Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ Departure ( Chapter 26 )
[ 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: 02.01.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 149 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.01.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 149 | Status: Completed
Yusuke had won, had beaten Toguro. San had saved Kuwabara, but where did that leave Kurama? He wished that she would wake up, that she really wasn't going to die. It wasn't fair! He had just gotten her back, and now she had to leave him again. He wished she knew how much he loved her, how much he really cared for her. She knew all of this was going to happen, she saved a life. He didn't understand why she didn't tell him. The answer was locked away with her lifeless body. He hugged it to his, hoping that miraculously she would hug him back, say it was all a game. But that wasn't going to happen. Kuwabara was getting beat up by Yusuke for faking, Kurama wished that San was faking. No pulse, there was nothing, and yet, he couldn't figure out why she was still so warm.
"Wait," Kurama heard Yusuke speak, "Is San...?"
"Hey yeah, where is San anyway? I haven't heard her make a dumb comment in a while," said Kuwabara. Kurama let go of yet another tear, and he could hear the others running towards him. Kurama stared at her face again, wishing that it would respond.
"Please..." he whispered at her, but she remained still. Yusuke knelt down in front of them. He put a hand to her forehead, looking with eyes full of sorrow.
"Kurama, I'm sorry... I couldn't..." began Yusuke.
Kurama shook his head, "She saved Kuwabara," he said. It was enough to justify her death, and possibly make the others feel okay about it. Kurama wasn't even sure of what he felt, but it was definitely a great pain.
"When did that happen?" asked Kuwabara.
"The same time Toguro struck you. San knew... she knew that Toguro wouldn't miss, so she got in front of you, and her body made it so that Toguro wouldn't kill you," explained Kurama.
"Wow, I didn't even notice..." trailed Kuwabara.
"You wouldn't, even with your powers. Her speed is great, almost as good as mine," said Hiei. A thought occurred just then. He looked at the small demon.
"Hiei, is it possible to reach her?" it was worth a shot, maybe she was still inside.
Hiei looked down and shook his head no, "There's no answer." That was the worst thing he could hear. He could feel his heart tear into pieces. His beloved was dead, there was no avoiding it. More tears, tears that he hid from the others. Yusuke moved his hand as Kurama pulled her close. They stood for moments, taking that time to mourn her death. Kurama's tears finally stopped, and he kissed her forehead once more before setting her down and standing with the rest of them. The ground began to shake, indicating that it was time to push this aside for now.
...
She is in her den, and cooks for the night. She hums slightly, her tail sways in a slow motion. It is glossy, and hypnotic. He watches her from the shadows, trapped in a spell. He finally walks towards her, and takes her in his arms. She sighs contently, as she leans back into him. He marvels at her beauty, bending slightly to kiss her cheek. Her skin is soft, her aroma is intoxicating, her hair is like silk, and her eyes portray nothing but love for him. He kisses her, finger running along her bare neck. She turns to face him, still attached, and pulls him closer, fingers interlaced with his silver hair. She is warm, and makes him feel as if the world is at his feet. Life would be nothing without her. They pull away from each other slowly, the ghost of her lips still residing on his. He gazes into her tawny eyes, leaning his forehead against hers. Her breath is heavy and warm on his face, and he loves every minute of it. Unable to take anymore, she kisses him again, fiercely. It is filled with passion, and he wraps his tails around her. The next moments are filled with love, the food long forgotten. The world of bliss, the greatest escape. It will never end. They remain close to one another, enjoying a day off.
"This is nice," she speaks as she leans against his chest.
"Yes. We deserve it," he responds.
"When will we join with the others again?"
"Soon koishii, our next mission does not lie far from here."
"It has been so long since we've come to this place."
"Do you miss it?"
"Sometimes. I prefer hunting with you and the pack. The time I spent here was in solitude, aside from your visits. I enjoyed our game."
He smirks, "As did I beloved. It will last all eternity."
"I look forward to it, Youko."
...
"Queen Moriko, there is something here that needs your urgent attention," says Yayoi, her closest friend and advisor.
"What is it?" she asks.
"Two bandits have broken in and stolen one of our most prized possessions."
"Do you have the identity of them?"
"Only one, the bandit Youko Kurama."
"He is said to become a legend."
"Many have said that about you as well my Queen."
"What have we done about this?"
"We send the guards after them and only caught one. We await your orders."
"This would be my first real act as Queen."
"I'm well aware of that your majesty, but you must act in a way that shows the others how you deal with such abominations."
