Previously on YuYu Hakusho Beyond, Kurama finally returned to his demon home and met with his foxy siblings. In the meantime, Hiei visited Yusuke to recruit him as a spy. The stage is set if only they don’t blow their cover. Can they join this dark organization undetected learn their secrets, and be able to defeat them?
Episode 5 : The Order of Zerka
[In a tavern atmosphere in Demon World, two demons are noted walking through a crowd of demons. One is a tall, red demon with shoulder-length orange wavy hair and green eyes. The other is a blue-skinned demon with red eyes, green mohawk, and four horns on the sides and is hunched over making him about average size. They exit behind a tapestry and walk down a narrow passage. Coming to a door, the blue demon lightly raps on it. A sight-hole opens and a pair of eyes stare the two down.]
Demon Guard: What d’ya want?
Blue Demon: Bring the sun into sand, whilst the wind floods the land.
Red Demon: Zealous entities reciprocate kinetic assemblages.
Demon Guard: Hmm…
[The peephole shuts. After some time the door opens and the two demons enter.]
Demon Guard: [pointing to their profiles brought up on a screen] Says ‘ere you twos are new, an dis is yer first time at a meetin’ ‘ere. Welcome to da club. Just wait ‘ere for da next guy ta come an’ ‘eel show ya’s where ta go.
Blue Demon: Hey great! That’s what I like about this organization, always helpin’ each other out!
[There is a knock at the door the Demon Guard opens up the window.]
Voice: Zing envelops royal kinsmen abroad.
[The Demon Guard shuts the window and types in the code to confirm identification. Upon confirmation, the guard smirks and turns back to the door and opens it. The new arrival comes in, a stout demon whose intense muscles can be seen through a tight shirt. He has brown skin, yellow-green spiked hair, and a dragon tattoo ranging from one arm to around his neck and up the opposite side of his face.]
Demon Guard: Welcome Master Modaruk.
Modaruk: Hn.
Demon Guard: We gots two newbies ‘ere. Ya wouldn’t mind as to show ‘em around would ja?
Modaruk: [glares at the two demons] More new members?
Demon Guard: Yeah. Dere’s a dozen-teen of dem at least dis time! But de tall one is Ehay and dis oder one is Sukeyuay.
Modaruk: Well then, come along. [begins to walk then stops and turns around] Don’t expect me to hold your hands the whole way.
[The three travel down a passage with Modaruk in the lead. Sukeyuay nudges Ehay.]
Sukeyuay: Erfect-pay, Ehay! O-nay one-ay uspects-say us-ay!
Ehay: Iet-quay ool-fay!
Sukeyuay: [nudges Ehay] Eer-chay up-ay or-ay e’ll-way ell-say Ehay on E-Bay! [chuckles]
Ehay: [growls] Upid-stay ool-fay! Our-yay orse-way an-thay Uwabara-kay!
Modaruk: [eyes shift to glance at the two following him] E’s-hay ight-ray. [eyes return forward] It is wise not to blow your cover over a cheap joke.
Sukeyuay: [smiles, sweatdrop, one hand behind head] Heh. Sorry Modaruk.
Ehay: Remember that you are not yourself. Act differently.
Sukeyuay: But you aren’t acting any different.
Ehay: I can act like myself since that is how most demons act.
Sukeyuay: You’re no fun!
Modaruk: Enough! Keep in mind the walls have ears.
[Sukeyuay’s eyes roam around while they continue in silence, awed by the unique décor.]
* * *
[Back in the tavern-like area, George sits at a counter looking shady and suspicious under a tan hat and trench coat. A new demon walks into the area. Spotting this, George pulls out a small radio device that resembles a chocolate chip cookie.]
George: Blue J to Pink Cardinal, Blue J to Pink Cardinal. Purple demon with white hair has just entered the premises. Over.
[A disguised Botan leans against a wall with her back to the tapestry that Sukeyuay and Ehay exited through earlier. She holds up a compact mirror as if fixing her face, but angles it to see behind her. She sees the demon that just entered slip behind the tapestry as the mirror makes a small camera click noise.]
Botan: Well he’s not wasting any time. [positions thumb over rim of compact] Pink Cardinal to Red Robin, Pink Cardinal to Red Robin. Another bird has flown the coop, this one didn’t even bother to lounge around first.
Teen Koenma’s Voice: What a crowd; I can’t keep track of all these tally marks.
[Teen Koenma, wearing a tuxedo, hat, bandana, and mask, sits at a table, appearing to doodle on paper. He is leaning his cheek on his fist with a white cloth in hand.]
