Chapter 4: Interesting Developments
Disclaimer: Wingzero does not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its characters. However she does own the fox twins.
Couples: Yusuke/Kurama, Hiei/Botan, Kuwabara/Yukina
---Kurama's POV---
Later that night, Yusuke and the others returned from their homes or training. Hiei went off somewhere after Yusuke and Kuwabara left. It was hard to guess what went through that brain of his. I knew he will return, because his little sister resided here. It was also because of her, Kuwabara also decided to stay.
"What took you so long?" I inquired while writing in my journal. My room mate was currently standing in the doorway with a sack over his shoulder.
"Keiko," Yusuke replied with a long sigh. He dropped his baggage beside the unoccupied bed roll. "She wanted to talk about our relationship. You don't know how relieved I was when I found out she wasn't mad at me. I wonder what happened to her yesterday."
I shrugged in response. How was I suppose to know what went on in the mind of the other half? I wasn't a mind reader, like Hiei. Besides, do I look like a girl? Don't even think about saying yes to that or you'll be answering to my death tree.
"Maybe she had time to cool off or something." For some reason, I unconsciously held my breath when realization hit me faster than Hiei's dragon of the darkness flame.
"You think?" Yusuke asked with hope shining in those bright brown eyes of his. Arg, I did not think of that. "I was kind of hoping for that, because I wanted her to tutor me for summer school." He was now scratching the back of his head nervously.
This time, I narrowed my eyes when I turned my gaze away from him. He knew he could come to me for help, but I guessed he wanted to spend more time with Keiko. I don't blame him. She was more innocent than I. Wait a second, how did I ever become involved in this?
"Speaking of which, what made you change your mind about your studies?" I inquired out of curiosity. There was always a reason or some strange excuse whenever Yusuke actually did something he didn't like.
A rustle of cloth sounded near me, signaling my room mate sitting on his bed roll. "I really don't know why. Maybe if I did well in school, she'll get off my case and I actually get to spend time with her when she's not pulling the guilt trip on me."
"You do care for her, don't you?" I thought I felt my heart stop when I heard myself say those words. Of course, he cared for her or he wouldn't have risked his life to save her from the invasion of the makai insects and Suzaku.
"I do," Yusuke replied thoughtfully. "You know when I'm with her, I can't stand her, but I'm not with her, I miss her. It's so confusing."
"Sadly, I don't have any advice for you." I turned around to face the detective. This time I managed to pull up my mask of indifference. Yeah, I mastered it some time ago when I had to lie to my own mother. Blast this human heart of mine and these damn emotions.
Shaking his head, Yusuke replied, "I wasn't expecting you to have one. Besides, it feels good to get this off my chest."
Really? If it made one of us happy, then I guessed it wasn't so bad, even if I had these strange emotions swirling inside of me.....
What about me? I wanted someone to listen to me, but I had doubts of telling the exact person for whom I harbored these feelings. Don't get me wrong, but my feelings for Yusuke had changed and they weren't overnight. It all started when he risked his life to help me save my mother's. It helped that he was willing to trust me, a thief he just met with the mirror.
Suddenly those brown eyes were very close to me. I would have fallen down, if I weren't lying down already. How did he get there so quickly? Maybe Hiei was right and I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings.
"Are you okay?" He reached over and touched my forehead to feel my temperature.
I never knew he could be this gentle or kind. Well, I knew he can be kind when he wanted to be. "I'm okay." I gave him a reassuring smile and pulled his hand off my forehead, even if I was enjoying his touch. Wait a second! I needed to lye down again.
"You sure?" Yusuke asked this time with more concern.
Argh! I can't take this anymore! These damn human emotions threatened to tear me apart and I don't even know the reason why. Sure, I had these strong feelings towards Yusuke, but I don't even know what the hell they were. Why was I doing this to myself?
Closing my eyes, I allowed my body to take my true form. That should do the trick. Now what? Oh great, Yusuke was looking at me as if I had grown a second head or something. I merely shrugged it off.
"I'm fine now," I stated in a voice that meant this conversation was over. Yet, there was this tug on my 'cold' heart. I don't know what it was, but it bothered me to no ends. Was it regret, jealousy, or even love?
"If you say so, but you know I'm here for ya?" His voice sounded pained or hurt. Nah, it was only me imagining it. He had Keiko to help him after all. Who did I have? No one.
Hiei and Botan were together or I was reading them wrong. I don't know what the ferry girl saw in the fire youkai, but she must have seen something good in there. Kuwabara and Yukina were good friends by now. Perhaps, Kuwabara had the guts to ask her out on a date, even though he didn't know her twin brother was Hiei. Oh yeah, I could imagine what their wedding was going to be like, a disaster if Hiei had his way.
I nodded my head in indication that I acknowledged his statement.
Why did I feel horrible just then?
Later that night
In the middle of the night, I felt a spike in energy. It was Hiei's rather unusual way of summoning me, but couldn't he wait until morning instead of this hour? Groaning, I uncurled myself from my tight ball and yawned.
Yusuke didn't budge. Good thing he was a heavy sleeper. It certainly was detrimental to us during the dark tournament. You'd think with all the explosions he would have woken up or something. It was someone's bad mouthing that woke him. Go figure.
