Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Changing Faces ❯ Riding and Fighting ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or any of its characters. I own only Raevyn, and any other characters not on YYH. I don't own any of the songs in this fic either.

 

“text” - Talking

`text' - thinking

text - telepathic communication

 

Thanks to everyone who reviewed! If you like this story, check out Poetry of my Mind. The poem is about Raevyn! It's a spoiler though so if you don't want to find out Raevyn's demon form, don't read it!

 

Changing Faces

 

Chapter 4 - Riding and Fighting

 

:Raevyn POV:

 

Today I woke up to an annoying beeping because I hadn't bothered to set the radio alarm. You have no idea how much I want to kill the beeping, but I make it a point not to keep anything more dangerous than a small dagger and a few throwing knives in my room. I used to keep the dagger under my pillow until I gave myself a haircut in my sleep now it sits on the shelf above my bed. Completely out of reach. Damn it.

 

I finally relinquish my hold on my bed and get up for some training. Looking at the clock I see its 7 AM. `Great time to train. I can get in three hours of practice with my new toy.' By new toy I mean the only sword in that room I haven't mastered yet. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of it soon.

 

I change into loose black cotton pants and dark gray under armor shirt. (A/N: Under armor is like a spandex shirt if that confused anyone.) I wrap my feet and ankles to protect against sprains, also serving as makeshift shoes. I also wrap my wrists because the sword is a little heavier than I'm used to and it would really suck if I wound up hurting my wrist. Then I wouldn't be able to throw a decent punch for a week. I'd beat the crap out of Ronin and Darryl with an injured hand. How humiliating. Maybe I should break my arm and even out the playing field. Nah.

 

I leave my room after throwing my hair into a messy ponytail and tying a bandana around my head to keep my bangs out of my face, which are seem to never grow out no matter what I do. I enter my training room to see Hiei already there. `Wonder what time he gets up to beat me here?' I watch him for a moment. His movements are graceful and his sword looks like an extension of his body. `He's no amateur that's for sure. If I went against him I would have a hard time keeping pace. Beating him is on a whole other level from me.'

 

Now I don't like admitting that there is anyone better than me other than my Sensei when it comes to any kind of blades but I am no match for Hiei. I'm no fool either. I won't challenge someone I know could beat me in a second. I will not challenge him. Not yet at any rate.

 

I tear my eyes away from him and move to my katana rack. I pull off a simple black katana. Simple, yet beautifully deadly. This is the first sword I ever got. The sword my father gave me for my 16th birthday. `I'll give him one thing, he knew his blades.' Suppressing a shudder, I unsheathe the sword and enter into a simple kata. I let the movements consume me. I slip into a new void, not unlike the one for meditating, but here the only thing I know is my breathing and the sword. There is nothing but me and the sword. No room, no Hiei, no house, no nothing.

 

I gradually wind down to the end of the kata and think of repeating it but stop and switch weapons. I replace the sword on the rack and grab up my favorite quarterstaff. I carved markings and symbols of my Goddess into it, making it not only a good weapon in hand to hand combat but also if I need to cast a spell when fighting, doubtful but you can never be too careful, I can.

 

I do the same kata as I did with the sword, modified slightly for obvious reasons. A quarterstaff is a completely different weapon. `Now if I fought Hiei with this I might stand a better chance. A farmer with a quarterstaff can beat even the most experienced swordsman. At least, that's what Sensei said. But he has never lied to me. Hiei and I will fight at one point. There is no denying it.'

 

I don't know what it is about a quarterstaff that makes me feel more balanced. I love the quarterstaff, especially in this kata. It could just be the presence of magic around the weapon or the natural spirit of the weapon itself. I don't know and I don't care to figure it out. I just know that it has a bigger calming effect on me than any meditation. I finish this kata and put away my quarterstaff.

 

I turn now to my newest `toy' as I've been calling it. I walk to its stand and grasp the hilt. The leather is soft and firm under my palm. I lift it from its stand and proceed to the middle of the floor again. I start the same kata I had before. The sword being heavier with a different balance than I am used to made me a little unsteady but I didn't stop, just slowed my pace so I could keep control. After a few minutes, I felt more comfortable with the sword and picked up the speed to my normal pace. Everything was going fine, but soon my breathing faltered and fell out of time with my steps. I was loosing focus and had no way of getting it back to save this. I stopped moving with the sword only inches away from my neck. `I will not be mastering this sword today. Wait… what time is it?'

