The breeze that accompanied the Urameshi twins to school the next day was warm and inviting. Akemi glanced over at Yusuke, the two of them lost in their own world. Yusuke only had three days left to get the last artifact from the last of the three bandits. Gouki was dead, Kurama had turned himself in, and now Hiei was the only one left. Yusuke sighed, placing his hands on the back of his head as they walked. Akemi knew better than to ask questions on how he was going to go about finding the last demon.
"Hey guys, wait up!"
They turned to see Keiko jogging to catch up with them. Akemi grinned, looping her arm with the slightly taller girl.
"How are you today Keiko? Did you finish the book report?"
Keiko nodded.
"Mhhhm. How about you two?"
Akemi shrugged.
"I finished mine, can't say much for the fat head."
Yusuke squawked.
"I hate you Akemi did you know that?"
She stuck her tongue out at her brother as they ambled into the school building.
"I know." Her and Keiko laughed, heading off to their homerooms for the morning. It wasn't until English class rolled around that Takenaka looked over at Akemi. He called her over to his desk, eyes darting over her shoulder to look at Yusuke's empty seat.
"Where's your brother?"
She shrugged, handing over her completed assignments.
"No clue."
"Could you go find him for me please? I'd like to ask him as to where his assignment is."
Akemi snorted.
"I'm sorry Mr. Takenaka but don't you think that I have missed enough school? I would probably be better off in class. Why don't you send Keiko to do it?"
Mr. Takenaka leveled her with a stare as she grinned and made her way back to her seat.
"Very well, Ms. Yukimura, would you mind tracking down Yusuke for me?"
Keiko glared at Akemi and stuck her tongue out at the Urameshi girl. Mr. Takenaka begun his lecture and Akemi began taking notes diligently, trying her best not to fall behind. The door to the classroom opened and she glanced over her shoulder as Yusuke plopped down in his seat. She raised an eyebrow at him, not seeing Keiko with him. Yusuke shrugged. Akemi rolled her eyes and faced forward, trying her best to pay attention to the rest of the lesson. It was right then that the back of her neck prickled.
She whipped around lightening fast and connected eyes with Yusuke. He held up his compass, letting her see that it was spinning wildly. They sprung out of their seats, Akemi grabbing her bag and her brother's sleeve.
"Hold on you two! Lesson's not over! Urameshi!"
"Sorry Mr. Takenaka it's urgent!" Akemi could practically hear the groan Takenaka gave and pictured the exasperation in the elder's eyes.
"This is going to be hell in a skirt Yusuke."
Yusuke rolled his eyes as they sprinted out of the school, following the direction the watch was pointing. They had just hit the river leading to the warehouse district when Botan ran up next to Akemi.
"Hiei is leaving a trail for you to follow Yusuke!"
"Well that's cute!"
"No, it's not! He's told me the worst news through telepathy! He's got Keiko and is holding her hostage. He'll only hand her over if you give him the Forlorn Hope and the Orb of Baast."
Akemi could hear the desperation in Botan's voice and felt her heart stop at her words. Yusuke's footing faltered and Akemi stumbled behind him, hitting his back.
"WHAT?!" Yusuke's fists clenched as he ground out the exclamation. Akemi shoved him forward.
"Stop dawdling then Yusuke let's go." They took off at full speed, finally stopping at the warehouses on the docks.
"Do you sense him at all Akemi? The compass is just saying that he's here."
She closed her eyes and reached out her senses. Her and Yusuke had been testing the limits of how far out she could sense for the past few days. She almost yelped when she felt it. Something was pushing back at her.
"Warehouse number 4."
They slunk forward senses on high alert.
"Hey maybe we should scope the place out fi-," Akemi stopped short as Yusuke smacked open the door. "Yusuke you idiot!" They slipped inside and Akemi peered around Yusuke, taking in every corner of the room. There were wooden crates of various sizes stacked all around.
"Get out here Hiei! I'm gonna kick your ass! Give me Keiko back!"