Crawling out of bed, I made my way to the door noiselessly like it mattered with Yusuke. I slipped out of the room, wincing when the door creaked upon opening. The wooden floor felt cold against my bare feet or paws. I certainly hoped Hiei wasn't planning on meeting me outside.
My tail swished through the cool night air. The chirps of crickets sounded around the temple, giving it a calm atmosphere. It was summer so it was to be expected. We were out in the middle of nowhere. I guessed that had to play a factor. The leaves rustled in the breeze. I paused to listen. There was an odd sound interrupting the gentle melody.
As I rounded the corner of the hallway, I soon found myself face to face with a certain fire youkai. He must have entered through the window for it was open and the curtains fluttered in the breeze.
"What brings you here and why have you summoned me at this hour?" I inquired with a hint of annoyance. You would too if you had been woken up like this, but then again, Hiei wasn't one for jokes or playing.
Crimson eyes inspected my current form. "I'm not even going to ask why, fox." He had an amused smirk on his face. "Straight and to the point. And they wonder why I picked you as a partner." Hiei jumped from the window sill he was perched on.
"Hiei, get to the point already. I would like to sleep."
At this the fire youkai chuckled, "Yeah, we wouldn't want you to lose your beauty sleep." His face became serious as he appeared to be thoughtful. "I suppose you haven't heard any rumors floating around lately?"
I shook my head. Lately, I've been trying to keep out of trouble and stayed away from those breeding grounds of it. My human mother would become suspicious of my activities if I chose to do so. "I'm reformed."
"It has nothing to do with it," Hiei shrugged off my statement. His red eyes bore down on me. "Before I made contact with Botan, I've been hanging around the makai. There have been rumors circulating about a certain pair of bounty hunters coming out of retirement."
Normally, Hiei wasn't one to be worried about a couple of bounty hunters unless they were really good. I meant the type of people that could possible catch either of us back in the days. "I doubt you would be concerned over this unless you had a reason."
Again, Hiei chuckled. "Damn right. It's the twins. You already know that no one has ever seen either of them and lived to tell about it."
I frowned at this. It wasn't good, but you never know when it came to bounty hunters. The last I heard they were in 'retirement' as they seemed to drop off the makai. I certainly hoped they were only rumors and not actual facts.
"Are you sure about it? There have been false witnesses."
Hiei shrugged. "I'm not one to say, but I don't take these things lightly. Also I have read her mind and she was telling the truth or at least what she knew to be the truth. Don't give me that look. As I said, I take this very seriously."
"I know, I know," I said in my defense. "Still, I wish I knew what they were up to. It will certainly give us time to prepare and we still don't know who's after my mother or me."
"You're going to love this piece of information," Hiei said sarcastically while leaning against the wall. "While I was out looking for information, I discovered quite a few youkai crime lords have an interest in you. In fact, they are searching for you as we speak. One of them knows your human identity and has hired your human father to bring you to him."
"I wonder why they would be interested in me," I spoke thoughtfully. Glancing out the window, I noticed a few nocturnal animals stir. They shouldn't be giving us any problem. "I know it can't be for stealing, because there are better thieves out there with me out of the picture."
"To be honest, I don't know and none of the minions seem to know the answer either," Hiei replied in his blunt way. "They could have easily grabbed you during one of our missions or the dark tournament, but it will raise too much suspicion as to why you suddenly disappeared."
"True," I said agreeing with him. They had several chances to kidnap me and I wasn't referring to when I was working. "What about that spike in energy? Were you able to find something?"
"My informant was useless," Hiei scowled while running his hand through his hair. "So far, all we know is that two of them are youkai."
"I'm guessing they didn't see either of them," I said thoughtfully, which was confirmed by Hiei's nod. "This brings us back to square one again, but at least we know someone is out after me, though for an unknown reason."
"Tch, only you can say that," Hiei said in his deadpan voice. He pushed off the wall and began stalking to the window.
"Where are you going?" I inquired.
"I'm going on patrol," Hiei replied nevertheless. "The three of you are slacking off. Someone has to keep an eye on you and my sister."
"Very well," I sighed out loud before heading my on my way. My bed was calling and I must answer. Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a bed.
---Hiei's POV---
My meeting with Kurama went rather well. I was surprised to find him in his youkai form though I don't blame him. Around here, there were several places for an ambush, not to mention we were out in the middle of nowhere. Shiori was only human and can't defend herself as well as the rest of us. Okay, so the ape was also human, but at least he stood a chance against them. I wasn't sure if he could take on some youkai in high places.
While the fox slept, I went on my usual patrol around Genkai's land. I wasn't about to allow my sister to be captured by those greedy youkai crime lords. As an ice apparition, her tear gems were priceless. If they knew she was here, they may capture her as well. For some reason, they wanted Youko and were willing to invest large amounts of money. Knowing them, the benefits must outweigh the risks and costs.
"What do you want?" As if she could sneak up on me. I made it my business to know my surroundings.
The ferry girl floated towards my position. "So that's where you went. I wondered what happened to you since I saw you last."
