Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Clan Aftermath ❯ First Lesson ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 7

First Session

"Pair up people!"

"Oh man! I'll definitely go for those three! This is the best you've done in years, Kyugo! Definitely, you hear?!"

"Yeah. But I'm confused whom to choose…"

"As for me, I'll go for Yusuke! I haven't tried that boy yet. Let's see if he really deserves the right to be Raizen's replacement."

"Well, you haven't tried Yomi and Mukuro too. But I guess you're just scared of them, ei grayman?"

"Who the fuck are you calling gray man, you shit loaded goat! I changed my mind, I'll kill you first!"

"As if you can!"

The two were gone in a blur and angry blows can be heard immediately afterwards.

"That's two down. Now why don't you all meet our celebrities?" Kyugo announced. They all followed and approached Yomi, Mukuro and Yusuke. Kyugo and Natsumi were the only ones left behind.

"They seem to pretty enjoy our game, Nats." Kyugo smirked at her glowering sister.

"They weren't supposed to be here!" Natsumi growled while glaring intensely at their so-called friends.

"Come on now. Let them go once in a while, sis. Besides, I think this is for the better. You see, they'll end up covering for our actions. Just don't be so obvious while we're at it, ok?"

"Whatever. Damn Enki. Why this kind of combat?! No kis! How the hell are we going to measure their powers?!"

"Relax, we have plenty of time to know that, so why don't we join them now and hope that we'll get picked by our celebrities."

"I'll go for Mukuro, you try out for Yomi. Ignore Raizen's brat, he's no threat."

"The boy is str-"

"We're going for Yomi and Mukuro, brother…" Natsumi said in an icy tone.

Kyugo got the hint and shrugged. He turned towards Yomi's direction. Natsumi was about to go too when she noticed a rather interesting prey. She grinned and sauntered towards the unsuspecting youkai. `Oh well, I'll get Mukuro later. This one's yummier!'

Hiei sat under the shade of a desert rock-arms crossed and eyes transfixed on the group ahead, primarily on the two warlords, Yomi and Mukuro. If looks could just kill, one of those two would be dead by now. `What the hell is she doing talking to that ear-filled boggart and his maggot for a son?!' Hiei's mind screamed. `Isn't she aware of the danger being with him?! He's an enemy for crying out loud!' He twitched-he saw the two talk again. That was it. He stood abruptly from his seat and straightened his cloak. He was about to charge when-

"You're not escaping from me this time." A feminine voice came out of nowhere followed by the appearance of none other than Natsumi in front of him.

Hiei didn't appear affected by her arrival and instead turned to another direction to avoid her.

Natsumi blinked. "What the-" she clenched her fists and blocked Hiei's way again. Hiei tried to move past her but she blocked every possible exit. "hey, why don't we spar Hiei?" she smiled.

"Move." was what he only said not even meeting her gaze.

Natsumi gaped at him. "Excuse me?" she asked more loudly than proper.

"Move." Hiei said once more-his eyes straight ahead.

Natsumi grew angry. "I said, I'll be fighting you! Now come on!"

"I don't waste my time in unimportant matters." With that, Hiei was gone.

Natsumi released an angry cry. "That bastard! I'll get him for this!"

`One-on-one? That's perfect.' Yomi thought. He had someone in his mind already. "Lady Muk-"

"Mukuro."

"Pardon me, Mukuro. I've always wanted to have another round with you and Raizen. We only had five `showdowns' in the past remember?"

"Yes I remember. I think I know where you're going at this Yomi."

Yomi smiled. "I haven't doubted that. Well then, shall we do this now?"

Before Mukuro could form a reply, Raizen's comrades all rushed to them.

"Yomi! Mukuro! We're glad you're here!" Enki cried.

Yomi and Mukuro nodded. "Yes?"

"Um, we uh, hehe, um we a-"

"Oh shut up!" Coco growled. "Hey Yomi, Mukuro and this goes for you too Urameshi, we're hoping that you have a match with any of us, but since you're outnumbered, you pick us up. Is that ok?"

"This is flattering, isn't it Yomi? Yusuke?" Mukuro chuckled.

"Flattering you say? It's more like exhilarating, haha!" Yusuke laughed.

Yomi turned to Mukuro. "I don't disagree. I do hope my simple request will still be considered."

"Actually, I already have someone in mind." Mukuro announced.

"Really? Who is it then?" Saungca asked.

Mukuro smiled and inclined her head. "Shura, would you mind being my partner for this day?"

