Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ Preliminaries ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: rain00205 
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.01.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 142 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.01.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 142 | Status: Completed
Two months of training, intense training. Here the day came, and San was wondering if they, her and Yusuke, were ready. At Genkai's insistence, San left with Yusuke to get on the ship. They were going to be late, even with Yusuke's improved speed. So they ran, knowing that it would be faster than the transportation offered by local services. She could smell all kinds of different youki ahead. Kuwabara, the only human scent was there, and Kurama with Hiei were amongst those scents. They slowed down to a walk, San knowing that Yusuke would make a dramatic entrance. Genkai caught up with them, wearing a mask to hide herself. San knew the reasons for this, and she wasn't sure if she had confided in Yusuke about her decision to participate, so she kept it to herself.
"Wait sir, some of our team has some stragglers," San heard Kuwabara tell the captain.
"Then we'll just have to put a mark on their head and send a hit man out for them," he replied.
"Now, now, that's not necessary," said Yusuke, stepping out of the shadows with Genkai and San at his side, "Sorry to keep you waiting guys."
"You nearly gave me a heart attack Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled at him. The youki all around were talking.
"These forest hikes really wipe me out."
"Yeah, you look awful. Oh wait, that's just you," said Kuwabara, laughing at his joke.
"Yusuke..." Hiei stepped forward. He then pulled out his sword, lunging at the Rekai Tantei, attacking him with swift moves. San smirked, expecting this behaviour out of him, and watching Yusuke easily dodge each of his moves. They looked like a blur to the untrained eye.
"Damn Hiei, is this how you say hello to people?" Yusuke commented.
"Hn. I don't know where you've been all this time but it seems that you've improved your skills a little bit," replied Hiei.
"Improved a little bit? Oh man I'd say he improved a lot a bit!" declared Kuwabara.
"Don't be discouraged. The fact that you could follow their moves shows that you have improved as well," said Kurama.
"Right on Kuwabara!" said San, giving him a high five.
"So Yusuke, I assume the little one over there is going to be our alternate fighter for the team?" questioned Hiei.
"Actually no, I will be the alternate fighter," San answered.
"You mean this little guy here? He's even smaller than Hiei! And... what's wrong with his face? He looks like a mummy or something," said Kuwabara, walking up to Genkai. San laughed out loud at his antics. It made it even more humourous knowing who she was and everyone else being left in the dark.
"Trust me, that one's going to be a lot of help to us," said Yusuke.
"I don't know, he barely comes up to my waist."
"Forget him, Yusuke and I are all that we'll require," stated Hiei. What were the rest of them? Chopped liver? Damn bastard.
"Enough already, let's all get on board!" the captain called. The six fighters followed all the other youki onto the ship that was departing. San waited for this day, she was closer to him, to Youko. She couldn't feel him yet, but she knew she would soon. Just a little more patience and she would be there, and she would be happy again. The ship was hostile, that was for sure. None of these youki were even close to the power that one of the fighters on her team had. They were a waste of space on this ship, and she highly suspected they would try anything to be rid of them. They were all going to die, she knew Hiei too well to think that they would live long enough to get to the island.
"Shoot, nothing here but ugly monsters. I thought cruises were supposed to have pretty girls," said Kuwabara. San rolled her eyes. It seemed that any male human adolescent was way too preoccupied with the female and sex. She didn't have sex for the first time until she was about 1,500 or so, what was the big deal? She thought back to that night, and how amazing it would feel to be with him again...
"I sure hope the island isn't as boring as this," said Hiei.
"We are not on vacation remember?" Kurama reminded him.
"I know but, couldn't they at least give us a place to eat... with pretty waitresses?" asked Kuwabara.
"What an amazing thing," stated San.
"Hm?" Kurama turned to her. But she ignored him, feeling her statement didn't require an explanation. "My mate used to do that to," said Kurama. With the training on his mind, it was easier now to speak and think of her.
"Do what?"
"Ignore me when she felt my questions were not important. I suppose it must be the way of the wolves?"
"Not sure, you'd have to ask others. I've always been the way that I am, I don't change for anyone."
"Could I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure. But I'll decide if it deserves an answer."
"What was your name? The one you had in Makai."
"Oh Kurama don't be silly, wolves have no need of names!"
Kurama smirked, "I should have known I would not get my answer. I can see you have been training hard with Yusuke."
"Yep. We've been at it for two months. He got it harder, being at at disadvantage with me around, but I'd say he actually stands a chance against me now."
