two traveled in companionable silence for the next few hours. Before long they stood at the beginning of what looked like a well worn trail around and up the mountains.

“This is it?” Inui asked in a tone that seemed to convey a finality to his words.

“It would seem so.” Yanagi answered, stepping ahead of his friend. He paused for a second. “Something doesn’t feel right...”

Inui shrugged. “I don’t feel anything...” He said, following the trail that led up the mountain. Yanagi frowned, but followed along as well.

It was slow going up the narrow, rocky trail. There were several close calls of sliding off the path, but they remained steady.

“Renji, look.” Inui pointed at the entrance to a cave. “Think we should check it out?”

“I don’t see what it would hurt.” Renji answered, heading towards it. He walked to the entrance, but was stopped by an invisible force. He frowned, and turned to Inui. “You can try, if you wish.”

‘I’ll be back in a few.” Inui assured him, and actually managed to walk past the point Yanagi had been stopped. He looked back at his friend.

“Go on, Sadaharu. I’ll be right here.” Inui looked worried, but nodded and went deeper into the cave.

The walls were just plain old rocks, as was the floor. There were no markings, nothing that indicated anything unusual about this cave. Then a chill wind blew up from the depths. Inui shivered just a teensy bit.

“Is someone there?” He asked, glancing behind him, seeing he was still alone. Inui continued on deeper into the cave. His eyes adjusted to the dimness, and the shadows seemed to move in ways that they shouldn’t. It was unnerving, to say the least.

Maybe I shouldn’t have came down this far... Inui told himself as he looked back towards the entrance. There didn’t seem to be anything down here, and Inui turned to head back towards the outside. At least, that was his intent when the ground gave way beneath him. He screamed as the earth fell from under his feet and he entered into a free fall that seemed to last an eternity, but was in reality only a few short seconds.

“Renji?” He called, hoping his friend could hear him.

“What do you need him for?” Another voice asked him, mockingly. “You didn’t need him for four years of your life, why should this be any different?”

Inui blinked. What did this person know, and why was his rocky past with Yanagi any of his business? He stood up and dusted off the debris from his fall. “Who are you?” Inui asked. A light chuckle answered him. Inui turned to see if he could find this person, but he didn’t see anyone.

“Someone you should know extremely well.” The voice answered him, a small glimmer of light to his left answered him. Inui turned towards the shimmer, and looked at it disbelievingly.

“I doubt that.” Inui said. His conversation with Yanagi the other night quickly flashed through his mind. “Not unless...” He trailed off.

“You would be correct.” The shadowy figure said. “You have come seeking magic, have you not?”

Inui drew up straighter. “I have.” He replied, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice.

“There isn’t really much to it.” The figure told him. “Defend yourself.” He yelled suddenly, casting fireballs from his hands at Inui. Inui rolled out of the way, drawing the sword at his waist. “Oh, that’s not going to help you at all.”

Inui gritted his teeth. He could not end up like his friend - he needed to still be able to use the sword when they went after the Dragon’s Tear. “You can’t have both.” The shadowy figure told him calmly while still pelting fireballs at him.

“There must be a way.” Inui growled. “I can’t let Renji be the only one attacking.”

“You’ve chosen a fool’s errand, Sadaharu.” The voice said, amused. “You must either give up the sword, or stay ignorant of the magic forever.”

“I refuse to accept that.” Inui stated calmly, standing up for where he had rolled to avoid the onslaught. “In fact...” He drifted off as he felt something inside him give, and his voice started chanting words he did not know he knew. His sword glowed with the effect of the spell he had just cast. “I think I’ve reconciled the two arts fairly well.” He said as he slashed at the shadowy figure. “My only regret is that Renji didn’t figure this out on his own.” He said, slicing at the figure’s head.

The shadowy figure just laughed. “Well done.” It said, fading back into the darkness. Inui took a step back, and blinked. Did that just happen? He closed his eye and chanted something else, seeing a small fireball grow from his palm. He stared. He had obtained magic powers in this land...and had not lost his physical combat skills. At least, for the time being. Maybe they faded over time? He’d have to ask Yanagi once he climbed out of this place.

Yanagi was pacing outside the entrance to the cave. He was worried, though he wouldn’t admit it. Inui had been gone too long for his liking. What was going on down there?

He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Inui scraping for a handhold to climb out. Yanagi tentatively reached out his hand for him...the barrier didn’t stop him this time. He smiled and grasped Inui’s hand and pulled him out to safety. “Are you alright, Sadaharu?”