Yomi raised an eyebrow. The rest of them frowned and looked enviously at the flustered boy.

Shura was beyond shocked. "Me?!"

Mukuro's smile widened. "Is it okay?"

Shura immediately straightened himself and bowed at Mukuro. "It'll be an honor, ma'am!"

"Shall we then?" with that, she turned away from the group, only to be met by the cold eyes of Hiei. She stopped on her steps and stared back at his penetrating gaze. His eyes were accusing, but why? She didn't like it one bit. She opened her mouth to speak-

"Madam!" Shura blurted out. "I know a good place out there that'd do well."

Mukuro broke her eye contact with Hiei and focused on Shura. "Really? Please lead the way."

Shura nodded and blurred out. Mukuro smiled at his quite aggressive actions and readied herself for departure. She cast one more look at Hiei and she was gone too in the blink of an eye.

Yomi remained calm and smiling but inwardly, he was slightly disappointed. He wanted that one match with Mukuro. He sighed. `Oh well, I'll just ask Shura later." He tried to focus on the hopeful faces in front of him and mindlessly picked the one closest to him which happened to be Coco.

"All right! Let's go then." Coco cried in triumph and next, the two were off.

"Damn it! This is so unfair! I wanted a good fight." Saungca growled under his breath.

"I'll give you one." A familiar voice said.

Saungca didn't need to turn to see who it was. He knew perfectly well where that irritating voice came from. "Well, well, well, aren't we cocky now Kyugo…"

"Cocky? Nah-I'm just sure I'll kick your ass." Kyugo chuckled.

"Care to try?" Saungca challenged.

"Don't mind if I do!"

The two were off.

"Hey Urameshi!"

Yusuke looked up to meet Enki's goofy face. He grinned back at the old fellow and walked towards him. "You're doing great Enki! Too bad you only got a few months to go."

Enki grinned. "Not if I win again."

Yusuke chuckled. "So, are those two behaving themselves?"

"Who? Yomi and Mukuro?"

"Who else?" Yusuke rolled his eyes.

"What about them?"

Yusuke snorted and gestured the other guy to follow him away from the group. "Don't play dumb on me Enki. It doesn't suit you. So," Yusuke faced him with a stern face. "how are they?"

Enki shrugged. "Why don't you see for yourself?"

"Did they do anything against-"

"Nope." Enki interjected. "Nothing's wrong with those two, they're doing great. As for the other two I know, I think they're up to something."

Yusuke's head jerked up. "Who?"

"Natsumi and Kyugo. They already know that I know this but I have no idea what they're planning. (sigh)… All I know is that when Natsumi's involved, there'll be big trouble."

Yusuke was now staring incredulously at Enki. "Those two? But Raizen trusted them! You must've gotten it all wrong. I mean-"

"Oh I know that Urameshi. We're all good. We're against those who're against Raizen, and Raizen is good. But sometimes, because of this inclination, sometimes…sometimes our judgment becomes kind of impaired-and that's what's happening to Kyugo and Natsumi. Those two are the youngest in the group and the closest to Raizen. They end up causing havoc every time those two feel like doing it. I just hope that it's nothing too serious like the other time…" Enki almost whispered the last words.

"Enki, I don't understand a thing you said!" Yusuke whined.

"Yusuke, they're planning something against Yomi and Mukuro."
"What?!:" Yusuke gaped at him.

"I don't know what it is yet but I'm doing my best to read their actions. Urameshi, this so-called `mock tournament' was part of their plan. We're not supposed to be invited. Fortunately, I found out and as far as the `no ki' policy, I did it on purpose. Hand-to-hand combat offers lesser risk, ei?"

"But why are they doing this?" Yusuke all but moaned.

"Like I told you, those two, especially Natsumi, are devoted to Raizen."
"And so?"

"Enki raised his hand to silence him. "Let me finish… So that means they'll do everything to get Raizen's `hopes' as good as done! Raizen warned me about this. He's planned to give those two a lecture but unfortunately, he passed away before he could do just that." Enki slowly shook his head. "Those two would only listen to Raizen!"

"I'm Raizen's descendant. Perhaps they'd listen to me." Yusuke blurted out.

Enki shook his head. "That won't do. They follow Raizen and Raizen only. YOU are NOT Raizen."

"Why with that intense devotion?"

"I better not tell you, Urameshi."

"Huh? Why? Come on Enki, I know there'd be a reason for that one!"