I just glared at her. What did she want other than to bug me? Would she get to the point? For some reason I wished she wasn't this bubbly and more precise.
"In any case, I tried contacting the others, but I couldn't find them," Botan went on, not caring if she was annoying. "Kurama wasn't home and his mother can't be found either. Yusuke wasn't with Keiko or at his usual haunts. As for Kuwabara, I wouldn't know where to start searching for him, except for school, but it's summer vacation."
Could she be any more annoying? "They're not at those places, because they're here at Genkai's. We all have our own reasons for being here." It was apparently obvious. Why didn't that baby tell her in the first place?
Botan hit her forehead with the flat of her palm. "No wonder. And here I was running in circles looking for you guys. Anyways, Koenma wanted me to ask you four to check out this one site."
"And would that be where he felt the energy spike?" I inquired with a raised brow.
Her mouth almost hit her oar or at least I thought so. Her eyes were wide as well. "Were you reading my mind?" In less than a minute, she was becoming quite angry again.
I resisted the urge to smack some sense into the bubbly ferry girl. Honestly, was she that dense? Okay, she may not be as dense as Kuwabara, but I believed she was close enough. Besides, I doubt I can find my way out of her mind.
"Do you think I wouldn't feel that energy spike?" I countered her question. "I'm not the Kuwabara."
Botan laughed nervously at that. "Of course you're not." Oh great, she had gone back into her giggly mood. "I must get you four to the place."
"Have you tried waking up Yusuke?" I inquired while moving away from her. Hey, I had to finish my patrol around here. You never know when someone will attack.
Of course, she trailed behind me. "A few times and it's not the easiest task." Her index finger was pointing towards the sky in some sort of gesture. "I've even tried pouring ice cold water on him, but he just wipes it off and rolls over."
"Well, Yusuke's asleep," I explained it to her, hoping she would understand. "You do not want to deal with Kurama right now. He only wants to sleep. Kuwabara isn't going to be much help in his condition. He will be too tired to even fight."
"That's not good," Botan stated the obvious. "Aren't you going to go?"
"Hn, I have already checked the area," I answered her and then leapt into the nearest tree. It wasn't that I hated her, but she was slowing me down.
Within minutes later, I finished my rounds and leapt out of the tree. I was going to head inside and take a nap when someone descended near me. It had to be only a certain ferry girl. She had such good timing. Whirling around, I faced her.
"What?"
Both of her index fingers were pressed against each other at the tips. She had that cat face on her, meaning there was something she wanted that I may not agree. "Um, Koenma insists I have one of you check it out. Please, would you go?"
"If it will make you go away fine," I growled lightly and walked to where I had felt the energy spike. Since there were no trails through the woods around Genkai's place, I had to make my own. The green grass bent underneath my feet. Unfortunately for me, she still was following me.
"What is it this time?"
"Um, he also wanted me to report what you find," Botan said edgily as if I would attack her at any second.
No, I wasn't the type of person to beat up on those weaker than me unless they really deserved it like making my sister cry. "Stay out of my way then. I don't want to keep rescuing you and I doubt he'd believe me if you were killed."
"How thoughtful of you," Botan said, reading between the lines.
No, I don't care about her... Okay, so I was at least concerned for her health, but nothing more. Don't even go there.
As we headed towards the location, I noticed her fidgeting around as if she wanted to talk or something. Either that or there was something out there I didn't notice, but I doubt it was the case. I was extremely alert when it came to my safety and the safety of my sister.
Glancing around, I noticed we were seemingly alone within this forest unless you count the various nocturnal creatures. Nearby a few owls hooted from the perches of their trees. They must be on the lookout for rodents to scurry out from their hiding places. Tch, it was going to be awhile before they received their meal.
A small group of fireflies glowed, lighting the night sky. Since the weather was warm enough, they can be often found flying around in more than a dozen. Ningen children sometimes captured these insects in small jars, but they later let them go or I thought they do. Bah, it wasn't any of my concern.
Other than the small wind created by my flying companion, there were the gentle breezes. They stirred the leaves and kept the nocturnal creatures cooled down in this heat wave. I guessed that was what spooked Botan. She must be thinking there was someone following us with all the rustling leaves around us.
"Would you quit fidgeting?" I inquired with an annoyance.
Botan gave a nervous laugh. "Sorry about that. I thought someone was following us. We're close to the place, and they might be still out there."
If I were someone other than me, I would have fallen over with a massive sweat drop or major vein, but I was me and I do not do that. "What makes you think they would stay here and why are you still following me if you think they're going to attack us?"
"I was ordered to report back the results," Botan answered. She then moved her oar closer to me as if I was going to protect her from whatever lurked out there.
Okay, I would protect her if we were under attack. Don't even think about it. As a matter fact, don't even say a thing.
---Kurama's POV---
The next morning I found Yusuke snoring away as if he didn't have a care in the world. Well at least he wasn't loud as a certain tall red head. Don't look at me. I do not snore. If you must know, I was referring to Kuwabara. Lazily stretching out, I kept my gaze on my companion's sleeping form.
What made him special?
I will never know. Perhaps it was time I switched to my human form though it was rather weak compared to my true form.