"I cannot let him go, nor can I lock it up in the dungeon. The only thing I can do is kill it."
"Life is cruel at times. If it makes you feel better, even if you locked him up, he would die soon anyway."
"I suppose. That is my official decision then. Behead the beast. Let's hope this never happens again, I do not like taking lives."
"Yes your majesty."
She watches Yayoi leave. She then decides to see what had happened. She takes the secret passageways to get out of the walls of the realm. She walks in the forest towards the stench of blood. She sees where it happened, the body being moved. She scouts the area, catching a scent that makes her brain think twice. It was the one that got away. She remembers hearing about such a bandit, and feels that she will encounter him in days to come. Something catches her eye, and she proceeds towards it. There, in the ground is a pendant shaped like a rain drop, and a red jewel in the middle of it. She picks it up and observes it. She decides to keep this, feeling the death on her hands. She knows she will always regret this day.
...
They stadium was coming down. Sakyo had did something, something that caused Shizuru and Koenma to disappear. He was leveling the stadium, destroying it completely. It was only to take his own life, but Kurama suspected it was something more than that. He was helping Yusuke, leaving San's body behind. It took a few moments to get Keiko back to reality, but they were on their way out. The walls were crumbling, and they ran towards safety, passed the surviving audience. Everyone was in a state of panic, and it only made things worse when they came to a dead end. Huge amounts of rubble blocked their path, making escape impossible.
"What now?" asked Kuwabara.
"Get out of the way, I'll bust thru," answered Yusuke.
"Yusuke, you know you don't have strength left," Kurama had to remind him.
"Well neither do you so what's our choice?"
"What can we do? We don't have time to find a new exit!" stated Botan. The announcer voice had declared that there were two minutes until the stadium detonated. It seemed hopeless, until a blast came from the other side. The smoke cleared rather fast, revealing their saviours.
"How goes it mate?" asked Chu. He was standing on top of the rubble with Rinku, Touya and Jin. Kurama noticed that Jin was carrying San's body. Now wasn't the time for questions however, though he was relieved to see them.
"A lot better now I guess," Yusuke spoke.
"Well don't just stand there like a bludger, let's go. We can't just let our champions get hurt now."
"Right he is. When the tourny next year comes around we'll have to face you ourselves and we'll have no muscles on us and woo-wee, you'll go zippin' and we'll be the champions of that one!" said Jin in his thick upbeat accent. Kurama smiled, knowing that San would like this demon.
"Right, whatever he said," Yusuke agreed. They pushed forward, stopping only for a moment at Puu's arrival. They made it out alive, the stadium blowing up. Koenma and Shizuru were coming out of the smoke, making it out safely. They watched the rubble smoke.
"So, it's over now," said Kuwabara.
"Yeah... It finally is," confirmed Yusuke. They had a short moment of silence, and then Botan screamed in outrage.
"What's the matter Botan?" asked Kuwabara.
"The prizes for winning the tournament! You were each supposed get whatever you wanted. We didn't even get a souvenir mug!" she explained.
"Oh, I was going to get famous!"
"What a crock!"
"It doesn't matter," Yusuke interrupted them, "Those bastards up in the tournament committee, they couldn't have given us what we wanted anyway."
"And uh, what did we want again?" but then Botan gasped in realization. Kurama knew what he wanted. He thought about her, the agony coming back to him. Though he knew that everyone was wishing for Genkai, he wanted San back more than anything. And not just San, the demon that resided within her. His beloved Moriko. Yusuke shouted something, but all Kurama could think about was her tawny eyes, her sun touched hair, her sense of humour, her mysterious ways, her loyalty, her companionship, and the way she loved him. A tear fell as he looked down. Jin and Chu walked up to him. He looked, Chu holding her. They stopped in front of him, offering her body to him.
"We didn't think it was right to leave your sheila there mate," Chu explained.
"Very sorry about your loss, a great demon she was, best bring her home and give her the proper burial she deserves right?" Jin spoke. Kurama's head was in a haze. He reached out his arms and took her body. She was still warm, and he found that strange. He checked her pulse again, but still felt nothing. He looked up at the two demons and nodded.
"Thank you," he spoke softly. He could see the sad looks that they gave him, as they stared at her face. The colour was still there, she was still so warm. But how was this possible without a pulse? The apparitions left, and Kurama returned to the hotel with the others.
"You know, it's kind of creepy that you're still carrying her around," said Kuwabara.
"I'm taking her to the temple, and letting her rest there," Kurama explained.
