Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ Reminiscing ( Chapter 14 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
It was a sleepless night. Too much was going thru his mind, and he didn't know how to silence it. Most of his musing was San, and what she meant about her fate with the Toguro team. He didn't ask, she wouldn't tell. He could sense she was anxious, and the obvious display of fear when they appeared told him enough. He wanted to help the apparition, but could see no way if she was going to keep her mouth shut. Where was her mate? Surely he could sense danger for her, so why then hadn't he appeared? San said that he would appear in the ring, but when? There were only four teams left, and if he was on any of them, they would be together by now. He really liked that girl, but it was no use. She was loyal to her mate, that much was obvious, and Kurama found it hard to control himself sometimes around her. Mating season was like that, especially knowing there was nothing you could since you were mated for life. It was because of Youko's influence that Kurama pushed girls away, because even though he was human, he would feel as if he was betraying Moriko as well. The life of a demon living inside a human, now that could be an interesting television show. Where did that come from? She was definitely leaving her mark upon him.

-You know you are putting yourself thru unnecessary pain Shuuichi- said Youko.

-You've been awfully silent lately- Kurama noted.

-It has been hard for me to summon up power. I apologize for leaving you alone, it seems I should have been here to watch you-

-No need Youko. It's true, I developed feelings for San, but I know better than to act on them-

-Good, I would not want us to do something the two of us would regret-

-The two of you must really have had a unique bond-

-Yes. Demons do not care much for mating with the same kind, since we are all from the same world. Much like mating outside your race for you humans. Moriko and I were both legends, leaders, and very much alike naturally, without those aspects. The love we shared was the kind that lasted many life times, and it can never be broken, not even by death and imprisonments-

-My condolences for your loss. I felt your pain as if it were my own-

-But it was your own Shuuichi! I am sure in all my memories, my dreams that you see, you have fallen for her as well. You are more demon than human because of my influence-

-I'm not sure how to respond to that. How did Moriko feel about humans?-

-She was fond of them, the ones that she encountered. She had never been around them for an extended period of time, but I am sure she would have the same opinion as your San does. My apologies for being a burden to act upon your feelings for the girl. She is not human, and maybe that is why I have been intrigued by her as well. She will find her mate soon, possibly by the next battle tomorrow, I feel something strange in the air-

-That would be the reason you chose to converse with me tonight I presume?-

-Something of the sort. I wished to thank you for the patience you have shown me. I will do the same for you, I will live life with you until your human mother passes-

-That's very kind of you Youko. I really do not wish to leave her so soon. However, it is for Koenma to decide that particular fate-

-I am still not powerful enough to emerge, but when that day comes, I will refrain from leaving until you are ready. It is the least I can do for you Shuuichi, I have grown quite attached to you-

Kurama chucked, -Excellent pun Youko, we'll make a human out of you yet-

-Please Shuuichi, do not joke about such things- but Kurama could tell it was a joke as well. Youko was silent, but Kurama was still awake, and still thinking about tomorrow. Youko was right, something big was going to happen, something that could possibly change his life. He felt it, smelled it, and even tasted it. He knew it would affect him and San alike, and that worried him. Her mate was going to show up, and then what would happen when he did? After this team, they would have to worry about Toguro next, and that was another worry for him. The sun was peaking up thru the horizon, announcing that it was dawn. Kurama watched it as it came up, enjoying the view, setting him at peace for just a moment. If he could just freeze time and stay in this place like this, there would never be anything to worry about, nor dangerous fights to be had. The demon lurking inside of him was still in pain, but not yet ready to move on. Kurama thought about how his life would be if it wasn't for Youko. Many things like this would not happen, his mother would probably have passed with the illness she got, and he would have never met San he was sure. Even if he had, it was the demon she felt in him that kept her around. She seemed intent of following him around from the start, right when she saved him from the demon that attacked him in the alleyway, and she nearly bit the head off of Hiei. Kurama smiled, she seemed to always be there, watching his back, she was a good friend.

...

She sleeps in the den peacefully. There is not a care in her face, just pure bliss. He watches her sleep, knowing he will not get any. She hunted all night, being a wolf and in favour of the moon, and what she found pleased him so. Even if she didn't find him any treasures, he was pleased with her always. She is his mate, marked on the back of her left shoulder blade, Youko Kurama. She is a legend, like himself, and the best thing that ever happened to him. She is carrying his young, and he could not be more proud of that. Before her, life was just a chase, and now it has a purpose, a direction. He strokes her tawny hair. It is soft between his fingers, running down her bare back. It is the day before her vision is to take place, she will be alert, so he lets her sleep. He plays with her ear, smirking as it twitches with his touch. She is radiant, and he would never trade anything for the life has has now.

