Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Clan Aftermath ❯ Twists and Turns ( Chapter 5 )

jagan-I: First of all, I wanna say `THANK YOU SO MUCH' for those very good people who reviewed and visited my fic. I really owe you a lot! Without you, I would've given up already…LOL. Well here's the 5th chapter, hope you enjoy it!!! LAV ya pips. PLS REVIEW!!!

Chapter 5

Twists and Turns

Glistening gold of warm rays slowly crept, kissing and whispering at every creation-may it be living or inanimate-that a new day comes. The morning air swept and touched, trees shook and swayed, flowers bowed and danced, birds pecked and chirped, Hiei growled and punched while removing himself from the huge tree he slept in. A new day again-CORRECTION-another stinking day again-just for him. He never really liked the `morning entertainment'. All those chirping and hushing-oh! It makes his blood boil. It was much better at Mukuro's place. Privacy and comfort, mended to grant him absolute satisfaction. Even though he's not Mukuro's subordinate (`anymore'-since she's given him his freedom already), he was still allowed to keep his room (which I might add is really big)-courtesy of Mukuro. He truly appreciated this of course because it secured him a place to stay-just like a real home. Long before, he had no permanent place to live in. He'd either rest on caves or on trees, but sometimes he'd go to Kurama's house.

*Well, welcome back to your old life since she just told you she didn't like your presence in her domain! *-the thought struck his mind. He scowled of being reminded of the source of his bad mood. Kurama's house has spare rooms so he's always welcome in there. Shiori Minamino, Kurama's ningen mother, has grown familiar with him already and she'd always prepare and tidy up `his' room. Kurama introduced him as a long-time best friend who lived faraway. Shiori had no problem with this and asked questions no more. The problem lies with the two other males in the household and some of Kurama's ningen classmates, usually females. They would always want to talk to him and invite him in their strange activities. He would decline but they just won't stop! What angered him the most was that instead of being helped by his so-called best friend, Kurama would even agree with them. The nerve of that wolf… It always end up with his forced `participation' in the fun. Yeah… It was truly better at Mukuro's-Hiei shook such thoughts of her. `That woman…' He was about to depart when something caught his bearings. He sniffed himself and after a while, he made a face. `Hn. A little bath won't hurt. But where-` his words were cut when he heard something. It was an almost silent call of a nearby water source. He followed the sounds and arrived at one extraordinary spring. Crystal clear water glistened before him and the welcoming steam seems to invite him to its warm embrace. Hiei smirked, he shred himself of his clothes-all of it-and washed them before placing them under the sun. Now it's his turn to get cleaned up. Slowly, he walked in the water, sighing as he felt great ease with its warmth. He stopped under a miniature waterfall and let it wash his hair and his body. The warm liquid was very relaxing and it massaged his tired body. He was beginning to calm down when… a familiar silhouette caught his eye. He growled, loudly, letting whoever it is know that it was spotted by him already. A few moments passed before Hiei heard an audible chuckle from the stranger. Slowly, the person revealed itself from its hiding place and steeped at the light. Hiei frowned, he knows this person, it was none other than-

"Morning…Hiei. I didn't mean to startle you…" a lady with a red bow on her braided dark hair spoke in a teasing tone.

`Natsumi? What's she doing here?' Hiei wondered then, struck him. He growled. "How long have you been here?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of Natsumi's firm lips. She had just arrived herself. `Damn! If I had just left Makai earlier…' she shrugged her shoulders and answered-"A while…"

Hiei did not like what she just said even for a bit. "Just to let you know that Yusuke didn't like your `visiting party' last night. Now, what do you want?'-determined to shoo her right away. He's becoming uncomfortable with his presence.

Natsumi took her time gazing at the god-like figure before her while he's babbling about nonsense. Her eyes gazed lower and lower until. `Fuck this water!' the water was waist-high, covering his precious treasure. The steam around didn't help her either. She unconsciously licked her suddenly dry lips.

"Hey! I asked what do you want?!" Hiei snapped impatiently oblivious to the attention he's getting from the beautiful lady in front him.