 

I remove the sword from its precarious position at my neck and look at my watch. It's 10 AM.

 

”Shit!” I curse.

 

I replace the sword in its stand and rushed out of the room.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Hiei POV:

 

I watched her come into the room and watch me train for a few minutes before she went over to her own swords. She's very graceful and if she hadn't told us herself that she had only been training for about seven months I would have thought she had been training for years. Her grace with a quarterstaff was even more evident.

 

I watched as she picked up the green sword. She didn't look scared by a weapon she couldn't handle. She looked cautious yet deeply excited. A look I've seen so many times in the faces of enemies before they fall. Excitement. Pain, suffering, death. None of these things scares her. I have lived for centuries and have only seen that look from demons many times her age. To see excitement at the proposition of danger in any human's eyes let alone a young female is unnerving.

 

She begins to lose concentration, her movements are sloppy and unsteady. I watch as she regains enough balance to stop with the sword inches from her neck. All the while I'm training myself. So used to my movements I don't have to watch what I'm doing. She stands for a moment to gather herself, then she brings the sword down and glances at her watch.

 

“Shit!” She curses, replaces the sword and runs from the room.

 

I continue training and twenty minutes later she's back in different clothing. Long tight fitting black shorts that reach her knees and a black tank top, she also wears strange boots on her feet.

 

“I'm leaving for my lesson in 5 minutes. If you want to come be ready.” She says and leaves without waiting for an answer.

 

Kurama enters a minute later. “Why don't you come with us, Hiei? It could be fun. She says there is something exciting everyday.”

 

“Hn. Why not?” I answer. `This could be interesting with the bakas along.'

 

Kurama smirks and I'm sure he knows my reasons for coming.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

In the car I'm riding shotgun. There was no way in the seven levels of hell that I was going to sit near that baka. Kurama could deal with them.

 

Almost as soon as we get into the car the detective and baka start to fight. I almost feel sorry for Kurama. Almost. He chose to sit in between them.

 

I entertained thoughts of killing them very violently to keep from actually killing them. By the look on Raevyn's face she was doing the same.

 

We finally make it to this stable and Raevyn parks. Before the two idiots can jump out of the car she locks the doors.

 

“Hey! What are you doing?” Yusuke protests.

 

“Saving myself and the other workers a lot of grief and telling you the rules right now.” Raevyn said.

 

“Heh. Urameshi here has never been one for rules.” The baka replied.

 

“If you plan on not dying then you'll follow the rules.” Raevyn retorted with all seriousness. “There is no running, loud noises, fast movement, or fighting. Can you handle that?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Good. Now you can get out.” Raevyn unlocked he doors.

 

I could see the problems immediately. `This could be interesting after all.'

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Raevyn POV:

 

I'm definitely worried about letting Yusuke and Kuwabara out of the car. Hiei and Shuichi are OK but those two, no way. `If they're stupid enough to get killed it's not my fault. I warned them.' I sighed and unlocked the doors.

 

Entering the office, Jo looks up and then looks at the book in front of her.

 

“Lucky, today, Rae.” She says.

 

“Good. I'm in need of an ass kicking after missing a week.” I reply as I sign in.

 

“RAEVYN!”

 

Before I can turn around I'm glomped by three girls, the twins Brittney and Alex, and Laura. I forgot they were here on Saturday's.

 

“Hey guys. Can you ease up? I need air!” I croak.

 

“Serves you right for not coming in last week!” Laura practically shouts.

 

“Sorry. I had… things… to take care of.” She knows by now that I won't tell what things I was doing so she doesn't even bother to ask.

 

“Who ya riding?” Alex asks.

 

“Lucky. Is he up here or in his stall?”

 

“Stall. Have fun. He hasn't been out in four days.” Brittney smirks.

 

“Great.” I reply sarcastically.

 

They finally notice the boys behind me. Though I don't really know how they could miss them. Hiei is the same height as the girls and the others are, of course taller. The girls are all taller than me yet they are only 13. `Being vertically challenged sucks.'

 

I introduce the boys pointing to each one as I go. “They live with me as foreign exchange students.”

 

Jo eyes then suspiciously. “You are only 16 and you have four teenage boys living with you. I don't like it. You should really stay with a relative or something, Raevyn.”

 

“Don't have one to stay with. No more family. Doesn't bother me much. Well, I'm going to get Lucky.” I walk through the office to the alleyway turning at the door, “You guys coming or what?”