Yusuke put a hand on his shoulder, "She would like that Kurama. Hell, I'll even show you her favourite place."
"Thank you."
...
"That's all the quiet staring I can handle," said Yusuke, throwing his bag over his shoulder. They were packed, getting ready to leave this island for good, "Let's get out of here okay?"
"Right," said Kuwabara.
"After all this time it's going to feel weird not fearing for my life."
"Don't sweat it Urameshi, I can beat you up at school everyday if that makes you feel better."
"Yusuke is right. Normal life for us all will seem... pale... for a while," said Kurama, looking at San again. She was still warm to his touch.
"Puu!" announced the spirit animal. It had flown to the window.
"Hey, there you are," said Yusuke. He opened the window for the creature, "Alright Puu. I didn't tihnk you'd ever come back after Genkai started talking thru you." Yusuke held the animal in his hand, "You're kind of like a telephone to the other side, aren't you? Well, what are you waiting for operator, patch me into grandma. Come on, which sides your receiver? What, you'll do it for her and not for me? You're my spirit animal you know?"
Kurama couldn't take anymore, "Stop it," but Yusuke ignored him, "Yusuke. It's not possible anymore."
"What do you mean?"
The fox looked at his mate once more, "The spirit world Genkai spoke from is the land between the living and the dead."
"I thought that humans went to spirit world when they died?" asked Kuwabara.
"Yes, for a short time. But it's merely a junction from which their real journey begins. In truth, Rekai is a complex system of many separate worlds. And with the lands of the dead, there is no communication. Genkai's was a priority case, her placement should have been quick. Listen to me Yusuke, it's time we've said our good bye's to her, for real."
"It's so dumb," commented Yusuke.
"We just got to let her go," said Kuwabara.
"Fine!" snapped Yusuke, but not in a negative way. He turned around with what looked like a forced smile on his face, "You heard fox boy, there's nothing we can do for the old hag if she's already limp. Just got to keep on truckin'. Yes sir! I'm going to go outside and make myself a shiny new first place medal, sit in the sun, and have stupendous fucking day damnit!" were his last words as he headed out the door. Kurama was sure San would laugh at that, and he sighed at his last thought. Perhaps he should take a note from Yusuke.
"Well alright Urameshi, can you make me a medal to?"
"Hn. He's so neck deep in repression, even I feel sorry for him," said Hiei. Puu flew away after him. Kuwabara was the next to leave. Kurama waited for Hiei to leave, but suspected he wouldn't. The small fire apparition walked over to the fox and the wolf. Kurama looked at him curiously. "You need to get yourself out of repression too, lest you become as delusional as the detective."
"I'm merely bringing her back to where she belongs," said Kurama. He looked out the window, "Chu and Jin were right, leaving her body to be crushed was the wrong thing to do. And yet, I feel as if I was doing it purposely, just so that she would rise from the dead to reprimand me."
"Amazing how like her you've become," was Hiei's last comment. He left to go with the others. Kurama looked back at San and knelt down beside her. He took her hand, noting yet again that it was warm. He kissed her forehead.
"Forgive me for not being to to see San. I know how you feel about being able to see such sorrow, and stand by while it happens. I do not blame you for what you did, I just wish you would have told me. If there was some possible way to reverse this, I would sacrifice everything I had, just to see your smile again. Good-bye my koi," he spoke to her. She remained unresponsive. He stood, bringing her with him as he approached the lobby, where the others waited.
...
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the final boat back to the mainland will board within the hour. Please complete your checkout and proceed to the dock for departure. I repeat, this is the final trip off the island. We hope you enjoyed your stay," Kurama heard the announcer. The four champions sat in the lobby, enjoying some coffee.
"Geeze, what's taking these girls so long?" questioned Kuwabara,"We're going to get left."
"Not everyone packed just one set of clothes," said Kurama.
"It's just like family vacation, my dumb sister's always making us late. Probably plucking her mustache."
"Should I tell them about your fluffy doll?" Shizuru appeared behind Kuwabara. It startled him greatly, and he jumped high into the air. Kurama moved and Kuwabara landed on his seat.
"Hi sis, enough about family stories, I was just telling them about how pretty you are."
"You're a moron."
"Sorry were late," said Botan, Keiko and Yukina, as they walked up and stood with Shizuru.
"Oh look, the tone-deaf sirens," commented Yusuke. Again, Kurama wished to hear San's laughter at such words.
"Catch," said Shizuru, throwing a bag at her brother.