As I was about to transform, someone opened the door. She raised a brow at my appearance and looked over it once. "Breakfast will be served in fifteen minutes. If the dimwit isn't awake, he's not eating."
You have to love her sense of humor. "I'll make sure Yusuke will be awake even if it means going down that road."
"Try to keep the noise down then," Genkai stated sarcastically as she walked away. Okay, now what did she mean by that? I would have asked her if she was still there.
Now how was I supposed to wake him up? He slept through four battles before he actually woke up. I believed it was four or was it three? I can't be bothered by every single detail.
Yusuke rolled onto his stomach, causing his blanket to fall off and expose his back. As much as this idea was childish, I crept to the sleeping boy and gave a yank at his waist band. He gave a wild yelp and nearly bolted out of the window.
"What was that for?" Brown eyes glared at me.
"Would you rather miss breakfast?" I smirked at his grumblings.
Picking himself up, he went through his belongings for his day clothes. "Whatever. Tell grandma I'll be down in ten minutes." He then walked to the bathroom.
For a moment, I forgot about last night. Then it came crashing down on me. I don't know what I felt, but I knew I felt something for Yusuke. It was this fuzzy sensation. It felt strange; yet good at the same time.
The only problem was I didn't know how Yusuke felt about me. From our conversation last night, he obviously had some sort of feelings for her. The question was how far did those feelings go? Did he want to have a serious relationship with her?
This was no time for me to be pining over Yusuke, if you could call it that. My ningen mother was in danger, and it was all my fault. If I didn't pick her, she would have a normal life; however, by now she may be dead due to her illness.
Pushing out those feelings, I stood back up and headed out the door, minutes after Yusuke. The others were either half asleep or busy getting ready for today. Genkai must have made her rounds as I can smell her scent recently made. If Genkai was waking up us, then that meant Yukina was cooking breakfast or at least close to being finished.
Speaking of which, Kuwabara came lumbering over in my direction. He didn't seem to notice my youkai form. Brushing past me, he yawned out loud, causing me to flinch due to the stench of his morning breath. I immediately pinched my nose and frowned in his direction.
"Haven't you heard of a breath mint? It wouldn't kill you; maybe me if you don't do anything about it."
The red head turned around quickly. "What's it to you?" His eyes narrowed before widening very large.
"Would you shut your mouth? Some of us want to live." Seriously his breath can be considered a lethal weapon.
His mouth shut with a snap. "How is it possible? I thought you had to drink that weird stuff."
I shrugged and flicked my tail. "I found a way to transform to my true form. Besides, whoever said I had to tell you?" Now that his mouth was not emitting a very foul odor, I released my hold on my nose.
"A warning would have been nice."
Out of our group, Hiei and Koenma were the first to know. Hiei discovered this fact on his own. I informed Koenma as I didn't want to be tossed into the youkai prison when it could easily be avoided. Nevertheless, I doubt he would do that after the many missions I helped his detective accomplish and survive.
"I already informed Koenma. Didn't he tell you?" Good thing, I was far away from Kuwabara and his retched stench.
Kuwabara shook his head. "I think I was sick that day. I dunno." He laughed nervously and scratched his head. "Where's Yukina?""
"I think she's in the kitchen, but I suggest staying out of there until she's finished," I chuckled at his confusion. Unlike ningen, I don't require as much nourishment to sustain my existence; nevertheless my ningen body did require it. "You want breakfast?"
"Uh, yeah," Kuwabara admitted sheepishly.
"Then I would wait," I casually remarked as I scooted out of the hallway and away from his breath. "Oh and find a breath mint soon before you kill the rest of us."
"Hey!" came Kuwabara's indignant voice.
I chuckled at his response. It was so easy to get him riled up, but then he didn't understand much. I thought he was more on the slow side. Thank the gods, Yusuke wasn't as slow as Kuwabara. I spent the minutes wandering around Genkai's temple until someone entered the room.
"Morning Hiei," I greeted the fire youkai without turning to look at him. I had been around him long enough to know his scent. Then there was a female one with him. It could only be Botan as she had the scent of death. "Botan."
"Good morning," the ferry girl chirped.
"There's nothing good about this morning," Hiei scowled. He then gave me a serious look. "There's something you should know. Have Yusuke and ... Kuwabara," he forced that word, "meet us."
I frowned at this. "Why don't you tell them?"
"We heard," a now damp Yusuke came through the door with his hair plastered on his head. "So you want to tell us something or what?"
"You can say that," Hiei sarcastically remarked. "It will be when we're alone."
"So is it important?" Kuwabara inquired, still with that hideous breath of his.
All three of us covered our noses. If you don't know, it was Hiei, Yusuke, and me. For Yusuke, it was obvious as he was the closes to the source of the stench.
"Did I not suggest a breath mint?" I scowled this time.
"Yeah," Yusuke agreed with me, glaring at the offender.
"I don't have one," Kuwabara huffed indignantly. He was about to protest when someone threw him a pack of breath mints.
"Thanks Botan," I thanked her. How did she know we would need one?
"No problem," Botan chirped while Kuwabara ate a few of them. "It's the least I could do."
Before anyone could say anything, my ningen mother poked her head through the door. "Breakfast is ready."