`YOU!' she wanted to shout out loud but composed herself nonetheless. It's time to go back to the `real' reason why she's here. "I want to invite you and your friends on a `group spar'. We'll be holding it in the Dark Canyons of the Makai desert. What do you say?" she looked straight at his crimson eyes.

Hiei tried to assemble his thoughts. A `group spar'? Sounds interesting. "What is this for?"

Natsumi smiled too sweetly to his taste. "Why for the tournament of course."

Hiei frowned. He wasn't even sure if he'll be joining in this years event. "Hn. If that's all, then you can leave now. I'll think about it later." He turned away from the female and continued on his interrupted bath. She didn't leave. He spun angrily-"I said lea-" his words were cut and his eyes widened upon the wild display before him. There was Natsumi, half-way stripping her clothes-some creamy parts of her are already exposed. Hiei was glued in his place. He didn't know how to react in this kind of weird situation. Should he run? No way!!! He'll be seen in all his glory! Should he stay? `And let her do something weirder and not nice?!' he shuddered at the thought.

"See something you like, Hiei?" Natsumi said in a heavy voice coated with a teasing tone. She smirked while throwing away the red bow in her hair. She had already removed the girdle-like accessory in her waist. "I'm feeling a little funny you know. Might as well join you, huh?" she proceeded on removing her upper clothing, letting it fall to the ground, but when he searched his figure again-Hiei was nowhere to be seen. She blinked and turned her head here and there until she finally saw him. `Nice body…'

Hiei's eyes widened as to what Natsumi was doing. In a blink of an eye, he ran out of the water and hurriedly picked up his not-yet dry clothing. He was about to leave when-"NICE BUTT!!!"-he heard her shout. He growled and ran as fast as he can-leaving a disappointed youkai.

~~Mukuro's Palace~~

Mukuro frowned for the nth time that day. She's presently alone at the dining table glaring furiously at the innocent dish before her. Hissing in anger, she shoved a large size of meat in her mouth which was quite unusual of her by the way. In contrast to her known reputation as a blood-thirsty youkai/demon, she's not as barbaric as the others of her kind-well except on a few other things that is. She has pleasant manners and what she's doing right now is definitely out of place. After consuming all of the food in the table, she stood up abruptly and exited out. Every now and then, she would pass by the bowed figures of her subordinates for she all ignored for the moment. She hasn't even noticed that her men are avoiding her at all cost. They're doing the right thing of course for this power-driven lady is in a very-VERY foul mood… They have witnessed such display from her many times in the past and the consequences are really really bad for the rest of the population in her domain. Whoever or whatever put her into such state is in for a death warranty. Staying out of her way is the best pick if they still value their lives for they know full well that she wouldn't think twice about ending their pitiful life at her unstable psychotic state. Mukuro finally reached her quarters and literally kicked the door open which resulted to the poor thing's destruction. The angered woman growled at the broken door. "KIRI! I WANT THIS FIXED-IMMEDIATELY!!!", she proceeded to her sleeping quarters knowing full well that her orders will be done as she commanded. She slammed her aching body on a plush chair located on one of the dark corners of her room. Her muscles are all tensed up and so is she altogether. She stroked her forehead trying to calm herself before she does something she'll most likely regret. Wipping her head to the right, she caught glimpse of herself in the large antique mirror. She does not look good-she admitted-definitely. She Looked ragged, defeated, sorry… She had not slept yet since last night's incident. Now why was she in this kind of `frenzy' again? Mukuro frowned deeply this time remembering the reason why she's in such a foul state. Hiei… She couldn't help but think about him, for he's the reason why all of these is happening. He left the palace, left her-after their `exchange' last night. It was her fault after all but she also knew that she didn't mean all the words she said to him. Too bad he didn't know that. They just popped out of nowhere and it startled her to say the least. Hiei had cornered her into one caution corner and she needed to salvage her pride by saying all those things to him…but it cost her the same guy, Hiei. Where could he be now? NO! She has got to compose herself and stop acting like a lovesick teenager! She's got to act like someone her age does. Hell! She's hundreds of years old although she's quite the youngest among the three superpowers of the planet. But still, that isn't a reason to behave in such a childish way especially around her subordinates. What would they think of her? Who the flying fuck cares anyway?! Would Hiei ever come back to her? Was he mad at her? Was he-who in the seven hells is banging at her newly-fixed doors right now?! Actually, it was just a soft knock but her senses tends to exaggerate during her mood swings. She has got to stop all of these foolishness right away-RIGHT NOW! She closed her eyes and inhaled sharply. "Enter", she beheld in a quite calm voice. With a heavy sigh, she walked out of her sleeping quarters and decided to entertain the unexpected visitor in her living room. She found the uncomfortable form of one of his generals, Kiri, and as soon as he noticed her entrance in the room, the poor guy kneeled on one knee, his head bowed down. She might have been really scary to extract this kind of nervousness from his former right hand man for 200 years-just before Hiei replaced his position. Her blue eye twitched again. She's got to halt this. "What have you got for me, soldier?"