"Hey! Why do I have to carry all your stuff?" asked Kuwabara. More things were thrown at him.
"Of course you don't have to, but Yukina is drawn to guys who are nice to their sisters," Shizuru answered. Kurama smiled. San would like her. He mentally smacked himself. It was going to take time to get her out of his mind, if he even could.
"Okay, I am!" Kuwabara walked up to her.
"Thank you Kazuma, that's very sweet," said Yukina.
"This to!" said Botan.
"No way Botan, you're not my sister!" Kuwabara tried to get out of it.
"No, but Yukina's socks are in here!" she told him cheerily. Kuwabara sighed. Puu had flown to them, always making an appearance at such random times. Yusuke grabbed the creature out of the air and handed him to Keiko.
"You don't mind having Puu do you?" he asked, though Kurama suspected the girl would be stuck with him no matter what the answer. She shook her head no. "Thanks. No one's going to take the champ seriously if he's holding a blue teddy bear with a beak." said Yusuke, walking away. Kurama heard Keiko mutter something, and then they all followed the detective. They walked outside, towards the dock. They were returning home, to things that they missed. For the first time in a while, Kurama thought about his human mother. It would be great to see her again, especially with this pain he was carrying.
"You know, I'm actually going to miss this stupid place," said Yusuke.
"It feels like we've been here for years," added Kuwabara. They heard the horn of the ship arriving. It was heading towards the dock.
"Back to skipping detentions," said Yusuke.
"Video games," said Kuwabara.
"My human mother..." trailed Kurama.
"Various crimes," muttered Hiei.
"Alright. Let's go home!" declared Yusuke. Everyone cheered in agreement.
"Well excuse me if I'm a little insulted," Kurama could swear he heard the voice of Genkai.
"Hold on a second..." said Yusuke. That told him that everyone had heard it. They all turned, seeing a small figure in the distance. As it got closer, they could see that it was indeed Genkai. She had come back!
"You just going to leave the old fossil behind?" she asked once she was closer to them.
"Genkai! I don't believe it!" exclaimed Botan as she ran towards the old woman.
"Hey! She's really alive!" Kuwabara was next. Everyone else followed, aside from Kurama and Yusuke. He did not wish to run with San's body. He smiled in her direction though, thinking about how happy his mate would be to know that her mentor was back. And then it occurred to him. The others must have wished for Genkai to come back, but he wished for San to come back. Perhaps she would? He tried for a pulse again, but still, there was nothing.
"Must've rubbed off on me, I died like you. Half assed," Genkai spoke to Yusuke. Kurama's smiled again, thinking about his mate and how she would react. It was a sad smile, but it was hard to really be happy at a time like this. Yusuke finally snapped out of his disbelief and ran toward his master. She was smiling, and but Kurama could see her eyes on him. No, she wasn't staring at him, she was staring at the still form of San. They embarked the ship, everyone speaking with Genkai. Kurama sat against the railing on the bow, staring into the sky. He looked down at San, and rubbed her cheek sighing sadly. Finally, the old woman had made it towards him. She put a hand on the demon's forehead, and checked a pulse as well.
"I assume the two of you had this whole tournament planned out," stated Kurama. He wasn't trying to sound angry, but some part of him just couldn't help it.
"Yes Kurama, and I'm truly sorry that it affects you so," responded Genkai.
"I understand why she did it, just not why she refrained from speaking with me about it."
"If you had known she was planning this, would you try to stop her?"
"Of course. I lost her once, I lost her again. I found her and then she leaves."
"Then there's your answer. I've watched San grow. She's like a child when it comes to humans. I had to teach her the customs, how to be a human. Through all of that, I saw the pain held in her eyes. She has the power to see the future, to see sorrow that approaches her. She has been powerless to stop it, I'm sure you've heard her speak of it before. I was hoping she would find a way to survive, but know that she saved a life. She altered something she saw coming, and I hope you manage to find solace in that Kurama. Over the years, all she wanted to do was find you. I trained her to be the fighter she is now, and she combines all of her other techniques with mine. In these past 15 years, I have come to accept her as a daughter, and no parent wants to outlive their child."
"I understand Genkai. It does not, however, make the pain any easier to deal with."
"Time heals all wounds, I'm sure you're aware of that."
"Yes. If she were alive, I'm quite certain she would be very happy to see you. She took your death hard."
"Another example of how she saw something and didn't have the power to stop it. What do you plan to do with her body?"
"Take her to the temple. Jin and Chu were kind enough to retrieve her and allow me that opportunity."