Disclaimer: Wingzero does not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its characters. However she does own the fox twins.
Couples: Yusuke/Kurama, Hiei/Botan, Kuwabara/Yukina
---Kurama's POV---
Later that night, Yusuke and the others returned from their homes or training. Hiei went off somewhere after Yusuke and Kuwabara left. It was hard to guess what went through that brain of his. I knew he will return, because his little sister resided here. It was also because of her, Kuwabara also decided to stay.
"What took you so long?" I inquired while writing in my journal. My room mate was currently standing in the doorway with a sack over his shoulder.
"Keiko," Yusuke replied with a long sigh. He dropped his baggage beside the unoccupied bed roll. "She wanted to talk about our relationship. You don't know how relieved I was when I found out she wasn't mad at me. I wonder what happened to her yesterday."
I shrugged in response. How was I suppose to know what went on in the mind of the other half? I wasn't a mind reader, like Hiei. Besides, do I look like a girl? Don't even think about saying yes to that or you'll be answering to my death tree.
"Maybe she had time to cool off or something." For some reason, I unconsciously held my breath when realization hit me faster than Hiei's dragon of the darkness flame.
"You think?" Yusuke asked with hope shining in those bright brown eyes of his. Arg, I did not think of that. "I was kind of hoping for that, because I wanted her to tutor me for summer school." He was now scratching the back of his head nervously.
This time, I narrowed my eyes when I turned my gaze away from him. He knew he could come to me for help, but I guessed he wanted to spend more time with Keiko. I don't blame him. She was more innocent than I. Wait a second, how did I ever become involved in this?
"Speaking of which, what made you change your mind about your studies?" I inquired out of curiosity. There was always a reason or some strange excuse whenever Yusuke actually did something he didn't like.
A rustle of cloth sounded near me, signaling my room mate sitting on his bed roll. "I really don't know why. Maybe if I did well in school, she'll get off my case and I actually get to spend time with her when she's not pulling the guilt trip on me."
"You do care for her, don't you?" I thought I felt my heart stop when I heard myself say those words. Of course, he cared for her or he wouldn't have risked his life to save her from the invasion of the makai insects and Suzaku.
"I do," Yusuke replied thoughtfully. "You know when I'm with her, I can't stand her, but I'm not with her, I miss her. It's so confusing."
"Sadly, I don't have any advice for you." I turned around to face the detective. This time I managed to pull up my mask of indifference. Yeah, I mastered it some time ago when I had to lie to my own mother. Blast this human heart of mine and these damn emotions.
Shaking his head, Yusuke replied, "I wasn't expecting you to have one. Besides, it feels good to get this off my chest."
Really? If it made one of us happy, then I guessed it wasn't so bad, even if I had these strange emotions swirling inside of me.....
What about me? I wanted someone to listen to me, but I had doubts of telling the exact person for whom I harbored these feelings. Don't get me wrong, but my feelings for Yusuke had changed and they weren't overnight. It all started when he risked his life to help me save my mother's. It helped that he was willing to trust me, a thief he just met with the mirror.
Suddenly those brown eyes were very close to me. I would have fallen down, if I weren't lying down already. How did he get there so quickly? Maybe Hiei was right and I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings.
"Are you okay?" He reached over and touched my forehead to feel my temperature.
I never knew he could be this gentle or kind. Well, I knew he can be kind when he wanted to be. "I'm okay." I gave him a reassuring smile and pulled his hand off my forehead, even if I was enjoying his touch. Wait a second! I needed to lye down again.
"You sure?" Yusuke asked this time with more concern.
Argh! I can't take this anymore! These damn human emotions threatened to tear me apart and I don't even know the reason why. Sure, I had these strong feelings towards Yusuke, but I don't even know what the hell they were. Why was I doing this to myself?
Closing my eyes, I allowed my body to take my true form. That should do the trick. Now what? Oh great, Yusuke was looking at me as if I had grown a second head or something. I merely shrugged it off.
"I'm fine now," I stated in a voice that meant this conversation was over. Yet, there was this tug on my 'cold' heart. I don't know what it was, but it bothered me to no ends. Was it regret, jealousy, or even love?
"If you say so, but you know I'm here for ya?" His voice sounded pained or hurt. Nah, it was only me imagining it. He had Keiko to help him after all. Who did I have? No one.
Hiei and Botan were together or I was reading them wrong. I don't know what the ferry girl saw in the fire youkai, but she must have seen something good in there. Kuwabara and Yukina were good friends by now. Perhaps, Kuwabara had the guts to ask her out on a date, even though he didn't know her twin brother was Hiei. Oh yeah, I could imagine what their wedding was going to be like, a disaster if Hiei had his way.
I nodded my head in indication that I acknowledged his statement.
Why did I feel horrible just then?
Later that night
In the middle of the night, I felt a spike in energy. It was Hiei's rather unusual way of summoning me, but couldn't he wait until morning instead of this hour? Groaning, I uncurled myself from my tight ball and yawned.
Yusuke didn't budge. Good thing he was a heavy sleeper. It certainly was detrimental to us during the dark tournament. You'd think with all the explosions he would have woken up or something. It was someone's bad mouthing that woke him. Go figure.