"Urameshi, some things are better left untold… So!"

"So what?" Yusuke mumbled.

"Why don't we spar for a while? I bet you're quite rusty now!"

Yusuke grinned. "Rusty your ass. I can still beat you in seconds flat!"

"Enough talk. Bring it on, BOY!"

In a flash, the two were gone.

Hiei stared ahead as the remaining youkais paired up themselves. Only he was left now-or so he thought.

"Hey Hiei, why are you pouting?"

Hiei twitched at the remark but didn't budge. He didn't need to turn around to find out who it was.

"I haven't seen you in the palace for a while. Care to tell me?"

No reply. Kiri sighed. `I guess I would've to use my last card to make him talk.'

"I see… So is it about a certain lady that I have in mind?" he grinned inwardly upon receiving a desired reaction from his companion.

Hiei glared at Kiri. "Hn. Get lost."

"My, my… So it's really about her…" Kiri chuckled. "So what did Mukuro do aside from kicking your sorry ass out of the palace-" before he could finish, the blade of Hiei's sword was on his throat. His eyes widened in surprise at Hiei's mad form. The boy was more than ready to end his life.

"One more word and you'll be paying Koenma a visit, PERMANENTLY…" Hiei hissed.

Kiri frowned and leaped quickly away from Hiei, only to feel a heavy blow on his back. `He's attacking me!'

"I changed my mind. You die, NOW."

Before Kiri could prepare for a defense, he felt another blow on his head which made him collide HARD on a nearby canyon. `Shit! The boy's fucking strong!' He growled and leaped on the air but he couldn't locate Hiei. Suddenly, a series of blows came out of nowhere. "What the-" He stared wide-eyed at the enraged youkai and cursed himself for not even able to defend himself! `Shit! Fuck! Shit! What the heck-` Another strong blow in the head stopped his trail of thoughts as he uncontrollably fell freely towards the rocky ground. He plunged towards a series of small hills and before he could even recover, Hiei materialized before him, beating him furiously. He better think of another plan on getting out of this or else he'll really be on Koenma's desk in no time. `Shit! Think!'

Hiei felt nothing as he pounded Kiri to death. The stupid excuse for a youkai deserved this as far as he's concerned. This maggot has pushed him far too many times. Too bad for he's extremely mad to be picked at this time. As he continued beating Kiri, his mind wandered. What did this unfortunate man said again to arouse such deadly reaction from him?

…Mukuro…

Kiri's mind seized thinking a while ago. He just need to accept his fate. `Am I this weak?' It was for the better actually… If Mukuro learned how weak he is now, she might kill him personally! It was his fault anyway-bringing Mukuro in when he knew that it's not the wisest idea around. `I'm gonna die in the hands of a virgin youkai none the least, hehe… Good bye Isabela, Mimi, Ayako and the rest of you… You made me happy all the time…' One more punch would've ended his life in that instant and he waited for that final blow… It didn't come. Maybe it was death's trick on him. He waited a few more seconds but it still didn't come. He slowly opened an eye and saw the blurry hand of Hiei hovering millimeters from his nose. He gulped HARD and focused on Hiei's face.

Without warning, Hiei got off him and leaped at a certain distance from him. With all of his remaining energy, he tried to sit up but found it rather-"Shit!" he gritted his teeth as he crashed back at the harsh ground. `Shit… Shit…'

Hiei released the breath he's unconsciously holding. What had he done? It was not the sight of Kiri's bloodied form that disturbed him so much-it's more like the cause of this grueling incident. Hiei straightened himself and turned from the beaten youkai. He had wasted enough time in this wrecked place-he had to leave-he had to go home. Hiei froze on his steps. HOME? That word had been quite part of his life just a few days ago… but now… Where was exactly his home? Where?

"You know-" cough "That's better… You know, you ought to help me in here bud." Kiri said out loud. No reply. "If you bring me to the palace, you'll have an excuse to be in there once more, ei Hiei?"

Hiei growled. "Fuck off." He began walking away.

Kiri chuckled. Leave it to Hiei. "Hey hold on! I have something important to tell you!" He waited for him to stop but… sigh. He shouldn't have expected the little fellow to hear him out. Oh well, he had to try. "Hiei! Hiei, Mukuro wants you back!"

Hiei stopped abruptly and whipped his head at the fool-glaring at him all the time.

Kiri was taken a back. Good one… "I-I mean she wants you back at the palace, but it's up to you…" he trailed.