"Youko, that is very irritating," she mumbles in her tired voice.

"I'm sorry beloved, I did not wish to wake you," he replies.

"Why are you still awake?"

"I slept while you hunted. Now sleep koishii, we will not be departing any time soon."

"We must get our times right."

"I am a fox, I do most of my hunting during the day. You are a wolf, your time is with the moon."

"What is time to a wolf?"

"I'm not sure beloved."

"One would think that by now you knew the answer."

Youko laughed, "One would also think you would not ask such strange questions."

"Foolish kitsune. Until you provide an answer, the question will not disappear."

"No, I suppose not. But now is not the time beloved. Get your rest now," he commands as pack leader. She knows this, and closes her eyes once more, under the watchful golden eyes upon her.

...

She walks, hunting for her treasure. The den is clean, as always keeps it, but there was something lurking about. She makes no noise as she creeps thru the tree. She knows all the traps, she smells them, and avoids them easily. She enters the circular room, reserved for training. He was here, she could smell him. Her vision was then blurred, and her head explodes with pain.

"You are almost there koishii, you must work on your stealth," he tells her as he walks towards her and offers a hand to help her up. He hates having to inflict pain on her, but he knows she has to learn the ways of the bandit.

"And you must work on your stench," she responds to him, standing on her feet. They would join his pack in a few days, and her training was nearly complete.

"Forgive me."

"No need, it just means that we will need to bathe," she raises a brow suggestively. He stares into her tawny eyes, loving how she plays. She leads him to the lake, his hand in hers. They arrive, staring into the moonlit water. They look at one another, before removing their clothes and jumping in. They swim to the waterfall, following the path to their space, their secret den where he had marked her. This spot is sacred to the two of them, and they would forever return to it should they be in the area. The seal of the wolf clan hangs off a rock, that a plant was inserted into. It is the mutual possession of the two legends and their union. They kiss beneath it, letting their feelings and instincts take over.

"I love you Moriko, since the day I first broke into your den."

"I love you Youko. You were the one from my vision that was to take me from this place."

...

The sun peaked thru the curtains, but San hadn't slept all night. The vision of Youko replayed in her head, and that meant today was the day she would finally be reunited with him. There was no way it couldn't be today, unless it was the Toguro battle, if the team managed to get that far. Yusuke was still in the middle of absorbing Genkai's spirit wave orb, and would probably not be around for this battle. Between Kurama and Hiei, she was sure the semi finals would be alright. Of course she would be going, and she was relieved that Yukina was around to help out with the healing. Even with her improved strength it was hard keeping up with five fighters. Well, four, Genkai was capable of healing herself. Still, it was nice to have help with them. She threw the covers off herself and got ready for the match coming up. She was sure the team was already there, so she would meet them. No, Kuwabara was probably still asleep and would be the last one there, but she was sure the demon part of the team was up, ready, and waiting. It didn't take her long to be ready, and she headed towards the new stadium, where she knew Kurama and Hiei would be waiting.

...

They waited. There was a new announcer in the ring, Juri, fish demon it looked like. Koto was moved to a booth, obviously because of her commentary during the last time the Urameshi team fought. At least she had a heart, somewhat. San was anxious, the battle about to come forth being different, and she knew it had more meaning than what was lead on. She couldn't sense Youko, but the time was coming soon. This battle or the next, he would appear, and she was looking forward to that. Team Uraotogi entered the arena first, and then Team Uramehi, consisting only of Hiei, Kurama and Kuwabara. San figured that the other two members would be delayed or not even show up at all, what with Yusuke's training and such.

"I was not exactly expecting to fight this round three against five," said Hiei.

"The cause that is delaying them is very important. We'll simply have work around it," said Kurama.

"I don't know why you're stressing Hiei, I'll just beat them all myself," declared Kuwabara, strutting up to the stage.

"Hn," was Hiei's remark as they followed his lead. San stayed on the sidelines, her place not with them yet, or anytime she was hoping. They stood across from each other in the center of the stage, the famous stare down taking place.

