Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ Preparations ( Chapter 28 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

San wandered the school. She had never been to school before, this was the first time in her life. She liked it, or something about it made her feel slightly normal. It also gave her a chance to see what her mate went through over the years, and how his life is as a human. He wanted to stay with his human mother, which meant he had to live like a human, and that meant attending school. She didn't mind it though, Genkai was alive and San didn't want to leave her either. The more she thought about it, the more she considered Genkai as a mother of sorts. Her real mother had died giving birth to her, and her father was torn from it. He found a new mate, much to the clan's dismay, and then her brother, Akatsuki, was born. San never considered the other mate anything in relation to her, but her brother was very important. Akatsuki had no idea that they were only half blood, and she didn't breathe a word of it either. He probably knew now, being dead, but it still didn't matter. They grew up together as young cubs, and they would always be siblings as far as she was concerned.

San walked into her classroom, where half of it was full of students. Lunch break always brought on stragglers, and she didn't really care about being on time. However, she was fairly early, so she sat on her desk and turned to look behind her, at Kurama. His nose was in yet another book, this was the third one this week. She smiled at her mate, hating that she was unable to reveal herself. Genkai's orders, and she was pack leader now that she was back. San noticed something then. Kurama's eyes looked as if they were moving, as if he were actually reading, but he took longer to turn the page than usual. She could see it, the sorrow he was carrying around. It made her happy to know that he missed her, that he was sad about her "death", but it hurt at the same time. She could end his pain right now, with a quick flare of her energy, take off her stupid disguise and jump into his lap. She put a hand over her mouth to hide the smile at her last thought. The look on his face would make it all worth the while. If only she could, but that would give everything away.

"Something funny?" she heard him question. She looked, and his green eyes were focused on her, an eyebrow raised.

"Yes," she answered, smiling at him. He looked as if he was waiting for her to elaborate, but she remained silent.

"Well?"

She cocked her head slightly, "Well what?"

"Are you going to explain?"

"No? You never really asked me what was funny, just if something was funny."

Kurama sighed. The more he spoke with this girl, the more like his mate she truly was. It made it extremely difficult to get over her death with a girl that acted and spoke the same. If it wasn't for the appearance, scent and energy signature, he would swear that she was his mate. He smiled slightly though. This girl did help him remember her more vividly.

"You look sad Shuuichi," she noted.

Kurama blinked, looking back into the girls eyes, "Not at all."

"Now you're lying to me."

He blinked again, surprised, "That's quite the accusation."

"But it's true. I'll tell you a secret Shuuichi. It's not your smarts that intrigue me so much about you, I've clearly proven that they can easily be over come. It's the mystery that others cannot see within your eyes. You hide it well, but I can see it."

Kurama smiled innocently, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I think you do. I've also noticed that you've never once said my name. Is there perhaps, something wrong with it?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.

"No, no," he answered, a little too quickly. The question caught him off guard, and it only made him think about his mate even more intensely. He sighed, "It's a beautiful name, San."

Her eyes wanted to water, "Thank you, Shuuichi. Now tell me, what are you hiding?"

Kurama looked down, but was smiling. This girl was different from any of the ones in the school. She was very observant. The fact that she could see past his mask made him start to wonder about her. Maybe she was his wish? But he didn't want a new mate, he couldn't even dream of having anyone else. However, this girl in front of him had gone through a lot to uncover his mask. It wouldn't hurt to tell her a variation of the real story, "I once knew someone who bore the same name as you. She was very close to me."

"You said was."

"Yes. She recently passed."

"And then me having her name wouldn't help. I'm sorry for your loss."

Kurama smiled, looking into this girl's blue eyes, "Thank you."

...

"I don't like this Genkai. When can we put this stupid plan into motion? Do you have any idea how hard it is to see and interact with him and not even be able to give him a hug? I can see the sorrow in his eyes, even though he tries to hide it. He's my mate, he has been for centuries. I'm starting to get very upset about waiting for so long," San told Genkai. It was maybe the third week, and she had just taken the long train ride to get home, having left with Yu Kaito.