The warehouse doors slid closed behind them and Akemi clenched her fists as she glanced over her shoulder at them. Akemi hated enclosed spaces.
"What the hell?"
She turned back to her brother and gasped as she took in all of the people standing in front of them.
"Botan are you sensing what I'm sensing?" Akemi's eyes darted around as she stretched out her senses. Botan nodded.
"They're human. It looks like Hiei's controlling their minds. The Records Department doesn't know about this. For him to control so many humans at once, he must possess the Jagan."
"Jagan?" Yusuke voiced Akemi's question with one simple word. The responding evil cackle that came in front of them had Akemi stiffening. Hiei was powerful. She could feel his demon energy like a punch to the gut.
"Well done. I used my power to round them up this morning. They won't do much good against you, but they do make excellent scenery."
Akemi's eyes narrowed at the glowing red eye in the middle of Hiei's forehead.
"That's some pimple."
Akemi scowled at her brother.
"That must be the Jagan. I can feel it's power pushing against us."
Hiei raised an eyebrow at her, maintaining his cool smirk even though she could see the surprise that flitted across his face.
"A normal human would've succumbed to its power by now but you two surprise me. I see the geniuses in the Spirit World finally made a nice pick. That's why I've brought insurance." Two mind-controlled humans stepped forward, dragging an unconscious Keiko in between them.
"Keiko!" Akemi and Yusuke cried out at the same time, but Akemi darted around Yusuke and ran closer. Hiei clicked his tongue and raised the sword, pointing its tip at her throat. She started down into deep crimson eyes and glared. How could this tiny thing be able to cause so much damage? She was short at her slight 5' 3" frame but Hiei stood even shorter than that.
"One more step girl and you will join her." Akemi narrowed her eyes at his words. If only she could let loose a well-aimed spit wad right into that stupid third eye of his.
"What did you do to Keiko? What are you planning here?" Akemi could feel Yusuke take a step closer to her as he questioned Hiei.
"Nothing more if you've brought me the weapons."
Akemi could hear rustling behind her, but she refused to tear her eyes from Hiei. She refused to let him see her sweat. She refused to let him see her afraid. He smirked, quirking an eyebrow at her.
Interesting. This human girl refuses to be afraid of me.
"Ohh good boy, both the Orb of Baast and that precious Forlorn Hope." He grinned, his eyes never leaving Akemi's as he slid the sword in an overexaggerated drag down her pale neck. "You may have her."
The two minions thrust Keiko forward and Akemi moved swiftly, catching her before she hit the ground.
"Keiko!" Yusuke ran over and wrapped his arms around Keiko. Akemi sat back, looking over at Hiei's back. She tapped Yusuke's hand and gestured with her chin over at him. Yusuke nodded.
"So, my plan had a few setbacks. But the end result is the same. All three ancient weapons of darkness are in my control. And those fools in charge will soon be bowing at my feet."
She could see her brother's smirk take over his face, the cocky look sliding into place to cover his worry Keiko. He handed her over as he rose to his feet.
"You should really stop bragging. It'll just make it worse for you when you lose in the end. Now that I've got Keiko, I'm gonna rip out your teeth."
Hiei chuckled, evil smirk still on his face.
"You know that cocky laugh is really starting to piss me off!"
Yusuke sprung, swinging at Hiei. Hiei seemed to vanish as he dodged.
Shit he's FAST.
"I'm still here. I only stepped gently to the side. Was that a joke? I was under the impression that you're not amused." His eyes slid over, locking with Akemi's again before flitting down to Keiko's unconscious form. "And as for Keiko. Did you really think I'd relinquish my hostage without the reward? Look at her closely Yusuke."
Akemi snapped her head down and her eyes widened when she saw it. The slightest opening beginning to form in the middle of Keiko's forehead.
"You'll see that she's still mine."
Akemi gasped as the slit began to open, revealing the start of a Jagan.
"I don't understand! How?" Akemi glanced up at Yusuke slightly panicked.