Kiri stood up and avoided his master's gaze. He held out a hand, showing a small crystal ball, a message orb to be exact. "It was sent earlier this morning by one of Enki's messenhers. It's addressed to you, my lord..."

Mukuro raised one fine brow. 'My lord'? Since when did Kiri get all so highly at her? Now that was strange. The man is treating her way too much to her liking. The situation is definitely getting out of her hands. Sure she liked being respected, praised and more, but Kiri's gestures are really getting on her nerves right now. She nodded for him to carry on his job and Kiri hurriedly did just that. He threw the orb on a dark wall, wincing at the sounds the glass made upon contact. Mukuro rolled her eyes at this. As far as her memory allowed her to remember, Kiri NEVER gets all troubled by a mere situation. The 'wincing' part is more likely caused by his nervousness around her rather than that absurd occurrence. She couldn't blame the guy for being so 'cautious' of course-the last time her tempers flared, he nearly killed him leaving a huge damage on his face and body. "You know, you've got to stop shaking in your feet or you'll piss in my carpet." In the corner of her eye, she watched him straighten up himself and honestly, it looked better than his previously scared posture. Her attention was drawn to the now-forming figure of a man coming from the broken orb. She didn't recognize his face but he seems to look like one of her opponents in the previous Makai Tournament.

* Greetings, Lady Mukuro... * the figure began in a ghostly voice. * As we all know, the Second Makai Tournament is within months away and we absolutely expect your participation. Our great ruler, Enki, greets you and he would like to invite you on a 'gathering' in the Dark Canyons. It would serve as a warm-up exercise for the competition and there will be youkais attending that will most likely help you wind up somehow. Enki would greatly appreciate your arrival, Mukuro. That is all... * The figure vanished before its audience leaving them in a deep thought.

"Who was that?" Mukuro wondered while thinking about the proposition made for her. It was quite tempting to say the least. All these years she had been sitting comfortably with nothing even a simple spar. She needed to pump up her youkai blood and maybe-JUST MAYBE-it might help lighten up her so-bothered mind.

"That was Kyugo, mistress-"

'Now that sounds better.' Mukuro smirked noticing the eased tone of his voice.

"-he's a member of Raizen's circle. Presently, he's the Intelligence Commander of Enki. Quite a powerful and unpredictable guy he is as what others say. I remember you fought with his twin sister in the previous tournament, mistress."

"Sister? Which one?" There were only two females she had fought in the said competition-a blond-haired female and another with dark hair. Yeah, that's it, the guy resembled the woman with dark hair. What was her name again? It sounded like Natsumi, Natsuki or something like that. "The one with the dark hair and red bow in the head?"

Kiri nodded in response. "If I'm not mistaken, I think her name is Natsumi and according to the reports I received, she holds high position in the present government."

Mukuro snorted. "Figures. Being Enki's friend and more." After a long battle of her thoughts, Mukuro finally made a decision. "Grand Canyons, ei?" Well, she needed to stretch her dormant muscles, might as well bite it. "Would you like to come, Kiri?"

Kiri was startled at first. 'What was she talking about?', then it hit him. "It would be an honor, my lady..."

"Good, it's settled. We go tomorrow..."

~~Somewhere~~

A pair of eyes snapped open as a silhouette entered his space. He frowned. "Took you so long, Natsumi..."