"You're just jealous of all those girls that drool over him. You're a wolf, you're territorial, it's fine. Until you blow your cover," said the teen. San turned and glared at him.

"You want to talk about jealousy? How about the weird obsession you have about beating him? Or the way you consistently stare at him?" she retorted.

"Shuuichi has been a pillar in many people's way. I just happen to be one of them."

"Yeah, and I get better marks than both of you, so what does that make me?"

"Will you two shut up!" Genkai interjected, "Kaito, if you want some peace, stop insulting her mate. San, the plan will start tomorrow, we've progressed far enough and can't afford to waste anymore time. You'll keep an eye out for Kurama, follow him. Kuwabara is hopefully smart enough to find him first, otherwise they won't have a chance in hell at finding Hiei. Another thing San. You have to mask your energy completely, and don't even attempt to use telepathy, or else Hiei will catch on quickly. I'll give you a phone so that you can update Kido with what's going on. Now, once the other two get back here, we'll be able to run over our plans for the last time and get in as much training as possible."

San glared and then took off the glasses and wig. With the glasses on, they hid her eyes, making them instead a very interesting blue. They like the sea after a storm, something of Koenma's creation. The ruler knew of their plan, and was waiting until it was over to explain to them what was going on. The Makai insects were only getting worse, they had to figure this out very soon.

...

The day continue to wear on. Although class was technically over, Kurama stayed at school and continued to read his book. New test scores were up, and San had once again proven that she was a force to be reckoned with. She beat him, he was second. This didn't bother him though, it was the fact that today her scent was completely different than normal. Today her aroma was one he longed to smell again, and that confused him greatly. He tried to feel any reiki he could, but nothing emitted from her. He heard the door open, and looked, seeing two female classmates approaching him. He sighed internally, here they were again, looking for the same thing. They would only receive the same answer. When would they learn?

"Hey, great job on that test. You got second place, but it's still really exciting, isn't it?" said Hiroko. She was standing with her friend.

"Yes, seems fortune has been my friend," he answered politely, without even taking his eyes off his book.

"Gosh Shuuichi, you don't have to act like it's no big deal. You're embarrassed, is that it?" asked the girl standing next to Hiroko. Kurama couldn't quite recall her name at the moment.

He turned to look at her, letting out a small laugh, "You know me well," but wait. There was something on Hiroko's shoulder.

"Then again, that whole thing about not losing your cool is... cool, right? Like a movie star."

"Who is that, at the door?" Kurama ignored her completely, trying to diverge their attention. They looked, and he swiftly snatched the bug from Hiroko's left shoulder.

"There's no one there," stated Hiroko. The girls then laughed, turning back to him.

"Sorry, must be my imagination."

"So... want to do something after school?"

"Actually, I do need to finish this book first."

"Sure, we understand. Maybe we'll chat after you're done," and the girls giggled, walking away. Kurama waited until they were out of sight before observing the dead bug in his hand. A Makai insect, distant cousin of the one's the Saint Beasts had used. He was happy that he caught it before it affected Hiroko, but he looked out the window. Koenma must be informed, if he wasn't already. Kurama would know when Yusuke was being active, and possibly needing assistance. There were eyes on him, he could feel them, boring into the back of his head. He turned his attention to the door, and he saw her. San, the mysterious human girl that smelled so like his mate. The aroma filled his nostrils, and he looked sadly at her. Her face changed from slightly amused to some sort of pity. It was almost as if she was guilty, like she knew how to end his pain. She looked down, taking herself out of the green orbs, and walked away.

...