"You may have her body, but her future is mine. I've struck her with the Shadow Sword. And once that Jagan eye opens completely. She becomes a demon. Not a very smart one I'm afraid but perfect for a slave. If we're honest, had your sister been unfortunate enough to be walking with Keiko, I would have taken them both."
Akemi glared at him while Botan shoved Yusuke away.
"Move!" Botan began to use her energy to try and close the Jagan eye before it could fully open. Akemi jumped slightly as the energy began to spark around her. Akemi laid Keiko on the ground gently, letting Botan pour her energy out. She began breathing deeply, bringing forth the buzzing feeling she had begun to associate with her Spirit Energy. If she could pull off what she had in mind, she would catch Hiei in surprise and hopefully buy Botan some time.
"I'll try to prevent it from opening. You go punch his brains out."
Akemi pushed even more, trying not to show that she was sweating a little with the effort of gathering powerful enough orbs to hurt in her hands.
"Yes. You better punch them out quickly if you care about your assistant. I can feel her precious energy draining fast, such a pity."
Just a few more seconds.
"Soon enough you'll have a girlfriend who's a demon and an assistant who's dead."
She could see Yusuke's panic.
"Is that true?" Yusuke's worried eyes were still trained on Botan as he asked so he didn't see what Akemi had in the works.
"Don't worry about me Yusuke. I'll stop it as long as I can."
"Botan."
"I'm glad you're so enthused. The game will be more fun this way."
This is all a game to him? That asshole! Messing with my brother and his girl is a very dangerous game to try and play.
"What game?"
"The hilt of this sword is hollow. Contained inside is the only antidote to stop the sword's effect. If you get the sword, the girl will live. Fun right? Think of it as a little game of tag." Hiei's evil laughter ran out through out the warehouse. He threw his head back with his eyes closed and Akemi saw her chance. She stood, startling Yusuke and he stared at her hands wide eyed.
"Hey short shit! I think you forgot someone in that equation of the girlfriend and the assistant. This pea brain also happens to have me." Akemi threw her right hand up, stunning everyone as the purple, crackling orb left her right hand and hit Hiei solidly in the stomach. He cried out at the force of it as it blew him back and into the wall. "And it really pisses me off when someone picks on my brother."
"Holy shit."
"Don't gawk Yusuke go! I'll try and help Botan the best I can!"
Yusuke nodded, jumping up and landing a solid punch on Hiei's jaw. Akemi knelt down next to Botan.
"How do I help?" Akemi was still holding one of her orbs in her hands.
"Take your hands and place them over my hands." Akemi did as she was instructed. "Good. Now envision the Jagan closing while you push your energy into it."
As soon as Botan finished her sentence, a spark exploded from Keiko and both girls cried out. Hiei's sudden transformation into his demon form fed his energy into Keiko, making her and Botan's job harder.
"We have to keep trying Botan." The girls doubled their efforts. Akemi gritted her teeth as the Jagan fought back, the energy bouncing back at them. The energy sliced through their hands and Akemi bit her lower lip, her small frame beginning to shake from the strain of keeping her energy flowing. Botan was holding up a little better but honestly not by much.
"Let me take over from here. I believe I may be of some use."
Botan looked up at whoever had spoken and nodded, moving her hands off of Akemi's. Akemi shook her head.
"I'm not leaving her."
"That's quite alright. Just allow me to take some of the burden."
Akemi finally looked up as hands covered hers. For a second her world stopped when blue eyes that were flecked with chocolate brown looked up into the sparkling emerald ones in front of her. The hands that covered her squeezed lightly and she blinked. The man who had stepped in to help her and Botan was one of the most gorgeous men she had ever seen. Long red hair framed a perfectly sculpted face with the brightest sparkling eyes. Everything about this man seemed to be genuine enough for her to begin to relinquish some control.
"Kurama, thank you for helping us. Akemi, please, I still have some energy left, let me step in from here."
So, this is Kurama.
Akemi nodded, not prying her eyes away from him as she slowly released the last of her energy. She could feel the fatigue in her bones as she scooted back, allowing Botan in. She could hear the sounds of her brother fighting behind her as she fought to stay awake. She hissed at the pain in her hands and cradled them close to her, leaning against the crate behind her.