Botan’s Voice: There have been so many already, do you think there will be any more?
Teen Koenma: I don’t know. But there’s enough demons already to qualify this as a serious problem!
* * *
[Yusuke finds himself bumping into Modaruk’s back as Modaruk and Ehay stop. Modaruk glares back at Sukeyuay who forces a look of distaste. Modaruk pushes a code into a pad while the final door opens and the three enter into a large conference room filled with other demons and circles upon circles of tables.]
Modaruk: Find seats at that table, [hand gestures toward general area] the meeting will start upon Lord Zerk’s arrival.
[Modaruk takes his seat on the left side of the head table. Ehay and Sukeyuay seat themselves between two large, ogre-like demons.]
Demon #1: Excuse me runt! Who said you could sit there?
Sukeyuay: Well it’s none of your business; I can sit where I like, but if you have to know Master Modaruk did!
Demon #1: You don’t look familiar, show me your mark!
Sukeyuay: Mark?
Demon #1: [lifts left hand to show design engraved on wrist] Ah, so you haven’t been initiated yet? [points behind them] Well get to the back with the rest of the newbies you little [pushes Sukeyuay down] pipsqueak!
Sukeyuay: Hey… [Ehay with eyes closed and a sweatdrop rises and steps behind Sukeyuay and hits him on the back of his head] Ow!
Ehay: Come moron! Don’t mess with him.
Demon #1: Yeah shorty! You should listen to your pal and think twice before picking a fight with me! Gavarian the Great! HA! HA!
[Sukeyuay glares at Gavarian then at Ehay. Seeing Ehay’s stern look he gets up and they walk to the back where Demon #1 had previously pointed. A gong is struck which quiets the commotion and all demons except the new members rise and lift their left fist strait in the air.]
Demon’s Chant: All hail Lord and Master Zerk! King of the high order of Zerka!
[Lord Zerk enters at the head of the room. He has gray-purple skin, two curved horns, and long silver hair. He wears a gold leaf circlet on his head and a white cape trimmed with gold. He glides up to the center of the head table and motions all the demons to sit.]
Zerk: Welcome comrades. We have numerous items to discuss. But first we must initiate our new members. It is quite pleasing that our organization is ever expanding. Let the new members stand as we recognize and welcome them. [around 30 demons in the back stand as the others pound their fist on the tables as a form of applause] You may now come and stand before me. [the new members migrate to in front of the head table; Zerk addresses them] Now you have all joined knowing somewhat of our organization and what we stand for. You will know all about us soon enough, however first you must undergo a trial to prove your loyalty and worthiness to us. At a later point in the meeting you will all be asked to leave and make preparations for this trial. Upon the task’s completion, you will be honored [lifts left hand to show birthmark like Gavarian’s wrist design on wrist] with our great mark. You may now be seated as we proceed.
Zerk's Birthmark, used as the symbol of Zerka
[The standing demons go back to their seats in the back of the room. Zerk now seats himself.]
Sukeyuay: [whispers to Ehay] What’s all this about an initiation? I’m done with all that school stuff.
Ehay: [through closed teeth] Just sit down and listen if you want to live.
Zerk: Ahhh. I sense that many of you possess great abilities. Rest assured we are grateful that you would come and lend those great talents to us. After the test, we shall conduct the introductory ceremonies followed by a bonfire feast.
Yusuke Voiceover: Stupid test, graduation, hey maybe the food won’t be that bad.
Zerk: After being introduced you must realize that there is no turning back. Even now if you are having second thoughts, extinguish them at once, our brotherhood does not like to be betrayed. But should you survive, you will inevitably join us where we can offer you the reality of demon’s greatest dreams!
Yusuke Voiceover: Aw man I hate keeping my mouth shut! But they’ll discover me if I say anything! Ack! I am so sick of lectures but all this guy does is blab and it’s not over anything important…[starts nodding off] Perhaps I could take five…
[Sukeyuay lightly snores. Ehay shrugs and drops his hand on Sukeyuay’s head. Sukeyuay shakes his head and glares at Ehay.]
Sukeyuay: [whispered through clenched teeth] That hurt.
Zerk: United our power will be an unstoppable force that no one from Demon, Human, or Spirit World can dare oppose!
[Ehay continues staring intently at Zerk while the introductory speech drags on in the background. Sukeyuay looks around at the other demons and spots Risho sitting with the other new members.]
Yusuke Voiceover: Risho? What is he doing here? I better be careful not to blow my cover around him.
[Sukeyuay nudges Ehay then tilts head towards where Risho is sitting.]