“I...will be.” Inui answered, pushing his glasses back into place.

“What happened?”

Inui sat on the ground, trying to calm his breathing. He then chanted the small fireball spell. Yanagi stared for a moment,, then smiled wanly. “And you’re still able to wield your sword?”

“For now.” Inui assured him. “I know this is hard, but...did you lose your skill over time, or in one moment?”

“It seemed to be instantaneous for me. It’s possible you could lose your skill over time. Which makes the rest of your quest a priority.”

Inui frowned. “I was going to recruit others to come along on this mission.” He said. There was no way just him and Yanagi could take on a dragon by themselves..

“I could possibly get a message to Seiichi and Echizen.” Yanagi mused. “I don’t know about anyone else.. Besides, do you even have any idea where the dragon resides?”

“Only a vague idea.” Inui admitted. “I want to get out of these mountains though. I’d like to go to the village and have a hot meal. We can discuss our strategy then.”

The village of Hyotei was a small, but grand affair. Even in this world, Atobe’s touch for the dramatic touched everything he ruled over. The buildings were brightly painted and lit. The inn the travelers came to a rest in was no different.

“This is better than camping in the woods for the night.” Inui said, smiling across the table at Yanagi.

“Just for tonight though. We have a journey to finish.” Yanagi reminded him. “So about that...” He trailed off.

‘Well , all the research I’ve done says the beast lives in the south. That’s...really all I could find out.” Inui said, looking down into the stew that was the meal of the evening.

“In the south? Nothing about how far south, not even a name attached to the lands?”” Yanagi asked? Inui shook his head no. Yanagi sighed at that. “I’ll see if I can find out anything here.’

Inui nodded. If anyone could learn anything more about the dragon they sought, sure Yanagi could.

“Are you sure we’re headed in the right direction?” Inui asked.

‘You did say south, did you not, Sadaharu?” Yanagi replied, a slight smirk on his face. Inui scowled back at him. Yanagi laughed a little at the response. “Don’t worry, the sources were fairly clear. We’re headed in the right direction.’ Inui nodded at that.

The pair had walked for a few days already, their boots starting to wear thin. Inui paused in the shade of a tree to rest.

‘Ne, Renji?”

“What is it?”

“Perhaps there is no dragon and this is a waste of time.” Inui said. Yanagi chuckled at that.

“You’re having doubts now, after we’ve come so far?”

“It just seems like it’s been days, and we’ve passed beyond any lands that were known to us.” Yanagi nodded at that. “We don’t even know what type of environment this dragon would live in - forest, caves, water, out on an open plain...’

“From the little I’ve read about your dragon, it seems to be partial to water, though I doubt it actually lives in the water as a fish would.’ Yanagi answered him.

‘So, we search for a lake?” Inui asked.

“That would be a logical assumption.’

‘Hey down there!’ A familiar voice called down to them from above them. Inui and Yanagi both turned their heads to the sky to find Yukimura, Echizen, Niou, and Akutagawa riding on the back of an entirely oversized, fluffy, cream and chocolate colored cat.

Inui stared up at them. “That’s...illogical....” He murmured as the overly large Karupin landed before the two.

“It’s been a while.” Yukimura said as he slid down the cat’s shoulder to the ground, and turned to assist the others down. “It was rather fortunate that we met up with these two. It certainly made catching up to you a lot easier.”

“I wasn’t aware cats could get that large.” Yanagi commented drily.

“They do with the help of some magic.”

“I still don’t see why it had to be Karupin...” Echizen muttered, but there was a look in his eyes that said he didn’t mind terribly, as he stroked the fur on an overly large paw.

Yukimura cleared his throat. “Anyway, we thought we could help you guys out.”

“Well, I suppose a large, flying cat would come in useful...” Inui said.

“Well, that spell isn’t going to last much longer.” Niou put in. “I’m not sure Jirou and I can keep it going too much longer. But until then....”

Yanagi nodded. “We had just decided on searching near water - particularly lakes. It should be much easier to spot from the air.” He paused. ‘Will two extra people be able to fit?”

Echizen grinned. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem.” He said, as Karupin let out a loud ‘meow’.

Yukimura leaned near Yanagi’s ear. “Sometimes I don’t know if he likes that cat more than he likes me...” Yanagi just chuckled a little.

“Let’s go then.” Inui said as he walked past the two.