"Spirit Gun!"
Looking over, she caught the last second of the battle, watching as the Spirit Gun bounced off the Forlorn Hope, catching a smirking Hiei in the back. Akemi smirked as she heard Hiei's cry and the resounding thud afterwards. The eye on Keiko's forehead completely closed and Botan slumped back. Kurama stood, walking over and sliding down the box, sitting on the floor next to her. He smiled softly at her.
"I supposed we haven't been introduced yet."
Akemi shook her head, grateful when she saw her brother staggering to his feet.
"I'm Minamino Suuichi, also known as Kurama."
Akemi gave a little half wave.
"Urameshi Akemi."
He quirked an eyebrow at her.
"Urameshi?"
She nodded.
"I'm Yusuke's twin."
"Yes, it seems that would be my luck," he chuckled.
"I'm sorry?" Akemi was even more relieved that Yusuke chose that moment to come running over, the hilt of the shadow sword in his hands. He administered the antidote to Keiko. Yusuke and Akemi breathed a sigh of relief watching the Jagan eye disappear.
"Goodbye Keiko monster!"
Akemi groaned, thumping the back of her head on the box beside her.
"You're so tactful Yusuke."
He stuck his tongue out at her. Botan giggled.
"Keiko is going to recover just fine."
"I hope so. Thank you for all your help Kurama. How do you feel?"
Akemi looked over and her eyes widened.
"You're hurt."
Kurama glanced over at her, smiling softly at her words and the concerned look in her eyes.
"It's not as deep as it looks. I'm good Yusuke. I avoided the organs at least."
Letting out a breath, Akemi shook her head at her brother.
"How did you manage to win this one Yusuke?" Botan clapped her hands together. Of course, the wounds on her hands had already healed.
Must be nice to have built in quick healing. This is some bullshit. My hands hurt so bad.
"I still can't believe what you did Yusuke!"
Yusuke looked over at Botan in surprise.
"Why not?"
"Why didn't you tell me the Spirit Gun could bounce off of mirrors? When did you learn that?" Akemi felt her stomach drop at Botan's words. Something told her the answer was about to piss her off.
"Mmm. About 10 minutes ago!"
Yep she was pissed.
"WHAT?"
"Hiei was way too fast. I knew he'd be able to dodge the Spirit Gun unless I could shoot him from behind. That's when I spotted the Forlorn Hope in the corner, and I thought hey, I'd give it a try." He winked at Botan and Akemi could feel her eye twitching.
"You weren't certain?" Kurama sounded just as shocked as Botan, but honestly Akemi wasn't all that surprised.
"Well one time in science class they bounced light off a mirror, and I thought it might be the same."
"Might? You risked our lives on a might? What exactly would you have done if the Spirit Gun hadn't bounced off the mirror?" Botan's eye started twitching and her hands curled into fists.
"Get chopped into tiny pieces I guess!"
"Honestly I'm not as shocked as I should be at your stupidity Yusuke." Yusuke glared at her and Akemi narrowed her eyes back. Kurama's shoulders shook with laughter.
"All the while we've been thinking, you're a brilliant strategist." Akemi scoffed at Kurama's words. "Really you're just a lucky fool!" He started laughing again.
"Hey watch it fox-boy! What's that word mean, anyway!"
"A strategist is someone who uses his brain."
Akemi coughed to try and cover up her laughter but finally gave in and dissolved into giggles. Kurama smiled brightly at her and rose to his feet, his wound already beginning to heal. He extended his hand to her, but Akemi shook her head, standing on her own. Botan came over and clicked her tongue at Akemi's hands, holding them gently in her own.
"I'm so sorry Akemi! I promise you; I'll heal these the second some of my energy recovers. You did very well. I'm proud of you."
Akemi coughed awkwardly.
"I'm okay Botan, really."