"Good. Come with me when we arrive and I will bring you to her garden, where you can say your final good-bye to her."
"Thank you."
Genkai began to walk away, "Oh, and Kurama."
"Yes?"
"While were on the subject of 'if she were here', she would tell you to get rid of that ugly public masturbating trench coat," were the woman's final words before walking away. Kurama smiled, agreeing with her completely.
Converting /tmp/phpehZzKO to /dev/stdout
"Wait," Kurama heard Yusuke speak, "Is San...?"
"Hey yeah, where is San anyway? I haven't heard her make a dumb comment in a while," said Kuwabara. Kurama let go of yet another tear, and he could hear the others running towards him. Kurama stared at her face again, wishing that it would respond.
"Please..." he whispered at her, but she remained still. Yusuke knelt down in front of them. He put a hand to her forehead, looking with eyes full of sorrow.
"Kurama, I'm sorry... I couldn't..." began Yusuke.
Kurama shook his head, "She saved Kuwabara," he said. It was enough to justify her death, and possibly make the others feel okay about it. Kurama wasn't even sure of what he felt, but it was definitely a great pain.
"When did that happen?" asked Kuwabara.
"The same time Toguro struck you. San knew... she knew that Toguro wouldn't miss, so she got in front of you, and her body made it so that Toguro wouldn't kill you," explained Kurama.
"Wow, I didn't even notice..." trailed Kuwabara.
"You wouldn't, even with your powers. Her speed is great, almost as good as mine," said Hiei. A thought occurred just then. He looked at the small demon.
"Hiei, is it possible to reach her?" it was worth a shot, maybe she was still inside.
Hiei looked down and shook his head no, "There's no answer." That was the worst thing he could hear. He could feel his heart tear into pieces. His beloved was dead, there was no avoiding it. More tears, tears that he hid from the others. Yusuke moved his hand as Kurama pulled her close. They stood for moments, taking that time to mourn her death. Kurama's tears finally stopped, and he kissed her forehead once more before setting her down and standing with the rest of them. The ground began to shake, indicating that it was time to push this aside for now.
...
She is in her den, and cooks for the night. She hums slightly, her tail sways in a slow motion. It is glossy, and hypnotic. He watches her from the shadows, trapped in a spell. He finally walks towards her, and takes her in his arms. She sighs contently, as she leans back into him. He marvels at her beauty, bending slightly to kiss her cheek. Her skin is soft, her aroma is intoxicating, her hair is like silk, and her eyes portray nothing but love for him. He kisses her, finger running along her bare neck. She turns to face him, still attached, and pulls him closer, fingers interlaced with his silver hair. She is warm, and makes him feel as if the world is at his feet. Life would be nothing without her. They pull away from each other slowly, the ghost of her lips still residing on his. He gazes into her tawny eyes, leaning his forehead against hers. Her breath is heavy and warm on his face, and he loves every minute of it. Unable to take anymore, she kisses him again, fiercely. It is filled with passion, and he wraps his tails around her. The next moments are filled with love, the food long forgotten. The world of bliss, the greatest escape. It will never end. They remain close to one another, enjoying a day off.
"This is nice," she speaks as she leans against his chest.
"Yes. We deserve it," he responds.
"When will we join with the others again?"
"Soon koishii, our next mission does not lie far from here."
"It has been so long since we've come to this place."
"Do you miss it?"
"Sometimes. I prefer hunting with you and the pack. The time I spent here was in solitude, aside from your visits. I enjoyed our game."
He smirks, "As did I beloved. It will last all eternity."
"I look forward to it, Youko."
...
"Queen Moriko, there is something here that needs your urgent attention," says Yayoi, her closest friend and advisor.
"What is it?" she asks.
"Two bandits have broken in and stolen one of our most prized possessions."
"Do you have the identity of them?"
"Only one, the bandit Youko Kurama."
"He is said to become a legend."
"Many have said that about you as well my Queen."
"What have we done about this?"
"We send the guards after them and only caught one. We await your orders."
"This would be my first real act as Queen."
"I'm well aware of that your majesty, but you must act in a way that shows the others how you deal with such abominations."
"I cannot let him go, nor can I lock it up in the dungeon. The only thing I can do is kill it."
"Life is cruel at times. If it makes you feel better, even if you locked him up, he would die soon anyway."
"I suppose. That is my official decision then. Behead the beast. Let's hope this never happens again, I do not like taking lives."
"Yes your majesty."