 

They follow after me. I lead them through the side barn getting yelled at by Kelly in the process.

 

“No one is allowed in the barn that isn't an employee. You know the rule.” She joked.

 

“The sign on the door says `No one is permitted in the barn without a Parkview employee,' of which I am.” I retorted and continued past with the boys in tow.

 

“Is working here hard?” Kuwabara asks.

 

“The work? No. Dealing with the people and my boss? Yes.” I paused. “You might have noticed that I'm not really a people person when it comes to anyone my age or older. If not then you're either blind or an idiot.”

 

Yusuke snickered. “What's so bad about your boss?”

 

“She doesn't like to pay her employee's. And I'm tired of having to deal with her but this is really the only thing I know how to do.”

 

We got to Lucky's stall. I walked past after saying hello and went to Fred two stalls over.

 

“Hey Freddy!” I opened his stall and walked over to him. I pulled a mint from my pocket and he greedily devoured it.

 

“Who's this?” Shuichi asked.

 

“This is my favorite pony, Fred. I believe he is a fat horse reincarnated in a pony's body because he never seems to stop eating. He always acts like we're starving him.” I laughed.

 

I walked out of the stall and returned to Lucky. His bridle is on the door. “Going to give me a good ride today, Lucky?” I ask, opening the door and stepping in.

 

“What's that thing?” Yusuke asks.

 

“This is the bridle. It is what I use to convey what I want to my horse. Of course they can choose to obey or not but this gives me a fighting chance.” I reply happily. I like talking about riding stuff. “You might want to move so I can get out the door.”

 

Yusuke and Kuwabara being the only two in front of the door, hastily move for fear of being trampled. Good thing too, because Lucky pranced out of his stall and whirled around to face us as soon as he was out. `Oh yeah. This is going to be an interesting lesson.'

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

I get to the ring and finally remember that I haven't put on my chaps yet. I change direction and go to my car.

 

“Don't you have to go in there?” Yusuke asks me.

 

“Yes, but I can't ride in shorts.” I open my door and pull a pair of black suede full chaps out the backseat.

 

“Shuichi, can you hold him for a minute? I swear he isn't going to do anything. Just no sudden movements.” I ask, holding out the reins.

 

Shuichi takes him from me and I strap on my chaps and zip up the sides.

 

“Thanks. Now I'm ready to ride.” I take Lucky's reins back and head over to the ring again.

 

Vicky just finished pulling down the outside jumps so we could have the inside track. (A/N: If you are not a horse person and have no idea what I'm talking about ask me about it in your review and I'll explain. I forget sometimes that not everyone grew up in the horse world like I did.) Sam is bringing Tucker up to the mounting block as I walk in.

 

“Hey, Raevyn! Who are they?” Sam vaguely gestures to the guys with her crop.

 

“Foreign exchange students from Japan. They live with me and I decided to drag them along. They're supposed to learn about American life anyway. Why not learn about the horse world?” I answer. “Oh yeah names. The red head is Shuichi, the short one next to him is Hiei, the one with the slicked back hair is Yusuke, and carrot top next to him is Kuwabara.”

 

“Living with four boys? Is that safe?” Vicky asked coming over.

 

“You can ask Yusuke. I can take care of myself.”

 

“Yeah. She's got a mean roundhouse.” Yusuke called over.

 

“OK. Get out on the rail to the left and walk a lap.” Vicky ordered.

 

We both made our way to the rail and after a lap were told to trot. I could hear Laura chatting away, telling Yusuke and Kuwabara everything that was happening. It was funny. She would just keep talking even though their faces kept getting more and more confused.

 

“Guess what, girls? Drop those stirrups.” Vicky called out.

 

Kuso. I dropped my stirrups and had one hell of a time posting to Lucky's bouncy trot. It feels like my legs are going to fall off. I have always hated trotting without stirrups and after 10 laps my legs are jelly.

 

“OK girls walk a lap and take back your stirrups.” Vicky calls out.

 

I pull Lucky to a walk and take him the fence where Laura tosses me a cold bottle of water.

 

“How the hell do you stay on that thing?” Kuwabara asks.

 

“Grip with my legs.” I answer.

 

He just stares at me like I'm nuts. I shrug hand Laura the rest of my water and ride back onto the rail. I get to walk one lap and then it's time to canter. Good thing there aren't too many beginners in here today cause Lucky's a touch bit of insane right now.