Botan grinned, wrapping her arm around the girl's shoulder, guiding her forwards. Akemi cast a glance over her shoulder and smirked at Kurama.
"See you later, fox-boy."
Showered clean, hands wrapped in bandages as they had been for the past couple of days, and exhaustion finally creeping up on her, Akemi collapsed into her bed, sighing in contentment. Laying in bed had never felt so good. Akemi was beginning to think that if Yusuke was going to keep up this detective gig, Akemi was going to learn how to be stronger. Sparring and fighting with Yusuke would only take her so far now. Finally finding the strength to crawl under the comforter, Akemi closed her eyes. Fighting demons one day and returning to school the next was becoming exhausting. She couldn't have been more excited that the next day was Saturday and she would have a chance to rest. Sleep overtook her quite easily, luring her back into her dreams.
"Daughter."
She was standing on the ledge of a cliff, looking over the same desert land as the sun set over it. She didn't have to turn to look, but she knew the desert city lay behind her. Her long black hair was flowing with the wind behind her and she wrapped her arms around herself. She screwed her eyes tight. Why did this man always insist on calling her that?
"Daughter. It's almost time to come home."
Akemi whirled around to face the voice that called her. She was tired of living in fear of these stupid dreams. Whoever was calling her obviously had a reason. She hadn't been ready to listen before but tonight, the way her powers had stretched for her, she knew she was powerful enough to face anything that came her way.
"Who are you?"
A deep chuckle floated towards her. She spread her feet, readying herself for a fight. Her eyes widened when someone grabbed her from behind. Long clawed hands wrapped her in an embrace, tugging her backwards and spinning her around so she was face to chest with this mystery man... A chin rested on her head and white hair brushed over her arms.
"I am your beginning. I am who made you."
She snorted.
"Way to be cryptic."
The man chuckled again. He hugged her impossibly close.
"You'll understand one day. Just know that I'm here."
"You're not trying to hit on me, are you?"
A hearty laugh vibrated the chest that she was currently trapped against.
"No child I'm not 'hitting on you' as you so eloquently put it."
"Alright then could you oh so kindly, let. Me. Go."
She drove an elbow in between his ribs and slammed her head forehead onto his chin. He grunted and stumbled a little, but his grip remained her steadfast on her. He chuckled, rubbing her hair with his hand.
"You've got spunk kid. Don't worry everything will be clear soon."
He pressed his lips to the top of her head.
"Ill see you soon, daughter."
Akemi woke with a start breathing hard. She ran a hand over her face. The dreams were getting more vivid. She hadn't had a dream of the woman in a while but the man who called her daughter always came. If she dug down deep there was something in her soul that recognized him, she just couldn't put her finger on that what it was. She glanced at her clock; the glowing letters that red 5 am taunting her. She sighed, knowing that going back to sleep would be a wasted effort, she slid out of bed and into her work out clothes. She grabbed her Walkman, slid her shoes on and was out the door in seconds.
The minute her feet hit the downstairs pavement and she began running, all of her stress started melting away. Her legs carried her the usual route down through the park. It was Saturday and the weather was absolutely perfect. If she was honest with herself she didn't feel like stopping just yet. With no rush to get ready for school she decided to run a little bit longer than normal. The sun was just beginning to rise when she finally stopped almost an hour later. She slowed down to a walk, using the bottom half of her shirt to wipe the sweat of her forehead.
Something pinched the back of her shirt, yanking her back and making her land straight on her butt. She cried out as she landed and looked up to find Hiei standing above her. Hey eyes narrowed and she pushed to her feet, widening her stance.
"What do you want?" Her eyes narrowed and she reached out to her energy bringing it forth. She didn't manifest it into the orbs, but kept it right under the surface, ready to use at any second.
"You're not afraid of me."
It was a statement.
"No." She didn't take her eyes off of him as he walked closer to her.
"What are you doing here Hiei?"
He scowled, narrowing his eyes at her.
"Apparently Koenma thought that my probation best be served here in the Ningenkai."
Akemi didn't drop her guard but stepped back a fraction.