It was time. San heard the last bell ring, telling all the students that school was over for the day. She usually stuck around to see what her mate was up to, but she had to make sure that the humans didn't screw up. So she used her speed and ran to Yusuke and Kuwabara's school. She caught the scent of Botan, how perfect. A little late however, Koenma should have informed Yusuke ages ago, when this disaster was first starting. He probably didn't notice yet, and that posed a problem. It didn't matter though, they would all be aware of this very soon. Makai insects were starting to make it to this town, and San noticed a couple in the school today. Kurama stared at her all day, because she didn't bother hide her demon scent that much today. This would keep his guard up, besides the sadness he contained. She pushed her thoughts aside, seeing Yusuke, Kido, Kaito and Misunari. It was showtime, and she stayed high on top of a pole, out of sight. She didn't bother straining her ears to hear what was going on, it wasn't important right now. The sun was setting, the clock starting soon.

Yusuke untied Puu from his bag, and the little creature flew right to San. She found that very odd, how did he even know she was here. Then she realized that the creature was pleaded her for help. She sighed, shaking her head sadly at the animal. Her attention went back to Yusuke and the others. Kido had made his territory, and that was what San was waiting for. The creature in front of her began to freak out.

"Puu, calm down. Go get Kuwabara and Botan, let them know what's happened here," San told the little creature. It flew off, San assuming towards the others. She jumped down from her post, standing in front of the three human boys.

"Oh what now, who the hell are you?" asked Yusuke.

"Make sure you're ready, I'm going to take care of the rest. Here," she pulled a note out of her pocket and handed it to them, "Leave it with the bag. I'm going back to the school."

...

Kurama was still at school. He spent most of his time there, because it helped distract him from the pain. It didn't seem to be getting any better. Today in particular, he could swear that he was smelling her. As the sun was setting, he was trying to finish his experiment, but his heart just wasn't in it. That look in San's eyes, the blue eyes that were nothing like his mates, what was it? She always seemed to be staring at him, slightly amused, but today she was sad. If she was around him, maybe he would try and find out, but she was somewhere in the school he was sure. Her scent really bothered him, it matched his mates perfectly. His thoughts were interrupted by someone coming into the classroom. He turned slightly and saw that it was the Biology club. Figures, he was in the classroom for it.

"Shuuichi," said the leader of them. Kurama's thoughts were in a jumble, so he couldn't quite recall names today. Hell, he didn't even really know what he was doing in this class, but it was something to do he supposed.

"Yes?" he answered, wondering what they wanted.

"We were wondering if you would be the captain our club? We meet on weekends, trying to win the contest like last year."

Kurama sighed, going back to his work, "I'm sorry," he told them.

"Please Shuuichi, you have to. You're a genius, and with you as captain, our team will finally win," he was begging now.

"As exciting as a biology meet sounds... My weekends are full," Kurama told the boy, turning to him and setting the beaker down.

"But you're a prodigy, top scores every week! And the girls love you, don't they? You'll turn this whole club around. We start winning contests, we get more funding, then we get girlfriends!" he declared. He took a step forward, "Please!" He seemed desperate. Kurama took a step back, holding his hands up. This was going a little too far.

"You've certainly thought this out. But I can't," he politely declined and then began to walk away. The leader of their little pack started to run after him.

"Oh no you don't!" he said, throwing a chair out of the way and blocked the fox's path. "I've waited too long to get my chance. You either join this team or face our wrath!"

Kurama sighed, scratching his head, "Nerd violence," he muttered under his breath. He then heard a voice he definitely wasn't expecting, calling "Kurama"! He looked, "Don't tell me..."

"Hey! Where are you!" it was Kuwabara, and he was out in the hall. "Kurama!"

"Do you think you could be a bit more discreet?" he heard Botan ask him.

"Hey, don't distract me, I'm having enough trouble without my energy. AND YELLING HELPS ME KEEP FOCUS!" he was getting closer. Kurama sighed, wondering what those two would be doing here.

"Sorry Shuuichi," the nerd began again, taking another step forward. Kurama held his hands up, wishing this boy would just go away, "I'm not really mean, just desperate. Please?"

"Yes well, you did have me scared..." trailed Kurama.

"So... will you join?" he asked again. Kurama was about to decline once more when...

"AHA!" declared Kuwabara, kicking the door clear off it's hinges and knocking the pest onto the ground. "There you are Kurama! You could have just come into the hall you know?" But then Kuwabara realized he had knocked someone down with the door, looking down.