Crawling out of bed, I made my way to the door noiselessly like it mattered with Yusuke. I slipped out of the room, wincing when the door creaked upon opening. The wooden floor felt cold against my bare feet or paws. I certainly hoped Hiei wasn't planning on meeting me outside.
My tail swished through the cool night air. The chirps of crickets sounded around the temple, giving it a calm atmosphere. It was summer so it was to be expected. We were out in the middle of nowhere. I guessed that had to play a factor. The leaves rustled in the breeze. I paused to listen. There was an odd sound interrupting the gentle melody.
As I rounded the corner of the hallway, I soon found myself face to face with a certain fire youkai. He must have entered through the window for it was open and the curtains fluttered in the breeze.
"What brings you here and why have you summoned me at this hour?" I inquired with a hint of annoyance. You would too if you had been woken up like this, but then again, Hiei wasn't one for jokes or playing.
Crimson eyes inspected my current form. "I'm not even going to ask why, fox." He had an amused smirk on his face. "Straight and to the point. And they wonder why I picked you as a partner." Hiei jumped from the window sill he was perched on.
"Hiei, get to the point already. I would like to sleep."
At this the fire youkai chuckled, "Yeah, we wouldn't want you to lose your beauty sleep." His face became serious as he appeared to be thoughtful. "I suppose you haven't heard any rumors floating around lately?"
I shook my head. Lately, I've been trying to keep out of trouble and stayed away from those breeding grounds of it. My human mother would become suspicious of my activities if I chose to do so. "I'm reformed."
"It has nothing to do with it," Hiei shrugged off my statement. His red eyes bore down on me. "Before I made contact with Botan, I've been hanging around the makai. There have been rumors circulating about a certain pair of bounty hunters coming out of retirement."
Normally, Hiei wasn't one to be worried about a couple of bounty hunters unless they were really good. I meant the type of people that could possible catch either of us back in the days. "I doubt you would be concerned over this unless you had a reason."
Again, Hiei chuckled. "Damn right. It's the twins. You already know that no one has ever seen either of them and lived to tell about it."
I frowned at this. It wasn't good, but you never know when it came to bounty hunters. The last I heard they were in 'retirement' as they seemed to drop off the makai. I certainly hoped they were only rumors and not actual facts.
"Are you sure about it? There have been false witnesses."
Hiei shrugged. "I'm not one to say, but I don't take these things lightly. Also I have read her mind and she was telling the truth or at least what she knew to be the truth. Don't give me that look. As I said, I take this very seriously."
"I know, I know," I said in my defense. "Still, I wish I knew what they were up to. It will certainly give us time to prepare and we still don't know who's after my mother or me."
"You're going to love this piece of information," Hiei said sarcastically while leaning against the wall. "While I was out looking for information, I discovered quite a few youkai crime lords have an interest in you. In fact, they are searching for you as we speak. One of them knows your human identity and has hired your human father to bring you to him."
"I wonder why they would be interested in me," I spoke thoughtfully. Glancing out the window, I noticed a few nocturnal animals stir. They shouldn't be giving us any problem. "I know it can't be for stealing, because there are better thieves out there with me out of the picture."
"To be honest, I don't know and none of the minions seem to know the answer either," Hiei replied in his blunt way. "They could have easily grabbed you during one of our missions or the dark tournament, but it will raise too much suspicion as to why you suddenly disappeared."
"True," I said agreeing with him. They had several chances to kidnap me and I wasn't referring to when I was working. "What about that spike in energy? Were you able to find something?"
"My informant was useless," Hiei scowled while running his hand through his hair. "So far, all we know is that two of them are youkai."
"I'm guessing they didn't see either of them," I said thoughtfully, which was confirmed by Hiei's nod. "This brings us back to square one again, but at least we know someone is out after me, though for an unknown reason."
"Tch, only you can say that," Hiei said in his deadpan voice. He pushed off the wall and began stalking to the window.
"Where are you going?" I inquired.
"I'm going on patrol," Hiei replied nevertheless. "The three of you are slacking off. Someone has to keep an eye on you and my sister."
"Very well," I sighed out loud before heading my on my way. My bed was calling and I must answer. Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a bed.
---Hiei's POV---
My meeting with Kurama went rather well. I was surprised to find him in his youkai form though I don't blame him. Around here, there were several places for an ambush, not to mention we were out in the middle of nowhere. Shiori was only human and can't defend herself as well as the rest of us. Okay, so the ape was also human, but at least he stood a chance against them. I wasn't sure if he could take on some youkai in high places.
While the fox slept, I went on my usual patrol around Genkai's land. I wasn't about to allow my sister to be captured by those greedy youkai crime lords. As an ice apparition, her tear gems were priceless. If they knew she was here, they may capture her as well. For some reason, they wanted Youko and were willing to invest large amounts of money. Knowing them, the benefits must outweigh the risks and costs.
"What do you want?" As if she could sneak up on me. I made it my business to know my surroundings.
The ferry girl floated towards my position. "So that's where you went. I wondered what happened to you since I saw you last."