"What magnificent images of destruction and misery must be swimming thru these competitors heads as they stare down their enemies in the ring. But as the countdown reaches zero, Yusuke and the masked fighter have still not entered the ring, leaving their teammates mismatched three to five. Will Hiei and Kurama each have to fight twice to keep their team alive?" came Koto's commentary.

"What's that supposed to mean? I said I'm taking them all myself!" yelled Kuwabara. San smirked, as did Shishiwakamaru.

"I thought we agreed on a good fight. What has happened to the rest of your team?" asked Shishi.

"Oh they just said you guys weren't worth their time," answered Kuwabara. Shishi glared.

"It is now time to chose the conditions for your fight," said Juri. San could tell she was new to this whole thing, she lacked excitement.

"Hn. It doesn't matter, let's just see who lives," said Hiei.

"You're a hasty aren't you boy?" commented Momotaru, slurping with his gum as he did so. Gross, "I take it you are fighting first," he finished, blowing a bubble.

"That's right I am. First, last and only. I've been under too much stress lately. Killing you all should be a good remedy," said Hiei, his right arm charging with energy. He wasn't quite ready to use it again, but he was nearly there, San spending time the previous day to work on it.

Shishi laughed, "We're all anxious to fight here. Why don't we let an outside party decide the pairings," he suggested, pulling out two dice, "Each six sided die represents a team with one members team on each side. The sixth side is a free space and anyone can fight when it comes up. You must fight as many times as your name appears, as long as you're still alive."

"Doesn't matter to me, but one thing. Whenever its the name of someone not around, I will be fighting in their place."

"Fate makes her choice," and Shishi threw the dice. The first match would be Hiei vs. Makintaro. The remaining members of the team walked to the side, while the biggest of the opposing team stayed and the smallest left of their team remained as well. Interesting. The fight began and it looked as if Hiei had just pulled out his sword, standing there, but San was easily able to follow his movements.

"That's very impressive," said Kurama. San nodded, but Kuwabara didn't see what just happened. Blood dripped from behind Hiei.

Makintaro laughed, "What's wrong? Did we have a little accident in our trousers?"

Hiei smirked, "You're whole nervous system. It leaves much to be desired."

The hideous demon continued to laugh, "What are you talking about? My nervous system. Come on! Just give me your best shot!"

"Fool. I already have," and Hiei reveald the arm he had severed. Makintaro started to freak out, dripping blood everywhere. San laughed despite the seriousness of this.

"Whoa, he's even faster than last time!" said Kuwabara.

"You're lucky I'm generous," he said, throwing the severed arm and walking away.

"Hey, where are you going? I'm not done with you," Makintaro said to Hiei's retreating back. Hiei ignored the beast, "I said I'm not done with you yet!" he scremed, growing another arm, only it was an axe, not a hand. He charged at Hiei, but San knew the fire apparition was too good for that. Everyone was tense, and for a moment it looked as if he won.

"Your eyes are rather slow. Too bad," said Hiei, severing Makintaro's head with his sword. San was always a fan of decapitations. It was just a for sure that one's enemy was dead, there was no living after that. She liked guarantees better than variables, she assumed because of her many visions throughout her years.

"Gross!" yelled Kuwabara.

"Shit happens..." San trailed. Shishi rolled the dice once more, and they landed on Kura Momotaru and a free space. Hiei of course took the free space, and eyed down his next opponent. San couldn't really blame him for being so eager to fight, since he had missed out completely on the bullshit round. Momotaru stood there chewing his gum like a cow. He talked to the Onji character and then proceeded to face off with Hiei.

"What are you jokers over there whispering about. If you've got something so important to say, share it with the rest of the group!" yelled Kuwabara. San sighed, not liking this Kuro guy. He spit out his gum.

"If I were you little man, I wouldn't let that last victory go to my head," said Kuro, bending town and grasping the sword, "He may have been the biggest on our team but he was also the weakest. Here, let me get him off your sword!" and he kicked the beast clean off the stage, laughing.

"Hey that's your teammate!" said Kuwabara.

"I think you'll find that I'm just a tad tougher than Makintaro was," and the idiot licked the blade,"Hey, sweet sword!"

"Hate to say it but that's hardly hygienic. You have no idea how many creatures that sword has cut thru," said Hiei.

"Oh I'm sure, here, let me add one more," said Kuro, slicing his forearm. What the fuck? "Oh yeah, that's it, it hurts so good! Oh yeah baby, now we're talking!"