"Oh dear," said Botan, moving to have a look.

"Hey, what did he call you?"

"Who's Kurama?" the other boys questioned.

Kurama recovered quickly, "Oh, just a meaningless nick name, there's no need to remember it," and then he looked to Kuwabara, "Yes, isn't that right." Kuwabara looked at him confused. "Please be mindful, I'm Shuuichi here," Kurama whispered at the teen, reminding him.

"Oh... oops," said Kuwabara.

"Is there a reason you've come?"

"I'll say," said Kuwabara, pulling out a note and handing it to the fox. "Take a look at this." He waited a moment, for Kurama to read it, "Any idea who could have written it?"

"Smells human..."

"Yeah, that's what's weird, he left with school kids," Kuwabara was referring to Yusuke. It seems that the detective has been kidnapped, and to get him back, they required himself, Kuwabara and Hiei by 11 tonight. This was going to be fun... "We got just four hours to find Hiei," Kuwabara continued.

"Well, he should be somewhere in the city. Although his criminal record has been cleared, Koenma still confines him here. I have not seen him around lately though..."

Botan and Kuwabara looked outraged, "Too bad Hiei's not here, we could use his jagan eye to find himself," said the blue haired girl.

"That's right!" agreed Kuwabara. Kurama decided to give them a minute to figure out what they had just said. Thankfully, it didn't take too long.

"Logic is panic's prey," Kurama smiled at them. "Perhaps we should be going now," he told them. The other's agreed. Botan led the way out, and as Kurama was walking, he caught the scent of his mate. He turned and saw that it was only the raven haired San. He looked into those blue eyes, questioning. She stared directly at him, that slightly amused look there once more. He was confused, trying to figure her out, no doubt. He would find out, she would no longer have to hide from him. She watched him run with Kuwabara and Botan, and she hoped to holy hell that he wasn't going to be vexed with her for hiding from him for so long.

...

"Kido, it's San. They're meeting up in the park, waiting for Botan to return. Once they find Hiei, they'll be on the way. I'll let you know when that happens," San phoned Kido at the mansion. She sat in a tree not too far from Kuwabara and Kurama. The two of them waited, somewhat impatiently for the reaper to return.

"So, how are you making out these days?" asked Kuwabara.

"I assume you mean since San's death?" Kurama looked up into the moon.

"Yeah... I hear you spend a lot more time at school."

"I've been okay I suppose. School helps to distract me from the pain, most days. I miss her Kuwabara, we've been together for almost two millennia. It's hard to cope with something like that..."

"Two millennia eh? Gosh, I don't even know what to say to that. It's a long time, I guess and I can sort of see why it's so hard for you to let her go. Have you thought about finding a new girlfiend?"

"Never. She was the most important thing in my life, and there is no way to replace her. Accepting her death will be something that may take years to happen, but I will not find another mate. No matter how long I live, she will always be my mate, even if I must push on without her. Our love is like none other, it's true and filled with fire. That fire continues to burn on, even if she does not," Kurama let a tear fall, seeing both Moriko and the tawny eyes of San in the moonlight. He eyes looked down, as he clenched a fist.

In the tree, San was crying, tears flowing freely. She felt the exact way he did, wishing that she could just pop out and yell surprise, wishing that she could take his sorrow away, wishing that she would be wrapped up in those arms again. Soon, she would be soon, so long as they passed the test. San could smell Botan approaching. It was 10:00 pm, meaning that they had less than an hour to track down the fire demon and make their way to rescue Yusuke.

"Bingo!" said Botan, opening up the case containing all of Yusuke's detective items.

"Wow, like a real secret agent!" said Kuwabara.

"So which device will find him?" asked Kurama.

Botan let out a nervous laugh, "Oh right. Let's see... Ah! The superbly improved demon compass, fresh take and a classic style for taking on any demon."

"But, can't Hiei simply deceive it by manipulating his energy?"