Zerk: In the great vision of our plan, we will include…
Sukeyuay: [whispers] E-hay ook-lay amiliar-fay?
Ehay: [looks over then shrugs] Isho-ray. O-say? Ay-pay attention-ay.
Zerk: ...And now the new members may be excused to prepare for initiation as the rest of us will continue the orders of business.
[The new members are lead out of the room. Zerk eyes everyone carefully as they leave. Once they have all left he turns his head towards the members.]
Zerk: Now, my brethren of Zerka, the first matter at hand I would like to discuss is our special squad that was sent to infiltrate the fox den…
***COMMERCIAL BREAK***
[Back in the cave of Kurama’s siblings, the fox demons are gathered around a fire and feasting on meat. Kurama sits between Yokira and Okiya. He is calm amidst their devilish laughter.]
Okiya: [leaning on Kurama] Or how about the time we bristled [slipping down to lie on Kurama’s lap] our way into the palace at Delmas Kar and swiped [dramatically motioning with arm] the golden hairs of the conjuring warlock? Heh, heh. [pinching Kurama’s cheek] Little Yoko almost got caught then!
Osuko: Haha [takes a bite then waves bone towards Kurama] I loved our adventure of frying the Fellon Forest and all the globerknots in it! [throws bone into fire]
Endoya: [oozing] Oh but Little Yoko has long lived in the Human Realm! [reaches across to Kurama] He probably has plenty of stories to share! [caresses his face, leaving a trail of water]
Yokira: Not to mention Spirit World! [picks cup up and tilts it towards Kurama while looking at the others] You know, he’s even been inside King Yama’s most sacred, guarded vault! [takes a sip of thick red liquid]
Remayolo: [shows interest in the conversation for the first time] Oh really? [smirks] Did you botch that burglary up too?
Kurama: Actually, my associates and I were able to retrieve the Three Artifacts of Darkness unharmed.
Remayolo: [scoffs] I find that hard to believe.
Okiya: Can you show us? [sits up] Do you have the Orb of Baast here with you? [checks Kurama’s pockets]
Remayolo: [taunting] Yes, show us! [stands up and walks around out side the circle over to Kurama] I would be interested in the Shadow Sword myself. [looms over Kurama’s shoulder]
Kurama: [turns face away from Remayolo with a stubborn frown] I am afraid I cannot do that.
Remayolo: [straightens up] What?
Kurama: The artifacts have been returned to King Yama’s vault.
Remayolo: [crosses arms, closes eyes, and smiles] So you got caught after all!
Kurama: It’s not like that. I gave myself in.
Okiya: [hands resting on Kurama’s leg, stretching a pouting face up to meet his] Oh come now, why would you do such a senseless thing as that?
Kurama: [look of blatancy] After I made my wish upon the Forlorn Hope, I had no need of them.
Osuko: [eyes flicker] Imbecile. You could have had all the worlds begging at your feet!
Remayolo: [raises hand to silence Osuko] Wait a moment… [bends down, supporting arm on a knee and speaks into Kurama’s ear] you mean to say you made a wish on the Forlorn Hope and survived? [arises and laughs] How ludicrous. Such a hoax can only be expected from a fake. You must have feigned it.
Kurama: [unaffected] Think what you will.
Endoya: [dreamily] What did you wish for?
Kurama: That is in the past and of little importance to you.
Remayolo: Or more like the wish didn’t work and that is how you still breathe.
Yokira: [closed eyes] Oh, his wish came true, he wished for his human mother to recover from her deadly illness. I have seen that she has recovered and to this day she has remained in perfect health.
Kurama: [warningly] Yokira.
Yokira: It’s an interesting story; if you won’t tell it, then I will!
Osuko: You mean to tell us you gave your own life to save a human? Ha!
Kurama: Actually, I did not give my life as you can see I am still very much alive.
Remayolo: [pats Kurama’s head] But you were willing to do so. [rests hand on back side of Kurama’s head] Willing to give your life for this human…
[Kurama’s eyes go blank as Remayolo sees images of Shiori raising Suichi.]
Okiya: [while Remayolo is still reading Kurama’s memory] How sweet, she must have been something to make such a sacrifice...something scrumptious!
[Remayolo bears a devious smile as he removes his hand from Kurama and resumes his former position. Kurama remains in a daze.]
Endoya: [scoffs] So you’re trying to tell us that you [points to a finger] wished on the Forlorn Hope, [points to another finger] got your wish, [points to third finger] yet didn’t loose your life? [spreads out hands, sending out rain drops] That doesn’t hold water.