"Okay and you decided to try and assault me on my run why?"
Hiei examined her again, raking his eyes over her form.
"You're just a regular, stupid, useless human girl. So how did your Spirit abilities become so strong?" He took a step closer to her. "And in such a short amount of time?"
She flared her energy, gathering her orbs in her hands.
"Your guess is as good as mine. But let's be honest with each other. Curiosity isn't the only reason you tracked me down isn't it?"
"No. I wanted you to tell that insufferable brother of yours that I will be extracting my revenge. Don't think I've forgotten the part you played either girl."
Akemi smirked, bringing a hand up, her purple orb glinting in the morning light.
"Are you talking about this one?"
His eyes narrowed, hand reaching for his katana.
Akemi pulled her hand back, readying her throw when a hand reached out to grasp hers. Startled her head whipped around to see Kurama standing behind her. He wrapped an arm around her, drawing her back gently.
"I don't think that would be wise for now Hiei. You wouldn't want to risk your probation, do you?"
Hiei growled, dropping his fighting stance.
"And here I thought you couldn't sink any lower, any weaker fox." Hiei turned on his heel, stopping only once to glance over his shoulder, locking eyes with Akemi. "I'll be seeing you and your precious brother soon girl."
Akemi glared at the short apparition as he walked away. She turned, glaring at Kurama. Snatching her hand out of his grip, she cleared her throat.
"What are you doing here?"
Kurama smirked.
"I was taking a morning stroll."
"Uh-huh. You just happened to be taking a stroll where Hiei just happened to be during my morning run?" Akemi crossed her arms over her chest, suspicion written across her face.
"Well when you put it like that, it definitely sounds more than coincidental don't you think? Allow me to walk you home?"
Akemi shook her head, taking a step back.
"No thank you. I was in the middle of a run and to be honest, I don't quite feel like taking a stroll through the park this morning." She couldn't keep the sarcasm out of her words. Was this asshole really following her? The nerve of both those morons! She turned to leave when Kurama's next words stopped her short.
"I think you impressed him."
Akemi turned, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Excuse me?"
"Not many people will stand their ground against Hiei. It's even less likely for a human woman to do so. He finds you puzzling. Interesting. A challenge even. You should tread lightly when it comes to him."
Akemi scoffed, marching up to Kurama and poking her finger into his well-muscled chest.
Don't get distracted Urameshi!
"Listen here. I am not in the mood. Last night kicked my ass 10 ways till Sunday and the fact that that little twerp decided to show up during the most peaceful part of my day already pissed me off. I don't know if you noticed but I'm not exactly like 'most human women.' You two decided to practically stalk me this morning which honestly, just adds to the absolute creep factor you two tend to radiate. I don't trust as easily as my brother does sometimes. I don't need anyone to look out for me, I've pretty much got that handled. So, rest assured that next time I can handle the shrimp myself. It's you two that may need to tread lightly when it comes to me."
Kurama smiled at the slip of the girl who stood there in front of him. Her eyes were blazing with a rambunctious fire he hadn't seen in a woman in many years. Long black hair pulled into a ponytail that swayed with every step. Well-muscled, but curvy in all the right places. Hiei was right about one thing she, definitely, was not like most human women. He held his hands up in surrender.
"My apologies."
Akemi removed her finger from his chest and spun on her heel.
"Next time, if you want to join me for a run, I'd prefer if you would ask to accompany me, rather than follow me like a shadow got it?" She didn't wait for his answer, just pulled her headphones back on and took off at a steady pace.
No, she was not most women, he decided. Not even in the least bit.
Arriving home, Akemi slammed the door behind her, heading straight for the shower. Atsuko was out again, having gone out last night. She hoped the slamming of the door didn't wake Yusuke. She showered quickly, getting dressed and padding down the hallway to make coffee. She threw her hair up and fixed her coffee. Her mind was still whirling with how her morning run had gone. She wasn't helping the Yukimura's this weekend and she also hadn't heard from Yusuke if there was anything from Koenma.