"Not anymore, thanks to this newly installed sample chamber. By placing his DNA inside, such as from a strand of hair, we can find him regardless of his energy!" Botan sounded so proud of herself.

"It's too bad I don't carry around a lock of his hair," Kurama told the girl, his voice thick with sarcasm. It made San smile.

"Yes, good point," and she placed the compass back, pulling out another item, "How about the psychic spyglass? We can see through brick walls and search the entire city!"

"In less than an hour?"

"Uh... okay. Forget seeing through walls, we'll use the concentration ring to blow them up!" San laughed quietly to herself. Botan was such a ditz, but she sure was comical. The three of them sighed and then Kuwabara began rummaging around in the case.

"Perhaps it's the wrong approach. Instead of finding him, is there an item that will make him find us?" asked Kurama.

"Get real! Botan would have mentioned it if we had something like that!" declared Kuwabara.

"We do!" she said excitedly, causing Kuwabara to sigh. Botan held up a whistle, "The mystic whistle!" it was called. "I never had much of a reason to show Yusuke this darling, but it's really quite neat. Sort of a dog whistle for apparitions. It shoots out a sound wave only they can hear. The stronger your energy, the louder the sound. I can make it go at least sixty miles." She stood then, preparing to blow the whistle, "You'd better cover your ears, it's rather annoying," she warned the two. "Well, here goes," and she blew the whistle. San's ears were penetrating by this hideous sound. She did her best not to scream and to hold her post, but holy fuck was that sound annoying. It made her want to chop the poor girl's head off just to get it to stop. She couldn't hear anything, just that ringing and it was awful. Finally, Botan ceased and San took a breath of relief. "There, now we wait for Hiei. Hopefully he shows up," said Botan. But just as that sentence was finished, Hiei fell out of the tree that was right next to San. They turned, looking in his direction.

"That was fast," commented Kuwabara.

"What repulsive creature makes my ear drums bleed?" asked Hiei from the ground. He looked up and saw Kuwabara, Botan and Kurama standing in front of him.

"Thanks Hiei, I thought you'd come if you were called," said Botan. San smiled at the comment.

"Hn. I didn't know it was you. I only came to find the source of that vile noise and kill it," looked like Hiei was thinking along the same lines of San. Fuck, she wished she never heard a sound like that again.

"Here, you'd better read this," said Kurama, getting down to business. There wasn't much time to waste. He could smell someone near them, a scent so familiar, but was being blocked by the trees. He then saw a leaf fall, and looked in the tree next to the one Hiei had fallen out. There was nothing there, but he could smell something.

"Hn," Hiei's voice brought Kurama back to the present situation, "So, the detective's been ensnared. Wish I'd been around to see it, must have been too cocky to realize his own weakness. Just tell the kidnappers I turned it down. I'm finished babysitting," said Hiei, beginning to walk away. San was hoping that sexy red head down there was thinking of something to get the fire apparition to go.

"You must be curious Hiei," began Kurama. San smiled, there it was, "Someone strong enough to overcome Yusuke must surely provide a challenge."

"Nice try. But I no longer care," and Hiei began to walk away.

"How could you even think about walking off Hiei? If you don't come, Yusuke could be killed!" said Botan.

"Not my responsibility. You should have learned by now that this is a kill or be killed world. If you're too weak to help yourself, then you deserve to fall."

"Then what if stopping these people now protected your own interests," said Kurama, "The culprits are likely human. We both know what powerful humans like to hunt. If they are allowed to kill Yusuke, perhaps you will be next."

"Fighting humans, that nearly peaks my interest... but not quite."

"I wonder Hiei, how have you liked being stuck on probation? Being strapped down to one human city?" asked Botan.

"What do you think?"

"Well, if you help bring back Yusuke alive, I"ll have Koenma put your sentence to time served and you'll be free."

"What? Are you sure you want to do that?" asked Kuwabara.

"There's other choice, we're almost out of time. Make your call Hiei.

"Fighting humans to win my freedom. Yes, sounds like a deal."
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