Kurama laughed out loud. He missed San in the two months of training he endured. It still bothered him, the way she reminded him constantly of Moriko, but in a way, she was keeping her alive, never letting him forget about the love he cherished. Youko seemed dormant since the training started, but that was expected. He was hoping that the demon inside didn't give up, seeing as he was very much apart of Youko, feeling, body, mind. Everything was felt at the same impact, whether it affected his life or Youko's, and that made the youki his closest friend.
"Alrighty matees, turn your eyes to the captains deck," the captain interrupted all conversation, "It'll still be going to be quite a time before the ship gets to the harbor, So we've got somethin' in mind t'keep ya from gettin' rowdy."
"Oh! I knew it, some dinner and dancing!" declared Kuwabara. Idiot.
"The preliminary battles of the tournament will be fought 'ere on me trusty ship," the captain announced. There was confusion everywhere.
"Say what?" asked Kuwabara.
"A preliminary for the competition," Hiei explained.
"Now that we can't go anywhere," added Kurama. The ship began to shake.
"Ahh! Earthquake!" said Kuwabara. Idiot.
"Fool, there can't be earthquakes on the water!" Hiei spoke her mind.
"Look!" Kurama pointed at the source of the disturbance. The center of the ship started to separate and a ring rose forth. San faintly wondered how this was going to go. She changed into her wolf form, preparing for battle. She knew that all these demons were going to try and get at Yusuke.
"Whoa! That things huge!" said Kuwabara. Did he really have to constantly point out the obvious? What silly creatures humans were sometimes. She had to admit, they had their entertaining moments.
"Now I'll tell it t'ya straight. 15 teams have already been selected to compete in the Dark Tournament. They're already awaitin' your arrival. That means out of all of you left on my ship only one team will compete on dry land," the captain explained. San growled at the other demons, preparing herself for any of their stupid moves.
"Hold on, I thought that we were the special guests?" questioned Kuwabara.
"This is the way they operate," Hiei stated.
"All teams pick out your strongest men and bring him to the ships port side. Then we'll have a battle royal! And whoever goes out alive get's their team a ticket to fight on Hangin' Neck Island!" the demons cheered at the conclusion of the captain's speech. They started towards the ring, Team Urameshi staying put to make a decision.
"Hey, you're the one who wants to fight them and as the group leader, it's your responsibility," declared Kuwabara, walking up to Yusuke. It turned out that their team leader was asleep, "Hey, wake up Urameshi! I said it's the group leader's responsibility!"
"Stop. The training Yusuke went thru was apparently immense. We must give him time to recuperate," said Kurama.
"Then who's going to fight with all the big monsters?" but just as Kuwabara asked that, Genkai started walking towards the ring. San lolled her tongue out, laughing at the fates of the youki in the ring.
"Hn. It seems we have a volunteer. Good, I'm anxious to see what he can do," said Hiei, watching the retreating back of Genkai.
"Are you serious? We don't know jack squat about that guy! What if he loses and we get booted from the tournament?" Kuwabara freaked.
"If that happens then we simply kill all the others and say we're the right team when we reach the island. No one will know the difference."
"You didn't have too many friends growing up did you?"
Genkai was ready on the platform, and it looked like all the other demons were going to gang up on her. San wasn't worried, she knew better. But still, she was ready to bite the heads off any of the pathetic pests if they tried anything funny. She hadn't bitten the head off anything in a while, or even taken this form. It was a good way to break it in again, feeling the heads sever with her teeth. It was amazing how the animal instincts came in so naturally in this form. Genkai was ready, the demons were about to attack. San felt her energy growing, and then she unleashed it. A series of spirit bullets, striking them all and killing them instantly.
"Holy crap! He handled everyone up there with one blow!" captain obvious pointed out.
"I guess that explains why Yusuke can sleep so peacefully on a boat full of demons," said Kurama. Wow, Kuwabara must be rubbing off on him. Maybe it was a bad idea to train him.
"Sorry to say that the team going on will be Yusuke Urameshi's team!" the captain announced.
"Good job little man, now how about you let us see what's under those bandages?" asked Kuwabara when Genkai approached. She merely pointed behind him, ready to attack. "Wouldn't you know it? Demons not willing to fight by the rules."
"I think they stole my idea, we'll have to make them pay very dearly for that," said Hiei.