 

“Head out to the rail and pick up a canter!” Vicky orders.

 

I have a clear straightaway and I'm using it. As I pass in front of the guys Lucky bucks but canters. I hear Kuwabara and Yusuke shriek and Hiei call them idiots as I collect Lucky into a semi-normal canter.

Eventually we change direction and he does the same thing only at the other end of the ring. It's really funny to hear a big guy like Kuwabara shriek like a six year old girl. I'll have to scare him more often. We bring the horses back down to a walk and I go get a drink again.

 

“Nice bucks, Rae.” Sam comments getting her own water.

 

“Yeah. I think he can do better though.” I reply.

 

“Be careful. You might get that wish.”

 

Laura hands me a bottle again. I look at Yusuke and Kuwabara and nearly fall from my horse. Their eyes are bugging out of their heads like this O.O. I nearly die laughing at them.

 

“Are you nuts!?” Yusuke practically shrieks.

 

“Do you really wanna know?” I reply. “Don't worry those were just some playful bucks. He wasn't trying to get me off.”

 

“Your still nuts.” Kuwabara comments.

 

I hand my water back to Laura and look to Shuichi. “Do you think I'm nuts?”

 

“Not nuts. Just someone who likes playing with death.” He replies carefully.

 

I give him my 'you're-full-of-shit' look and ride back to the center.

 

“Fun coarse today?” Sam asks.

 

“Yup, outside line to diagonal line, rollback to diagonal broken, outside single, rollback to diagonal single to short side, around the tree, to the red and white gate.” Vicky finished.

 

“Did anyone understand that?” I hear Yusuke ask.

 

“Just watch. You'll understand after you see it.” Laura answers.

 

`This should be fun. I just need to keep the speed under control and the turns will be no problem.'

 

Sam goes first and pulls it off nicely. She only had to circle once because Tucker tripped and switched his lead on her. But still a really nice ride. Now it's my turn.

 

I look at the two idiots, they are terrified. This makes me smile and relax a little. I get a nice easy canter rhythm and start my course. The first line is gorgeous but I pick up way too much speed in the turn and have to really haul back on him to slow down for the next turn. He picks up speed through the diagonal line too and I really have to work now. We chip in at the broken but still land the lead. The outside single was nice but on the next rollback I missed the lead, and I still have no idea how this happened, Lucky pulled off a flying change. I so excited I lose my rhythm and take a long spot on the short side single but make it to the red and white gate perfectly.

 

I walk back to the middle of the ring.

 

“How did you get him to pull of a flying change?” Vicky asks.

 

“I have no idea.” I gasp. Man that wore me out.

 

“You made him look so nice. You should show him!” Same exclaims.

 

“Does Lucky show?” I ask.

 

“I don't think he can handle the amount of people. Or not be an idiot.” Vicky laughs.

 

“Good point.” Sam agrees.

 

“I think we'll leave it at that for the day girls. Raevyn, I believe he's done for the day so could you give him a bath? He really needs it.” Vicky asks.

 

“No problem. I have lots of hands.” I grin, jerking a thumb at the guys.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

After un-tacking and grabbing a bucket of bathing supplies from the office I grab the boys and Lucky and head to the wash stalls. I attach Lucky to the cross ties and show Shuichi how to hose him down seeing as he was the only one that looked even remotely unafraid of Lucky, well minus Hiei who just didn't look like an animal person. Eventually, Yusuke and Kuwabara join, only after I showed them that Lucky wasn't going to kill them.

 

Lucky looked very happy after his bath and even pranced a bit when I walked him into a little side grazing area. This serving only to scare Yusuke and Kuwabara more. I laughed at them took a seat on a log and let Lucky graze for fifteen or so minutes.

 

“How long have you been around horses?” Shuichi asked.

 

“Almost my whole life. Dad owned a race horse when I was little. But it wasn't until I was ten that I started riding. It was funny for the first couple years of riding I kept trying to find that horse my dad owned. I wanted to buy him again. He had a backwards question mark on his face. He was a cutie but completely insane.” I finished.

 

“They can get more insane then Lucky!?” Yusuke exclaimed.

 

“Are you joking? Lucky's tame compared to race horses. I need to bring you to a track barn before you go back to Japan. So Hiei. How'd you enjoy the barn?” I asked trying to get him to interact.

 

“Hn.”