I just glared at her. What did she want other than to bug me? Would she get to the point? For some reason I wished she wasn't this bubbly and more precise.
"In any case, I tried contacting the others, but I couldn't find them," Botan went on, not caring if she was annoying. "Kurama wasn't home and his mother can't be found either. Yusuke wasn't with Keiko or at his usual haunts. As for Kuwabara, I wouldn't know where to start searching for him, except for school, but it's summer vacation."
Could she be any more annoying? "They're not at those places, because they're here at Genkai's. We all have our own reasons for being here." It was apparently obvious. Why didn't that baby tell her in the first place?
Botan hit her forehead with the flat of her palm. "No wonder. And here I was running in circles looking for you guys. Anyways, Koenma wanted me to ask you four to check out this one site."
"And would that be where he felt the energy spike?" I inquired with a raised brow.
Her mouth almost hit her oar or at least I thought so. Her eyes were wide as well. "Were you reading my mind?" In less than a minute, she was becoming quite angry again.
I resisted the urge to smack some sense into the bubbly ferry girl. Honestly, was she that dense? Okay, she may not be as dense as Kuwabara, but I believed she was close enough. Besides, I doubt I can find my way out of her mind.
"Do you think I wouldn't feel that energy spike?" I countered her question. "I'm not the Kuwabara."
Botan laughed nervously at that. "Of course you're not." Oh great, she had gone back into her giggly mood. "I must get you four to the place."
"Have you tried waking up Yusuke?" I inquired while moving away from her. Hey, I had to finish my patrol around here. You never know when someone will attack.
Of course, she trailed behind me. "A few times and it's not the easiest task." Her index finger was pointing towards the sky in some sort of gesture. "I've even tried pouring ice cold water on him, but he just wipes it off and rolls over."
"Well, Yusuke's asleep," I explained it to her, hoping she would understand. "You do not want to deal with Kurama right now. He only wants to sleep. Kuwabara isn't going to be much help in his condition. He will be too tired to even fight."
"That's not good," Botan stated the obvious. "Aren't you going to go?"
"Hn, I have already checked the area," I answered her and then leapt into the nearest tree. It wasn't that I hated her, but she was slowing me down.
Within minutes later, I finished my rounds and leapt out of the tree. I was going to head inside and take a nap when someone descended near me. It had to be only a certain ferry girl. She had such good timing. Whirling around, I faced her.
"What?"
Both of her index fingers were pressed against each other at the tips. She had that cat face on her, meaning there was something she wanted that I may not agree. "Um, Koenma insists I have one of you check it out. Please, would you go?"
"If it will make you go away fine," I growled lightly and walked to where I had felt the energy spike. Since there were no trails through the woods around Genkai's place, I had to make my own. The green grass bent underneath my feet. Unfortunately for me, she still was following me.
"What is it this time?"
"Um, he also wanted me to report what you find," Botan said edgily as if I would attack her at any second.
No, I wasn't the type of person to beat up on those weaker than me unless they really deserved it like making my sister cry. "Stay out of my way then. I don't want to keep rescuing you and I doubt he'd believe me if you were killed."
"How thoughtful of you," Botan said, reading between the lines.
No, I don't care about her... Okay, so I was at least concerned for her health, but nothing more. Don't even go there.
As we headed towards the location, I noticed her fidgeting around as if she wanted to talk or something. Either that or there was something out there I didn't notice, but I doubt it was the case. I was extremely alert when it came to my safety and the safety of my sister.
Glancing around, I noticed we were seemingly alone within this forest unless you count the various nocturnal creatures. Nearby a few owls hooted from the perches of their trees. They must be on the lookout for rodents to scurry out from their hiding places. Tch, it was going to be awhile before they received their meal.
A small group of fireflies glowed, lighting the night sky. Since the weather was warm enough, they can be often found flying around in more than a dozen. Ningen children sometimes captured these insects in small jars, but they later let them go or I thought they do. Bah, it wasn't any of my concern.
Other than the small wind created by my flying companion, there were the gentle breezes. They stirred the leaves and kept the nocturnal creatures cooled down in this heat wave. I guessed that was what spooked Botan. She must be thinking there was someone following us with all the rustling leaves around us.
"Would you quit fidgeting?" I inquired with an annoyance.
Botan gave a nervous laugh. "Sorry about that. I thought someone was following us. We're close to the place, and they might be still out there."
If I were someone other than me, I would have fallen over with a massive sweat drop or major vein, but I was me and I do not do that. "What makes you think they would stay here and why are you still following me if you think they're going to attack us?"
"I was ordered to report back the results," Botan answered. She then moved her oar closer to me as if I was going to protect her from whatever lurked out there.
Okay, I would protect her if we were under attack. Don't even think about it. As a matter fact, don't even say a thing.
---Kurama's POV---
The next morning I found Yusuke snoring away as if he didn't have a care in the world. Well at least he wasn't loud as a certain tall red head. Don't look at me. I do not snore. If you must know, I was referring to Kuwabara. Lazily stretching out, I kept my gaze on my companion's sleeping form.
What made him special?
I will never know. Perhaps it was time I switched to my human form though it was rather weak compared to my true form.