Hiei felt a disturbing tug on his being upon hearing the man's words. Mukuro wants him back?! That's impossible, that's, that's completely un-unthinkable! Or is it? As if, so what? He definitely won't be going back in that ugly place, EVER! Turning on his heels again, he walked away.

Kiri was stunned. `What the heck is he doing?!' Kiri's mouth opened and closed. He has to say something-anything! "Hiei, didn't you hear what I said?"

"Hn. Like I give a damn." With that, the fire youkai was gone.

SOMETIME LATER

"Phew! That was great! I haven't even noticed it was dark already." Enki said while admiring the tired and battered youkais that's now gathering. "Congratulations Kyugo, Natsumi for a job well done!" he gestured towards the two. The twins nodded at him in response.

Lots of them arrived with bruises, broken bones, tattered clothes and a lot more, except for Yomi and Mukuro who received only a few scratches on their clothes. Mukuro came back with an unconscious Shura on her arms. She waited until Yomi arrived and she handed the sleeping boy to his father.

"I guess I need to apologize, Yomi. He's a tough one mind you. He wouldn't stop until he's out." Mukuro said while looking fondly at Shura.

Yomi watched her talk and also noticed her `look' at Shura. He smiled and gazed at his son. "Nah, you don't have to, I know exactly how stubborn he is. It runs in the family." Yomi grinned.

Mukuro smiled. "I see. Well, he's quite powerful, I'll give him that."

"Like I said, it runs in the family."

"You said it… Yomi, would you mind letting Shura come to my place sometimes. He's got lots of potential and I'd like to help him." Mukuro paused to let her proposal sink in. "Don't get me wrong, Yomi, I'm not belittling your abilities but-"

"I don't see it that way." Yomi began. "If that's all you want then, sure go ahead. Shura will be very glad about this. I'll tell him when he gets back." Yomi smiled again.

"Thank you. Tell him he's welcome to my place anytime… I will be going then. I don't trust leaving my palace even in a short while. My men tend to-bicker at each other."

"I understand. We'll be going back too, let's bid good bye to our hosts first. Shall we?"

Mukuro nodded and they both walked towards the group.

"Enki, my man, you almost got me this time, haha!" Yusuke slapped Enki at the back. "It sure pumped my blood up! We should do this more often! When's the next session?"

Kyugo blinked. "The n-next session?"

"Yeah! There'll be another one, won't it?" Coco limped towards the group. Let's just say Yomi had been a bit serious with her.

Kyugo took a step back and glanced at Natsumi. "Hey sis, a little help here?" he whispered.

Natsumi rolled her eyes. "The next session would be next week at the same place. That's if Enki approves this. What can you say Enki?"

All eyes glared at Enki.

"H-hey, I d-don't know but-" their glares intensified more. "-well um, it could be arranged, hehehe…"

"Good. Then it's settled. We come back here next week. DON'T be late."

Mukuro and Kiri walked silently towards her fortress. Well, Mukuro walked, Kiri limped and dragged.

"You've got it bad, Kiri. Tough opponent?" Mukuro asked

Kiri straightened himself. "Y-yeah, I guess so. The little guy wrecked me a bit."

Mukuro inwardly twitched. "Which little guy are we talking about here?" she asked already knowing the answer.

"Tsk, tsk, who else but our rebellious fire youkai."

"Hiei? You must've angered him too much to inflict such damage to you. He usually doesn't get pissed easily."

`Not at you, but for the rest of us…' Kiri shook his head at his thoughts. "Trust me, Mukuro-sama, it was just light teasing but it set him off. I pity that boy. He has no idea what he's going through…"

"What exactly is he going through…"

"Hey Urameshi!"

"Yeah?"

"Where's Hiei?"

"Hm? Beats me. I haven't seen him since midday. Maybe he went off already."

"Does he know where we're heading? We're staying at Raizen's territory and I don't think he knows where it is, does he?"

"I don't think so. Well, it's his fault anyway. Don't worry, I'm sure Mukuro won't mind offering him a place to stay."

Hiei cursed for the nth time as he glared at the dark barren horizon before him-it was empty. Yusuke and the others were nowhere to be seen. `Now where the hell am I going to stay. I ought to slice them for this…' Hiei growled under his breath.

…Mukuro wants you back…

"Shut the fuck up!!!" he yelled at the empty place. `Hn. I'd been through worse; I can do more than handle this.' With that, he started towards the nearest forest…