She watches Yayoi leave. She then decides to see what had happened. She takes the secret passageways to get out of the walls of the realm. She walks in the forest towards the stench of blood. She sees where it happened, the body being moved. She scouts the area, catching a scent that makes her brain think twice. It was the one that got away. She remembers hearing about such a bandit, and feels that she will encounter him in days to come. Something catches her eye, and she proceeds towards it. There, in the ground is a pendant shaped like a rain drop, and a red jewel in the middle of it. She picks it up and observes it. She decides to keep this, feeling the death on her hands. She knows she will always regret this day.
...
They stadium was coming down. Sakyo had did something, something that caused Shizuru and Koenma to disappear. He was leveling the stadium, destroying it completely. It was only to take his own life, but Kurama suspected it was something more than that. He was helping Yusuke, leaving San's body behind. It took a few moments to get Keiko back to reality, but they were on their way out. The walls were crumbling, and they ran towards safety, passed the surviving audience. Everyone was in a state of panic, and it only made things worse when they came to a dead end. Huge amounts of rubble blocked their path, making escape impossible.
"What now?" asked Kuwabara.
"Get out of the way, I'll bust thru," answered Yusuke.
"Yusuke, you know you don't have strength left," Kurama had to remind him.
"Well neither do you so what's our choice?"
"What can we do? We don't have time to find a new exit!" stated Botan. The announcer voice had declared that there were two minutes until the stadium detonated. It seemed hopeless, until a blast came from the other side. The smoke cleared rather fast, revealing their saviours.
"How goes it mate?" asked Chu. He was standing on top of the rubble with Rinku, Touya and Jin. Kurama noticed that Jin was carrying San's body. Now wasn't the time for questions however, though he was relieved to see them.
"A lot better now I guess," Yusuke spoke.
"Well don't just stand there like a bludger, let's go. We can't just let our champions get hurt now."
"Right he is. When the tourny next year comes around we'll have to face you ourselves and we'll have no muscles on us and woo-wee, you'll go zippin' and we'll be the champions of that one!" said Jin in his thick upbeat accent. Kurama smiled, knowing that San would like this demon.
"Right, whatever he said," Yusuke agreed. They pushed forward, stopping only for a moment at Puu's arrival. They made it out alive, the stadium blowing up. Koenma and Shizuru were coming out of the smoke, making it out safely. They watched the rubble smoke.
"So, it's over now," said Kuwabara.
"Yeah... It finally is," confirmed Yusuke. They had a short moment of silence, and then Botan screamed in outrage.
"What's the matter Botan?" asked Kuwabara.
"The prizes for winning the tournament! You were each supposed get whatever you wanted. We didn't even get a souvenir mug!" she explained.
"Oh, I was going to get famous!"
"What a crock!"
"It doesn't matter," Yusuke interrupted them, "Those bastards up in the tournament committee, they couldn't have given us what we wanted anyway."
"And uh, what did we want again?" but then Botan gasped in realization. Kurama knew what he wanted. He thought about her, the agony coming back to him. Though he knew that everyone was wishing for Genkai, he wanted San back more than anything. And not just San, the demon that resided within her. His beloved Moriko. Yusuke shouted something, but all Kurama could think about was her tawny eyes, her sun touched hair, her sense of humour, her mysterious ways, her loyalty, her companionship, and the way she loved him. A tear fell as he looked down. Jin and Chu walked up to him. He looked, Chu holding her. They stopped in front of him, offering her body to him.
"We didn't think it was right to leave your sheila there mate," Chu explained.
"Very sorry about your loss, a great demon she was, best bring her home and give her the proper burial she deserves right?" Jin spoke. Kurama's head was in a haze. He reached out his arms and took her body. She was still warm, and he found that strange. He checked her pulse again, but still felt nothing. He looked up at the two demons and nodded.
"Thank you," he spoke softly. He could see the sad looks that they gave him, as they stared at her face. The colour was still there, she was still so warm. But how was this possible without a pulse? The apparitions left, and Kurama returned to the hotel with the others.
"You know, it's kind of creepy that you're still carrying her around," said Kuwabara.
"I'm taking her to the temple, and letting her rest there," Kurama explained.
Yusuke put a hand on his shoulder, "She would like that Kurama. Hell, I'll even show you her favourite place."
"Thank you."
...
"That's all the quiet staring I can handle," said Yusuke, throwing his bag over his shoulder. They were packed, getting ready to leave this island for good, "Let's get out of here okay?"
"Right," said Kuwabara.
"After all this time it's going to feel weird not fearing for my life."