 

“Had a feeling you were going to say that.” I stood and stretched. “I think you've had enough for one day my living lawn mower.” I pulled Lucky from the grass and back to his stall. I lead him in took off his halter and pulled an apple from behind my back. I swear if horses could smile he'd be grinning from ear to ear.

 

“Don't eat it all in one bite now!” He didn't listen and took the whole thing from me.

 

“Is that good for them? Eating the core I mean.” Kuwabara asked.

 

“Yup. Just remember to take the sticker off.” I smiled. “Come on I need a shower.”

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Kuwabara POV:

 

She is definitely crazy. Fighting demons all the time looks less dangerous then riding. She's brave, I'll give her that. I wouldn't do this horse riding this if you paid me a million dollars.

 

As we're walking back to the car Raevyn is glomped by those girls again, the twins and that Laura girl that wouldn't shut up. She pries them off and tells them she'll be back next week. They smile happily and run off somewhere. We climb into the car.

 

“What's with those girls?” I ask.

 

“They're like my little sisters. They were the first girls I made friends with when I started working here.” Raevyn explained.

 

“Oh.” I reply.

 

“Hey, Kuwabara that horse kicked your ass when we were washing it! How humiliating!” Urameshi laughs.

 

“Shut it, Urameshi!” I scream.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Raevyn POV:

 

My eyebrow twitches. Those idiots are once again fighting. I want to kill them, so does Hiei, if his glare and sadistic smirk are anything to go by. I entertained thoughts of crashing the car and diving out just before it blew up but then I wouldn't have my car. I just turn the music up really loud in the hopes of shutting them out.

 

No. Such. Luck.

 

When we pulled into the driveway I looked at Shuichi and then the door next to the idiots, made a pushing motion with my hands. He nodded so I think he got the point.

 

I got out of the car opened the door next to Yusuke and Kuwabara stepped aside and watched Shuichi push the idiots out the door. I snorted and kicked both of them before proceeding inside. Eventually they figured out that they were out of the car and back home and joined, Shuichi, Hiei, and I inside.

 

“I'm going to take a shower. After you wanna spar, Yusuke?” I asked the chocolate eyed teen.

 

“You bet!” He grinned cockily.

 

“Urameshi! You can't fight a girl! It's not right! And besides it goes against my code.” Kuwabara ranted.

 

“Good thing you're not fighting her then.” Yusuke replied.

 

“Don't worry, Kuwabara. I can hold my own.” I smirk before leaving the room.

 

I go to my room grab a change of clothes and turn on my music. Beverly Hills by Weezer pumps from the speakers.

 

I go to the bathroom and turn on the shower, strip and step in I let the hot water pour over my body and softly sing along to the music.

 

Where I come from isn't all that great
My automobile is a piece of crap
My fashion sense is a little whack
And my friends are just as screwy as me

I didn't go to boarding schools
Preppie girls never looked at me
Why should they?
I ain't nobody
Got nothing in my pocket

Beverly Hills
That's where I want to be
Livin' in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Rolling like a celebrity
Livin' in Beverly Hills

Look at all those movie stars
They're all so beautiful and clean
When the housemaids scrub the floors
They get the spaces in between

I wanna live a life like that
I wanna be just like a king
Take my picture by the pool
'cause I'm the next big thing

Beverly Hills
That's where I want to be
Livin' in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Rolling like a celebrity
Livin' in Beverly Hills

The truth is I don't stand a chance
It's something that you're born into
And I just don't belong

No I don't
I'm just a no-class beat down fool
And I will always be that way
I might as well enjoy my life
And watch the stars play

Beverly Hills
That's where I want to be
Livin' in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Rolling like a celebrity
Livin' in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills

 

I smiled as the next song came on as I got out of the shower and started to dress. It was one of my favorites, Helena by My Chemical Romance.

 

Long ago

Just like the hearse, you die to get in again

We are so far from you

 

Burning on, just like a match you strike to incinerate

The lives of everyone you know

And what's the worst you take (worst you take)

From every heart you break (heart you break)

And like a blade you stain (blade you stain)

Well, I've been holding on tonight

 

[chorus]

What's the worst that I can say?

Things are better if I stay

So long and goodnight

So long and goodnight

 

Came a time

When every star falls

Brought you to tears again

We are the very hurt you sold

And what's the worst you take (worst you take)

From every heart you break (heart you break)

And like a blade you stain (blade you stain)

Well, I've been holding on tonight

 

[chorus]

What's the worst that I can say?