"Our dear Enki discovered something."

"The plan?"

"No. He discovered that we used his name in the invitations."

"Feh. He ought to be glad we included him in it."

"But don't worry, dear brother, I cooked up an acceptable excuse. One that is part true and part false."

"And what--may I ask--is that?"

"I told him that this 'gathering' is simply a get together party--one that would enable us to train for the tournament as well as get acquainted with the expected participants."

"Not bad, sis. Did he bite it?"

"Of course he did. The big oaf would believe anything said to him! But the problem is that he and the others would be joining too."

"I don't see the problem in it. Think. We can use them to cover us up."

"I hope so... But I'm still wondering who told him about the orb messages. Anything on your mind, Kyugo?"

"Yes, but I'm not telling you just yet. Did you do your part?"

Natsumi nodded. 'And I even got a little extra for my visit!' She grinned as memories from earlier in the spring flashed in her mind. "How about you?"

"Sent them to Yomi and Mukuro this morning."

"Good."

"I don't know why I'm helping you with your demented plans, Nats."

Natsumi smirked. "Just put on your mind that we're doing this for Raizen, ok? We owe him a lot and I will do anything to accomplish all his wishes..."

~~Ningenkai~~

"Idiot, moron, stupid bitch! I'll get you for this!" Hiei growled out as he leaped from one tree to another heading towards the city. He was definitely beyond pissed from earlier's encounter with Natsumi for because of her, he's presently soaking wet. His clothes weren't dried yet when he put them on but hey! He has no choice! It's as if running around the city--STARK NAKED--is an option now, isn't it? He slowed down his pace as he neared the city where Yusuke lives...then it hit him like a ton of bricks falling in his head--he had no idea where Yusuke presently lives. He remembered Kurama telling him that Yusuke and Keiko bought a new house after they got married, the redhead just forgot to tell him where exactly it is or maybe he wasn't paying attention at that time. What is he going to do? Relief coursed through him as he spotted a familiar girl in the distance together with a few others. He recognized her as one of Keiko's friends way back at her school years. Surely she would know where her friend currently lives. With a scowl plastered on his face, he approached the group.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Girls, CUTIE alert!!!"--Hiei heard one of them comment while looking at his direction. Afterwards, the whole group turned to him and giggled. "NO girl! That's one fuckin' handsome guy! Egad! He's heading this way! Quick! Where's that stupid mirror when I need it?!"

Hiei scowled more as the lunatics posed before him. He stopped in front of them and focused his glare to a certain girl with raven locks. "You," he began. The girl stood up abruptly and gave him a flirtatious smile.

"Yes? Can I help you with something?" the girl asked in a sugary tone while batting her lashes at him.

Hiei rolled his eyes. "Where does Keiko Yukimura reside?"

The girl's face fell down in disappointment. "Don't bother yourself, hon, the girl's married already. But I know someone who's still single and available..."

"Where is the place..." Hiei said in a menacing cold tone that sent shivers around his audience.

The girl cringed. "She lives at 394, Katsumoto Street--right there, just behind that gray building." the girl pointed at a steel factory to his right. He merely grunted in response and walked away from them. From afar, he could hear them saying things like--"Rude but definitely HOTTIE material. Keiko, that bitch! She always gets all of them. I should've strangled her when I had the chance in high school!" Hiei continued walking to the direction of Keiko's house. After about five minutes of walking, he finally found the place. It was an average sized house with high walls--including the door. He can hear strange sounds coming from inside and without a thought; he barged in with his still wet clothes. Hiei found himself immobile upon entering the place. All sets of eyes stared questioningly at his entrance. The previously enthusiastic room became quiet. 'Where the hell am I?' Strange floating circles of different color and many more surrounded the whole area. This must be the wrong house. He'll definitely kill that girl for fooling him. He was about to make his grand exit when--

"HIEI! I'm so glad you could come!"

Hiei whipped his head to the direction of the voice and found himself staring at a number of odd-looking creatures. 'This seems funny. I'm sure I heard Urameshi's voice.'

"Hiei! Come over here!"

