Dead On Arrival

 

Saionji Kusonoki had been strolling in one of the gardens that were literally everywhere in the land of the dead when he’d been summoned to the high lord’s reception chambers.  He frowned a little at the messenger before nodding and starting to follow the boy to his destination.  It was odd to be summoned by Enma, especially with no warning.  The lord of the underworld tended to be meticulous in the way things were handled and it was almost unheard of for one of the operatives to be summoned to appear before him immediately unless something was very wrong.  He sighed and wondered vaguely what his son must have done to warrant him being called to meet with Enma.  That was the only explanation for it in his mind.  Partially because all of the heralds, scribes, etc for Enma’s personal use had shields against anyone hearing their thoughts and Saionji was usually very good at hearing people’s thoughts.

They walked down several paths, Saionji nodding to those he knew in passing and trying to shield himself from the curious stares and mental whispers that he could still hear.  There were detriments to having been a Court magician in life he thought.  Word would spread like wildfire that he’d been seen following one of Enma’s personal heralds and the speculation as to what he’d done would go whistling through the land of the dead like a loose firework.

He was pulled from certain dark thoughts about his son when they turned into one of the palace hallways and two other people joined him.  One was another herald and the other was one of the primary demon hunters for the realm, Aya Konoe.  That was certainly an interesting twist on what he’d presumed to be happening.  He nodded to Aya and she smiled slightly at him then shrugged, indicating she had no idea what was going on either.  It did make him wonder though.  Aya was stunningly powerful, one of only two female demon hunters ever and the first and only one to rise to the rank of primary demon hunter.  From what he’d heard in passing it wouldn’t surprise him if she were to someday make Premiere within her profession.

Now he was very curious instead of annoyed.  He wondered what was going on and why not only he but one of the demon hunters had been summoned.  He mused that it must be something big and bad.

Massive ornately carved doors swung open and at the end of a very long room sat Enma on his throne of gilded human bone.  They were escorted within a few yards of the lord of the dead, no one that he’d ever heard of had been allowed any closer to him, and both he and Aya bowed deeply to their master.

“You may rise,” Enma said.  “I presume you are wondering why I’ve called you both here as you have very different tasks to perform for me.”

Both of them nodded.

“Quite simple actually, it involves one man, Aya’s father,” Enma said.

“My father?  What of him?” Aya asked tensely.

Saionji’s eyebrows went up a little.  He’d never seen anyone take that stance with Enma before and had to wonder what was going on with this woman’s father and why she was so obviously protective toward him.  Better still, what was his role to play in this?

“Relax, little princess, I mean him no harm.  I know his passing was . . . difficult and as such he’s needed time to recover from it.  However, as you well know, a century should be enough time to recover and one of two things needs to happen at this point.  He either needs to go back onto the wheel of life or he needs to come into our ranks fully,” Enma said.  “Now, that being said, I would prefer to have him join us, as a very high ranking official has requested he be an avatar for him.”

“May I ask whom?” Aya said, looking more than a little nervous.

Enma smiled slightly.  “Archangel Azrael.”

Saionji watched as Aya’s eyes widened then narrowed.  “Why is the Death angel interested in my father as an avatar?” she asked.

“I would think that was perfectly obvious.  He’s powerful,” Enma said.

Saionji could see the protest forming in Aya’s head but knew she wasn’t quite sure how to word it.

“Aya, you are a primary demon hunter.  I know you understand what it takes to achieve that level,” Enma said.  “You had to get it from somewhere.  Since you’ve always said you were like your father it should hardly surprise you that it comes from him.”

“I’m not surprised, my lord, simply . . . unnerved by the fact it’s Azrael who wants to take him as an avatar,” Aya said.

“I can certainly see why.  The Death angel is no easy task master by any stretch of the imagination.  That is one of the reasons why you are here, Magician,” Enma said, turning to Saionji.

“Forgive me, my lord, but I still don’t understand,” Saionji said. 

“Aya’s father needs training, he also needs field work.  You are the closest match for him in power and ability,” Enma said.

“Therefore, he is to train and do field work with me until such a time as he’s ready to take on tasks for Azrael,” Saionji said.

“An accurate assessment.” Enma held up a hand as Aya started to speak again.  “I know he’s been training with you to a certain extent as a Hunter, Aya.  However, you have to know how exceedingly rare it is for Azrael to specifically request someone as an avatar.  He generally only chooses one or two within a century due to the strength it requires in all aspects. It is a great honor to be chosen specifically by Azrael.  I believe your father will be well up to the task.” 

Aya’s chin went up a notch.  “I know he will be.”

Saionji smiled a bit at that.  There was pride in the young woman’s tone as well as confidence.  He was now looking quite forward to meeting this man.