Things are better if I stay

So long and goodnight

So long and goodnight

 

Well, if you carry on this way

Things are better if I stay

So long and goodnight

So long and goodnight

 

Can you hear me

Are you near me

Can we pretend to leave and then

We'll meet again, when both our cars collide

 

[chorus]

What's the worst that I can say

Things are better if I stay

So long and goodnight

So long and goodnight

 

Well, if you carry on this way

Things are better if I stay

So long and goodnight

So long and goodnight

 

Dressed in slightly baggy black cotton pants the came to my ankles, a sleeveless black hooded tank, I walked out of my room to the training room. Everyone was in there already.

 

“I just need to wrap my hands and feet, put some music on and we can start. You don't mind fighting with music on do you?” I asked.

 

“Just make it good music.” Yusuke replied.

 

“All my music is good.”

 

I grab some black wraps and expertly wrap my hands and feet like I had this morning. Once done I went to a small table and pulled out a blackberry and proceeded to choose a song that would inspire me to fight. Smiling, I selected Points of Authority by Linkin Park.

 

“How does hand-to-hand sound?” I asked over my shoulder.

 

“Good to me.” Yusuke answered.

 

“Great. Let's get this thing started.” I walk back over to him with an easy smile on my face. “Play.”

 

The song started and I let the rhythms and word roll through me, taking me to my own little world. My Fighting Void, as I call it.

 

Forfeit the game / Before somebody else
Takes you out of the frame / Puts your name to shame
Cover up your face / You can't run the race
The pace is too fast / You just won't last

You love the way I look at you
While taking pleasure in the awful things you put me through
You take away if I give in
My life
My pride is broken

You like to think you're never wrong
(You live what you've learned)
You have to act like you're someone
(You live what you've learned)
You want someone to hurt like you
(You live what you've learned)
You want to share what you've been through
(You live what you've learned)

You love the things I say I'll do
The way I'll hurt myself again just to get back at you
You take away when I give in / my life
My pride is broken

You like to think you're never wrong
(You live what you've learned)
You want to act like you're someone
(You live what you've learned)
You want someone to hurt like you
(You live what you've learned)
You want to share what you've been through
(You live what you've learned)

Forfeit the game / Before somebody else
Takes you out of the frame / Puts your name to shame
Cover up your face / You can't run the race
The pace is too fast / You just won't last

You like to think you're never wrong
(You live what you've learned)
You want to act like you're someone
(You live what you've learned)
You want someone to hurt like you
(You live what you've learned)
You want to share what you've been through
(You live what you've learned)

You like to think you're never wrong / forfeit the game
(You live what you've learned)
You want to act like you're someone / forfeit the game
(You live what you've learned)
You want someone to hurt like you / forfeit the game
(You live what you've learned)
You want to share what you've been through / forfeit the game
(You live what you've learned)

 

We stood still, facing off, as the intro played. As the music picked up Yusuke struck out with flying fists.

 

`This will be more fun than I thought.'

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Kurama POV:

 

Both Raevyn and Yusuke's techniques are unique. Yusuke's are a combination of his street fighting and Genkai's training. Raevyn's, I can't even begin to understand where hers came from. There seemed to be no pattern or discernable sequence to her attacks and blocks.

 

`If she knew of her demon heritage and strength she could be a very formidable ally.'

 

Or enemy. Hiei added.

 

Why do you say that? I asked him.

 

Do you honestly believe she will trust us after we tell her what she is and what we are? Do not be naïve, Fox. We will become like everyone else in her life. Liars.

 

Hiei's comments left me speechless. He was right, to say the least. I returned my attention to the fight. Yusuke was on the offensive now. Before the fight he agreed to use only his human strength to make the fight fairer. Of course, his human strength was still enough to beat most lower class demons.

 

I started to see a pattern in Raevyn's movements. Yusuke seemed to be catching on too. She followed the pace and rhythm of the music. I watched as Yusuke's smirk grew, he changed his next move at the very last moment, taking a punch straight to the face. Raevyn's eyes widened in understanding a fraction to late. She was flipped over Yusuke's, landing off-balance and Yusuke swept her feet out from under her. She fell face first into the floor, Yusuke pinned her to there with a knee in her back and twisted her arms behind her.

 

Impressive. She has the detective breathing hard. The fool can't even do that. Hiei quipped.