"Don't sweat it Urameshi, I can beat you up at school everyday if that makes you feel better."
"Yusuke is right. Normal life for us all will seem... pale... for a while," said Kurama, looking at San again. She was still warm to his touch.
"Puu!" announced the spirit animal. It had flown to the window.
"Hey, there you are," said Yusuke. He opened the window for the creature, "Alright Puu. I didn't tihnk you'd ever come back after Genkai started talking thru you." Yusuke held the animal in his hand, "You're kind of like a telephone to the other side, aren't you? Well, what are you waiting for operator, patch me into grandma. Come on, which sides your receiver? What, you'll do it for her and not for me? You're my spirit animal you know?"
Kurama couldn't take anymore, "Stop it," but Yusuke ignored him, "Yusuke. It's not possible anymore."
"What do you mean?"
The fox looked at his mate once more, "The spirit world Genkai spoke from is the land between the living and the dead."
"I thought that humans went to spirit world when they died?" asked Kuwabara.
"Yes, for a short time. But it's merely a junction from which their real journey begins. In truth, Rekai is a complex system of many separate worlds. And with the lands of the dead, there is no communication. Genkai's was a priority case, her placement should have been quick. Listen to me Yusuke, it's time we've said our good bye's to her, for real."
"It's so dumb," commented Yusuke.
"We just got to let her go," said Kuwabara.
"Fine!" snapped Yusuke, but not in a negative way. He turned around with what looked like a forced smile on his face, "You heard fox boy, there's nothing we can do for the old hag if she's already limp. Just got to keep on truckin'. Yes sir! I'm going to go outside and make myself a shiny new first place medal, sit in the sun, and have stupendous fucking day damnit!" were his last words as he headed out the door. Kurama was sure San would laugh at that, and he sighed at his last thought. Perhaps he should take a note from Yusuke.
"Well alright Urameshi, can you make me a medal to?"
"Hn. He's so neck deep in repression, even I feel sorry for him," said Hiei. Puu flew away after him. Kuwabara was the next to leave. Kurama waited for Hiei to leave, but suspected he wouldn't. The small fire apparition walked over to the fox and the wolf. Kurama looked at him curiously. "You need to get yourself out of repression too, lest you become as delusional as the detective."
"I'm merely bringing her back to where she belongs," said Kurama. He looked out the window, "Chu and Jin were right, leaving her body to be crushed was the wrong thing to do. And yet, I feel as if I was doing it purposely, just so that she would rise from the dead to reprimand me."
"Amazing how like her you've become," was Hiei's last comment. He left to go with the others. Kurama looked back at San and knelt down beside her. He took her hand, noting yet again that it was warm. He kissed her forehead.
"Forgive me for not being to to see San. I know how you feel about being able to see such sorrow, and stand by while it happens. I do not blame you for what you did, I just wish you would have told me. If there was some possible way to reverse this, I would sacrifice everything I had, just to see your smile again. Good-bye my koi," he spoke to her. She remained unresponsive. He stood, bringing her with him as he approached the lobby, where the others waited.
...
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the final boat back to the mainland will board within the hour. Please complete your checkout and proceed to the dock for departure. I repeat, this is the final trip off the island. We hope you enjoyed your stay," Kurama heard the announcer. The four champions sat in the lobby, enjoying some coffee.
"Geeze, what's taking these girls so long?" questioned Kuwabara,"We're going to get left."
"Not everyone packed just one set of clothes," said Kurama.
"It's just like family vacation, my dumb sister's always making us late. Probably plucking her mustache."
"Should I tell them about your fluffy doll?" Shizuru appeared behind Kuwabara. It startled him greatly, and he jumped high into the air. Kurama moved and Kuwabara landed on his seat.
"Hi sis, enough about family stories, I was just telling them about how pretty you are."
"You're a moron."
"Sorry were late," said Botan, Keiko and Yukina, as they walked up and stood with Shizuru.
"Oh look, the tone-deaf sirens," commented Yusuke. Again, Kurama wished to hear San's laughter at such words.
"Catch," said Shizuru, throwing a bag at her brother.
"Hey! Why do I have to carry all your stuff?" asked Kuwabara. More things were thrown at him.
"Of course you don't have to, but Yukina is drawn to guys who are nice to their sisters," Shizuru answered. Kurama smiled. San would like her. He mentally smacked himself. It was going to take time to get her out of his mind, if he even could.
"Okay, I am!" Kuwabara walked up to her.