“There! There’s a lake over that way.” Yukimura pointed out as they flew over the land on the back of the magically enhanced cat. Everyone looked over, and nodded.

“Thank goodness...” Niou muttered under his breath, heaving a bit of a sigh of relief.

“Let’s just hope it’s what we’re looking for.’ Yanagi said as Echizen told Karupin to land.

Once human feet touched the land, Niou and Jirou both let out a sigh, and release Karupin from their spell and let him return to being a normal cat size.

“Don’t worry, we’ll watch him.’ Niou mock saluted the group. ‘We need to recover as well.’

“If we succeed, we won’t have to worry about any of this anymore.” Inui said. He had recovered a bit of his enthusiasm.

“You better take good care of Karupin, or I’ll....” Echizen trailed off.

Yukimura laid a hand on his younger friend’s shoulder. He smiled at them all. “I do believe we have a dragon to...well, at least injure.”

Inui led the way to the shore of the lake. He looked all over for signs of any kind of life.

“This has to be it...” He said quietly. His companions just watched him, while trying to look around as well. “I do not accept this reality!.” He cried, drawing the three sets of eyes to him.

Yanagi walked up to him. “Sadaharu....” He placed his hand on Inui’s shoulder. ‘Don’t give up hope yet.’ He said, a slight smile on his face as he stepped away and started chanting a spell.

The water began to part and a well worn path led to some caves. Inui stared at his friend. “You knew?”

“More suspected than knew. You three are on your own though. I have to keep this clear or you won’t be able to make it back.”

Inui hesitated. They had made it this far together, it wasn’t right for them to give up now. Yukimura paused beside Inui. “It gives you a reason to come back.”

“Go, Sadaharu!” Yanagi told him.

“We’re with you, Inui-sempai.” Echizen said, standing beside him, and taking the first step ahead of his elders. Yukimura followed him. Inui turned back once more.

“I’ll be back.” He said, and followed the other two.

“I know you will.” Yanagi said quietly, a slight smile on his face. He was disappointed he couldn’t follow them, but they wouldn’t be able to come back if he did.

Inui easily caught up to the other two with his long stride. The three walked in companionable silence on the lake bed. The parted waters had revealed a cave that was just pulsing with strange energies.

Inui paused. “You two don’t have to do this.” He told them, giving them a chance to turn back.

“No way, I want to at least see this dragon.” Echizen said, grinning cheekily.

Yukimura just laughed quietly. “And where he goes, I follow, if only to keep him out of trouble.” He said affectionately. Inui nodded, slightly relieved he wouldn’t be doing this on his own.

They continued straight on into the cave. What one would have assumed to be dark and murky was actually well lit from sunlight reflecting off of gems set in the cave’s walls.

“You don’t suppose any of these in the walls would be what we’re looking for?” Yukimura asked, rather intrigued by the beauty of such stones.

“It’s possible. I’m just not sure what we’re actually looking for though.” Inui answered as a roar echoed around them. The trio shuddered; Echizen took a step backward right into Yukimura, who wrapped an arm around him reassuringly.

“Sounds like it’s found us.” Yukimura said drily. A dull blue muzzle poked around a corner and let out another roar. “What should we do?”

Echizen stepped forward, towards the dragon. “I don’t think it means us any harm...” He said. He turned towards it. ‘We sorry for intruding...”

Yukimura and Inui stared at their younger companion.

“If you hadn’t guessed, he has a talent for dealing with animals.” Yukimura said quietly.

“Is just talking to it going to be of use though?” Inui asked.

“I suppose it couldn’t hurt to just ask it for what we want...” Yukimura said. “It almost seems like a bit of a disappointment though, doesn’t it?”

“It really does.” Inui answered. “I’m not so cruel I’d hurt it if it wants to help though...”

While that conversation was going on, Echizen was trying to soothe the dragon’s temper.

“There’s a lot of us who just want to go home, that don’t belong in your world. Some of the sempai worked hard to find you, you know.” Echizen was telling the dragon. “I want to go home too. We don’t belong here, and they think that you have the means to send them back.”

The dragon snuffled in response, along with a less deafening roar that sounded a bit like a question.

Inui had tuned into this exchange.

“You can understand him?” Inui asked.

“Well, one, it’s a her, and...kind of.” Echizen answered.

“How do you know it’s a her?” Inui asked. Echizen pointed past the long body to the back of the cave where there was a small clutch of eggs.