"Of course," concluded Kurama, pulling a rose out of his hair. Genkai, Hiei and Kurama jumped out of the way, to take on a string of their own demons. San leaped, biting off the head of a particularly ugly youki, not liking the stench of him either. The battle didn't last long at all, these pathetic weaklings being no match for any of them. Blood, demon blood, she hadn't tasted it in a while, and it only invigorated her. All the separate radius' were demolished, just as one demon who thought he was smart went for the kill on Yusuke.
"Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled,
"Now DIE!" screamed the youki. He was thrown across the ship, unconscious. San leaped over to where he was and severed his neck from his head, just to make sure he didn't try to pull a fast one again. She looked over at Yusuke, seeing him attack in his sleep. He was screaming something, but she didn't hear it. She licked the blood away from her mouth and changed back into her human form.
"Impressive," Kurama complimented her. She smiled back at him.
"Well that's a relief, he's finally awake," said Kuwabara.
"No fool. He's still sleeping," Hiei told him.
"Right now?"
"Quit you stupid old lady!" yelled Yusuke, still throwing punches. San laughed, remembering all of his comments during the training. He seemed to be the only one who could get away with talking to her the way that he did. She would never dare even think about talking to Genaki like that, not after everything the old woman had done for her.
"Even in his slumber, Yusuke is reliving his training. His preparations should make us all jealous," said Kurama. Kuwabara started mumbling about something. San smirked, as he stared at Genkai. Was there any possible way he figured it out? It was plainly obvious if you'd seen her before, which San knew he had.
"What are you mumbling?" asked San, as she walked away with the others.
"Hn. He's trying to talk in his sleep when he's still awake," said Hiei.
"Hey, what happened to the fight we were just in?"
"Everyone's dead."
The ride proceeded without any other interruptions. San stared into the open water, feeling the breeze from the speed they were going. She fell in beside Kurama. She wondered why he was absent from her vision, but couldn't quite figure it out. It was a variable, maybe she didn't see him, who knew? Her vision was her dream every night, the golden eyes of Youko, the silver hair and the nine tails. She missed him more now, knowing that she would be with him again soon.
"You are thinking about him, aren't you?" Kurama asked her. In truth, he was sad that when she was reunited with her mate, he probably wouldn't see her again. They would naturally be off together to make up for the lost time.
"I can't stop. I'm so close," she replied, staring at the island that was getting bigger as they approached.
"Might I ask who he is?"
San smiled, "Legendary..." was all she said. Kurama knew that he wasn't going to get much more information out of her. That suited him fine, he would find out who her mate was soon enough. He was hoping that her mate wouldn't be killed before she got a chance to see him. He knew how it felt, to lose someone like that, and he didn't want to see her go thru it herself. The ship docked on the harbour, letting its passengers get off. Kuwabara was carrying Yusuke, and they were directed to a hotel, where they would be staying for the duration of this tournament. They sat in the common room tea being placed on the table in font of them.
"Careful. Those fancy guys might be trying to poison us," said Kuwabara.
"Does that really make sense Kuwabara? Why would they bring us all the way here just to poison us?" Kurama questioned him.
"The organizers want to see us fight. They'll save the murder attempts for tomorrow," Hiei threw in there.
"You guys can talk your logic all you want. I'm staying with the trusty old aluminum," said Kuwabara, digging in his bag and then pulling out a soda. Kurama gasped quietly, but San hear him, sitting on his left side and all.
"Why is there only one coffee cup on the table?" he asked, bringing it into attention.
"That's the one I'm not drinkin' remember? Duh, we had this conversation."
"Yes, so there should be two. One for you and one for Yusuke."
"Wow, you think Urameshi can drink in his sleep to?"
"Are you fucking serious? Like, are you for real? Honestly, you really need to use your brain more, every comment makes you look like a child," San told him exasperated. She couldn't take his constant interpretation of the very obvious, nor his dumb excuses and questions. Common sense genius! Although, she probably shouldn't have snapped like that, it was unfair, "I'm sorry, I must be getting close to feminine problems," the shitty part, she still did have times when she was in heat, even as a human. It seemed more so in a human body than in her demon form.
"Uh, that's great and all San, but that still doesn't explain where the other coffee cup went."
How curious that the question be answered in perfect timing. There was slurping coming from behind the couch, how could Kuwabara, or even Genkai not see him? Sitting atop a table was a little boy, but San knew better than that. He was a demon, and he laughed at them.
"How did you get in here?" asked Kurama.
"He, must've been in here before we got in the room," said Kuwabara. San was impressed.
"Nope! I came thru the door after you got here, isn't that what good boys are supposed to do? Oops, I guess I did forget to knock though," came his answer. He took another drink and continued to talk, while everyone was in a defensive stance, "So, you guys are the special guests aren't you? You're so lucky. My name is Rinku by the way, I'm on the Rekuyukai team that you'll be fighting tomorrow."