"These guys are making it a little easy for us to beat them," observed Kuwabara. Kuro's actions were really puzzling, but San was sure they'd find out why he did such a stupid thing, if it was indeed stupid in the first place. He dropped the sword and pulled one of the balls off of his belt.

"This is the steaming sphere that seals your fate," said Kuro.

"I don't know what that is, but he doesn't make it sound very good," said Kuwabara. San narrowed her eyes, having an idea of what it was. He crushed the ball, inhaling the steam that came from it. San watched just as Kurama and Hiei did, waiting for Kuro's next move, and the effects of the sphere. He started to grow hair, laughing as he did so.

"Beast armor! Armor of the ape! What do you think Hiei?" Kuro laughed. Everyone stared, but San was trying to figure something out.

"Those sphere's must contain some sort of animal properties that transform him once consumed," said Kurama. It was like a light that shone in cartoons when they had an idea. San growled in realization, "San?" Kurama questioned, wondering what kind of outburst this could be about. She only got angry when it was something personal, or when someone was threatening he noticed. Something about these sphere's were bothering her, and he wanted to know what it was this time.

"But I won't be needing this scrap medal anymore and I'm sorry to say, neither will you," said Kuro, throwing the sword towards Hiei. He caught it by the hilt with no effort, swinging it once and looking as if he was planning his next move.

"We'll see about that," Hiei replied, San suspected mostly to himself. San was angry, more than that, she was livid, and ready to kill. She wanted nothing more than to jump onto the stage and tear Kuro limb from limb. How dared he bring such abominations to this tournament? That fucking bastard! He would pay for his crimes, that was something San was going to make sure of. The fight had officially begun by Juri's word, "Let's put this armor to the test," said Hiei, swinging his sword skillfully and then lunging at Kuro. The sword made contact with the enemy's right arm, but it seemed as if it wasn't going anywhere beyond the skin.

"Yeah, you got him!" declared Kuwabara, obviously missing something. But San knew exactly what was going on, and it angered her more. Kuro was laughing, and the sword broke in half, "That's impossible! What the heck happened to his sword?"

"I think it broke," answered Kurama. Hiei must have been thinking of his next move, taking a couple steps to his right.

"I'd rather destroy you with my own hands anyway," he said, jumping out of sight briefly. Kuro was faster than that though, making contact with his attacks and sending Hiei clean across the ring and colliding with the stand walls.

"He's in trouble..." Kurama trailed. San didn't care about that. Kuro began explaining his strategy, but San already knew that, that's another reason she was pissed off. There was only one way to get beast armor in the first place, "San, what is it? Please... tell me," Kurama pleaded. He wanted to know, he wasn't happy with her mystery.

"Those steaming spheres were once used to hunt some of the members of my clan. For wolf armor, other demons would come, slaughter us and use the powers left over to contain the powers. Many of my clan died, including my brother. I was framed for his murder, and that's why I was banished from my realm. Either way, this Kuro is using them, and is part of the slaughter, and I will not be happy until he is dead," San explained, "I do not know where my brother ended up, if it is with this demon or not, but if he does have Akatsuki in one of those spheres, I'll tell you now I will not be held responsible for my blood lust. He was the only real family I had in the first place, and it makes it worse that I was framed for his murder. I've hated people like Kuro ever since, bastards can't even develop their own power, they murder a life for it!" San was fuming. Kurama moved closer to her, ready to restrain her if necessary. He could understand her rage, but now wasn't the time for revenge. Her actions could cause them to lose, and Kurama couldn't have that.

Hiei was up again, and walking towards the stage. There was a "Kill Hiei" chant echoing throughout the stadium. Kuro was goading Hiei into summoning the dragon, but San knew it wouldn't happen again. Nevertheless, Hiei was powering up, getting ready to summon him. Idiot. Kurama explained to Kuwabara what this attack did to Hiei, but San already knew. She was seeing red and Kurama grabbed her arm, still talking as if nothing was happening. Hiei's attack was "Fist of the Mortal Flame!", a variation of the attack. It hurt Kuro, that was for sure.

"That doesn't look like a dragon," said Kuwabara.

"It's a related flame, but of the Ningenkai," said Kurama. Kuro was blown down to his knees. The attack wasn't nearly as effective as the Dragon, but San knew that Hiei couldn't summon the full dragon. Still, Hiei's mastery of any Darkness technique was impressive. San would not like to fight him any day. The battle continued, San and the others not knowing what to expect.
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