"Thank you Kazuma, that's very sweet," said Yukina.
"This to!" said Botan.
"No way Botan, you're not my sister!" Kuwabara tried to get out of it.
"No, but Yukina's socks are in here!" she told him cheerily. Kuwabara sighed. Puu had flown to them, always making an appearance at such random times. Yusuke grabbed the creature out of the air and handed him to Keiko.
"You don't mind having Puu do you?" he asked, though Kurama suspected the girl would be stuck with him no matter what the answer. She shook her head no. "Thanks. No one's going to take the champ seriously if he's holding a blue teddy bear with a beak." said Yusuke, walking away. Kurama heard Keiko mutter something, and then they all followed the detective. They walked outside, towards the dock. They were returning home, to things that they missed. For the first time in a while, Kurama thought about his human mother. It would be great to see her again, especially with this pain he was carrying.
"You know, I'm actually going to miss this stupid place," said Yusuke.
"It feels like we've been here for years," added Kuwabara. They heard the horn of the ship arriving. It was heading towards the dock.
"Back to skipping detentions," said Yusuke.
"Video games," said Kuwabara.
"My human mother..." trailed Kurama.
"Various crimes," muttered Hiei.
"Alright. Let's go home!" declared Yusuke. Everyone cheered in agreement.
"Well excuse me if I'm a little insulted," Kurama could swear he heard the voice of Genkai.
"Hold on a second..." said Yusuke. That told him that everyone had heard it. They all turned, seeing a small figure in the distance. As it got closer, they could see that it was indeed Genkai. She had come back!
"You just going to leave the old fossil behind?" she asked once she was closer to them.
"Genkai! I don't believe it!" exclaimed Botan as she ran towards the old woman.
"Hey! She's really alive!" Kuwabara was next. Everyone else followed, aside from Kurama and Yusuke. He did not wish to run with San's body. He smiled in her direction though, thinking about how happy his mate would be to know that her mentor was back. And then it occurred to him. The others must have wished for Genkai to come back, but he wished for San to come back. Perhaps she would? He tried for a pulse again, but still, there was nothing.
"Must've rubbed off on me, I died like you. Half assed," Genkai spoke to Yusuke. Kurama's smiled again, thinking about his mate and how she would react. It was a sad smile, but it was hard to really be happy at a time like this. Yusuke finally snapped out of his disbelief and ran toward his master. She was smiling, and but Kurama could see her eyes on him. No, she wasn't staring at him, she was staring at the still form of San. They embarked the ship, everyone speaking with Genkai. Kurama sat against the railing on the bow, staring into the sky. He looked down at San, and rubbed her cheek sighing sadly. Finally, the old woman had made it towards him. She put a hand on the demon's forehead, and checked a pulse as well.
"I assume the two of you had this whole tournament planned out," stated Kurama. He wasn't trying to sound angry, but some part of him just couldn't help it.
"Yes Kurama, and I'm truly sorry that it affects you so," responded Genkai.
"I understand why she did it, just not why she refrained from speaking with me about it."
"If you had known she was planning this, would you try to stop her?"
"Of course. I lost her once, I lost her again. I found her and then she leaves."
"Then there's your answer. I've watched San grow. She's like a child when it comes to humans. I had to teach her the customs, how to be a human. Through all of that, I saw the pain held in her eyes. She has the power to see the future, to see sorrow that approaches her. She has been powerless to stop it, I'm sure you've heard her speak of it before. I was hoping she would find a way to survive, but know that she saved a life. She altered something she saw coming, and I hope you manage to find solace in that Kurama. Over the years, all she wanted to do was find you. I trained her to be the fighter she is now, and she combines all of her other techniques with mine. In these past 15 years, I have come to accept her as a daughter, and no parent wants to outlive their child."
"I understand Genkai. It does not, however, make the pain any easier to deal with."
"Time heals all wounds, I'm sure you're aware of that."
"Yes. If she were alive, I'm quite certain she would be very happy to see you. She took your death hard."
"Another example of how she saw something and didn't have the power to stop it. What do you plan to do with her body?"
"Take her to the temple. Jin and Chu were kind enough to retrieve her and allow me that opportunity."
"Good. Come with me when we arrive and I will bring you to her garden, where you can say your final good-bye to her."
"Thank you."
Genkai began to walk away, "Oh, and Kurama."
"Yes?"
"While were on the subject of 'if she were here', she would tell you to get rid of that ugly public masturbating trench coat," were the woman's final words before walking away. Kurama smiled, agreeing with her completely.
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