"Is that so?" said Kuwabara.
"I wish I was a guest," Rinku continued, ignoring him, "they don't have to go thru all those boring ceremonies and meeting about the rules. You just show up here and fight, guess you don't need to learn about prizes and final battle stuff since your going to be dead soon. Somebody told me the guests would be special so I got excited, but you don't look special at all. Maybe I'll even beat you no hands."
"Don't you think your talking too much Rinku?" another intruder in they're room. San was definitely letting her guard down, that was two that came into their room without any of them noticing.
"What? Who is he? Something's wrong, I didn't sense either of them come in," asked Kuwabara, but San noticed and now realized that he was just speaking out loud, and probably not realizing that he was thinking these thoughts. Rinku got up from his spot and walked over to the other demon.
"Hey there Zeru, I was just saying how-de-do to our enemies," said Rinku. They both walked towards the door, the new demon opening it.
"Enjoy your last night with the living. Let's just say tomorrow we'll see you strongly resembling your coffee cup," said Zeru. San felt the energy, but just barely. He split the coffee cup in half, without even moving from his spot. Then the door closed, the demons gone from their original post.
"What an amazing thing," San stated to the quiet room.
"Hn. That's really infuriating you know," Hiei responded to her.
"Thanks!" she said, smiling at him. He looked away with a scowl on his face, but that was normal for Hiei. Kurama couldn't help but agree with him. Sometimes she was infuriating when she made statements like that, but that was just a part that he enjoyed about her. The thought of her leaving when she found her mate really upset him. He didn't want her to leave, she seemed to be the only one she'd ever found that could understand him. He just didn't like how she only affected him because of Moriko. Over the two month period that he was away from her, he realized that he had developed feelings for her. It was wrong, but that human part of him just couldn't help it.
-She is mated Shuuichi, she'll never consider us.-
-I know, but one can dream.-
-I could not do such a thing. Even if my beloved gone, I would feel like we were betraying her.-
-Understood Youko. Forgive me, there are humans parts of me that I'm not sure you quite understand.-
-Just do not do anything foolish Shuuichi.-
That was the first time the two of them had spoken since the news or Moriko's death. Kurama was so connected to his demon side the pain was nearly unbearable, but they got thru it. The others had been talking, all the while Yusuke was sleeping. Kurama rose from his seat and walked to the window, staring out into the night. Their first match was tomorrow, and San couldn't fight in Yusuke's stead unless one of them died. He was happy that she wasn't the fifth fighter, fearing for her safety. He knew she could hold her own in a fight, but he'd just prefer if she didn't fight at all. Her powers increased since he had seen her last, that was for sure. She still preferred fighting as a wolf, and he was curious about that. She had training as a human, at least, that's what Yusuke had told him before. He wished that choices like these were laid out like a battle. There was no way to figure out how to go about making a move when it came down to matters of the heart. Especially a matter that he couldn't do anything about, even though he wished he could.
"What's out there?" San asked him, standing beside him and looking in the same direction.
"I was not really looking," replied Kurama.
"I know, but I thought maybe you should," she smiled.
"May I ask why?"
"If you must," and she waited, continuing her gaze.
"Well?"
"Yes?"
"Aren't you going to tell me why?"
"You didn't ask me why."
"Pardon?"
"You asked me if you could ask why, but you never actually asked me why, so I never answered," she smiled brightly, looking up into his green orbs. He was conflicted, and she wondered why, but didn't bother to ask. He probably wouldn't tell her anyway. Kurama looked stunned for a moment, and then he began to laugh. He laughed loudly, letting out all kinds of frustration, pain, anguish, years of it that had been kept inside. It wasn't really all that funny, but once he started laughing and hearing her voice inside his head, it was contagious. She was the second person in his entire life to ever make him laugh like that. How she did it was amazing, and it only made him admire her more, letting the pain wash over. He didn't show it, feeling better, but he was alone, and he missed Moriko, but if this girl could just duplicate somehow, he would be the happiest man in all worlds.
"I don't get it, what's so funny?" asked Kuwabara. But his question went unanswered. Hiei looked on with a smirk. They were getting along great just as he expected they would, just as anyone who knew their story would. He didn't understand why they felt that they had to tip toe around each other. It wasn't his responsibility to tell the fox, it was hers. She could easily have went into his mind and found the demon that really resided in Kurama, but she refused to penetrate the minds of others.