As I was about to transform, someone opened the door. She raised a brow at my appearance and looked over it once. "Breakfast will be served in fifteen minutes. If the dimwit isn't awake, he's not eating."
You have to love her sense of humor. "I'll make sure Yusuke will be awake even if it means going down that road."
"Try to keep the noise down then," Genkai stated sarcastically as she walked away. Okay, now what did she mean by that? I would have asked her if she was still there.
Now how was I supposed to wake him up? He slept through four battles before he actually woke up. I believed it was four or was it three? I can't be bothered by every single detail.
Yusuke rolled onto his stomach, causing his blanket to fall off and expose his back. As much as this idea was childish, I crept to the sleeping boy and gave a yank at his waist band. He gave a wild yelp and nearly bolted out of the window.
"What was that for?" Brown eyes glared at me.
"Would you rather miss breakfast?" I smirked at his grumblings.
Picking himself up, he went through his belongings for his day clothes. "Whatever. Tell grandma I'll be down in ten minutes." He then walked to the bathroom.
For a moment, I forgot about last night. Then it came crashing down on me. I don't know what I felt, but I knew I felt something for Yusuke. It was this fuzzy sensation. It felt strange; yet good at the same time.
The only problem was I didn't know how Yusuke felt about me. From our conversation last night, he obviously had some sort of feelings for her. The question was how far did those feelings go? Did he want to have a serious relationship with her?
This was no time for me to be pining over Yusuke, if you could call it that. My ningen mother was in danger, and it was all my fault. If I didn't pick her, she would have a normal life; however, by now she may be dead due to her illness.
Pushing out those feelings, I stood back up and headed out the door, minutes after Yusuke. The others were either half asleep or busy getting ready for today. Genkai must have made her rounds as I can smell her scent recently made. If Genkai was waking up us, then that meant Yukina was cooking breakfast or at least close to being finished.
Speaking of which, Kuwabara came lumbering over in my direction. He didn't seem to notice my youkai form. Brushing past me, he yawned out loud, causing me to flinch due to the stench of his morning breath. I immediately pinched my nose and frowned in his direction.
"Haven't you heard of a breath mint? It wouldn't kill you; maybe me if you don't do anything about it."
The red head turned around quickly. "What's it to you?" His eyes narrowed before widening very large.
"Would you shut your mouth? Some of us want to live." Seriously his breath can be considered a lethal weapon.
His mouth shut with a snap. "How is it possible? I thought you had to drink that weird stuff."
I shrugged and flicked my tail. "I found a way to transform to my true form. Besides, whoever said I had to tell you?" Now that his mouth was not emitting a very foul odor, I released my hold on my nose.
"A warning would have been nice."
Out of our group, Hiei and Koenma were the first to know. Hiei discovered this fact on his own. I informed Koenma as I didn't want to be tossed into the youkai prison when it could easily be avoided. Nevertheless, I doubt he would do that after the many missions I helped his detective accomplish and survive.
"I already informed Koenma. Didn't he tell you?" Good thing, I was far away from Kuwabara and his retched stench.
Kuwabara shook his head. "I think I was sick that day. I dunno." He laughed nervously and scratched his head. "Where's Yukina?""
"I think she's in the kitchen, but I suggest staying out of there until she's finished," I chuckled at his confusion. Unlike ningen, I don't require as much nourishment to sustain my existence; nevertheless my ningen body did require it. "You want breakfast?"
"Uh, yeah," Kuwabara admitted sheepishly.
"Then I would wait," I casually remarked as I scooted out of the hallway and away from his breath. "Oh and find a breath mint soon before you kill the rest of us."
"Hey!" came Kuwabara's indignant voice.
I chuckled at his response. It was so easy to get him riled up, but then he didn't understand much. I thought he was more on the slow side. Thank the gods, Yusuke wasn't as slow as Kuwabara. I spent the minutes wandering around Genkai's temple until someone entered the room.
"Morning Hiei," I greeted the fire youkai without turning to look at him. I had been around him long enough to know his scent. Then there was a female one with him. It could only be Botan as she had the scent of death. "Botan."
"Good morning," the ferry girl chirped.
"There's nothing good about this morning," Hiei scowled. He then gave me a serious look. "There's something you should know. Have Yusuke and ... Kuwabara," he forced that word, "meet us."
I frowned at this. "Why don't you tell them?"
"We heard," a now damp Yusuke came through the door with his hair plastered on his head. "So you want to tell us something or what?"
"You can say that," Hiei sarcastically remarked. "It will be when we're alone."
"So is it important?" Kuwabara inquired, still with that hideous breath of his.
All three of us covered our noses. If you don't know, it was Hiei, Yusuke, and me. For Yusuke, it was obvious as he was the closes to the source of the stench.
"Did I not suggest a breath mint?" I scowled this time.
"Yeah," Yusuke agreed with me, glaring at the offender.
"I don't have one," Kuwabara huffed indignantly. He was about to protest when someone threw him a pack of breath mints.
"Thanks Botan," I thanked her. How did she know we would need one?
"No problem," Botan chirped while Kuwabara ate a few of them. "It's the least I could do."
Before anyone could say anything, my ningen mother poked her head through the door. "Breakfast is ready."