“At least, from what I know of dragons, it’s females that tend to lay eggs, unless this is a weird species.” Echizen shrugged.

“Could we maybe get back on track?” Yukimura said, rolling his eyes a bit.

“Yeah, yeah....so anyway, Miss Dragon, do you think you could help us out?” Echizen asked.

The dragon growled, but not in a threatening way.

“No, we don’t want your eggs. We need one of the jewels...” He looked to Inui to make sure he wasn’t wrong. Inui nodded. The dragon made a sound similar to a cats purr.

Echizen grinned. “Guess she’s not such a bad creature after all.”

Inui frowned. “But we need a tear from her...” He trailed off.

The dragon let out a low croon that sounded a bit sad. Echizen walked right up to her and patted her on the muzzle. “Thank you.” He said, then looked up at Inui.

“Take your pick, sempai. All those gems you see in the walls...are her tears.”

Yukimura turned around, a bit of a grimace on his face as that fact set in. Inui’s face drained of color as well. That information was a bit disturbing. Yukimura took a step towards the dragon as well. “You’ve just been lonely, haven’t you?” He asked, reaching out and patting the side opposite of Echizen.

The dragon let out another purr like sound, only this one sounded more sad than happy.

Inui looked at it, also feeling a bit sorry for it. “While I do understand,” he started, directly addressing the large monster before him. “We don’t belong here; you do. You will have your children in due time, and you won’t be as lonely. I’m sure our families are missing us. We were just lucky so many of our friends were all brought along.” Inui laughed a little. “Thanks to you, I have learned quite a bit. We should hurry back.” He had no idea how long they had been down here.

“Farewell, Miss Dragon.” Yukimura told her as he turned to head towards the exit with Inui. He knew exactly what Inui was thinking.

Echizen also turned to leave, but paused. “You know we came expecting to fight. I’m glad we didn’t have to, as strange as that sounds. Thank you.” He said, then sprinted towards the cave opening.

“Renji!” Inui cried at his friend as the three made their footfall on the shore of the lake. Inui looked back, made sure Yukimura and Echizen were both behind him and safely on the shore. “You can let it go now!”

Yanagi was glad to let the spell drop and the waters of the lake dropped back where they should be, small waves reaching the edges. “Thank goodness, I was beginning to worry.” He sat down. Magically holding the water like that had taken a small toll on his stamina.

“It was an...interesting journey.” Inui said, smiling. He held out his prize though. “I...have no idea what to do with it now though.”

Echizen stared at him. “We went through all that, and you don’t know what to do with it?!” He narrowed his eyes.

Yanagi smiled a little, through his tiredness. “You didn’t need to fight. So it seems you revealed your inner mage for nothing.”

Yukimura shook his head. “I some how think you’re wrong there, Renji.” He said, and looked at Inui. “And I think you’re wrong as well, Inui-kun.” Inui looked at him strangely.

“Wait here. I’ll get Niou. I think we do know what needs to be done.” Echizen was about to sit down when Yukimura grabbed his wrist. “You’re coming with me.” He said.

Inui looked at Yanagi, and set the jewel he had pried out of the wall between them.

“So that’s the Dragon’s Tear?”

“One of many, it seems.” Inui answered. “We can go home now.” He paused. “Ne, Renji....when we do make it home....”

“What, Sadaharu?”

“Can I join you for dinner?” Yanagi smiled a little.

“I think that can be arranged.” Footsteps heralded the arrival of the others. The normal sized Karupin was riding on Echizen’s shoulders.

“Is this going to send everyone home? Even those in the villages far from here?” Echizen asked.

“With the powers of four mages, I can’t see why it shouldn’t affect all of us that were transported here.” Yanagi said, looking at the other three, including Inui. “Just repeat the spell it’s easy enough.” He started chanting, and the jewel glowed dimly. One by one, Niou, Akutagawa, and finally Inui were intoning the same spell and the jewel glowed so brightly that everyone was eventually swallowed by it’s light.

~*~*~*~Omake~*~*~*~

Inui set the soup bowl down on the table. He looked at his mobile phone. There were a few messages from his friends to join in various activities that day.

He sat down on his bed with his laptop and opened an IM client. He grinned to himself as he sent one to Yanagi.
GotThePower: There’s a new quest in that MMORPG I was telling you about. Would you like to join me in it?

LonelyDreams: Why do you do this to me, Sadaharu