"Fool. You'd better get some sleep, we might actually need you tomorrow," said Hiei, and then vacated the room.
Kurama smiled at San, "Sleep well," he told her. She smiled back at him and then turned in the direction of her room. Kurama watched her go and then turned to retire to his own bed. The first battle was tomorrow, and he knew he wouldn't get much sleep.
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"Wait sir, some of our team has some stragglers," San heard Kuwabara tell the captain.
"Then we'll just have to put a mark on their head and send a hit man out for them," he replied.
"Now, now, that's not necessary," said Yusuke, stepping out of the shadows with Genkai and San at his side, "Sorry to keep you waiting guys."
"You nearly gave me a heart attack Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled at him. The youki all around were talking.
"These forest hikes really wipe me out."
"Yeah, you look awful. Oh wait, that's just you," said Kuwabara, laughing at his joke.
"Yusuke..." Hiei stepped forward. He then pulled out his sword, lunging at the Rekai Tantei, attacking him with swift moves. San smirked, expecting this behaviour out of him, and watching Yusuke easily dodge each of his moves. They looked like a blur to the untrained eye.
"Damn Hiei, is this how you say hello to people?" Yusuke commented.
"Hn. I don't know where you've been all this time but it seems that you've improved your skills a little bit," replied Hiei.
"Improved a little bit? Oh man I'd say he improved a lot a bit!" declared Kuwabara.
"Don't be discouraged. The fact that you could follow their moves shows that you have improved as well," said Kurama.
"Right on Kuwabara!" said San, giving him a high five.
"So Yusuke, I assume the little one over there is going to be our alternate fighter for the team?" questioned Hiei.
"Actually no, I will be the alternate fighter," San answered.
"You mean this little guy here? He's even smaller than Hiei! And... what's wrong with his face? He looks like a mummy or something," said Kuwabara, walking up to Genkai. San laughed out loud at his antics. It made it even more humourous knowing who she was and everyone else being left in the dark.
"Trust me, that one's going to be a lot of help to us," said Yusuke.
"I don't know, he barely comes up to my waist."
"Forget him, Yusuke and I are all that we'll require," stated Hiei. What were the rest of them? Chopped liver? Damn bastard.
"Enough already, let's all get on board!" the captain called. The six fighters followed all the other youki onto the ship that was departing. San waited for this day, she was closer to him, to Youko. She couldn't feel him yet, but she knew she would soon. Just a little more patience and she would be there, and she would be happy again. The ship was hostile, that was for sure. None of these youki were even close to the power that one of the fighters on her team had. They were a waste of space on this ship, and she highly suspected they would try anything to be rid of them. They were all going to die, she knew Hiei too well to think that they would live long enough to get to the island.
"Shoot, nothing here but ugly monsters. I thought cruises were supposed to have pretty girls," said Kuwabara. San rolled her eyes. It seemed that any male human adolescent was way too preoccupied with the female and sex. She didn't have sex for the first time until she was about 1,500 or so, what was the big deal? She thought back to that night, and how amazing it would feel to be with him again...
"I sure hope the island isn't as boring as this," said Hiei.
"We are not on vacation remember?" Kurama reminded him.
"I know but, couldn't they at least give us a place to eat... with pretty waitresses?" asked Kuwabara.
"What an amazing thing," stated San.
"Hm?" Kurama turned to her. But she ignored him, feeling her statement didn't require an explanation. "My mate used to do that to," said Kurama. With the training on his mind, it was easier now to speak and think of her.
"Do what?"
"Ignore me when she felt my questions were not important. I suppose it must be the way of the wolves?"
"Not sure, you'd have to ask others. I've always been the way that I am, I don't change for anyone."
"Could I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure. But I'll decide if it deserves an answer."
"What was your name? The one you had in Makai."
"Oh Kurama don't be silly, wolves have no need of names!"
Kurama smirked, "I should have known I would not get my answer. I can see you have been training hard with Yusuke."
"Yep. We've been at it for two months. He got it harder, being at at disadvantage with me around, but I'd say he actually stands a chance against me now."
Kurama laughed out loud. He missed San in the two months of training he endured. It still bothered him, the way she reminded him constantly of Moriko, but in a way, she was keeping her alive, never letting him forget about the love he cherished. Youko seemed dormant since the training started, but that was expected. He was hoping that the demon inside didn't give up, seeing as he was very much apart of Youko, feeling, body, mind. Everything was felt at the same impact, whether it affected his life or Youko's, and that made the youki his closest friend.