She'd thrown on her comfiest clothes, a pair of shorts, long socks and an oversized hoodie of Yusuke's. Having settled down on the couch to watch TV for a while, she startled a little when a knock sounded on the door. She got up, surprised when she saw Keiko on the other side of the door. She stepped aside to let her in.
"Hey what brings you here so early?"
Keiko narrowed her eyes at Akemi.
"Did you know?" Keiko had tears glittering in her eyes as she questioned her best friend. Akemi sighed, closing the front door and locking it.
"Did I know about which part? And first, how much has Yusuke told you?" Akemi puttered around the kitchen, making an extra cup of coffee. Keiko plopped down on the couch, wiping at her eyes. Akemi handed her a tissue and the mug of coffee. She sat down across from Keiko, crossing her legs beneath her, hands wrapped around her own coffee mug.
"He told me his version of everything. Now what about yours? I mean. I didn't even find out about Botan till I went looking for Yusuke at school yesterday and I thought they were dating." Keiko let out a hollow laugh. "But I was so wrong. He is caught up in this world of demons and demon hunting, and.. and are these things really real? How can they be real? I'm not dreaming am I? And on top of that how could he put himself in danger like this? What if he dies again? We wouldn't get him back this time. And how can this even be possible at 14? We're only kids and now some one wants him to do all this crazy stuff? At that he has an assistant? Why would he need an assistant? And she's the grim reaper? And how come nobody told me she.. she.. she was that pretty?!"
Keiko's voice had slowly risen in pitch until she was finally in hysterics. Akemi stared at her wide eyed. She put her mug down and grabbed Keiko's hands.
"Alright, let's just take a breath."
Keiko hiccuped, blowing her nose with the tissue Akemi had handed her earlier.
"Look, I'll answer all that I can with what Yusuke told me okay?"
Keiko nodded, wiping at her eyes and taking a deep breath while Akemi got her thoughts together.
"From what I know Keiko, these things are real. I mean, from what I've seen. I just… if I hadn't seen the first one Yusuke ever caught I don't think I'd believe it myself. Most of the time I wish I were dreaming and that demons, spirit energy and Yusuke's boss being a centuries old toddler, wasn't real. But it is and Yusuke got caught up in all of this because it's what allowed him to come back." Keiko looked at her startled. "I'm guessing Yusuke glossed over most of the details with you but I won't do that. His first ordeal was that he had to raise a beast from a Spirit Egg. But that day the apartment was on fire and we saved him, that blue tunnel of fire was from Yusuke sacrificing his Spirit Beast to save us. He gave up his chance to come back to make sure that we were safe."
Akemi cleared her throat as her emotions began to rise. She swallowed past the lump of tears.
"I guess it was then that Koenma saw what you and I see in Yusuke. That under the rough exterior lies someone who would do anything for those he loves. He allowed Yusuke to come back. But it was once Yusuke was back that Koenma told him that in order for him to stay back he would work as a Spirit Detective. Honestly, I can tell you that Yusuke is ideal for this job because of who he is. He's stupid, brash, head strong and fearless. But all of those things combined have made for killer instincts and an uncanny ability to accomplish things for Koenma. I don't know if you've noticed but Yusuke is the most sure of himself than he's ever been."
Keiko nodded, eyes finally drying of tears as she let Akemi's words sink into her.
"You told me to have faith in Yusuke. You've gotta keep that same faith Keiko." Sighing, she wrapped her arm around her best friend, Keiko leaning into her gratefully.
"You're right."
"I'm always right." Akemi smirked and hauled Keiko up.
"Where are we going?"
"It's the weekend, my idiot brother is off somewhere, and I'm bored. We're going shopping."
Keiko grinned at Akemi's words.
"I hope we get some peace and quiet for a while. I feel like you two have been so distant lately, ever since Yusuke's death. I've missed you guys."
Akemi rubbed Keiko's shoulder.
"I think some peace and quiet is in order. The Universe owes a damn break."
Somewhere in the back of her mind, Akemi could almost hear the Universe, laughing.