[A few drops land on Kurama’s face which brings him out of the trance. After shaking it off, he sits in silence and shrugs.]
Yokira: [nudges Kurama] Don’t be so modest. [explaining] He survived because the Spirit Detective who was sent to recover the items intervened by offering his own life!
Okiya: Oh! So you conned the detective to sacrificing himself in your place. [throws arms around Kurama’s neck] You’re so devious!
Kurama: [blinks] Actually, that was not my intention. Besides, the mirror chose to grant the wish without taking either of our lives.
Remayolo: [analyzing the story] Hmm…I think we’ve had enough reminiscing for the moment. [turns to Kurama] Brother? How about you change back into your true form so we can have some fun like in the old days?
Kurama: I would rather not, thank you.
Remayolo: How about for your mother? [reaches over fire and waves hand to create an image of Shiori’s smiling face in the middle of the rising smoke] The one that you were going to give your life for anyway?
[Kurama sits rigid, but Yokira stands up and faces Remayolo, almost to the effect of defiance, yet still an undertone of pleading.]
Yokira: You’d have to go through me first.
Remayolo: [turns] What?
Yokira: [averts eyes] I-I ensured his human mother’s safety if he would come visit us for a month, providing we still want him after the first week. [regains strength] So if you want to lay a finger on that woman, you’ll have to go through me.
Kurama: [smiles] Yokira.
Yokira: [weak smile] Devious we may be, but still honorable.
Remayolo: Indeed? [whisking the incident aside] Well then, we can spend this “first week” in reunion. [to Kurama, sinisterly] And in that time, I’m sure we will be able to alter your mind. [clap] Come siblings! Let us dance for our brother!
Okiya: Splendid! [materializes a pipe out of thin air and plays music]
Remayolo: That’s right. [claps the beat] Just like so.
Endoya: [gets up to join Yokira as they dance around the fire] Let’s show them how to do it sister!
Osuko: Oh yeah! [sways, moving the flames with him]
[The glistening fire effect causes the dancing shadows on the walls to flicker as the spirit foxes persist in merriment.]
* * *
[Outside on a grey edge of a cliff many demons sit on rocks waiting and preparing.]
Sukeyuay: Aw man! We didn’t get to learn anything useful yet!
Ehay: Hn.
Sukeyuay: Instead we get stuck with doing stupid initiations first!
Ehay: What did you expect? For them to tell everyone who cares? It wouldn’t be a secret then.
Sukeyuay: Well, Zerk the Jerk could have at least mentioned a clue or something.
Ehay: It sounded like he was mentioning something useful when you had to point out our old “friend” there. [tilts head towards Risho]
Sukeyuay: Well, excuse me! I thought it strange that he would be here. Do you think he might know more about this organization, something that interests him enough to bring him here?
Ehay: [shrugs] How would I know?
Sukeyuay: There’s one way to find out, [pounds fist into other hand] I’ll go and interrogate him!
Ehay: Now is not the time, fool.
Sukeyuay: How are we supposed to find answers if we don’t ask? I’m sure Modaruk would spill the beans.
Ehay: Use your brain! I thought you understood the importance of our mission.
Sukeyuay: [thinks; arms crossed] Hmm…I suppose if Modaruk just told us what is going on, then our covers would be blown. [brings up arm from crossing and extends index finger] But hey! If he’s on our side, why do I have to come along? Can’t he just sneak off to Kokou and tell her everything you guys want to know?
Ehay: Because fool, when the time comes all our talents will be exploited; we all have a part to play. We are doing more than just simply gathering knowledge.
Sukeyuay: Yeah, we’re getting freakish marks on our bodies.
Ehay: On these bodies, that’s all.
Sukeyuay: Oh yeah, this undetectable demon transformation thingy is pretty sweet.
Ehay: It won’t remain “undetectable” for long the way you keep bringing it up.
[A burley grayish-green demon approaches the demons gathered on the cliff. He is clothed like a task master with whip in hand.]
Initiatory Demon: [yelling] All right you slackers, the time has come to get this started!
~*~Poll on Disguise-Form Voices~*~
“Hn. This is Hiei, as if I need an introduction. A series of meaningless tasks have started and that fool Yusuke and I must pass them or forfeit our lives. I myself will be fine, but Yusuke will have to take care of himself when we are separated. The maze is simple, fire can’t hurt me, and in fact, all these menial chores are a waste of time. So why bother watching? Because the former detective may have a fit and give up if you don’t. I’d say let him suffer, but then again, it’s your choice if you tune into the next episode of YuYu Hakusho Beyond!”