"Alrighty matees, turn your eyes to the captains deck," the captain interrupted all conversation, "It'll still be going to be quite a time before the ship gets to the harbor, So we've got somethin' in mind t'keep ya from gettin' rowdy."
"Oh! I knew it, some dinner and dancing!" declared Kuwabara. Idiot.
"The preliminary battles of the tournament will be fought 'ere on me trusty ship," the captain announced. There was confusion everywhere.
"Say what?" asked Kuwabara.
"A preliminary for the competition," Hiei explained.
"Now that we can't go anywhere," added Kurama. The ship began to shake.
"Ahh! Earthquake!" said Kuwabara. Idiot.
"Fool, there can't be earthquakes on the water!" Hiei spoke her mind.
"Look!" Kurama pointed at the source of the disturbance. The center of the ship started to separate and a ring rose forth. San faintly wondered how this was going to go. She changed into her wolf form, preparing for battle. She knew that all these demons were going to try and get at Yusuke.
"Whoa! That things huge!" said Kuwabara. Did he really have to constantly point out the obvious? What silly creatures humans were sometimes. She had to admit, they had their entertaining moments.
"Now I'll tell it t'ya straight. 15 teams have already been selected to compete in the Dark Tournament. They're already awaitin' your arrival. That means out of all of you left on my ship only one team will compete on dry land," the captain explained. San growled at the other demons, preparing herself for any of their stupid moves.
"Hold on, I thought that we were the special guests?" questioned Kuwabara.
"This is the way they operate," Hiei stated.
"All teams pick out your strongest men and bring him to the ships port side. Then we'll have a battle royal! And whoever goes out alive get's their team a ticket to fight on Hangin' Neck Island!" the demons cheered at the conclusion of the captain's speech. They started towards the ring, Team Urameshi staying put to make a decision.
"Hey, you're the one who wants to fight them and as the group leader, it's your responsibility," declared Kuwabara, walking up to Yusuke. It turned out that their team leader was asleep, "Hey, wake up Urameshi! I said it's the group leader's responsibility!"
"Stop. The training Yusuke went thru was apparently immense. We must give him time to recuperate," said Kurama.
"Then who's going to fight with all the big monsters?" but just as Kuwabara asked that, Genkai started walking towards the ring. San lolled her tongue out, laughing at the fates of the youki in the ring.
"Hn. It seems we have a volunteer. Good, I'm anxious to see what he can do," said Hiei, watching the retreating back of Genkai.
"Are you serious? We don't know jack squat about that guy! What if he loses and we get booted from the tournament?" Kuwabara freaked.
"If that happens then we simply kill all the others and say we're the right team when we reach the island. No one will know the difference."
"You didn't have too many friends growing up did you?"
Genkai was ready on the platform, and it looked like all the other demons were going to gang up on her. San wasn't worried, she knew better. But still, she was ready to bite the heads off any of the pathetic pests if they tried anything funny. She hadn't bitten the head off anything in a while, or even taken this form. It was a good way to break it in again, feeling the heads sever with her teeth. It was amazing how the animal instincts came in so naturally in this form. Genkai was ready, the demons were about to attack. San felt her energy growing, and then she unleashed it. A series of spirit bullets, striking them all and killing them instantly.
"Holy crap! He handled everyone up there with one blow!" captain obvious pointed out.
"I guess that explains why Yusuke can sleep so peacefully on a boat full of demons," said Kurama. Wow, Kuwabara must be rubbing off on him. Maybe it was a bad idea to train him.
"Sorry to say that the team going on will be Yusuke Urameshi's team!" the captain announced.
"Good job little man, now how about you let us see what's under those bandages?" asked Kuwabara when Genkai approached. She merely pointed behind him, ready to attack. "Wouldn't you know it? Demons not willing to fight by the rules."
"I think they stole my idea, we'll have to make them pay very dearly for that," said Hiei.
"Of course," concluded Kurama, pulling a rose out of his hair. Genkai, Hiei and Kurama jumped out of the way, to take on a string of their own demons. San leaped, biting off the head of a particularly ugly youki, not liking the stench of him either. The battle didn't last long at all, these pathetic weaklings being no match for any of them. Blood, demon blood, she hadn't tasted it in a while, and it only invigorated her. All the separate radius' were demolished, just as one demon who thought he was smart went for the kill on Yusuke.
"Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled,
"Now DIE!" screamed the youki. He was thrown across the ship, unconscious. San leaped over to where he was and severed his neck from his head, just to make sure he didn't try to pull a fast one again. She looked over at Yusuke, seeing him attack in his sleep. He was screaming something, but she didn't hear it. She licked the blood away from her mouth and changed back into her human form.
"Impressive," Kurama complimented her. She smiled back at him.
"Well that's a relief, he's finally awake," said Kuwabara.
"No fool. He's still sleeping," Hiei told him.
"Right now?"
"Quit you stupid old lady!" yelled Yusuke, still throwing punches. San laughed, remembering all of his comments during the training. He seemed to be the only one who could get away with talking to her the way that he did. She would never dare even think about talking to Genaki like that, not after everything the old woman had done for her.
"Even in his slumber, Yusuke is reliving his training. His preparations should make us all jealous," said Kurama. Kuwabara started mumbling about something. San smirked, as he stared at Genkai. Was there any possible way he figured it out? It was plainly obvious if you'd seen her before, which San knew he had.
"What are you mumbling?" asked San, as she walked away with the others.
"Hn. He's trying to talk in his sleep when he's still awake," said Hiei.
"Hey, what happened to the fight we were just in?"
"Everyone's dead."
The ride proceeded without any other interruptions. San stared into the open water, feeling the breeze from the speed they were going. She fell in beside Kurama. She wondered why he was absent from her vision, but couldn't quite figure it out. It was a variable, maybe she didn't see him, who knew? Her vision was her dream every night, the golden eyes of Youko, the silver hair and the nine tails. She missed him more now, knowing that she would be with him again soon.
"You are thinking about him, aren't you?" Kurama asked her. In truth, he was sad that when she was reunited with her mate, he probably wouldn't see her again. They would naturally be off together to make up for the lost time.
"I can't stop. I'm so close," she replied, staring at the island that was getting bigger as they approached.
"Might I ask who he is?"
San smiled, "Legendary..." was all she said. Kurama knew that he wasn't going to get much more information out of her. That suited him fine, he would find out who her mate was soon enough. He was hoping that her mate wouldn't be killed before she got a chance to see him. He knew how it felt, to lose someone like that, and he didn't want to see her go thru it herself. The ship docked on the harbour, letting its passengers get off. Kuwabara was carrying Yusuke, and they were directed to a hotel, where they would be staying for the duration of this tournament. They sat in the common room tea being placed on the table in font of them.
"Careful. Those fancy guys might be trying to poison us," said Kuwabara.
"Does that really make sense Kuwabara? Why would they bring us all the way here just to poison us?" Kurama questioned him.
"The organizers want to see us fight. They'll save the murder attempts for tomorrow," Hiei threw in there.
"You guys can talk your logic all you want. I'm staying with the trusty old aluminum," said Kuwabara, digging in his bag and then pulling out a soda. Kurama gasped quietly, but San hear him, sitting on his left side and all.
"Why is there only one coffee cup on the table?" he asked, bringing it into attention.
"That's the one I'm not drinkin' remember? Duh, we had this conversation."
"Yes, so there should be two. One for you and one for Yusuke."
"Wow, you think Urameshi can drink in his sleep to?"
"Are you fucking serious? Like, are you for real? Honestly, you really need to use your brain more, every comment makes you look like a child," San told him exasperated. She couldn't take his constant interpretation of the very obvious, nor his dumb excuses and questions. Common sense genius! Although, she probably shouldn't have snapped like that, it was unfair, "I'm sorry, I must be getting close to feminine problems," the shitty part, she still did have times when she was in heat, even as a human. It seemed more so in a human body than in her demon form.
"Uh, that's great and all San, but that still doesn't explain where the other coffee cup went."
How curious that the question be answered in perfect timing. There was slurping coming from behind the couch, how could Kuwabara, or even Genkai not see him? Sitting atop a table was a little boy, but San knew better than that. He was a demon, and he laughed at them.
"How did you get in here?" asked Kurama.
"He, must've been in here before we got in the room," said Kuwabara. San was impressed.
"Nope! I came thru the door after you got here, isn't that what good boys are supposed to do? Oops, I guess I did forget to knock though," came his answer. He took another drink and continued to talk, while everyone was in a defensive stance, "So, you guys are the special guests aren't you? You're so lucky. My name is Rinku by the way, I'm on the Rekuyukai team that you'll be fighting tomorrow."
"Is that so?" said Kuwabara.