 

Is that praise? I never thought I would hear that from you Hiei. But you are right. She is quite good. I answer back.

 

“Nice match. We need to do this again sometime.” Yusuke remarks before releasing her.

 

“You know where to find me.” Was her reply as she massaged her left shoulder.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Yusuke POV:

 

`That was one hell of a fight! She nearly kicked my ass!'

 

“Nice match. We need to do this again sometime.” I remark before releasing her.

 

“You know where to find me.” Was her reply as she massaged her left shoulder.

 

“Nice match.” Kurama compliments walking over.

 

“For a minute there I thought she was going to kick your ass, Urameshi.” Kuwabara comments.

 

“So did I.” I admit.

 

Raevyn laughs, “I really need to meet this Genkai. If she taught you to fight she must me amazing!”

 

“Yeah, that reminds me. How do you know about her?” I ask. I really didn't think anyone outside Japan knew her.

 

“A student of my Sensei's partner went to a tournament held by her about two years ago. I believe the students name is Shorin. Neither of them ever came back but news that Shorin had lost did. I don't know who won, do you?” She asked.

 

“Yeah, I did.” I answer, remembering that mission very well. Rando almost killed me and Kuwabara.

 

“Really? Holy crap! No wonder you beat me! Shorin beat every student that ever came to the school and every master. How did you beat him?” She exclaimed.

 

“Heh… well…” I hesitated.

 

“He got lucky.” Kurama answered for me. I shot him a relieved look.

 

“Pretty much. But I did get to watch him beat Kuwabara's ass!” I laughed.

 

Kuwabara wasn't paying any attention. Damn and I felt like taunting him.

 

“What's your Sensei like, Raevyn?” Kurama asked.

 

Good he's keeping her occupied. I can tune out and focus on moving. She hits freaking hard for not using reiki or youki. I think she knocked some teeth loose.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Hiei POV:

 

Her fighting skills are good but if the detective had used even a tiny fraction of his energy she would have been beaten from the sheer force of his blows on there own. Of course this is without the use of her own energy and spells. If she knew how to use her spells in battle she could be formidable without ever knowing about her demon heritage.

 

This isn't going to be easy. I saw what the spell on her house did to those ningens. If they were any stronger and used on herself or an enemy… I don't even want to imagine the destruction she could cause.

 

We need to handle her delicately when we tell her otherwise we will have a new and powerful enemy. And after her fight with the detective I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her wraith if she were to turn on us.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Raevyn POV:

 

OK. So I had me ass handed to me by Yusuke. I really want to meet his Sensei now. Too bad I have no money to travel to Japan. Maybe I could stow away in one of their bags when they go back home. When do they go home? Did they tell me? Oh well, don't care.

 

I shrug to myself and check my watch. It must be broken. We started out fight at 4:30 and it was now 7:30. There was no way we fought for 3 hours.

 

“Damn we fought a long time. Do any of you want to go the fireworks show with me? If so be ready in 15.” I stood, suppressing a wince. My side throbbed. I needed to rebandage (we're pretending that's a word) and make sure I didn't tear any stitches.

 

“What are fireworks?” I hear Hiei ask behind me.

 

Yusuke and Kuwabara fall to the floor holding their sides in laughter. I scowl at them and kick each in the stomach for good measure before explaining.

 

“Fireworks are controlled explosions, with different gases mixed into them to make different colors. A great human invention that basically downplays bombs.” I once again kick Yusuke and Kuwabara who are still on the ground laughing and retreat to my room to change again.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

:Kurama POV:

 

I looked at Raevyn appraisingly after Hiei asked about fireworks. She seemed… different, less cold, but still distant. I think she's struggling with the choice to trust us. Part of me wants her to trust us, but another part wants her to stay distant, hoping that she won't hate us when we tell her the truth. Koenma sent us on a great mission this time. Befriend a seemingly human girl with more scars on her heart and body than I could count in a lifetime, and then ultimately destroy it, adding more scars and wounds that may never heal.

 

`In trying to save her we could invariably kill her.'

 

With these heavy thoughts on my mind I followed everyone out to the car.

 

-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& amp;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-& ;-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-

 

Sorry it's taken so long to get this chap out! I rewrote the fight scene halfway through. If it sucks I'm sorry! I'm sorry there are so many song lyrics in here I just couldn't help myself. XP. R & R onegai!

 

Raevyn out!