Hiei's eyes widened as the creature with weird-looking hair, large shoes and round red nose imitated Yusuke's voice. "What the--" But before he could gather himself, all the other odd-looking creatures came running towards him. A huge yellow duck waved at him. He backed away a few steps and unleashed his sword. "Who the hell are you?!"

"Woah! Slow down, man, it's just us!" The creatures removed their big heads and to Hiei's shock, he found the confused faces of his friend.

"W-what's happening here?" Hiei blurted out.

Yusuke grinned. "Haven't you seen a mascot before? Oh well. It's my son's birthday. I'm glad you could come. Everybody's waiting for you!" He pushed the confused guy inside the house.

Hiei was stunned to find practically everybody inside including Cho, Botan, Genkai, Kaito, Kido, Yanagi, Jinda, Kurama, Kuwabarra, Shizuru, Koenma, George, Ringgo and of course, Yukina. He hadn't seen her for years so it was really nice to see her again. She smiled at him and he merely responded with a curt bow.

"You must be hungry, Hiei. Here, have some." Keiko offered.

Hiei was about to decline when he caught sight of the food. Absolutely mouth-watering... He sighed. Oh well, the news could wait but this food could definitely not! Eat now, talk later... And after that, he stuffed his face at the food before him.

"You're soaking wet, Hiei. Gone swimming?"

"Shut up!"

++That afternoon++

Everybody has gone home except for Kurama, Hiei and Kuwabarra. They're currently sitting with Yusuke in the balcony while admiring the extraordinary view of the setting sun.

"I missed these moments. All four of us--together..." Yusuke whispered.

"I guess we all do..." Kurama added.

Silence ensued again.

"Hiei, thanks for coming to my son's birthday..."

Hiei growled. "I didn't come here for that. Someone invited us for a pathetic 'group spar' in Makai."

Yusuke looked inquisitively at Hiei. "What for?"

"How should I know?!" Hiei snapped.

"It's probably some kind of preparation for the upcoming tournament." Kurama intervened. "By the way, are you two competing?"

"I don't know..." Yusuke bowed his head.

"Hn." was Hiei's very short reply.

Kurama shook his head. "They're pathetic."

"Who?" Kuwabarra asked, "You mean them?" he pointed at Yusuke and Hiei.

"Watch it you moron." Hiei hissed.

"Why you--"

"No."Kurama answered Kuwabarra's question. "Them. I heard about the sudden rush of youkai 'shipment' in Makai. They're gathering huge numbers of elite class demons for the tournament."

"Um. What's wrong with that?"

"I know why they're doing this." Kurama continued. "They're making sure that neither Yomi nor Mukuro doesn't get the title."

"Again, what's wrong with that? I mean--"

"It just isn't fair. They're not giving them a chance. What they're doing is so..." Kurama trailed as he stared at the nearly submerged golden star.

Yusuke turned to his redheaded friend. "You're maybe right, Kurama but... but I think they have their reasons..."

"Like what?"

"No idea... Look, Yomi and Mukuro are still the most powerful beings in Makai even though they've been defeated last time. But I also believe that they might still have an inclination--even the slightest--to world domination and it could prove fatal to all of us. I've already fought with Yomi and I think he's changed already. As for Mukuro--"

"Mukuro won't do anything as stupid as that..." Hiei's voice suddenly interrupted.

"What do you mean by that, Hiei?" Yusuke asked.

"She isn't like that. She doesn't strive for a notion as stupid as world domination..."

"How can you be so sure? Maybe she's just waiting for a chance--"

Hiei glared daggers at Yusuke. "I know her better than you know yourself, Urameshi, so shut up." He leaned back to his seat and watched the dramatic display of colors in the sky. An overwhelming silence ensued as their minds searched for answers...

"(sigh) I need to talk to Keiko as soon as possible guys. I'm not gonna miss this one…"

jagan-I: OL GUYS THAT WAS THE 5TH CHAPTER. STAY TUNED FOR THE 6TH ONE. OH! THE SPARRING BEGINS AND GUESS WHO'LL SHOW UP!!! Don't forget to review! PLS I NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!! Review PEOPLE. ALL YOU GOOD GIRLS AND BOYS, COME ON PLS!!!!