"I wish I was a guest," Rinku continued, ignoring him, "they don't have to go thru all those boring ceremonies and meeting about the rules. You just show up here and fight, guess you don't need to learn about prizes and final battle stuff since your going to be dead soon. Somebody told me the guests would be special so I got excited, but you don't look special at all. Maybe I'll even beat you no hands."
"Don't you think your talking too much Rinku?" another intruder in they're room. San was definitely letting her guard down, that was two that came into their room without any of them noticing.
"What? Who is he? Something's wrong, I didn't sense either of them come in," asked Kuwabara, but San noticed and now realized that he was just speaking out loud, and probably not realizing that he was thinking these thoughts. Rinku got up from his spot and walked over to the other demon.
"Hey there Zeru, I was just saying how-de-do to our enemies," said Rinku. They both walked towards the door, the new demon opening it.
"Enjoy your last night with the living. Let's just say tomorrow we'll see you strongly resembling your coffee cup," said Zeru. San felt the energy, but just barely. He split the coffee cup in half, without even moving from his spot. Then the door closed, the demons gone from their original post.
"What an amazing thing," San stated to the quiet room.
"Hn. That's really infuriating you know," Hiei responded to her.
"Thanks!" she said, smiling at him. He looked away with a scowl on his face, but that was normal for Hiei. Kurama couldn't help but agree with him. Sometimes she was infuriating when she made statements like that, but that was just a part that he enjoyed about her. The thought of her leaving when she found her mate really upset him. He didn't want her to leave, she seemed to be the only one she'd ever found that could understand him. He just didn't like how she only affected him because of Moriko. Over the two month period that he was away from her, he realized that he had developed feelings for her. It was wrong, but that human part of him just couldn't help it.
-She is mated Shuuichi, she'll never consider us.-
-I know, but one can dream.-
-I could not do such a thing. Even if my beloved gone, I would feel like we were betraying her.-
-Understood Youko. Forgive me, there are humans parts of me that I'm not sure you quite understand.-
-Just do not do anything foolish Shuuichi.-
That was the first time the two of them had spoken since the news or Moriko's death. Kurama was so connected to his demon side the pain was nearly unbearable, but they got thru it. The others had been talking, all the while Yusuke was sleeping. Kurama rose from his seat and walked to the window, staring out into the night. Their first match was tomorrow, and San couldn't fight in Yusuke's stead unless one of them died. He was happy that she wasn't the fifth fighter, fearing for her safety. He knew she could hold her own in a fight, but he'd just prefer if she didn't fight at all. Her powers increased since he had seen her last, that was for sure. She still preferred fighting as a wolf, and he was curious about that. She had training as a human, at least, that's what Yusuke had told him before. He wished that choices like these were laid out like a battle. There was no way to figure out how to go about making a move when it came down to matters of the heart. Especially a matter that he couldn't do anything about, even though he wished he could.
"What's out there?" San asked him, standing beside him and looking in the same direction.
"I was not really looking," replied Kurama.
"I know, but I thought maybe you should," she smiled.
"May I ask why?"
"If you must," and she waited, continuing her gaze.
"Well?"
"Yes?"
"Aren't you going to tell me why?"
"You didn't ask me why."
"Pardon?"
"You asked me if you could ask why, but you never actually asked me why, so I never answered," she smiled brightly, looking up into his green orbs. He was conflicted, and she wondered why, but didn't bother to ask. He probably wouldn't tell her anyway. Kurama looked stunned for a moment, and then he began to laugh. He laughed loudly, letting out all kinds of frustration, pain, anguish, years of it that had been kept inside. It wasn't really all that funny, but once he started laughing and hearing her voice inside his head, it was contagious. She was the second person in his entire life to ever make him laugh like that. How she did it was amazing, and it only made him admire her more, letting the pain wash over. He didn't show it, feeling better, but he was alone, and he missed Moriko, but if this girl could just duplicate somehow, he would be the happiest man in all worlds.
"I don't get it, what's so funny?" asked Kuwabara. But his question went unanswered. Hiei looked on with a smirk. They were getting along great just as he expected they would, just as anyone who knew their story would. He didn't understand why they felt that they had to tip toe around each other. It wasn't his responsibility to tell the fox, it was hers. She could easily have went into his mind and found the demon that really resided in Kurama, but she refused to penetrate the minds of others.
"Fool. You'd better get some sleep, we might actually need you tomorrow," said Hiei, and then vacated the room.
Kurama smiled at San, "Sleep well," he told her. She smiled back at him and then turned in the direction of her room. Kurama watched her go and then turned to retire to his own bed. The first battle was tomorrow, and he knew he wouldn't get much sleep.
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